Thursday journal with Neet.

The words the week are 'It's nearly time for my psychotic break' I don't think I am psychotic, at least I hope I am not.

Hollys cousin Sharon was as usual sitting on her fly agaric cushion and seemed to be thinking quietly in her garden in a world of her own. 

"What are you doing, apart from sitting quietly", asked Holly.

"I am just making up my mind whether to go on a world trip with my boyfriend and have to give up my well paid job, or whether to just tell him no" replied Sharon.

Holly didn't believe for one minute that he had enough money to go on a world tour, let alone ask Sharon to go with him. It seemed all too far from reality in her opinion and thought Sharon was being her delusional self again. The number of times she had told Holly things she going to do and things she had heard, all totally unbelievable as far as Holly was concerned.

To keep the peace, Holly just said "it's  time I left as I have promised mum that I would cook tea tonight. I also think you would be silly to give up your job, but it's up to you" she murmured as a parting shot.

Sharon said, "OK Holly it's nearly time for my Psychotic break now anyway"

I am linking this to Chris's theme of Hot Summer (nights or days) on Art Journal Journey

 

Thursday journal with Neet

'The older you get the more you realise why you can't stand people' are the words this week.

I have given the page a sunny hot colour scheme to fit with Chris's theme of Hot Summer (nights and days) on Art Journal Journey.

Anna had taken her little dog Alfie to the beach for a nice long walk. Alfie was a very friendly dog with humans and with other dogs no matter what size they were. When they arrived on the beach Anna found when she arrived that there was hardly any beach left, it was covered in people, screaming kids and also that dogs were not allowed on the beach this month. (probably because it was full of holiday makers) She had completely forgotten this and had wondered why people were just glaring at her. Alfie thought all his birthdays had come at once and had immediately run off to play with the nearest bunch of children. Feeling very uncomfortable Anna quickly called Alfie to her side, put his lead back on and retreated to her car.

"Come on Alfie we will go out onto the moor and you can run around there, but not if there are any sheep around" She knew Alfie would want to play with them if there was. When they arrived at the moors car park Anna couldn't find anywhere to park the car and decided that Alfie would have to make do with her throwing a ball for him in the garden.

Alfie was not happy and looked at Anna with sad and accusing eyes. "Sorry Alfie, but the older you get the more you realise you can't stand people. Alfie didn't understand a word she said but it sounded sympathetic and he would have to go along with whatever she had in mind for him.

Thursday journal with Neet

 The words this week are 'You can exercise all you want, you're never going to burn that crazy off'

There is a new theme of Hot Summer (nights or days) set by Chris of Pearshaped crafting on Art Journal Journey. So I have made a seaside scene for my first page this month. As it is in my Dylusion journal the figures are from the Dylusion range.

Stephanie had gone to the beach with her friend Angela and no sooner had they arrived that Angela had declared that see was going to run the length of the beach and then do some exercises  to help keep her waistline slim.

Stephanie was quite happy with her waistline and intended to take a nice slow wander down the beach and look for shells or some sea glass to make some jewellery with. She definitely wasn't going to run the length of the beach, in fact she didn't think she would even get from one end to the other. It was far too hot for doing silly things like that. In fact she thought that in this heat it was complete madness.

"Are you coming with me" Angela asked.

" No fear it's too hot, you can exercise all you want, you're never going to burn  that crazy off, I'll wave to you as you whizz past me" replied Stephanie

Thursday journal with Neet

 'Thanks for the invite but I would rather sew my head to the carpet' These are the strange words from Dyan's large chat list that we are working on at the moment. To link this to Halle's theme of botanicals on Art Journal Journey I have used a flower and leaf stencil on a sprayed  ink background.

Stella was a school teacher and term had just finished for the Summer and she was so looking forward to day trips out to museums, art galleries and days by the sea., she might even manage to do some much needed gardening.

The phone rang. "Hi Stella I wanted to put a proposition to you about the holidays" it was her friend April, who was also a teacher in her school "How about a weeks camping in Brittany, I'll drive as I know you don't like driving abroad. asked April.

"You mean in a tent with no shower, toilet or a comfortable bed"replied Stella.

"Well yes, that's what camping is, will you come with me, it will be fun"said April.

"I can't think of a worse way to spend a weeks holiday. Thanks for the invite but I would rather sew my head to the carpet " replied Stella "If you come up with something civilised though I might consider it.

Thursday journal with Neet

The words this week are ' I may not understand your level of stupidity, but I do admire your total commitment to it'

Yvonne loved her cousin but was always amazed how stupid Millie was sometimes. Millie had had a good education and was really quite bright, but sometimes that really didn't show. Millie had phoned Yvonne up and said she was coming round to show her the costume she was going to wear at the fancy dress ball that some friends of hers were hosting. Apparently it was a guessing sort of  party where everyone guessed who was wearing  the costumes. The winner was the one who no-one could guess who it was.

Yvonne walked in wearing with an enormous fish head which was made out of gold material.

"Well what do you think" asked Millie

"You are obviously going as a fish, but what makes you think ono-one will recognise you" asked Yvonne.

Because they can't see my hair or face" replied Millie getting a bit annoyed.

