Monday 15 April 2013

It's about time...

Well if there's one good thing about spending hours hanging around in hospitals it the time to think. And there's nowhere better to remind you of what's important in life.  I know it's a common problem (and one I've blogged about before) but I do sometimes often feel like I'm trying to spin too many plates at once and dropping more than I'm spinning.
So, I decided the do the right thing and close my little shop for a couple of months. I'll still be taking some commissions but I need to re-group (with myself!) and make some room in my head for future creative projects. Small business suicide? maybe!
Speaking of hospitals I'm happy to say that the operation to sort Kenzie's ear out seemed to go as well as could be hoped for - we'll get the results when we go back in a couple of weeks time. He was as brave as ever, and soon asking for lucozade and a biscuit boost (it's become a bit of a tradition) 
Meanwhile I was on a fasting day and could quite happily have eaten my own arm!

The very same week I was asked if I would like to review a clock! How appropriate.
(is it the retail gods telling me my business is on 
borrowed time??!!)
Now, I bloomin' love clocks.
I have a pinterest board dedicated to my favourites.
Here are some of the clocks currently adorning the walls at home...
the big back one in the lounge:
 the little white one on the mantelpiece
four more from various rooms...
and a boys clock
 Who could refuse to try out a clock?

It duly arrived in the post and I was more than a little happy to see it was a 'Newgate' clock.


I've always loved their designs - the black one in the collage above is actually hanging in our utility room. It no longer works after it was knocked off the wall one too many times 
(probably by a football!) 
so was moved from it's place in the kitchen.
I couldn't bare to throw it out!

I decided to have a look see and find out why the company was called Newgate - I didn't find out but I DID find a lovely story. 

The company is owned by Jim and Chloe Read who met on a blind date when they were 21 and 18. They had set up their company within 6 weeks of meeting and ran it from a tiny room in their flat.
 They secured orders from their first trade fair in 1991 and now have a range of 350 selling in places like Selfridges and John Lewis and employ 28 people in their Shropshire based business.What a brilliant British success story.
(they also have a collection of vintage clocks in their home - many of which don't work, so I'm in good company)

Anyway - I got side tracked. 
Look at this beauty - right up my street.
 However - I already have a fairly strict waking up routine, which involves this little number
 which comes on at 6.30am (I'm a fan of Radio 4's today programme - how does that happen?) and I actually get up at 7.30 (fully informed!) 





  
But there's someone in the house who struggles to wake up each and every morning...
THE TEEN!
So I decided to road test the beautiful clock on him!


I can confirm that not only does it look beautiful, it wakes you up! The ring isn't as loud as I expected from the traditional bell clock (it has a real hammer) which is probably a good thing. We don't want to be waking next door's teens too.
It's a straightforward alarm clock, easy to use 
and lovely to look at. 

The obvious downside of these kind of clocks is that the alarm is either on...or off! But I find my boy is either awake...or not. 
And I need to know that he's awake, not snoozing to some kind of youth music! I need to know he can hear the alarm clock!! 
(I just need to remind him to switch it off on Sunday.)

On the creative front I have 2 things to show and tell.
One is late - it's my Easter tree!

I couldn't bear to hang the bunnies from their necks - so I pierced a hole in their ears with a tapestry needle!

The little cousins staying in our house while we were on our hols saved us 3 bunnies for our 3 boys. I ate them. 
(feel better for fessing!)

The other share is the new door decor. This time some simple crochet flowers on the old heart, hung on twine.

Rubbish photo - but you get the idea! 
fee

12 comments:

  1. So glad Kenzies op went well. :)
    You do like your clocks, don't you!
    Your front door must cheer people up no end, always something beautiful hanging on it!
    V xxx

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  2. I'm glad that the operation went well. He's certainly looking well in that photo! :-)
    What a lot of lovely clocks - you do have a few, don't you!?!
    I love the spring-time decorations - so happy and cheerful and cute!
    Carly
    x

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  3. Lovely post, Fee! I love clocks too and have to stop myself buying too many! I have some Newgate ones....they always appeal to me...yours are gorgeous!
    I'm glad you hung the bunnies by their ears :) I love your wreath with the crochet flowers! So glad Kenzie's op went well, I hope he has a quick recovery from it. Good luck with your new creative ventures :)
    Sending love.
    Helen x

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  4. You and me must be Monday bloggers ;) so glad Kenzie is recovering well and that you ate your arm...oh no hang on that you ate your bunnies ... Hope that little tree is staying up...too cute to be just for Easter xxxxx

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  5. Pleased to read that your lovely boy is recovering. I have spent far too much time visiting relatives in hospital this year - it certainly does give you lots of time to reflect on your life doesn't it. I love the Newgate clock and what a lovely background story. Take care and enjoy your business break xx

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  6. So glad to hear that Kenzie's operation went well, it's a lovely photo of him, all fresh faced and bright eyed.
    Clocks...love them too especially the old ones you never think will work again. I give them to hubby and he weaves some magic and they work again. Your review clock looks lovely.
    Anne xx

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  7. Good to read that Kenzie's op went well, hope he's up & about again soon. I love Newgate clocks too - and have an old-and-not-working one still up in our kitchen too! Bought it in the States many moons ago and just can't bear to put it out to pasture. LOVE your door wreath - may just have to steal that idea too, would you mind?
    Xx

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  8. Oh dear, poor little guy, but I'm pleased he's on the mend. I too, am a great beleiver in the miraculous healing properties of Lucozade. But, why is it not wrapped in that cellophene paper any more? That was half the fun of recovery!
    Hope he gets well soon, and enjoy your well earned time of thought collecting x

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  9. Hurrah for the very Brave and very handsome (like a war hero my son said!) Kenzie....hope he is feeling better now....?
    Daisy j x

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  10. Hi Fee...So happy to read everything went well for lovely Kenzie....such a star and so brave...I hope he has a very quick recovery too...I feel sure he will! I love Newgate clocks and have a black and cream one on our kitchen wall. Love all your Easter decorations and makes as always. Enjoy your break and have lots of fun!
    Happy Sunday!
    Susan x

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  11. Catching up here ... glad to read the op went well :D

    That clock is bloomin marvellous!

    And fast days eh? I know which diet you're on. Me too, or I will be. I delayed while we got Mum through her radiotherapy and Sal moved out (yesterday, sob) ... it's Wonderwool at the weekend and then I begin. Eek!

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  12. Hello! Thank you for your sweet comment! Always means a lot to me to read your little greetings! I'm sure not too long from now, my kiddo will be turning 9 and his first birthday will seem like yesterday. How time flies! Sounds like you've had lots going on too! Love all your clocks, by the way! xo

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I LOVE reading your comments!
fee x