It may be raining outside, but I am in such a positive frame of mind at the moment that I am not letting it bother me. My life seems to be right where I want it just now, and am feeling relaxed and refreshed after the lovely summer holidays we had. I am doing just what I want to with my life, my girls are so animated and happy to be back at school, Andy is relaxed and happy too despite not having quite as much time off as the rest of us, and even Bodie is showing signs of calming down and chilling out!
Poor Bodie didn't have the best start in life and when we got him at 7 months hadn't received any training at all. We did our best with him, and within a very short time had him behaving in just the way we wanted at home - sitting, waiting, giving a paw, even balancing a dog biscuit on his nose. Unfortunately, despite reading copious training books and trying to implement their ideas, bribing him with cheese and dog treats, and taking notes whilst watching 'Dog Borstal' (look it up - it's the funniest thing on tv even if you haven't got a dog!), Bodie remains a real handful when we are out. He runs off after dogs, won't come back and pulls continuously on his lead. It got to the stage where I wasn't keen to take him out on my own, but all that is about to change! Last night we had a visit from an amazing lady called Claire, dog trainer extraordinaire. Even after one session I feel much more in control, and we have been practicing our homework ready for the dog training classes that we are all going to as a family. It sounds like really good fun, and I am really looking forward to it. Who knows - we may even enter Crufts next year!!
Today I made a foray into town, and came back with some fab treasures. I haven't done much in the way of thrifting recently, and my favourite charity shop really came up trumps today. These little glasses were the first things I saw on my way in and (sadly) made my heart leap with joy. Some days I scour the charity shops for goodies only to come away empty handed, but today was definitely not one of those days. These have a picture of 6 different roses with the name underneath, and catch the light really nicely on the dining room window.
I love the colours on this crinoline lady tray cloth. I have a project planned for this, and the tablecloth I bought today too that didn't come out well in the picture, but has lovely pictures of Hollyhocks embroidered in each corner.
I love anything in the original box, and these glasses will come in handy for a warming whisky in the Winter. 
Some pretty glasses, a pale blue candlestick, a sugar shaker and a pretty glass bowl.
A pretty enamel tray for £1.
Unfortunately I did the charity shop first, and ended up lugging several heavy bags around town, one of which contained the oblong mirror to the left of the picture above. Still, it was worth it, and I love getting home and unpacking my treasures, then carefully washing them in warm, soapy water, before placing them around the house. I spent a happy hour drawing round all these mirrors onto newspaper, cutting them out and then placing them with blu-tac. I then had to shorten all the chains before hanging them all. I had been waiting to get one more mirror so I could do this little project, and it has really made the sitting room brighter.
I don't know if it is to do with the changing season, but I am really itching to rearrange my house a little. I love moving objects around and creating new groups of bits and bobs to look at. I did intend to do the whole of the downstairs today as Andy and the girls were quite happy with their own occupations and didn't really need my interference, but I spent so long doing the sitting room that I ran out of time. I had a creative block when it came to my mantelpiece and re-did it several times. I am still not entirely happy with it, but I am sure the inspiration will come to me (it usually happens in the middle of the night, so I could be floating around in the small hours moving candlesticks tonight!). We got some kindling today and we have coal left over from the Spring, so I may even light the fire tonight to cheer the place up.
Attempt number 1 - too bland and boring.
Attempt number 2 - not quite right, but better than 1.
Attempt number 3 - better (despite dodgy photo), but still not perfect. Amazingly the sun decided to shine for about 4 minutes while I took this picture, so you can't really see the candlesticks and the glass dish. I need a better central item, but am still in a quandry. I'll keep you posted!
Before I go I must show you this beautiful pincushion that lovely Patricia sent me. She has the most inspiring blog, and makes really pretty things, so go and have a look for yourself.
I hope you are all enjoying your weekend - the weather doesn't have to dampen the spirits, even if it does dampen everything else!
Cathy XX