WOYWW 369 - Giraffes & Belfast

So much has happened since I last joined in our Wednesday desk share. This post maybe longer than is norm so please forgive me.

Everyone is meeting up over at LLJ place while Julia continues her road to recovery. So today's desk looks like this -

 My friend's little girl will be 5 so I thought I'd colour up Kaylee from Some Odd Girl in the colours of Frozen. Colouring up a storm at the moment but can't share yet!

Anyway today I adopted a giraffe!

Anyone who knows me will know giraffes are my fav animal (zebras too) I recently watched the BBC programme that highlighted the work of the Giraffe conservation organisation

so I checked out their website and decided to adopt a giraffe for a year. 

Here's the giraffe I've adopted - 

 Basically the fact that he has a horn that is bent is what made me choose him. I'm all wonky too what with my Scoliosis so it struck a cord with me!

Will share more information once I receive my adoption stuff.

The other main thing that has happened is that Keagan had 2 weeks holiday. It was so good having my boy home. We chilled alot but we also went to Belfast for 3 days to stay with my cousins.

I've not flown since 2011 so I was apprehensive about it but it all went well. I used my wheelchair right onto the airplane. The assistance staff at both airports were fabulous.

 My cousins live in the Titanic quarter which is very modern. Everything was walking distance (for Keagan not me, he pushed me around!) My cousins live in the middle block of apartments, however they are at the rear so don't have a full on water view. But they do have one side window that looks out over the water. Stunning location.

 We enjoyed the Titanic museum and discovery tour. Here's the actual slipway where Titanic was built. The layout is mapped in the stone work. The poles mark the gantry points. This photo does not do the size justice. The poles are only half the height of the actual ship!

 I took this photo of the museum when we were on the slipway. The museum was built this shape to honour the great ships built there. Our tour guide took us around explaining everything Titanic!

The city itself is fascinating. Lots of old buildings and wonderful architecture. Super street art. And the people were so friendly.

 City Hall - stunning inside and out.

 We found the official Liverpool shop. Keagan had his Rovers shirt on so had to take this pic. We did go in and Keagan bought himself a shirt half price! (We support Bristol Rovers but follow Liverpool)

My cousin took us to an older part of the city where this alleyway was painted with amazing artwork. It backs onto the oldest building in Belfast. Here we are outside -

We also met up with our friend's from football. We met them at Rovers when their son/brother Michael played for Rovers. He now plays for Peterborough. He recently was called up to the Northern Ireland squad before the Euros but didn't make the 23 man squad that went. Kim came and picked us up and we went out for dinner and spent the evening catching up as it's been 2 and half years since we last saw them.

Yes Keagan is wearing a Northern Ireland shirt. He bought it and had Smith 25 put on it as that's Michael's name/number.

 The fanzone for the footy was just along from where we stayed so we went along to watch some of the Republic of Ireland game. It was busy at the front so we stayed back. Here's a selfie of us all. Obviously I'm in my chair. I'm not that short really!!

Sorry it's a long post but lots to catch you up with!

Take care Zo xx

Some new colouring techniques

I've recently signed up to the Kit and Clowder Elements of Nature class 

So far I love it! Alyce has such a great way of teaching with her video tutorials and step-by-step instructions. 

I've completed 3 of the lessons so far - 

 This is my dad's Father's Day card - the lesson was colouring the rusty watering can - a technique I've not tried before. I'm so pleased how it turned out.

These Lilies were a joy to colour - Alyce has challenged me to do them as white as I always go for bold bright options!

Here's another new technique - colouring dew drops. Again I loved this and have never been able to create them before. Until now!

I will share some more as I learn. I've used my Copics to colour all of these.

Take care Zo xx

Catching up - new hair, stamps & colouring.

Hello to you all. 

Now I've stepped back from blogging for a few weeks to deliberate about how I want to go forwards with it.

While I'll continue to share crafty makes and join in with sharing my desk. I thought I'd actually make an effort to use my blog for more than just crafts. I'm just not creating enough to maintain it as craft only. I know I tried this once before but failed to maintain it. So I'm trying again. With renewed determination!

