New beginnings

The weather at the weekend was glorious. The sun shone all day and for the first time this year there was a definite warmth to it. On Sunday I decided that it was the day to get out into the garden. These are my little pots of bulbs which I planted up last autumn, just look at them now.

They are all pushing their way up towards the sunshine.

Here they are last year when I tucked them away for the winter. For the eagle eyed readers the "missing" pot is in my studio where I am enjoying some daffodils also coming into bud.

One of the pots on my patio already has some of my dearest daffodils in flower.







Her head has almost unfurled into the glorious sunshine, what a beauty she is.

 

There were signs of new life on my clematis...

and even a Ladybird awake in the warmth of the sun.














We were able to eat out lunch outside on the patio. The birds were singing and it certainly was a time to be thankful that spring really is just around the corner now. There was also one other person who was also delighted to find us working outside again.

After watching me work Billy found himself a lovely snug corner to snooze in ;0)

It was wonderful to see so many new beginnings outside. This theme also continues into my life this week as there is another new beginning in this household. My darling son is moving out. After nearly 4 years with his wonderful girlfriend they are setting up home together . My Hb and I are so delighted for them. They make a wonderful couple and are very kind, compassionate, hard working  people. They are renting a little flat above my son's new business venture. At the moment they are busy painting and cleaning it. They plan to move in this Saturday.  They will not be too far away so we will be able to still see lots of them. We send them so many good wishes and good luck for their future. He had a wonderful birthday and a trip to Snowden, climbing so he is now raring to go. Way to go fella.........

This meant I was able to make them a "New Home" card. I wanted something really bright and happy for the occasion.  I think this really  fitted the bill!

It features another of my wonderful Penny Black Hedgehog characters

Here he is in close up. I coloured the stamped image with my trusty Promarkers and highlighted using my Prismacolor pencils. I added a green ribbon which I threaded through a very "Bling" white metal flower ribbon holder. I used 3 different backing papers and matted them all onto red card. I also chose some bold red and white mulberry paper roses to wish them lots of love in their new home.

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges;

Simon Says Stamp Use 3 different papers
Divas by Design Bling it up
Party Time Tuesdays #57 anything goes
Cupcake Inspirations Bright fresh colour cupcakes Challenge 149
Mygrafico Flowers #122
Penny Black Saturday Challenge sketch #190

And so after nearly 26 years of  child rearing our nest has nearly been flown. I don't like to use the term "empty nest" as that is not true. Our nest is one which still  holds so many wonderful memories of bringing up our 2 children. Both are now heading out into the world as independent young people. We are so proud to have been a part of that and to have watched them grow. We never own our children, we are given them only on loan to nurture and love and to guide them towards their independence. I am a proud Mum and I feel very blessed to have been a part of that. No doubt of course my son will be popping in on a regular basis when the fridge is bare, or maybe even when the washing pile is too high... I can't see that changing! ;0)

Wishing everyone a sunny week, there are new beginnings all around us.

Bye for now,

Jane x