Hello, my lovely blogettes. How are you? Good, I hope.
Well, the astute among you will have noticed that things have been a little quiet around here for a bit.
There have been a fair few reasons. If you fancy finding out what’s been going on … read on!
It’s fairly random. Stay with it.
Well, the first reason for a lack of action has been a distinct loss of hair.
No, seriously, it came out in droves. In about 48 hours.
Look!
Doc says it was stress related alopaecia.
Yes, very DIStressing! Practically shabby chic!
Anyhoo, I thought that it wouldn’t be too bad as long as it stayed on the top of me noggin because I could shave that.
As if sensing my plan however my beard decided to then come out in sympathy – the little git!
So, now that spring is here, and as a result of not having much choice in the matter, it was time for a good old sheer.
Don’t panic though, I have my disguise ready…
Haha! No but seriously, the trim has made for a fresh feeling for sure.
Managed to keep the tash at least and now on some treatment to see if I can get the beard back.
Oh, as you see, the decorating has finally started. More on that later because as soon as I had finished that particular patch of painting it was time to get all of the stuff ready and make the 7-hour train trek down to Bournemouth for the final Scan N Cut beginners workshop.
We don’t half get through some card on those things but it’s always a joy to see a rainbow stack of crisp clean cardstock.
Stupidly, again, I didn’t get any photos of the day but I was super grateful to all of the ladies that came to this, and all of the other workshops that I have done over the last few months – you’ve really ALL been AWESOME!
I also hope that you’ve remembered all of your new skills and are making good use of your machines.
So, with that done, and the ‘diagnosis’ of being stressed – although I still can’t think why as things have been good – I decided to do what any self-respecting Brit would do in that situation and take a short break by the sea.
The air is very good for ‘one’, I was told, by a Victorian lady.
It was actually a very good idea as it is one of the very few days this year where the sun shone.
I got to see the lovely beach, giant deck chairs, colourful and decorative beach huts, some great architecture and also sup coffee in the warm air.
Also got to eat some delicious nosh.
And see a rather unique toilet – no, seriously! Look!
Told ya. Lol!
Glad that I got to do all of that before the REAL Spring weather kicked in …
… yup, massive downpour and HUGE thunderstorm.
It was rather cool! :)
Anyhoo, back off up north I went and back to the decorating. It’s coming along. Slowly.
Like the colour? Did warn you a while back that the walls were going to be grey didn’t I? Well, technically this is a colour called ‘Mineral Stone’.
It’s quite unusual as it turns different shades of grey depending on the light source that it is absorbing. Not sure that it’s supposed to, but it does!
I found this colour as I spotted it on someone’s – soz, forgot who! – Facebook/Insta/Twitter being used to paint chairs and I was very taken with it. Odd how these things happen isn’t it? Serendipidous almost.
Other rooms are starting to see some organisation too. I managed to have a good old sort out of the craft room and built some shelves – originally intended for the lounge – and turned them into a prep/storage unit.
Currently waiting on a bit of wood that I am having custom cut for the top to make for a more stable/usable worktop.
That’ll do for now though.
So, that’s not all that I’ve been up to though.
I have been out to see some movies and for dinner. I have also been away to visit my four legged niece …
She’s rubbish at selfies but awesome at posing. Such a gorgeous little puppy :)
I think that I REALLY need to get one for me soon, my puppy daddy clock is ticking!
I have also still been making stuff but I’ve been trying to take my time over it rather than rush it for the sake of it. Been enjoying learning new skills too.
There has been more MDF designing and decorating and also I have been getting to grips with Paracord bracelet making. Blog posts for all of this will be out in the not too distant future.
I am also looking to start a personal project using a 3D papercrafting pattern that I found to make a galloping horse bust to hang on the wall in the lounge – when I finally finish it. I’ve got everything printed and will start cutting the pieces in the evening as a little wind down project before bed and then when it’s time I can assemble it and mount it on the wall – might get a bit of MDF cut into a plaque shape!
Hey, listen, this might sound a lot, but for me, this has been cut right back – maybe the doctor did have a point after all…?
Lol, well, this morning I have to annoy the neighbours and start sanding down the woodwork before I paint it so I had best left you get on with your Sunday morning – whatever it is you do – and get to it!
Thanks for stopping by, look forward to bringing your more bits and pieces in the near future.
Until then – ciao ciao!
J :)
GENTLEMAN CRAFTER 
Hi John, I would highly recommend a puppy, they brighten your day so much. Although our puppy Ted keeps running away with card and paper from my craft room to get my attention. I think you will make a lovely puppy daddy. Take care of yourself
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Lovely catch up!
It’s a common complaint now..and my son had it at 11 and he wasn’t stresses..but glad you listened to your body ( and doc) .
Either way you look great clean shaven …minus your smashing moustache..which is still fabulously intact. Keep on crafting! Xx
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Thank you Shirley :)
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Sending you a big HUG John. You have been busy. Take time for yourself. I like the smooth look.
X Chris
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Hello John, you’re still as good looking as ever. Good job you can smile about your hair loss. I love reading your blog you make me smile. Take care of you 😀 xx
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See what happens when you don’t listen to your body it has to take drastic measures to get your attention!! Glad it worked and the Doc has got the measure of you.(I am wagging my finger at you at the moment!!) Don’t forget to get out there while the weather is nice. Decorating can be done in the rain!! Glad you are on the mend John. xx
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Fabulous read John.puppy daddy click HaHa. I have a puppy mummy clock so really understand your dilema. Sorry about your stress related hair loss, and hope your treatment works for you. Beard or no beard you look as dashing as ever. I’m really looking forward too seeing your new projects. Especially the horse. All the best of everything
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Love your new look but why keep the moustache ? I’d go for the complete nude face !! There is a possibility that your hair will grow back though. Looks like you have been busy ! Love that iron toilet !!!!
