one red fox

Somebody That I Used to Know - Walk off the Earth (Gotye - Cover)

2012-01-09T20:56:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year 2011

2012-01-01T00:32:00.001+11:00

Cookies and hot chocolate…

Our own backyard fireworks

Happy New Year!

The Christmas catch up…

2011-12-28T17:02:00.001+11:00

11th December 2011 Fryers Town Eco Village

We gathered under the oaks…

…beside the lake…

…to witness the joining of two beautiful souls in wedlock…

14th Dec Mildura

My beautiful daughter turned 14 and celebrated with friends and family at the local Fasta Pasta. She even let me do her hair!!!!

18th December Mildura

Wildly trying to finish off presents for teachers, tins of biscuits with handmade tin wraps which read “Thanks for making me wiser” ….

…and a couple of Christmas presents commissions for friends.

The tree was done for a special Aunty who reminds everyone what a perceptive and wonderful woman she is, I’m not sure if you can see all that well but some of the leaves are folded in half the glued so they sit up from the page.

I have done quite a few of these butterflies now. My clever husband has started making custom shadow boxes for them which is so much easier than going to the framers.

and if that isn’t enough to be doing then there is other a few other projects like revamping old shelves from this….

to this…

22nd Dec Mildura

The youngest (blondie in the middle) sneakily forgot to tell us he has joined a singing group at school and I only found out at the concert! He has a beautiful voice too (that I did know).

23rd Dec

Posing for the family pic, (come on muuuum!!), watching some Jamie Oliver on TV….

…then early present opening…let the games begin!

25th December Berri South Australia

Unfortunately my husband had to work Christmas eve so I drove myself and the two youngest kids off to Berri South Australia about 1.5 hrs away, on the Saturday before Christmas, and the oldest stayed behind so he could drive the next day while Norman slept.

We spent Christmas with my mum, brother, step dad, Aunty, Uncle and cousins. The rest of my clan (including the dog) arrived just before lunch.

We stayed at a beautiful caravan park right on the river and enjoyed getting up early to catch the sunrise and the sound of cocky’s in the trees.

Now I feel like I’m officially on Holidays YAYAYAYAY. I have a list as long as my arm of projects I want to complete, so exciting to actually have the time to just slow down and enjoy creating instead of squeezing it in around all the ‘have too’s’.

So that’s the Christmas catch up. Now looking forward to a great new year!

LEONA LEWIS-RUN- OFFICIAL NEW SINGLE- (SPIRIT DELUXE EDITION)

2011-12-27T21:12:00.000+11:00

Feist - How Come You Never Go There

2011-11-19T18:17:00.000+11:00

Vegie patch

2011-11-18T17:12:00.001+11:00

Community rocks! A good friend of mine has very kindly offered her very large backyard for a community garden to a bunch of us. Last Sunday three mums and a whole bunch of kids got busy shovelling mulch and dirt, chipping weeds and planting crops (these are our Roma and Cherry tomatoes). Thankfully the weather was kind and didn’t heat up till the afternoon (not like today 38 degrees people!!!!).

She already has an orchard and that’s a mulberry tree behind us, just don’t look to closely at the bugs in the mulberries. We’re going to plant up the next paddock with pumpkins, watermelons and rockmelons. I reckon we might even do some preserving come harvest time too. Fun!

As much as I hate to put photo’s of myself in I just had to show you what we’ve been doing.

IF_Silent

2011-11-15T22:37:00.001+11:00

The prompt word for Illustration Friday this week is ‘Silent’.

It reminded me of when a child is totally engrossed in their play and their dolly become a real baby.

“Shhhh….she’s sleeping.”

This is a paper and digital collage with pencil, ink and watercolour.

Experimenting with filters this is ‘Notebook’ and below is ‘Stamp’

I kinda like ‘em.

Lovely Lumieres… Monday DIY!!!

2011-11-14T10:56:00.000+11:00

Oh to have many more hours in a day or days in a week to have a go at all the lovely things you can do. If you do try this one please let me know how it goes and post some photos!

Lovely Lumieres… Monday DIY!!!

How to make your own rustic signs

2011-11-12T22:18:00.001+11:00

Here’s another really neat tutorial over at Diddle Dumpling. I can see these signs in all sorts of places like the garden or along the side of a bookcase or even a certain garden seat I have languishing in the back yard…hmmm

AHHHHH…..prepare for utter cuteness!!!!

2011-11-12T21:09:00.001+11:00

Stumbled upon a new blog Lue and Sue via at Pintrest and Oh my goodness the cuteness factor is completely off the scale…take a peek!

Cary has very generously shared her pattern there too so I guess I’m just going to have a go, can’t wait.

I’m very new to Pintrest but it seems a great way of collecting all those interesting ideas you find in the virtual world.

How to Make an Apple-Print Tote Bag - CraftStylish

2011-11-12T17:33:00.000+11:00

How to Make an Apple-Print Tote Bag - CraftStylish

Josephine

2011-11-10T20:54:00.001+11:00

Paper and digital collage, Ink and pencil Copyright.OneRedFox2011

Some paper, scissors a glue stick, pens and pencils and you have a recipe for a very happy afternoon.

I love when I’m sitting at my kitchen table and the family ebbs and flows around me but I’m in my creative bubble and it’s like the conversations are far away and my mind is totally relaxed and engrossed in the creative energies that flow naturally. This is when I know I’m doing what I was meant to do, what I was created to do.

I want to tweak this a bit then I will put it over on my Etsy store. I’m still trying to get the hang of Etsy I haven’t been doing much over there but my plans are to get my act together and be a bit more deliberate with posting items there. So far it’s been a little ramshackle, never mind all things will become clear, I hope!

Red Bubble. Just for the fun of it!

2011-11-09T20:08:00.002+11:00

ARYZ AT MONTANA COFFEE & PIZZA BARCELONA

2011-11-09T15:28:00.000+11:00

Scratching the Surface by Vhils

2011-11-09T15:23:00.000+11:00

Illustration Friday_Stripes!

2011-11-08T21:53:00.001+11:00

It’s been an absolute age since doing IF and I was determined to get back to challenging myself and keeping my illustration skills growing.

I heard a very interesting piece of advise the other day on the subject of moving towards your goals. Basically what was suggested was that instead of making TO DO lists we should make NOT TO DO.

It kind of got me thinking of the habits that I have that stop me from achieving the goals I want, for example doing more illustration, and promoting myself as an illustrator. So my not to do list is:

1. Not check my email more than once a day

2. Not let people side track me when I have set aside time for illustration. (People tend to think because I’m home that I’m not working)

3. Not think of my illustration as secondary to my day job.

This is a start anyway I will see how it goes.

Crafting For Pamper Day Finished! YAYAYAY! (plus a giveaway)

2011-11-02T19:12:00.001+11:00

Pamper Day is close at hand, this Sunday in fact so if your local and are looking for some crafting, cakes, coffee, kids activities, party plan professionals or gift buying you will be in the right place!

On a more personal level…

NOTE: Crafting is hazardous to the cleanliness of your house.