" For goodness sake Millie, they all know you wear turquoise all the time and everyone will recognise your boots, no-one else has turquoise boots as you dyed those yourself. And how many fish do you know that are that colour and with spots.

"Oh I hadn't thought of that, what can I do?" asked Millie

"Honestly Yvonne I may not understand your level of stupidity, but I do admire your total commitment to it" replied Yvonne.

'I know, you could take your boots off, get into a large paper bag with your feet out of the bottom so you can walk and make some big chunky chips (fries) out of paper or fabric, and have some sticking out at the top and go as a bag if fish and chips"

Yvonne made the statement as a joke but..........Millie thought it was a brilliant idea and said that she would go straight home and make a start on it.

I hope the flower stencil on the background and the flower in Yvonnes hair will be OK for the challenge.I am linking this to Halle's theme on Art Journal Journey of Botanicals.

Thursday journal with Neet

 This week the words are 'I never forget a face, but for you I'll make an exception' 

Jane had been to a collage reunion the previous weekend and had caught up with her old friends, many of them had moved away from the area to their respective jobs and a new life. A good few had remained in the local town and Jane had kept friends with several of them. As she was about to leave another one of her class came up to her and said hello and how nice it was to see everyone again.

"Yes isn't it" replied Jane, not really wanting to chat with her. "Sorry I must go I am meeting my boyfriend in a few minutes" she muttered.

"I'll see you again soon the girl replied" looking a bit disappointed.

"Why are you in such a hurry"  asked her friend who she was going out with later. "You are going out with me, not your boyfriend"

"Yes I know, I just didn't want to talk to her, I can't even remember her name"

A week later who should turn up at her door but the girl she had made the boyfriend excuse to. Not knowing what to do as the girl whose name she still couldn't remember, just walked into the lounge and started talking.

"Look I'm sorry  but I can't even remember your name and we were not friends at college, what are you doing here" asked Jane.

"Well I'm Sheena, and I remember your name Jane and I thought you might like to be friends" replied Sheena

"Sorry, but I never forget a face, but in your case I make an exception" said Jane.

I am linking this to Halle's theme of Botanicals on Art Journal Journey

Thursday journal with Neet

 'There's no need to repeat yourself, I ignored you the first time' are the words this week. I am now working in a new large journal and it's great to be able to use my larger people stamps as they were too large for the last one. I have now filled 6 Dylusion journals with 3 small ones still to finish. I can hardly believe Neet and I have kept it going for so long.  A quick one today as we have spent the week gettting the lounge ready for a new carpet. So several hundred books moved and all the bookcases and coffee tables out. We can't moved the sofas as they are too heavy. Today I have been painting walls.

Polly is really getting fed up with Adrienne trying to cause trouble between her and her best friend Grace. Adrienne has tried several times to make Polly's best friend look bad as she really wanted Poppy to be her best friend. Poppy was getting really upset about all the rumours Adrienne has been spreading around about Grace and had had enough of such stupid childish behaviour.

Adrienne had arrived today with a tale she had told Poppy before.

"There's no need to repeat yourself, I ignored you the first time" said Poppy in a rather bored voice.

Adrienne headed for the door with without looking where she was going and nearly knocked over Poppy's flowers in her rush to leave.

"How rude" she muttered as she left.

I am linking this to Holly's theme of botanicals on Art Journal journey.

Thursday journal with Neet

'I'm on two diets, one doesn't give me enough to eat' are the words this week and the first one for Holly's (Halle's Hobbies) theme of Botanicals on Art Journal journey.

Pamela and Sarah are having a pleasant stroll in the countryside, enjoying seeing the wild flowers. Sarah was looking very slim in her green outfit and she noticed that as usual Pamela was wearing something loose that didn't show off her figure. She wondered if she was brave enough to ask Pamela if she was still on a diet as they were both going on a holiday together in August. This year they had decided to go to Italy as they both liked the food and the weather there should be good.

Deciding to be brave Sarah asked Pamela " are you still on a diet, and have you lost any weight? It would be great if we could both wear our bikinis by the pool or if we go to the beach"

"Well replied Pamela "It would be great to do that, and I'm on two diets, one doesn't give me enough to eat"

Sarah was not sure how to answer that, so quickly changed the subject.

Thursday journal with Neet

 The words this week for the last of my entries for Matilde's theme of People on Art Journal Journey is 'If we can put one man on the moon, why can't we put them all there'

Astrid and Daisy were having a very frustrating time with their boyfriends, and were having a good old moan about them as they sat together under the moon.

"OK so what's yours  been up to that's annoyed you?" asked Daisy.

"Well to start off with, we were supposed to be going away for the weekend to see my parents in the Lake District, and this evening we were going to see the new film that's just come out. You know the new 3D version of How to train your dragon"

"Well what went wrong"  asked Daisy

"Oh he suddenly had a snooker match tonight, and I was not under any circumstances to tell his mates that he was even thinking about going to see the film.  Then this weekend the local football team were going to play the most important match of the year and he couldn't possibly miss that"

"Oh said Daisy mine isn't quite as bad as that, it was just that he excused himself from tonights date and didn't seem to have a believable reason to cancel it. Why don't we both go and see the film and forget about the men"

" Great idea, and while we are talking about men. If we can put one man on the moon, why can't we put them all there" laughed Astrid.