So today I'm here to catch up. Share what's been going on. First up is my hair - 

 Not sure how it comes across on your screen but it's definitely vibrant pink/purple. The colour is called Pure Purple. But believe me when I say it's a lot more bold pink! But I don't care I love it!!

I've not done a lot of colouring so wanted to learn more techniques so I signed up to the Kit and Clowder Elements of Nature colouring class.

 Here's my first project - the Lillies lesson. Probably one of the harder lessons but I just got on with it and really enjoyed colouring these. I want to do them in different colours now I know how to do them.

I've not bought any craft stash for ages but I came across Tim Holtz Crazy Birds stamps at a super price. So I had to get them. I've used them to make a few birthday cards.

 I sprayed a piece of card with different inks and left to dry. I then stamped the birds and cut them out. I added glossy accents and some sparkle. I also added white paint to pick out some detail.

As a football fan I'm thoroughly enjoying having multiple games on each day. I've watched or listened to every one so far!

Take care Zo xx

WOYWW 364 - 7th Anniversary.

Hello fellow desk dashers - it's the 7th anniversary of this desk sharing malarky and you can find all the details and the desks over at LLJ Fabric Frenzy

Now I'm sadly not taking part in the swap as I've not been so good and haven't made anything. I've not done much crafting other than a spot of crochet while resting. The window desk is bare (well there's a WIP I can't share that's been sat there for weeks) but I did snap the right side for you.

There's the pens & trays of pencils. The pencil covered shelves in front of my Ebosser are part of a decorated MDF shelving unit that Debs gave me for my birthday recently. She decorated it beautifully with pencil paper. I'm going to use it to put the pencils or pens I'm using on it so I don't lose the colour combos. At the front are my football sticker swaps for my Euro 2016 Panini sticker book. I only need about 95 stickers to complete now!

As I don't have ATC's to swap I thought I'd share 2 photos with you all. 

The first was taken 26 years ago. It was the first time Bristol Rovers played at what is now the old Wembley stadium. L-R Me, my younger brother Danny, our dad at the back and our friend Paul. 

I've seen Rovers play twice at the old Wembley and twice and the new Wembley. We lost both times at the old one but won both times at the new one!

The next photo was taken recently at a Point to Point meeting where Keagan was working for Team Scott. He works for the Jeremy Scott racing yard where they train both National Hunt and Point to Point racehorses. He's leading up here in the parade ring before a race. 

Professional photographers take these photos. As Keagan was tagged in the photos it meant I got to see it and can share it.

 

Happy WOYWW everyone. You guys are the best.

Take care Zo xx

A moment in History - fears, tears & celebration!

 It's taken me a couple of days to calm down enough to think, to write this.

If you know me, or follow me on other social media you will already seen what happened on Saturday. I am a Gashead you see. I support Bristol Rovers. And have done so for 30 years. I've held a season ticket for many years and go to as many games as I am able. 

Being disabled I use my wheelchair (yes it's blue!) & usually my mum comes to push me round the ground, in the bar and down to where my seat is in the South Stand. Mum's not really bothered about the football but comes to make sure I enjoy my day & helps me do that.

During my time watching Rovers I have witnessed 1 automatic promotion in 1990 and 2 promotions via the play offs. 2007 & 2015.

I have never experienced what I experienced on Saturday.

It was the last game of the season. Rovers were in 4th place. Outside of the automatic places. Basically we had to win and hope that Oxford or Accrington Stanley would drop points.

Here's my day in pictures - 

 My mate Dave (he lives in Huddersfield) was down for the game and I met him in the bar before the match. Pre-match nerves were very obvious.

 

Early on it was a beautiful day. I get to my seat early so was able to take this before it all filled up.

 Our mascot Captain Black Arab walks around the entire ground meeting youngsters and waving his flag!

 The surfer flag was out as well.

I took a half time selfie with my mum. We didn't realise then that we'd witness a very dramatic ending to our day!

At 90mins we were drawing 1 -1 which meant as it stood we would miss out on automatic promotion. Oxford were winning and Accrington were drawing. We had to win. To equal Accrington on points but we had a better goal difference. 

I didn't think it would happen. The players gave everything. We had 35 shots. The ball hit everything other than the back of the net.

