Create. Live. Be.

What I Love Wednesday

2010-09-08T16:10:00.007+10:00

Acoustic guitar for little girl from here

Wooden jewellery making kit for big girl from here

And this oh so yummy cake for Mama from here

[more about this cake tomorrow ;)]

What I Love Wednesday

2010-08-25T11:56:00.006+10:00

for little girl from here

for big girl from here

for Mama from here

[please Summer hurry up]

Bye for now!
xx
K

A shift to the left...

2010-08-24T19:58:00.005+10:00

As I was sitting on a noisy bus filled with Prep students on their way back to school from a swimming excursion, I observed something today that made me smile. Our bus driver was an older chap who looked like he had had a very long day. I thought to myself, oh the poor dear man, now he had to listen to the excited babble of 40-50 six year olds for the next 15 minutes!

I was sitting in the very front of the bus with my darling girl {as any nearly six year old will tell you, the front is always the best} so I had a great view of the road ahead. The road we were on is unfortunately, quite well known for accidents. It is a narrow strip of road with quite a high speed limit and there have been numerous fatalities on it over the years.

I watched the oncoming traffic speeding towards us and it was then that I noticed. Every time a group of trucks and cars came towards us, the driver shifted the wheel to the left. Only slightly. Enough to put his precious cargo a few extra inches away from the oncoming traffic. Then when the cars passed, he shifted it back again.

Another group of cars. Another shift to the left. It was almost imperceptible. Almost. But to a mother's trained eye, it was indeed noticeable. You see, this man was protecting my baby, and all her classmates and their teachers. Here was a man who at first glance, may have looked a little gruff, a little tired, a little frazzled by all the noise.

But yet, he still cared. A shift to the left was all it took to show me how much.

Bye for now

Monday Memories - November 1974

2010-08-23T19:34:00.004+10:00

Firstly, can I say, LOL!!! This photo makes me giggle whenever I see it! Puh-leeeeese tell me I am not the only one who had one of these hair dryers in the 70's??!!

I actually really liked it, aside from the fact that it did tend to be a bit hot on my ears [I used to take turns putting one ear outside the cap, as you can see, it was righty's turn when this was taken ;-)] The part that is sitting on my lap had a hose that ran from it and plugged into the cap at the back. When you turned it on, the cap inflated like a big balloon - a guaranteed giggle every time it launched!!!

It was quite noisy, but I had fun thinking time when it was on. I couldn't hear the tv or any conversation so I used to daydream while my head was warm and cosy. I loved that blue dressing gown too, although I seem to remember it may have been scorched on our gas heater at some time or another.

Big brother looks completely bored with the whole process, but I love that he is sitting close next to me despite the noise that the dryer cap must have been putting out.

Really wish I still had one, I firmly believe if I put one on, even more memories would come flooding back :-)

What strange contraptions do you recall from your childhood?

Bye for now!

A Beauty Full Weekend...

2010-08-20T19:11:00.006+10:00

[image from l uminessence photography and design]

Tea Party Kits from Details Details

I am so looking forward to this weekend, on Sunday we are celebrating the life of Ava Rosemeyer, with a little tea party for the girls and some of their friends.

A day filled with pink milk, sweet things, giggles, cuddles and love. A day to just soak up the loveliness that is our children and enjoy the simple, yet infinitely sublime pleasure, that is their company.

If you have a minute on Sunday, spare a thought and a wish for the Super Princess, I'm sure she'll be watching with delight!

Bye for now!

Go to Ava's Tea Party for more information.

Or you can purchase lots of tea party pretties from Details Details

What I Love Wednesday

2010-08-18T19:34:00.006+10:00

This precious piece of art is called "Hare Today, Gone Tomorrow"

I'm not sure what it is that I love most about this, that fluffy little tail, hitching a ride on some beautiful balloons or the thought of embracing an unknown future with open arms! I think perhaps it's the idea of just letting the wind carry me wherever it may go.

Oh and of course, I can't resist a bunny :-)

You can find them here

Bye for now!

Endings and Beginnings...

