Okay... What Next?

Yesterday things were looking up until Sam came home late from a day working in Cambridge (he's a punt chauffeur for the summer) to announce his bicycle had been stolen. He'd had to walk the three miles home from the station because some idiot had taken bolt cutters to his lock and made off with his bike.

Not a fancy expensive bike but necessary for Sam to get around. So until he gets it sorted out he's dependant on us for lifts. The irony is not lost on him that had his move to Cambridge gone ahead this would not have happened. It's really not been his week.

Then this morning I got up early to meet my friend as usual for our daily dog walk. As she walked across the field to meet me I knew all was not well... she was on her own.

Her lovely, bouncy, totally barmy, border collie cross has had a couple of operations recently for a tumour behind his eye. We knew he probably didn't have much longer but didn't expect it to be quite so soon. He'd only gone to the vet yesterday to have his stitches removed... but he didn't come home.

We've been walking together since the dogs were puppies, so at least nine years... probably longer. We meet early every morning come rain or shine and put the world to right. We walked today with just one dog... crying and laughing... what a sight we must have been! She came out to walk today because she didn't know what else to do... because that is what we do in the mornings.

So, I am trying to stay positive I really am, but its not a good week all round. Today I can't settle to much again although I have finished this doll as an example to take back to the 4S class on Monday. In case you were wondering I was inspired by this lady...

But I've got to knuckle down as it's a busy few days again. I'm talking to a local W.I. this evening. Teaching at Art and Stitch on Saturday (still places available). On Sunday I've to deliver work to the Mall galleries and help set up the exhibition before going to catch the Julia Caprara school degree show in the afternoon. On Monday I'm teaching 4S how to put bodies on their dolls and then on Tuesday I'm back in London all day for the opening of the PRISM show.

So forgive me if I'm not around here for a while. And when I come back I'm going to be a smiley, happy person who doesn't moan about all the bad things that are happening... because I hate moany blogs! See you next week!