we saw the din-on-saurs
On Tuesday, the kids and I went to the museum and both the galleries (GOMA and QAG). We had a wonderful time looking at the water fountains, some that haven't been full and splashing for many years now (due to water restrictions). And seeing matchboxes turned into art, and talking about how art doesn't always have to be "art". How sometimes pieces of old tin, and typewriters and rolls of paper can be art as well as drawings and paintings.We searched the room of artifacts, and found bird eggs and nests, and turtle shells and stuff animals. Ari said the room was scary, which I suppose it could be, if you think about all the snakes and spiders and furry animals - and sad too, to think that all these animals are dead. But also very amazing to have the opportunity to see them all, and touch some (and really, they'd probably be dead anyway, rotted into the bush somewhere!).
We looked at the dinosaur garden. I remember it from my youth - still the same, the "dinosaur fossil trees" a little bigger, but the massive dinosaur statues the same. For me, now, I do not see the magic of the the Do Not Climb signs, but the kids still see the magic and the fantasy. I and try and remember our visits to the museum and looking and searching and exploring and learning and loving.
And then, instead of heading home, we moved on to the GOMA where we walked through furry trees. It was like a Winter wonderland. I took (sneaky) photos with my phone, Ari kept telling Mishi not to touch, and Mishi looked (and touched) in awe and amazement and the maze of fluffy trees. 
We explored Alien world, and - to tell you the truth - were a little disappointed (Ari and me) by the promise of special rooms to unlock with our Alien cards. Rooms which ended up being boxes with a silly tv screen and an even sillier message. It's good though, for a four-year old to learn about the disappointment of advertising. And good for me to see my son have expectations and not be happy with bland and boring.
But the best part of the day, for me, was when Mishi finally fell asleep in her pram. Ari and I sat down at the riverside cafe, where we drank juice (and yes, some hot chips), and drew and chatted.
And then, instead of heading home, we moved on to the GOMA where we walked through furry trees. It was like a Winter wonderland. I took (sneaky) photos with my phone, Ari kept telling Mishi not to touch, and Mishi looked (and touched) in awe and amazement and the maze of fluffy trees. We explored Alien world, and - to tell you the truth - were a little disappointed (Ari and me) by the promise of special rooms to unlock with our Alien cards. Rooms which ended up being boxes with a silly tv screen and an even sillier message. It's good though, for a four-year old to learn about the disappointment of advertising. And good for me to see my son have expectations and not be happy with bland and boring.But the best part of the day, for me, was when Mishi finally fell asleep in her pram. Ari and I sat down at the riverside cafe, where we drank juice (and yes, some hot chips), and drew and chatted.Finally I breathed easily in my whole body. I let the strain and tension slip away. We sat under the trees, listening to the birds and the water. And I chatted with my son. My son who is intelligent, and loving and kind and so so funny, and very talented at his drawing, and his writing. And understands so much. And each day amazes me all over again.
And watched my daughter sleep. My daughter who is silly, and growing, and funny, and dances so beautifully and loves her brother intensely, and talks more each day, and sings songs and counts, and talks about herself. And understands so much! And each day amazes me all over again.
And I sat and drew, unashamedly, not caring what my pictures looked like. And I tried to be amazed at myself all over again.
*** Excuse the quality of these photos, they are taken with my phone camera. Sometimes the feel and memory-inducing aspect of a photo is more important than the quality. ***
And watched my daughter sleep. My daughter who is silly, and growing, and funny, and dances so beautifully and loves her brother intensely, and talks more each day, and sings songs and counts, and talks about herself. And understands so much! And each day amazes me all over again.
And I sat and drew, unashamedly, not caring what my pictures looked like. And I tried to be amazed at myself all over again.
*** Excuse the quality of these photos, they are taken with my phone camera. Sometimes the feel and memory-inducing aspect of a photo is more important than the quality. ***hottest day :: over
Hmmm... not a lot of crafting been shown here lately. But it's been happening, lots of it. Little by little, bit by bit. A stitch here and a stitch there - between kids wanting me for something or other. However we got there, we did in the end - get there.
Despite being an intensely crazy hot day on Saturday the GOMA market was excellent. So much fun, and lots of fantastic feedback from our customers and other stallholders, and some very in-the-know people!
A lovely lady came up and knew us! She said that she'd seen our cards in the Tweed Gallery, and had seen us 'round the web. Steph of stephbond.com surely knows her design stuff. It felt so good to have her know our name; and chat to us about our products. Steph told us a few links of other people in the know, who like to help out handcrafted and small new businesses. Very supportive.We also had Kelley, from the new(ish) eco fashion and homewares magazine Peppermint, start chatting to us very encouragingly, and helpfully. She was open and honest, offering us names of green and local suppliers. Someone who we will be contacting in the (hopefully near) future for promotion and advertising...
Onto our range and our products. We sure have been busy. Designing and screen-printing, and sewing sewing sewing. And lots of planning, and lists, and talking. It was good to have that deadline for us to get a solid(ish) product range of what we want to go forward with.
This Red Seed Studio thing is real for us. Not a hobby, not just for fun. We so want to make this work. It's just the working out how to make it work???
So, what do you think about our products? (click on the pictures to get detailed info about them). We sold out of a few things - greeting cards were very popular, as well as our little zippered screen-printed purses. Having a market is a great way to see what people like, or want different. It's also a great way to meet some lovely, friendly and talkative people who are interested in what you're doing.
My two favourite stalls at the market were the beautifully talented Fliss of Udder, and the fun graphics and bright-popping colour of Kate's Red Chalk. Be sure to check out these local designers.
Onto our range and our products. We sure have been busy. Designing and screen-printing, and sewing sewing sewing. And lots of planning, and lists, and talking. It was good to have that deadline for us to get a solid(ish) product range of what we want to go forward with.This Red Seed Studio thing is real for us. Not a hobby, not just for fun. We so want to make this work. It's just the working out how to make it work???
