Not just any old table.

I have been determined to reignite that part, deep inside of me, that not just loves to make things, but actually makes them!  Creative things.  That I like.  That hopefully other people like.  And even more importantly, so that the creative part, which I believe exists in everyone, is allowed to function. If you want to argue this, as many do, let me say that I believe this  because we're made in the image of God and He's the Creator.  I recognise however that being creative is probably far more profound in understanding than just 'I can paint' etc. Back to me though and I am convinced that when the 'creative me' is active, then 'me' becomes a little bit of a better 'me'.  So with that in mind I've been trying to work out a way in which I can have my sewing machine out permanently.  Having discussed all options with the gorgeous man we've created a space in the bedroom and now just need the right table to put the machine on.  The search is on.

Visits to the new Dunelm Mill, the old Ikea and the never heard of it Home Sense were non-productive in the table search, however finding out that Home Sense is indeed the T K Max home department all in it's own shop was a discovery in itself.  Will certainly go there again!  These trips though did also confirm that it was a second-hand table we wanted and not some new thing which I would be trying to make vintage anyway. That should have been fairly obvious really as most of our furniture has had another life before Evans.  So the usual scouring of second-hand shops, charity shops and reclamation yards followed.  There were possibilities but never quite right.  Until...... 

We ventured up the Uxbridge Road to Acton, as we were on our way into central London for a meet up with friends, and stopped at a little antique shop.  Alan was being very earnest in the search for the table and seemed to want it more than me, which made me realise how much he wanted creative Alyson back.  Or more likely he was just desperate for the better me!  I was not really convinced that this shop would offer anything and anyway weren't we on our way out, but I dutifully followed obsessed Alan into the shop.  And there it was.  The table.  A cute table.  Something about it shouted out "I'm the table of your dreams and look what I do".   It folded up. It was old AND it folded up.  Now this might not excite you but I was immediately taken to my pretty garden, about to have tea with friends and me opening up this wonderful piece of furniture which had the ability to take me to other places, in my dreams.  Serving teas on croquet lawns, in floaty 1920's dresses was exactly what this table said to me.  It did not however say, I'll be perfect for your sewing machine.  I stroked the table, you know how wood makes you do that.  I looked at it longingly.  Before I could stop myself I had spoken out loud just how much I loved this table.  This wasn't a problem except I knew, deep in my heart, that this wasn't sturdy enough for the purpose we were buying it for.  I then did something that I rarely do and I'm not sure why I did at that moment, but I told Alan it would be no good and pointed to a slightly more practical table and declared it to be a better buy.  Realising what I'd done I cheekily asked the seller how much for the two tables - greedy  I know but I was chancing it - not with the seller but with Alan.  His immediate look of horror forced my hand and I declared, again, whilst stroking the original table, that the other one was better and to buy it now, immediately.  Quickly.  Before I changed my mind.  Alan stood there.  By the second table.  The seller stood there.  He didn't quite have his hand out for the money but he was waiting.  Another customer, sat there.  On an antique chair, happily watching this all played out in front of her.  She was amused.  I could tell.  "Go on then.  Buy it".  I knew it.  He couldn't.  Because Alan had fallen in love with my table too.  I could see it in his face.  I could tell by his total lack of putting his hand in his pocket.  I could see where he was looking.  If he'd have been standing with me - he'd have been stroking the table too.  I turned to the lovely lady, sitting down and whispered to her.  "I'll just get this one - we'll soon find out it's not suitable and then we'll have to get another table and I can serve tea in the garden with this one". To Alan I said "ok, let's buy this.  I love it. You love it.  Let's get it".  Alan assured me he could make it more sturdy and I just smiled at him and winked at the lady. 

Off we went, with our 'folded up' table in hand.  So excited was I about my table that as soon as we met our friends I pulled it out to show them.  As I opened it up, a hinge fell off.   So I shut it quickly so Alan wouldn't know.  Well not quite at that moment - he would of course know when he set to work to make it more sturdy. 

He's done that now, and my sewing machine is on it, in my bedroom and I think it may well work.   Good job really, as my dreams of the grand gesture of opening and closing up my antique table in order to beautifully serve tea have taken a back seat, because the one thing Alan said the table couldn't survive was being opened and closed too often.  Maybe Alan knew what he was doing all along.

Jubilee

What a great weekend it's been.  It's been a great start to the Queens Diamond Jubilee and I've been thoroughly enjoying it.  But before I fill you in with what I've been doing to celebrate we've had some cause for our own celebrations.

This evening we found out that Hannah had been offered a job.  After having her very first singing audition - she was offered the part of 'Belinda' in a children's touring show, called The Wheels on the Bus.  This is fantastic news and is her first paid professional job.  What is great about it is that although it's a tour (something we thought she wouldn't be able to do because of Kai) it's only a couple of nights each week - usually over the weekend.  I am so thankful to God for the 'start' of her career.  He is faithful.  Here she is with her two other co-stars,  after their first performance.





So back to our Jubilee celebrations.  Yesterday we had a street party, which was so much fun.  What great neighbours we have.  We were blessed with the weather too, although it rained in the morning - the afternoon of the party the sun broke out and we sat out, eating, talking, eating, laughing, eating and then going round each other's houses, collecting various parts of house envy along the way.  Here are some photos of our lovely day.

This morning we set off, with great anticipation, to go and see the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Thames Pageant.  I'd love to share photos of hundreds of boats going past, including the wonderful Royal Barge but you're going to have to rely on news blogs for those.  We settled down opposite the National Theatre on the other side of the river feeling fairly positive as we could see the river through the people in front of us, but by the time the Queen travelled by, even with my wonderful step (bought by my more wonderful friend Nicki) I could see nothing.  The atmosphere was great though, once we'd got over the bug that millions of people had pushed in, and what was lovely was the general camaraderie between fellow watchers as we clung on to each other desperately trying to get a glimpse of something.  This was the closest I got to the Queen.  Slightly scary!!!!

Alan had to carry Kai on his shoulders for most of the day - and the wait became too much for him.  

What you can't see is that he is resting his head on Alan's head - not the most comfortable of pillows, but it didn't stop him.  He did wake up in time for the queen to go by and amused us by shouting at the top of his voice "long live the Queen".    It was a good occasion and I have to say I love the pageantry, flags, and the fantastic atmosphere in London.  I count myself very lucky to live in this wonderful city.  We have 2 more days of celebration to look forward to.  Can't wait.