Well i am finally get back into the swing of things..and i must say i will NEVER catch up so i am visiting as best i can..
I have been spending my time getting myself ready for my first market..now this was a feat and a half..you must have certain criteria and forms needed to be filled and i was so happy when i was allocated a stall at the Maldon Market.
This town is so sweet and i visit there often, it is just a short trip from here and has beautiful old buildings and gardens and a Christmas shop that is open all year to thrill you with pretty images.
Now to ready myself i had to get busy..i needed so many things done and not just on my actual products but the stall set up and presentation..not a hard ask for a Virgo i must say..one thing we do well is Fru Fru 🙂
But also the logisitics of moving everything and getting a marquee.We were going to borrow one and then got a great deal on one so decided this was a better option..
So hubby and i set up a practice run in the backyard..now you can imagine..cats..dogs..sheesh..i had fur in everything..it seemed everytime i framed a print a fur would arrive..redo again and again..i was starting to see fur everywhere..
Items i ordered did not arrive in time so mad dashes around town ensued..and packaging and cataloging and well you get the idea!
During all the production line work ,which hubby was an amazing help ,with i had several trips for MRI’s and Xrays..i had a mole frozen off my back and have had a cortisone shot in my bursa for an unrelenting hip pain..so i have been all over the shop ..
I stopped the car down the driveway one morning when i noticed that i was not the only one busy..a hive of bees had formed on a small shrub,directly in line with a gum tree that had a hollow which the bees had been living in..they were going from this to the shrub..it was a great chance to stop myself buzzing and watch them.
Industrious and non complaining what amazing creatures and i felt so lucky that we have them here..a great sign when their populations are threatened by chemical spraying.
Well i got through all the work..some last minute dramas and we were ready! the cars were packed with all my things and hubby and i set off ..he with the farm gates that i was using for display and the tables and marquee..me with my work..
So i was behind him and a roo just missed jumping right in front of him..early morning a bad time as is dusk..i saw just the tail and butt and a dust cloud from where he took off back into the scrub.
The hubby pulls into the service station..his panel van was overheating..really today..
We arrived set up in our area and i had my first sale before the market even opened! I was amazed..the lady loved the framed print of the dewdrops on the dry leaf and that was it..sold.
People were so lovely ,interested in my work and how i did it and not only that they wanted to know if i would be back again..i could not believe how well it all went.
People were surprised i was the person who took the photos..maybe people buy work and sell it ..who knows..
At the end of the day i was pooped..i had been so busy in the lead up and the late night early wake up had caught up..but i did well really well..i am still gobsmacked really.
And it was great to see what people really love..and to hear what appeals to them..i look forward to the next market and hope i have as much fun..and as much as it was lovely to sell things and make money from what i have done it was more rewarding that people actually loved my work..please enjoy my busy bee life with me and have a great day..
*Thoughts go out today to Stu and his family at this tough time..we are rooting for you little guy…*