So, what do you think about our products? (click on the pictures to get detailed info about them). We sold out of a few things - greeting cards were very popular, as well as our little zippered screen-printed purses. Having a market is a great way to see what people like, or want different. It's also a great way to meet some lovely, friendly and talkative people who are interested in what you're doing.My two favourite stalls at the market were the beautifully talented Fliss of Udder, and the fun graphics and bright-popping colour of Kate's Red Chalk. Be sure to check out these local designers.wow + winner
Well, hello EVERYONE!
A big big thank you for all of those wonderful emails pouring into my inbox over the past five days. So so exciting to keep getting new messages. Having this many visitors is very new to me. I know that you most of you came over for the giveaway, but I hope that some of you come back again for the photos and the words and the crafting.
I now have many new blogs that I am still trying to get to. So many wonderful new friends and inspiration out there. That's the best giveaway! (I didn't get a chance to visit many Sew Mama Sew blogs, to enter any giveaways. But my sister won this cute little outfit, from a now new favourite Aussie blog And so, I Sew. Maybe she'll decide to give it to Mishi.... hint hint).
So, without further ado - I present the winner. Chosen in some rather random number guessing game; I got everyone in my family to say a number, then I added and divided and presto. An average of all their numbers.
The winner is:
Sonia who wrote: Hi ! I'm very new to your blog & am happy to have found it through this giveaway event ! :) I'll bookmark you & will be back. I'd love to enter your giveaway if possible. :) You are very generous to offer such a great giveaway. What to say ? Mmm ... I'm off to have a coffee with my mom, who'd been visiting us for a week & who'll leave tomorrow. We are 700km away from each other & I'm going to enjoy her until she'll leave. It's raining outside & cozy inside, with the Christmas lights on. :) Have a great day ! Thanks again !
I already love her blog, I mean little glimpses into her Advent calendar and pictures (memories) like this and this.
While I'm talking about giveaways, I'd like to send you over to this lovely blog. Nina has been doing giveaways for a few weeks now, though she plans (I think) on at least a few more until Christmas. I was the lucky lucky winner of her first giveaway of a circle purse. I love her designs, these kids tees are so so sweet. I know two little ones who would treasure something like this. (I'm just trying to decide who would want what best, but I think these will be under our tree this year.) Women's shirts Nina?
And because I think a post without images isn't so pretty, here is the little flyer card that Sam designed for our market stall. We had so many customers, that we ran out - even though we printed more than 100! I'll be back later (today, tomorrow?) with a market wrap-up.
So, without further ado - I present the winner. Chosen in some rather random number guessing game; I got everyone in my family to say a number, then I added and divided and presto. An average of all their numbers.
The winner is:
Sonia who wrote: Hi ! I'm very new to your blog & am happy to have found it through this giveaway event ! :) I'll bookmark you & will be back. I'd love to enter your giveaway if possible. :) You are very generous to offer such a great giveaway. What to say ? Mmm ... I'm off to have a coffee with my mom, who'd been visiting us for a week & who'll leave tomorrow. We are 700km away from each other & I'm going to enjoy her until she'll leave. It's raining outside & cozy inside, with the Christmas lights on. :) Have a great day ! Thanks again !
I already love her blog, I mean little glimpses into her Advent calendar and pictures (memories) like this and this.
While I'm talking about giveaways, I'd like to send you over to this lovely blog. Nina has been doing giveaways for a few weeks now, though she plans (I think) on at least a few more until Christmas. I was the lucky lucky winner of her first giveaway of a circle purse. I love her designs, these kids tees are so so sweet. I know two little ones who would treasure something like this. (I'm just trying to decide who would want what best, but I think these will be under our tree this year.) Women's shirts Nina?
And because I think a post without images isn't so pretty, here is the little flyer card that Sam designed for our market stall. We had so many customers, that we ran out - even though we printed more than 100! I'll be back later (today, tomorrow?) with a market wrap-up.wednesday giveaway
I have decided to join in the Sew Mama Sew Give-Away day. And today's the day. Gifts for you, your friends, your family....... For you!
+ A zippered purse (coin purse, pencil case, to carry jewelery or treasures or ....)
+ an assorted selection of my fabric stitched greeting cards
+ a little something else that I am sewing tomorrow - a surprise! (oh, I know what it will be...)
+ a few more little pieces, just for fun.
:: photos show back and front of the purse, and some of my Varanasi silk cards, but I will also include some of my regular ones. Sorry about terrible lighting quality of these photos ::
Please leave a comment to be entered into this giveaway. Any comment; what you plan to do today, what the sky looks like right now, the funniest thing you heard this week........
I will leave comments open until Sunday night (Australian time), and draw a winner Monday. (Make sure you leave a way for me to contact you, if you don't have a blog. Or check back here on Monday).
Hello to any new readers. Lovely to have you visit.
Also, make sure you go back to check out that long list of blogs having a Give-Away today.
I'll be back later this week with a market prep update. Busy busy busy, but finally past the major work and onto the home stretch of making and packing and labeling and organising. Onto the fun.
+ A zippered purse (coin purse, pencil case, to carry jewelery or treasures or ....)
+ an assorted selection of my fabric stitched greeting cards
+ a little something else that I am sewing tomorrow - a surprise! (oh, I know what it will be...)
+ a few more little pieces, just for fun.
:: photos show back and front of the purse, and some of my Varanasi silk cards, but I will also include some of my regular ones. Sorry about terrible lighting quality of these photos ::
Please leave a comment to be entered into this giveaway. Any comment; what you plan to do today, what the sky looks like right now, the funniest thing you heard this week........
I will leave comments open until Sunday night (Australian time), and draw a winner Monday. (Make sure you leave a way for me to contact you, if you don't have a blog. Or check back here on Monday).
Hello to any new readers. Lovely to have you visit.
Also, make sure you go back to check out that long list of blogs having a Give-Away today.