2010-08-17T19:12:00.006+10:00

Sometimes in life, endings have to happen in order for new beginnings to start. I'm standing at a fork in the road. The left fork is predictable and dependable but not what makes me happy. The right fork looks like a nice road, but I can't quite see all the way to the end. What to do friends? Which way to turn?

All around us every day, we see examples of how short this life can be. There are a lot of things I don't know.

But.

I do know this.

I choose to be happy.

My wish for all of you my lovely friends, is that you choose to be happy too.

Bye for now

Monday Memories - February 1977

2010-08-16T18:58:00.006+10:00

Happy Monday everyone - hope you've all had a great start to the week!

The photo above was taken in February 1977 at Pambula Beach in NSW. I am sitting on my Dad's boat holding the first fish I ever caught by myself [in saying that, I'm sure I had a little help from my Dad ;-)] Every summer we would spend the Christmas holidays camping at Pambula Beach, Dad would go out fishing whenever he could and us kids couldn't wait to have a turn! Dad's boat never got a name, they could never decide what to call it. Dad used to joke that he was going to name it "The Boat" and get it painted on the side! He never did though, and to this day, it remains unnamed but very much loved!

When it was our turn to go, we had to get up early when it was still dark. We put on our 'fishing clothes' that we had laid out the night before. We had to whisper and climb into the car holding the doors not quite closed until we had left the caravan park then we could safely slam the door shut. I remember feeling excited to be spending some special time with my Dad, I remember the wind in my hair as we sped across the glassy surface of the river, on our way out to the bay. I remember looking down at the dark water and feeling a little nervous about what was beneath me.

Still to this day, I have a terrible fear of sharks, having seen them in the water on many of our fishing trips. I am trying not to pass this fear on to my children. I may be failing at that.

In fact, I'm fairly certain I am :D *shudder*

This photo evokes many memories, but probably the strongest one is the love I have for my Dad. I think he secretly loved that his little girl loved fishing, and although fishing was definitely 'men's business' in the 70's, he always made me feel special whenever I ventured out on the seas with him.

What special memories do you have of your Dad? I'd love to hear what you all got up to :-)

Bye for now!

Making Time...

2010-08-13T19:35:00.007+10:00

I'm not sure about you, but my life has been extraordinarily busy of late. I remember thinking that once the girls were at school, I would have oodles of lovely free time to myself. Well, I can tell you that although it is peaceful and quiet during the school day, I am constantly busy doing one thing or another.

Even once they get home, there are all the usual things to be done, school bags to be unpacked, snacks to be had, after school activities to drive to. I'm sure your lives are happily filled with much the same. My point is, that sometimes in all this busy-ness, I forget to stop and make time. Jamie has been asking me for some time now, if I could please teach her to plait. Every time she has asked, I have been too busy. Busy doing housework, busy making dinner, busy on the phone or the computer. Looking back now, I feel a pang of regret at not having made the time to show her.

Such a simple thing, something all little girls want their mama to teach them.

This afternoon, a little voice said "Mummy, can you please teach me how to plait?" Again, I was busy doing several things at once. I don't know what it was, but something about today made me just. stop. I put down the basket of washing I was folding and made the time to teach her. I'm ever so grateful for whatever that 'thing' was, that made me stop.

It didn't take long, within five minutes of showing her, she had it and was soon trying to plait everything in sight. That single five minutes made her eyes shine with delight. Just five minutes.

Is there something you've been meaning to do that you just never seem to find the time to do? Something small, yet so important?

This weekend, make the time. You won't regret it, I promise.

Bye for now

[image]

Have you seen this puppy?

2010-08-12T18:08:00.004+10:00

September is a big month in our house, the two little ladies both have their birthdays happening, so the budget is routinely blown at this time of year. About a month ago, the girls chose to give up having parties if they could have a puppy. A white fluffy puppy with pink bows to be exact, just like the one above. We have been combing the web to try to find a local breeder, but alas, as yet, no luck.

They are going to have to wait just that little bit longer for a curled up ball of fluffy goodness to find her way to our home. Yes, it is to be a 'her'. My poor dear husband is destined to live his life surrounded by all things pink and girly! :D

Tonight we told them the news, that although the puppy was still coming, it was going to take a little while longer. But on the bright side, they could have birthday parties!! The mad planning has begun. I have very little time to pull this all together, I see some late nights in my near future!