BUT. In the 92 min Rovers attacked once again. Matty Taylor's shot hit the post rebounding back to Lee Brown who connected with the ball with his right foot (he's a left footer normally!) and put it in the net. Cue crazy scenes of celebration before everyone realised we still have time to play and Accrington were still playing.

Me and mum stayed in the stand. Many ran on the pitch straight away. I couldn't. I stood there screaming but also knowing we had to wait for Accrington's game to finish.

This was the scene. Taken from the high stand to my right. Over 11 thousand fans were there, (300 from our opposition). There was a subdued moment where everyone stopped. And then the news broke that Accrington's game had finished. They drew 0 - 0 which meant Rovers were promoted on goal difference. We had the same points. 85 points.The roar that went up was incredible.

That was when I sent mum to get my chair as I was not going to sit and watch everyone on the pitch I wanted to join in!

I confess as I waited for mum I shed a few tears. I couldn't believe it.

I took a few pics on the pitch.

In the end box is our owner and his directors, chairman and his family.

The players were held aloft on shoulders and everyone sang and danced and celebrated together. The players hugged and kissed everyone.

 I was sat at the side of the pitch when our manager came over. Yep Darrell Clarke is one amazing man!

 Our top goal scorer came my way as well, surrounded by elated fans.

Someone took this from the executive boxes. What a scene!

I have to thank Liz - Crafty Sunflower for taking this photo of me and mum on the pitch! We waved to each other before the game as we can see each other from our respective seats. Mum was pushing me away from the crowd at this point.

I managed to get mum to manage the crowds to capture these pictures with players.

 With Lee Brown - our goal scoring hero. Also 1 of my fav players. Yes I gave him a huge hug and kiss!

 Will Puddy - yes he got a hug and a kiss too.

 Rory Gaffney. Another recipient of a hug and kiss from me.

Lee Mansell - my other fav player. And yes you guessed it. I gave him a huge hug. But when it came to a kiss. He didn't just offer his cheek he grabbed my face and planted a huge smacker right on the lips. So funny. You see Lee is known for his kisses!! (Long story - he once kissed an opposition player to diffuse a situation in the pitch!) 

My mum found it all rather amusing!!

So there you go. We got home just before 7. It didn't feel right to sit in home on my own, I was on cloud 9, buzzing, so me and brother Danny and sister-in-law Jen, who were also at the match, went out for a celebratory drink (well I had coke!). 

Mind you our evening was very quiet compared to most. A busy road just round corner from the ground had to be shut as Gasheads filled it for many hours. Players were carried down the road on the shoulders of the fans. Even our owner went down for a while to celebrate with the fans at the pub. No security guards keeping fans and players apart like they do in the Premier league.

Here's our owner Wael Al-Qadi being carried to the pub.

Here's Lee Brown being carried - shirt soaked in champagne & cider but it didn't matter. All the players went out with the fans and celebrated into the early hours.

 

I already have my season ticket for next season. Little did I know when I bought it that I would be watching League 1 football!

UTG

Take care Zo xx

WOYWW 361 - something new.

Hello desk dashers - I'm joining in with Julia at The Stamping Ground for our usual weekly desk share.

I'm presently setting up my new phone so my desk is now covered in phone stuff. Transfering from old to new phone is so easy now. I had to put them back to back then connect lead from 1 to other. It's now installing and doing everything itself having copied from old phone. Exciting. Can't wait to play.

Earlier I took these photos of my desk - 

 Right hand desk is a mess. You can see my storage block Julia made me with all my tools & bits bobs I use all the time. Then there's the trays of pencils in front of my copics. My Euro 2016 sticker album is there also.

My window desk is bathed in sunlight. The WIP book folding project is to the left then there's the huge piece of white card that I use to put projects on to take pics.

The finished project is a little picture hanging for my friend as she's just had a baby boy. I really challenged myself with this. As you all know I'm a copic marker girl but I thought I'd be brave and attempt to colour with my Prismas on kraft card. Must say I'm very very happy with myself. Here's the finished project - 

A close up - am so pleased with the skin. I've never managed to blend as well as I have here. I deliberately didn't blend the blue babygrow as I wanted it to look like material.

