Good morning readers! At long last my fingers have reached the keyboard to make a tentative start to this blog. I confess to having been sitting on the idea for many months – it's a wonder I don't have piles.

What does one write about in blogs? Although I have experience in scripting one before, that was in Cambodia where everything was new and interesting – there was always 'something' to scribble about. So, based smack bang in the middle of 'normal' what could be interesting to read? Well, I guess that's where the challenge will lie – training the eyes to notice even the smallest wonders in everyday life and hoping you will enjoy reading about it!

This will be the official blog of the Hound of Happiness team, and will contain a right old mish mash of the things we are interested in – from our business makes and developments to philosophical musings and awesome stuff we have come across through crafty networks. I guess the best place to start would be to tell you a bit about ourselves. 

 

We are Sharon and Kathy (I'm Kathy *waves*). Sharon & I met several years ago (don't ask how many because it makes me feel old, ok?) Sharon was doing her NVQ and I was her assessor, although we have both changed jobs since then we have remained friends and both developed a deeper interest in all things craft related. At some point we began ruminating on the possibilities of running our own business. We had a rather disastrous trial run in May last year, and thankfully we didn't let it put us off completely! Instead we went to an adult learning course and Hound of Happiness was born! It's a huge learning curve but we are both loving it.

I work part time as a nurse in a nursing home. Since work experience in a residential home, I have had an affinity to caring for our elderly population, and am pleased to have returned to this following work in the NHS, training & development and working overseas. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you perceive it) I suffered a spell of depression, and decided working part time was better for my health. Sewing for Hound of Happiness gives me time out and a focus, an aim to work towards. I can also feed my 'AA' type obsession for pretty fabrics! My dog Ellie is my constant companion, she is a rescue dog, but I'm not sure who rescued whom! You will hear a lot about her and she may well contribute to this little blog if her claws can get to grips with the keyboard. That's enough about me though! I will get Sharon to make her own introduction soon.

Hope you enjoyed this first instalment & will return for more!