At least that is what my husband is calling it, as according to him it is lined with a load of old tat! Of course he is completely and utterly wrong. For a start the shelf is brand new – hand built and installed by him during the school half term break last week. And secondly, my collection of bits and bobs is decidedly not tat! Granted it may be an odd collection of bought, gifted and thrifted stuff but each and every thing makes me smile.
And smiles have been in rather short supply here over the last week. With it being school half term break Toby has really struggled with the lack of his familiar and comforting routine and despite my best efforts to keep him occupied he's frequently become very frustrated and aggressive. He's a big lad now and almost as strong as me, so keeping everyone safe when he's in full on meltdown mode is quite a tricky business and I have a few bite marks, scratches and deep bruises up the backs of both arms where he digs in his fingers when I try to cuddle him. Eventually when he calms he's quickly back to his gentle, sweet self but these tantrums are like ferocious storms that blow in with no warning and sweep away leaving the sun shining for him but a trail of emotional carnage for the rest of the family.
Luckily Amy had a theatre workshop which kept her out of the house a lot and it wasn't all dark and dismal for the whole of the week. There were a few special moments that I'll replay in my mind many times more – like walking in the woods and seeing Toby skipping ahead of me down the woodland track and a sudden shaft of sunlight turning both his hair and the autumn leaves to bright gold and there have been lots of giggly, tickly playful times that I've shared with him. There are happy moments in most days and those are the best ones to commit to memory.
Anyway, the smiles are returning here along with the return to routines and my happy new shelf is helping in it's own simple way. What's making you happy today?
little cotton rabbits 
I love the colours of your little collection on your shelf, very pretty! If they make you smile then that is the most important thing. 🙂
You’re right to focus on the happy moments and put the rest behind you, not always easy I’m sure but best in the long run!
What’s making me happy today?? Well, a lovely email that I received!!!
Vivienne x
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Not tat at all! You have all my favorite colors on your shelf. And is that an ISAK plate? I have one of their trays I just love.
I’m so glad the smiles are returning 🙂
K x
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Right now? That I shall be leaving work in an hour and a quarter!!
I think your shelf is anything but old tat, it’s lovely!
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Sorry to hear Toby has not had a good week, although it’s good that there were some special moments you can remember the week for instead.
A “tat shelf”? – far from it, I say! I managed to prevent Mr C from reinstalling the tat shelf he had generated several years ago. Now that really was full of tat – amongst many, many other things were a miniature London bus-cum-pencil sharpener, a racing nun, a volcano that blew out incense smoke, a plastic rudolf that “pooed” jelly beans and his prized possession, a signed photograph of John Craven! He keeps talking about reinstating it somewhere in the house – it’s probably worth doing so just for the photo opportunity!
Pen x
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Having a selective memory is no bad thing! Your walk in the woods sounds perfect.
And I love your old tat!
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You are in my thoughts Julie. I cannot imagine how hard it must be for you all when Toby’s routine is disrupted. I feel for him too, he must be so confused when his routine is upset. Sending you all a big hug. Your shelf and bits and bobs are beautiful, what do men know anyway lol! I have a rotten cold just now so that is definitely NOT making me happy but l can appreciate being nice and cosy in my wee house, some new fairy lights in my hallway and some gorgeous paper flowers that are making me smile as I write this.xx
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Tat? If that’s the criteria then most of my house contains ‘tat’!! Nothing wrong with well loved and charming bits & bobs.
Sorry to hear the change of routine threw Toby – if only life could travel on in a calm and orderly line. Glad to hear it wasn;t all bad though.
What made me happy today – a glorious walk in the woods with my daughter and my dog and the fact that the little boy I work with signed ‘mum’ & ‘dad’ for the first time.
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That’s a lovely shelf! And pretty-coloured things on it – very tasteful and not tat! I got the most beautiful huge embroidered tablecloth today and that’s made me happy (sad, aren’t I?!). Hope things settle down for you and your boy – sounds hard.
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Sending you hugs and loves from a stranger in UT who understands all too well….. as I happily sent my little guy off to school today and back to his routine….. while I clean up the carnage left behind at home…
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We’ve just come home from an afternoon walk to celebrate the last day of half-term and it was lovely, though I’m happy at the thought of getting back to routine too. Unfortunately, this is the dreaded Christmas performance half term which always gives rise to its own stresses in our household, but it gets less of an issue year on year, so fingers crossed.
