CaRouSeL DrEAmS

I put a spell on you...

2012-01-11T03:37:00.000-08:00

I think I have mentioned here before the wonderful Spell and the Gypsy Well, when we were in Byron Bay recently, we were lucky enough to find their little shop...Abby was so excited, because she is very inspired by their website.

I treated her to a couple of pieces of their clothing, which we put away until Christmas day...

And here are my girls, with Abby wearing her 'Spell' top...she made the little shell necklace from a shell she collected on our travels.

I had the collecting bug too, and scored lots of driftwood to make a mobile for the beach house...

I was also excited to see all the lovely dreamcatchers in the Spell shop...I really enjoy making these for people, and can't wait to begin creating again.

I thought I would leave you with a picture from our Christmas Day...it was a very busy one, celebrated with my family at lunch time, then Ian's for dinner...Phew!

Roadtrip...Part Two

2012-01-06T13:29:00.000-08:00

...and then we found paradise! At a beautiful national park called Jervis Bay, we encountered one of the most beautiful beaches I'd ever seen. There were wallabies and kangaroos along the rainforest path to the beach, which opened up onto this amazing view...I could have stayed here for days. The water was crystal clear, and the sandy, squeaky white. The perfect place to take a dip and just 'be'...I will definitely be visiting here again one day - sigh.

This gorgeous little village nestled into the countryside is called Tilba Tilba. It is filled with quaint little shops surrounded by cottage gardens. We stopped for a hot chocolate and to do a bit of Christmas shopping.

I couldn't resist snapping a pic of puss relaxing on the porch...even though I don't own a cat, I have always had a soft spot for ginger pusses...

There were lovely little antique shops...we fell in love with the little Noddy car at this one, but resisted the urge to buy...

Our last day was spent in a little fishing hamlet called Eden...so pretty...

We enjoyed a lunch of the freshest seafood, which was delicious. I had the scallops, which were amazing, and Ian had to try the mussels.

I have definitely caught the travel bug, and totally recommend these amazing homes on wheels - in my opinion, the best way to explore the countryside. It literally took 5 minutes to pack up and keep moving if we didn't like somewhere, or wanted to chase the sunshine. We just pulled over when we got hungry and made something to eat, or popped the kettle on for a cuppa.

Ten days really wasn't long enough for such a journey...there were places where I could have stayed much longer, but we only had a small window of time to travel. Next time, we will definitely take more time...oh yes, you can bet there will be a next time!

So well done for hanging in there, if you got to the end of this post! I am looking forward to popping in to see what everyone else has been up to. Happy 2012 my friends...I feel it is going to be an incredible year, and I look forward to sharing with you here...

Roadtrip...Part One

2012-01-06T00:58:00.000-08:00

I'm back! Happy new year my beautiful friends! I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and an awesome new year! So, remember in my last post (a bazillion years ago) I told you that we went on a most wonderful adventure? Well, finally I am able to share some photos with you...courtesy of my new camera which was a birthday present - lucky me! Probably not so lucky you, because I have so many photos, and not a clue which ones to leave out. I wanted to share with you how beautiful the east coast of Australia is...from the incredibly beautiful beaches to quaint seaside villages and little country towns. So indulge me, if you will, grab a cuppa (or you may need something stronger) and enjoy our little roadtrip.

We began our journey in the incredibly beautiful Byron Bay, renowned for it's gorgeous beaches and the eclectic folk who call it home. The vibe here is amazing - totally my kind of place. We enjoyed moonlight strolls along the beach, wonderful restaurant meals, dancing in the street to local buskers, and a long walk to the lighthouse, which sits on the eastern most point of Australia.

The day was just perfect for our walk, and we were even treated to the sight of dolphins frolicking below us in the waves. Just magical. Of course I stopped for a little yoga overlooking the ocean!

This is our beautiful home on wheels, which we nicknamed 'Mother Maui'...truly, you realise how very little possessions you need to be happy when you live like this. Why do we complicate our lives with so many 'things' - hmmm, something to ponder!

