Six One Way - two

This week's Six One Way::

Scattered (amongst the table legs).

Crawl (on Ari's fingers. It must have come in with the rose, and fallen out when Mishi was sniffing and eating it).

Thrown (across the lounge room, hall way and bedroom. It took lots of suggestions and games to eventually convince him to pack it up. He was so proud when it was finally done).

Six One Way - one

Just wanted to let you know that Six One Way has started a flickr group for us to join in the fun. I thought I might include mine here as well as there.

This is a little something that maybe I'll try doing once a week - possibly Sunday. Photos only - or minimal words.

Three posts in one day - what's with that. (No house work got done, but the kids had a fun-filled day!).

today

was a good day. We had wonderful + creative play, learning, fun, games, laughing, songs, peek-a-boo (this is what Ari calls hide and seek), joke-learning, sleep.

The builders arrived a little after Play School.

They worked well together,

until lunch was called and they downed tools.

For some miraculous reason Ari slept for 1 1/2 serene hours. He simply curled up behind me in bed, while I was feeding Mish for a mid-day sleep. She took a little bit more playing and games until finally succumbing to sleep half an hour later.

We started work on a project I have had in my mind for ages now. I have been wanting to do a journal of sorts with Ari, and eventually Mishi. I myself am not much of a scrapbooker or journaler, or even photo album organiser. My aim is for special drawings and photographs to happen daily, or at least once a week, and me to form them into some sort of book :: journal shape. I loved bookbinding at TAFE a few years ago (ummm ten years now), and have wanted to start trying a few things based on those preliminary learnings.

Today's drawings were based on a current fascination Ari has with cicadas.

We have been hearing them every day this Summer. At home they are a background drone, and at my Dad's and sister's houses they are louder, more obvious, often intense. A few have flown in live,

or left their empty shells for us to discover in the garden.

He has dressed up as a cicada with flowing blanket :: capes, with face paint :: make-up, with imaginary wings and sounds.Even guessing games have revolved around these little creatures, "I hide in the forest, I'm small, you can't see me, I make loud noises. Guess what I am, Mummy".

Our soundtracks today were BB King & Eric Clapton :: Riding with the King and Miles Davis :: Kind of Blue. The first is great for jumping, singing, washing-up. The second both kids seem to really like, jazzing their little bodies about (Ari's shoulders up and down, Mishi's head bomping up and down), and Ari declaring "I like this one". My Dad would be proud that these little ones like Miles. Amazing sounds on this album, please stop and listen to it for a moment. I could have it on repeat for hours on end.

swapsies

I have just added my name to the list of two swaps that will be happening soon. Very exciting. I have been involved in one 'blog swap', and I really enjoyed it. I loved the making of my swap, thinking about the person I was sending it to, what her family was like, and also thinking about the possibilities of what I would receive in return. I never imagined the beautiful wreath that arrived on Christmas Eve. Thank you Tonya - I still have it hanging inside, as I'm not ready to pack it up yet.

Sarah's Valentine Exchange will be lovely, sweet, fun. Making and receiving a card of love from someone unknown - how perfectly Valentine. I made some simple little New Year cards for my family :: friend list. They were a bit late - which is why they were New Year and not Christmas cards! Little fabric scraps cut into a dove shape (my sister said it looked more like a duck, oh well), glued onto cardstock. On the back I wrote messages of peace, contentment, fulfillment, love and joy for the coming year. Maybe this year I'll manage to get them sent in time for Christmas. Wouldn't it be lovely to have the inspiration from this swap and make Valentine cards for all my family. Maybe I'll talk to Ari about it.

Stefani's book swap is such an unusual, fantastic idea. I was only thinking the other day that I haven't properly read a book for a few years now (hmmm, almost since Ari was about six months old or so :: lost some part of my reading and retaining paragraphs brain). This will be a perfect jump for me to start my beloved reading again. It has also inspired my to finally send the book that I bought (a few years ago) with my friend in mind. I read and loved it, possibly a few times, and now I can finally send it on to her. Of course this swap involves some new learned craft, what an added bonus!

I wish I had been able to add my name to the Mid-Winter Gocco Swap, but seeing as how I have practically no idea of what Gocco is (apart from all the amazing images I keep seeing in blogland), I'll just have to check out all the final results.

