It's official!

I have a brain and it's 'normal'! (This photo is not actually my brain though!)

After developing a 'twitching' eye out of the blue last sunday, by Wednesday I had had enough so went to see and Opthamologist. Apparently the symptoms I displayed , although mild, were a sign of one of the few emergencies in eye conditions. I was sent immediately to the main eye clinic in Helsinki for further tests and scheduled for an MRI scan the next day. An interesting experience, not too unpleasant - the main displeasure being made to listen to Celine Dion as I lay inside what sounded like a broken washing machine!
Fortunately the outcome was good in that I didn't have a brain aneurysm and my brain was looking good!
I have nothing but praise for the treatment and care I received at the obviously very busy eye clinic - Thank you!
My twitching eye remains a bit of a mystery so I have a review at the clinic next week, but with luck it should settle of its own accord. I just have to be a little more careful needle felting - sharp needles and twitchy eyes are not a good combination!

Up!

The children and I ventured into Helsinki last weekend to see Up. What a great film, definitely one to see and we can't wait for the DVD to come out!
At a particularly poignant bit, when the old man is reminiscing over some old photos( imagine silent cinema, people taking in the moment) a little 'loud' voice next to me says " Mummy are you crying?" (I was!). Aleksi kept a close eye on me for the rest of the film, checking I was OK. Bless!
But there was more words of wisdom to come. As we headed back to catch the bus home, there was a young man standing next to us at the zebra crossing - that little 'loud' voice again - "Look Mummy a boat man!" Actually quite correct , a sailor probably heading back to his 'boat' after the weekend!
Makes me smile just thinking of it now!

Where do you get your ideas from?

I get asked this a lot! Sometimes there is no obvious answer - ideas do literally pop into my head, just as I am going to sleep is a popular time! Having said that I do find inspiration in the most unexpected places - a news headline about the swine flu, including a photo of a highly magnified virus, gave me the idea to make the virus family.
This plant was inspired after playing Playstation Batman Lego - The final 'baddy' to beat was a rather impressive venus fly trap - though this one ate lego bricks!
I find children's books are a great source for ideas - the pictures are often quite 'simple' with great colours. I also take loads of photographs and have an impressive collection of postcards that give me ideas for shape and colour. Kids TV is another great resource (also gives me an excuse to watch cartoons!)
I then have my own design consultant - my 7½ year old daughter!

Here is the finished article!

More often than not though I just pick up a fistful of wool and needle away! So keep those eyes open and your next project may be staring right back at you!

Six

When I was One,
I had just begun.

When I was Two,
I was nearly new.

When I was Three,
I was hardly me.

When I was Four,
I was not much more.

When I was Five,
I was just alive.

But now I am Six, I'm as clever as clever.
So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.
(with acknowledgement to A.A.Milne)

Happy Birthday Aleksi!