As you can see, this is the not so pretty side of the creative process but all is for a good cause as we raise money to help Amanda.

I haven’t been able to see the surface of my kitchen table all week so eating in the lounge room has been tolerated…

Out in my caravan things are not much better but at least I can close the door on the whole drama and forget it exists.

I have had to run numerous rescue missions for articles that have been pilfered by the thief that calls herself my dog!!!!! I resorted to barricading myself in to which she just up and jumped over said barricade, and nagged me to give up the sewing game and play ball instead.

I have to admit, I don’t think mass producing stuff is my thing. It’s all a bit to repetitive and tedious, makes me all tense and edgy. I much prefer the one off item for family and friends and sticking to the design process, much more fun.

But now for the ~~tiring/stressful~~ satisfying results….

TA DA!

I have made tote bags, notebooks and printed out some of my artwork.

There are about 12 different notebooks and three different tote bag designs and 6 different prints.

I have done a series of 20 page blank notebooks “Things to do Today” as seen above below is a better view of what they say.

I personally am a pretty avid fan of lists, but there are days when all of the above is applicable.

I have also made a 2400mm high photo op board, ( you know the ones you put your face in and get your photo taken?) with this design on it.

Now for the giveaway. I have one ‘Things to do Today’ notebook to give away, your choice of colour and list, plus a 4 x 6 print of those that can be seen in the above pics. Just make a comment and let me know what one you prefer and I will make a random draw next Friday.

Now I just need to find somewhere quiet and have a little lay down!

Your Place and Mine. Where I Sleep!

2011-10-31T22:26:00.001+11:00

This is the place…to dream, to recline, to contemplate, to recuperate, to lounge, to recharge and escape the world.

Ah the blessed gift of sleep!

Play here

I WANNA LIVE HERE!!!!!

2011-10-29T09:11:00.001+11:00

This would have to be any little boy/girl’s ultimate dream.

I think people are just kids only bigger, I know I am!

Holy Family

2011-10-29T08:51:00.001+11:00

Holy Family, a photo by BeneathTheRowanTree on Flickr.

This little felted family is just so sweet, and I'm just starting to get that Christmas feeling.
I love Christmas although I admit that some years are quite stressful and sometimes the expectations are not quite met *sigh*.
This year we get to spend Christmas day with extended family which we haven't done in ages and I'm really looking forward to it.
I'm going to have a try at making these little guys, I think they might be nice sitting on my mantle, will post pictures if they work out.
Check out lots of other wonderful things at Beneath The Rowan Tree.

Little Numbers……La la la la

2011-10-28T14:00:00.001+11:00

Song for a summery day.

As seen at Meet Me At Mikes! Thanks Pip.

Tastefully offensive!!!

2011-10-27T14:00:00.001+11:00

Ever been at a loss to find just the right words when someone needs bringing down a peg, search no longer. Now you can arm yourself with Shakespearian insults that will keep them guessing!

Take a look here!

You just might want to be careful with the 17th line down that may prove a little too offensive if you don’t get your f in the right place. Tee Hee!!!!!

Illustrators, drawing on inspiration!

2011-10-26T23:07:00.001+11:00

Rob Ryan
UK artist Rob Ryan is up there as one of my faves. What a guy! Such delicate and detailed work and beautiful words too. You can find his website here and his etsy store here.

What I love? Silhouettes,paper cutting, pattern, words.

Vintage Paper Girl

2011-10-25T20:50:00.001+11:00

I really do love paper and especially vintage paper. This paper is circa 1950.

Had wonderful fun drawing this with pen, pencil and ink and adding vintage paper collage. Found some tutorials for making paper roses here and here.

Technorati Tags: collage,art,ink,girl,vintage,paper,roses

In my garden

2011-10-25T20:41:00.001+11:00

My creative energies have been flowing towards the garden of late. Since moving here to Mildura the garden hasn’t really been a priority and with the drought planting was just too difficult. But since the breaking of the drought a new surge to grow things has come upon me.

Mr Gnome (Mothers Day 2010, thanks Lachi!) has found a lovely home amongst the violas.

The transplanted roses are blooming better than they have in years. You can’t see very well here but my rubbish tip salvaged iron garden seats ($5!!!!) have found a home out here too and I am in the process of replacing the wooden slats. They had been painted a ‘lovely’ bright blue with some brown thrown in, hmmm.

Getting creative with our old post box stand and an old bird feeder. Bit of matt black spray and a citronella candle to keep the mozzies at bay. Have yet to find a permanent home for it I have another project regarding this in mind, stay tuned.

My day’s tend to run with getting up at 6:30 and going for a walk with the dog (and getting a good dose of garden perving around the neighbourhood) then watering the garden before getting the kiddo’s out of bed and getting ready for school and off to work. Nice.

Illustrators, drawing on inspiration!

2011-10-25T20:07:00.001+11:00

A large part of my creative process is looking for inspiration. It never ceases to amaze me how others see the world and interpret subjects. I love to see the infinite variety of ways creatives create and sometimes it’s the smallest thing that will spark some creative bomb that buzzes around inside of me and must be exorcised.

I thought I would create a set of posts giving homage to those illustration artists that capture my attention, it’s also a good way of documenting them for future reference when perhaps creative block hits.

My first Illustrator is Brian Stauffer and you can find his web site here and an interview with him here.

What do I love? The use of colour, collage and texture, with a twist of story telling.

Artscape

2011-10-24T14:10:00.000+11:00

Go Wildcats!

2011-10-24T09:36:00.001+11:00

Lachi has joined a basketball team, the under 12’s Wildcats, WHOOT!

I’m kinda surprised how much I’m getting into it. I used to play in college but that is some 20+ years ago, my lay ups are not what they used to be.

Our poor kids have all only just started, they got chucked in the deep end not even knowing the rules or even each others names and we didn’t have a coach either, luckily one of the dads stepped in for the night and gave them a bit of direction. The poor little blighters didn’t have any subs either so they had to do the whole game. Still they had a red hot go and a lot of fun and that’s the main thing.

I was a bit concerned in the first ten minutes when Lachi was yelling “Don’t throw it to me!” Hmmm. But he gained some confidence and has now informed me he’s going to be a professional basketball player when he grows up.

Another funny thing is Lachi is actually the tallest on his team and if you knew our family you would see how side splitting that is, we have a serious height gene deficiency on both sides. He just better enjoy it while it lasts he he!

I Love Vintage

2011-10-22T20:22:00.001+11:00

A bit of this and a bit of that, feeling like I am slowly coming back to what I love to do.

Colour and pattern for Pamper Day

2011-10-20T22:13:00.001+11:00

So Pamper Day is only 17 days away and I have been spasmodically working on my contribution to the stall. My plan was to make some tote bags and iron transfers of my original designs onto the bags (the top three designs below) but there is a problem….

…as you can see I am having transfer issues!!!!!!!!

I made the bags up (this is one of 3 different fabric print). I ironed the transfer but it didn’t adhere very well when I lifted the corner to check, so I continued pressing as per instructions and it seems to have scorched grrrrrrr! I’m using a different brand of transfer paper and me thinks it’s not so good.