I'll be back later this week with a market prep update. Busy busy busy, but finally past the major work and onto the home stretch of making and packing and labeling and organising. Onto the fun.
torn between
These past few months have been quite hard for me. I am torn between the person I want to be, who I am, and who I can be. torn between;wanting to have time alone to craft, create, think
yet wanting to have time with my little ones to play, explore, laugh, learn
wanting to spend more time making Red Seed Studio work
yet wanting to make for us; clothes for the children, pillows for our couch, (long overdue) gifts for family members
wanting to read a good book
yet wanting to go to sleep
wanting to send the children away to kindy or daycare
yet wanting to homeschool
wanting to sell our house, and start a new venture
yet not knowing what first steps to take
wanting to have a clean house
yet not wanting to fold the laundry
wanting to let my daughter self wean
yet wanting to have my body back to myself, and get a good nights sleep
wanting to do everything in my head
yet wanting to do nothing
wanting to spend time for yoga and meditation
yet not wanting to get up at 4am to have a moment on my own
wanting to keep on whinging
yet not wanting to bore you all...
(I really like this post - a day in the life).
Things have been happening. Some days are successful - we have fun, the house is tidy at the end of the day, we stop and sit in the backyard for a few moments or go for a walk. We get some proper work done, don't have the kids climbing and whinging on us all day. The sewing machine whirs and whizzes - or the screenprinting is crisp and perfect - satisfying.
Other days I stress and over load. I need to keep trying trying to stop that feeling of being drowned, or swallowed. I have to stop the need for that feeling and wanting of perfectionism. I have to learn to be at ease with myself.
I have been spending a lot of time lately feeling lost, floating about. No routine or rhythm. Up and down. Each day struggling to get to the end in one piece - emotionally, physically. I am feeling (emotionally) that I can't deal with the constant 'popularity' contest I put myself into. 
Or am I just overthinking it all; again.Grosgrain :: Generosity
Downtown Holiday Jacket and Pant GIVEAWAY!!!!
Please visit this lovely blog. Kathleen is a very generous woman, who makes delicious clothes and have fun, creative, fantastic styling. Very magazine styling. She was recently featured in the Winter Small Magazine.
Check out her blog for regular giveaways.memory silk
Varanassi Silk :: memories of my childhood :: of my parents' house :: of good things and pretty things, and displays and styling, and collections.
I brought these pieces of silk home with me, from my last visit to my Dad's house. They are old, and showing their age in many places. The fabric is tearing and slipping into threads; it pulls in my hands and becomes strips of colour and metal.
My Dad bought them on a trip to India many many years ago. I cannot even remember which visit, which year. All I know if that these cloths have been a part of the everyday views of the house I grew up in. Being used as a table throw to cover hand made speaker boxes, or to cover the lovely wooden chests used to store linens and towels and medicines. A cloth itself topped with beads and boxes for trinkets and treasures, wooden or ceramic bowls filled with pieces of ...... life / clutter / things. (I'm sure somewhere I have many photos of these little still lives).
My Dad us clearing out his house, clearing up... (I cannot quite believe or even admit that five and a half years after my Mother's death, we still have not sorted through her clothing or pieces of jewelery or.... I know the many reasons why it has never happened. Regardless, my Dad is quite ready to have the wasp eaten, mouse nested fabric gone).
Anyway, I have spent the evening sewing this silk into some of my fabric stitched greeting cards. In preparation for our Christmas market at GOMA. What a glorious way to re-use this magical memory-laden fabric. Each one has metal woven through it, gold or silver threads. The greens and pinks and blues aren't nearly as vivid as they were, but they have a richness and depth and tonal qualities as a result of the years of speckled sunlight, or full strength in some spots. Each cut strip I pick up to sew is different; the green is more faded here, or brighter on this piece, the front is more interesting, or the back shows more detail.
Sitting there, at my sewing machine, with the pieces cut ready for sewing on my cards, I feel like I'm selecting a jewel or treasure, turning it over in the light to see which side fits best on the card with the other pieces. Some, still, are tearing under my needle - giving way.
I will take photos of the finished cards tomorrow - much too dark tonight to capture them truly. Here, though, are the pieces sitting in a basket waiting to be chosen and stitched into place. To be remembered by someone else, in a new way. Starting new memories from old thread. I like that.
I brought these pieces of silk home with me, from my last visit to my Dad's house. They are old, and showing their age in many places. The fabric is tearing and slipping into threads; it pulls in my hands and becomes strips of colour and metal.
My Dad bought them on a trip to India many many years ago. I cannot even remember which visit, which year. All I know if that these cloths have been a part of the everyday views of the house I grew up in. Being used as a table throw to cover hand made speaker boxes, or to cover the lovely wooden chests used to store linens and towels and medicines. A cloth itself topped with beads and boxes for trinkets and treasures, wooden or ceramic bowls filled with pieces of ...... life / clutter / things. (I'm sure somewhere I have many photos of these little still lives).My Dad us clearing out his house, clearing up... (I cannot quite believe or even admit that five and a half years after my Mother's death, we still have not sorted through her clothing or pieces of jewelery or.... I know the many reasons why it has never happened. Regardless, my Dad is quite ready to have the wasp eaten, mouse nested fabric gone).
Anyway, I have spent the evening sewing this silk into some of my fabric stitched greeting cards. In preparation for our Christmas market at GOMA. What a glorious way to re-use this magical memory-laden fabric. Each one has metal woven through it, gold or silver threads. The greens and pinks and blues aren't nearly as vivid as they were, but they have a richness and depth and tonal qualities as a result of the years of speckled sunlight, or full strength in some spots. Each cut strip I pick up to sew is different; the green is more faded here, or brighter on this piece, the front is more interesting, or the back shows more detail.
Sitting there, at my sewing machine, with the pieces cut ready for sewing on my cards, I feel like I'm selecting a jewel or treasure, turning it over in the light to see which side fits best on the card with the other pieces. Some, still, are tearing under my needle - giving way.
I will take photos of the finished cards tomorrow - much too dark tonight to capture them truly. Here, though, are the pieces sitting in a basket waiting to be chosen and stitched into place. To be remembered by someone else, in a new way. Starting new memories from old thread. I like that.
****************************************************** 
In other 'news', I have chosen Melissa as my de-lurking post winner. Melissa please email me your address :: ellieabeck (AT) hotmail (DOT) com
I will have a gift in the post for you later this week.
(I'm feeling a little 'friend quiet' lately, as someone who I thought was a good and strong friend has inexplicably withdrawn from our friendship).
I will have a gift in the post for you later this week.
