Out of order, but....

I wanted to blog today about today, and then blog about the NEC weekend (last weekend) tomorrow, when I've sussed my camera out....so I am!

So today, we did another fantastic trip to great ormond street hospital. We crafted with some brilliant kids, and got to meet the doctor, Suellen, who specialises in the field of pain research, and who will be working in the new neurosensory laboratory.

As usual what an enlightening and emotional visit. Dr Clark is an amazing woman, the new laboratory will be only one of approximately 4 in the world to be a research facility based in the hospital - yet the research done here will benefit children all over the world. And not just children, the work done will actually see how we react to pain, and how that develops later in life (mentally and physically) so therefore things that need to be treated differently or avoided for risk of future negative reactions can be learnt and applied. The work is astounding. Prem babies do not have a developed nervous system and work here has already shown how they react differently compared to full term babies - and how it effects them in later life. I recon pain is something we all know a lot about, so we can all relate to this one, but when you hear about the work being done they really do investigate things in such complexity and depth.

It was such a good visit, what a fantastic hospital. Today it was very busy. For me, it's seeing parents who are visibly upset - as I can directly relate. However we don't go on the wards, I'm pretty sure a baby ward specifically would make me shed more than a few tears. Yet here are all these brave kids, and so many people on so many levels working to help them on every twist and turn on, what must be, such a traumatic and scary time.

Personally I thought today would be tricky emotionally. 5 years ago this week our Jacob was on a life support machine and we hadn't a clue what was going to happen - but i think experiencing such intense emotions just allows me a greater depth of respect for all the staff, and obviously I feel for those poor parents, who have to take every day as it comes.

I'm very proud to be associated with this campaign and really hope we manage to reach the target.

At work we're doing a bake-a-thon. I can't bake, but I can buy and eat - ( obviously only as the cash is for charity :). Hopefully this year we'll be able to do a few more things as well....thinking caps on!!

The GOSH event launches next week on Tuesday - please have a nosey on c&c and ideal world to see if you "need" anything (£1 will be made to GOSH from every order) or can make a donation.

Thank you so much xx

- thank you for popping along and having a read, Leonie

The origin awards

One for the team! Debbie and i collected the award (nope, there wasn't any booze!) :)

Stephy won presenter award, Joanna best cardmaker and indigo blu best stamps. Two more to go

Xxx


- thank you for popping along and having a read, Leonie

Stitches

Phew, made it. Chilly in Birmingham! Right, better find the stand. Anyone visiting come and say hello, I'm demoing for crafty notions.


- thank you for popping along and having a read, Leonie

Linda Peterson - amazing designs

I promised I would share, so here's a few photos of Linda's wonderful jewellery designs from the show. Catch us today at 10am (which means I should be putting my makeup on, not blogging!!):






















- thank you for popping along and having a read, Leonie

Create and crafty Friday

Today is another great day, I'll get photo proof later on!! This is the rota:

10am - Creative expressions, Sam Poole brand near stamps

11am - Linda Peterson (google her, her work is amazing!)

2pm - Sam and more brilliant demos

5pm - hunkydory pow with our very own Anne Marie

Damn fine day :) xx


- thank you for popping along and having a read, Leonie

Hairy kids debut!!

The hairy kids (the dogs that is, not children in need of a shave) are appearing on tv today! I'm so proud. The little clip will be shown on the love pets show at 11 on ideal world, then again at 4pm. Next time I think I'll have to bring one of them in for a live appearance, that would be a giggle!

On the crafty front, today brings us:
10am simplicity with Jennie
12pm jewellery with kleshna
3pm another chance to see kleshna
5pm simplicity with Jennie

Happy days.


- thank you for popping along and having a read, Leonie

My last dawn n friends....

Our dawn is returning to your screens next week.....seems like she's been away an age doesn't it! So it's my last DB and friends. The DB delight (still make me giggle, great title) is a 3 for 2. We like those little beauties. It's a mix of pretty images, with vibrant tones. So a little something for everyone....here's a quick tease:












Looking forward to seeing who my pals our for this week. Seeya at 2 :)