Planet Ruby Starrs

Back to college with a vengeance, renewed enthusiasm and creativity. We have been giving our current module briefs, it feels very different to last year.  I think its because the current work load feels more 'academic' and I use that term loosely - totally understanding that a little bit of Computer Aided Drawing (CAD), PPD - designing a brand and writing CV's and artists statements plus a short essay on ethical consumerism is hardly academic but compared to sitting a embroidering, weaving or drawing all day its quite a change! Learning 'Illustrator' is easier so far (one week in) then I expected - this time on the Photoshop module I was crying with frustration and deeply rejecting the whole system as it was slowly painfully poured into my little non technical brain.. obviously something stuck as it helped build up an immunity, this time it all seems so much more simpler - mind you I made sure I sat next to someone who knew and was helpful... BUT -  its still co...

Hotel Ash Cottage is closing for refurbishment or at the very least some autumn cleaning ( ha ha ha )... we have had a lovely run of friends and family to stay -  lots of good food, too much drink and an awful lot of laughing and general hilarity. I love having people to stay - its not the biggest house but everyone mucks in and it all works out in the long run-  we get to show off Northumberland and take them to special places we have found - we get out and about boost the local economy in various local cafes and pubs, We get to eat lots of scones and cake without feeling guilty - after all some ones on holiday here! We've been fortunate with the weather, summer has finally arrived and we are making the most of it - when my daughter and her family were here it was glorious and we took the opportunity to go to Alnwick Castle, a treasure hunt in Warkworth, sandcastle building on the beach, kayaking, sun flower party... with our visiting friends there were more beach walks, le...