I’m not sure if I should keep trying or shelve the idea altogether and perhaps print cards instead, what do you think? Any tips, tricks or suggestions?

Oh, and I want to introduce a new member of our family, please meet Tilly! As you can see she is a little bit ball focused…

We adopted Tilly from our local pound and she is just a beautiful doggy person to have around, such a sweet personality and so loving she literally wraps her paws around you (not so helpful when walking with a basket full of washing). She loves to rest her head on your shoulder when driving (just got to watch the quick ear wash you occasionally get, YUCK). Only drawback is she may be half kangaroo or perhaps ‘Tigger’ as she does tend to bounce, meh, nobodies perfect!

Prepare to Be Pampered

2011-10-12T22:01:00.001+11:00

This is a call out to any local Mildura arty/crafty, seller of wares etc our annual Henderson College ‘All Wares’ school fundraiser is coming very soon! We have a brand new stadium so we are no longer at the mercy of weather and spots are filling fast.

Cost is still only $10 to hold a stall plus an item to auction and there is yummy food and coffee as well. If there are any local businesses that would like to sponsor us and donate an item for the auction that would be ace too.

This year is bigger and better, we have lots of activities for the kids including jumping castles, petting zoo, face painting and show bags.

If you don’t want to run a stall just come along and have fun. It’s a $5 entry and there is plenty of opportunity for some Christmas shopping or bid for some amazing prizes at our auction.

On a rather sadder note our parents club is organising a special craft and produce table to raise money for one of our lovely teachers who is battling cancer, so any items donated or bought would be greatly appreciated.

When - Sunday 6th November
Where - Henderson College Stadium, Cowra Avenue, Irymple
Contact - PO Box 491
IRYMPLE VIC 3498
Australia
Phone: 03 5024 5192
Fax: 03 5024 6540

Email address: office@henderson-college.com.au

Best Ever Orange Cake

2011-10-10T09:56:00.001+11:00

The season of BBQ’s is upon us! Last night was the first BBQ of spring so I decided to bring along an orange cake due to the vast quantities of oranges I have at the moment.

In fact our area is experiencing a glut of oranges as the drought has broken at long last but unfortunately because of our strong Australia dollar it’s not worth picking them, so sad. It makes me a bit cross really to think of all the wonderful high quality produce we have here and it’s going to waste while we get inferior quality in the shops and there are millions of people starving in the world. It seems so unfair.

But back to the most awesome orange cake in the world which comes to me from my friend Venise and the good people at taste.com.au So if you have more oranges than you know what to do with this recipe requires three large ones.

Preparation Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

150 minutes

Ingredients (serves 8)

3 large (about 250g each) oranges
Melted butter, to grease
5 eggs
315g (1 1/2 cups) caster sugar
200g (2 cups) almond meal
75g (1/2 cup) self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
375ml (1 1/2 cups) botrytis-style dessert wine
Double cream, to serve

Place 2 oranges in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil over high heat. Drain. Return oranges to the pan and repeat process (this will reduce the bitterness of the peel). Return oranges to the pan once again and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, adding more water when necessary to keep oranges covered, for 1 hour or until oranges are very tender. Drain. Set aside for 2 hours or until cooled to room temperature.
*Just a tip here, as suggested by Venise, forget boiling the oranges just prick the oranges with a fork all over then microwave for 8 min. Much easier for us time poor people and still uber yummy.
Preheat oven to 160°C. Brush a round 20cm (base measurement) cake pan with melted butter to lightly grease. Line the base with non-stick baking paper. Cut oranges into quarters. Remove the white cores and any seeds. Place in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth.
Use an electric beater to whisk the eggs and 215g (1 cup) of the sugar in a large bowl until thick and pale. Use a metal spoon to stir in the orange mixture. Add the almond meal, flour and baking powder, and stir until just combined. Pour into the prepared pan and use the back of a spoon to smooth the surface. Bake in preheated oven for 1 1/4 hours or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Set aside for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
Meanwhile, use a zester to remove the rind from the remaining orange. (Alternatively, use a vegetable peeler to peel rind from orange. Use a small sharp knife to remove white pith and cut into very thin strips.) Juice the orange and place in a medium saucepan along with the rind, wine and remaining sugar. Place over low heat and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and bring to the boil. Cook, without stirring, for 2-3 minutes or until syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
*I found you only needed a splash of the wine or no wine at all if you have enough orange juice, 1 1/2 cups of wine is way too much. I also added flaked almonds on top then poured the syrup over.
Turn cake onto a wire rack over a baking tray. Spoon the hot syrup and orange rind over the warm cake. Set aside for 30 minutes to cool. Cut cake into wedges and place on serving plates. Drizzle with any remaining syrup and serve with double cream, if desired.

I just had to show this cute as photo of my 10yr old Lachlan after I told him to tidy his room and make his bed…

Lol most excellent bed making yes? He loves this book can you tell?

Adele - Someone Like You

2011-10-09T12:33:00.000+11:00

Stumbled across this today, what an awesome cover!

Love Fest!

2011-10-07T17:23:00.001+11:00

I went to see the Vienna Art and Design Exhibition at the NGV!!! OH MY GOODNESS LOVE LOVE LOVE EVERYTHING! So interesting so amazing, ground breaking genius work. I couldn’t quite believe that I was actually seeing Klimts work in the flesh there are no words. He just appeals to me on so many levels from fine artist to Graphic Designer.

So we stayed here (The Mecure), very nice.

This is the day time view

This is the night time view.

Tea at Fed Square and a walk along the Yarra.

The next day was the exhibition!!!!!!!

Klimt you amazing genius you.

A big thank you to our guide who did an extraordinary job of fleshing out all the interesting details and stories behind the works and giving us the background history, very informative and enthusiastic, well done.

Ruby

2011-10-07T17:11:00.001+11:00

A present for Ruby, the newest arrival!

2011-09-27T18:34:00.001+10:00

Gotye- Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)- official film clip (HD)

2011-09-04T21:06:00.000+10:00

True Friends

2011-08-31T18:58:00.000+10:00

Simplicity 9415 Quick Sticks Top/Dress

2011-08-22T23:23:00.001+10:00

This is Simplicity pattern 9415 from circa 1997. Simple, easy and takes about 2 hours to make.

After having a fruitless shopping expedition finding nothing out there that was in any way interesting and all in either black or grey with a few animal prints thrown in, I was disgusted enough to turn back to this old faithful pattern and hunt around for some pretty material.

Good for cooler weather with a long sleeve T and scarf or warmer weather with short sleeves. Next I’m on the look out for some material for spring something in soft apricots. Team it with my ever trusty jeans and a scarf and we’ll call it done.

Hello Blog it’s me….

2011-08-20T18:02:00.001+10:00

Hello Blog I have missed you so much!

I know I have been neglectful of your digital goodness for a long time now. I have left your pages languishing and empty of words, sentences and whole paragraphs not to mention photo sharing, I’m sorry.