(I'm feeling a little 'friend quiet' lately, as someone who I thought was a good and strong friend has inexplicably withdrawn from our friendship).
****************
Good night friends. xx
pwiwhwo........
..........translates as pillow.
I started these about a week ago, cut them out and pinned them; then was distracted by needing to make dinner and play with the kids, and that general sort of life thing.
So, about a week later I finally managed to finish them - a few moments of quiet. I should have been doing other sewing, but really wanted to get these simple projects off my desk, and also wanted to see the smiles on their faces when I showed them to the children.
I let them each choose which fabric they wanted - editing a few choices, and not offering some fabrics from my stash! For the whole week Mishi kept coming and playing with the pinkish Kaffee Fassett print; she loves it so much. She has a dress made out of it too. And points to it, saying 'pink, green, blue, red...'
The sweet bunnies (which Ari choose) are from some lovely friends who stayed with us a while ago, when they first moved back to Oz from Japan. We miss you Dan and Aya - can't wait to see you again, soon. The plain blue is a really lovely cotton (?) I bought home from Thailand, about a million years ago. It's got a great dense feel to it, thick and loosely woven. I've actually been doing some embroidery on it this past week, some little totes for the market stall.
And the fabric Ashey choose is a circus retro sort of style; bright and fun - the only animal circus I'll look at! It came from Spotlight, only a few weeks ago (so if you like it, you'd better be quick, as it was on sale).
All kids love their pillows. Mishi carries her around, plopping down on the kitchen floor, or arranging Jemima Annabella for a little sleep. She snuggles her pwiwhwo, and tells me she's happy. Like it!
Anything to make your kid smile hey.
So, about a week later I finally managed to finish them - a few moments of quiet. I should have been doing other sewing, but really wanted to get these simple projects off my desk, and also wanted to see the smiles on their faces when I showed them to the children.I let them each choose which fabric they wanted - editing a few choices, and not offering some fabrics from my stash! For the whole week Mishi kept coming and playing with the pinkish Kaffee Fassett print; she loves it so much. She has a dress made out of it too. And points to it, saying 'pink, green, blue, red...'
The sweet bunnies (which Ari choose) are from some lovely friends who stayed with us a while ago, when they first moved back to Oz from Japan. We miss you Dan and Aya - can't wait to see you again, soon. The plain blue is a really lovely cotton (?) I bought home from Thailand, about a million years ago. It's got a great dense feel to it, thick and loosely woven. I've actually been doing some embroidery on it this past week, some little totes for the market stall.And the fabric Ashey choose is a circus retro sort of style; bright and fun - the only animal circus I'll look at! It came from Spotlight, only a few weeks ago (so if you like it, you'd better be quick, as it was on sale).All kids love their pillows. Mishi carries her around, plopping down on the kitchen floor, or arranging Jemima Annabella for a little sleep. She snuggles her pwiwhwo, and tells me she's happy. Like it!
Anything to make your kid smile hey.mark this in your diary :: GOMA Christmas Design Market ::
Please come and visit us at this market. If it's anything like last year's GOMA Christmas designer market, it's sure to be a beautiful event. Support locally designed and crafted this Christmas. Treat your family, friends, and yourself.We would love to see you there.
(Click on image to see it big).
weekend
Not many words forming at the moment, for me - so just a selection of our weekend down at my Dad's house. Please look here for the whole flickr set. We had a lovely time - walking, and watching the rain, and being looked after by my Dad.
Ari got to sleep in granddad's bed, which was quite exciting for him. And wonderful for me to hear my son and my dad chatting in the morning time; well, mainly Ari chatting, and my Dad trying to get a few extra moments of sleep!
Beautiful time, too, with my brother and nephew.
I hope you enjoy the beautiful light in the photos. I really love them. This one and this one really speak to me. So many moments in my Dad's house seem to be held in time. A memory for me, when I visit. I know this isn't quite true - as my Dad is there everyday. But I suppose my Dad lives in a way that lets things be, just be, around him. And he doesn't feel the need to interfere with everything. Not to say that things aren't up-kept and appreciated, and important to him.
(Hmmmm. what am I saying now....? I think I know but...). Just enjoy the photos, please.
Ari got to sleep in granddad's bed, which was quite exciting for him. And wonderful for me to hear my son and my dad chatting in the morning time; well, mainly Ari chatting, and my Dad trying to get a few extra moments of sleep!
Beautiful time, too, with my brother and nephew.
I hope you enjoy the beautiful light in the photos. I really love them. This one and this one really speak to me. So many moments in my Dad's house seem to be held in time. A memory for me, when I visit. I know this isn't quite true - as my Dad is there everyday. But I suppose my Dad lives in a way that lets things be, just be, around him. And he doesn't feel the need to interfere with everything. Not to say that things aren't up-kept and appreciated, and important to him.
(Hmmmm. what am I saying now....? I think I know but...). Just enjoy the photos, please.
sometimes life looks better in b/w
We went out today for a couple of hours, and I came home feeling hot and tired, with a hot body and a heavy head. I felt like cutting all my hair off, it was weighing me down.
Sam let me sleep for a little while, until the afternoon sun came into the room, waking me up. He took the kids for a walk, a little later on, and I looked at these beautiful photos. They surely helped to cool me down a little bit.
Then I put my own camera onto the black & white setting. Looking at our house without the colour changes the way you see things. The background noise (mess) wasn't so obvious. The dominos left over from the games played wasn't annoying, the bowl and fork from a late snack of pasta looked more interesting in b/w than in real daylight heat and colour.
I'm sure I'll switch back to the colour mode of the camera tomorrow (we are going to my dad's for the weekend, a bit of a relax and some walking in the forest, and photo taking. Refresh and inspiration), but for now I'm enjoying what the arty, grainy b&w is making me feel.
See the rest here, including some beautiful images of my two little precious ones.
Sam let me sleep for a little while, until the afternoon sun came into the room, waking me up. He took the kids for a walk, a little later on, and I looked at these beautiful photos. They surely helped to cool me down a little bit.
