LingoLiz

QR ah ha ha!

2011-12-09T12:49:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the lovely Steve Gore Rowe, Robert Shippey and Trish McManus... I have a QR code in use on various profiles (Facebook/twitter) which brings peeps here! Whoop and thanks! X

Ho ho ho... He he he!

2011-11-28T23:58:00.001-08:00

I've never dressed as a Santa before, but after Sunday's fun run in Downham, I'm intend to make it a tradition I partake in every Christmas - fun run or not!

The day started with a few last minute updates to the downhamweb website and Facebook page, (annoyed at myself not to have done it sooner, oh well) trainers on and quickly off to Morisons with Dan to collect the donated items for the Fairyland Trust hot drinks stall - including Baileys, hot chocolate and squirty cream. Store manager Jason Savage has been brilliant in supporting downhamweb and Fairyland, so it was a shame he wasn't in...bit of confusion on the customer service desk, (was I just a random lady blagging free drink) but thanks to ace staff it was sorted quickly. Despite wondering if we could just run off with the booze and disappear for the day, we dropped the goods off to Ian, Abbie, Caroline and Jim in the town square where the already had the stall set up for the day- and were looking in fine form!
Quickly we headed back to Lingo and met up with Jenn, (our lingo office lovely) who, despite being told by the doctor that her trachea infection meant she shouldn't participate, was still determined to at least walk the circuit...then we all headed at pace to the centre of town to pick up our running numbers and Santa suits!!

The run/walk was only 2 laps of the town's one way system, a total of 1.2 miles, enough to still be fun, but enough to also still feel like a significant challenge in personal terms, having never entered anything even vaguely sporty, and not being in the greatest of shapes, fitness wise. But there's nothing like a challenge to motivate you, is there, and I am pleased to say my recent dalliance with the Downham Dollies running group gave me the firm footing I needed to set off on. (more on that very shortly).

It was a great turnout, and it was thanks in no small part to the shouts of encouragement along the route that I actually managed to make it all the way around at my new found pace of a slow, plodding jog! And, without any sign of the infamous shin splints that have stopped me in the past.

We stopped to wave at the downhamweb webcam on each lap, Jenn and Dan armed with their camcorder and phone, filming the whole event, and we later found out we were watched by many, far and wide. Crossing the red and white tape finish line, at the town clock held taught by Pete and Cath Duhig and then getting a medal for finishing was a genuine thrill!! As a finishing touch, Abbie even held out a space blanket for me to run into!

The event was organised by Winning Ways along with the Downham Rotary, Downham Lions and was in aid of the Robert Foot Leukemia charity.

Thanks for reading :)

Lights

2011-11-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

One week to go... not only to the Christmas lights turning on, but also, dressing up as a Santa and running twice around the town. Yes, I did just say that.

2011-11-14T12:39:00.001-08:00

I, for once, am just taking a moment to be really proud of myself. I just went out running/walking/jogging. Ok, it wasn't a marathon, it wasn't even particularly fast, but it was just me, myself and the open road. I got of the sofa, got my trainers on and actually did it. This may not seem like a lot, especially if you're a fitness fanatic. But it's easily been 9 years since I last tried this sort of exercise and ended up with very painful (couldn't walk) shin splints so for me it seems pretty big.

I have avoided it ever since, in fact, every time I run, even a little, my shins start to sting with the similar feeling to the dreaded full-blown shin splints and so I signed myself off this particular exercise even though I used love it; thinking I just wasn't meant to run. The thing is, it's one of the best, and cheapest, most easily available ways to burn a few calories, and I really need to start doing that. After a chat to a 'proper runner' who has 'got through/over shin splints and some advice on how to deal with it, I realised it wasn't impossible and tonight I bit the bullet.

So, there. That is all. I am not going to 'do a Robbie' (hello Robbie) and post all my times and become totally obsessive with it all (it's just not in my nature -I admire that nature, but it's not me!). I do plan to do the same again tomorrow. I will not be so proud if I don't manage it. Please feel free to chase me up. Not literally though, I'm not fast enough... yet!

Excuses, excuses

2011-11-02T00:41:00.000-07:00

I often arrive at someone's blog to find that the last post was an apology for not having updated their blog. So, in an attempt to *not* do that, I will list the reasons for not having blogged, and hopefully, that will magically formulate some sort of actual post about what I've been up to, and therefore still be, in most ways, the post (or posts) that I had been intending to write since my last one. :-S

I'm sure too, that I'm not alone in using my blog as a diary for myself more than anything that I expect anyone to read avidly and therefore miss when it's 'overdue'.

Plus, there's the 'other blogs' to consider now too. Lingo has it's own news http://www.lingodesign.co.uk/news/ and there's facebook (for both personal and business, and the businesses I admin for) and twitter, plus a few other neglected beasts such as Google+ and LinkedIn. Whoever has the time for all that *and* actually living?! No wonder I've had to get up early to get this done!