I keep thinking about a swap I'd like to start of my own. There are a few I have in mind. But for now, I have things at home that need starting and organising and prioritising. But I do have a giveaway planned, coming up soon (ish) for a special event :: celebration. So, keep a lookout!

giving thanks

I just want to say a BIG thank-you to everyone who stops and reads these little words of mine. I really take such delight, pleasure, inspiration in all comments and love from you. I enjoy finding new blogs :: friends as a consequence. I love receiving comments :: they brighten my day unbelievably, and they give me continued motivation to go on with this blog and ventures and thoughts and hopes and dreams. Thank you for helping me dream.

Lately, I feel, I haven't been responding as I should to the kind, thoughtful words - so this, humbly, is it.

(My computer has been driving me crazy, going so slow and not letting me update my blog as I like. Soon I hope I can put some updated new blog reads, etc).

18th January, 1947 :: happy birthday Mummy Plummy

My Mum was the most influential, astounding woman (person) I will ever know. How can I say this, surely I will meet many more people in my lifetime. Yes, I hope, keep hoping and looking for someone to "replace" (not replace, add to my memories of a 'Mama-figure') the woman who gave me my life in every way possible.

Today you would be 61. I keep thinking how you would be as an "old woman" - not that 61 is anywhere near to old, but years and years from now, what would you be like. Five years ago, what were you like. Some days I barely remember your face, your voice, your laugh, but most of all your words. These are what I want to remember the most :: your words and intentions, the way that you challenged stereotypes and narrow-mindedness. The way you reached out and helped and offered your love, time, knowledge, warmth, kindness, whatever you could to assist someone else, anyone else. You were always helping people :: often times to the detriment of yourself, but that didn't stop you, did it Mum?

Sometimes when my son calls me Mum, I stop and think about you. Softly, slowly. Little things of who you were. Mainly of the fact that you will never meet these babies of ours on this Earthly plain. Though I know, and they know too, that you see them in their dreams. And that you know these little ones of mine so deeply and intimately and intensely :: you know who they were, who they are, who they will be.

I know that you know that of me too. You are such a wise woman, soul. Deep, warm, giving, sharing, knowing, feeling, being. Who you are :: were is so deeply ingrained in me that I know it does not matter if I don't remember your voice, words, smell every day or even every week. I remember, I know your being, your soul. I am you (of sorts).

So this year I will be with all the little babes. The two you met (though briefly) - Taliesin and Ashra, the one you knew about before you left us - Sidera, and the three you choose for us - Ari, Rollie and Mischa. Not with all my siblings, but with their offspring - and that is rich and loud and loving and intense in itself. We will have a party for you. Anouk and I will tell tales about you, stories and memories and wishes. We keep trying to show the Grandchildren who never really knew you, who you were, what you were.

And I will continue to remember that you will always smell of the warm, musky aroma of mothers-breast milk, to me. And that as you nurtured me, and your children, you taught me (us) to nurture my (our) children in the most natural, instinctual way a mother can. And that as a mother, I know you will be proud of me.

Happy Birthday. Cake and Champagne will be on the menu for sure.

city learning

Even though the countryside keeps pulling and enticing me, we still continue to find advantages of city living. Last night we went for a walk, after dinner, in the glorious afternoon-sun colours of our Summer. We had to go and water the plants at my sister's house - and of course, have a jump on their trampoline. She only lives one long block away, but we managed to draw the five minute walk out. Exploring and learning on the way.

I keep going round-about on this thought process of homeschooling. Keep wondering if it will be something that is good for our family, if we will do it. Last night really reconfirmed to me that it's not will we, but that we already are homeschooling. Each house number, letterbox we passed on our walk we stopped at. Ari and I talked about what the number was, he traced the metal forms with his fingers. We talked about how a 3 looks like a backwards E, and a 5 almost like an S. And yet again, he impressed and surprised me when he could read all but one of the letters on the STOP sign. (The P is a letter that isn't in any of our names, so he doesn't know it as well).

He has been recognising letters for quite a while now. Seeing them on street signs, shop signs, boxes we bring home from the supermarket, at the bakery, on the corner store. Especially he knows an A, I suppose that would be the first letter that most kids learn - the letters in their own name.

So, following on from that, he can write his name - beautifully is I do say so. And other letters and number-forms are slowly following.

For a long time we have been talking about numbers and letters, and it is falling into place for him (and me). His first 'writings' (possibly even more than a year ago) were generally shopping lists, long squiggly lines of words that he told us said pasta or toothpaste or cheese or tofu.