The new hive which left two days later

A hive of activity

The source of the bees

Setting up at the market

My displays

More displays

This is Roy..his peeps stopped by for a look at my stall

He is two and quite the poser

Look at that face..think he was after the water i had out for doggies

This is Ron..his peep helps organise at the market

Ron is 12 and quite the man about town

He had plans on being elsewhere i think
that is awesome news to hear that it went really well,xx Rachel
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Thanks Rachel it did i was super surprised..and had a great time chatting 🙂 still a bit amazed really .. Loves Bev xxx
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I’m glad it was a super day for you… even with a lot of work and tons of stress… but you’re right… we Virgos can handle that, Easy agrees too :o) and how great that the people liked your work, it sounds good that we all still have a heart for nature and animals and maybe your cards help that we all do more to protect this treasures of slice earth…
I was like frozen today, as I read about Stuart… he is my first follower, a part of my life and my blog… I hope so much that the bloodwork and the new ultrasound brings some good news….
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Thanks Katty i was very humbled at the way people were so excited to buy cards and prints and frames..big frames too..amazing..the Pelican was a hit with one lady who loves them..so off she went with a three framed set..i hope people do still care for nature..seems they do 🙂 and yes..i was crying while typing on his blog..it breaks my heart it really does this cyber world family is very very real to us all and we feel helpless..i pray that news comes that is positive..it is all we can do..Love Bev xxx
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Congratulations! I am sure that most people will appreciate someone selling their own creations. The scenario invites much more interest as one can ask questions that would be totally wasted in a “normal” store situation. Whether it’s a writer discussing their book; a musician discussing their music, or an artist discussing their creations. A whole new area of interest opens up for anybody who wishes to explore the creative aspects. Again – congratulations. 🙂
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Colin thankyou so much i agree to talk with people was the higlhight for me..discussing snakes and how we try and prevent problems with them…the the stories behind the images..one fellow stall holder fell in love with a solitary toadstool image amongst some moss…i had called it Party for one..i told her how cold it was that morning up the mountain and how wet my jeans got from kneeling on the ground..just to capture this little guy all alone..she then was trying to decide between it and another toadstool image,,she then said i will have Party for one..and i hope because we chatted she can relate the story to people when they look at the image..it felt great..and getting them off the computer and in frames was wonderful 🙂
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Of course, by being open to talking about your prints may well probably be related to that stall holder’s friends and family. Word of mouth advertising is great!
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It sure is..and i love talking anyway..go figure 😉 i did fear that our wildlife may be seen as boring but people were surprised to learn they were all local images..especially the frame with three pelicans..that sold to a lady who adores them and was chuffed when i told her the story of the aerial dogfight between him and some hawks..we sometimes forget the great things we have in our own areas and i hope this helps 🙂
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I think that people in general look at everything but see very little. That’s the difference between an artist and a non-artist. It’s in the details! Most people see birds, some are big and some are small, but they are simply birds. To you however, there are many different variations, colours, songs, lifestyles, antics and as you can clearly capture some of those aspects, people will be surprised.
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Thankyou ..i am maybe a nature perve then 🙂 i still have to remember that not everything is as it seems and being out in the garden this week and spying on little bugs has been great..i think i feel some prints coming on fro next market 😉
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Congratulations Bev – it’s all about realising how good you are and here’s the proof. Although it was a bit of a comedy of errors getting ready, sounds and looks like you had a great stand and only the first time of trying! It will only get better, especially as you took the time to find out what your customers wanted.
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Thankyou so much Annie..it was a great start to my venture..people were so generous with compliments and so nice to see my things going to homes were they will hopefully be enjoyed 🙂 i am still very surprised at the response..i think our beauty can take the credit here 🙂 Hugs and loves Bev xx