So. Going backwards from most recent, last weekend saw the now-annual pilgrimage to Holt Hall for the Fairyland Fair, and the 'Real Halloween Event' where I act out my role as Tea and Cakes Witch - serving up brews and buns for the visitors to the charity's themed experience for children to get back to nature, whilst in fancy dress of course. It's just such a great thing to be involved in. This year I made my own witches hat (must find time to take a pic) and the highlight of the event was staying overnight, not in our usual teeny tent, but in the beautiful canvas structure which is used as the 'Pixie Post Office' for the kids to send off letters to loved ones delivered by pixies. We woke under the toadstool coloured roof as if in a magical world; which of course, we practically were - Holt Hall and it's surrounding woodland is simply stunning.

Sadly I'd managed to leave my phone charger lead at home and so photos were limited, but I did manage to get these few - the double rainbow on Sunday morning and an experiment with a new image app to create a 'world' - a wrap around panoramic (above) I highly recommend the app - 'Pano Camera' it's fab. :)

Before that, the parents came to visit, luckily in the warm week we had. In fact, I don't think we'll ever forget the temperature was warm enough to allow Dan a (reasonably comfortable) swim in the river at the Jenyns arms.

It made a pleasant change to be able to have them visit in comfort, rather than in a building site, they stayed in the main bedroom, in the house, carpeted, with heating, and with many improvements made since they last came, particularly the garden, and we feasted on the many runner beans grown over the summer.

Work at Lingo has been extraordinarily demanding and diverse. With new customers and old coming through the doors in droves. The amount of photography in the last month has reached an all time high, in fact, I've lost count of how many pictures I've taken, but the subject matter has ranged from flowers through tap dancing, peanuts, popcorn and parsnips, blood bikes, buses, Christmas decorations, signwriting, and lastly and Italian themed night in a local pub! Again, I'm just going to say I MUST get some more pictures up, will probably use Google's picasa, though I have to say I like the new improved look and feel of blogger interface and hopefully the display might help inspire me to do more here and less on my tumblr.

I think that's going to have to do, for now. I have loads more I want to blog about, our beautiful kitten Dotty who is growing up to be just like her beautiful mum Pidge, plus progress with downhamweb and little things that make me smile that I'd love to have time to share. All in good time, hey, I'll be sure to post again before too long... even if only to 'download'. It's pretty therapeutic y'know. :)

Bella Vega

2011-09-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

Introducing Bella Vega - aka Dolly the 1969 Bedford Sb5...and lovely Laura from Harrods coaches!

These two lovely ladies will be the centre of my attention this week as we'll be working on new design pieces for them in the studio.

Laura, daughter of Derek and Anne Harrod of Harrods coaches family business, is heading up the promotional activity for the classic coach hire service of the new bus, and she can't wait to get the message out there about the wedding hire and day trip hire. I'm just as excited about the project, and love the story that goes with it (watch this space) so much so that we just had to go into the garage, and have a sit on the bus to chat about it!

Summer Daze

2011-07-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened since the last (compost) post; we've been settling into a very harmonious work/life balance, Lingo is busy, but we're also getting things done and getting out and about too.

The garden has come on leaps and bounds for a start, flowers of every colour and now a plentiful row of beans and tomatoes so look forward to as they ripen. They even feature in the father's day video...

...though they're twice the height now!

We've had a holiday (of sorts - housesitting in nearby Oxborough again for the lovely Veronica) and we've been to the lifestyles festival in Hunstanton as well as festival too in King's Lynn. Sure, they're not Glastonbury, but for local and free, we're pretty lucky and we made the most of both, despite torrential downpours!

There's loads more going on still, the summer's not over - but we'll be staying in a little more, as we have some new arrivals of the feline variety to look after, as a beautiful and tame and friendly stray cat has decided to have kittens in our spare room! Now nearly 3 weeks old, they're just opening their eyes. They're utterly adorable and we know it will be hard to say good bye when they go to their new homes in a few more weeks. We're going to keep the mum, (I don't think we have much choice!) So we really need to come up with a name for her! Any suggestions?!

Right, I better get on with some more lingo work, theres Motorcycle Stunt Display Team, a Yacht Sales company and an online Tool shop that need my attention! No rest for the wicked!!

Compost made of pallets

2011-05-10T07:59:00.000-07:00

Valiant flags

2011-04-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

Early rise, and up the flag pole! No, it's not supposed to sound rude!

Dan and I were around Downham Market yesterday to help the decorating efforts for the St George's day fun day this Saturday.

Normally I'd complain about being up and about so early on a Sunday morning, but the sun was shining and as we went to work climbing ladders and putting up flags around town, it was the perfect photo opportunity for taking some more Downham Web images.

We also took one or two of each other - and here they are for your viewing pleasure ;)

Photos with Dan

2011-03-31T03:42:00.000-07:00

Last weekend - taking pictures at Creake Abbey and King's Lynn Vancouver Quarter with Dan. :)

From Collages

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SmVOxeZdlcx68Jfig_zY5iB_k_QN6Aj5p42WGRd58V4?feat=directlink

Mezzanine

2011-03-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

As well as being an excellent album by Massive Attack, mezzanine also refers to the style of bed that I want in my bedroom/stairs bulkhead space...