If any of you out there know any Maltese-Shih Tzu breeders, or even anyone who provides free relaxing massages to stressed-out-last-minute-party-planning-mama's, I would be forever in your debt!

Bye for now

What I Love Wednesday

2010-08-11T20:02:00.006+10:00

Cotton bag for big girl from here

Cotton tee for little girl from here

Cuff for Mama from here

I love being a Mama!

Bye for now

Perspective...

2010-08-10T18:48:00.006+10:00

This afternoon was a big moment in my little girl's life, her very first ballet exam. She has been practising since the start of the year and today was the day. She and three of her classmates went in as a little group to perform their steps in front of an examiner. Each child was given a number between 1 and 4 which was pinned to their leotard for the duration of the exam.

Ashley was given number 4, her best friend was given number 3. An interesting conversation ensued, with much discussion about what was better... number 1 or number 4? I have no idea how the numbers are assigned, I assume they are merely a reference for the examiner, to be able to readily identify each child. But how would five year olds interpret the number they were given?

I listened as her little friend said "We are last because we are 3 and 4". Ashley thought about that for a moment and then said "No, we're the highest because we are 3 and 4!"

At which they both said "Yay!! We are the highest and they are first!!" Giggles and laughter followed and all was well. Between them, they figured out a way that all four girls were equal, regardless of their number. I hope their little hearts are always that big and generous.

It's all a matter of perspective isn't it?

Bye for now!

Monday Memories - September 1976

2010-08-08T22:18:00.008+10:00

Here are a few things I remember about 1976:

I was in Prep and we had a Mini-Olympics at school because it was an Olympic year.
I liked to dress myself with no help, thus the burgundy tracksuit with blue and red runners!
Our school had four houses (teams) that we were divided into for sports and other activities. They were Darebin (red) Plenty (green) Yarra (yellow) and Diamond (blue)... who can guess which one I was in? ;-)
I loved my Prep teacher like no other, she was kind and sweet and I was very happy. Her name was Mrs Johnstone and you can see her in the yellow jacket behind me. I can't begin to tell you how happy it makes me that my baby girl has a Prep teacher just like her.
Little did I know, that in three years, my future husband would be playing alongside me in the school playground. More about that in another post ;)

I look at this photo and I can feel the ashphalt through the bottom of my runners. I remember all the games of british bulldog, elastics, rounders and netball that I played there. I remember how when it rained at lunchtime, we had to go and play in the shelter sheds that you can see behind me. They were cold and drafty and I did not heart them. I remember wishing for a best friend but never quite finding one. I remember thinking that school was just the best. place. ever.

What do you remember from your early school days? Which colour house were you in?

Bye for now!

Let there be light...

2010-08-06T13:19:00.006+10:00

Today is a great day! I finally chose a paint colour for our loungeroom. I know, you might be thinking this is not such a big deal, and you may well be right! For me, however, it is a very big deal! I am the last of the great procrastinators when it comes to choosing paint colours. In fact, I have a wall in my house that is half painted in various shades of paint and it has been that way for a year or so now. Yes *cringe* a year. Not because I am lazy, or hate painting. Quite the contrary. I love to paint. I hate to decide.

So, in this blur of excitement, I have now painted over the multi colour wall and it inspired me to move some furniture - another of my favourite pastimes * insert groan from husband here* and have managed to liven up my loungeroom considerably. It is so much lighter and brighter, and as a result, I feel so much lighter and brighter this afternoon!

The sun is streaming in my windows, my walls are pretty again, I feel happy.

Let there be light in your day too and please have a lovely weekend!

Bye for now
xx
K

[image]

PS The colour I decided on is Dulux Hog Bristle, 1/2 strength, what do you think?

Happiness is catching...

2010-08-05T19:34:00.004+10:00

It's been quite a day, what started out as awful has turned into something wonderful. You know those days where nothing goes right and you wish you had just turned over and gone back to sleep? Well this morning was that for me, but luckily I had a day with my Mum planned, so I shrugged off the grey clouds that were threatening to consume me and threw myself into the day.