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With each market day you will realize more and more how good your work is…..I know there are a lot of artists who feel like they’re so wonderful that their work will just fly off the tables and displays but approaching it all from a humble place is something buyers notice – and being OPEN to talking about your work and enthusiastic about the visitors stopping just to LOOK at it, helps a great deal. Being approachable…….I loved talking to people about my artwork when I was still painting/selling and had my notecards for sale. Not everyone likes what we do as much as WE do…..LOL…..but who cares about them (!!!) – there are plenty of people who do love what we create and they give you the moments you remember the most! Everybody is proud of you Bev………and you should enjoy being “proud of you” too!!!! 🙂
Love, Pam
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Pam i agree chatting with people about your work is wonderful..sharing stories and listening to what they find appealing is great,,i will always be humble though..the images are all thanks to a beautiful world i live in..and yes not all peeps will like it but diversity is great.personal taste is just that and i will never be offended if people do not like what i do..i do not like some art things either 🙂 thankyou so much for your lovely words and you are always such a great supporter ..it is truly what has made me get off my butt and do this 🙂 Love Bev xx
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Wow, that looks like such a good show you had for all your photos. Well done. Your pictures are out of this world. Glad it all went so well. Love the picture of the bees. I have never seen anything like that before. You all have a great day.
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Marg thankyou..i had a great day and was so happy to get my things out there at last..and i was not even nervous which surprised me 🙂 and the bees were amazing..i wish they had stayed longer..they were fascinating to watch ..but they had to buzz 😉 have a super day and thankyou again for the lovely words 🙂 Hugs Bev xx
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That’s outstanding, Bev! I’m so happy to hear the market went so well and that you’re reaping the rewards of your beautiful work. Your booth looks fabulous and I love your little canine visitors. 🙂 I hope you’re feeling better after the cortisone shot and that the next markets are just as successful for you. Oh and that beehive – WOW! That’s huge!
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Thankyou so much my sweets 🙂 it was a wonderful day and the weather people and pups were great! those pups were too cute to pass up! we had fun organising the booth and will be making a few changes so that ill be fun 🙂 and yes i feel better from the shot..hoping it will last the 3 months they say..and that bee hive..yes WOW it was a biggie..amazing creatures..just amazing 🙂 Hugs Bev xx
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I spent thirteen years doing the craft show scene. Loved it, hated it, miss the camaraderie of all the other artisans but really glad I don’t have to do it anymore. I am so glad you had such a wonderful experience (despite all the bumps). Your work is beautiful and I know you will do well. Oh, and that beehive is a thing of beauty. I love that you took the time to take the pix of it.
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Thankyou sweets..it was great..and a perfect day weather wise! it is a lovely environment with other people proudly selling their craft..and that bee hive made my day..made me stop the car grab the camera and do what i have had little time to do! take images and enjoy the moment 🙂
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I had and still have complete faith in your photography skills my friend. I’ve told you before – it’s like you can reach out and feel the pictures and they are so alive with color. I wish I could have been at the market with you. One day.. one day 🙂 Congrats on an amazing job my sweet friend. XOXO – Bacon
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Oh how i wish you were there we would have had a great time..your support has always been so wonderful and your lovely compliments are always humbly accepted…huge hugs Fozziemum xxx
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You have the abundance of the bees! xoxoxoxoxo
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Julianne i do..aren’t they wonderful..they have moved on but the tree hollow is still alive with plenty..you must be right about a separation of hives and a new colony starting..they are busier than i ever am 🙂 Love Bev xxxxx
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OMC Now dat’s a lot of bees. Mommy wulda fweaked out, bein’ lergic and all. Gweat fotos, glad yous did well, but we never spected anyfin’ different.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
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Thankyou sweeties i had a great day and surprised even myself 🙂 i am allergic to bees also but make sure i am not annoying them..i hope! Loves Fozziemum xx
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Congratulations and very well deserved. You are an amazing photographer and I know that everyone must have loved your work. Wow! That is a lot of busy bees.
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M.K thankyou for your lovely compliment..it was so nice to get pout there at last 🙂 and yes those bees were super busy..they have moved on but still maintain a hive in that tree hollow..which this morning the White wing cough birds are circling for their brekky..they fancy a bee or two..yikes!
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Beautiful display-congratulations on doing so well. I knew you would be a hit. Sounds like roos come out at the same time the deer do around here 🙂 You are brave to get so close to the bees. I know honey bees aren’t mean, but still, I wouldn’t go near them.
