Hello friends! 

Do you remember me? It has been so long since my last post you'd be forgiven if haven't the foggiest idea of who I am. I've missed chatting to you all, sharing news and creations. I know it has been so long since my last post ... are you still there? Ever since Frankie May's arrival I haven't been able to find time to blog. There always seems to be ten more pressing things that I need to get done first, and time just passes. There is also another good reason for my radio silence. Our little family has finally upped sticks and bought a house in the country! My Ma Larkin dreams have finally come true!  Pheasants, deer and various wildlife often wander into the garden. I look out in the morning and can't believe I'm here ... I'm waiting to wake up. I think of all of us are still pinching ourselves that this is now home, Ralphy included. 

It has taken some getting used though. Our old house was in a bustling market town, it was small and cosy, and while it had character, like many Victorian houses it was quite dark, and no matter how nice you dress it up, it could feel quite oppressive at times. Our new house has much more space and light, and it makes a huge difference to my day to day. It's an old house, with countryside all around. It was built in 1855 and the rear garden looks out onto arable farmland. It has everything you'd expect from an old house; wooden beams, stable doors, a farmhouse kitchen and crooked ceilings and floors. The thing I'm still enjoying most though is the light ... at early evening, golden sunlight floods the kitchen and it is my favourite place to be. 

Frankie May

Hello all. Well it certainly has been some time since my last blog post. You may have noticed my posts have been a little sporadic since the autumn. Well I can now tell you it's because I was pregnant with our little girl ... and Frances 'Frankie' May was born on 24th March 2018, weighing 7Ib15oz. Those of you that follow me on Instagram and Facebook will already know all of this because I've been bombarded my followers with many a piccie of her :-)

One day old

Mothers Day is almost upon us, and with the recent celebration of International Women's Day I've been thinking a lot recently about the incredible women who are responsible for my being here on this earth. One of these women (my mother) I've been blessed enough to know, while the others, who are still very much a part of my tapestry, passed away long before my time. These women have an incredible story to tell which I'd like to share with you today. It is a sad but uplifting story which features three women from three generations, and whenever I find myself struggling to cope with whatever it is that life is throwing at me, I think of these women and I always find courage. The story begins in Liverpool in 1941 ....

Finally ... here is my new workshop craft room! This used to be our music room (AKA hubby's man cave) but since he's moved it to other premises it now mean Jodie Podie has a CRAFTY ROOM! We gave it a lick of paint and I went about sourcing myself a new craft table and some rustic storage. Welcome to the new AHC headquarters ....

The first thing I wanted was a rustic craft table. They're expensive to buy so I created one, which I've already showed you in my previous post: How to make a scandi-chic trestle table. Trestle tables are ideal for craft rooms & workshops as they are collapsable, should you need to make room for large floor-projects. The top of my table has two large holes which is ideal for threading my sewing machine leads through. I also pop my bin under the other one and knock through any rubbish / threads. Is so nice being able to leave the sewing machine set up for long periods of time, it means I actually use it. 

I love my little red shoes. The belonged to my 2 year old self. I keep these shoes on my dresser, to remind me of who I once was - a spirited little girl, running through puddles with an eye for adventure and imagination to boot.  I try hard to retain those qualities now - the ability to daydream, to see wonder in things, to appreciate simple things ... of course it doesn't always come easy, as life, news, work, chores, health and worry can dampen a spirit in a heartbeat ... so I keep these little shoes nearby, because in times of trouble they always remind me to try.

JM x

It's my birthday today. I have always loved birthdays for as long as I can remember. While I admire those people modest enough to brush their birthday under the carpet I can never be one of those people. In fact, in our house I have (rather cleverly) invented 'Birthday week' ... which basically means the week following your birthday is still really, your birthday. This comes in very handy when you want a cup of tea, a third slice of cake or a hug-on-demand. You are more than welcome to borrow 'Birthday week'  and if you find loved ones are reluctant, simply try suggesting it on their birthday first ;-)

Today is Ralphy's 5th birthday. I don't need to tell you he is one of my favourite fings. If you follow my blog regularly you'll already know how much I adore this furry dog child of mine. I realise some of my readers may not be doggie people, so forgive my indulgence ... today I just wanted to celebrate his birthday by sharing just a few of my favourite photographs of him. Now don't ask me where these all came from, but here some of the many names Ralphy gets called in our household ...

Ralphy muss muss

The dog king

Dogboy

Dogmouse

Dogglepuss

Dogling

Doglington

Dingle dangle dogmouse

International dog boy

Bobby dog friend

Dogford

Dogson Phillips

Ralphred

Ralpherino