Wednesday 14 August 2013

WOYWW - Rocking Damsels!

First things first, thank you, all the incredible 'deskers' who left such encouraging comments last week. Every single one was hugely appreciated: I've read and taken heart from all of them. I wish I had time to say what I took from each individual one, but I was heartened by them all. Some people who shared their own experience of parenting a child with Aspergers gave me such hope for my son's future, again I have to thank you all for your wonderful support  and I'd just like to say what a terrific lot you are. I feel truly blessed to know you all, even if it is from a distance at the moment. On a lighter note, if you don't yet know what the letters in my blog title mean or if you are unfamiliar with Julia and her amazing blog-hop then what on earth have you been doing all this time? Click HERE and enter a whole new world of fun and friendship plus a sneak peek into crafting desks all over the world! But what's on my work-desk/dining table/ washing machine top in the conservatory this week?
Well, it is the top of the washing-machine in my conservatory, as things are still pretty cramped indoors! We've seen some nice flats for my mum but prices are rising and there are usually several people offering for the same flat - the one she's rather set her mind on looks like it's probably been snapped up. Ah well, we'll find something just right in the end.. Kevin is still working on our cupboard doors so the kitchen is a muddle. Never mind, we still have the sink (the old one)  and - of course - the cooker and the fridge! And, as I keep saying - 'It'll be lovely when it's done!' As you can see, I opened the journal that was closed on my desk last week and I managed a journal spread for the Alpha Dictionary Challenge, which is the letter D this week. I chose the word damsel and she's only in distress in the crafty sense of the word!!! You can see her in more detail if you want to drop by the Craft Barn Alpha Barn Dictionary Challenge some time. I also did a long overdue 'organize' of my stamps, sorting out the folders and making sure everything was in logical order so I don't spend hours and hours searching for a particular stamp. Now, can you spot what's in the background of the photo above?
Here's a close up. It's a little wooden rocking horse and her rider. I bought this about thirty years ago and found it in the Magpie hoard a little while ago. Now that I've finished my journal pages these two just have to be altered. She's found her way downstairs onto my table and I'm putting my thinking cap on as to how to give horse and rider a brand new look. I know one person in particular who might be interested in how this project progresses! I'm not quite sure yet myself, but watch this space for news of rocking horses, kitchens and flat-hunting grannies! Last week I won some brand new Paper Artsy minis - hurrah; I ordered some Lost Coast Stamps and I'm waiting for the Postman to also bring me these and a new supply of E6000 glue. Maybe I'll get some inspiration from my new goodies and - of course - horse and rider are bound to be given more than one coat of Fresco paint! I'm off to check out some desks, then a walk with my son and some old friends. I'm always happy when he feels able to be with people! This week's been tough, as he's been putting his mind to trying to find work. We really need to access some support for him with this, but it's not proving easy. I'll try to get back again for more desk hopping before we have to collect my mum from her friend's house, where I hope they've been having a good old natter!


47 comments:

  1. You have the best positive attitude, Julie Ann! You're very inspiring, you know that?! Your journal pages are done wonderfully and it will be so fun to watch and see what you do with that sweet little horse and rider! Happy WOYWW and have a wonderful week! I hope it's a good week for granny, too, and she finds a flat! Darnell #19

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  2. Love your journal page - your Craft Barn pages are always so fantastic... Can't wait to see how the rocking horse progresses either. Well done on your win and enjoy the new goodies when the arrive! Have a great week. Helen 21

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  3. What a beautiful page, I love the colours. And what a find the little rocking horse is :)

    Dawn #42

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  4. Love your page, hope all goes well with your child and it gets easier but I know that is easier said than done
    Bridget #15

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  5. OK, I'm going to let everyone else oohh and aahhh over that journal spread, and I'm going straight to that rocking horse. This is really clever, and I have NEVER seen one like it before. How awesome.

    And thanks for your kind words on my blog tonight. You are SO sweet. Happy WOYWW from #1.

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  6. Having been a teacher for many years, I can only imagine how challanging coping with your child 24/7 is.My heart goes out to you.
    Love your little horse and rider.