"Hey, that's an even better idea than us getting annoyed with them "replied Daisy.

Thursday journal with Neet

A very simple one this week to illustrate the following quote 'I love to cook with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food' 

Andrea loved cooking and had a large collection of cookery books and lots of herbs and spices. Her husband loved the meals she cooked, and today she was going to cook him a special chicken casserole with red wine and a few new spices she was trying out. Andrea had bought all the ingredients and was ready to get going. All the ingredients were ready and she started the preparation of the vegetables and chicken. After getting the meat browning before she added the remaining ingredients her eyes strayed down to the last thing to add.

"Oh dear she said out loud to herself, I forgot to buy some cheap wine to add to it. Now what can I do, I know, Phil has a bottle of red wine somewhere, I'll go and find it"

It was in the sideboard and Andrea lifted it out and opened it.

"Oh dear this looks like an expensive one, I think I had better taste it." After two glasses of the expensive wine  Andrea  decided to leave it out of the casserole this time and serve it with dinner as long as she poured it into the glasses, Phil would never know that two glasses had already gone from the bottle. As she said to herself "I love to cook with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food"

I am linking this to Matilde's theme of people on Art Journal Journey

Thursday journal with Neet

 'I wouldn't pay for a face like yours, I'd ask for a refund' are the words this week.

Sharon was in a bad mood, her boyfriend had just finished with her, and her pet owl Olly kept following her around demanding attention, perhaps Olly knew she was miserable and thought she needed some company. Not long after he had had that thought, her friend Charlotte turned up for a chat. 

Charlotte was from a very wealthy family and had everything she wanted. She was one of Sharon’s least popular friends and the last one she wanted to see when she felt so miserable. Charlotte was dressed in a very posh dress and had that look of someone who looked down at other people. She had very little time for people who felt sorry for themselves.

“Do you like my dress, it’s new and cost a lot of money” she asked Sharon.

“No, it looks like a dressing gown( housecoat) replied Sharon.

“ That’s not a very nice thing to say, are you really are in a bad mood” said Charlotte pulling a really disdainful face.

“ Yes I am, and while we are having this conversation I have to say I wouldn’t pay for a face like yours, I’d ask for a refund “ replied Sharon.

Charlotte left in a hurry and left Sharon with her bad mood and rudeness.

I am linking this to Matilde's theme of people on Art Journal Journey

Thursday Journal with Neet

'The Man who never made a mistake never made anything' are the words this week.

Eve and Miranda  are discussing the progress on the house renovations their husbands are doing. John, Eve's husband is putting in a new bathroom suite in their new en-suite to their bedroom. Miranda's husband Barry was building a porch out the back to store their wet clothes and outdoor shoes. They were both doing well and the four of them were going to out for a meal at the new Indian restaurant when they had finished.

Eve then said to Miranda " I saw Heidi yesterday and she told me that her husband was absolutely brilliant at DIY and had just about finished doing the whole of their cottage and had made a fantastic job of it all, finished to a very high. standard"

"I don't believe  a word she says, Barry said he saw the plumbers van outside their cottage the other day. In fact he told me he was always getting someone round to do something round there, and as far as he knew he was pretty hopeless at anything practical, he was a computer geek. replied Miranda.

"Well you know what they say, a man who never made a mistake, never made anything" said Eve

They were both just pleased they had husbands who were willing to try DIY and they had both made mistakes. "Plenty of them too" said Eve.

I am linking this to Matilde of Craftowanie's theme of people on Art Journal Journey

Thursday Journal with Neet

The words this week are 'Happiness is a habit- cultivate it'

Angela is getting used to taking her two young sisters out at the weekend and this weekend was no different she thought. The two youngsters Melody and Tina wanted to go  to the zoo and Angela just refused.  

"I don't want to spend a day in the zoo again, it wasn't that long ago that I took you, it was only about two weeks ago" said Angela trying to explain to them that there was only so many things to see and it was only a very small zoo.

"Yes but one of the animals might have had a baby by now and we will miss it" said Melody the oldest of the two.

"It will still there the next time we go, there might even be more than just one baby if we leave it for a while'' replied Angela hoping that would stop them moaning.

They were obviously not happy about that and even though they were surrounded by nature they still had a good moan.

"For goodness sake you two - happiness us a habit- cultivate it"

I am linking this to Nest's theme on Art Journal Journey of It must have wings.

Art Journal Journey - It must have wings.

 For Neet's theme on Art Journal Journey I have used all Dylusion stamps for this and kept to a limited colour scheme. I have quite a lot of bees in my garden, but they are getting near being on the endangered list if we are not careful. Hence me putting just one bee on my page.

Thursday Journal with Neet

 The words this week are. ' Wrinkles are hereditary. People get them from their children' I wondered where mine had come from, now I know.

Celia or Auntie Celia if you are the children you see on this page, are outside with their Mums sister and they would rather be inside playing on their iPads. Celia had other ideas. First of all she didn't mind looking after the children, but only one at once. What she hadn't any idea what she had let herself in for when her sister turns up with all three of them and their two dogs.