We were always reading when we were kids. It is my hope is see my kids curled up or sprawled out devouring their books, or languishing over images and words. Pity that they don't see me doing much reading these days - I think since Ari was about six months old, I have not been able to focus on any book for long enough to actually remember what the story is about! Maybe one day again, I will find the time and mental capacity for novels, and finish those that I have started.

being drafted

I have been going through all my old drafted blogs entries. The ones that I didn't finish - either by running out of time, or ideas, or.... That's often the way I think, anyway, in snippets. I write in unfinished sentences. I feel that maybe this is because I form my sentences quicker than I can process the entire idea. And then, sometimes, by the time I'm at the end of a sentence or paragraph I'm not sure I still agree or believe where I started. Or often-times it's becuase I find that I've started rambling too much, and gone on and on and on. And just as often, I'll be called away half-way through writing (a woken baby, or crying child) and won't be able to return to finish the writing.

I've decided to make these posts 'published' rather than just sitting there in draft-land. This blog is a diary of sorts, for me, my children. It's a record of them as a baby, toddler, child, kid, youth. I don't have hand-written journals for them, and my photoalbum skills aren't up to scratch. This blog is it, at the moment. And as I look back on my previous writing and photos, I'm noticing that it really is my family that I'm looking at and reading about. I like that :: somehow, through this experimental writing, for me, I'm being truthful and accurate and honest - in who I am.

So, if you're interested in looking at these previous "unpublised writings" follow these links ::

Friday 22nd June :: Monday 2nd July :: Wednesday 4th July :: Thursday 12th July :: Tuesday 17th July :: Wednesday 25th July :: Saturday 18th August :: Wednesday 22nd August :: Monday 3rd September :: Saturday 15th September :: Saturday 3rd November :: Monday 19th November ::

before the fireworks

We are (planning) on going to Southbank tonight, to watch the fireworks with Sam's family. A lovely way to see off this spectacular, evolving and tiring year. And to welcome in the possibilities of new beginnings and hopes and wishes and dreams. The rainy weather might wash out the excitement of standing watching smoke, gunpowder, colour erupt up into the atmosphere.

So, on the eve of the new year I have been wanting to write a little round up, a wrapping up of this year. And possibly a few little hopes for the coming one.

It has been one of my most intense years - emotional, tiring, exhilarating, steepest learning curve, loving, caring, growing, growing, growing. I have had the privilege, the pleasure, the luck to be with, watch, listen, feel my babies grow and learn - and to teach me so much more than ever I could teach them. And, on occasions I think I have stopped to take notice and actually learn what they are trying to show me.

Also, I feel that so many of the other relationships in my life have expanded and been so nourishing this year. Sam and I continue to go from strength to strength. Being parents together is one of the most wonderful things that two people can experience. I know that I am blessed to be sharing this with someone so intensely amazing, thoughtful, caring, loving as Sam is (always has been, so I know he always will be). This has probably been near to one of our hardest (definitely most tiring) years, and we have climbed through it together - as a team.

My two sisters have been wonderful companions and helpers these past few years. This year, I feel, we have all developed a truer depth together. A deeper love, understanding, appreciation. And my Dad, I don't talk about him very much in this blog. Well, he probably is one of the most amazing men I will ever know. He is so deeply embedded into who I am, how I am, how I feel, think, act :: want to act, feel, think, know, do.... He is an inspiration for me, a motivation for me. My brother, sadly, I haven't had the same chance to grow and connect with further. I really wish he had more time, yet he works so much, driving for work or to collect/drop off his son for his fortnightly visits. I too, don't take enough time to be with my brother at his house, on his time. When we are together it is simple and easy and fun and wonderful.

One other person who I feel I have grown more with, understood more, loved more, enjoyed more :: ME. This, out of most years, I think has been a year of intense growth and learning and stopping and just being. And loving that just being, the letting go of so many things. Stopping having so many expectations of myself or those around me.

And, onto a few things that I have been mulling over. Hopes for our new year, our family, for myself. I really don't like new year's resolutions, basically because I very rarely end up keeping them. Yet, still I form ideas and try and simplify these to something that I could possibly keep to. So, this year no :: exercise more, eat less chocolate, be tidier...blah blah blah.

