Trying to find balance

 This week has had a higher % of shittiness than I like in a week. Personal stuff, stuff affecting friends and family and hearing of 3 deaths of people from childhood. But instead of wallowing (and I have shed tears this week). I am trying to use this blog post to redress the balance and look at the positives.

First up, after buying M his new Ukulele at the weekend (early anniversary present) he reciprocated and bought me yarn - he knows me so well. This is Juno Lace-weight 2 ply in a blend of baby alpaca, silk and cashmere - the colour is 'Orangerie' but to me it looks like the bitter orange marmalade M loves so much. My tastes in colours have changed so much over the last year or so - this is perfect and exactly what I was looking for. I have 1600m of this to make into to something beautiful.

 When I was little there was a shop in the Laines where they made/had stripey pottery that they would paint your name on. I had a blue and white mug. With a name like mine it has never been easy to find on stuff. So this cup was special - I loved it. By the time it got broken the shop had gone and I know in these days of get anything on the Internet I could have got a cup with my name on - it wouldn't have been the same.

When M got his wheel, I said to him you can make me a little mug (when I'm out and abouting I like a little drink in the morning - hate public loos!) for my mornings. We got talking about colours and mugs and I remembered my love of my blue and white mug with my name on - spelt correctly. This morning when he emptied the kiln I was presented with the above. I love it.

I love it even more because 28 years ago today, when I was 16 and he was 21, M asked me to marry him. So to get such a special surprise today was lovely.

I think the balance is redressing a bit don't you?

 The next photos show a pot M was experimenting with - using under glazes. It was a thrown piece he was not as happy with so it became a guinea pig pot.

 Can you see the little mauve fishes in the sea?

I said I thought it was too nice for a guinea pig pot and I'd give it a home - cos I love the colours and the fishes inside and out made me smile every time I looked at them.

One last thing to even the balance; when I cry Fergus loves me (Lottie just looks worried - I don't often cry) but Bogey comes and sits next to me and nudges me with his hooter until I fuss him and if I stop he shouts at me until I carry on. It is very hard to stay miserable with enforced Scottie love being dolled out. They are not always the most affectionate of breeds and he can be stand offish - I like the fact he reserves his love for when it is most needed.