Celia can't think of anything worse than all of them descending on her clean, tidy and child free house. It was spotless, so a trip outside to show the children that interesting things in nature was better than sitting inside with all their electric gadgets.

Of course they didn't agree with her, but she was very strict and they were all a little bit scared of her.

"Can we go to the play park" little Malcom asked

"After we have had a little walk first, maybe. Oh look she said, pointing towards the sky, there are still a few butterflies around and the swallows are getting ready to fly back to Africa for the Winter"she told them.

"I don't blame them, better than a cold wet Winter here" said Angie the eldest one.

After another attempt to ask about the play park Malcom decided to ask a few questions instead. First of all he asked " Why do people have wrinkles on their face when some people don't" 

"Well, your mum has wrinkles because wrinkles are hereditary and people get them from their children. I don't have any children therefore I don't have any wrinkles" she answered.

Quite satisfied with that answer the children all said in that case they were not going to have any children themselves.

I am linking this to Neets theme of It must have wings on Art Journal Journey

Thursday journal with Neet

'Save the Earth, it's  the only planet with chocolate"are the words this week'  I have t

o agree with that statement, even though I ration myself, as I shouldn't really eat a lot of sweet stuff !!

Evelyn and Tina are enjoying a few minutes outside while Tina sits and observes the creatures around her. She is an ardent 'Save the Earth " fan and is always trying to convince Evelyn that she mustn't get complacent about all the species that are disappearing from the earth, mostly due to mans interference and pollution. 

“ Once people start to interfere with the natural food chain  then it will unbalance everything, and some of the creatures will die out” said Tina, warming to her theme. “ Without the caterpillars that you don’t like, there would be no butterflies Tina added wanting some response from her friend.

“Yes but surely things like those awful midges that make me inch and ants that give you a dose of formic acid, what use are they” asked Evelyn.

“They are all part of the necessary order of things, we really need them all” responded Tina. “Let’s put it another way that will make a bit more sense to you and bring it closer to home.  “Save the earth it’s the only planet with chocolate “

I am linking this to It has to have wings, Neet's theme on Art Journal Journey

Thursday journal with Neet

 The words this week are 'My mind works like lightening. One brilliant flash and it's gone. This is quite relevant when you get to a certain age, that's exactly what happens.

Amy had found her friend Bella sitting in a field full of dandelions and looking a bit mystified .

"What are you doing sitting here in amongst all these dandelions" asked Amy

"Well I was watching the bees feasting on the nectar in the dandelions. That was before you and Tibby came along and frightened them all away" replied Bella.

"Sorry, but I thought you might like some company, and why aren't you working in your garden on such a lovely day. `I went to your house first and Tibby followed me.

"If you must know I was sitting here and thinking about how to encourage the bees to visit my garden, especially as they would help my vegetables get pollinated" replied Bella.

"Oh now I understand, you  are going to plant lots of dandelions that will encourage them, they love those" said Amy

"That was the last thing I would plant they are a weed and very difficult to get rid of when you have even one, their seeds  fly everywhere. So don't be silly Amy. I had a wonderful idea and now I have completely forgotten what it was. My mind works like lightening. One brilliant flash and it's gone"

I am linking this to Neets theme of it must have wings on Art Journal Journey

Thursday Journal with Neet

 "We are not old, we are recycled teenagers" are the words this week, and Neet is hosting this month on Art Journal Journey with the theme of "It must have wings" This week I have decided to go with butterflies. This will be a bit late in publishing as we have to be away first thing in the morning.

Doris and her twin sister Irene are getting on in years and fighting away old age for as  long as they can.  They think it's all to do with attitude and how they dress and they are both a bit outlandish in that respect. Doris loves flowing clothes in bright colours and Irene loves big collars and contrasting colours. They both have a huge amount of bright coloured boots to match their outfits. There isn't a beige or brown outfit in their wardrobes. 

They had been taking a walk outside and watching the butterflies and had seen Enid one of their slightly frumpy friends who had greeted them in their bright clothes with the remark "Don't you think you two should start wearing beige or brown at your age"

They quickly said that at the moment they were quite happy with the clothes they had. They had to walk away quickly as they both wanted to giggle.

"What a cheek, we are not old people we are recycled teenagers" giggled Irene. "I think Enid was born that way, she was a bit old fashioned as a child

Thursday journal with Neet.

 This week the words are 'You can never have enough friends or shoes'

Eve and her cousin Freda are listening to the birds singing and enjoying a small part of the day outside away from the confines of their flats. Eve was very excited about tomorrow evening when she is hosting a shoe party in her flat. 

"Please come to my shoe party tomorrow night Freda , You will really find it fun and lots of my friends are coming" said Eve.

"First of all, what on earth is a shoe party, I've never heard of one before and I didn't know you had lots of friends" replied Freda.

"Well, you can never have enough friends or shoes" said Eve with a giggle. " I"m wearing a pair now, all sparkly and a fascinator to match I bought these at a party one of my friends had, so I booked the lady straight away to do a party at mine, so you must come"

I don't need any more shoes, and I would rather be outside listening to the birds singing"said Freda.

