Little blue flowers...

Very suitable as I'm feeling a little blue myself!

Today started off really well with a cuddle in bed from my cat Shea and a walk with J and Buster. then it was home for lunch and off to RDA. Then it all went a bit pear-shaped...! I'm not going into details but it felt a bit like the last straw after the past few months.

On the bright side, I had a text from Phil that my mum in law is being released from hospital tomorrow which is great news and my redesigned website is up and running...Julie Mann Photography - after several days off line as everything got transferred.

I still need to upload some more images to it as well as process the several hundred from the wedding we did on Easter Saturday. We have a couple coming to see us on Sunday about a booking for January next year - the guy sounds really nice and I'm looking forward to meeting them but I gather they are seeing several photographers and somehow I don't expect to get the booking.

Tomorrow is our wedding anniversary - 21 years; hard to believe!

Funny to think that I started this blog because I was so worried about bird flu I was almost driving myself demented! And now we are facing the threat of swine flu! I am surprising myself by NOT descending into total panic yet but I am rather anxiously checking the news for developments. I'm not worried for me but for the girls...that's being a parent for you, I guess.

We have no idea what will happen about our trip to New York City at the end of May...just a case of wait and see what develops, I suppose.

Monkey puzzle...

My mother in law has come through her knee replacement operation ok, although she's in a lot of pain. We are all very relieved! I've not had much time for blogging as we've been visiting most evenings. Thanks everyone for your prayers and positive thoughts!

Feeling spikey...

I found this meme on Scriptor Senex's blog
If you decide to do it, let me know so I can see your answers :)

What is your current obsession?
Photography, especially wedding photography. I think about it most of the time and I even have dreams/nightmares about it too!

Good coffee place?
I'm a big Costa fan.

Do you nap a lot?
Not at all.

Who was the last person you hugged?
My daughter Sian.

What’s for dinner?
We had Aberdeen Angus burgers, onions and mushrooms!

What are you listening to right now?
The gentle hum of the computer.

What is your favourite weather?
Sunny and bright with a cool breeze.

What’s on your bedside table?
Alarm clock, tissues, coaster, Dobbin (stuffed toy from my baby days), two small teddies, bedside light, lip balm and one of Sian's teeth.

Say something to the person/s who tagged you.
I wasn't tagged, I pinched this from another blog!

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be?
The Lake District

What is the last song you listened to?
Flightless bird/American mouth by Iron & Wine (am obsessed with this song right now!)

Favourite vacation spot?
The Lake District in Britain, California in the US.

Name the things you can’t live without. .
My family, my camera, my computer, my cats, books, music, my garden.

What were the happiest two years of your life?
My first year of marriage to Phil and ......hopefully I still have some happiness to come!

What would you like to get rid of?
Negative emotions and self-doubt

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
My friend Anisa's kitchen in Petaluma, CA.

What did you want to become as a child?
A nurse, then a journalist.

What do you miss?
My mum and dad and my beloved friend Karen - and my dog Charlie.

What are you reading right now?
Two books on growing vegetables and "The Return" by Victoria Hislop (this month's reading group choice)

What do you fear the most?
Losing loved ones.

What designer piece of clothing would you most like to own (new or vintage)?
A pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes

What did you last watch on television?
Casualty.

If you’d like to do the meme, here’s how it works.
1. Answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention; add a question of your own.
1. You may tag others or leave it open to anyone who feels like giving it a go.

Easter cactus

I have been feeling exceedingly negative lately and have stayed away from my blog as I was reluctant to put my feelings into words on the screen!

Things aren't bad - it's just that sometimes there is a very small difference between things being really great and things being NOT great. How can I explain...if only I could just make a few very minor tweaks I'd be really happy instead of hovering on the edge of gloom!

What I try to do when negativity strikes is count my blessings and of course I realise I am VERY blessed!

I am absolutely overwhelmed by the beautiful spring weather we've been enjoying lately; the countryside is breathtaking and even my own garden is bursting forth in satisfactory fashion.

This eveningI planted some onion sets.

My dear mother in law is due to have major surgery on Thursday. This is a risky process because of certain medical issues she has. I love her to bits; since my own mum died she's been the most wonderful friend, adviser and mother-figure anyone could wish for. Please send her your prayers and positive thoughts this week if you can - she is such a brave and special woman.

Happy Easter to all my blog friends!

We are off to the Ripon area tomorrow as we are photographing a wedding on Easter Saturday. We're staying overnight. As usual I'm really nervous! I'm hoping the weather is kind to us as the forecast is ...well...lively I guess you'd call it! Wish us luck!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Easter.

I had such a terrible night last night! Phil was away in London and I was in bed early, read a little and then settled down to sleep, feeling pretty tired after a day prom-dress shopping in Chester with Kate and Sian. But the wind had got up and the rain was lashing down and in the attic you hear every gust and creak and groan! At one point I was convinced my new polythene greenhouse could be heard being ripped to shreds by the gale.

Anyway, morning came at last although I'm not exactly rested! Fortunately no damage seems to have been done.

I HATE the wind!

As rare as hens teeth are photos of me! And especially ones in scruffy clothes with scruffy hair and no make up, but here I am with my much loved Bruno, hoping his dazzling good looks will in some way compensate for mine!

Our wedding couple from last month are happy with the photos; calling them "outstanding" and us "very professional" which has REALLY made me happy!