It’s not that I haven’t wanted to, no not at all it’s just been a funny couple of months filled with changes and sickness’s and gloomy unfun feelings and it’s been soooo cold….but here I am now and you know I feel a corner turning and maybe see some light up ahead. Maybe it’s the sudden bit of sunshine that hints at Spring springing or maybe it’s just that I’ve finally got a bit of time completely alone to think about you and remember how much I miss you.

Anyway, I’m really excited cause I’m going away on a little trip all by my self this week. I’m heading off to Bendigo where I get to spend some time with my big boy (oh how I miss him) and then my mum and I are spending a night in Melbourne and then going to the Winter Masterpiece exhibition at the NGV, Klimt, Scheile, bliss!

I’ve also been working artwork for a local advertising company for a TV ad (exciting), making some felted toy gifts for some special little people (joy) and designing some mural ideas for a new child care centre.

I’ve even fitted in learning how to do a bit of yoga, (totally in the privacy of my own home thank you very much, way too humiliating in public ‘downward facing dog’ is a private matter me thinks!)

And you know what Blog? All this activity means I’m going to have heaps of things to tell you and photo’s too, promise.

Postie!

2011-08-19T17:10:00.001+10:00

The Great Big Stitched Postcard Swap #4

Junelle over at yes and amen was my swap buddy and look what she sent me! How lovely is Romeo the sheep, I’m kinda thinking spring might be in the air and love might be on his mind?

Thank you so much Junelle he’s taking pride of place on my bookcase. xx

Salman Khan talk at TED 2011 (from ted.com)

2011-08-18T17:33:00.000+10:00

This is awesome. The power of people and the Net for good!

The Future - Trailer

2011-08-11T14:03:00.000+10:00

I soooo want to see this and the sad thing is something like this will NEVER come to Mildura Grrrrrr!

Wow!!!!

2011-08-10T17:05:00.001+10:00

The Great Big Stitched Postcard

2011-08-01T13:25:00.000+10:00

Well I've signed up for the The Great Big Stitched Postcard swap again and this year my postcard will travel to Susan in Virginia USA. It's taken me a while to sit down and do it this year my focus is sort of scattered and I'm finding it hard to find my creative mojo. But now that I've done it I'm really happy with it and I hope Susan is too. Fly swiftly postcard!

This is a pencil sketch, collaged with vintage paper, machine stitching and ink.

To have a look at the other amazing creative cards have a look here at our Flicka group.

On a sadder note my computer had an attack of the vapors and is currently deceased but will hopefully be resurrected in the coming week so blogging will be limited.

Grrr…

2011-07-21T18:48:00.001+10:00

Is anyone else having trouble posting comments on other blogs?

It is soooo frustrating but unless I can type in my name and URL I can’t seem to comment, I just get into a never ending loop of having to sign into blogger!

So just a note if I don’t respond to a comment it’s because of this glitch.

What’sup?

2011-07-21T17:59:00.001+10:00

Sooo…what you been doing?

No this is not an oil slick. I bought a silk scarf off the internet a couple of years ago but when it arrived it really wasn’t the colour I was hoping for, BRIGHT SHOCKING PINK just isn’t me. So when I was cleaning out my cupboards the other day, reorganising and throwing out and being completely ruthless I was about to put it in the op shop pile when I thought ‘hang on’, it’s beautiful silk and I’m sure I could dye it. So today out came the pots off I went to Spotlight and now I have a lovely charcoal grey scarf that is going to become a favourite. Woo Hoo.

On a brighter side I’m still working on my zig zag rug which is coming along nicely and you can see the tote bag I made from vintage sheets that holds the wool for this particular project. So very cheery on these frosty, grey evenings.

I was all organised today and made tea straight after work at 2pm before I went and got the kids. We’re having meatballs with a Provencale sauce and Cous Cous, yum. Then it’s a girls night out with my daughter to check out the final Harry Potter.

I’ve been throwing heaps of stuff out or donating to the oppy’s and it’s such a good feeling to take back control of my life. I keep telling myself ‘If you want your life to change you can’t wait around for someone else to do it, you have to do it yourself’. So things that I have been putting off for ages are on the ‘list’ and they are getting done. And you know what, it’s rubbing off! The hubby has been getting stuck into those little jobs around the house that have been screaming (or is that me screaming) to be done, and I didn't even ask! Awesome.

And while were on the subject of changes I have been really careful with my food since finding out I am Diabetic and it’s a real education. When you have to monitor your blood sugar you really see how food affects your body in an immediate way. To my surprise I am finding it very helpful for helping me loose weight. I think too I can’t tell myself anymore that just one biscuit/cake/pie etc. won’t hurt because it really will and I have the sugar levels to prove it. I’m so terrified of loosing my sight or toes and thinking of the sugar in my blood damaging my organs that I’m not even tempted to break out. This is it!

So far I have lost 8kg and am fitting back into pants that I had put away about two years ago. Sometimes what we see as a curse can turn into a blessing.

I must admit that I get really scared that the motivation will wear off and I’ll just fall in a heap and the change won’t happen, but it’s just one step at a time right? Just keep moving forward.

The one thing that I wish I could change is my loathing of exercise, it’s just so BORING. I can’t afford a gym membership so it’s walking, blah. I have a dream that one day I would actually like to learn to run properly and I quite like cycling but I’m too fat at the moment and I’m scared of falling off. Guess I’ll just keep walking and try to build up to the fun stuff.

Wow, I’ve really rambled on today, the suns gone down and I’d better heat up the tea and get everyone fed before we go out. Till next time.

Other ‘f’ words and randomness

2011-07-18T22:22:00.001+10:00

I was kind of thinking about the how we refer to that common term for sex as the ‘f’ word the other day and thought the letter ‘f’ is getting a bit of a raw deal hence the above.

I’m not much for swearing I remember in fact being soundly told off when I was about 8 for saying ‘shut up’, I actually thought that was a swear word for many years. How’s this for ironical, I had never heard of the ‘f’ word until my best friend told me a joke that contained it when I first started attending a Christian school in grade 5, huh!

But I’m not totally uptight and prudish I have been known to occasionally drop the ‘f’ bomb when under duress (such as having to perform a surgical procedure on my own leg recently to remove a glass shard that became lodged there!!!!!) but hey were all human darn it (no not uptight at all)!

I find swearing kind of boring and vulgar (don’t you just love the word vulgar, but you have to say it with a posh accent and draw out the ‘arrrr’ at the end to get its full gratifying effect) plus there are just so many other really cool, interesting words you can use to express yourself. I like daggy swearish sort of words like;

‘Blast’, ‘Dang’, ‘Bother’, ‘Tarnations’, ‘Struth’, ‘Blow’, ‘Dag nab it’ and one that I use with my kids although it’s more of a sound effect ‘grrr, I say, grrr’ team this with dramatic gestures and comic expressions and it can be quite gratifying.

I’ll tell you a secret though, I do like saying ‘Bloody Hell’ (and I did so before Ronald Weasley ever did), I know, shocking!

sooo….