I am working on my next sewing project, which is rather exciting! I never thought I would enjoy spending an hour looking through pattern books ;-), but enjoy it I did! Oh and the fabrics! I'm becoming increasingly more knowledgeable about types of fabrics and what is best for which project, there is so much to learn!

I cut out my first actual pattern today, the last one didn't have pattern pieces so this was something new. I'm learning what all the little codes on the paper mean, it's like a whole 'nother language! The day just flew by and I finished the day feeling much better than when I started.

Then I had some wonderful news tonight, that a very talented friend has finally launched her Facebook Fan Page. I am so very happy for her, this has been a long time coming and she deserves every bit of success that is sure to come her way.

I truly believe that happiness is catching, so share the smiles! What made you happy today?

Bye for now!

[image]

What I Love Wednesday

2010-08-04T13:14:00.001+10:00

I found these this little treasures this morning and just loved the words they have chosen to use. Each one speaks volumes, they are all the things I want for myself, my family and my friends. Just six little words that make me smile.

dream
create
imagine
bloom
inspire
soar

So my lovely friends, never stop dreaming, create to make your heart happy, imagine the possibilities that are out there, bloom so that everyone sees your beauty, inspire the people around you and soar high above the treetops. This is my wish for you :-)

They couldn't be more perfect. If you think so too, you can find them here .

Bye for now

[image]

Just breathe...

2010-08-02T22:18:00.000+10:00

We all have something in our lives that consumes us. Our work, our family, our passion, our wants, needs or desires. But what happens when that 'thing' overwhelms us to the point of exhaustion? How do we quiet the storm that is raging within?

Here are a few things that work for me:

Go outside and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin.
Take your shoes off and walk barefoot on the grass.
Start a new project, just for fun.
Turn off the computer - after checking my blog, of course ;)
Plan a holiday.
Read a book you've been meaning to read for ages.
Buy someone you love a small gift and send it to them, just because.
Paint a feature wall
Make a playlist of your favourite songs and go for a walk with some awesome tunes
Have dinner by candlelight

...and please, try your very best not to compare. There will always be someone who appears to have more than you do, to be better than you are, to achieve more than you do. But remember, it only appears to be that way. The reality may be far different. Just breathe.

What do you do when you feel overloaded?

Bye for now

[image]

Monday Memories - September 1971

2010-08-02T18:56:00.000+10:00

When I look at this photo, there are many memories that come flooding back. I do not remember that rather fetching pair of overalls I am wearing ;) although I am sure my mother does! What I do recall is the Vulcan heater on the wall behind me. Those were the days when there was no such thing as ducted heating, there was just the one heater on the wall in the lounge room. I remember the clunking sound it made when you pushed the button over and over to try to get it going.

I remember having to be careful not to stand to close to it when I was wearing my dressing gown.

I remember sitting so close to it that I would get drowsy from the heat and fall asleep. The nice kind of falling asleep. The kind that you really should get up and go to bed, but it just feels so good to fall asleep right where you are.

I look at the slate tiles that surround the heater, and if I close my eyes, I can remember exactly how they felt to touch, the sharp edges, the rough surface. I wonder how many times my little hands touched them when I was growing up for this memory to still be so clear.

I remember running from the warmth of the heated lounge room to the cold of my bedroom at night. Jumping into a bed made with flannel sheets, curling up under the blankets waiting for it to get warm.

But most of all, it makes me remember feeling loved. When we were little, my Mum used to get up before us and turn it on. Then by the time we got up to get dressed, we could get changed in front of the warmth of the heater. A little thing, but something that made me feel loved.

From just a moment spent looking at an old photograph, I have had at least half an hour of lovely memories. If you have a spare minute, hunt out one of your old photos, and see how many memories come back to you. I promise it will make you smile :-)

Bye for now

PS If you would like to join in, please share your link in the comments below, I would love to see your Monday Memories :-)

My first creations...

2010-08-01T18:54:00.001+10:00

Well, as promised, here are the skirts I made for the girls. I am so happy with them, although I do wish I had made Ashley's a little longer. They just love them and I plan to make some more in different fabric so they can twirl all summer long.

You can find the pattern here if you'd like to make some for your own little twirly girl :-)

Hope your weekend was lovely and you got to spend some quality time with your loved ones. Our weekend didn't quite turn out as planned, but more about that later in the week!

