You can't get spoiled...

...if you do your own ironing.

Meryl Streep

Oh JOY!! Today I have been working on starting finishing some commissioned projects that clients and friends have ordered as Christmas presents. Luckily, I've been given virtually carte blanche to do as I please although we settled on the inspirational quotes together first. While gleefully fuffling through my bits and pieces of old papers and stamps etc etc etc, I came across this much loved image.

I adore this photo from the 2006 Amcal calendar (which I bought incidentally for its cover!). From the time I first laid eyes on her we have never been able to part, even though 2006, and my last holiday "home," is long behind me. To me she encapsulates the meaning of life! Not because I am the housework queen in particular, I assure you!

No, it's her overall Joyful, thumb nosing, 'thrrrbbbbb' raspberry blowing, attitude in the face of drudgery!

Before Enlightenment: fetching wood, chopping water. After Enlightenment: fetching wood, chopping water ;-)

She has graced my work with her enthusiasm several times, notably in this one which I sold the other day much to Beaker's dismay. It was one of my first, and his favourite ( he's a mercenary at heart so is not really devastated that I let her go... if you catch my drift ;-).

If you look closely you'll find her in the letter A

(for Aimer which means LOVE in French):

Messmonsters back at school, the Christmas season is upon us and

I'm filled with a joy that I can't contain...

...even if I do still have to do my own housework!