This week it feels like so much and so little has happened all at once and my head is spinning and my daughter is running circles around my legs and things threaten to spiral out of control while I stand, dizzily trying to make sense of it all.
We got the keys to our house a few days ago which turned out to be both a relief and a worry. That relief and worry has since turned into our lives as we try to get a grasp of what we need to do and sign and paint and organise.
And then there was this. A post written really as a thank you that somehow for some reason took off (and in ways is still taking off) and has left me with a bursting inbox to reply to and tears at people kindness and more tears at people’s superficial judgements.
Seven days that are impossible to capture in photographs, so I’m sharing only one because it is of all that matters, no matter what else may be happening. And a bird on a wire, just because.

Morning – like the pic :-) – please can you update us on what condition the property is in now – did the council come clean and clear rubbish inside and out before you actually moved in with Beans?
Also, have they given you help with the cost of decoration – I understand from various tweets and #NeighbourhoodWatched related comments that some councils give long term tenants opportunity to choose their own colours etc – to make it feel more like home (if that is possible).
I know this far from ideal – and I would hate to be back in the situation of renting – but at least if you have some security and they have provided you with a CLEAN & SAFE blank canvass then I hope you might find some pleasure in creating a lovely place inside (although I realise this involves a lot of hard work on top of everything else). But if they left you to clean the detritus left by the previous residents then I really think you need to take it up with your councillor.
Best wishes – (looks like you have a budding designer – her room should look great).
@HuwSayer
PS: Have a envelope full of poppy, marigold, corn-cockle and love in a mist seeds if you want them.
Thanks for your comment. I have updated my original post with more information. I’m looking forward to making the house a home once it is clean and safe and ready to be made comfortable and happy :)
Thank you for the update – can’t say it sounds quite like the clean and safe blank canvas I envisaged but glad to hear you are feeling a bit more positive. I’m taking a break from social media for a few months to concentrate on other projects – but will catch up when I next resurface. Meanwhile, hope life improves for your family.
Who’s been judgemental? Lemme at ‘em!!
Beautiful pics, I hope I can come up and meet you in person and lend a hand. x
Would be lovely to meet you…Glad you’ve got my back too!x
Councillor?! MP more like! Take it up with them!
seriously? people are being judgmental??? what the fuck are you supposed to do? this is what you’ve been handed, it’s not your fault. i’d like to slap anyone who made you feel bad about this. i only wish i was there so i could help you out (and maybe slap a few people).
I’m not taking any judgements personally because all the points you make are right. Plus I am well aware that there are so many others in similar, if not worse, situations struggling too.
It can only get better right?!