It has taken me more than a week to write this post. It’s not that I don’t have lots to say about the first Capturing Childhood DSLR Workshop, I do, it’s that it takes some absorbing to believe: we did that.
A whole day working with people who love their cameras as much as I love mine is a complete treat. Everyone put so much thought into their work and we were so impressed with (and a little jealous of) the photos which we saw.
But even more amazing was that the class was made up of so many of our online students. While we might know their names and have chatted to them online during the course meeting them in person was a whole other level. I can whole-heartedly say I hope it isn’t the last time our paths cross.
I loved adding details and surprises to the day and I have to thank all of the people who helped us to create such a wonderful day. Not least my good friend Amanda who not only created our beautiful camera straps but came down to London for the weekend to be our workshop assistant.
One day flashed by so quickly. A small oasis of excitement and learning in the landscape of the everyday. We should do this again soon…
You can read all about the day on our blog and if you want to hear about future events (both North and South) then sign up to our newsletter while you’re over there.
- The internet is the best toy ever.
- You don’t need to live the story other people wrote for you.
- When it comes to screws: lefty loosey, righty tighty.
- You might never feel like a grown up.
- My form tutor was right; I am a feminist. You probably are too.
- Feminism is a concern for people of all genders. Anyone who tries to tell you anything different or that it’s not needed is mistaken, stupid or both.
- The effort of making something yourself is always worth it (even if the results don’t measure up to your imagination).
- You’ll have more fun if you stop worrying about what you look like.
- Success is more than personal achievement and gain. I think to be truly successful you need to reach out and help other people reach their goals.
- If you find something you like to wear which fits well buy a second, it will be worth it.
- We are not so different. We may be separated by generations or location but the more I read of people’s lives the more I recognise my own feelings, hopes and fears.
- Kindness is a strength. It is so much harder to always be kind then I ever anticipated and kindness in itself lends strength to others. Being kind is worth it every time.
- Separate but different is a fraud.
- Worrying about what everybody else is doing bigger/better/faster/more of leads to nothing but compare and despair.
- Never trust someone who tries to tell you what to think.
- Stopping to smell roses is a good thing to do.
- There isn’t much which doesn’t feel better after a good long laugh with your friends.
- There isn’t much which can’t be solved by asking Twitter.
- There isn’t much you can’t clean with bicarbonate of soda.
- The worth of a woman is so much more than her appearance and sexual attractiveness.
- The mantra: this too shall pass is one to remember.
- If it’s not a HELL YES it’s a no.
- Self praise is no recommendation.
- There is nothing like working for yourself both in terms of fear and reward.
- You can be the things you dreamed of as a child.
- Except maybe a ballerina, you really aren’t cut out for that.
- The right thing to do isn’t always the easy thing to do.
- Kitchens were made for dancing.
- Once you have children that heart of yours will be forever wide open and all the beauty and kindness in the world will make you cry. Frequently.
- The stories of our lives are a beating heart of belonging. Tell the stories, savour them and pass them on.
- Sooner or later everything you learn comes in handy.
- Some people say that you only regret the things you didn’t do. I say to them that they clearly never owned a lilac shell suit.
- There is nothing like the last minute for getting things done. All the minutes that come before it are for surfing the internet.
And ALWAYS credit your sources. This was inspired by Ian Martin’s 60 thoughts about turning 60; some things I have learned in the last 33 years.
Today I am happy to host the latest stop on the Crochet at Play book tour.
I feel like I’ve been involved in every step of the book although I never wielded a crochet hook myself! From brainstorming ideas with Kat to the photo shoot that Nat and my children took part in; I’ve been along for the ride.
Having been along for the ride I know first hand just how much work Kat put into making her book and I’m incredibly proud of what she has achieved.
To find out more about the book I’ve filmed this video interview with Kat so you can hear what she has to say. It’s about 15 minutes long and my webcam gets progressively more green as the interview goes on! Grab a cup of tea and join us…
(If you’re reading on email or through a feed reader, click through to Housewife Confidential to view the interview)
Crochet at Play Giveaway
You have the opportunity to get your hands on a signed copy of Crochet at Play and the yarn to complete one of my favourite projects – the sleepy octopus cushion!
To enter simply comment below telling me what the name of your crochet book would be.
I don’t go in for extra entries via twitter and facebook, I know it’s a good way of getting the word out (and I want it out) but I don’t think it’s fair to people who don’t have accounts. So please feel free to spread the word but don’t feel obligated to!
Technical:
Giveaway is open Worldwide.Maximum of one entry per person.If your entry does not meet the entry requirements detailed it will be void.You must leave your email in the marked field when commenting (allows me to contact you if you win). If you are the winner your details will be shared with Kat Goldin to facilitate the sending of your prize.The giveaway will remain open until 9pm Tuesday 14th May after which the winner will be chosen at random and notified by email.The prize is for one signed copy of Crochet at Play and the yarn to complete the octopus project from the book.There is no cash alternative for this prize.The prize will be shipped within two weeks of confirming your mail address.I reserve the right to change the conditions of entry at any time.Not open to family members of Housewife Confidential.
Entries closed.
Any one who knows me will tell you that I get a little over excited when inspiration strikes. Ordinarily folk smile at my ideas but don’t want to get involved. Thank goodness for Kat, she didn’t think twice when I floated the idea of Capturing Childhood.
I have to confess I hadn’t really thought as far down the line as celebrating our first year in business. Yet here we are and by a happy coincidence we managed to spend the day together.
I am totally thrilled to be marking this milestone and can’t wait for you to see what we have in mind for year two. We’re kicking it off with our very first day workshop in London in just over a week’s time – to say I’m excited is an understatement!
We would not be here at this point without the huge support from our friends and students. The fact that we have so many repeat students fills me up with pride.
To say thank you Kat and I are both giving away some Capturing Childhood vouchers. You could be in with a chance of winning either a £95 or £55 voucher to use on any course (or gift to a friend) by commenting on this post by next Friday. Simple as that, if you want a second chance hop on over to Slugs on the Refrigerator and comment there.
I don’t go in for extra entries via twitter and facebook, I know it’s a good way of getting the word out (and we want it out) but I don’t think it’s fair to people who don’t have accounts. So please feel free to spread the word but don’t feel obligated to!
Technical:
Giveaway is open Worldwide.Maximum of one entry per person.If your entry does not meet the entry requirements detailed it will be void.You must leave your email in the marked field when commenting (allows me to contact you if you win).The giveaway will remain open until 9pm Friday 10th May after which two winners will be chosen at random and notified by email.There are two prizes, one Capturing Childhood Voucher of £95 and £55 respectively which covers the cost of courses at 2013 prices.There is no cash alternative for this prize.I reserve the right to change the conditions of entry at any time.Not open to family members of Housewife Confidential.
Entries closed.