"The birds don't sing at night, so you must come or I will be upset. I don't need any more shoes either but I bet I will see some that I  just can't resist and I bet you will too" said Eve. 

Freda  gave in reluctantly and could see her money disappearing and an evening with a load of Eves friends getting excited over shoes and making a lot of noise.

I wonder if Freda bought any !!

 I am linking this to Erika's theme on Art Journal Journey of Spring birds.

Thursday journal with Neet

' Sometimes I wake up grumpy....Sometimes I let him sleep'  are the words today. I wonder who that makes me think of !!

Rebecca and her friend Donna are out for a stroll on a lovely Spring day, they are chatting away and listening to the birds in the branches above them.

"What a lovely sound, they all sound so cheerful, they will be getting ready to build their nests and lay eggs soon" said Donna who had shed her Winter jackets and had bare arms.

"Yes it is a lovely sound, but surely it's not time to be shedding all your Winter clothes yet, don't forget our mums telling us what their mothers told them. Don't cast a clout till May be out." replied Rebecca.

"Well it will soon be May and then you can have bare arms as well" said Donna.

"I think it means when the May blossom is out, not the month" 

"oh does it, well I obviously didn't take any notice of that, and while we are talking about clouts what is you husband doing this Saturday morning" asked Donna.

"Probably still in bed"  replied Rebecca.

" You are joking, doesn't that annoy you" asked Donna.

"No not really, Sometimes I wake up grumpy....Sometimes I let him sleep"

At that the girls starting giggling and the birds kept singing.

I am linking this to Erika's theme of Spring birds on Art Journal Journey.

Thursday Journal with Neet

 This week the words are 'The man who says it can't be done. Should not interrupt the woman doing it'

Tina was married, her friend Lilly was not. Lilly did wonder why she was always grumbling about her husband being lazy and she was just about to find out the reason for this statement. 

"OK, what's he done now" was the first sentence she uttered when she arrived at Tina's house.

"Well I wanted him to put up a shelf to hang my bird cage on and a shelf for them to perch on when I let them out" replied Tina.

"So why was that a problem, and why are you are looking somewhat smug' asked Lilly

"I had bought the shelves and all the fittings and Dave said it couldn't be done, as the walls were very hard to drill and that I would never get them straight. So as he wasn't going to even make  the effort I decided to do it myself.  So I did exactly what he told me was impossible. I measured carefully, made marks on the walls so I knew where to drill and just got on with it"said Tina.

"So what was the problem"  asked Lilly.

"Well would you believe he stood there and watched me, what a nerve, he even started to interrupt me as well"replied Tina. "Honestly the man who says it can't be done, should not interrupt the woman doing it"

I am linking this to Erika's theme of Spring birds on Art Journal Journey.

Thursday journal with Neet

'Money isn't everything but it sure keeps us in touch with our children' are the words this week. I am linking this to Erika's theme of birds on Art Journal Journey

The two friends Betty and Veronica are outside listening to the birds and talking about their children and how well they were doing since they were school friends. they had both married well, had good jobs and with their husbands salaries as well everything was a lot easier now. No more worries about how to find the money to feed and clothe growing children and the bonus of a nice home and one good holiday a year. Now all the children had left home and into their new lives it was lovely to be able to relax and enjoy life. Betty's parents had left them some money as well.

"You are lucky" said Veronica. "We are just comfortable, but a bit more would be more than welcome. We both would like to go to see friends and relations in Australia but it would cost too much"

"Money isn't everything but it sure keeps us in touch with our children" replied Betty.

"That's very true, but I suppose that isn't always a bonus" said Veronica.

The two friends had to laugh at that. At least the birds don't have a problem like that.

 

Thursday journal with Neet

 The words this week are ' It's not a mess, it's a work of art'

Angela had gone round to her cousin Biddy's  house for her usual weekly visit. Although Angela was a lot younger she got on very well with her cousin. They had both inherited the family sense of humour and had the same hobbies. 

Biddy had told her that she had surprise for her this week.. Angela thought it might be something extra special in the garden, as Biddy was a very keen gardener. The garden was always full of colour and it was   a pleasure to go round to see what else was blooming. Angela wondered if Biddy had bought some new exotic flower or a tree perhaps.When she arrived Biddy was sitting on the floor looking a bit smug.

"Well what do you think?"  Biddy asked Angela, whilst pointing to the wall, "I just finished painting it and I am so pleased with the effect"

Angela didn't know what to say and just stared at it in horror and was completely silent for just a bit too long.

"Well what do you think" Biddy asked

"To be perfectly honest I think it looks a mess" replied Angela, and thought to herself that Biddy should stick to gardening.

"Oh well, it's not a mess it's a work of art Replied Biddy with a slight edge to her voice.

"Can we go see the garden" asked Angela, "it looks gorgeous through the window.

I am  linking this to Erika's theme of Home sweet home on Art Journal Journey

Thursday journal with Neet

 This week the quote is 'If you can't say something nice. Better to say nothing at all.' 