2011-07-15T15:14:00.001+10:00

Well I’ve had my tirade and now I’m moving on.

Yep now I’m getting on to the making changes part of my mid life crisis.

I’ve been thinking about a lot of things that I want to be different but I’m going to start one step at a time beginning with a book that I’m currently reading, ‘The Artists Way’. One of the exercises in the book is called Daily Pages in which you write three pages every morning just writing down anything and everything that comes into your mind without censor. So, that’s what I’ve been doing, purging, all the crap that goes around my head I’m releasing onto the page without censor and without judgement. I’ve been aware for years that the way I deal with emotions especially negative ones is to swallow them, literally, hence the massive weight gain and now the diabetes! No more.

Since being diagnosed with diabetes I have made a lot of changes to my diet and I have lost about 4.5 kilos but I know I need some help to be able to really get this show on the road so I’ve also decided to join Weight Watchers to help give me the tools for change. Wednesday at 6 that’s where I’ll be!

In a totally different area of my life I am also doing some major cleaning, reordering and minimising of my house. Unused items and clothes are outta here, and I am reinstating eating meals at the table as a family instead of in front of the telly which has become a very bad habit that I hate.

Just a few things but they each are a small step towards the me I see inside my head and are an outward reflection of an internal shift. Hurrah!

Beach

Beach holidays ahhh…..

A little peak at sparkely nights….

Lachi’s first view of the ocean…

water that goes forever'….

Harry Potter, how exciting….

dolphins, sea lions, sharks, polar bears and penguins…

Fun memories!

Beaten not Stirred

2011-07-13T21:09:00.001+10:00

A lot of the time in Blog land it seems everything is rosy and everyone’s life seems so happy and nice. We seem to only share the good and not so much the bad and of course that’s fine cause who wants to hear everyone moan about the rotten things. I for one love to hear all the happy goings on, but for me at the moment I just can't seem to blog 'happy happy joy joy' cause basically it's not my reality. That's perhaps why I haven't been a regular blogger for the last little while.

This year so far has been right up there with the worst in so many ways. Beginning with school trouble with my youngest and major financial set backs that has seen our family struggle so much and with no end in sight and then finally I have some major health issues. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes a couple of months ago the result of neglecting my health for too many years and now am having to make major changes which is challenging to say the least. Getting the balance right between what I need to do to be healthy,family needs,work commitments etc etc, you know, all the stuff women seem to shoulder, all I know is it's bloody hard!

There is a verse in the Bible which describes a mother Eagle stirring up her nest to encourage her young to fly, making them uncomfortable enough to try their wings and leave the nest. Some say that God uses uncomfortable circumstances to encourage us to move in a new direction and I do acknowledge the wisdom in this at times but lately have I’ve felt more 'beaten' than 'stirred'.

I keep wondering how I got so far off track, your plodding along through your 20's and 30's and them 'bam' forty hits you in the face and you realise that where you thought you were going for so long is a hazy dream in the distance that seems almost impossible to reach. Time seems to be running out and I haven't even started to do what I thought I would do with my life. What's up with that?! Then I get on this round about of regret knowing the choices I have made or not made, often through fear, have got me exactly where I am today.

Is this a mid life crisis?

My mum has just paid for the two youngest kidlet's and myself to fly to the Gold Coast and do all the theme park stuff, stay in a beautiful apartment and laze on the beach which has been awesome, and having that space and time away has really helped me to think long and hard about things and what I want to be different. And that’s the thing, it’s really time to change, time to make BIG changes….and I’m a bit scared but determined.

I refuse to be beaten and I will be stirred to take the steps necessary to make my life different and better one step at a time, one day at a time.

Wish me luck.

Washington - Halloween

2011-07-13T20:24:00.000+10:00

Ray Lamontagne - All The Wild Horses

2011-07-11T20:35:00.000+10:00

Tex Perkins & The Dark Horses - Everything Is Gonna Be Alright

2011-07-11T20:33:00.000+10:00

and then the wheels fell off….

2011-06-26T19:26:00.001+10:00

Life was good!

I was happily knitting granny squares for the local cancer support group….

…crocheting ponchos for a soon to be 7 year old….

attending 7 year olds rad bowling party…

…even spent an awesome day with family and friends 4 wheel driving outback looking at ancient relics, cooking on campfires and spotting kangaroo, emu, eagles, frogs and apostle birds…

….and then the wheels fell off!

Just spent the week from hell sick as a dog and convinced that my life was over, I could not possibly be well ever again…dramatic much? Looks like I might live.

Etsy Faves

2011-06-09T19:07:00.001+10:00

New Items in the Etsy Store

2011-06-07T22:14:00.001+10:00

Missing me

Knit one,sip one

Yes you can

IF - Shadow

2011-06-07T21:19:00.001+10:00

No matter how short a time we spend on this earth every single person makes an impact. There is no one who is not important, we all matter.

I have an Etsy Store!

2011-05-31T18:41:00.001+10:00

Well I’ve dived into Etsy! Not really sure how well I will go but you never ever know if you don’t have a go. Yay for rhyming.

This is my first item for sale.

I kind of had fun with this. I started with a pencil and ink drawing then collaged her dress with vintage paper. Then I made a scan and added colour and added some digital collage (the birds) and added a couple of lines from my fave Emily Dickenson poem ‘Hope is the thing with feathers’. Then once printed I went back over with some additional pencil detail and sewed stitching around the edge so that each print is individual.

Printed onto A4 250gsm archival paper

I’m feeling Woolley!

2011-05-30T11:45:00.001+10:00

Nothing like the cold winter evenings to set you on the woolley path! I have got to and crocheted myself a curly scarf to wear as I watched the first episode of Downton Abbey. As I am next to hopeless at following patterns I just made it up as I went as usual.

Here are some other wool inspired finds that are very cute indeed.

Kate Jenkins

Must admit this kind of looks a little sinister. Actually it has just struck me that there seems to be a bit of a ‘food’ theme with these wool creations…hmmm what was I thinking?

Feltedmice

I’m sure that the owl and fox are friendly vegetarians, really!!!

Lizardie Toys

Has anyone else watched Downton Abbey yet? I’m not sure about it yet, hasn’t entirely grabbed me, but will persist a bit longer.

IF - Soaked

2011-05-24T19:18:00.001+10:00

I can’t believe how long it has been since I have done anything for Illustration Friday. I just seem to be so flat out these days, every week I get the prompt word and in my mind ideas sprout and I even get some rough sketches down but that’s as far as it goes. So frustrating!

I’ve been experimenting a bit trying to find a digital effect that looks like a screen print. I still feel a bit frustrated trying to find a technique that is similar to my drawing style, even though I have a Wacom, I still feel all thumbs and can’t seem to get the sketch effect that I’m after. I feel more comfortable in Illustrator but I would really like to master Photoshop. I wish I knew someone locally that could give me some tips I really don’t think there is anyone here that uses PS for illustration. I’m trying to do lots of online tutorials I’ve just discovered www.lynda.com and then, like always, it’s just practice, practice, practise.