This year :: let myself go more, stop more, enjoy more, just be. This year, I would love to sew more, learn to knit, possibly crochet. Take more time for myself in these productive, yet simple ways. Also, long have I been thinking about the possibilities of starting some form of my own business. I aim to really sit and think and plan and formulate and then, actually put into practice, something for me. Mainly so I don't have to go back to work outside the home. So I can work from home and be with my children, while they grow and I grow.

Also, the thing of moving house is getting so intense in my whole soul. I / we need to have a bit more space for being and thinking and doing and growing. We currently live in a teeny two bedroom house, with a scrappy outdoor area. Yes, the city has lots of great parks - but we would love a garden for some homegrown veges, fruits, fun.

So, a few simple things / wishes for the coming year. I see that these are achievable, in as much as I really actually want to do :: be these. Hmmmm, a cleaner house would be lovely too!

snippitysnippitysnip #2

Be warned - many blatant cute photos follow!

Her hair was getting simply too long + I was sick of having to keep looking for little clips, lost all over the house, in the car, slipping out of her hair while out and about. She can see a little better now. Hmmmm, I didn't think that I would be cutting her hair at only 10 months old, but she had so much of it, and it just keeps growing and growing.

Ari was past his third birthday before we finally cut his hair, but things seem to be so much more accelerated with a second baby. Is that because I am more experienced, or more blase, or - hopefully not - maybe because I have gone through some of that 'baby loss/growing up thing' already with Ari, and it's not quite as intense with Mishi. Is that it? No, not really, no.... hope not!

We'd been wanting to cut it for a little bit, but I was a bit scared that we'd do it wrong. A wriggling baby and sharp scissors are not really a combination I wanted to test out! A friend did it one night - we were talking about it, and she got out the scissors and snip snip done! (She's Swiss, so gets things done without the silly procrastination. They renovated their house in less than a month; ripping out walls, painting, new kitchen, etc... I hate those sorts of people!!!). Anyway, she did a perfect job - not too short across the fringe, with a cute little bob (which we had to fix up over a few days of trying to keep Mishi still).

And if you start thinking that there'll be a third installment to these snippity posts :: I have not had my hair cut ever ever ever. It didn't get as long as it is by cutting it. Though, don't think it hasn't crossed my mind a few times - scissors in hand, there have been a few times when I almost almost almost just snipped it all off! If I was going to do it though, I think I'd have to have a very stylish and eye-catching cut as I'm quite used to the thing of having long (eye-catching) hair. Keep a look out, but don't hold your breath.

gifted

Well, I managed to get all the presents finished on time! A few had their final touches added on Christmas morning :: but they were all done and wrapped, with enough time to get out the door for family lunch. Ultimately, I'm quite proud of the presents we gave this year. I'm pleased that I managed to stick to my (mostly) handmade for all the family. We did get Lego for Ari - his first 'big boy' Lego, rather than the Duplo we have and love playing with. And boxer shorts for Sam were purchased, rather than made.

Crayon Rolls for the kids :: I really like the fabric combinations for these :: the kids really liked the People Pops they found inside!

Placemats for Sam's parents :: and his brother + girlfriend

and a painting each from Ari, plus some chocolates ::

A last minute gift for my Grandma. I can't belive that I forgot to make anything for her, considering she was spending the day with us - something that doesn't usually happen. I made her a little bag / pouch thing, for her to put her magnifying glass into. She has a degenerative eye cancer, so only has periferal vision, which means she can't read menus or see people so clearly. She carries her magnifying glass with her everywhere, yet seems to always be searching for it in her bag. I used Alexander Henry birdseed in bright yellow with a red trim and pale green inside, hopefully it'll be easy to spot in her handbag.

I didn't get the apron made for Ari that I had planned. My Grandma bought a play kitchen for the kids to share. (She gave the money, so I got to choose what I wanted). I'm hoping to get a little apron made for Ari over the next week or so.

Also, no new Christmas outfits were completed. Seeing as how I never get to go clothes shopping, and have no clothes (that fit me since having babies!), I have been hoping and hoping to make some new things for myself. And I would have loved to make a new Christmas outfit for Mishi (at least), but that too wasn't achieved.

