Spain

Review of 2015 … well half of it!

~ Making Stitches ~ 8 Comments

 

2015 was the year I took the plunge and decided to have a go at blogging. For several years I have followed blogs including Attic24, The Patchwork Heart, Bunny Mummy and  Just Pootling and I have admired the beautiful photography, their ways with words and their beautiful crafts. A couple of years ago I decided I had a long way to go before attempting my own blog but set myself the challenge of taking a photo each day and writing a bit about it. Obviously on some days (like holidays, trips out & special occasions) it’s incredibly easy to snap away and you’re spoiled for choice, on others you are forced to think hard and be a bit creative about what the daily photo might be. This turned out to be good practice for  my blog posts, especially Sunday Sevens.

  Convent Garden, Gibraltar June 2015

Since I gave up (paid) work on the arrival of my first child, I have struggled to find something to entertain my brain, I’ve dabbled in crafts & craft fairs, done a bit of voluntary work and tried and failed to get a job which can work around my main job as a Mum.   

July 2015 (Manchester, Cheshire, Berkshire)

Recently, I guess my friends have picked up on my need to stimulate my brain and a few have independently suggested I try blogging (I hadn’t told them that I had previously considered and discounted it). I guess the planets came into alignment as when the most recent suggestion was made, I thought ‘why not?’ and set off on my Postcard from Gibraltar journey. In order to protect my boys from future ridicule, I decided to keep my blog anonymous for now.

August 2015 (Algarve & Gibraltar)

And so my Postcard from Gibraltar adventure began in June, hence the review of only half a year! We are very fortunate to live in a vibrant and interesting place, so there is never a shortage of things for me to write about, I also now have an outlet to talk about my various crafty fascinations of crochet, watercolour and sewing (friends and family heave a huge sigh of relief).

  September 2015 (Gibraltar)

I have thoroughly enjoyed it so far, I am thrilled when I look back at my old posts and see photos of things we have done and seen as a family, it’s almost like an online journal or photo album (both are things I have started many times but failed to complete).

  October 2015 (Gibraltar)

I have met some really supportive and kind people through the magic of the blogosphere and found inspiration for future projects and positive criticism for my own crafty endeavours. I used to think I was just a frustrated crafter who never had the time to create the things I want. While I admit I still get a bit frustrated at times as there are so many ideas in my head of what I want to do, but looking back at the makes I have documented I can see that I do churn out quite a bit as it is!

  November 2015 (crafts) 

Away from the world of the internet, blogging has also helped me build some networks in real life here in Gibraltar. There are some very talented people residing on this great Rock and I am pleased to have met some more of them during the past six months.

  November 2015 (Gibraltar & Marbella)

I won’t ramble on any more, but will leave you with my thanks for taking the time to stop by and read my blog, I’ve had a great time with it so far and very much look forward to what 2016 holds. Happy New Year!

  December 2015 (Gibraltar)

Sunday Sevens #5 8/11/15

~ Making Stitches ~ 4 Comments

Sunday Sevens is a blog series created by Natalie at Threads and Bobbins. It’s a weekly series featuring seven photos from the past week. Here’s mine for this week: 

  

Our midterm break in Marbella started with a cracker of a storm. Oblivious to what was approaching across the skies, we ventured out for an early evening drink in the nearby poolside bar, it looked a little grey overhead. As the minutes ticked by it got more and more sultry. The first few big spots of rain came down so we moved indoors to shelter. Then it really lashed down. After about an hour, as the iPad was running low on battery and we knew our time with the boys was limited, the decision was taken to pull up our hoods and make a run for it. We ran uphill against the current of the river running downhill towards us and made it to our apartment where we stood under the cover of our balcony roof and admired the lightning show overhead. It was exhilarating and just a little bit scary.

The following day was equally sultry and damp but not quite as theatrical. 

 

So if it’s wet, there’s nothing better to do than stay indoors and crochet, right? (My Attic 24 Cosy Stripe Blanket WIP has long needed some attention, so it got plenty!)

  

Then the sun came out again, so crochet on the balcony (while smaller members of the family were entertained at the kids’ club) was just the ticket.

As the weather improved, we decided to brave the poolside bar again one evening (no waterproofs this time), of course the crochet came too! G&T? Don’t mind if I do!
  

Then the weather really made a turn for the better. Check out this sunset…
 

Ahhh I love holidays 🙂 ❤️
 
  

If you’ve had a midterm break recently I hope it’s been a good one for you. Thanks for stopping by, and thank you to everyone who’s taken the time to like or comment on my posts, it’s really lovely to hear from you. 🙂