Then I put my own camera onto the black & white setting. Looking at our house without the colour changes the way you see things. The background noise (mess) wasn't so obvious. The dominos left over from the games played wasn't annoying, the bowl and fork from a late snack of pasta looked more interesting in b/w than in real daylight heat and colour.
I'm sure I'll switch back to the colour mode of the camera tomorrow (we are going to my dad's for the weekend, a bit of a relax and some walking in the forest, and photo taking. Refresh and inspiration), but for now I'm enjoying what the arty, grainy b&w is making me feel.
See the rest here, including some beautiful images of my two little precious ones.
Routines and rhythms seem hard to come by these days, for me. I cannot get myself into any sort of consistency of getting things done, or having any sense of achievement at the end of the day.This trying to work from home thing is proving to be much harder than Sam or I imagined. Not having a studio space, away from the main living section of our tiny house is making things difficult. The kids want to be with us always, on top of us, beside us, under us, over us, pushing, pulling..... (Does anyone have good tips on how to manage working with children beside you? What are your good games to entertain them for longer than a millisecond? While we do our computer work, or my sewing).
All this means that any project we do is taking longer than necessary. And photos are sometimes hard to get right - you know, when a kid is dragging at your arm, bit hard to keep a camera still long enough to focus it!
But things are happening. And my mind is tumbling over itself with ideas waiting to get out. Jumping about, talking to each other sort of ideas. Things that go from one thought to the next without you realising it.
So, living in my mind isn't too bad. In my mind my house is clean, the kids play quietly on their own, or happily together for longer than five minutes, I am sewing sewing sewing, and Sam is designing and printing and drawing.... And things are happening.
All this means that any project we do is taking longer than necessary. And photos are sometimes hard to get right - you know, when a kid is dragging at your arm, bit hard to keep a camera still long enough to focus it!
But things are happening. And my mind is tumbling over itself with ideas waiting to get out. Jumping about, talking to each other sort of ideas. Things that go from one thought to the next without you realising it.
So, living in my mind isn't too bad. In my mind my house is clean, the kids play quietly on their own, or happily together for longer than five minutes, I am sewing sewing sewing, and Sam is designing and printing and drawing.... And things are happening.
*****************
I made some yummy little cakes last night. And iced them with the remaining chocolate mousse icing from the party cakes. The best and simplest icing in the whole world! (I *forgot* to take photos of the birthday party, so these will have to do. Hopefully some good ones from my father-in-law).
To make this tasty icing all you need is 600ml single cream and 250g block chocolate (best quality). Put half the cream in a pan and heat, then pour over chocolate, which has been broken into pieces. Stir until combined and nice and smooth. Then leave to cool. Whip remaining cream until almost stiff peaks, then fold gently into the chocolate mixture. It should be a good consistency to top your little cakes with, then put a half strawberry on top of that.
Put it in your mouth in one whole bite! And be surprised that chocolate, chocolate and strawberries can taste so good.
I froze the remaining icing (from the party day), and dug at it slowly over each night; easy peasy icecream. With some fresh strawberries to 'tone it down a bit'. My dad didn't think it was too bad either!
Or you can let it thaw and top your cakes with it. It won't last long what ever you do.
To make this tasty icing all you need is 600ml single cream and 250g block chocolate (best quality). Put half the cream in a pan and heat, then pour over chocolate, which has been broken into pieces. Stir until combined and nice and smooth. Then leave to cool. Whip remaining cream until almost stiff peaks, then fold gently into the chocolate mixture. It should be a good consistency to top your little cakes with, then put a half strawberry on top of that.Put it in your mouth in one whole bite! And be surprised that chocolate, chocolate and strawberries can taste so good.
I froze the remaining icing (from the party day), and dug at it slowly over each night; easy peasy icecream. With some fresh strawberries to 'tone it down a bit'. My dad didn't think it was too bad either!Or you can let it thaw and top your cakes with it. It won't last long what ever you do.
the bowl of your hands
my brother left a comment on my blog, last week, which lead to a little email conversation.
these two little simple yet perfect images from him - no photos, only words. but for all of us word-smiths, that should be enough shouldn't it?
last week while he was driving home he saw a baby echidna. So small it could fit into the cup of his hands. imagine, please, this teeny tiny little precious creature. so fragile, delicate, soft and small - yet hard quills, for protection (though being a baby they were possibly still a bit soft).
this weekend it was a tiny golden crowned snake, that, also, could have fit into the bowl of his hands.
these two little simple yet perfect images from him - no photos, only words. but for all of us word-smiths, that should be enough shouldn't it?
last week while he was driving home he saw a baby echidna. So small it could fit into the cup of his hands. imagine, please, this teeny tiny little precious creature. so fragile, delicate, soft and small - yet hard quills, for protection (though being a baby they were possibly still a bit soft).
this weekend it was a tiny golden crowned snake, that, also, could have fit into the bowl of his hands.
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This blog has brought me so many things. So many unexpected, yet wonderful friendships. And, in that same way, it has changed a friendship with my brother - who reads my blog (which I love). It's opened a communication of sorts. Emailing seems easier to write and say things, than talking in person or on the phone.
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Okay - this is the de-lurking post! I would love to find out about you, why you visit here, what you like (or don't like) about this little spot of mine. I'd love to hear from family, friends, near and far, those I've met and those I haven't. So, please leave a comment. And, yes - I have a little something that I'm making (almost finished, I promise) as a little thank you and a giveaway for you being my special guests here. So, come on - all our lurkers out there. Say hello!
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Edited 28/10/08. Photo of golden crowned snake, taken by my brother, here.
Have a look at some of his other small things photos - the tiny aspects you don't notice so often, when walking in the bush.
Have a look at some of his other small things photos - the tiny aspects you don't notice so often, when walking in the bush.
party preparation
One more sleep!We have been counting down every day this month, waiting waiting waiting for Ari's birthday day to arrive. And finally, here it is. Well, tomorrow. The boy has gone to bed as a little three year old, we told him to get a good sleep as tomorrow will be a big day. He'll wake up as the biggest four year old I know. Mature and caring and thoughtful and intelligent. So grown up.All day today, and this past week, I've been doing little things in preparation for his party. I enjoy the party preparation just as much as the actual party itself. The anticipation of what the day will be like, who will come or not be able to come. Will the cake taste good, will it rain or be gloriously sunny. And mostly, will everyone have a lovely time.