I have to stop making myself feel so bad about the lack of time, energy, motivation, space issue I have with sewing. Possibly, though, I should stop buying fabric until I start using what I have!

some sewing.....finally

It seems lately I've been showing quite a bit of my new fabric, and very little of the end results. It's happening too slowly around here, but still happening non-the-less. Last week I asked Sam's mum to take the kids for a few hours, and she obliged. Five glorious, quiet, content, productive hours! Of course, when I finally get alone time all I really want to do is sleep, or lie around listening to music or reading. And, some sewing. I sort-of almost finished the presents for all the kids for Christmas. The quilt idea totally went out the window. Not only due to time constraints but also cost of making six quilts with quality fabric and filling.

Instead I made some crayon rolls. I really quite love these. They were simple enough to sew, and small enough to be able to experiment with a few unusual fabric combinations. Also, I feel that I would be able to 'jazz them up' quite easily with a few extra adornments - for future present making. Thank you for this lovely and easy tutorial. Inspiration :: cloth.paper.string :: Myriad :: three sisters :: + many more, I can't quite find now.

More fabric arrived this week. I'm happy to say that I have cut into it already :: at 3am to be precise. This was an early morning sewing, rather than late night. (I actually went to bed at 10pm, and then woke up at 3am - ready to work. Rather than staying up late, late, late and not having any energy the next day).

So, Christmas presents are happening. I can see an easy end. Really, I actually don't have that much to do :: yet, everytime I look at the calendar I remember that I don't have much time either! We are going to my Dad's on 22nd, so things need to be finished before then. (Ummmmmm.... TWO full days only!!). My mind is becoming clearer on what I need to do, and I'm feeling more optimistic. Possibly because I have just been sewing with these glorious, new fabrics and they have sparked my imagination.

Some of the Amy Butler and Kaffe Fassett have been sewn already into placemats for Sam's parents' gift. And the possibilities of the others... arhhhhh. Most of the new fabrics are for a quilt for Ari. I haven't yet finished Mishi's, but it's very close. All I have to do is the binding. I have read and read and read the instructions in Bend-the-Rules and a few library books, yet somehow my brain can't work it out. More thinking involved for me to finish that. Any tips and help?

I have long loved Kaffe Fassett. My Mum has/had (as in they no longer belong to my Mum because she doesn't belong to this land anymore :: but they are still in the bookshelves at my parent's house) many of his books. She herself was a pretty excellent knitter and crocheter. I wish I had taken more notice and remembered now how to cast on and knit one, purl two; in through the window, running round the back, out through the back door, and off jumps Jack! And each time I see Amy Butler's newest range, I fall in love all over again.

swapping traditions

Well my Holiday Traditions Swap has arrived safe and well, with it's recipient Tonya. I had to wait until she received it for me to 'show off'. At first I was a bit scared that I wouldn't send off a good enough parcel, and then I wondered if I'd actually get it made in time to post off to USA, for it to arrive in time for Christmas. But :: it all seemed to work out, it got there in time, and more importantly I actually like it and am quite happy with it!

I sent some handmade (machine stitched - I hand stitched the ones for our tree, and they are quite wonky, plus took me ages!) stuffed felt stars, with ribbon to hang on the tree. They are quite bright colours - lovely for after Christmas possibly in a child's bedroom.

And some Steiner-inspired dolls made from fabric scraps. This is something that we used to have when we were young. I remember making beautiful white ones with my Mum and sister, and hanging them on our little tree. Or stringing them along our roof. These are really easy to make, and something you can do with children. They can be as simple or elaborate as you like. If anyone wants a basic tutorial, let me know :: I'd love to write one for you.

The recipe that I included was for some yummy biscuits that Sam's Mum often makes. They are an Italian almond biscuit - Amaretti. I made a recipe card for it - did a little styled photo-shoot, which was really fun. (Sam did the logistics of actually 'making' the recipe card, as he's the designer with the computer programs and know-how and the amazing skills and visual eye!). Of course, the biscuits weren't perfect when we baked them the day of the 'photo-shoot', but they still looked lovely and tasted delicious. I've been wanting to make some recipe cards for a while now, so this is the start - I plan on making more in the New Year.

And then I wrote a whole bit blurb about our family traditions :: past ones and new ones I want to implement. I'll tell you a bit more about it after Christmas.