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Hi John. So pleased to see you on here and to know that you are O.K except for you hair loss. You still look handsome. I am missing your expertise on the T.V. for the Go Press and Foil. I see that it is going to be on at 12.00 so will record it. Won’t be the same though. You take care and above all be kind to yourself x
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Well I think you look very dashing!!
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Wow! You’ve been doing so much – and you say you’ve cut back! That’s the thing with stress, it isn’t just about having to do the things you don’t like, it can also come on with trying to do too much of what we do like, so take great care. Glad you managed to relax by the sea for a while – fresh sea air works wonders. Love the new-look you though, very trendy and really suits you.
Re the Scan n Cut classes – you did a great job and I use mine now with everything crafty I do, and the family often ask me to do things for them. I don’t know how to manage without one now. I’m looking forward to the one just outside Chester in December.
Love the grey – I used a similar shade some years ago and also found it changes with the light and also with the colours you put near it as it seems somehow to reflect them. Great choice.
Great that you’re back blogging again – you were really missed! Love Liz X
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Was wondering where you had been Gentleman – so glad you have been mixing business and pleasure and diy and rest!!! Hopefully batteries will be recharged and hair/beard restored before you know it and we will experience the pleasure of seeing you on our screens again. Take great care of yourself <3
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With my sons choosing to have virtually no hair I thought you had gone trendy! Sorry to hear abour the hair loss and hope it returns soon (before winter!) Heed the Doc though and learn to take more time “just chillin’”. Love your crafting, looking forward to more of your creativity. xxx
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Try not to stress about your hair…..many men shave their heads these days for no reason…must say you look younger minus the beard….I say loose the tache also….then we can see the full and handsome John! As for getting a dog….do it…it is a lifetime commitment but also someone to look after….someone to get up for each morning and someone who will never judge you…just bring you joy. I am speaking from experience….without my boy I’d feel like I have nothing plus they get you out and meeting people. Dog people are the nicest people! Good luck with your decorating…once you get that sorted you will feel much better. Embrace your naked face….things do happen for a reason. Love and hugs xx.
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Hi John. I knew you were toooo quiet. Glad you are back on the up road where you belong. Hot weather needs less hair anyway. Looks good on you. If you are able to take on the responsibility then absolutely take notice of your puppy clock. A wonderful destresser if ever there was one. Nothing like a cuddle with a furry friend who tells no secrets and loves you regardless. Take care of you xxx
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You’ve certainly been very busy…
re the hairloss, you should take a look at Alopecia UK, doc info is not quite correct. AUK have a website, and also FB private support pages, inc one specially for men.
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Loss.of the beard makes you look years younger! Forget about it and enjoy your decorating. Your craft room is certainly tidier than mine. Enjoy life. We can wait for your gems of knowledge for a while – they are worth waiting for. Love the grey!
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Good morning John. I know that the new look wasn’t intentional BUT I think it is wonderful. My son who is losing his hair ( in his 20”s) tells me this is the style he will opt for.
Take care of you and keep up the blogging. I love to read how creative you are. Jx
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Just read your post John,fingers crossed when you start to destress your hair will come back and glad you are thinking positive,the more you worry the worse the stress gets,it happened to me a lot of years ago but was just a small patch so I know how worrying it is.Love the paint colour ,looking forward to seeing the finished lounge.x
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Hi John! I have suffered from alopecia my whole life. When I was a kid, the docs said it was stress related, but what does a kid have to stress about?!
Anyway, it all grew back … then a few years later fell out .. then grew back … then …
well, you get the picture.
The fact is it does grow back, after varying time lengths, so try not to worry.
Incidentally, I think you suit the shorn look… just try not to get sunburned as that can damage the follicles :o) Clare x
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Wonderful to hear from you again, always look forward to your posts.
It is time for you to really look after yourself, and just do the things that you really enjoy.
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Dont worry about the hair loss John. I have a grandson who is only 19 and has been completely bald for over a year now, not a scrap of hair anywhere on his body. Has been told it is unlikely to come back. Evidently there are several different grades of alopecia, but he does look quite handsome without hair I must say. At least he wont have to spend pounds on hair styles will he!! LOL
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Fabulous post John, sorry to hear you have lost your hair, hope it comes back shortly. Great makes and looking forward to seeing the horse completed. Have a stress free bank hols xx hazel
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Great to hear from you John, was a little worried.
Isn’t that always the way, it jumps up and smacks you in the face, for apparently no reason.
I had stress related alopecia once, I was only 20, the doctor said, “don’t worry about it, and it will go away” and it did……so that’s what to do, don’t worry about it xx
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Lovely newsy newsletter. I’m off on holiday today, but hope that you get a couple of stress-free weeks too! hugs
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Good morning John. I had the same hairloss issue as you a few years ago except I am a laydee so no beard loss to worry about ha ha. Its coming back slowly but is quite a shock when it happens. Grey is a fabulous wall colour, very light reflecting and calming. Paracord makes great puppy leads as well as bracelets…you could start preparing for a Little Stranger!
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