You just know I had fun playing with my new camera, and checking out the wildlife! Look at this gorgeous bird's nest...now that's what I call recycling at its best...

Only in Byron...Santas on surfboards - I love it!

After Byron Bay (sniff, I really didn't want to leave!) we stopped in a beautiful place called Yamba, and Ian and the girls dared each other to jump off the rock...yours truly chose to just take photos...

I just stood on a rock...I know, I'm a daredevil!

There was always lots of things to look at along the way...

and I just had to stop and buy some jams and chutneys from a little roadside stall for my dad.

Then we had a picnic lunch at this incredible national park, where the sand dunes reminded me of Sex and the City 2, so of course I had to have an impromptu photoshoot, he hee.

Here's another shot of Mother Maui, bless her...and that's Georgia.

and a little friend who watched us while we ate...

Kookaburra in the tree...

Then it was onto Sydney, where we caught a train in a very deserted station...eerie!

To see the Harry Potter exhibition! I have to tell you, Georgia grew up as a HUGE Harry Potter fan - she has read the books and watched the movies a million times. She used to wear the glasses and cloak around the house, and even had a Nimbus 2000 broomstick, made by her friend's dad...when she turned 12, she was most disappointed when she didn't receive a letter to Hogwarts...you get the picture. So, it was a VERY exciting day for all of us.

Then a stroll along Darling Harbour...

And then onto Sydney Harbour for my Birthday Eve drinks...

We spent my birthday at a gorgeous seaside town called Kiama, where we shared a fisherman's basket on the wharf overlooking the ocean.

Enjoying the view...

The blowhole at Kiama

So, I will share the rest of the photos in part two...stay tuned...

The most magical time of the year...

2011-12-19T12:40:00.000-08:00

I have been absent from this blog for a loooong time, and I apologise. You see, our computer is completely exhausted...it is full of viruses and we need to replace it. So that means, I haven't really been able to check out all my favourite blogs as often as I'd like, so I hope that everyone is well, and that you are all getting ready to celebrate Christmas with your family and friends.

I have been on the most wonderful adventure this past couple of weeks, and can't wait to tell you all about it (and yes, I have lots of photos!) We took a roadtrip! An adventure of the most wonderful kind...gypsies in a home on wheels, travelling from place to place, stopping wherever our heart desired. It was magical. I have to tell you what a beautiful land this is that I live in - makes me incredibly grateful that I live here. It has only whet my appetite for more travel, and we can't wait to do it again.

This journey began in Queensland, and we made our way down the east coast of New South Wales, Australia, stopping at quaint seaside villages along the way. I promise to share photos as soon as I am able to upload them. While away, I celebrated my 45th birthday at a beautiful town called Kiama. We ate a fisherman's basket and sipped wine, overlooking the ocean. It made me so happy...

So until I am able to sort out my computer issues, I bid you and your families a most magical Christmas, and a safe and happy New Year. May it bring you much love, happiness and magic x

A Magickal Wedding

2011-11-12T04:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, on the 11/11, we celebrated the beautiful wedding of my dear friends Wendy and Timothy. It was a truly magical evening. We witnessed their handfasting ritual beneath the canopy of a beautiful tree, inside a sacred circle decorated with an abundance of fresh flowers.

As they exchanged their vows, the sun set in quite spectacular fashion over the city skyline. Theirs was a pagan ceremony, and there was most certainly magic in the air, for the timing couldn't have been better.

The sweet scent of the flowers hung in the air, intoxicating with their perfume...a wedding feast of absolute abundance was layed out to share, and we spent the evening lounging on blankets and cushions in the soft grass, except when we were dancing to one of the many incredible artists who played their music into the night. There was a Mariachi Band to begin, then some gypsy music, followed by the divine Wendy Rule herself, treating us to her magical vocals.