(see previous posts: http://lingoliz.blogspot.com/2010/11/bulkhead-done.html
http://lingoliz.blogspot.com/2010/11/frame-work-in.html

I'm collecting pictures to inspire me.... here's a little group shot....
(to be honest - this post is only so I don't lose this picture which I randomly found again after losing it for ages.)

also - this link is to a picture I liked on my Tumblr: http://lingoliz.tumblr.com/post/889854708/omg-very-close-to-the-design-ive-been-hatching

Status update....

2011-03-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

This is getting ridiculous, I've got so much to tell, but so little time to tell it in!

Each week there's another post in my 'draft' folder (the one in my brain) or notes on my iPad, a start to a new post, or photos taken on my phone for the purpose of posting. Work things, home things, life bits, the crazy balance between them all. But they're not getting done, and the mental 'dust' is gathering so much that I'm getting frustrated. I'm also behind on promised posts - such as a write up for the meal that I swapped for a lesson in 'how to tweet' with Trish at the Hare Arms (follow her @HareArms ) and a post or two to explain a few new things going on here and there... you know, usual, unusual stuff.

This blog last year focussed on my house/office renovation project, to be honest, many of the pictures were posted for the benefit of my fantastic parents, without whom none of it would have been possible, who desperately wanted to be more involved, but for whom the distance (I'm in Norfolk, they're in Devon) was a real frustration. I posted progress shots now and again to show that, despite a long delay, going over budget, and many, many headaches, it was, finally coming to an end.

Now that the building work is pretty much over, there being just a few finishing touches to do (the carpets are down, the curtains are yet to put up and last touch up of paint to apply here and there) I've been having a sort of mini 'identity crisis' with this blog. It's changed purpose before, that's hardly surprising, our focus and our direction evolve through life, so there's no harm in a blog following suit, but I think this time it needs a full blown overhaul! Though now I'm realising this is just another part of the delay!

But, news that cannot be left unposted is now to a level that I simply HAVE to write, mixed identity or not!

The 'rents (parents to those of you not 'down' with the street terms) ;) are coming! Yes, get the duster out and stash the contraband, the countdown is on - just 5 days til they're here. This means several things - one is that they will be able to see the house renovations close up - good in places - a bit dodgy and unfinished in others, but undoubtedly a massive step since they were last here over a year ago. I can't wait.

It means they will probably be taking pictures too. Ma and Pa are both ace photographers. There have been missing pictures of the finished house. Since getting the carpet down just before Christmas, then having January ruined with, swine flu, February was getting-things-out-of-storage, and now the holiday (last week) there have been no time for #finishedarticle pictures, and the house has been a tip. So, as long as I get the tidying done, be prepared for pictures!

Lastly, their visit (yes, it's a lot like royalty) also means we will be continuing our enjoyable tradition of visiting the aforementioned Hare Arms for a meal. Since I moved here 10 years ago, (jeesh is it really that long) I think without exception, whenever they visit, we have one 'treat' meal out to the best pub in Norfolk. It just so happens that now Steve and I (Lingo) now design and maintain their website, so visits to the pub are happily more frequent than just when the parents come to town. This means that as well as knowing the brilliant landlord and landlady a lot better, I also know the fabulous menu better too, so can dodge the garlic (re: my allergy to it) and therefore when the Pendleton famliy descend for our pilgrimage to the Hare this time, it will probably be photographed to death!

I think that will have to do for now. I feel like I've got a load of my mind, a post (at last) done, and now have direction for the evolution of the blog. I might even do a few 'before/after' tidying shots of the house and office as I start to sort it all out - the garden most certainly, as the lawn is going to look fab if I get on it NOW.

Right - on that note - I'm off to see if I can track down a working lawnmower on freecycle...basically, watch this space for more pictures. It's going to happen. :)

Oh, and, well, maybe it's a bit early to say...but, I met someone on holiday. Someone who made me smile a lot. That is all. For now. :)

just a quickie

2011-02-25T13:16:00.000-08:00

to say, I've not posted properly lately and I will, I will, I wwilllllllllll!!!

#honestguv

...and that I am obsessively using "hash tags" in everything I do now, instead of just on twitter which is their rightful home! arg!

http://twitter.com/#!/lingoliz

Nancy

2011-02-14T03:06:00.001-08:00

facebook hooked?!

2011-01-27T04:57:00.000-08:00

haha! Not as bad as I thought! :)

Created by Oatmeal

2nd day back

2011-01-19T02:08:00.000-08:00

So yesterday was my second day back in the office since before Christmas. After beating the flu (still wrestling with a cough, but mostly better) I feel like I've pretty much missed the first part of the year, so it's been nice to be back, but the realisation of how much there is to do is slowly breaking through the flu fog.

