Hello all. Here we are at the end of week 15 of lockdown and the end of our first week of the summer holidays. It has flown by, but I feel like I haven’t done much either. Although, I feel like I’ve never had a minute and want to just slow down this weekend. Lots of lockdown changes and easing of the rules, the biggest change for us is the removal of the social distancing with kids under 12. It will mean Aria can play with a friend or two without adults hovering about worrying they are too close. That is if it ever stops raining. It has honestly, rained non stop all week, with the exception of a few hours on Thursday evening. It is just dreich and miserable right now out the window. I spoke to a client earlier and was suggesting we change our windows to nice sunny screensavers. I think that might be my new plan. How has your week been? I have my socially distanced hug all ready for you. HUGGLE.
Let’s see how things have been since last week’s weekly post. On Saturday the kids, all the kids did some baking with me. Lucas made some chocolate chip cookies, Aria made some chocolate M&M cookies and Tyler and I made two lots of fudge. You can see the photo above Aria is looking a bit suspicious at holding the cookies. She may have already eaten a couple. I had been looking at some gnomes on Pinterest, I love gnomes, especially nordic gnomes and even made a few. Anyway, I digress, I came across some images of David the Gnome and loved that cartoon as a kid. I found them on youtube so Aria and I have been watching an episode a day of that. It’s been lovely. We also added in an episode of Gummi Bears, another 80s cartoon I loved, which is on Disney plus if you liked it too. Robert was working but from home. We had a takeaway for dinner and I had a lovely Crabbie Rhubarb Ginger Beer which was delish. The kids played upstairs together and we started watching The Sinner. Not my cup of tea, but good so far.
Sunday the younger two were doing lots of drawing. Aria drew me some David the Gnome pictures and I thought it might be good to draw some too, so that took up some of the day. It was a lovely week day drawing, I love it. Aria got booked into some 121 gymnastics for over the summer. We visited the inlaws and the boys were out on the bike for a bit. I had a Glasgow Children’s Writers Group meetup via zoom and we did some writing exercises with prompts and read them out. That always makes me nervous but it was good to do. Tesco food delivery and Aria and I watched some David the Gnome in her bed in the evening while the boys of the household played Fortnite or COD or some shooty game. It is no easy task getting in and out of Aria’s cabin bed. Then some reading for me. I am reading my friend’s book while she reads mine and it’s lovely. I think it’s awesome. I also captured the beautiful red sky. Isn’t it gorgeous colours? So vibrant.
Back to Monday, rubbish weather and everyone seemed in a really bad mood. I was sad and nothing seemed to go right. Work was busy too. In the evening I had the final instalment of the Writing Rejection Course. I didn’t really feel like speaking to anyone but stepped out the comfort zone and it was a really interesting session. I have met a few new writers on it and it’s been good. I watched an episode of David the Gnome with Aria before doing some more reading in the evening.
The kids are off on holidays now, so there is no more homeschooling, so that has helped with us working from home. They have been playing about, but due to the weather, they have been on electronics more too. I am not too bothered as they keep up with their daily exercises and play outdoors when it’s not bucketing from the heavens. Did I mention the weather has been truly horrid? Plus, they see us on electronics due to working in IT. It’s about explaining that balance to them too. Tuesday it was all about work, it’s been really busy. The kids play with their friends and their cousin has spent some much time playing with Aria online, they facetime each other and she’s been so patient with her. It is really lovely to see how much closer they’ve become. Did I tell you I got an exercise bike? I can’t remember, but I have and I’ve been doing 5k on it every day since I got it 9 days ago now. I am down to 13 minutes 20 seconds as my record. It is a start and it’s about keeping it up, which I hope to and then build on it. Exercise is not my thing, but needs must, especially with the even less movement just now.
