Thursday 31 May 2012

The Gallery: Sunshine

Simple pleasures of a sunny day, Pimms and big shades on a small baby. Never gets old.





Go and take a look at the gallery over at Sticky Fingers for more sunshine, who knows when we will see it again!

Sunday 20 May 2012

Rain, Riots and rather nice trees

We have been feeling rather stuck lately with the on again off again depths of winter, alternating with surprise! today could be spring! What to wear? What do you dress the kids in? Frankly it's getting tedious..Sort it out British weather..
The clothing dilemma is only trumped by the what to do with the 3 kids that won't cost money..involve transport (we are not a car owning family) and is not weather dependant. I have pretty much run out of steam on that one, so now I am giving up and decided that rain will not be stopping play! Rain gear on, babies on, brollies up and out the door. 


Our first foray out in the rain took us just up the road to the One Tree Hill nature reserve in Honor Oak Park. The Hill is part of the green chain walk round London which we are going to start exploring. I was surprised how well sign posted the whole reserve is, loads of info as you make your way round the well marked paths. Wildlife, flora and fauna along with bits of local history are covered on the boards.This little gem really made me smile, it turns out that last years riots are nothing new in our neck of the woods, way back in 1897 up to 100,000 angry Londoners battled with police when a golf club fenced off the hill preventing access to local people. No looting over a plasma screen and a pair of trainers! 
As you head up the hill you see St Augustine church, we noticed posters for the One Tree Hill festival which is running from the 18th - 27th of May. You can find a full list of the events of the church website. The further into the reserve you go you almost forget that you are in a city until at the top of the hill you get rewarded with a spectacular view right across London, with Hampstead Heath and Alexandra Palace in the distance.


It's not a huge place and if the weather had been better we would have continued with the green chain walk but just mooching round in the rain looking at the stunning trees and the cloudy view made all of us feel a little bit fresher. Dodo was impressed with the secret nature on her doorstep and the twins loved looking at everything from the cosy comfort of the sling. Otis has been dubbed "nature boy" as he gets a huge grin and starts kicking his legs every time he looks at a tree! We will make the effort to get out a explore more often..fingers crossed in some sunshine.






Monday 14 May 2012

Oops..I did it again! How Cybher kicked my bad blogging ass!

Cybher 2012

Sorry about the Britney reference but I couldn't help myself. So I'm back. Well actually I have been nowhere (that's another story) but since my last post and my promises to be a better blogger I have been a bit distracted by the 2 little creatures I cooked up last year. Mental..me a mum of 3! How the heck did that happen? The sprogs arrived safe and sound bringing a tidal wave of chaos and madness along with them. They are the most delicious amazing little humans, I am a lucky woman to have the privilege of raising them. Dodo is growing into her new found role as big sister and general bossy madam. Sharing the limelight is never easy when your 4!


Much of what is happening I am not able to talk about. Bangkok is on hold..work plans on hold..life on hold..frustrating painful and more stress than I can put into words. It has been holding me back from blogging for fear of saying the wrong thing or not sounding authentic. Well I have had enough of being gagged. I miss my blog..I miss my life..I don't know where either is going at the moment so I think I will just have to blog about the weather..or maybe not.
I was lucky to be at Cybher at the weekend and it was flipping ah-mazing. Learning opportunities at every turn, podcasting, photography, tech geekery all available. The thing that struck me more than anything else is that when you stick a whole lot of smart women in a venue together for a day huge things can and do happen. The sessions on charity work and blogging for change were both moving and motivating. Sales of Half The Sky must have rocketed thanks to Sian and Jennifer who talked with such passion. My copy landed on the mat this morning and I can't wait to get the babies down for a nap and read! I am so excited about the possibilities and I know there are zillions of projects I want to sink my teeth into in Bangkok.
The discussion on feminism could have led to a conference in it's self! Good job I didn't speak up as time was short enough already..don't get me started on the patriarchal system..but I digress.
Everyone I talked to seemed to agree that we would all like to get together in real life more often, for the inspiration and well cos it's a laugh innit! Yes there was drinking after, leading to a few new hashtags..I laughed till I cried! Conversations as diverse as attachment parenting, dogging, slug trails and unfortunate water park accidents.
So to sum up..Cybher you rocked..women in blogging and social media..you rock too..women in general..ditto..oh and The Leather Satchel Co. Cybher bags were toooo die for!

P.S I am NEVER running a competition EVER..pls check t&c's..This post has no sponsors..blah blah blah..