It's not a feeling of an overwhelming workload; Steve and Jenn have done a fantastic job of keeping lingo going at a comfortable pace, but the number and scale of projects to handle at once means I'm getting to practice one of my new years resolutions straight away; more planning. It seems that the more you plan, the easier the work becomes. So, as well as working systematically working through a long list of customers to call and to let them know I'm back, I'm spending a lot of time planning to plan. That is, allocating time in my calendar for actually creating thorough plans; detailed road maps for how to get from point a to point b. Invariably, in web design, point a and point b are the same or similar; from no site (or a shoddy one) to a beautiful site, and although there are similarities along the way (cross roads, t junctions etc) no two journeys are identical. For the record, I'm enjoying the planning stage more and more. It still allows for diversions and tangents...but it's nice to have a map.

Other new years resolutions include the big one: going vegetarian. This one is going well, 19 days so far, and only one slip up. I'm finding it fairly easy, but it's early days. I've been avoiding red meat for about a year now, I'm not someone who ever really enjoyed a steak anyway, and I find pork one of the worst foods in the world to digest (without going into too much detail) and while i'll miss white meat, particularly chicken (the one slip up) I'm determined to give vegetarianism my best shot.

Weird that the veggie diet and detox (partly other resolutions, partly just being healthy for the new year) coincided with the blooming flu.

Sent from my iPad

Happy New Flu.

2011-01-18T10:39:00.000-08:00

I've been quiet. I've been ill.

I wrote this (post below) while ill last week but didn't post it, I'm not sure why, perhaps I was too ill, anyway, I just found it and thought it needs to be posted... I am already writing a more healthy sounding one...!

I am so sick of being ill. I came down with the flu 10 days ago, and I'm still full (this feels a literal description) of the coughs, the aches, the icky feeling and sinus blocked head. The temperature (which peaked at 105) at least has started to return to non sickening heights, and I'm no longer cloaked in sweat, which is nice. The hallucinations were good - once I thought i was a large capsule of drugs, that the walls were curtains, and I'm fairly sure I saw the grim reaper in there too. Yeh, it's been a pretty bad illness.

When people say they've had the flu, chances are they are most likely exaggerating the description of a cold, unless they describe similar symptoms. Generally sparking (so the nurse on the nhs help line told me) people get flu only a few times in their lives. It's pretty debilitating, a strong virus that attacks your system ruthlessly. There's a whole bunch of people saying " you know it's flu when; if there was a £50 note on the floor, on the other side of the room, you wouldn't go and pick it up.' well I have to tell you, you could have put a thousand pounds *just* out of reach and I wouldn't have even blinked. I probably would have thought that I was hallucinating and it belonged to the grim reaper, or that it was about to evaporate anyway. Maybe I would have stared at it a bit, undoubtedly finding it more interesting than the daytime TV which, I had to turn off in the end for fear it was damaging my fragile, flu addled brain even further, preferring instead to sit in silence, than see any more wretched sofa, insurance, blind, or conservatory adverts.

Well I'm sorry this is a very moaning post, not much to it. Just, well...you'd moan too...if you had flu.

Sent from my iPad

hooooraaaahhhhh! I'm in!

2010-12-23T13:52:00.000-08:00

'Happy' is an understatement!

I spent my first 'proper' night in the house last night. I have carpets. I have enjoyed the day on the sofa watching my TV which I got out of storage on Tuesday...

Happy. Happy. Happy.

Stairs by skinner :)

2010-12-17T07:06:00.000-08:00

Tilessssss!!! :))

2010-12-16T08:19:00.000-08:00

Creakey Cafe opening

2010-12-14T12:06:00.000-08:00

What better way to spend Sunday afternoon than attending an opening party for a cafe?! I can think of very few! Especially when there's plenty of mulled wine and tasty treats on offer!

Sofa so good...

2010-12-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

A momentous occasion

So, tonight is the first night on my new 'preloved' sofa, and the first time in a long time (on and off, I can count 2 years) I've been able to sit comfortably, on a sofa, at 'home' and write.

With so much going on in life, it's hard to know where to start with this blog post, a re-cap, maybe, looking forward perhaps. Neither seem right, so although this might sound a little crazy, I'm going to try to describe exactly where I am, both physically and emotionally. Well, as the saying goes, there's no time like the present.

I'm in my new lounge, iPad propped on my leg, sprawled out on my less-than-24-hour-old (to me) blue, two seater sofa, a welcome gift from a friendly neighbour, listening to last fm (caribou radio) from an old, paint splattered radio in the adjacent kitchen, via a dusty lead from my iPhone 4, the one with the cracked screen. Good start.

The surroundings are less than palatial; in fact I'm "technically" still in a building site. Infront of me is a make shift curtain made of a random remnant of blue fabric, which is pinned up at the window by two drawing pins, and, as well as there still being the odd patch of unpainted plaster on the walks, there's no carpet.