Wednesday saw an early start for the boys as the new football team they support, tops were released and there was only a limited number. They have both saved money from birthdays to get it, so we were all trying to grab one before they sold out before we started work. Thankfully, they got one and were happy boys. The two younger kids did a lot of drawing today and followed some youtube tutorials which are amazing. I’d have loved these as a kid. I had an agent 121 at lunchtime which went well. She said I had lots of potential, she loved the story, and I write beautifully, but I need to make this stronger, explain that better and lots of wee things I could include to make it more appealing to agents and eventually publishers. It’s hard when you’ve worked so hard and so long. You just want to hear the positives after so many this isn’t right or that needs to be done this way. Although it wasn’t bad, I still felt quite deflated after it. I didn’t expect to feel that way, but I did. I will bounce back, but need to do some more work on it, not too much, but still. And I know it’s subjective. The weather still sucked and work was so busy too. I was knocked come the evening. I did my exercise bike and watched an episode of The Magnolias. It is quite good. Have you watched it?
Another super busy day work-wise on Thursday and I never stopped. We had the First Ministers briefing on and got texts from neighbours about the kids being able to go out and play. While I was working Aria and I played the missing game, have you played it? We use the tray above and you put a towel over and remove an item. The person has to decide what had been removed. It’s great fun and all three played with it for hours. I think teens and tweens forget that simple games are fun and it’s ok to play. I booked some workshops and 121’s with an agent for WOWcon in September. We visited the inlaws. And I made a mask in the evening. Since it’s going to be mandatory up here for masks in shops, it seemed like the best idea. It turned out well. So I expect to be making more.
A quieter day work-wise on Friday, but still busy. Robert was in Edinburgh working. Twilight is being a wee horror, even though butter wouldn’t melt up there on that picture, she is biting and nipping at us now and again. She never scratches but bites. The weather was horrid again. I made dinner and the kids played. I plan to make some more masks this weekend and have the house all clean and washing is done in time for settling down and hopefully a chilled weekend. I plan to watch The Babysitters Club and Frozen 2 with Aria. Not sure what else we are up to. What about you?
I’ll leave you with my favourite quote of the week. I also think that the photo of Aria above matches this. “Don’t compare your life to others. There’s no comparison between the sun and the moon. They shine with it’s their time.”
Well I never knew you were a gnome aficionado Susan! Anyway, I’ve heard about the change in lockdown rules north of the border and I wish you every success following them, although how you’ll police kids of different ages and police hugs outside and inside i do not know. Good luck! Sorry to hear about the rain. Weather hasn’t always been the best down here either. As for screen time, it’s inevitable I think. Have a great week.
lol yes, they are soooo cute. What’s not to like? Yes, it’s not ideal with the ages, but some like to go out to play more than others. Fingers crossed the weather improves. x
Keep going with the writing Susan! I’m so impressed by your dedication. Also glad you can finally relax a bit with the homeschooling. We technically have until 2 more weeks of it x
Aww thank you lovely. You will be one of the first to read, one day. I hope it goes well xx
The relaxation for younger children sounds great, although I’m glad it’s not the case here because there would only be grumbles from my 13 year old! I haven’t played that missing game for years, but it really is a simple one to do.
Yes, I have the same with my 13 year old. He is not grasping it and it’s oh so unfair. It is a simple and fun game xx
Love the red sky and of course your children are always adorable to see – good luck with the changes! #MySundayPhoto
Aww thank you x
Best wishes for the changes – that sky is WOW!!
Thank you x
Now that is what you call a sky, and the cookies look amazing too
Thank you for linking up to #MySundayPhoto ❤️
Thank you x
Aww! I hope Aria has fun playing with her friends and it stops raining.
Those cookies do look tasty!
It sounds like a busy week for you.
It sounds like you are doing so well with your writing. Keep at it x
The rain hasn’t stopped play to be honest. Cookies are always good x
What a beautiful red sky X #mysundayphoto
Thank you x
Oh I love your sky photos. I wish we had a good view from our house but it’s just rooftops or hedges wherever you turn.