Adele - Rolling In The Deep

2011-05-18T00:15:00.000+10:00

Rosie Thomas - Paper Doll

2011-05-18T00:09:00.000+10:00

The things we do…

2011-05-17T23:28:00.001+10:00

Over the past couple of weeks I have been developing a logo for a boutique dog food client at work. This has resulted in many hours and various versions of cats and dogs being drawn.

My cat/dog characterizations have definitely improved with the hours of practise! I’ve been drawing them in my sleep.

Today as I was doodling yet again, mulling over different design options, I came up with this sketch. Not much good for my logo but there was something about it that I liked .

It seems just such a typical dog/cat situation and response don’t you think?

Artist Series with Hillman Curtis

2011-05-17T19:11:00.000+10:00

Artist Series with Hillman Curtis

My Creative Space

2011-05-12T18:22:00.000+10:00

This week I have started my patchwork granny square blanket.

Cutting, cutting, cutting. I started with the stash and have added the cute toadstool material and a nice green and cream leafy pattern. I’ll just keep adding as I find cute material.

A fairly neutral colour pallet with the addition of some pinks and oranges will find a place in my bedroom.
Sewed these squares together and blanket stitch the edges.

Sewed these squares together and blanket stitch the edges. I got the first one a bit wrong but have found 10 stitches then double trebles into the first round of blanket stitch works best, then crocheting triple trebles into the fourth stitch of the second round then just granny as usual, (not very technical I know I’m kinda a make it up as you go gal).

I have them sitting on my coffee table at the moment cause I like to walk past occasionally and look at them, they make me feel happy!

So…Whats up in your creative space at the moment? Follow along at Our Creative Spaces

William Fitzsimmons - Beautiful Girl [Official Music Video]

2011-05-12T07:54:00.000+10:00

Rosie Thomas - Kite Song [Official Music Video]

2011-05-12T07:50:00.000+10:00

Simple Little things

2011-05-09T18:22:00.001+10:00

It’s the simple things in life that make it sweet.

A place to sit and create.
Here in my little caravan that I am slowly making my own, I can get away from the thousand and one things that cry to be attended to. I can sit and contemplate, sketch, sew and crochet for a few minutes before I’m found by the family. Do you ever find that? Be out of eyesight for more than a minute and the hunt begins, gotta know where the mumma is!!

Tasty, easy, healthy food.
A friend from East Timor showed us this simple ‘snack’ ( I consider this lunch) that she makes all the time. Start with a packet of Asian noodles/vermicelli add enough boiling water to cover noodles add Bok Choy/cabbage/lettuce, mushrooms, onion, capsicum, Thai marinated Tofu (really anything you fancy) Sprinkle seasoning (if you don’t have seasoning I use stock instead of water), fresh coriander and then squeeze some lemon juice at the end just before serving. Cook till noodles are soft. YUM.

Something to do.
I have started my blanket as inspired from my previous post. I want to add some more Autumnal colours as well, a few more oranges and apricot tones. This fabric is just what I happened to have in my stash to get me started. I can’t wait to get to the crochet part.

Inspiration.
Good books that you can read over and over again are like medicine for the fractured soul. I am in serious need of some Financial Serenity and my lovely mummy bought this for me after she read her own copy. Now we can compare notes.

Health
Today I found out from my Doctor that my health is not so great. I am going to have to make some big changes over the coming months to try and reverse what can only be described as neglectful living. I have the very bad habit of considering everything else that noisily badgers for attention more important than myself, and am reaping the consequences. I have a hard time thinking that my needs are as important as everyone else’s but I am (finally) coming to the conclusion that if I don’t look after myself no one else will (duh!)…so anyway, here’s to the simple things.

Surprise! I am still alive….

2011-05-05T00:52:00.001+10:00

Yep contrary to appearances I have not fallen of the face of the earth just the blogosphere for a bit.

My life has been a flurry of mad activity for the last little bit and I haven’t had a moment to myself to get my thoughts together in any sort of coherence. I’ve almost felt a bit reluctant to come back and blog kind of like when you haven’t talked to a friend in a while and you know you really should make the effort. You know when you do you’ll really enjoy it but there are just so many other things that seem more pressing.

A quick overview includes:

~ Easter (chocolate overload and family visiting)
~ Getting my youngest boy settled in a new school which is including all sorts of testing , meetings and such. We are really hoping this is going to be a new start for him. Crossing fingers, toes and eyes,(elicits odd looks and makes it a bit difficult to walk!)
~ Work of course (flat out like a lizard drinking I tell ya)
~ Last minute frenzied shopping and gift wrapping for about 150+ gifts for the mothers day stall on Friday ( little bit tired now)
~ Tests at the Doctors (ho hum too boring to talk about)
~ Gardening, cool weather at last, no frying of skin involved.

I can’t believe it but I haven’t so much as lifted a pencil in the last few weeks, so no illustrations. Not to say I haven’t got 101 ideas floating about just no time, actually I think it’s more I haven’t been able to be still and alone long enough.

Sorry about the appalling photo’s I just took them and it is now 12.50am and I really should be in bed.

I did crochet a new beret for winter while watching TV over a couple of nights, that was fun, and I now am inspired by this blanket from here so I think this will be my next project.

So pretty!

Camille O'Sullivan - The Ship Song

2011-04-18T22:39:00.000+10:00

IF - Bottled

2011-04-10T22:45:00.001+10:00

This weeks theme for Illustration Friday is ‘Bottled’.

We’ve all been in that place where we bottle up the feelings and feel like we could just about explode, this little guy is on the verge! The damage that bullying can do to both parties can be so far reaching, I just so wish it was handled better in schools.

Actually this illustration is kinda close to home at the moment. I mentioned before the problems we were having at school with my youngest and how we have been home schooling for the past month to try and undo some of the damage that has been done.

This picture is pretty much how my boy has been reacting to frustration and embarrassment and we have been trying to work very hard helping him to deal with his emotions. We have seen some excellent progress over the past couple of weeks and I can’t praise my husband enough in his very wise parenting.

Fortunately we have found a new school that I think can help us and they have a very clear, firm policy on handling bullying and have made a commitment to get his education back on track. It has come as a big shock to us that he tests as almost three years behind. I’m trying very hard not to let feelings of guilt and anger take over and just focus on getting this sorted but it is so hard when you see the pain your child is in. Trying to restore his confidence and self-worth is our primary goal but it’s not going to happen overnight, just taking one step at a time.

Just for fun

2011-04-10T10:15:00.001+10:00

I love those times when you just do something just because you can. There is no real purpose other than to amuse yourself and just play.

This little character arrived on my page as just an eye to begin with (that’s quite often where I begin as it seems to indicate the personality of the character), her name is Pepper, I think she might be a bit fiery.

I just kind of doodled a bit and basically had her face and that was about it….a week later I was doodling in church (What! you gasp, not listening to the sermon!) it’s actually how I listen best …anyhoo, I started doing these little line drawings of a street of NY inner city type buildings. It was fun and they were kinda cute in a lopsided wonky way (I have an affinity with the curve rather than the straight line), I thought their black and white simplicity might sit nicely with the colours of my character. To begin with I just had a close up on her face but then I thought it might be better to put her in the streetscape as a whole person.