I'm surrounded by a LOT of dust, pots of paint, boxes of sand paper, tubs of white spirit, tubes of decorators' caulk and a wide variety of brushes and rollers. A broom is leaning up in the corner next to an extension lead, a bag of rubble, and a pile of tools disguised by a dust sheet and did I mention, there's no carpet? Yes, just the cold, bare, dusty concrete floor.

What I do have, is a warm, well lit house, full of promise and to coin an Eagles lyric, a peaceful, easy feeling. I know it's a real house; royal mail confirmed the address - by letter - and also, because I've literally bled, sweated and cried (lots) to get here.

So now it's not just a house, it's well and truly becoming a home. Somewhere I can relax, unwind, stretch, be myself, contemplate and recharge the batteries. And not a moment too soon.

The Christmas countdown is looming large, no, it's in full swing, so finishing the decorating and the carpet fitting are some of the last things to do, and although it maybe over a year ago that I thought I would be moving in the first time, I'm really starting to let myself imagine that it's finally coming to an end. Soon, I'll be able to go a whole day without considering the whereabouts or actions of a builder, plumber, electrician, carpenter, tiler, water/gas/electricity engineer, architect, building inspector or some other tradesperson of some description. Oh what bliss that day will be.

"Not long", "you're getting there", "nearly there now" ....all phrases that just have a certain irksomeness to them, having heard them so many times, this building project has gone on a long time, too long. So long that there've been times that I think I've forgotten what it's like to NOT be renovating a house... but now, it's so close to completion, that the light at the end of the tunnel isn't just bright, I can almost feel the warmth from it on my skin.

Jenn opens day 1 of Christmas Advent Calendar

2010-12-01T07:54:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's soooo cool :)

Bulkhead ... Done!!! :))

2010-11-27T08:48:00.000-08:00

Pope gets fine :))))))

2010-11-27T08:17:00.000-08:00

As a sensitive person, when someone upsets you because they are aggressive to you, and they blame you for their anger, it's easy to wonder if it's your fault and if you need to toughen up.

When that same person gets fined for being aggressive and upsetting a police officer, you feel reassured that it's not about you, it's about them.

The world would be better if people didn't act this way, and for once, it's local headline news. Maybe I don't want to toughen up. Maybe I'm happy being sensitive. And maybe, just maybe, he'll think twice before being needlessly aggressive again.

Nearly there....

2010-11-10T10:27:00.000-08:00

Frame work in.

2010-11-01T15:02:00.000-07:00

The Real Halloween

2010-11-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

What an incredible weekend! Cape-wearing, story telling, lantern parading, tent decorating, pumpkin carving, cafe coordinating, yurt dancing, sweaty camping, and woodland worshipping!! Allow me to explain?!

A few months Abbie joined us at Lingo, and it wasn't long before she started talking excitedly about Fairlyand Trust - a charity that actively promotes conservation for 'the little people' (otherwise known as kids aged 3-8) for whom she is a core member/trustee.

This weekend was their first Halloween Event; 'The Real Halloween' http://www.fairylandtrust.org/latestnews.html#boo at Holt Hall http://www.holthall.norfolkedunet.gov.uk/index.html and as Abbie was describing it, it sounded amazing, so I signed up as a volunteer. I'm so glad I did!

From Collages

From Saturday morning to Sunday night, I was fully immersed in 'fairy' activities. Mostly I was helping out in the small cafe, selling food and hot/cold drinks and so on from a tent with a crew of other volunteers. Mums and Dads were warmed with soups and teas, as the kids got stuck into sausage rolls and fairy cakes. Checking out the various fancy dress efforts and seeing the kids love clearly loving every minute, as they clutched their craftwork, (bats on sticks and carved pumpkins, made at the fairy workshops) was just pure-delight. The highlight was at the end of the day, as the sun set, a parade with lanterns through the woods for a story about trick or treating, the nature friendly way.

Once the visitors had dispersed and the tidying up done, (there's no such thing as rubbish fairies) we rounded off the night with mulled cider and music in the beautiful yurt with the rest of the crew, some in fancy dress, ALL having a ball, dancing till the wee small hours.

Sunday was more of the same (but more relaxed, as Sundays should be) I even got time to explore the grounds of the hall, and incredible mature woodland. My creative batteries have been fully re-charged, I feel great. I've been able to help a worthwhile charity promoting the conservation of our beautiful planet, whilst enjoying heavenly surroundings and the company of amazing people.

Fantastic. Thank you Abbie, and all the Fairyand Trust. I can't wait for your summer fair next May!

Bed frame... Slow but sturdy start.

2010-10-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

How to set up a printer on the network...

2010-10-14T06:29:00.000-07:00

You will need;

1.) haribo (other confectionery is also available)
2.) a geek (this one is named James)
3.) patience and lots of test prints and configuration type things...

Beryl the printer...

2010-10-12T07:07:00.000-07:00

Yes she's in...well, nearly! Beryl the printer has arrived at Lingo. If you look closely, you'll see that this photo is taken so shortly after arrival that it's not even plugged in yet!