Then it was more talent, with Kerri Simpson and Monique Brumby singing together. Afterwards, we enjoyed a Burlesque act, followed by more music and dancing.

At 11.11pm, we had a lovely candlelight ritual...I feel truly blessed to have shared such a wonderful evening with dear friends and family.

Janet, Wendy and I have been friends for 40 years!

The talented groom, Tim made the incredible cupcake holder, complete with Dia de Muertos figures on top.

Everyone looked so beautiful and colourful...

Happy Halloween

2011-10-30T23:29:00.000-07:00

Wishing you all a wonderfully magical Halloween...

Celebrate your Gifts

2011-10-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

The weeks are flying by, and as the seasons change, I feel a deep metamorphisis within myself. These past few years have been a time of renewal for me...of transformation and growth. The Transpersonal Art Therapy I studied a few years back began the peeling back of many layers. The process was often times painful, but I am at a point in my life now where I feel so alive and appreciative of all that I have experienced, good and bad.

I will not lie to you...it has been very difficult at times. But completely necessary. I was living a life of excess, and knew it was not good for me, or those around me, but I felt trapped and unable to make changes. The insecure person I was was desperate for approval and the need to 'fit in'.

I spent a lot of time alone, but never lonely, exploring my creativity and just enjoying the quiet. I began meditating, taking long walks and, as you know, yoga. I really began to love and honour myself again, and I felt myself growing stronger and stronger.

As I delved deeper into my own truth, I began to find the courage to say no, and to begin to live authentically. Again, not easy, because people as a rule, don't like change - it's too scary, and it forces them to look at their own lives.

As I continue on my journey of self re-discovery (for that is how it feels - coming full circle to my unique essence, with the added bonus of maturity and wisdom which comes from making mistakes and learning from them), I find myself re-connecting with friends from my past, who are like-minded and share the same interests and beliefs.

The beautiful photo above of the peacock in all his majestic glory was taken while catching up with a gorgeous friend who I went to school with, and have not seen in many years. I can honestly say that spending the afternoon with her was wonderful, and the hours flew by talking about the years in between. When the peacock displayed his beautiful tail like that, it was as though he was putting on a show, just for us, and I can't descibe how excited we were!

As we ate our lunch, he sauntered past, and I remarked how his beauty astounded me, and how amazing Mother Nature is. He reminded me of my own gifts which I share with the world, and how it doesn't serve anyone to hide those gifts.

When I first began my blog, I was unsure at first, and a little self-conscious to say the least, but the process of taking photos and blogging has changed my life. Once upon a time, I would never have posted any of my art here, because I always would compare it to someone else's, and I never felt that I measured up. I am happy to say that I have come to a place where I am happy to post my art, knowing full well that it will never make it onto the walls of an art gallery or be sold for thousands of dollars, but it is MY art, so that makes it special, and if it inspires even one person, then my heart is full.

I hope that my story inspires you to celebrate all of your gifts and to share them with the world. Honour yourself for the amazing person that you are...

...and just because I love em, check out my new red shoes! A gift to myself...hee hee

Below is one of my favourite quotes, given to me by a beautiful friend who I studied Art Therapy with.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Marianne Williamson

Tending the Secret Garden

2011-10-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I haven't been in the secret garden in any physical sense lately, because it has been so cold and wet! (Spring, where did you go?) But I have definitely been tending my metaphorical secret garden, nurturing myself with art and escaping into fantasy novels and just enjoying the 'being'. I have been pruning that in my life which no longer serves me, or that doesn't make me feel good. I have been planting seeds of creativity and watching them blossom and grow. My garden feels wild and abundant and I am enjoying all the fruits of my labour....

I have been struck down with some nasty bug, which has confined me to the couch, pretty much, but I am grateful, for it has forced me to ignore the chores that are beckoning, and to just quiet my mind and spend some quality time with myself. I treated myself to this little water colour set yesterday, and I'm so happy I did! The little brush fills up with water, so it's totally portable, and I can paint now wherever I am. It's like I have been possessed (in a good way), and I can't stop drawing and painting! I am in love...