Bye for now

She creates...

2010-07-29T19:13:00.000+10:00

Today has been very busy, I haven't been online all day - very unusual for me! So rather than the usual post, I thought I'd share one of Jamie's creations with you. The photo above is her latest obsession, they are called Harumika dolls and the minute I saw them, I knew she would love them.

She styled this piece herself, deciding which fabric would go where and carefully piecing together her design.

She is quite proud of herself, as she should be. It's quite delightful isn't it? Next on her list are the ones that come with hair and shoes. Oh the shoes. The possibilities are endless for my little fashionista ;-)

Bye for now,

A sound that makes me smile...

2010-07-28T14:05:00.000+10:00

From my lounge room, I can hear the sounds of children at play. We live a few streets away from the local primary school, and on calm days like today, the sound carries quite clearly. My windows and doors are closed because it is cold outside, but I still can hear squeals of delight and the babble of a hundred different conversations. It is music to my ears, a sound that makes me smile.

I know my daughters are amongst them, hopefully they are playing happily too. I am now in the time of a quiet house during the day. Gone are the sounds of Playschool, musical instruments, beeping toys and the constant chatter of my children. Now between 9 and 3, the house is still, empty and oh so quiet.

It has taken some time to get used to this quiet. It's funny how you crave it when you can't have it, but once you have it, you'd rather have the noise back!

I look forward to the end of the day when they come home from school, full of chatter about their day, dumping school bags on the ground, showing me notices or certificates or some piece of fabulous art they have created. Their hair will be all windblown and fuzzy, ponytails askew. There's a fair chance Ashley will be muddy and no chance that Jamie will be. There may be some after school grumps and perhaps a scowl here and there. Followed by a giggle as I tickle the scowl away. The house feels alive once more, their presence brings a warmth and comfort that is too precious for words.

There will be stories, questions, demands and cuddles. Lots and lots of big squishy, giggly cuddles.

I hope the grumps were few and the cuddles were plentiful in your afternoon today!

Bye for now

Compassion...

2010-07-27T09:12:00.000+10:00

This morning, I saw a report on the news about a UK woman who weighed 286 kilos. Sadly, she passed away overnight. Her name was Sharon Mevsimler. The thing that filled me with dismay, was that the reporter said there was little sympathy from the public for her, as most people felt she had done it to herself.

I had to stop reading some of the comments on the web, believe me when I say some people were very unkind. I don't often watch the news these days, something I never thought I'd say. It was a nightly ritual in our house growing up. But over the past couple of years, watching the news has just left me feeling rather depressed. So, I have decided to give it up. I figure if something important happens, I will no doubt hear about it via one means or another. The mother grapevine is a highly reliable news source I find ;)

Anyway, I digress.

My point is this: Why is it that as women, our appearance is the be all and end all of life? Why are we made to feel less than whole if we are bigger than what is considered 'normal'.

I have friends of all shapes and sizes, and the one thing I hear from the curvy girls, is that they sometimes feel invisible. They ~~sometimes~~ often feel judged.

I don't know what the answer is, or even if there is one. But I do know that a little bit of compassion goes a long way. Sharon Mevsimler was a real person, with feelings, hopes, dreams and desires, just like you and me.

The next time you see someone more curva-licious than you, try your best not to judge, don't look through them, make eye contact, smile and go about your day. Don't think less of them just because there is 'more' of them.

I'm not a perfect 10, never have been, never will be. But for the most part, I love who I am and I'm comfortable in my own skin. That doesn't mean to say that I don't wish gravity was a little kinder ;-) but hey, a girl can't have everything!

Bye for now

[image]

December 1971 - {Monday Memories}

2010-07-26T15:36:00.000+10:00

I was feeling a bit under the weather today, so I stayed home and decided to do very little except watch telly and stay under the doona on the couch. Of course, I had to do the normal every day things like get two children ready for school, pack lunches, put dishes away. But this afternoon, something happened that gave me an idea for Mondays on my little blog.