And your shelf is most lovely.
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Your shelf does not hold tat!!
What’s made me smile today? I’ve had a lovely afternoon in school. It was open afternoon, so all parents were invited. I decided we’d have a ‘craft’ session, so everyone joined in. It was so nice to see parents and children working together, but most of all, laughing together. As it’s a ‘special’ school, full of very specdial children, I can appreciate how difficult it is for Toby to be out of normal routine. I hope the rest of this term goes well for you all
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I love your shelf and your pitchers! I should get my sweetie to make me a shelf for my collection.
The quote MrsM has on her site “a multitude of small delights constitute happiness” is a wonderful way to appreciate life. Luckily, you and Toby do have some small delightsn to cherish. I am grateful my Olivia is recovering a bit each day from her scoliosis surgery – and that she smiles through it all.
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Oh Julie, hugs to you and all your family. It sounds like a very tough time; hopefully now we’re back to school Toby will feel more settled.
And as for old tat, if your husband really wants to see some he should come here!!
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Oh dear. Change in routine is always makes for the the most difficult times. Wishing you some calm weeks ahead and good you can hold on to the happy memories. Love your tat!
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Men never know. You could walk out and take a sniff at his workbench and say the same, you know. We don’t recognize the tools on one another’s lives sometimes. By the way, Rachel up there on the comments list? She really does know. She’s behind you maybe a year or two, but she knows what you are saying. And I fear for both of you, for your hearts and your safety from time to time. These things make the lovely and simple things so much more important – we find our islands of peace, be they shelves or music or books, and we must have them, even in the memory of chaos. Kiss the man and pat him on his head and give him something to eat, then boot him out to work in the garden, bless him.
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Hi Julie,
It sounds like its been a tough week, but the shelf is a great thing to bring cheer!
Whats making me smile is that I have just recieved some new wool in the post. Katia Ondas knits up so easily to a frilly scalf which will make great presents for my friends!
All the best
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Oh I think our husbands were seperated at birth!
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I think your shelf and treasures are delightful. That’s what makes a home a home!
We’re having a wonderful fall day with warm winds coming in from the desert and it’s just stunning outside – that’s what’s making me happy today. In fact, the outdoors is calling out to me to take a nice walk on our mountain.
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Dear Julie,
When I think of the pleasure I have received
from knitting your adorable hedgehogs (like 42!!!!), and looking at the bear and fox I was lucky enough to buy from you, my heart just breaks when you mention the problems you have on school breaks.
I say if you get pleasure from a shelf of “tat” as your husband calls it, then he should think of it as jewels because that
is what you deserve! It is probably not too much consolation on the bad days, but I
do hope that the pleasure you have brought
to so many other people, and the fun you seem to have with your beautiful daughter when time permits can help just a little bit.
Susan Dean
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So many people just don’t realise how traumatic half term can be for both the children and the parents of children with ASD. Fortunately our half term went quite smoothly this time. Mind you we didn’t attempt to go out!
I think your shelf is just perfect. Is that a mirror you have below it?
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What a lovely treasure shelf 🙂
Sorry you have had a hard week, it must be hard when your sons routine is put out for all of you 😦 Wishing you a restful week ahead.
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Hi Julie
Sorry to hear that you have been having a hard time – nowhere near as tough as what you have been through but my hubby is still ill and in having my own mini crisis these past 4 months I realise how tough it can be to care for someone who is not their usual self.
I am tired, emotional and a nervous wreck at times jumping at every unusual sound he makes and watching him like a hawk.
But I continue to stay positive in order to keep him calm however hard it is at times.
What made me smile today was when Kirsty’s homemade home was on Channel 4 tonight – I loved the last series and brought her book which was late being published and I had to wait ages to get it!
I was sat there with my coffee and cake which was a real treat and knittng away whilst Kirsty praised crafters made me feel very wholesome and even a little bit clever.
And I love your little happy shelf too!