Bethan and Susan were discussing their hopes for the future and their thoughts turned to where they lived. They both decided that they wanted to live in the country, but not too far from the town they both worked in. Susan who was fairly down to earth had longed for a little cottage with a manageable garden and room for her hobbies. She didn't mind if it needed a few things doing to it as her brother was a jack of all trades and could cope with most house type jobs. Susan had some money saved and thought she could manage a mortgage, it would be ok as long as nothing major needed doing, after all she was paying a high rent for the flat she was living in, in town.

Bethan on the other hand was very extravagant and wanted a much grander home, with room to entertain and fill with beautiful things. She did earn more than Susan, but not by much. Susan doubted whether Bethan had saved very much and wondered how she thought she could pay for all this. Bethan was a a bit of a dreamer and had ideas far above her capabilities. 

The problem was the fact that Susan wanted to explain to Bethan that she should start small and work up to larger, not start at the higher size of property first. Susan didn't want to sound like a property expert or an adult with lots of experience with buying  a home. In the end she decided  that if you can't say something nice. Better say nothing at all. Let Bethan have her dreams, as she would soon find out that her salary would not be enough for the mortgage she would need to buy want she wanted.

I am linking this to Erika's theme of Home sweet Home  on Art Journal Journey

Thursday journal with Neet

 'Many people have eaten in this kitchen and gone on to live normal healthy lives' is the quote this week. 

The two sisters, Emily and Sofia are in Emily's kitchen and Emily was wondering if it would be a good idea to invite their boyfriends around for a dinner one evening. It was Emily's idea and she asked her sister what  she thought of the idea and what should she cook. Sofia was a bit dubious as she didn't really think much of  Emily's cooking.

"Well, I'm not sure, do you really think you are capable of cooking a fancy dinner for two hungry men ? Sofia asked, "Normally you only cook convenience food or something on toast"

" Lets think of a menu first, then I'll know what I'm going to do' replied Emily

The two sisters sat down with some cookery books and decided on a three course meal, well Emily decided on the three courses as she was going to do the coking with Sofia helping of course.

Emily had decided on soup to start with, then steak with a nice sauce, new potatoes and a few green vegetables, and for pudding a fruit salad and cream. "That should be easy enough" said Emily. full of confidence. " I mean what could go wrong with that ?"

"Well" said Sofia "the steak could be over cooked, under cooked with too much blood oozing out when you cut it, or tough. The other two courses we might be able to manage between us. I'm still not convinced you can do this"

I'd like you to know, many people have eaten in this kitchen and gone on to live normal healthy lives"retorted Emily

I am linking this to Erika's theme of Home sweet home on Art Journal Journey

Thursday journal with Neet

'Start the day with a smile and get it over and done with' are the words this week. To enable me to link to Erik's theme of Home sweet home on Art Journal Journey I have included a window, some bricks and a house roof on Jean's head.

Jean had gone to visit her friend Celia, and Celia was not really looking forward to her visit. Jean was very critical of her friend's view on life and didn't feel she was making the best of things. It was a beautiful sunny day in early Spring and Jean had gone round to persuade Celia to go to a local garden that had a wonderful display of snowdrops of many different types. They were one of her favourite flowers and her Grandma's memory flowers. They had even managed to get some out of season when her grandmother was very ill. 

"Come on Celia, I really want you to see them, and it will do you good to get out in the sunshine, Come on you know you really want to"

Celia  had to smile at her friend and reluctantly got up and put her outdoor clothes on.    

"There you go, start the day with a smile and get it over with" said Jean.          

Art Journal Journey - Music

 The last one for Vicki’s theme of music on Art Journal Journey which ends tomorrow.

Thursday Journal with Neet

 'I'd get organised, but it would confuse my family' are the words this week. Marianne and Anne had been friends since they started school  together when they were five years old. Things hadn't changed very much during the last twenty years. Marianne was still the neat tidy one and just loved being organised and wrote copious lists on jobs to do, shopping, work to do for her exams, books to read, and several others that she thought warranted a list. On the opposite end of the scale Anne was untidy and disorganised and somewhat lazy. Her parents had given up trying to get her to tidy her room and to get lots of practice in on their piano. As they were paying for her lessons they felt that they could keep reminding her to do some practice every day.

When Marianne arrived at their house, Anne was greeted by Annes parents who said to her that she would be lucky to get into Annes bedroom as it was such a mess. Marianne doubted if that was true, but when she walked through the door she saw that their description wasn't far off.

"For goodness sake Anne,  how can you live in such a mess, honestly it must drive your mum mad trying to get in here to clean.

"Mum has no need to come in here, I clean it myself" replied Anne, somewhat put out at the criticism. "You know what I'm like, I don't think it's worse than the last time you saw it, is it? asked Marianne.

"The last time I came we sat in the lounge, so I don't know what it was like then" At least you don't have much floor to vacuum, it's covered in stuff, but dusting must be a bit difficult" said Anne

"Yes very funny, if I put it all away I wouldn't be able to find it" replied Marianne.

"Well said Anne laughing, you are probably right there"

"Anyway. I'd get organised , but it would confuse the family" said Marianne.

"Well , you probably right there as well" replied Anne.

I have linked this to Vicki's theme of music on Art Journal Journey.