What does she say to you? To me she kind of looks a bit miffed and like she’s about to let the balloons go, or maybe there is some mystery afoot, where has the balloon man gone dum dum daaaa!?!?

So! This is me having a bit of fun. Hope you find it fun too.

Austin Kleon

2011-04-08T17:38:00.001+10:00

One of the most insightful articles I’ve read on the creative process and journey in a long time. A lot of practical and freeing advice found here

Passionate Bread

2011-04-07T00:32:00.000+10:00

Tartine Bread from 4SP Films on Vimeo.

IF - Duet

2011-04-06T21:03:00.001+10:00

This weeks Illustration Friday prompt is ‘Duet’!

I couldn’t go past those two crooners of yester year Sonny and Cher.
Check out the originals here I Got You Babe!

Diggin’ the groovy outfits man, her dress is some vintage material found at my local oppy.

They Might Be Giants - Never Go To Work

2011-04-06T14:37:00.000+10:00

Kareena Zerefos

2011-04-05T18:18:00.001+10:00

Beautiful work to sigh over here

Clare Bowditch - When The Lights Went Down

2011-04-03T11:00:00.000+10:00

Welcome Madden!

2011-04-01T17:39:00.001+11:00

It was a very exciting day at work yesterday, I arrived to find a note letting me know that my boss was at the hospital and his first born was on his way! This bouncing baby boy (all 8lb 8oz of him) arrived at 4.30pm on the 31st of March. He was due on April first so I think this little one is thinking “I’m no fool, I’m getting here early.”

As we work from a studio at the back of the boss’ house I’m sure I will get to have lots of hugs YAY, I miss having a little baby around, it’s going to be fun!

Secret Boy Business

2011-04-01T17:25:00.001+11:00

I did very sneakily sneak up on my boys waging epic battles in the backyard. There was much negotiation plus gales of laughter going on and I became intrigued…

Of course my cover was blown almost immediately and displays of strength, sword play and general drama were provided for the camera. I of course made the appropriate ‘oooing’ and ‘ahhing’ noises…

I’m afraid daddy didn’t stand a chance especially as he was told to stand still and he wasn’t allowed to retaliate!

Thanks to a recent exposure to the Umbilical Brothers we can now imitate major physical injury, I’m so proud!

Notice the homemade sword? Made by my thirteen year old daughter (no girly stuff here thank you very much).

Beautiful Audrey

2011-03-29T07:27:00.001+11:00

London based Illustrator Ben Slow has created this stunning work of art. Just one of many!

Found at Lost at E Minor

*Sigh*

IF - Toy

2011-03-28T19:38:00.001+11:00

Amelia Fox TOYed with the idea of chicken for dinner but thought it might be in bad taste considering the company!

What I wore today…

2011-03-28T15:38:00.001+11:00

Well I haven’t illustrated for ‘What you wore today’ for a while and there has been a request made that I do more of these so here we are. My problem is I tend to wear the same things all the time and as I haven’t been clothes shopping for ages it’s a bit tricky. BTW the jacket is more dark olive than rust.

I thought I would include a couple of photo’s of the real deal. So here are my bag and shoes. Full body shots are not gunna happen! At least I can be kinda kind to myself when I draw but photo’s are unforgiving.

Zentangle's Betweed

2011-03-25T08:53:00.000+11:00

IF - Cultivate

2011-03-23T18:26:00.001+11:00

Day One…..

2011-03-21T23:23:00.001+11:00

Well as previously mentioned there have been some problems with my youngest at school and it has all come to a head. I can honestly say it has been some of the toughest weeks of my life and I have been in grave distress to see the frustration , anger and unhappiness of my dear one. I have felt a tumult of emotion ranging from depression, anger and despair as I have tried to work out what needs to be done to get him back on track. As a quick overview there have been issues with bullying combined with the struggle with Dyslexia and he has become more and more frustrated and embarrassed with his lack of progress to the point where he was out of control at school and the behaviour was now boiling over at home too. What to do?

After much talking, praying and thinking we have decided for the next couple of weeks and possibly next term to work with him at home to relieve some of the stress on everyone (in particular him)and try and build his confidence and literacy levels to the point that he can enter back into the school system on a firmer base. His current school is working closely with us to provide approved curriculum and support but in the end it may very well mean we are changing schools. This is quite difficult as I have strong emotional ties to the school and I am not as confident in the public school that is closest to us. Due to school zoning it may be tricky to have the option of choosing the school that I feel would support him the best.

So here I am homeschooling! I never thought I would. Nothing against it but I really didn’t think I would have what it took to do it and always thought that my kids would be better off with ‘real’ teachers, but here I am.

Today was the first day and on the whole I found it quite rewarding. Lachlan was keen, compliant and we probably got more done in half a day than he has done in the past two weeks. The benefit of having one on one help I’m sure is supportive and something else my husband and I have noticed is that Lachlan needs breaks every 15 to 20 minutes to clear his head, something that’s not always possible in a school environment. At the moment we work with him in these short stretches and then have a break where we go for a walk around the block or go have a drink of water etc and he is a lot calmer and able to concentrate better.

I am reminded of my Steiner days when we would incorporate rhythm into the day and expressed it in terms of ‘breathing in’ and ‘breathing out’. Activities that were internalising and required concentration were the in breath and activities that were outward focused and active were the out breath. We are also creating this rhythm in a larger way in the day by doing the more intensive thought work (literacy/maths) in the morning and the more practical work in the afternoon such as building a chicken house and veggie patch, cooking, arts/craft and library work or excursions.

I still have my work commitments so I am doing the academic work with him in the morning and then go to work from 12 to 4. During this time he works on the practical stuff with his dad.

I still feel a little nervous as it is a big challenge but I am quietly hopeful that this will be as educational and positive for me as well as Lachlan. We will have to wait and see I guess but here’s to a calmer happier child and a peaceful family.

Backyard Adventures

2011-03-20T14:38:00.001+11:00

Well after the week from hell we come to a weekend of simple pleasures. A quick sticks campfire in the backyard for the kids to cook damper and Johnny Cakes on ….

…and then an impromptu tent making session with sheets over the clothes line and blow up mattresses.

Surprisingly it lasted till 4 in the morning when bad dreams drove one adventurer inside but it was a good practice for next week when we get a proper tent for a soon to be ten year old. The plans are for a birthday camp in the backyard with some friends after cooking dinner on the fire and an evening with the daddy’s at the speedway.

This morning the adventurers decided this was the best place for breakfast and a spot of cloud watching/hunting?!

I want Her life…

2011-03-17T14:31:00.001+11:00

I want HER life, it’s all sunshine, flowers great hair and little birdies!
Do you ever find yourself thinking this? Sometimes I do.

