it's amazing how one word can conjure up a story Pixie..its the same with painting.

Wish I could paint.

Why don't you have a go at painting Pixie, you might surprise yourself.

I've tried painting, no good at all. One of my writing friends writes the most amazing descriptions in her stories and when I admire them so much she just says, 'it's because I'm an artist and see everything in pictures.' It's quite fascinating, as for me I'm a wordsmith who leaves art to the artists.

I had a go, Pixie. My landscapes are not too bad. I wish I could draw so that I could illustrate some of my childrens poems, but I'm hopeless at that.

Valsi, the friend I mentioned who comes to my writing class is an artist and when I want a particular picture she draws it for me. One of other people in our group has written a wonderful story about a red dragon called Freddie and our artist mate has done some fantastic drawings. Perhaps you have a friend who could do your illustrations for you. Otherwise there are heaps of free drawings and clip art etc on the net. Cheers Pixie

I don't have any friends who can draw, Pixie. One of our members who comes over from Whangarei has a friend who does wonderful drawings but she is too tied up with other things now. I can never find exactly what I want on the internet though I do use a lot of clip art etc as I make all my own greeting cards on the computer, also bookmarks, placemats and coasters. I love mucking about on the computer and am forever trying to think of new things to make. Cheers, Valsi.

I think we are twins, Valsi. Cheers Pixie

I often enter magazine competitions or submit hints, snippets or stories for their family pages. Sometimes I'm lucky enough to win things.

I've won several magazine subscriptions and gift them to other people will enjoy them more than me. I don't read magazines (unless I'm in the doctors or dentists waiting room).

I always send away for any `free samples' I see advertised on television, see in magazines or get with product I buy. I've got a cupboard full of sample-size product. They're handy sizes for people on their own. And if it's pet food I take it down to the SPCA.

I always take a couple of sugar, tea and coffee sachets home with me, whenever I eat out too. These come in very handy when I'm almost out of tea and coffee and it's pouring down outside and don't fancy going up the shops! They are great for going camping too.

Shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and soaps from motels and hotels are kept too. I always take a bathroom bag of my cosmetics with me when I go away and bring home the `freebies' they put out.

I went on a cruise a couple of years ago and every day the cabin boy put a new set of bathroom soaps out for me. He also brought down Milo, coffee, hot chocolate and herbal tea sachets to my cabin - which, yes, all got popped into my suitcase.

I wasn't being `scrooge-ish' because I was wining and dining every night in the ships dining rooms. I didn't need all these treats after tucking into all that lovely grub upstairs!