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  7. I forgot to tell you last week that Darcy, who is running ARC (artful readers club) reviewed a book on Aspergers Syndrome. You might want to read her review of this book: http://art-and-sole.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/arc-july-2013.html

    It was so poignant, Gina went out and bought it, and also reviewed it: http://daydreambeliever-gina.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/breaking-all-rules.html

    It might be a book you would enjoy. I'm sorry you aren't finding the support that is so readily available here in the States.

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  8. It is amazing how much support you can get from WOYWWers...which proves my point that there are far more caring and happy people in the world than we realise..we just hear about the negative stuff all the time, which is why I've stopped watching the news on TV.
    Love the bright colourful journal pages...gorgeous!
    Hugs, LLJ 60 xx

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  9. Hi Julie Ann, your journal spread looks great from the other side of the washing machine but even better over at The Craft Barn... Looking forward to seeing how your rocker takes shape. Thanks for your visit today. Good luck with the flat hunting. MMx #83

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  10. You made a fabulous journal page with all that going on around you. Shame your mum may have missed out on the flat she liked but I'm sure she will find one she loves. I really hope your son gets help to secure a job and you get the support you need. As soon as I saw that rocking horse I thought of Elizabeth, I bet she'll love watching what you do with it.
    Have a great week,
    Von #13

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  11. Lovely journal pages on your washing machine and such a cute little rocking horse, can't wait to see what you end up doing with it!
    Shame about the flat your Mum was interested in, hopefully the perfect one for her will turn up soon. Annette #9

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  12. Love that journal page, looks so interesting and colourful. Look forward to your rocking horse project too.

    Hope your son gets the help he needs and your Mum finds the 'right' flat, sure the one with her name on will arrive at the right time.

    Lynda #89

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  13. Hi Julie Ann, love your journal pages, they look wonderful and can't wait to see what happens to the rocking horse. Happy Wednesday and good luck with the flat hunting :o) AnnieC #96

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  14. Your journal pages are beautiful. Lovely colours and design!
    Thanks for dropping by, and to answer your question, Tombows are just a brand name for some double ended pens, fine tipped at one end and brush marker at the other. They've been around for ages but the reason (I suspect) that they are a bit "yesterday" is because Copics are the "must have" pen at the moment. (Not for me, I think they are a bit too expensive.)
    RosA # 29

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  15. Gorgeous journal pages. Hope you get a happy outcome to all your plans. x Jo

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  16. Love your journal page and the rocking horse is so cute. I hope you will find the support you need for your son and that the flat hunt will be over soon =)

    Back from my holidays wishing you happy WOYWW and a lovely week.
    xx Monique #97

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  17. We love your journal page, Podgy got moody and trashed. Our alpha dictionary! Something even better will come up for your mum soon.

    The bears @#93

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  18. Hi Julie Ann Lee
    it looks like you have been very busy and are still very busy, loving your journal pages and your rocking horse.
    Have a good WOYWW and enjoy the rest of your week
    Hugs Ria #43

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  19. Glad you received support from woyww'ers - they are a good bunch. Your journal looks great.
    My friend has a son with autism, and she writes a daily blog, it is very interesting, don't know if it will help. http://asdsuperhero.blogspot.com
    Thanks for visiting
    Famfa 7

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  20. YOur art journal is absolutely amazing! Can't wait to see what you do with your rocking horse too!
    Good luck with the house and job hunting!
    Happy WOYWW, Debxx#8

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  21. Love your journal page and that rocking horse could go missing if another WOYWWer spots it. You do need a support group for your son, why don't you try your local council to see what they have or even your local church groups. He will have an interest or hobby try flowing with that one too. There is help out there it is just finding what you are both comfortable with. I hope your mum had a great day nattering with friends.