My Crative Space…and then suddenly…

2011-03-16T15:13:00.001+11:00

STOOOOOPID COMPOOOOTER AHHHHHHHH!
There I was happily drawing the below print (which accurately reflects just about everything in my life at the moment) and then the computer decides it wants to mock me. For no apparent reason the font below will NOT be changed or selected and the yellow version below would NOT insert onto this blog page but could only be dragged and dropped….WHY???? The pears are everywhere!!!!

I was actually quite happy with how this turned out. I was experimenting with adding drawn elements to vector artwork I really wanted to capture the frazzled hair with a sketchy effect. I scanned my original sketch, cut it out in Photoshop and then put a colour overlay on top then placed it into my Illustrator file. It worked yay!

IF - Stir

2011-03-14T19:52:00.001+11:00

Pamona Merryweather was known to stir the pot on occasion, but only when the pot was making a fuss over nothing!

This weeks illustrationfriday.com topic is ‘Stir’

Hi everyone!
This week's topic is "Stir" suggested by Susan Sorrell Hil (http://susansorrellhill.wordpress.com/).
”Big dreams create the magic that stir men's souls to greatness." ~Bill McCartney
Happy stirring up ideas!
Penelope

I still do

2011-03-10T15:35:00.001+11:00

Today is my husband and my 15 year wedding anniversary,
and I still do!

We have weathered the storms large and small but we’re still in the boat!

Keepin’ it Zen

2011-03-09T20:22:00.001+11:00

Just one idea for the Mothers Day stall coming up soon at school.

A little reminder to us mummy’s to take it easy on ourselves.

I thought this might be OK on totes, make up bags and framed prints. What think you?

PJ’s

2011-03-04T08:00:00.001+11:00

I helped Miss 13 make PJ shorts last week, her first real project using the sewing machine. Well done Missy Moo!

They then became a part of her outfit for ‘Weird and Wonderful Day’ at school.

First day of Autumn

2011-03-01T15:10:00.001+11:00

I think Autumn is my favourite time of year. Everything seems to start to slow down and prepare itself for getting cosy and sleepy and turning inwards and retreating .

The trees start to turn and there is a slight chill in the air and you start thinking of hats and scarves and winter fires and hot chocolate and warm doonas. The colours are muted and earthy and you want to take deep breaths and wear slippers. It gets darker sooner, the evenings and mornings are cool with pleasantly warm afternoons and you just want to smile quietly to yourself and be happy.

IF - Swarm

2011-02-28T15:14:00.001+11:00

I think I know how this girl feels…do you ever get to the point where you have so much buzzing through your head you just wish you could turn your brain off?

Well I’ll be…

2011-02-27T11:54:00.001+11:00

Who would have thought but Miss Four is right! Eagles do eat backpackers!

image here

Things are a bit quiet in my blog world at the moment, not reading or posting much.

It’s been a hard couple of weeks for so many reasons but the one thing uppermost in my mind at the moment is a situation with my youngest at school. Master 9 is Dyslexic therefore school can be a struggle at the best of times but as an added ‘bonus’ there has been some bullying issues this year which have caused no end of anguish, this is not the first time either. M9 is no angel and he tends to erupt when his sense of justice/injustice is ruffled and that never goes down well in a school situation. Unfortunately it got to the point this week that he felt he needed to run away from school and come home *sigh* What do you do?

I am reading non stop on raising boys, anger management, bullying and anything else I can get my hands on, I have been praying like mad and have been working/talking with teachers and councillors all week. It really worry’s me that he’s in grade four and is still struggling with reading but there is so much other stuff going on this has gone on a back burner and he is getting further behind. I have been considering moving schools or even homeschooling for a short period of time but ideally I would like to be able to work it out at school.

Oh dear, sometimes being a parent is no fun at all and it doesn't help when a few comments thrown in here and there by ‘helpful’ people seem to make you feel like either you have failed your child miserably or that your child is damaged goods.

Let me tell you, I will come out fighting on his behalf ,and as he has begun his life as one of my bodily organs and I have seen both his amazing and frustrating personality traits from birth to this day I kind of think I might have a little insight. I make no apology of defending my kid (as I think all mum’s are prone to do), if I don’t do it who will? Ooo sounding kind of feisty no?

OK, ok back in your cage mumma tiger your cubs gonna be alright!

Chaff

2011-02-17T00:20:00.001+11:00

I’ve been scanning a lot of old photo’s recently and restoring some of the damaged ones, this one above had almost disappeared. This is me and my Teddy and I guess I would be about 4 or 5 so circa 1975. The outfit I have on was made by either my mum or Grandma, not sure, but I distinctly remember that this was the beginning of my love of sewing/crafting. Notice the elegant veil adorning my spiffy teddy? This was my first attempt at making ‘stuff’ and I can remember about this time mum showing me how to tack with needle and thread. Actually the first real item I made was at school in grade 6, a totally hand sewn apron and I still have it.

Love the whole hand on the hip thing!

My mum kept a diary of my first five years and every so often she pulls it out and recounts my funny sayings and doings, like the time sitting in the back of the car at age 2 trying to tell mum about the ‘bitey’s’ to which her response is to ‘smack the bitey’s.’ when she turns around she finds me smacking my own hand that is stuck in the ashtray!

My best friend has 5 kids, the youngest are 8, 6 and 4. Quite often she sends me texts (a modern day diary) of the funny things they say and I’m telling you they are funny!

Just the other week the while watching a documentary about Eagles Miss 6 asks “What do Eagles eat?” to which Miss 4 replies “Lambs and Backpackers!” Who knew? Let it be noted that your taking your life in your hands backpacking around Australia, watch out for those hungry Eagles! We weren't sure if she meant Alpacas but no she assures us it was backpackers, bahahaha!

These funny kids obviously get their wit from a very clever mummy who is also very funny. In today’s text message she says;

“I’m reading about brain injury (she is studying psychology at the moment) and how patients with frontal cortex injury lack sympathy, empathy or remorse for wrong doing are prone to lying for no apparent reason and are capable of verbal or physical outbursts. I’m thinking, surely not every guy I’ve dated has suffered head trauma?”

You can find more of her funny adventures and wise sayings on her blog The Purple Pumpernickel

As usual I have sat up too late and need to take myself off to bed *sigh*yawn*zzzzz*nite

Oh Hello! My Creative Space.

2011-02-15T22:25:00.001+11:00

I have been mucking around on the computer tonight and have turned a sketch of this little owl that I drew about a month ago into these! I was thinking they may look kinda cute as a broach maybe? I might get them printed out and see what I can do or maybe even a transfer onto a tote bag or kids t-shirt. There are a few babies on the way soon so this might work as a print too. Hmmm….something to think about.

My Valentine

2011-02-14T13:36:00.001+11:00

I’ve known you for 29 years,
loved you for 17 years,
been married for 14 years.
We make a great team you and I.
Happy Valentines day to my one and only!

Illustration Friday - Sweater

2011-02-12T21:34:00.001+11:00

This week's topic is "Sweater" suggested by Sarah http://sarahdrawsthings.blogspot.com/

“Sweater, n.: garment worn by child when its mother is feeling chilly.” ~ Ambrose Bierce