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Thankyou Ellen 🙂 indeed dawn and dusk they are out and the reason i usually do not drive at those times…i would never forgive myself if i hit one 😦 i had my good zoom lens for the bees..i do get close but am wary as i am allergic ..if they feel threatened they will sting..but rarely 🙂
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So glad the market was good to you! Your work is beautiful and everyone who sees it knows it. *ear licks* Noodle
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Aww Noodle thankyou 🙂 it was a great day and perfect weather as well was a bonus 🙂 Loves Fozziemum xx
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Not at all surprised you did well, as your work is beautiful.
Hope you are soon done with the hospital.
Hugs
Sue, Polly & Honey
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Sue,Poly and Honey thankyou so much..it was a great day indeed ..lots of fun and peeps..and yes i hope soon all the dr stuff will be finished with..very annoying! 🙂 Hugs and love Bev xxx
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Wow, what a lovely display and well done you for doing it! The bee pics are stunning. I’d contact a honey manufacturer to partner with. You pics could used for pr, web etc.
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Layla thankyou..it was a great day and a lot of work that has paid off..and i adore bees allergic as i am they are divine to watch..i may just do that about the images 🙂
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Howdy mate. Congratulations on your success at the market. A feel good time when peeps appreciate your work and the stories behind them. Loved the photos, especially the bee colony and of course the dogs. My hubby hit a roo going to work the other day. Sadly the roo did not survive but hubby was ok. The poor Roos just don’t understand cars and they are so fast and unpredictable . Have a wonderful weekend and hope you get some time for your photography. No worries and love, Carol
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Thankyou sweeties it was a great day indeed and i felt very humbled..the pups were adorable and i had to take their shots..could not resist 🙂 i am sorry for your hubby that he hit the roo..they are so fast..so fast and so unpredictable..i hope i never hit one..i would be shattered..but these things happen and we can’t do much but be wary…i will be out taking some pics today i hope..and hope your day is awesome too! Hugs Bev xx
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Sounds like you’re off to a promising start at the markets. Can’t believe that bee hive!
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Thanks guys it was great fun..i do love chatting with peeps..and yes that hive was awesome.kept me fascinated for a few days while it was there 🙂
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Bev….I am MEGA HAPPY for you that your first sale went so well, another couple under your belt and it will all seem like old hat……I wish you much success at every sale; I’m glad you got positive feedback also on just what customers are looking for…..totally buzzed happy for you as the trouters say and continued success into the future….the bee photo ROCKS by the way and I hope you’re doing and feeling 100 purrcent better ♥♥♥♥♥ Laura
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Laura thankyou..it went very well and i made good sales which was lovely..but the chats with peeps of course was so good too..and yes the bees were a lovely surprise..i wonder where they went 🙂 feeling much better thanks and getting myself some sunshine and fresh air 🙂 Loves Bev xxxxx ❤ ❤ ❤
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What a fun post! The market show looks like fun and your booth was very well done and professional and happily – dog friendly!
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Thankyou Genevieve it was fun and of course i had to have a special water bowl for doggy patrons..as much as i was set up to sell things i could not resist the time spent talking and photographing the pups 🙂
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Wonderful photos of the bee hive up close and personal…glad I wasn’t with you. hehe
Shoko
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Hahahaha now now..i am allergic but they left me alone..must be a bee whisperer 🙂 thanks for the compliments Shoko ..hugs Fozziemum xx
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Bravo Bev! So glad that some “local” people got to experience all the wonderful photos that we are so privileged to see all the time 🙂 Your work may open their eyes to all the local beauty again too my wonderful friend!
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Thanks sweets it was super fun 🙂 and i was thrilled to finally get my image out in the wild 🙂 busy getting some more images worked on now..have photographers block hahah 🙂 ughhh! big hugs Bev
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Bahahahaha! Kitty photos always rule in our house 🙂
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Awesome set up! I know you will make skads of Money! And I love that people have choices. I found people would by postcards and later comeback and by posters, then framed pieces. And you’ve got them covered.
