and everything stops for tea xx

or so we say in jolly England. I haven't blogged for ages and so I was scooting through my friend's blog posts when Abi's caught my eye. She's inviting us all to sit down and share some tea and story telling with her.

So welcome to my humble abode which today is jolly chilly. I am sitting writing this with a fluffy cat curled up beside me. She will probably give you a look and maybe purr if you tickle her chin. I would offer you tea, you can choose several varieties at the moment - Earl Grey from Fortnum and Mason's (a gift from a friend), Red Bush tea, Lapsang Sushong, Darjeeling -  we like variety. I might even be able to find a herbal one if you're lucky. I would offer you a biscuit although they're not all that exciting.

As I have my laptop on I'd ask for you opinion on my new blog developments. Do you like the header, can you contact me through my new banners? Do you like the background design? I'd ask you what else you'd like to see on the blog and how user friendly it is/isn't.

I might share with you my mental health issues today which are getting better. Everyday is very different. Only five days ago I was having panic attacks and scaring my parents to death. But today I feel happier, less tired and certainly not a panic attack in sight.

I would tell you I have been making some crocheted bits, a granny square which is turning into a blanket and some jam jar covers from Attic 24. I would tell you I love the repetition and the colours I have in my basket.

If it is warm enough and yes the sun just came out, I would take around the grounds so we could look at the spring flowers which are coming out and check how the fish in the pond are. I would then bring you home for more tea and biscuits, well who's counting calories today honestly?

I might tell you about the books I've read recently and the fun I am having discovering new authors. Or of the new blogs I'm enjoying and the fun I'm having reading Julie Kirk's blog posts on blog posting. I might show you Bright Bazaar where colour and blogging mix together with travel, DIY and life and I'm getting slightly addicted. I'd tell you how passionate I am about supporting The Friend Movement a campaign to end bullying. I might tell you my bullying story.

Friend Movement was created to help show positive anti-bully images through art and media. Images of people of all ages, race, gender, sexuality, and spirituality that invoke inspiration & conversation. Friend movement inspires people to prevent bullying by enabling them to be a better friend.

I would show you my new craft room where there used to be a guest bedroom and the new desk and shelves that have been made from Ikea. Mine has beech draws instead of white like the one below. I would show you how I have begun organising my crafting supplies and that I am hoping my scrapbooking mojo returns really soon.

I might ask you what plans you have for crafting and what you have planned for the Easter holidays. You might be travelling like Abi is or you might be at home with family and friends. We might chat about going to church on Easter Sunday or in my case perhaps the Cathedral.

Whatever happens during our time together I will gain joy from our friendship and meeting and look forward with anticipation to our next one which I hope will be at your home so we can share your plans.