Happy Birthday, Old Man!

Today Bob becomes an OAP and has his Seniors' Bus Pass bus pass [and soon his State Pension will arrive] 

Rather than posting photos, I am sharing the picture which Steph gave us on our Wedding Anniversary in the Summer. Look at the detail in this, so much which represents who we are, and how we spend our time

guitar, tool kit, sewing machine, books, wool, computer, cafetiere, bunting, more books, woodworking tools, sewing machine, laptop, dolls, Lego,toys, bunting, crosswords, Rosie's yellow bathtime duck..he's in a jumper and chinos, I'm in a striped Breton top and jeans. Our study, our crafts, my blogging, his music, and the time we spend with children [our grandchildren and others too] are all reflected in this picture. And decent, fresh coffee...

It's very cleverly done [Steph and Gaz have one of these, and so do Liz and Jon]

They are produced by an artist called Katie Randall, inspired by her daughter Florence, who has Down's Syndrome. Florence is the reason Katie began creating bespoke prints, knowing that life should be about championing our differences, and honouring all that comes from you being you.

Keen to celebrate these differences, and knowing all too well the struggle required to nail that perfect group photograph, seven years ago Katie set about drawing a picture of her own family instead. Her eldest son bedecked in his favourite football kit, her youngest son donning his adored dressing up outfit, and Florence holding her treasured doll. Upon receiving endless compliments—and commissions from friends—from this initial family portrait Katie decided to take the next step and turn her hobby into a business, and Little Florence was born. The site is easy to navigate and there are so many options to choose from, to make a bespoke picture.

It is a rather different, but very special sort of family picture, and I love it.  I love too the fact that buying this is helping a small family-run business, and enabling another woman to use her artistic gifts.

Bob's birthday celebrations will be relatively quiet today - just him and me*. Obviously there will not be a large cake. But I pray that God will continue to bless and strengthen him in the years ahead, as we enjoy the adventure of retirement. [* perhaps we will go for a free bus ride!]