This is a collaborative project with a couple of other local businesses, who are partnering to support and promote the services she'll be offering...

Such as *DIGITAL COLOUR PRINTING up to A3....

so...watch this space...!

Writing some wrongs, and righting some too....

2010-10-10T08:39:00.000-07:00

Amongst many others, a few of my current 'wrongs' are:

My task list is too long...(but is getting shorter)
My house is still not finished...(but is about 3 weeks off...I think)
My inbox is too full...(but I'm getting through it)

Just had to write them down. Now to continue righting them.........that's why I am quiet....I'm just slowly getting on with it......

She was quite a squeeze!

2010-10-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

New arrival...

2010-10-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

New blogs, and the blogosphere

2010-09-29T08:11:00.000-07:00

A quick heads up on some lovely new bloggers...please take the time to check them out and say hello. A few a
words of encouragement on a blog can make all the difference.

Lingo employee and daughter of mixed media artist Jane Clarke, Miss Jennifer Clarke http://jellybeanjenn.blogspot.com/ blogging about her life and Lingo.

Virtual PA, office angel (and much more besides) Christine Urban http://christineurban.blogspot.com/ blogging about all things office and organisation.

Latest wonderful addition to Lingo http://panksforthememories.blogspot.com/ "PR Gal, Event Manager & Producer, Fairyland Trust Manager, Lover of cake/wine" Abbie Panks - blogging about her many varied roles including Lingo, Fairyland Trust and the Downham Market Town Council.

All good things come in threes they say.

Bunk & Pulp

2010-09-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

I wish I had more time to write. I mean, really write, about the things that happen to inspire me.

It's Sunday (well, by the time I post this, as if to demonstrate the first line, it's now Tuesday) and I've just waved good bye to one of my favourite people; Alan (he really ought to be a 'Sir') Creasey. I mean, honestly, this 'bloke' (as he would call himself) is an incredible mine of information as well as engaging and incredibly erudite.

With more knowledge about building conservation, carpentry and joinery (and life in general) than you can shake a stick at; Alan is like a walking reference for all things wood and stone, and is now, after retiring from Fishers of Fakenham, a Clerk of Works. (more on that later). But Alan is so more than all that though, he's is a self confessed 'hoover-er' of facts, and is thankfully he is without the 'retention issues' that we both jovially recognise that I suffer from. The diverse and lively nature of our conversations, as well as the broad range of subject matter and level of insightful education that comes from just a casual Sunday banter over a routine form filling task is simply staggering.

You know when you feel like your knowledge is expanded every time you talk to a certain person? Well, I do in conversation with 'Creasey'. (It's ok for me to use this nickname, honestly, he uses it on himself!) So, although I could write for hours about our conversation, a quick nod to the words 'bunk' and 'pulp'. Alan explained that my philosophy towards history was one shared (and summarised) by both himself and Henry Ford - http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Henry_Ford who said 'History is Bunk'. Brilliant. Then, Alan goes on to explain how many Americans use the word Pulp. Other than being "A soft moist shapeless mass of matter" it's also used for describing things which are, let's just say *rubbish* I'll let you figure out the word I'm avoiding. ;) Or, you can always ask Alan, when he gets his blog up and running. I'm sure it will be anything BUT pulp. ;)

Creasey Likes it

Finally!! :)) the suite is back in!!

2010-09-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

It's a milestone...! The loo, sink and radiator is back in !!! :)) Just the flooring and a door to go, to make an fully functioning room!!!

Nick's new artwork

2010-09-24T03:21:00.000-07:00

The Clark Duo

2010-09-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

Jane Clark's Quilters Cottage blog, featuring Lingo

Much like my last blog post, this is about two very special ladies; mother and daughter team Jane and Jenn Harper.

Jenn is our new administrator at Lingo, helping here with the day-to-day running of the studio and the handling of design projects and clients. Training is going well, Jenn has a natural aptitude towards website content and an eye for detail, critical in web development.

Jane Harper, Jenn's lovely mum, is one of the clients that Jenn will look after, putting an interesting spin on things! Jane's new website to promote her as a mixed media artist is well under way, we're currently testing a feed of blog posts with PayPal integration and the site is undergoing further design development before an expected launch next month.

Jenn Clark's Lingo blog, featuring Jane & Lingoliz

Yesterday I was the subject of both Jenn and Jane's blogs, so it's only right and proper that I blog them back!

:)

The relationship between Jenn and Jane is very similar to that I have with my mum, Jill, who also runs her own website, in fact there's similarities in more than just the way the website work is going too! Scary similarities... more as it happens!

Fae to be famous?!

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This talented little lady above is the daughter of a very special new customer and supplier of mine...not to mention confidant and inspirational friend.

Seen here livening up the Downham Market Chamber of Trade meeting attendee and agenda pages, Fae Harper sat quietly and illustrated the paper with beautifully detailed insects and characters. There were also impressions of the people at the meeting....including a sketch of our latest Lingo team member, Abbie.