I too have a bee allergy and there is an apiary behind where the Osoyoos Farm Market is/was. I don’t get excited and let them be and I never had a sting once during the 3 years we sold there (and they LOVE my jam).
Rock on my friend!
Barb
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Oh yes, get yourself an excellent hand fan…they will make you feel way more comfortable when the weather gets even hotter.
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Barb thankyou do much..yes i think the bees are only a worry if you bother them..of course beautiful jam would tame the meanest bee :)..we are slightly changing the next set up with more table space..i had such a nice time and really loved chatting to everyone..and yes a hand fan will be a must hahaha..i mentioned that on the day as the heat was pretty intense 🙂 Hugs and loves Bev xx
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Yes, there is nothing like standing around in 40+ temperatures and trying to be cool and collected!
Rock the Market!!!
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Hahahah yes i did get a sweat up and started to look like i was a dodgy vendor hahahaah 🙂 xx
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Yay for you and Phil! Well done. Isn’t money that comes from one’s own hands so very special? Yes it is!!! Well done again and how cute were those dogs? One a youngster and one a bit wiser. Yes sad about Stu. The photos of the Bees were lovely. I do believe Bee pics would sell too. You are very talented dear Bev.
Spinderella. 😀
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Thankyou Sharon…i had a ball..and all the hard work was worth it..it has been a long time since i earned anything let alone for my work…and even though i am still behind the eight ball with expenditure it was the conversations and appreciation that meant so much..baby steps but getting there..i agree i love the bee shots..such great little critters…i feel a print or two coming on 😉 ..yes Stu…i am still so sad…good to see him home and eating…boy they get you in the feels these pets….Loves Bev xxx
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AB FAB Sis! Your stall looks lovely & the photos framed are wonderful. I am not surprised things went to well. You have SERIOUS talent Bev! Now YOU KNOW this for a fact!!!
Hubby is a dream for helping you; that is a great hubby.
Love the busy bees…they are so ‘bee-utifull’!!
Wishing you continued success because you totally deserve it!
((((HUGS)))) Sherri-Ellen & Siddhartha Henry ❤ ❤
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Sherri-Ellen and sweet Siddhartha Henry thankyou..i had a blast..not sure about talent but i do think i take an ok shot ..when the breeze is in the right direction 😉 Loves Bev xxxx
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LOL Sis you are so funny!!! You have a great eye for a good…no make that GREAT photo!
(((hugs))) & ❤
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An amazing bunch of photos that are simply inspiring. There is nothing so beautiful as nature in its essence and you capture it so well. Thanks so much for sharing these
Timmy Dad and Family
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Thankyou so much sweet friends..i agree..nature is the pantry that has the right food for life for me 🙂 you are so welcome and again thankyou for the lovely compliments Loves Fozziemum xx
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such beautiful photos, glad your day at the market went well.
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Congrats to the ever fabulous Fozzie M-you did us fellow Virgoans proud and showed that not all of us are as talented or good at the Fru-fru. 😉 Love the shots of Roy-what a great face he has. ❤
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Hahah thanks sweets 🙂 indeed Roy had a face to smooch 😉 xxxx
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You definitely have a knack for spotting the most beautiful parts of nature Bev. Those bees are just amazing to watch and you’ve captured them just so perfectly! Stunning images sweetness!
I just love your market stand and I am sure you sold out everything. Such a beautiful display! I know I would have bought it all if I was there. You have such an amazing talent. Ron and Roy are just adorable! 😀 ♥
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Aww thankyou my sweet..i did very well..such a surprise 🙂 the bees are amazing indeed..and yes Roy and Ron..toooo adorable thankyou for the lovely compliment..i think we would have spent our day together laughing 🙂 🙂 xxxx
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I knew that as I can’t for the life imagine anyone not buying your beautiful work. 😀
Oh, I bet we would have had lots of fun for sure. 😀 xxx
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I wish I could have visited your booth. I’m glad you had a good day.
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Charles thankyou i did indeed and am up to my eyeballs readying for this Sundays Market…so behind in blogs i could scream 🙂
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You have to concentrate on what is important. I hope you have a good Sunday.
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It’s so nice to see you back. And what a beautiful tribute to France. We loved your Christmas card it meant a lot to us coming all the way from Australia! Love Dolly
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Thankyou Dolly 🙂 and we are so happy the cardie made it before Christmas! Have a fab Christmas 🙂 Loves Fozziemum xxx
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