I think, also, in a way the whole party set-up and food making and decoration feed that part of me that always wanted to be an interior designer, or a magazine or food stylist. Also, for me now, it reminds me of the parties my parents had, while we were growing up. The fantastic parties - but also the day before of baking and cleaning and working together as a family were just as fun and maybe even more memorable than the actual parties themselves.
Right now there is a carrot + apple + ricotta cake heaving and growing in the oven. The chocolate mini-cupcakes are cooled, and will be iced in the morning. Olives were quickly marinated (in lemon juice + slices, peppercorns, garlic and of course olive oil) today, and are steeping in the fridge. Cheese + rosemary bread sticks were kneaded and risen and rolled (and rolled again, as Mishi hopped up to help me), and baked. And some of them tasted as part of a late impromptu dinner.
New birthday shorts have been sewn (except for the hem - he may have a big growth spurt overnight!). Flags have been made, to be hung in these park trees tomorrow. (But hung here this afternoon, for fun).
Ribbons dyed and dried, and soon to be put onto sticks as rainbow ribbons. 
Little booklets printed, and soon to be stitched. Playdough has been made (thank you Anouk). All for the little handcrafted party bags we will be giving our friends, as thank-yous for playing at our party.
A "4" birthday t-shirt is still to be stencilled. And presents to be wrapped.
All before bed tonight......
Oh, the anticipation. Will we get it done on time (maybe), or be up until all hours of the morning (probably). Will the boy like it all (definitely), waking excited and happy and jumping....
Birthday breakfast in the morning. Ari's favourite croissants, with sugar-free jam. And family. And then onto the rest of the party prep; making dips, and cutting vegie sticks, and rushing rushing rushing to get ready and look pretty. And be there on time to set up, and then try and stop and relax and enjoy it all.
Look up at the sky, hope it's blue, but some clouds are okay. Watch the trees. Look at the new seeds growing into the bigger trees. Just like our boy.
I think, also, in a way the whole party set-up and food making and decoration feed that part of me that always wanted to be an interior designer, or a magazine or food stylist. Also, for me now, it reminds me of the parties my parents had, while we were growing up. The fantastic parties - but also the day before of baking and cleaning and working together as a family were just as fun and maybe even more memorable than the actual parties themselves.Right now there is a carrot + apple + ricotta cake heaving and growing in the oven. The chocolate mini-cupcakes are cooled, and will be iced in the morning. Olives were quickly marinated (in lemon juice + slices, peppercorns, garlic and of course olive oil) today, and are steeping in the fridge. Cheese + rosemary bread sticks were kneaded and risen and rolled (and rolled again, as Mishi hopped up to help me), and baked. And some of them tasted as part of a late impromptu dinner.New birthday shorts have been sewn (except for the hem - he may have a big growth spurt overnight!). Flags have been made, to be hung in these park trees tomorrow. (But hung here this afternoon, for fun).
Ribbons dyed and dried, and soon to be put onto sticks as rainbow ribbons. Little booklets printed, and soon to be stitched. Playdough has been made (thank you Anouk). All for the little handcrafted party bags we will be giving our friends, as thank-yous for playing at our party.A "4" birthday t-shirt is still to be stencilled. And presents to be wrapped.
All before bed tonight......
Oh, the anticipation. Will we get it done on time (maybe), or be up until all hours of the morning (probably). Will the boy like it all (definitely), waking excited and happy and jumping....
Birthday breakfast in the morning. Ari's favourite croissants, with sugar-free jam. And family. And then onto the rest of the party prep; making dips, and cutting vegie sticks, and rushing rushing rushing to get ready and look pretty. And be there on time to set up, and then try and stop and relax and enjoy it all.
Look up at the sky, hope it's blue, but some clouds are okay. Watch the trees. Look at the new seeds growing into the bigger trees. Just like our boy.
remains of the day
We had quite a lovely day today. A lot of spur of the moment doings.
:: a nice little stop at a cafe, after dropping Sam off at his brother's place for the day; kids were well behaved, we sat and chatted and played with the cafe toys (plastic horses and transformers and noise making things that we don't have at home!).
:: had a look in a lovely shop - that is styled quite beautifully. A lot of pieces in there that both the kids and I wanted to take home. And I wish I'd had my camera to take a photo of Mishi putting her hands in her pockets and walking around 'looking, not touching' for a matter of moments only.
:: Ari and me doing a little ribbon painting (more on this later), which lead on to some beautiful painting from all three of us.
:: Pleasant picnic lunch in the loungeroom. A vege stick platter of all "C" veges (cucumber, celery, carrot, capsicum), which lead to some letter and word talking.
:: Cake making with minimal fuss and bickering. Mishi peeled and mashed all the bananas without assistance from me, with much concentration and focus on her job. Ari measured and broke eggs and tasted and turned the mixer on and off - he really is a great baker who knows the process.
:: A glorious afternoon rainstorm. Dancing on the front porch, watching the lighting and listening to the thunder, and watching the rain splatter on the roofs around us. Dancing in the rain, which lead to much excitable dancing in the house.
:: The afternoon sun shining through the rain, and onto the kids eating their cake, and waiting for Daddy to come home.
:: Ari seeing hail for the first time. Tiny little pieces that melted almost as you touched them. Little spots of ice jumping down the stairs and in the front yard.
:: And then, for me, a little nap as I put the kids to bed. Lying and giving Mish her milk, I seem to slip into sleep without noticing, and wake up hours later not quite ready for bed.
Goodnight xx
:: a nice little stop at a cafe, after dropping Sam off at his brother's place for the day; kids were well behaved, we sat and chatted and played with the cafe toys (plastic horses and transformers and noise making things that we don't have at home!).
:: had a look in a lovely shop - that is styled quite beautifully. A lot of pieces in there that both the kids and I wanted to take home. And I wish I'd had my camera to take a photo of Mishi putting her hands in her pockets and walking around 'looking, not touching' for a matter of moments only.