I have taken out my journals, which I have neglected for a while, and unleashed my new found muse upon them. This is purely play, my friends, and I find myself creating mandalas, and losing (finding) myself in them. Now that I think of it, the dreamcatcher from last week got me thinking about circles...perhaps that is why I have mandalas bursting from me! If you don't know much about the magic of mandalas, I suggest you read this description

They are traditionally used for meditation and healing, and I really urge you to have a go and see where they may take you. Carl Jung believed that they accessed deeper levels of our consciousness, and are used for healing.

To make one, just begin with a 'seed'...or a little circle in the middle of your page. Now here comes the fun part - just make a mark around your seed. It can be anything. The whole point is not to think too much. Perhaps an S shape, or a C, or a diamond...you get the idea. After a while, you will find that the mandala will 'tell' you what mark to make next. That's the magic of them...you are getting out of your head (ego) and drawing from a deeper place (your authentic self, or soul). I love to put on some chill out music to draw, but everyone is different, and what is right for me, may not be right for you. I love mandalas because, truly, there are no mistakes, and every one is different.

"What you are is God's gift to you; what you do with yourself is your gift to God" - Danish proverb

Still scared to draw? Just place your hand on a piece of blank paper and trace around it with a black sharpie pen. This was a lot of fun, inspired by a gorgeous vintage palm reading poster I found in a shop (and which both my daughter and I are coveting!) I had a little giggle to myself when I realised that I had drawn another mandala inside the palm...I love this!

Remember the dreamcatcher swap I did last week? Well, I posted mine off, and received the one my swap partner made me yesterday! Her name is Nola, and she is such a sweetheart...she doesn't have a blog, but judging by her beautiful handiwork, perhaps she should! I love that it has a little bell attached, and a clay heart dangling down. It is hanging above my bed, to capture my sweet dreams...thankyou Nola x

Before I crawl back to my couch, I wanted to let you all know that I am having trouble again with Blogger, and I have tried to leave comments on some of your blogs, but am unable to...grrrr...so please don't think I have forgotten you - I love peeking in to see what you have all been up to. I hope this is fixed soon...

"The time will come...when, with elation, you will greet yourself arriving at your own door, in your own mirror, and each will smile at the other's welcome."

To Catch a Dream

2011-10-04T16:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was such a beautiful day that I decided the time was right to make my dreamcatcher. So I gathered a basket of bits and pieces and took a blanket out in the sunshine.

I had been down the garden path the day before and found a beautiful vine wrapped around a tree. It was perfect for making my circle; I just twisted it into the size I wanted. Next I collected some feathers, some beads and a ball of string. Just a little note to self for next time - make sure the beads have holes big enough for the string to pass through!

I began by making a little hoop in the top of the string to hang the dreamcatcher. I threaded a couple of beads on and then tied the end to the top of the hoop, leaving enough string to hang it by. To start, you just hold the string and place it loosely over the top of the hoop. Move the string around to the back of the hoop (forming a hole) and pull the string back through the hole you just made.

Pull each stitch taught but not too tight or it will warp the hoop of the dreamcatcher. The same stitch is repeated around the hoop, spacing the stitches evenly (approximately 10 stitches around the hoop).

The last stitch of the first round should be placed a couple of centimetres away from the hanging loop. On the next round of the circle, place the string around the centre of each stitch from the previous round (rather than around the hoop). Now, don't stress at this point. As you can see with mine, my 'spider web' pattern isn't perfect where I've missed the loops, but I kind of think it adds to the organic look of it, and I'm not fussed by it being perfect.

As you pull each stitch tight, a diamond shape will begin to form, and it will begin to look like a spider web. Once you have been around a few times, you can thread a bead onto the string, and just continue stitching. keep going, until you have a little hole in the centre of your dreamcatcher (to let the bad dreams through!) You can just finish it here with a couple of stitches through the same loop to form a knot.