Art Journal Journey - Music

A journal page for  Vicki's theme of Music on Art Journal Journey The background is tissue paper with two images on card added on top.

 

Thursday journal with Neet

'I try to watch what I eat but it's too fast' are the words this week.

Annette was giving her friend a hard time about her weight and eating habits. She had been doing this for some considerable time. Annette was very slim herself and exercised and ate a healthy diet, and was not happy about the way her friend Esme was heading. 

"Esme, you are being very silly the way you don't cook yourself tasty healthy food, and you have put on a lot of weight since you left your mum and dads. Eating fast foods and snacking all the time is not good for you. The clothes you wear hide all the extra weight, but I know it's there and so do you."

Esme thought. Annette was being a bit bossy and said "It's alright for you, you have always been slim, I'm just reverting for a while.

"What do you mean your'e reverting for a while" replied Annette.

"Well, said  Esme, when I was a baby I was chubby, so that's what I am now"

"We were all probably chubby babies and you are being childish to come out with an excuse like that " replied Annette.

Esme was obviously not going to win this argument, and finished the conversation with " I try to watch what I eat but it's too fast.

Annette just gave up and grinned at her friend and tried to concentrate on which musical instrument to learn how to play next.

I am linking this to Vicki's theme of music on Art Journal Journey

Thursday Journal with Neet

   'The best man for the job is a woman'  are the words this week. Sometimes I agree with that statement, or as my Dad used to say, If you want a job doing, do it yourself.

Audrey wanted her friend to go to the sales in town and had asked her last week. Kathy had said no, as she was waiting for the plumber to come to fix her dripping tap that was just getting worse by the day. As she was on a water metre she was dreading the next bill. Audrey went to see her to see if the job was done as she knew Kathy liked nothing better than the sales, as she could buy the past Winter things so much cheaper.

"Well, is it done" asked Audrey a few days later.                                                                                                               

 Kathy was ready with the answer "No it isn't, he didn't turn up, so I left a message on his answering machine and told him not to bother coming as the job was now done, and added that she wouldn't be recommended his services to anyone"

"Wow, how did you get someone else so quickly" asked Audrey.

"Easy, I didn't, I went out bought the tools and did the job myself' 

"Gosh, I'm really impressed" said Audrey

"Well "said Kathy "The best man to do the job is a woman"

I am linking this to Vicki's theme of Music on Art Journal Journey.

Thursday Journal with Neet

 The words this week are. 'Lead me not into temptation, I can. find the way by myself'

   Heidi was the young sister of Amelia who was obsessed with films and television. To be fare she did go out to work during the week and considered the weekends time for leisure activities, as long as it wasn't too energetic. Heidi on the other hand was still at school and considered the weekends a time to learn new things and go out to interesting places, including a bit of television, especially the nature programmes and a few of the classic serialisation of interesting books. For  this term her parents decided  to send her to violin lessons. What she would do with this new found skill she wasn't sure, as  unless you were extremely talented there didn't seem to be much of a future career in it. It was time for her to leave to go to her lesson and Amelia was trying to persuade her to stay at home and watch the new series of Pride and Prejudice. It was the first episode tonight, and as it was on at the same time. each week there was no way Heidi could miss that many, as  much as she would like to.

Heidi gathered all her things together and headed for the door, and as she did so Amelia tried to persuade her to stay and watch the television with her.

Heidi just looked. back at her and said "Lead me not into temptation, I can find the way by myself" 

I wonder if Heidi was a little bit tempted ?

I am linking this to  Vicki's (http://stampedsmiles .com theme off Music on Art Journal Journey

Thursday Journal with Neet

 The words this week are 'Life is good, without it we would be dead'                                                    

 It was the Summer holidays and Millie was in charge of her younger brother Alfie and sister Jennifer, and she was getting a bit fed up with his constant grumbling. They had one little dog called Poppy and they now wanted one each. Alfie was certainly not old or sensible enough to look after one and Millie knew she would end up looking after it. She didn't mind, but she was off to university in September and it wouldn't be fair on the dog to leave it in the incapable hands of Alfie. One dog Jennifer could and did look after really well, she fed it and took it for walks after school every day, but Alfie would soon get fed up with that. Everyone knew Alfie's enthusiasm wouldn't last very long, he was always in trouble, even in school, and no doubt he would probably want to keep picking it up and hugging it.

"Can I have a new bike instead" asked Alfie, "I would like a racing bike please"

"Don't be silly Alfie , they are for grown ups, you are no way big enough for one of those, you will have to wait until  you are about thirteen  for one, and anyway what's wrong with the bike you have?"

"It's old and the paint is chipped" replied Alfie.

"That's  because you don't look after it, and just drop it where ever you happen to get fed up riding it, I had to fetch it from the park last week, when you decided you had had enough and wanted to play football instead, and for goodness sake stop grumbling about everything it gets very annoying"remarked Millie.

Jennifer decided to keep quiet, now was not the time to get her big sister to allow anything remotely different. She would bring up the subject of a new hair style another time.

