The view from here

The next stop on our road trip through Germany, was just outside Fussen at Hohenschwangau and the Neuschwanstein Schloss.  This castle was built for King Ludwig II in the 19th century, and is thought to have been used by Wałt Disney as the basis for his castle logo. True or not, it is very picturesque, sat as it is on a rugged hill, above the village.

The attention to detail, just on the outside walls is incredible, especially bearing in mind its location, and the 1.5km walk up the hill.  Our next visit will include a tour of the inside, as we didn't have time to do that, which promises to be equally impressive.

 

The vista was pretty impressive too, looking out across the Plains and the Alpensee, not sure this picture does it justice.

 

Following all this excitement we just had to treat ourselves to a 'little' something to eat.......

A little travelling!

We are having a little road trip through Germany; seeing some lovely sights and having a quick wander down memory lane!

Our first stop was at Gielenkirchen, which was home for me, too many years ago!   I would like to say that I remembered the local village square and shops and also the flats where we lived, but as I was only 3 last time I was here, I think that is just a romantic notion!  Strangely though it was rather amazing to be back there, if only for a very short time.

Yesterday saw us at Hotel Sonne Fussen what an amazing place.  A boutique hotel with textiles, photos and costumes on every floor.  It was really incredible. I would love to go back for a re-visit and longer stay.

The doors of the rooms themselves were also really interesting. 

Collages of different fabrics, colours and textures.  All the things I love.

  

An incredible place, with very friendly staff too.  I may put some more photos on to my Flickr account, once we get home and I've checked through them.

Little sunflower!

As the Joni Mitchell song "Big Yellow Taxi" goes "you don't know what you've got til it's gone", sometimes it's not until you leave a situation, that you realise the effect that you have on the people around you.

I have just received a fabulous card from my ex-work colleagues, wishing me luck in my new ventures.  Not one to "blow my own trumpet" I was overwhelmed by their comments, thank you ladies.

Anyway enough of that.................this little chap is a true survivor! 

Brought home from play school by our youngest grandchild Eli, it was a tiny bit neglected and very nearly died! 

Thankfully, my resourceful husband came to the rescue, with a little sticky tape.

 

It may not be a world breaking size, but we are proud!

Old friends!

How funny the way life changes and you accept the here and now.

When I stopped doing workshops a couple of years ago, I happily packed away all that was related to that life and settled into the new one.  

Today I dived back in and found all sorts of lovely forgotten treasures!................

..................Fabric paper, painted bondaweb, sheers..............what was I thinking, letting this lot hide away!

Moments later (well maybe a little longer!) the fabric paper was transformed into the sides of a "fuchsia box". Still not quite finished, busy doing other stuff this evening, but well on the way.

Who knows what the next chapter will bring, but hopefully it will include lots of lovely textures and colours!

An idea or two!

Well, I thought I should touch base again, although I haven't actually done any work towards "dropped" as yet.

Think this is good food for thought!!

My birthday cake!! Thank you Tania and helpers Thomas and Niamh. It tasted as good as it looked, I may add.

Anyway, back to business,; I have had a little scout about on the web, and have found a few interesting photos.  Most images have been of "dropped" ice cream!!! Where I live the seagulls will get the ice cream before it touches the ground, so that's a no go!

I like the idea of spilt paint or a dropped egg, but may be that is a little obvious. I did see a very beautiful photo on Pinterest, which has taken my fancy.  It was taken by Brian Valentine and if you follow this link you will be able to see it too.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/364862007290300551/

Not necessarily "dropped", but "droplets" of rain on a spiders web, just fabulous, to my mind.

In the meantime, I am pleased that I haven't given myself a time frame for my challenges, as I would have failed already, but I think I may have to in the future otherwise I won't get anything done!

I have a few busy weeks coming up which may mean that I will fall behind, but I am rather hoping that I will have the opportunity to take lots of photos that will come in handy at some point. So please bear with me.