//(_)\
Davina x
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There is not a piece of tat to be seen on the shelf. Men simply do not appreciate the finer eclectic things in life. Hope things are settling down at home again, sounds very difficult at times. A wave from the sea front, up here in the north east to help make you smile x
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That sounds like a very tough week you and Toby had. Poor him for not understanding the change in routine and poor you for suffering the consequences. You remain an amazing mum to Toby and Amy and an inspiration to the rest of us. I thought I’d had a tough week because my three fought over EVERYTHING but, like you (and because of you) when I look back at the week carefully we did have lots of laughs and fun – it wasn’t all refereeing! You have an incredible ability to see the good in everything and everyone which is why you were chosen as a mum for Toby. Some people just couldn’t do what you do. Take heart you are doing your best! As for the “tat” – I love that kind of “tat” – bring it on!!! Big hug of support from one mum to another.
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So glad that you were able to find some sunshine at a time that was overcast – take care
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Happy reading your blog! Lovely shelf and all the trinkets collected – glad to hear you’re having a better week:)
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Hope that things are a bit more settled for you now that Toby is back at school and hope that you can have a bit of me time this week.
Take care and like everyone else has said -lots of virtual support from all of us.
Alison
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Pretty pretty! I especially love the plate and the fact that you have a serving hatch – my parents used to have one in the house where I grew up! Hope back to school sees everyone settled.
Lina x
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It’s a lovely little shelf Julie – tat indeed! Pah!
So sorry to hear about Toby. You’re right – treasure the good memories … they sound so special because so simple.
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I love your shelf and everything on it, definitely not tat. Sorry to hear that half term was so fraught for both you and Toby. I hope he’s a happier little boy now that he’s got some routine back.
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My son has ASD and your description of the tantrums and the aftermath is absolutely spot on. I often think it’s one of the most difficult things for people to understand especially, as in our case, when the autism isn’t immediately apparent. We have dealt with our son’s aggressive outbursts since he was old enough to swing a fist. I empathise with you and your family.
Oh, and I love your shelf with it’s soothing colours!
XX
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Tat is as tat does! By your husband’s definition my house is chock full of it.
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I really admire you for looking at the bright side of things!
It is the only way to keep yourself sane!
And I really enjoy your blog, thank you for sharing!
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Tat? Never! “Quality Tat” is my name for the precious things I can’t quite bring myself to part with in this week of Dramatic Downsizing prior to the Big Move! The Beloved is going to have to make a shelf (or three) for them! Sorry you’ve had a tough week..but glad that there were gleams of sunlight. What made me smile? The wonderful golden/red leaves on the beech trees. Took a great photo to add to the Screen Saver collection for when we move far away! Jenni xx
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virtual hugs – simply the best way to know that out there in the virtual world there are people who care. thank you for being honest, others take heart from knowing. all will be well. Maybe just not the way we planned.
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Love that Tat…especially the pretty plate. Good on you for noticing the brighter things as well in your day, that is such a little skill that makes all the difference 🙂 Thinking of you and sorry it has been a tough time for you all. I have a friend who’s son is getting stronger than she is as well it can be pretty scary as I am sure you can appreciate…Hugs xx Jenni
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wanted to let you know that I made the Egg Cozy using your pattern awhile back, so so cute. I made two 🙂
http://so-sue.blogspot.com/2009/09/egg-cosy-little-cotton-rabbits.html
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What a lucky boy Toby is to have such a loving, understanding Mum as you x
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What’s making me happy right now is all the kids(5) are once again healthy. Youngest Peter fought cancer and so far he is winning. You sent us his best friend, Mr. Mouse. And my husband is recovering from his wartime brain injury. Best of all is that the kids have decided they have nothing to ask Santa for this year so they are giving their Santa wish to a homeless shelter.
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Well done for focusing on the good things in life. Our husbands just don;t “get it” , do they? Love that bird plate in the centre of your ‘tat’!!!
What making me happy? My eldest son’s birthday celebrations over the last weekend (on my blog, if you have a moment to look).
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To find your lovely page makes me happy this day!
Sincerly
Claudi
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Are these genuine images or has the artwork been touched up they are truly. Thanks for sharing a nice info.
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I am looking for patterns for all of your animals that you make like the badger,elephanta,fox,mouse,monkey,pig. As well as the cloths that you make for them. I saw them on your website and thought how cute.So I thought how I would like to make,them for my daughters and grandchildern.So I have been looking for the patterns on your website. I dont have any money to buy them with,but I hoped that you could send them to me,at my email Carla
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