Alfie was about to come up with another idea, but before he could get a word out Millie told them both not to ask for anything, they were allowed more than most children were in the first place and should be grateful for their comfortable life. " Just remember life is great, without it we would be dead"

With that they both went to find something interesting to do. I am linking this to Mia's theme of Dots on Art Journal Journey

                            

Thursday journal with Neet

 'Housework doesn't kill you, but why take the chance' are the words this week.

Rebecca was sitting on the floor when her cousin Greta arrived for a visit, and Greta's first greeting was "what are you doing just sitting on the floor at this time of the day ?"

"Well, I have nothing urgent that needs doing at the moment " Rebecca replied

"Well look at all the cat and dog hair on the carpet for a start, why don't you vacuum it up then" asked Greta.

"Yes I know, and I wish now that I had bought one of those poodle crosses as they don't shed hair" said Rebecca, I would perhaps not have the cat either. Not only is he a real grumpy thing but sheds loads of hair, he won 't let me brush him either"

"Perhaps that's why he is looking at me, hoping I'll give him a new home, you've hurt his feeling" said Greta.

"He'll get over it, and anyway I know  housework doesn't kill you, but why take the chance" replied Rebecca. 

There's no answer to that, and Greta wondered what her cousin would do if she offered to vacuum the carpet for her.

I am linking. this to Art Journal Journey where Mia's theme is dots.

Thursday Journal with Neet

 The words this week are ' I used to be Snow White, but I drifted' I stamped and coloured the background    background with some dots to link into Mia's theme of Dots on Art Journal Journey Esme also has dots on her clothes.

Esme and Amanda were having a real heart to heart discussion on what they had decided to do  for their New Year resolutions, not that either of them would keep them for longer than a week in some cases even a month, but the thought was there. Esme had decided to give up chocolate ( a hard decision that one ) and not to talk about any of their friends in a derogatory way. Another one she thought of and might just last longer was to keep a boyfriend for longer than a month, to give him a chance to improve. Some smaller more private ones she decided to keep to herself.

Amanda's hardly ever lasted more than a week, sometimes she forgot what they were. This year she had decided to visit her parents more often, and be kind to her little brother ( that one wouldn't last long ) Not eat any more sweets, she was addicted to fudge. To work hard at her typing, even though she found it difficult to remember where all the letters were, and to work on her personnel skills as she wanted to get into the Human resources department at work. They were the major things to work on and this year she would try really hard to achieve them.

Esme asked Amanda if she thought she would manage these as she didn't do very well  last year. "No I know I didn't, before last year I used to be Snow White, but I drifted.

Well make sure you don't drift this year. I'll keep an eye on you and you can make sure I keep to mine as well"Said Esme.

Thursday Journal with Neet.

The words this week are 'Everything slows down with age'  Well I know how that feels.

The two sisters Amy and Millie are pestering their mum Janeen to show them how to play tennis as a new sports centre has opened in their town and there are some beginners courts. Some of their friends already know how to play and they thought it would great to play against them, if they could get the hang of it and be worthy opponents.

 "Not today girls, I'm a bit tired, and a lot of running about is just too much just now" 

"But Mum I don't think it will be too much, we will probably spend most of the time picking the tennis balls up off the floor when we keep missing the ball"  replied Millie who was the eldest. 

"I still think it's too much today and I don't really want to go out at all" said Janeen. "Why don't you go and play table tennis in your playroom for a while, and then it will be tea time. I'm too old for all this activity" 

"Mum you are not old said Millie, "no where near as old as Grandma and Grandad, I don't think they could play tennis"

"Flattery will not get you anywhere Millie, everything slows down with age, you will find out when you are older" replied Janeen.

The two girls went off to their playroom, knowing they were not going to win  that discussion, and thinking that if Mum thought she was old, then Grandparents must be well past it. They didn't want to get old in a hurry, that's for sure.

I am linking this to Mia's theme of dots on Art Journal Journey.

 

Thursday Journal with Neet

The words this week to start the new year off are ' If you want the best seat in the house you'll have to move the cat ' Maureen had gone round to see her best friend Trudy, not just to wish her a Happy New Year but to see her new cat as well. Trudy had been to the cat rescue place in town as she thought it better to rescue a cat rather than to start with a kitten. 

Maureen, after greeting her friend, asked how she was getting on with the cat, was it settling down, and what did she call it. 

" To be perfectly honest I don't know what to call her, Contrary or Awkward would be suitable, but it's a bit of an odd but correct name for this one. She looked so pathetic in the cats home and I felt sorry for her and she really looked as if she liked me"

"Well doesn't she like you" asked Maureen. "She looks very contented in that chair"

"Oh she thinks I'm great, I Buy her a special chair, fluffy and comfortable in the shape of a cat and what does she do, takes over the best chair in the house, so if you want the best seat in the house you'll have to move the cat"

"It's OK, I think I'll join you on the floor" replied Maureen.

"And to add another thing, I buy her the food she had with the rescue people and she won't eat it, I have gone through every cat food I can find and she will only eat the very best and most expensive one and any chicken I might have spare. She's going to cost me a fortune. Apart from that she is kind of cute. Any idea of a name for her while I make you a cop of coffee?"

" I'll think about it while you make the coffee" said Maureen.

I am linking this to Mia's theme of dots on Art Journal Journey