Sunday Showoffery...

Good morning! A quick pop on before we disappear out for the day, to share with you my SOS photos for this week. First and foremost, my beautiful boy. I took this in Silloth when we went to see my ma there a little earlier in the year - some other photos from the trip can be seen here, in my 'HSMS - Dog' post. I haven't had to alter this in any way - I thought the colour was great on it and didn't think it needed anything else! I love his expression on this photo - it reminds me of how much he loved playing there on the park with his Nana and grandpa. I have scrapped this pic too, here.The second picture, as you can probably tell, I have altered the saturation in the colours far too much - I am blaming my previous rubbish monitor, but truth be told, I think it's probably just me, getting a bit carried away. Its a common feature of photos from people who are 'new' to digital photography - oversharpening or oversaturation of images. But anyway - I was really pleased with it at first! I love this place - its the Ashton Memorial in Lancaster, within the grounds of Williamson Park. I think the place is beautiful, I really love bringing the kids here and having a potter around it. You can get a brew at the cafe, along with a stale piece of chocolate cake if you're into that sort of thing lol. The Memorial never fails to make me think - wow - whenever I see it.

'The Ashton Memorial was commissioned by Lord Ashton as a tribute to his late wife. Born in Lancaster, Lord Ashton became a millionaire producing oil cloth and linoleum which was exported from the port all over the world. It serves as reminder of the importance of Lancaster as a thriving commercial centre, not only in times past but now in the 21st century.'
taken from the website - linked above

So there you go, that's me for today! I'm going to have a go at this weeks challenge over on Blog Til You Drop a bit later on - have a look see!! I found a quote by Marilyn Monroe that I'm going to use for it - here it is:

'I'm selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I'm out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you cant handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.'

Good day to yall then folks - :( Monday tomorrow. And in the words of Bob Geldof.....

Thanks for reading!

PS I dont know if I mentioned it but I got some pictures of my Dad's brothers and sister who live in London!! I may or may not be popping them up here - just checking out that its OK with them first.

Stage 2 of Grandfather Saga

Ok, first things first - my picture for today's HS:MS prompt. Actually - more important - I better start by apologising for not getting round to your blogs last night!! I got stuck into my Uni work proper, for once. And whilst I was on a roll, I didn't dare stop!! So I will get round everyones tonight, I promise - Scrapzo's honour. The pic above was taken in Gatorland, Florida, during my holiday there a few years back. This was a fantastic holiday, and I loved Gatorland. It wasn't until I got back and had my photos developed that I actually looked at things in a bit of a different way though. I felt sorry for that poor bear - he looks quite sad there, sat on his own. I apologise for this not being a 'today' picture, but as soon as I saw the prompt, I thought of this picture and had to put it up.

K, next step - grandfather saga. These are a few of the photos I sent via email, to Alex Lee - my uncle. It was weird receiving an email back from this man, with whom I share the same surname, same blood, and have never met. But I was so glad!! He goes to Costa Rica to live though, unfortunately for me (not him, the lucky so and so!!), so its not looking like I'll meet him anytime soon :( however, I might get to meet my grandad still, and other siblings of Alex (and my Dad)!! I wonder what they'll think of us?? I wonder if we look like them a bit? Hmmmm...lots of questions.
Above pic is me and my sis, making sandcastles in Looe, Cornwall, slightly drunk. Just looked at the pic again, and we must have been quite drunk - our sandcastles are rubbish!! But we look so proud. Ay dear.
This is my Dad holding me as a wee baba.
And this is my ma with me. Just thought I'd share em with you!!

And finally, I have been tagged today by Hazel! So here goes....

4 places I have worked:

1. Reilor Ltd, Preston - as label designer/customer service 'officer' (wooooooo)

2. Tokyo Joes Nightclub - brief stint as a dancer (not pole or lap I must stress lol)

3. Swansea Terrace Nursing Home - as Snr carer

4. Medium Secure Services, Preston - as a named nurse for patients (RMN)

4 places I have lived:

1. Preston

2. Inskip

3. Scorton

4. Nearly Nottingham lol

4 places I have visited:

1. Ibiza

2. Dominican Republic

3. America

4. Spain

4 favourite foods: (not at the same time lol)

1. Vindaloo (or hotter) curry or anything spicy

2. Chocolate

3. Fish

4. Homemade houmous

4. places I would rather be:

As long as Im with my family - I dont care where I am!

K guys, thanks for reading, and have a grand ol day!!

HS:MS - Stamp

Did I ever tell you that I love the stamp man? Well I do. I'm starting a new CJ towards the end of next month, hosted by 3D Jean of UKS and 3D Jean altered art supplies and have been on the lookout for the right stamp to use in her altered stamp CJ. I received my little consignment today, and I have to say the stamps are FABULOUS! So today's word is perfect for me - lots of stamps and stamping going on in my space today. Not to mention the stamps of my perpetual tantrum throwing gorgeous son, Shaun AKA Shamus.

We went to Asda this morning, and I bought him a halloween outfit!! I was so impressed with all the stuff they have in - its really inspired us for our party. Dont know what Ill be going as yet, probably a witch or something (less dressing up/makeup to apply etc lol). They have some skull goblets and candy bowls with hands that grab the kids as they go for a sweet lol lol how sick are we, really? There was this skeleton in a coffin, and when you press a button, it pops up, screaming and wailing quite convincingly I thought! Shaun wasn't really impressed, he tried to put on a brave face but then started making his 'rescue me mum, quick' noise, so we had to leave it. If we keep going back, maybe we'll desensitise him to it, either that or scar him for life! I love Asda now it's starting to become more like the Walmarts in America - there's nothing you cant get (is that a double negative? Sounds rubbish!!) from those shops!!



Final bit of news guys then I'll beggar off and stop boring you to tears!! Last night, my Dad came round - I have been comissioned with the task of taking some photos to send to my newly acquired grandad and family (see this post here and this one here for further info). It was a bit tricky really because it was late and it was dark, so I took some anyway and we're going to get together at weekend, in the day, and take some more to send to him. One of my Dad's 'new' brothers goes to live in Costa Rica at the beginning of October, so, he wants to get them to him before he goes. Costa Rica - mmmmmmm that'd be nice!! But here is one for you to have a peep at. So that's me, Shaun and Shaun Jr, My Dad and his partner, and my two brothers and sister.

K guys, I'll go now - have a great day, and thanks for reading. PS - its freeeeeeezing (well not actually freezing but you know what I mean) here!! Brrrrrr....