I like it, I like it…

October 4, 2026 ~ somethinginthewayshemoves

Last Christmas I randomly decided to make my own cards. I can’t remember where I got the idea, but I wanted to make each one a different festive cat. I have never been particularly artistic, but I thought it would be fun. It was & it birthed an idea that has been so good for me.

I realised how much I enjoyed making those cards. They were just little water colour drawings of christmassy cats, but they brought me joy. They were not stunning works of art. That didn’t reduce how good it felt to make them, so I decided to keep painting and try some other things too. Since then I have been making all my cards, I have started knitting again, I’ve started random sketchbooks and this week I even started a visual diary. I love all of these creative ventures. I do have any natural talent for these things. I don’t intend to make them a side hustle. I just like doing it.

Both the knitting and the drawing/painting help have helped with my free floating anxiety. They give me something to do with my hands and something to focus my crazy head on. I really enjoy watching something cute appear on a blank page. I like how the water colours blend and how the wool feels in my hands. The sound of the knitting needles clicking brings up really special memories of my Gran (who originally taught me to knit).

Despite this facial expression, he loves his blanket.

Aside from birthday cards I haven’t shared any of my efforts with anyone. It’s just for me. I made a little blanket for my cat. I’m now practising some new stitches, slow going, but I’ll get there. My point is it doesn’t matter if I’m terrible at these things; they make me feel good. Thus, I have decided to continue and also to apply this theory to other areas of my life. I shall now ask myself, Do I like it? rather than worrying about being good or doing it right or what anyone else thinks. It is very freeing. I’d recommend it.

If you like what I do you can support me on Patreon.

Let me tell you that I love you…

August 28, 2020November 18, 2021 ~ somethinginthewayshemoves

I have been quiet because I slipped away for a wee break. I joined my Mum, sis, nephew & Sebby for the perfect seaside getaway. My sister found the most wonderful cottage by the sea and man alive did I need it.

We stayed on a tiny village with only a church, a corner shop & hotel. Oh & of course a stunning beach. The view from our patio was wow. It was the perfect place to take some deep breathes & refresh my head.

Cove beach surrounded by cliffs and cottages on hill

Add 24hrs with the boy to all that soothing scenery and you get a very happy ly. I did bath, bedtime and constant carry on. It was bliss. The little man is a total beach baby. He adores the seaside. Rain or shine he can’t wait to get his toes on sand. His doggy big brother can’t get enough of it either.

When the sun was out we built sandcastles, jumped waves & found big sticks. Followed by chilling on the patio whilst the sun went down.

We didn’t let the rain stop us, though. We donned our waterproofs and headed to Cullen. The beach took my breath away. A wild deserted beach is my absolute favourite; the Moray Coast did not disappoint. I felt calmer & more centred on that wind battered beach than I have in months. With soft golden sand, dramatic rock formations and clear blue waves crashing on the shore it was blissful. My nephew was enchanted with the ‘fairy pools’ and couldn’t wait to do some splashing. Meanwhile Seb was able to run free.

Woman chasing toddler and dog on windy beach

Two women in anoraks sheltering on beach

ly in pink anorak with windswept hair in her face

Our encounter with nature over we headed into town to check out a magical antique store. It was packed with stunning pieces. Plus more than a few whimsical items to please a toddler.

Toddler in armoured helmet and looking at Egyptian sarcophagus

On our final night my sis & I decided to play some scrabble. We set up by the patio doors to enjoy the view while we got our words on. Mum enjoyed the real fire in the next room with a sleepy boys. I was very rusty, but still managed to just beat my sis. Don’t tell her I told you, she’s a tad competitive.

Dog asleep by fire and woman cuddled on sofa with toddler

To soften the pain of leaving we broke journey home at St Cyrus. We again found ourselves on a dream beach. I am continuously amazed at how beautiful Scotland is. I feel so very lucky to live here. St Cyrus is also a nature reserve, so if you’re interested water birds and wildlife it is an amazing place to visit.

Bridge with sign to the beach. Woman on hill

If you enjoy my content you can support me on Ko-Fi

Sweet escape…

October 16, 2018October 16, 2018 ~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 1 Comment

I’m a sucker for a mini break. Give me a nice hotel with a good pool and I’m a happy girl. Throw in a massage & I’d be delighted even if the hotel was located in hell. So, the Toyboy’s birthday treat of a few days away was a winner.

He choose Dundee because he knew I really wanted to see the new V&A, but it proved to be a cool wee city. We had some tasty food, took in some sights & indulged in soothing spa treatments.

We stayed at the Apex City Quay which was a delight. We had a gorgeous big room with a view of city quay & it’s cool water sports. The complimentary bubbly was a lovely welcome & the really late check out was a great goodbye. The Apex took care of our every whim inbetween.

The Japanese style Yu Spa is apparently award winning; I haven’t checked that, but it was excellent & I believe them. It comprises a lovely little pool, deliciously hot hot tub & the usual array of incredibly hot rooms (steam/sauna et al). I’m a big kid so I was particularly pleased the submerged colour changing lights. There are also more adult plus points in form excellent showers, Elemis toiletries & quality hair dryers in the changing rooms. The actual treatment area is a tranquil heavenly smelling space. My hot stone massage was divine. The Toyboy’s ‘devil’s delight back treatment’ was everything he had hoped for.

Like I said, Dundee was charming. It has some impressive architecture, quirky pubs & really awesome food. The McManus Art Gallery looks like a cathedral from a Disney film. It had the most stunning stone staircase I have ever seen. I bet those steps have seen their share of blushing brides. The D C Thomson building also looked spiffing all lit up. My favourite Dundee aspect ended up being cowering under the Tay road bridge watching the wind make the river run wild.

Food wise, Dundee did really well with my fussy vegan needs. Special mention goes to Tahini. I was initially dubious, but we were running out of time & I bowed to pressure. I am so happy that I did. Tahini offer a three course Lebanese Tapas experience. You just tell them any allergies/restrictions and they bring you amazing food. I was a little scared of not picking exactly what I wanted. Partly because of my very persnickety eating, but also because I am terrible at relinquishing control of even unimportant matters. Anyway, I learned a lesson. I must relax a little because the food was so fucking good and it did not stop coming. Go hungry, these people really feed you!