Thursday's Smile Lines

Me: 'What did you do at school today?'
Ben: 'In drama we did Physical Theatre. Or something like that.'
Me: 'What's Physical Theatre?'
Ben: 'You act like an object.'
Me: 'What object did you pick?'
Ben: 'A microwave rotating plate.'

Keeping Me Sane

Last week I had an awful cold which left me feeling rather sorry for myself. There was an up side to laying vertically for so long, and that was the ability to plug in to some new music and send some happy vibes to my brain.  Here's the three albums that got me through:

I've mentioned British band Kill It Kid a few times before, I've been a fan for a couple of years now and their second album 'Feet Fall Heavy' was released last Monday.  I wasn't disappointed.  It was recorded in only 10 days and has a very live, raw feel to it; there are samples of a southern preacher throughout the album, and the guitars sound loud and gritty.  The vocals are again shared between Stephanie Ward and Chris Turpin, and go from gut-wrenching, gravelly howls to soft and melancholy.  I LOVE IT!

The next album I indulged in this week was 'Skin and Bones' from David J. Roch.  I have followed him since 2007 when I first saw him play as an unsigned act named Little Lost David.  Years later, after lots of touring, home demos and EPs, David was signed to a label and released his first album last month.  From the moment I first heard David as a support act I was hooked, his voice easily cut through the noisy crowd and commanded our attention.  He sings mostly about the darker side of life, (heartbreak, depression and the devil) but I think that is what makes it such an honest and beautiful record.  I knew most of the songs on this album from owning his earlier demos, but they sound so different now having been recorded in a studio with a producer all these years later.  It was like getting re-acquainted with an old friend!

Lastly, Katie Herzig released her new album 'The Waking Sleep' last week (it's not available in the UK to buy yet so I have to stream it on my laptop) and it is oh-so-beautiful-and-makes-me happy!  I love her quirky songs and they made me feel so much better by the end of the week.

What music do you like to listen to?  Share with me!

Smile Lines Round-Up

The things that have made me smile this week start off with my new bowls.  I love eating cold cereal from these!  The children picked their own bright colours and I went for these, I originally only wanted a set in the top colour but Rosie told me 'You have to get lots of different colours otherwise it's boring!': 

Also, are these dish brushes not the funniest you've ever seen?:

One of Noah's reading books he chose from school this week was a tale about a witch.  Her broomstick had a baby.  Did you know broomsticks could have babies?  Apparently they do!  Broomstick babies drink warm milk and eat acorns.  Now you know:

My favourite slip of the tongue this week came from James.  He was talking to me about a bush craft event his friend was running and accidentally called it 'butch craft'.  Never have I heard a truer slip-up before!

Now the children are back in school I started my 6 mile country walks again this week, it feels good to be back into an exercise routine, and with this beautiful scenery it's not at all hard to endure!

Last night I found out Brandi Carlile had added a London date to her solo tour, I was so excited to buy tickets as it's been over two years since she last came to the UK and I needed my Brandi fix!  I am also happy that James finally gets to come with me and see her live too, the last four times I've seen her James hasn't been able to take time off of work.  And I only have to wait until next month!

Noah made me the sweetest card today, I was sicker than a sick dog last night and James took the children to school so I could stay in bed.  How could this card not make anyone feel better?:

And Now For The Other Two

Today the alarm woke me at 7.30am and I stepped out of my room to find Rosie and Noah were both up and dressed, eager to start school.  I know this organisation won't last long but it was rather sweet that they were so excited to go back!  Noah has started year two (I can't quite believe he is beginning his third full year at school) and Rosie is in year five.  It was strange for me to only collect two children from school today, I'm not used to it!

That Time Of Year Again

Today was back to school for Ben and Ethan.  It was Ethan's first day at Secondary school and his big brother dutifully walked him to school and showed him the ropes!  (By the way, Ethan isn't really tiny, it seems Ben is turning into a giant!)  Noah and Rosie were a little sad they didn't start today too (but only a little!).