Aria’s photo with her arms stretched wide is brilliant, she looks like a young lady ready to take on the world on her terms.
Aww thank you. I tend to take one from above. I do cut out a lot of the junk in the way. I go to a lot of lengths to take a nice sky pic. There have been some hanging out of upstairs windows been done. I am not proud. She is a girl about to take on the world. She is fierce xx
The U12s rule is a great one. Nice for children to be able to play without any worries. I’d not heard about that one.
I think so too. I don’t know if it’s a Scottish rule or if down south have it too x
Ahh we’re into the first week of holidays this week and it’s all so much calmer, with no rushing about at work and chasing up the kids to check they’ve done their homework ! Shame you’ve had such rubbish weather though – I hope the sun arrives soon ! Sorry to hear you’re feeling deflated about your book – it’s just one person’s opinion though, so don’t lose faith 🙂 The cookies look delicious – I need to make some of those this week, yummm !
I am glad things have been a bit clamer. I hope the sun stays soon. I hope you are having some sunshine and enjoying the holidays. I know, I appreciate your kind words. Thank you x
Ah lovely photos Susan, that red sky is amazing. I can’t believe we are nearly at the end of the Summer term. It’s crazy.
Thank you so much for linking up with #SilentSunday x
It goes so fast just now x
Gorgeous purple red sky, so dramatic! We’re still two weeks away from the official holidays. Eddie does a lot of YouTube tutorials with step by step drawings. I would have loved them as a kid too, but of course, they didn’t exist then, or the Internet for that matter (I’m that old).
I’m indifferent to gnomes or fairies (apologies to them both).
Don’t feel deflated about the agent’s advice, they don’t always know better. My husband writes a lot of articles on organised crime (+published 3 books), and the editors would sometimes come up with suggestions which make no sense whatsoever or make some gross mistakes on the matter.
Thank you. I hope the holidays go well. They are fun ways to learn to draw aren’t they. Fair enough. Wow that is amazing about your husband. Shame I don’t write crime. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. I really appreciate you sharing them with me xx
It sounds like a busy week! It must be nice not having to juggle with the school work though. That first photo of Aria reminds me so much of my niece – such a cheeky face! That must have been disheartening to hear that you need to do more work on your book, but it sounds like you got some really positive comments too! x
Yes, the no school work helps. Bless, she is fierce. It is swings and roundabouts I guess. I just feel I am struggling for time xx
school holidays will be a big help to take some of the stress off. Bob likes a lot of you tube stuff and follows a few favourites but was also caught by DD1 for following some he had been told not to so there were repercussions for that.
Love the sneaky face look, so sweet and angelic, difficult to tell off.
The rain has been bad lately though I am sure you have had more than us by reading your tweets.
Simple things are often the best, and practise for when the internet may be down.
Yes, they do take away part of that street. Aww bless, Bob, they have to learn, don’t they? Yes, she is fierce though. Honestly, I am so fed up of the rain xx
Those cookies look delicious and what beautiful colours from the sunset sky. Being on school holidays must take the pressure off a bit – I’m quite looking forward to our summer holidays starting in a couple of weeks. Well done for doing 5k each day on your exercise bike. Glad the boys managed to get their football tops. I can understand how the meeting with your agent left you feeling deflated – criticism can be hard to take even when it is positive and constructive. The missing game sounds like fun – I should try that with Sophie. Love that quote you finished with. #project366
Thank you. The cookies were lovely. The sky was amazing too. I hope it isn’t long until the holidays. Thank you, they are getting there. It is hard isn’t it, but you are right, positive too. I think Sophie would like that game x
Hope the kids continue to enjoy the holidays…fingers crossed for some better weather hey? #mysundayphoto #ordinarymoments
Fingers crossed the weather improves x
That sky picture is stunning and Twilight looks so regal!
I was initially stressed about screen time and now just go with the flow. We have one more week of schooling left and then its the holidays…just hope the weather improves as there has been a lot of rain.