:: Ari and me doing a little ribbon painting (more on this later), which lead on to some beautiful painting from all three of us.
:: Pleasant picnic lunch in the loungeroom. A vege stick platter of all "C" veges (cucumber, celery, carrot, capsicum), which lead to some letter and word talking.
:: Cake making with minimal fuss and bickering. Mishi peeled and mashed all the bananas without assistance from me, with much concentration and focus on her job. Ari measured and broke eggs and tasted and turned the mixer on and off - he really is a great baker who knows the process.
:: A glorious afternoon rainstorm. Dancing on the front porch, watching the lighting and listening to the thunder, and watching the rain splatter on the roofs around us. Dancing in the rain, which lead to much excitable dancing in the house.
:: The afternoon sun shining through the rain, and onto the kids eating their cake, and waiting for Daddy to come home.
:: Ari seeing hail for the first time. Tiny little pieces that melted almost as you touched them. Little spots of ice jumping down the stairs and in the front yard.
:: And then, for me, a little nap as I put the kids to bed. Lying and giving Mish her milk, I seem to slip into sleep without noticing, and wake up hours later not quite ready for bed.
Goodnight xx
stationery for presents
A monumental birthday (50th) of a family member happened a week or so ago. Luckily we didn't see her until this weekend just gone - as Sam and I were still finishing her present on the morning of driving down to see them! Same old, hey...
Anyway, it was something that I've had in my mind for a while. Working out the logistics of it before I started cutting into the fabric and sewing. Of course there are always more things you find, as you sew and then look at the finished product, that need a bit of tweaking and fine tuning. But I know that especially for family people they a) don't mind these little "special mistakes" and b) they might actually like them as it's the real proof that I made it with my own hands especially for them.
I used my beautiful hemp / organic cotton in the natural colour, and combined it with some Amy Butler greens and blues. Those soft hues being quite perfect for the recipient, I think. A simple fold-around, or wrap, that does up with buttons. With one long pocket inside, that was divided up into three smaller pockets. I finished the edges with a fabric twill tape that I sewed together to form a sort of not-bias binding.
Sized just right for our own custom stationery. Some of my fabric stitched cards, as well as some A5 sized printed pale-colour designs that Sam made for the writing paper aspect of the stationery set. Little bird on a brach, and teeny tiny gumnut seeds in blues and greens.
There are a lot more of these planned in the coming weeks, for an upcoming market stall we are having. Some with embroidery, maybe some with screenprinting, and definitely some with contrasting quilting fabric panels. I think, though, that I will make them all with the hemp / organic cotton as the main body of the wrap, as I love the texture of this fabric and the depth tones in the naturalness of it.
I also made this recently, a custom order of pink pink pink stationery with wrap. I fabric stitched the writing paper, which was really fun.
I used my beautiful hemp / organic cotton in the natural colour, and combined it with some Amy Butler greens and blues. Those soft hues being quite perfect for the recipient, I think. A simple fold-around, or wrap, that does up with buttons. With one long pocket inside, that was divided up into three smaller pockets. I finished the edges with a fabric twill tape that I sewed together to form a sort of not-bias binding.Sized just right for our own custom stationery. Some of my fabric stitched cards, as well as some A5 sized printed pale-colour designs that Sam made for the writing paper aspect of the stationery set. Little bird on a brach, and teeny tiny gumnut seeds in blues and greens.There are a lot more of these planned in the coming weeks, for an upcoming market stall we are having. Some with embroidery, maybe some with screenprinting, and definitely some with contrasting quilting fabric panels. I think, though, that I will make them all with the hemp / organic cotton as the main body of the wrap, as I love the texture of this fabric and the depth tones in the naturalness of it.
I also made this recently, a custom order of pink pink pink stationery with wrap. I fabric stitched the writing paper, which was really fun.******************************
Keep a look out this week, as I am going to have a de-lurking day. I want to get to know you all a little better. A special prize will be for one of you is going to be made (well, started) tonight at my fortnightly craft night!
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Poppy Rabbit
This weekend past we went to an open-day at the Steiner School my nephew attends. A lovely day seeing family members we don't get to visit with very often. Listening to fantastic music, and watching some great Latin dancing on the dance floor.
Afterwards we went to Brunswick Heads, where we had chips and cool Summer drinks, with my brother, nephew and my Grandma. A play in the park, watching kids walking on the low-tide mud in the river mouth. What a perfect afternoon; with warm and sunny weather and family friendships.
While at the Steiner Fair I bought some little wooden creatures for the kids. Of course, a turtle for Ari - who seems to know a lot about turtles, and innately really like them (or at least talk about them a lot). For Mishi I couldn't help but choose this friendly little Rabbit.
I had to keep reminding myself to not call it Bunny, but rather Rabbit - so I named her Poppy Rabbit. For no reason other than I'm quite sick of all those animal humanised stories where the animals have alliteration names; Penny Pig, Henry Horse, Clara Cow... you know what I mean.
I took this little photo shoot this afternoon, of Poppy Rabbit and some macros of stones, seedpods and shells. With small children clambering on my back and whinging in my ears (and that was a constant today).
Afterwards we went to Brunswick Heads, where we had chips and cool Summer drinks, with my brother, nephew and my Grandma. A play in the park, watching kids walking on the low-tide mud in the river mouth. What a perfect afternoon; with warm and sunny weather and family friendships.
While at the Steiner Fair I bought some little wooden creatures for the kids. Of course, a turtle for Ari - who seems to know a lot about turtles, and innately really like them (or at least talk about them a lot). For Mishi I couldn't help but choose this friendly little Rabbit.I had to keep reminding myself to not call it Bunny, but rather Rabbit - so I named her Poppy Rabbit. For no reason other than I'm quite sick of all those animal humanised stories where the animals have alliteration names; Penny Pig, Henry Horse, Clara Cow... you know what I mean.
I took this little photo shoot this afternoon, of Poppy Rabbit and some macros of stones, seedpods and shells. With small children clambering on my back and whinging in my ears (and that was a constant today).
Birthday Pary inspiration - dreaming....