Have a fabulous week. It's warm here so I shall have my rest sat outside reading in the sunshine later.

Oh many of you who see me on other social media will know I had a fall on the stairs on Saturday. I'm ok but it was the kick up the backside I needed to make that phone call to see about a stairlift. I'm on the waiting list for an OT consult. I've already had an OT consult couple of years ago and had my bathroom changed to a wetroom and other equipment installed. So they already have my file and information. Fingers crossed it won't be too long. 

I always said I would make the call once I started feeling unsafe on the stairs and I wouldn't wait until I really hurt myself to do it.

Take care Zo xx

WOYWW & a football fan's tribute

So my post today is in parts - feel free to read some or all of it as you wish.. I'm linking up with Julia and everyone else over at The Stamping Ground. 

My desk -

No, your eyes are not deceiving you that really is a dog on my desk. Baxter. My constant companion. He loves to sit on the desk to watch the world go by. He usually sits, but he decided to lie down earlier so I snapped the photo quickly before he changed his mind. When the sun shines he makes sure he gets what parts of him he can in those rays!

 

The rest of my post is my tribute as a football fan following yesterday's historic verdict finally delivering justice for the 96 Liverpool fans who were unlawfully killed at Hillsborough on 15th April 1989.

 On that day in 1989 I was with my family watching Bristol Rovers play away at Brentford. I was 13 years old. Like every fan who goes away to a game you think about the match, the result and enjoying the atmosphere with your fellow fans. Today I have some memory of being in the ground at Griffin Park that day, but unless I google it I can't remember the result nor the team that lined up. I do remember parts of the journey home. Sitting in silence. Listening to the radio. Trying to understand what was being said.

At no point did I think of my safety nor the possibility of never going home after the match that day. 

 

 Those Liverpool fans would have started their day like we did. They went to that match thinking about the game, thinking about what the result maybe and were most definitely looking forward to the atmosphere of a cup game. 

 

 Like me, I'm sure they never thought of their safety or the possibility of never going home after the match that day.

 

But 96 football fans never did go home.

 

Here we are 27 years later and finally the truth has been told. Justice & the proper unlawful killing verdict has been granted.

 

As a football fan who went all over the country in the late 80's and early 90's as a child and as a teenager with my family, I experienced those pens and fences and barriers that were present at every ground. Like every other fan. Those 'safety' measures were not like ones you see today. I still remember how it felt being crushed up against a fence or a gate. It happened to me a couple of times. It was only for a few moments. But. Still. 

 

It was horrific. 

 

I can't let myself think about what those Liverpool fans experienced that day.

 

The years that followed will go down in history as one of the biggest cover ups & legal battles. 

 

I went to Hillsborough to watch Bristol Rovers. Think it was 2007/2008 season. I took Keagan. I remember arriving down the famous Leppings Lane road. I remember standing outside the away end looking up and down the road. I remember feeling uneasy. It seemed even smaller in reality. This road. This road that 24 thousand Liverpool fans would've walked down. The area outside the turnstiles was supervised and organised for us. But it didn't take much to imagine what it must have been like for those fans. 

 

I couldn't stay outside. 

 

We sat in the upper tier looking down over the central areas. I couldn't help squeezing Keagan's hand tighter. Even with all the seats and modern safety in place I felt on edge. Uncomfortable. My head was filled with those pictures we've all seen on tv. Rovers lost 6-2 that day. It didn't matter to me. Not that day. Not there. 

This is the away Leppings Lane end now. The tunnel is still there. I think we were sat in the middle section above it. Right above the 2 central areas. 

 

I've never visited the memorial at Hillsborough for the 96 fans.

 I regret that now. 

Over the years I've stood in silence or in applause to honour the 96 at numerous football matches. As the years went on my respect and admiration for the families grew. They never gave up. No matter what was thrown at them. They stood up to the dinosaurs and those in power. 

As a football fan you just knew those Liverpool fans were not to blame. 

I can't imagine how the families must feel today. 

The truth. Justice. Accountability. 

 

#JFT96 RIP 

Take care Zo xx