Well, there's just a small chance that Fae's drawings might be used on a website we're developing with a new customer (certainly they have helped to inspire already) and hopefully from that, there'll be a nice way for me to say a big thank you to these two new girls in my world, Fae and Jane Harper. You two are truly lovely!

Oh, and thank you for my stroganoff...it was yummy, I have a clean bowl here for you! When I have a kitchen I can cook in I intend to make a cake or two to thank you too! Jane I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. :)

Reynolds & VW :)

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Kim visits lingo :)

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OK, so, I was a bit cruel...

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...not giving Abbie any notice that I was going to take her picture! I'm sorry Panks, it's just I wanted to remember how happy you looked after your first cream cake (see screwed up paper bag - evidence of the snack consumption) in the studio! ;)

I have to say I really enjoyed last week, with so much to organise ahead of us, so many opportunities before us, I'm looking forward to this week even more!

With all that in mind, when Abbie bought me this present, I thought this was the ideal opportunity for a newer post, and therefore replacement picture at the top-of-the-blog-spot

Now, can you say 'Noooo- garrrr?'

Abbbbbbbbbie!! :)))

2010-09-03T04:45:00.000-07:00

It's black! Woo hoo, the wall has been syntha proofed :)

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And the kitchen can feel welcoming - even with a concrete floor

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A cat came by....

2010-08-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

Drying wall

2010-08-26T01:45:00.000-07:00

I appreciate that this picture of drying render might appear to be a bit dull. Well, in truth, it pretty much is. But, as I'm waiting for this wall try dry out (dehumidifier helping) so that a very exciting and carefully planned chain of events can take place to complete the house, and almost nothing can happen until it is dry, I hope I can be forgiven for a dull picture, as this is the last ad it's kind for a while...and it's so very nearly over....(breathe!) that it IS exciting to me!!!

lingoliz....wwwww....

2010-08-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

I came to realise that it might be a bit tricky for any (if there are any) casual visitors to this blog to establish what is going on here.

Maybe a little explanation would help, so here's the 'wwwww' - the who, what, why, when and where of this 'blatherings' blog.

It started life being all work, that is, Lingo Design then, that moved over to wordpress and this blog was dormant for a while. Now, I mostly post pictures via email from my trusty iPhone 4, (hence there's not much in the way of description to accompanying them, the camera is great, but typing on an iPhone is still a pig).

Pictures mostly fall in one of the following categories;

1.) The house & studio renovation project. Now nearly completed (I hope) the house and studio renovation which started in 2008, has been problematic, to say the least. The subdivision of a 4 bedroom Victorian town house into separate (but conjoined) living and working environments, on a budget!

Currently I'm using the blog so that my long suffering and supporting parents (hi, Dad) can see progress and we can discuss details, such as damp issues, or make design decisions together. Hopefully one day I'll be able to look back at the pictures of the many disasters and smile. In fact, being able to look back just over the last few months (since having broadband on site) and actually seeing progress has, I'm sure, gone some way towards helping me to stay sane through the last, very difficult leg of the work.

2.) Personal Pics. Things I see, and do, inspirational images maybe, if it's not really facebook material (not a social happening) or is a bit 'off the wall' for the 'news feed' I might put it here. Particularly family pics - or trips backwards and forwards between Norfolk (where I live and work) and Devon (where my family are, and I will relocate to eventually).

3.) Work(ish) things. I realised a long time ago that the line between 'work me' and 'personal me', is a very, blurred or fluid thing. I'm happy about that. In fact, I think I'm very lucky.

I'm fortunate enough to work in an environment where my creativity is not only encouraged (where previous jobs it had been squished) it's actually necessary, and my personality and outlook can be inspire and be included in my work.

Many of my Lingo clients are also my friends, either because they were friends who came to us for sites, or because I develop friendships with clients. My social life, happily, often includes 'work' events. For example, had Lingo not designed the site for www.lifestylesfestival.co.uk I would have been there anyway....! I did some networking while I was there, but I also chilled out and watched the BMX's and Kitesurfers. I'm lucky, but it's hard work. There might be some unglamorous pictures here to prove that every once in a while too - mountains of washing up or paperwork - pictures of the white boards or sketches or screenshots which keep me company into to the wee small hours in the studio.

I hope that makes some sense... and I hope, (like most bloggers), that you have enjoyed your visit ;)

Rendered

2010-08-24T05:41:00.000-07:00

Wallllllllll (last of the demolition is done....!)

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2) the workshop @ Bovey Hand Loom Weavers

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Catching up pictures; No.1- Bovey Tracey Hand Loom Weavers

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Taking pictures of mum taking pictures

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Show stand ... We got third prize :)

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2010-08-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

She's starting to stress now!!

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Mum likes my idea :)

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2010-08-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

Mum trying out pics...

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Lol! Me, mum and dad in the office

2010-08-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

Bare trade stand... But not for long!

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Mum getting the stand ready ...

2010-08-18T02:26:00.000-07:00

Leisure skate. Nutters!!! :))

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Grouted!!!