What a received from Tonya was lovely and tasty. She sent me some of her Grandma's chocolate and sultana cookies - they arrived very crumbled, but so tasty. Also a fun CD of her favourite Christmas songs - we have only listened to it once, as most music has to compete with Playschool's 'The Wobbly Walk'. The Mickey Mouse decoration looks right at home on our tree, with all our red angels and stars. She also sent us a beautiful looking (I've seen photos) wreath, but customs snatched it away due to the pine cones. They have cut these off, and are now posting the wreath to us. I have optimistically high hopes of it arriving in time for Christmas!

Pink Amaretti

3 egg whites

200g / 1 cup / 7oz castor sugar

250g / 2 1/2 cups / 8oz almond meal

4 Tablespoons icing sugar

A few drops pink colouring (you can leave this out for white amaretti, or add it only half/half. This isn't in the recipe, just something that Ari + I wanted to add when we were making these).

Pre-heat oven to 160C / 325F / Gas 3

Beat egg whites in a mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add castor sugar, until thick and glossy. Fold almond meal in, by hand and 2 tablespoons of icing sugar. Add a few drops of foor colouring, until you like the intensity. Leave half the mixture white.

Using two tablespoons, form shapes like quinelles - small round shapes, almost with a swirl on top. Place on baking trays lined with non-stick baking paper. Dust with remaining icing sugar and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on try, then remove from paper and store in an airtight container. Yummo!

our little tree

This is our first Christmas tree we've had - in this house or as a family. We decided to have a real, living tree for a few reasons. It was something we did in my family, when we were children. I remember seeing it get bigger each year :: a wonderful way to notice the changing of the cycles and the growing of our lives/selves. Also, we wanted something that could be special to care for, look after, tend to. Every day it is Ari's special job to remember to water the tree. We have to clear up the dropped needles and seedpods. And then, to have this wonderful real tree in our house feels immensely special for me. Growing up in the bush we didn't have trees inside our house so much (except bonsai trees), seeing as how we lived in a very outside-in house. Nature always came in, if we wanted it to or not. And now, while we have flowers and seedpods and sticks and things, we don't often have real trees growing in our house. Sometimes we may have an orchid plant - which in a way is like a growing flower arrangement.

We choose a Daintree pine (Gymnostoma australianum). It's so pretty, with such lovely shaped seedpods (almost like many-armed star-shaped atoms) and furry little 'flowers'. The tree is almost classic Christmas tree shape. It will grow healthily and happily in a pot.

Our decorations are simple, and all handmade. Steiner-style angels, and stitched felt stars. It is my wish / aim to make something new each year to add to the tree, or collect things that are special to us. Rather than just buying a heap of plastic decorations and throwing them at the tree. It's quite an understated look. Actually, I really like it. I think this year Ari was maybe a bit too young to assist so much, or he didn't want to, so mainly Sam and I did it. We tried some lights, but they didn't really match. We do have one 'not-handmade' decoration :: this lovely little one that came from my holiday traditions swap from Tonya. (She also made us a beautiful looking wreath, which we are waiting to receive from Australian Quarantine).

snippitysnippitysnip

Enough of our little boy being called a girl :: not that it was really so much of an issue for me. It does mean we can't dress him up like this anymore! I'm getting used to it slowly, slowly. He doesn't quite look like someone I know. When he talks to me in Ari's voice, I've been wondering who is this boy in my house, this boy holding my hand, this boy who is talking, laughing, smiling like my boy. So, I guess I'm getting to know him differently, anew, fresh. That's always a good thing for such an everyday intense relationship between mother and child.

Anyway, he seems to really like it. He says it's good. So, that's it then. The baby hair is gone :: does that mean my baby is gone? Oh, I hope not. We're going to find out!

Ari's hair was so fine and soft and curly and wispy and long, fluttering and flopping in his eyes, mouth, food.... Running my hands through it, combing it with my fingers. Seeing that messy mop every morning sticking up all over the place. Now it's velvety, dries in moments.... short short short!

tagging

Well, here I was feeling all lonely and unloved. The only people who seem to want to know anything about me lately are telemarketers*! Not anymore. Thank you djbebe, for tagging me. I've wanted to be tagged by someone, just so I knew people were reading. I suppose for the ego boost thing - that I seem to need. Well, now I have to think of what to write.

The rules:

1. Link to your tagger and also post these rules on your blog.

2. Share 7 facts about yourself (random or weird) on your blog.

3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.

4. Let them know they are TAGGED by leaving a comment on their blog.

So, here goes. Seven things about me.