    Happy WOYWW
    Eliza & Yoda 14

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  22. I love your pages! And I can't wait to see your finished kitchen! It was looking good last time you showed it!!
    I would totally put book paper or sheet music on the horse and rider and go from there!!
    xxDaniella#18

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  23. Love your journal pages. Good luck on the kitchen renovations, can't wait the see it when if finished. The rocking horse to very cute. happy crafting #2

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  24. Hope everything pans out, you've certainly got a lot on your plate. Love the journal pages, haven't touched mine in weeks so you've inspired me to get it out again. Hugs. Pam#33

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  25. Julie, I don't think I can say it better than all the previous posters but I do know that I get caught up stressing about the future when the present is happening before me. One day at a time and all the blessings will be revealed to you and your son.

    Thanks for the visit.

    Have a blessed day!
    Belinda (24)

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  26. I, too, make use of my washing machine while crafting. It usually serves as my cutting station and holds my paper cutter. Unfortunately, the dryer then seems to become the home of a mountain of scarps until I take the time to clear them away!

    The D page of your alphabet journal is divine!! I love the way you worked in the playing cards and the honeycomb!

    What a great eye you had 30 years ago when you picked up this delightful rocking horse!!

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  27. Great journal page ! Love the colours & snazzy look ! Glad you fins so much support from the bloggy community here ! Ali #49

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  28. cutey rocking horse. Thanks for visiting me today BJ#90

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  29. Such a lovely journal page Julie Ann and what an adorable find all those years ago and again more recently of this adorable rocking horse and rider. Can't wait to see the altered version. Happy WOYWW! Danie (a very late #133)

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  30. Awesome journal page this week. LOVE the little rocking horse.
    Thanks for the visit earlier.
    Krisha #115

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  31. Such great journal pages. Your kind ways and dedication to your child will see you through. I hope your mom finds a place she loves soon. The market here is very similar at the moment. The good ones get snapped up or a bidding war happens! I am curious about that glue you mentioned, I have to go look it up. I never heard of it! Thanks for the visit today!! (You could craft with me anytime you find yourself over here!) Winnie#85

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  32. OOWW the love here is overwhelming, just what you need, what we all need really, it's all good....
    There is lots of love in your nest too so everything will work out the way it suppose to my dear, now what every you do to that fabulous little treasure you uncovered, will be fabulous, I can't wait to see it. Well my dear I've been visiting for over and hour and don't want to wear out my welcome hehehe :). I had company all afternoon and just had time to visit you, Of off to bed now and hopefully I can get to my desk tomorrow, I have missed it :O).((((((( BIG HUGS ))))) see ya soon its been a lovely visit.

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  33. Great colors on your journal page. And I love the little girl's hair blowing in the wind on the rocking horse. :-)

    Thank you for stopping by my blog earlier and for your kind comments.

    Happy Woyww,

    Sandy #17

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  34. WOYWW'ers are an awesome bunch, they cheer, support and guide - gotta love them all. Love your Damsel pages, they are very beautiful and working in a tight space too. Thanks for swinging by my blog - anytime you want to join in one of my random 'friend challenges' just let me know :) Cx #35

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  35. Wonderful journal pages - cute rocking horse and great friends - what more could a gal ask for - hugs!! Thanks for popping over - Have a great week - Happy WOYWW Mxx #70

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  36. Darling rocker with rider! Love the journal pages. Wonder if I can get one done in time this week? Hmmm maybe. Might have to do some more PS to make room. :) Thanks for the earlier visit! Happy WOYWW! Nan G #4

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  37. isn't blogland a wonderful place ....im loving your journal page especially the warm rich colours you've used on my list to do one day !,and cant wait to see what you do with the little rocking horse im sure it will be ace though.good luck with he house hunting for your mum and I'm sure with your continued support and love everything will work out for your son too..
    have a great week thanks for visiting and your helpful comments Andrea#'57

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  38. Your art journal page looks wonderful. Woyww are a pretty fab bunch. Tony Attwood has written some good books on Aspergers, always worth a read as they are very down to earth. He is an Aussie so I am a little biased. Have a lovely week.

    Sandra @108

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  39. Hi Julie Ann,

    I agree with you; the WOYWW crowd is truly supportive. I'm glad you had so many inspirational comments last week and that has given you strength.

    I really like the journal spread. I picked up an old book at the Library (for free) and plan to use it as a journal. We'll see how far I get with it. Oh, and I bet I know who you referred to about the rocking horse!