2010-08-16T00:38:00.000-07:00

Bench front - hell yeah!

2010-08-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

Kitchen handles!! (small things=great pleasure!)

2010-08-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

Just the grout to go...

2010-08-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

Stairs are back!!! :))

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Tiles!!! :)

2010-08-09T04:27:00.000-07:00

Nancy desktop :)

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Silicon colours

2010-08-05T01:52:00.000-07:00

Getting out of bed. Not for the feint hearted!

2010-08-04T00:53:00.000-07:00

Temporary base - spare room - the latest set up!!

2010-08-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

Patching, filling and sanding all done (I think) just one or two coats of paint to go....

2010-08-01T01:52:00.000-07:00

Still drying but looking good!

2010-08-01T01:50:00.001-07:00

Spare room ceiling, done! At last!

2010-08-01T01:50:00.000-07:00

Courtesy car. Bye bye glof, see u wen u is mended :)

2010-07-27T03:58:00.000-07:00

One small step from the utility to the garden, one giant leap of progress. :)

2010-07-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

Dad and I do design :)

2010-07-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

social media roundabout (Tumbling with Jaymmz)

2010-07-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

I use Tumblr, (http://lingoliz.tumblr.com/) and (finally) my friend Jaymz has just started to too. He calls his 'I like peas'. He reblogged my 'Jack' post;

So on Tumblr I now have 2 new followers, Jaymz and his fella Ali.

One of Ali's Tumblr posts was about his friend who blogs http://thinkcoco.blogspot.com/ and how he wanted her to join tumblr. So, I posted on her blogger, that she should join tumblr.

I hope she does. Maybe she will repost. And so the social media roundabout keeps turning!

If you're lost.... don't give up. Just go and read a few more blogs. If you like them I strongly recommend Google reader. (google it) Then, go away and forget about it. Come back tomorrow and check your reader. You will love blogging. If you don't...go and pursue other activities. Just cos "everyone's doing it" doesn't mean you have to.

The second half of the stairsline pic...

2010-07-25T11:37:00.000-07:00

The stairs line

2010-07-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

Jaymz says twit twoo

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Temporary base camp number...err , I've lost count!

2010-07-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

[Scan] bed idea

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--
Sent with Genius Scan for iPhone.

Office / bit of a muddle!

2010-07-20T10:39:00.001-07:00

The Threshold from landing to small bedroom

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you wouldn't think it was that exciting, a little strip of oak.. but, really, to me it is! It means that the floors are level and there's no odd looking shapes, wedges and trip-hazards between the rooms - it means that soon, the carpets can be fitted (as soon as the walls are filled and sanded again) and the first floor may be 'whole' again.

It means also my mezzanine bed might be started on Thursday...

2010-07-19T06:06:00.000-07:00

I've now got my sights firmly set on a moving in date in early August. I'm confident now that it's achievable. With only a few strategic pieces in place this week and next and it I'm sure it will finally come together. It MUST!

There's buying flooring and tiles (and arranging the relevant people to fit them) and there's a fair bit of decorating to finish off. Now that the big floor boards are out of the shed I can put the last of the furniture and bits and bobs in there and out of the way and I'll have a blank canvas and space to move around, sort things out inside.

Last week I was hampered slightly by the golf being out of action and the weekend of lifestyles festival meant there was plenty of things to be doing other than the house.

To be honest; while Rosie and James were there, I couldn't excatly get stuck in anyway. Matt found it hard enough to work around them, so there was no point in me starting things in there too, I'd have only got in the way. Well, it should be Rosie's last day tomorrow...and then I think things will start to feel more complete.

The golf is (hopefully) being sorted today, I've got a few days of house-sitting left in Oxborough, then this weekend I'm planning to work FLAT OUT on the house and get in there ASAP.

In the meantime, I'm in a deserted office today - I have to say it's quite lovely - Steve's got his last day off after Latitude festival, Nick's working TuWeThFr this week and Claire is poorly (get well soon Chicken) and even though the server has needed re-setting, I'm still 'on top' of things and looking forward to a productive afternoon. :)

Thanks from Lucy our work experience girl :) :)

2010-07-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

Tfi Friday :)

2010-07-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

Oxborough hall this morning. Picking up tempest tickets

2010-07-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

Comment: The world+dog waits for Apple's iPhone 4 press conference - Don't hold your breath | TechEye

2010-07-16T03:56:00.000-07:00

Comment: The world+dog waits for Apple's iPhone 4 press conference - Don't hold your breath | TechEye

c'mon Jobs. PLLLLLEASE sort your life (and my iPhone out!!!!)

Yep! It's level :)

2010-07-15T05:39:00.000-07:00

Landing lump levelling

2010-07-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

Jetta, bricks and sunflower :)

2010-07-12T11:55:00.000-07:00

Parkour- Hunstanton

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Kitesurfer @ lifestyles festival Hunstanton

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Friday night bands

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Sunset - friday - Hunstanton

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