1. I over-think too much. Especially when forming new friendships with people. I want for things to work out, and often they do eventually, but in the process I go through so much anxiety about it. I wish I could learn to let things flow more, and just happen.

2. I plan and dream so much more than I would ever do. I possibly could do the things that flutter about in my brain. It's just that I'm mostly too lazy, or tired, or some other excuse (mostly involving the kids).

3. I like to 'blame' my children for not getting things done. ie - if I don't do the washing up during the day, it's because one or the other of them wouldn't let me! Not because they are now both asleep in the afternoon, and I need some quiet time to 'reflect' - let's call it that :: this blog-browsing thing.

4. I like to make up words. In my family we have silly words, or silly ways of saying words. Like our own secret language. I love to hear my kids starting their own silly words, and even though 'experts' say you shouldn't copy when kids don't say words correctly, I do!

5. You've probably already realised this one, if you've been reading for a while. But, I tend to be quite wordy about everything. Those competitions where you have to answer in 25 words or less annoy me. My essays at school went on and on and on. I don't think I often really have anything important to say, it just takes a while for my brain to sort it all out.

6. I love being a mother. I always knew that I would have children. Currently two, but I'd love to have more - though Sam doesn't agree! I know that having such an emotionally fulfilling relationship with my own mother is a big factor to enjoying being a mother now. I wish she was here for me to share it with.

7. I was reading in the current Real Living magazine about how to decide on those three words to define yourself. (You know, when asked to sum up who you are in three words, another of those stupid questions that annoys me. Thank fully, I've never been asked). Well, I only came up with two words. Nurturing, Artistic, ........... (Just so you know :: the first word should be 'all about you', the second word 'something you aspire to be', and the third word 'sums up why people like to be around you'.) I often don't know why people like to be around me. Sam tells me I can be very mean sometimes - yet he still likes to be around me.

There, is that random enough for you? I actually could keep going, now that I've started. But I won't bore you.

I am going to tag ::
Momo - kurashi
Tonya - mommy who?
Sarah - lamzey dievey
Sarah J -still life in yarn
Felicia - fluffy flowers
Sarah - red felt flower
Stefani - blue yonder.

Okay, hope you feel like playing along. If too busy - that's understandable.

*While writing this post, two telemarketers rang me, one of them rang twice. And they were from the same company. And I couldn't understand a word they were saying - not sure about any of you, but our telemarketers seem to be from a very far way away :: bad, crackly connections and strange accents. I try to be polite :: often times I put Ari on for a chat!

PS - I promise that I was just about to go and do the washing up, but Mishi just woke up. And she doesn't want to be put down. What am I to do?

if you live in brisbane :: or if not

I was really exicted when I received an email from a friend this week, about a little market happening this weekend. Not just to sort out a few Plan B ideas, but mainly to treat myself (or maybe just my eyes...) to a few presents of my own. All local artists selling :: showing off their beautiful wares. So, in keeping with buying handmade, I will be there.

Christmas Design Market :: this Sunday 25th November :: 9am - 5pm :: GOMA gallery store forecourt ::

:: Blossom Creations :: not just a great designer, Erin is environmentally conscious in all aspects of her work and production. I really respect and admire any artists for this, more so when they strive to make it a primary aspect of their business. (I met her this week, it was lovely to put a face to her blog and beautiful creations).

:: Shannon Garson :: I have coveted her amazing, intricate, delicate porcelian since I somehow happened across her blog ages ago. I am taking pocket money to spend here (I hope!).

Plus many more beautiful, talented, artist, crafty.

If you don't live in Brisbane, please visit my other local (as in, I'm there every day!) hang-outs. I've already spent my pocket (bag :: Servo paycheck) money out in the Blue Yonder. Beautiful pieces of art with stories that make sense to my life.

