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Much of a muchness
Things that make you go 'hmm'…
The eyes have it
Posted by on March 12, 2008
This book uses a photograph I took when I was in Switzerland last year. I loved the patterns that the snow made lying on the fir tree branches. As usual I have printed it onto the inkjet bookcloth and this time, I have used a grey and silver Indian paper from Paper Source for the end paper. The book is a different size than I usually make. I buy this cartridge paper in pads of 100 sheets. They are unusually, square 250mm x 250mm and I normally make small square journals out of them. I decided to make this long rectangular book for a change. This is the original photograph, taken in Crans Montana.
Well, we survived the storms. It is still pretty windy but not as bad as Monday – the worst of the weather has moved north, (I hope Number 2 son is OK.) We have had some very rough weather and I thought you might like to see some shots of the sea at West Bay.
I spent yesterday morning at the eye hospital. I had a routine eye examination a couple of years ago and the ophthamologist spotted a ‘grey patch’ on my retina which I had to have checked out at the hospital. I was told (and I quote) it was ‘either a freckle or a melanoma’. Marvellous. No prizes for guessing which I hoped it was…. I now have to have it checked every year to see if it is growing. Luckily, it seems to be fairly static, so it is looking like it’s a freckle!
It’s a straightforward procedure, I have eye drops put in which make my eyes feel numb, as apparently the next lot of drops which dilate my pupils, would otherwise sting. I then have a really bright light shone into my eyes so the consultant can look at my retina and measure the spot. The problem arises afterwards as the drops make my eyes blurry and extremely sensitive to light, so a friend had to give me a lift home as I couldn’t drive and I had to risk looking like a sad, aspiring celeb wanabe by wearing my sunglasses on a very rainy day when I went shopping. I wasn’t asked for my autograph though as I looked like a dog’s breakfast. I was wearing no make up (because of the eye exam) and because it was so windy, I couldn’t keep an umbrella up, my hair was soaking wet and looked like I had been dragged through a bush backwards. The squinty eyed/sunglasses look was not my best look either. Just as well I was with an understanding girlie friend and wasn’t out to impress anyone.
By the way, on the dating front, (tenuous link anyone?) from my vast experience of trying to find Mr. Right and my store of helpful dating tips, here is some advice for you ladies still searching for ‘The One’.
and as for you potential Mr Rights out there…
Perhaps it’s best to just be natural…. and just in case, you can’t tell the difference, here’s a warning for you.
Much of a muchness 
That how to fake a smile comic was funny. A funny thing about me is I cannot smile and show my teeth in a photograph and not look natural. So, all the pictures of me have me smiling with my mouth closed. I’m so weird.
I really like this book, even though it reminds me of the long winter we are enduring. :)
Glad you survived your weather!
I thought it was just because you were being a pirate….well that’s the only picture I have seen of you :-)
We haven’t had any snow in Dorset this year (or last) :(
I’m off to Switzerland next week so there will be lots there though!
Ha, enjoyed the dating advice. I especially liked “exuberance.” :) Your snowy branches book is lovely. I’ve never tried out the printable book cloth–your results look really good.
Hi Barbara – glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve only recently discovered the printable book cloth and am really only experimenting with it but I like the results so far :)
I really like the poster. It would make a very nice book cover.
My first visit here, lovely blog and photos. Your book is beautiful!
As usual, Diane, your blog just makes my day! Those are so funny!! I really like Giada (the woman on the Exuberance card), but yeah, she is often a bit more ‘up’ than most people would want. ;)
Pretty snow scene on the book! I need to steer away from anything winter at the moment. I’m sure if I saw it in the heat of August, I’ll just fall in love with it. LOL!
Your storm photos are stunning…but I’m glad I’m here instead of there!
I get an eye exam once every few years and I remember that numbing, dilating procedure well. Yuck! I never knew one could get freckles in one’s eye. Very weird. Sending strong good vibes for you that it will never be something serious.
Give your son a call to check on him. :)
Bookcalendar – You are right! It would! Hmmm……. :-)
Lori – welcome! Glad you like the books and photos – just what I like to hear :-)
Teresa – I didn’t realise the ‘Exuberance’ woman was someone famous.
We haven’t had any snow this year so I am still in the ‘isn’t snow pretty’ frame of mind. I’m off to Switzerland for a week, next week, let’s see how I feel when I get back. I hate feeling cold!
I’m pretty sure my eye blob is a freckle – I’m not going to allow it to be anything more sinister. Thanks for the good wishes though – every little helps :-)
This is my first visit to your blog. What a lovely mix of things you have displayed in it. Great blog.
I’d not been in Switzerland in years (uh, make that decades…ack!). I caught the nastiest cold there. LOL! Are you visiting friends or family or just going for fun? You may have mentioned it previously, so forgive my forgetfulness.
Have you seen the cooking shows hosted by Giada de Laurentiis? That’s her. http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/giada_delaurentiis/0,1974,FOOD_10968,00.html
My husband laughed so hard at that card and cartoon. He thinks I’m nuts for reading blogs, but he did appreciate your humor.
Kloggers – I enjoyed your blog too – I hope you survived the weather wherever you are in the UK :-)
Teresa – I hope I am going for fun with friends who have a place there. And I already have the nastiest cold :(
Glad your husband enjoyed the cartoon – another one in latest post :-)
I can honestly say that I am wearing my finest, most genuine smile right now.
Admittedly, that is all I am wearing, but still. It’s progress.
Oh my Lord! I have come over all unnecessary!
LOL. I love the last picture.
It’s sadly true too – I have been on lots of blind dates and wished I had been able to check them out first…. :-)
Hmm..lovely book covers. May I ask what type of printable book cloth you are getting? Is it canvas paper? I have been wanting to do something similar for ages. Thanks and I’d greatly appreciate your feedback.
I buy ink jet linen book cloth from Paper Source in the US. They have e very good web site and they do two sizes – 8.5″ x 11″ and 17″ x 11″.
It comes in packs of 5 sheets.
Check out http://www.paper-source.com
Hope this helps!