    Thank you for visiting me already. I knew it probably wouldn't be until today that I managed time to get around to desks.

    Happy WOYWW
    Cheers,
    Kay (23)

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  40. Oh wow, I do like Lost Coast, and they're such nice people on top of having great stamps! Congratulations on your win, that's always fun, and your pages are lovely. Looking through the stash is kind of like Christmas, isn't it, when you find something forgotten? And I'm glad you're keeping a positive approach, Julie Ann. Your son has done very well so far, so now that you have a diagnosis, things will get better.

    Thank you for stopping by this woyww, Julie Ann, I appreciate your visit and comment!
    :)trisha
    #27 this week

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  41. Wow I'm loving your journal pages. Thanks for visiting mine.

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  42. Hi Julie Ann, those journal pages are absolutely gorgeous ! Love the stamping and the textures fabulous work x

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  43. Thank you for your visit earlier......
    It is lovely when it is done - DH just remade my landing window (we've been in the house 26yrs, window has been ducktaped for the last 5!!!) and I keep looking at it ......... all those years and then it took him three days from fresh wood to finish......... it is lovely now it's done!!!!
    Bishopsmate #78

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  44. Sweet Rocking horse and I know how hard reno's can be we still have a fridge and I'm using a convection microwave and an induction burner as our stove so I miss baking but today I was so lucky I got to help lay a concrete floor ... it's nothing like decorating a cake no matter what they say on tv it's tough to move so quick before the cement sets :) hugs Nikki 10 thanks for the visit

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  45. Clearly I missed last week's post somehow, but I've just been to have a read - and I'm so blown away by your ability to create lemonade with all the lemons that have been cast in your way recently... and by your son's ability to do the same - a first class degree, wow. I know that with such underlying strength of character within the family, you will find your way clear to converting all those lemons in time.
    Alison xx

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  46. Hi Julie Ann, I'm late in my desk rounds this week. I have been feeling ill. Pretty much flat on my back, and loads of sleep. I don't so much mind getting lots of sleep, but not for 4-5 days. Leaves me drained, and I don't get much art or otherwise done. SUCKS!!!! The really frustrating thing is I still feel exhausted!! Think I need to make a doctors appt for later this afternoon or Tues.
    I'm glad you felt you could turn to here on WOYWW to vent through your stress. I meant it when I aid to email me if you EVER feel the need to talk. I'll make ya a deal, I'll reciprocate and email you if I need to vent or talk. Believe me I could fill a letter or two at times. Is it a deal??? BTW I love how you used the playing cards in your journal spread. Great job, also see you had a rocking horse this week. I hope you are having a fruitful house hunt this weekend. (((HUGS)))
    Kimmie
    http://happyhomeschoolroom.blogspot.com/2013/08/woyww-219.html#comment-form

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  47. Wow I really do love that page (just seen on another post) and the rocking horse is fab. I'm so feeling for you right now, it must be hard flat hunting with your mum who also can't see very well, having your kitchen done now personally that would be a nightmare I don't think I could manage lol. It must be hard not getting your help with your son, he is older so it must be so difficult. I had a very tough time with my son and if you ever manage to read my blog from last year April onwards I did go through some awful times and in the end I didn't seem to be getting any help so I did the only thing I thought I could do which would make it seem like I was a bad mum, I phoned the social services. I was never doing it for them to take him away, I just had a really good cry over the phone, told them all about it and then they said that the help I needed was from the family support that helps families out, next thing I know he had a support worker, we sorted slowly through his problems and am finally getting there, they also tested him for Aspergers but the specialist doesn't believe he has it so that was recent. We all know he didn't, he makes friends, love talking always wants to be with others which as you know from your son they find it so hard. I looked into this condition alot and for children they can give so much help but later on it sounds like you are left on your own so I really do feel for you. On another note, now you have sampled those lovely tissues the link to her ebay shob is
    http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/shopromantique/&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2754
    Hope all gets sorted soon, may the flat hunting go well, the kitchen gets done and your son finds the help he needs to successfully win that job. Happy late woyww :-) Hugs Kezzy xxxxx

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