Friday Smiles 2026 # Week 37

Sorry I haven't done much visiting this week. I am still functioning at around 50%. I will be a lot better when I can shake this cough. My grand-daughter did take me to a routine doctor's appointment last Friday and amongst other things, he gave me a five day course of antibiotics for a chest infection. It helped but hasn't cleared it so I may have to go back. So this is the first time in a fortnight that I have ventures up to my craft room to use my computer, and, of course I have little news to report. But a couple of things have made me smile. 

Early this week I received a parcel from my youngest son, Ben, and one of the things in it is this stone. It looks grey and dull and you are probably wondering what is so great about it. 

But I knew it was a palm stone, (i.e. it fits into your palm), and is a piece of labradorite. It is said to ward off negative energy, and make the mind more alert. Ben knew I like it and here is the reason. Holding it in sunlight, or a good artificial light, and all the flashes of blue and gold shine out from inside it. It took me a while to get it just right for the photo, but isn't it beautiful?!

My second smile came from a little order I made from Amazon. A rainbow coloured umberella, bound to brighten up a dull wet day. I am not very good with an umbrella, especially if I am carrying shopping as well, but this will keep me dry on my short walk to church on a Sunday morning, and make me smile as well.

And lastly I thought I'd add this for those who are interested. My eldest son is a vicar, and I know many people have preconcieved ideas of what a vicar is like. Well Jim is probably untypical, a mixture of traditional faith and more free way of life and fashion choices, which he combines so well. I don't know the details of how it came about, but he is one of several clergy who were interviewed about their life and their beliefs, for a series on youtube. I am proud to say this is my son.

I hope the link works for you. It isn't cooperating for me right now, but I will publish early so that I can test it. I will visit if and when I can this week. I need to get back into my normal routine.

Friday Smiles 2026 # Week 36

 Thanks to those who visited last week and apologies for not getting back to you. I have been in bed with flue for a week, not even able to stand unaided, so I have not been in the mood for the computer. 

So I just thought I would share this picture of my finished Autumn Leaves mandala, that I kept back last week because my post was so long. It has been finished for a while but it has taken ages to get a hoop just the right size. I am very pleased with it now.

Hopefully normal services will resume next week.