All of this talent - local :: global - makes me long to have more time, energy, etc, etc, etc to be focussing more on doing something of my own. Yet, I know that my baby time now is so short, and things will slip into place eventually.

afternoon

1. Bookshelf :: with roses from our garden + found bottles + baby doll + my fold-out artwork from year nine art class. 2. Bookshelf :: glass plate - our wedding present from artist + a little box sculpture thing I made about a year or so ago + a special candlestick holder my mum made. 3. Little face masks Ari made today while at The Corner. 4. Afternoon view from our front steps.

beach

We have just spent a lovely long weekend at my Grandmas house, down the coast near the beach. You can't walk to the beach from her house, a very short drive, but she lives at the top of a big hill, so the view is magnificent. I've loved just looking out at the sparkling blue, with little patches of white boat or water breaking on far-out rocks. We went swimming almost each morning and afternoon. Well, swimming as best can with one adult and two little kids (who can't swim, one who can't even stand up!). The water was cold, refreshing, energising, enlivening, laughing. It was wonderful to watch both my little ones enjoying the water, sand, shells, rocks, fish caught in the tidepools. Ari carried handfuls of sand from one place, almost like there was none where he was taking it! Mishi crawling through the water, slapping it and laughing.

This post was finally published 7th January 2008. Since this beach trip we have made it to Noosa once for a holiday with some friends, and haven't actually made it to my Grandma's for more visiting and swimming. Soon the Summer will slip away and the kids will grow and I will have this little regret that I didn't take them enough times to the beach. The ocean that my Mother loved so tremendously - she used to squeal and cry out, she would drink the salty water, and jump and dive through the waves.

making a list :: checking it twice

Sorry to be a bit cliched with the heading. I don't normally like doing that sort of thing myself, but......this really is a Christmas List that I'm making.

I am back now from a long weekend visiting my Grandma, who lives at the beach. Looking from her veranda out towards the sparkling ocean, thoughts :: ideas :: inspirations :: wants :: longings :: feelings and hopes rattled about in my mind. Some of them formed into expectations and real hopes, aspirations. I have an almost tangible feel in my hands, my mind, my eyes that I can achieve everything I'm about to put on this list. Right now I feel so optimistic that I'm going to succeed in being able to complete and cross off this list. I feel that I will not need Plan B - but I'm going to write it anyway!

Long before I joined the Handmade Pledge, I have tried to be handmade, or less plastic and 'stuff, stuff, stuff'. Of course, that really hasn't been so successful over the years with new babies - the exciting first for Sam's family. Last year I did make the gifts we gave to my niece and nephews. This year, I :: intend :: on making all the gifts we give out. And if I can't get them made myself I would very much like them to be locally made, or at the very least ethically made. That one I know can be a definite back-up plan.

So, here goes :: (associated family members - please STOP reading NOW).

For all the kids (Ari, Mishi, Ash, Sidi, Rollie + Tal) ::

I plan on making quilts, or blanket things. This one a definite inspiration (actually everything Amanda does is!) - it looks to be a tiny bit simpler than a real patchwork quilt, which I have practically no experience with. More inspiration here, here, here (better stop linking, start planning, cutting, sewing!).

We don't give adult gifts on my side of the family, but we do with Sam's family. So for Sam's parents and his brother + girlfriend I aim on making placemats, hot pots, possibly matching serviettes too (all inspired from Bend the Rules). There's so much inspiration for these all around.

I would like to make something for my Grandma, though really don't know if that will happen or not. She would love a quilt, but I think aiming for some placemats or a little carry pouch for her magnifying glass (she has a degenerative eye cancer, and has quite bad vision) would be more achievable.

There are a few international friends who I really want to get something posted off to. Some bags and aprons for children, totes for the mamas. That sort of thing. There are at least two families (total five children), who would be most important for me to post something to.

Additionally, I have signed up for this Holiday Tradition Exchange. I have been partnered up with Tonya, and I really want to have/make the time to have a special swap for her. This is the first blogging swap for me, and I'm really excited. This year will be the first we have a Christmas tree at our house - previously children not old enough, and we visited family for Christmas. So, I feel this is the perfect time for starting some traditions in my family, learning about other traditions, making new friends. The ideas for this are forming, I just need to get the headspace to get it settled into a proper plan.

As well as all these ambitious gifts, I would like Ari to make some things to give friends and family. Books (which I have had in my head for ages now), paintings, drawings, some form of 'craft'.

The main back-up plan I feel I need is for the children's quilts. These I feel, sort of almost know, that possibly I won't be able to finish all of them. I would so love to, but I know myself and my life at the moment. I think I will need to call in a lot of child-minding to make the time. So, here's one back-up plan I spotted and love. I hope Stefani doesn't mind me copying. And this little pocket roll-up, which I have seen around a bit. These are cute, too. If anyone has any other ideas :: inspiration for children's gifts (aged from 9months up to 8 years), I would love any suggestions.