Today Ari and I were browsing through flickr, having a little dream about his planned birthday cake. Some absolutely wonderful pieces of cake art to look at, and drool over. I know that even if I wanted I could never make something like some of these.
Our particular cakes will actually be much more humble. We are going to have a carrot cake with cream cheese icing. And a chocolate + beetroot cake with icing and strawberries. He keeps talking about strawberries in the cake - but I think better on top. Little cup cakes should be fun, rather than one big cake. And we will (possibly) make some for our vegan friends.
Oh, planning parties is so much fun. I'm not sure we'll get everything made that we want. But planning is half the fun, and the dreaming of what we could do.....
I'll give you a party wrap up after it's over, in case I don't manage to tell you any details before.
These are two cupcakes that wouldn't show up in the flickr mosaic, they look and sound delicious. Strawberry blossom cupcakes and Vegan raw cashew cheesecake cup. This is a blog I'll be frequenting; it's called Tofu and Cupcakes; yummy recipes and beautiful photos.
volcano
Volcanoes have been big around here for a while now. Ari draws them, talks about them, looks at pictures of them, talks about them.....Amongst all the talk, and looking for pictures on the wonderful internet. And trying to explain that my Dad doesn't live on a volcano; actually within the rim of a very extinct volcano.
I moved our blackboard into the kitchen, and the kids have been drawing and writing while I cook and clean around them.
I told him letter by letter how to write the word, after which he drew this fantastic volcano to show us all what it was. Don't you love that blast coming out. Last week he wrote 'lava' too. Sometimes he writes his words from right to left because he's left-handed. Both my brother and sister are left handed, and it seems Ari is the only next generation to be. I do remember a lot of mirror writing from my siblings as we were growing up; them learning how to write with a fountain pen and not smudge too much!
So, I guess we have been doing our homeschooling just while we do our daily living. I think that I've talked a lot about homeschooling over the past year or so, and now Ari says that he doesn't want to go to school and that he wants to school at home.
I think from having read many great blogs, I know this is very possible. I know that Ari, and hopefully Mishi, will be the right sort of children / people for being homeschooled. I'm just not sure if I have the energy or continuation to do it. Make sense? Also, I keep thinking, school is more than just learning. It is about the socialisation and being part of something else - firstly I'm not so good at 'making friends' for myself or my children. Secondly, should they have to be friends with who I am friends with, will they have the opportunity to find their own friends, people who I would normally never have anything to do with - but who are right for my kids.
Just more thoughts on this homeschooling option.
I moved our blackboard into the kitchen, and the kids have been drawing and writing while I cook and clean around them.
I told him letter by letter how to write the word, after which he drew this fantastic volcano to show us all what it was. Don't you love that blast coming out. Last week he wrote 'lava' too. Sometimes he writes his words from right to left because he's left-handed. Both my brother and sister are left handed, and it seems Ari is the only next generation to be. I do remember a lot of mirror writing from my siblings as we were growing up; them learning how to write with a fountain pen and not smudge too much!
So, I guess we have been doing our homeschooling just while we do our daily living. I think that I've talked a lot about homeschooling over the past year or so, and now Ari says that he doesn't want to go to school and that he wants to school at home.
I think from having read many great blogs, I know this is very possible. I know that Ari, and hopefully Mishi, will be the right sort of children / people for being homeschooled. I'm just not sure if I have the energy or continuation to do it. Make sense? Also, I keep thinking, school is more than just learning. It is about the socialisation and being part of something else - firstly I'm not so good at 'making friends' for myself or my children. Secondly, should they have to be friends with who I am friends with, will they have the opportunity to find their own friends, people who I would normally never have anything to do with - but who are right for my kids.
Just more thoughts on this homeschooling option.
We are going, this weekend, to a Steiner Spring Festival, which I am very excited about. Haven't been to one for many years, and my children have never been to one. Candle making, bead making, silk dying, tie dying as well as music and lantern parades and food and ..... Oh the wonderful things from my childhood.
Ari asked her to make a funny face, so he could photograph her - this is her silly face!(I think she's copying from Ari, who quite likes to make the same sort of face).
Ari asked her to make a funny face, so he could photograph her - this is her silly face!(I think she's copying from Ari, who quite likes to make the same sort of face).in which I make a feeble excuse at my absence, and send you all around the place...
It would have cost us $42 to ride the Ferris Wheel, so we just watched from the ground. (Photos taken on Sam's phone camera. Also, I'm on Sam's Mac - photos are sideways and I don't know much about Mac stuff. Sideways doesn't seem too bad for these images. Just click on image to view it right way round).
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:: Computer + internet issues have kept me away. And then, just life stuff. (I like the way Anna describes it here).
:: Currently loving Abby try again. Check out her beautiful, nostalgic, emotional photography. Sure to give your day a different perspective, and a bit of peace.
:: Lots of little things simmering away here. Bits of sewing, and planning, endless talking about the same things we want to achieve.
:: Ari's party is big talk here, he rings Grandma and talks about the cake and the food over and over.
:: Sam and I sat down today, over coffee, while Mishi slept. To chat about some upcoming *important* planning. And Ari chimed in saying that we needed it to be more "designery." So, I suppose he really should be part of our chats more often, maybe we'll get him to take notes, or do the brain storming.
:: I also just came upon this very stylish family and these shoes. (Via 2 or 3 things I know).
:: And this lovely place (where the exchange rate is a little nicer to us Aussie's). Felt. (Via tinyhappy).
Talk soon. Take care. E xx
:: Lots of little things simmering away here. Bits of sewing, and planning, endless talking about the same things we want to achieve.
:: Ari's party is big talk here, he rings Grandma and talks about the cake and the food over and over.
:: Sam and I sat down today, over coffee, while Mishi slept. To chat about some upcoming *important* planning. And Ari chimed in saying that we needed it to be more "designery." So, I suppose he really should be part of our chats more often, maybe we'll get him to take notes, or do the brain storming.
:: I also just came upon this very stylish family and these shoes. (Via 2 or 3 things I know).
:: And this lovely place (where the exchange rate is a little nicer to us Aussie's). Felt. (Via tinyhappy).
Talk soon. Take care. E xx