I was putting some boxes away, up high in a cupboard and when I did, I dislodged a photo album that my Mum made for me, with pictures of my childhood inside. I sat down on the floor and thumbed through the album, losing myself in the memories of a very happy childhood. In nearly every picture I am ~~smiling~~ beaming, proof that my memories are accurate :-)

I teach my children every day that memories are important, so I thought it might be nice to share one each week on a Monday. It might not be a photo every week, it may be a story or a book or anything that is from my childhood.

The photo above was taken at Pambula Beach NSW Australia, in December 1971. It is my mother's hand holding mine as I toddle through the shallows. I'm not sure I actually remember this photo being taken as I was only one! But, it does evoke a feeling of happiness when I look at it... and that scrunchy nose seems very familiar!

I would love it if you decided to play along, please feel free to share a link in the comments section, so I can come and see your Monday Memories.

Bye for now

My mother's hands...

2010-07-25T20:09:00.000+10:00

As I was sewing my first ever project [pics to come soon, I promise] I was watching closely what Mum was doing, so I could learn. It's the first time in a long time I have seen my mother's hands, I mean of course I have looked at them, but I'm not sure I had truly seen them.

In my mind, my Mum is around 40ish but of course, that cannot be, because I myself, am turning 40 this year. As I looked at her hands, I remembered as a child, asking her quite often if I could wear her rings. I can clearly remember slipping them on to my little ring finger and feeling so grown up. I remember moving my hand this way and that to catch the light in the diamonds. I wished my fingers were bigger, so that they would fit perfectly and I could be just like my Mum. I remember thinking that one day, I too would wear rings on my fingers, just as beautiful as hers.

I was reminded as I looked at her hands move deftly across the fabric, that much time has passed since I tried on her rings. Although her hands are different now, in so many ways, they are still the same. I would know them anywhere. The hands that have dried my tears, patted me on the back, picked me up for cuddles and laid me down to sleep. The hands that waved me goodbye on many adventures and welcomed me home when they ended. The hands that held each of my babies when they were born, with the love only a grandmother knows. I know she wishes they were smoother, straighter, less painful than they sometimes are, but I love those hands and the woman they belong to.

If it's been a while since you've seen your Mum's hands, have a closer look and see how many childhood memories come flooding back.

...my youngest daughter asked me yesterday to try on my rings. I handed them to her and watched what happened next...

As she tried them on her little finger, she moved them this way and that, catching the light in the diamonds, just like I did...

Bye for now

[image]

Just because I can...

2010-07-22T22:35:00.000+10:00

This morning after dropping the girls at school, I drove to my Mum and Dad's to spend the morning sewing. When I got out of the car, I was so happy and carefree that I felt like skipping up the driveway. Then I stopped and thought hmmm perhaps not! For several reasons:

I am a grown woman, people might stare.
I am a klutz and may fall, and people would definitely stare, and maybe point ;)
The distance from the car to the front door is, at best, 3 metres.
Although I skip often when I am with my children, I have not skipped alone for at least three decades.

You'll be proud of me friends, for at this point, I abandoned all sense of self, closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and skipped. I'll admit, I did feel a teeny bit silly afterwards but I'm still smiling about it hours later. Worth it, don't you think?

This weekend, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and skip like nobody is watching. But please, if you are a klutz like me, be extra careful!

Bye for now and happy weekend!

[image]

Perfectly imperfect...

2010-07-22T14:43:00.000+10:00

As I was driving home from visiting a friend today, I started thinking about change. For the best part of the last twenty years, I have tried my hardest to change things about myself that I perceived as flawed. Little things. Big things. Things that make me feel inadequate as a person.

It never occurred to me before now, that maybe I was looking at myself from the wrong angle. What if, instead of trying to change, I accepted my flaws. Embraced them. Decided that for better or for worse, this is who I am. What if I stopped trying to be something I am not, and started accepting and loving the me that I am.

In my mind, I rattled off a long list of things, that at one time or another, I have vowed to change about myself. I thought about how much energy and time I had spent consumed with trying to change them. I wondered how good it would feel to just let them all go.

So I did.

As I sat in my car waiting for the lights to change, I let them go. All of them. Then an amazing thing happened. I felt light, happy, confident, calm. Instead of berating myself for saying or doing the wrong thing just once, I congratulated myself on doing the right thing one hundred times. Such a little shift of perspective, but something so important.