Glad the boys managed to get the tops they wanted.
Thank you. Yeah, I think you just need to get like that x
Cookies, more cookies and fudge?! I was seriously in the wrong house last week! I love fudge!!!!
That sky image is absolutely stunning, we have not been lucky enough to have such beautiful sunsets recently due to the weather… but here’s hoping! The Missing Game sounds like such a fun idea – simple, easy to set up and just requires brain power… we will be giving that a try! Hope you have all had a lovely week! Sim x
lol you can’t beat some fudge. Thank you lovey. It is fun, something that keeps the brain ticking over x
I love that photo of the sky, you really take some great photos. All the baking in your house this week sounds yummy, I made some little tarts with gooseberries out the garden this morning. I will not let you (in a nice way 😊) give up your writing, it is too good and your story is awesome. Sorry the weather has been so yucky, hope it is a little better today so you and the kids can enjoy some outdoor time. We had a little picnic lunch up a hill today which was nice. Impressed with the exercise regime. At the beginning of the lockdown I started cycling on my exercise cycle and got to 5K but ashamed to say I have let it slide. xx
Thank you lovely. We do lots of baking here. Those little tarts sound so good. Aww thank you lovely as is yours. I love your story so much. The weather is still pretty rubbish. It is hard to keep going hon. Thank you for everything xx
I am so envious of your u12 no social distancing rule. I’m hoping we get similar soon! x
I am sure you will. It makes all the difference, although, my 13yo isn’t happy lol xx
With lockdown and rubbish weather, it’s only inevitable that kids (and adults) will end up using more tech especially so if you work with IT. We have also explained the balance but find it hard to accomplish at times.
As for the weather – I’ve changed all my laptop wallpaper to scenes of beaches and warmer weather as I too feel miserable due to the weather. Such a gorgeous sunset scene there though – gorgeous red skies at night!
Thanks so much as always for sharing and for linking up with #MySundaySnapshot.
The weather is rubbihs. It really is hard to find the balance at times. That is a good plan with the laptop wallpaper xx
we have a cat like that, Jasper is very naughty and bites. Thankfully he’s also very cute. That red sky is amazing.
We have also been making masks too. I think Scotland has been far more sensible about things to be honest.
Aww that is good. Thank you xx
Ohh those cookies look good! I bet it is nice to not have to homeschool after so long, just have some time to be a family and enjoy each others company again.
It is nice. Thank you x
Those cookies look gorgeous, chunky and full of chocolate how I love them! Well done kids. Can’t believe you have ticked off the first week of the school holidays already, my boys still have school next week before we clock off. Your cat is cheeky, looks like butter wouldn’t melt but is a biter, hope it settles down for you! Maybe its the weather.
They were very nice. Thank you. She is a cutie xx
I always forget that yours break up earlier than we do in England, it must be such a relief to finish the schoolwork. Hope things are starting to feel better now that the restrictions are starting to lift
It does help and the kids need a break too xx
Socially distanced hug back! Social distancing removed for kids? Aren’t people of all ages equally at risk? I play some shooty games too like Unchartered & Tomb Raider. The red sky looks beautiful. The cookies look delicious. Good to be a bit out of your comfort zone through the writing exercises. I’d love to see your Gnome drawings. The weather seems quite horrid in the UK in this week. Great record! The missing game sounds like fun
Beautiful quote
Thank you. They are saying that it is a lot less of a risk for under 12s. That is only in Scotland though. Thank you xx
I alwasy forget that you guys break up before us. Sorry the weather has been a bit rubbish I hope that it gets better for you. I am with you on the working through the Summer holidays I am dreading it if I am honest. I have one week off and I am hoping to get some more. Sounds like you have been enjoying the drawing, sorry to hear about the meeting with your editor left you deflated. But I think its an amazing achievement with what you have done so far. Remember that x
Yeah, it was the same when I was wee too. I hope the weather improves. Thank you xxx