Now, I am sure that those doubts will creep back in at some stage, I'm only human after all. But to you my lovely friends, I say this. Choose one thing you have always wanted to change about yourself, something you have criticised yourself for time and time again. Then just let. it. go.

Accept that it is part of what makes you who you are, stop trying to change it, embrace it and be kind to yourself. Know that part of you is perfectly imperfect and be at peace with it.

I have a feeling you are going to love it.

Bye for now

[image]

A wonderful gift...

2010-07-21T09:22:00.000+10:00

"The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is to give your gift away" ~ Joy J. Golliver

Today my wonderful husband surprised me with a very special gift, something I have been wanting for a very long time. I feel so lucky and yet so guilty at the same time, for this gift has taken a fair chunk out of our family funds and it can only be used by me. Now, I don't know about you, but I am the kind of mum who will wear holey socks and go without so that my family has everything they need. I have been known to go without birthday presents on more than one occasion because we needed money for one thing or another.

I told him of my conflicted emotions and he told me it was his way of giving back to me, for the years I have put myself last. For the missed birthday presents. For the holey socks. For the dreams put on hold.

I hope that through writing this blog, I am giving you a place you can smile for a few moments. That you leave here with your heart a little happier, your step a little lighter, your day a little brighter.

It's my gift to you :-)

Bye for now

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Yes, you are...

2010-07-20T15:39:00.001+10:00

Today I spoke to several friends who all touched on the same subject. Self-belief. They were three entirely different conversations about three entirely different subjects, but they all came back to the same point.

Am I good enough?

Am I the best mother I can be? Am I the best wife I can be? Am I the best friend I can be?

I just want you to know that you are, each and every one of you, good enough. There will never be another you :-)

Bye for now
xx
K

[image] from my self portrait journey 28/52

I dream of Paris...

2010-07-19T22:45:00.000+10:00

When I was a child, I loved to read. A visit to the library was filled with excitement at the prospect of what I may find. I remember searching through the hard cover picture story books looking for Madeline. Sure, I had read them many, many times before, but each time was like it was new again. I lost myself in those pages, imagining myself to be one of those 12 little girls in 2 straight lines.

That was when my dreams of Paris began, and my love for rhyme - but more on that in another post ;)

When I started high school, French was compulsory for the first two years, and I couldn't have been happier! I loved the sounds the words made as they rolled off my tongue. I learned French poetry and took part in a competition called the "Alliance Francaise" (I just know you are giving that your best French accent as you read it ;)

Many years have passed since that little girl lost herself in stories of Paris, but I believe with all my heart, that one day I will walk those streets and the journey that started in my childhood imagination, will reach its oh so lovely end.

Yesterday as the misty rain fell on a cold Melbourne winter morning, I sat with my darling daughter curled on my lap watching Madeline. I hope that one day, she too dreams of Paris.

à bientôt les amis
xx
K

[image]

How happy is happy?

2010-07-18T19:57:00.000+10:00

What is happiness? I mean how happy is happy? For me, happiness is listening to my children's laughter, watching them learn and grow and discover. My happiness is forever entwined with theirs, one cannot happen without the other.

For the last eight years, I have given them everything I am and can't imagine it being any other way. But. In this my fortieth year, it's time to reclaim, just a little.

This year, I am doing things for myself that I have always wanted to do, but never had the time. One of the things on the list, is to learn to sew :) I may have been a tad adventurous with my first choice, which can be found here but we'll see. Hopefully they will be finished later on this week and I can show you how they turned out!

So my dear friends, find something to do that makes YOU happy, and make sure you tell me all about it, I love happy stories!

Bye for now,
xx
K

[image]

Welcome...

2010-07-17T23:31:00.000+10:00

I have decided to start another blog, this is a big year in so many ways for me and I have so much I want to say and do! So I hope this will be place that makes you smile and brightens up your day a little.

So some days it will be random, pretty things I find in my web trawlings, and some days it will be random ~~funny~~ silly things I say and do. Occasionally, I may get brave enough to post photos of little projects I start and try my very best to finish ;) Any which way, I will try to post every day, or at least every other day!!

Bye for now

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