With the left over string, just attach a couple of feathers and perhaps some beads and knot. I wrapped the string around the top of the feathers to neaten it up.

I also embellished my dreamcatcher with some crystals. Turquoise to dispel negativity and to open the heart chakra, and the powerful crystal quartz, for balance, protection and harmony, and particularly useful in dream work. These I just wrapped tightly with wire to attach to my dreamcatcher. Then I threaded some beads and crystals onto some leather and looped these around the bottom of the hoop to hang next to the feathers.

I certainly lost myself in the creating, and the repetitive nature of looping the string was quite meditative, and as I spun my web, I couldn't help but ponder the cleverness of spiders who do this naturally. I was lucky enough to see a spider's web in the garden yesterday, and I marvelled at the intricacy of the delicate home he had spun.

I hope you are inspired to make a dreamcatcher of your own. Sweet dreams...I wish we could all have a sleepover and make dreamcatchers together - how fun that would be!

Some me time

2011-10-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

It is school holidays here, and I have just returned from the little beach house. The weather wasn't very kind, but we had a lovely time nevertheless. The beach was magnificent as always...long walks with the wind in my hair and the roar of the ocean in my ears. Just beautiful...

The rain did keep me indoors for a time, but it was the perfect excuse to curl up in bed with a novel and the sound of the rain falling on my little tin roof - cosy indeed, with Pip curled up at the end of the bed. I managed to escape for a few precious hours into the realms of imagination, between the pages of a library book - my idea of bliss.

My little bedroom at the beach house is a tiny room at the top of the stairs, with a peaked roof and a little window which looks out at the inlet...we are near farmland, and from my little hideaway you can hear the cows and the sheep in the meadows...a very comforting sound, and the perfect place to spend a rainy day.

I am home again now, and need to get busy in the studio. I have decided to take part in a swap with some lovely ladies on facebook...we each must make our version of a dreamcatcher and we have been given the name of a partner to swap with. A little while back I made a dreamcatcher and it was a lot of fun, so I'm looking forward to making another. Do you remember this one?

I will be sure to take a photo to share when I have finished my dreamcatcher.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week...and remember to 'sprinkle a little magic everyday'.

Dragonfly

2011-09-26T02:30:00.000-07:00

✿ "Once, in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little water beetle in a community of water beetles. Once in a while, sadness would come to the community when one of their fellow beetles would climb the stem of a lily pad and would never be seen again. They knew when this happened; their friend was dead, gone forever.

✿ Then, one day, one little water beetle felt an irresistible urge to climb up that stem. However, she was determined that she would not leave forever. She would come back and tell her friends what she had found at the top. When she reached the top and climbed out of the water onto the surface of the lily pad, she was so tired, and the sun felt so warm, that she decided she must take a nap.

✿ As she slept, her body changed and when she woke up, she had turned into a beautiful blue-tailed dragonfly with broad wings and a slender body designed for flying. So fly she did! And, as she soared she saw the beauty of whole new world and a far superior way of life to what she had never known existed.

✿ Then she remembered her beetle friends and how they were thinking by now she was dead. She wanted to go back to tell them, and explain to them that she was now more alive than she had ever been before. Her life had been fulfilled rather than ended. But her new body would not go down into the water. She could not get back to tell her friends the good news.

✿ Then she understood that their time would come, when they, too, would know what she knew. So, she raised her wings and flew off into her joyous new life!"

~ Anonymous ~

Magic in the Air

2011-09-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

It seems there is a bit of Practical Magic floating about the blogosphere, but because I have been somewhat absent here lately, I didn't arrive in time to participate, but thought I would get into the witchy mood by posting some of my older photos. I had such fun doing this photo shoot. I hope you enjoy it too...if you want to see what everyone else has in store, you can pop on over to Anna at Frosted Petunias for a list of all the participants. Should be a hoot.

It seems that I have been enamoured with all things magical lately, and have been indulging is some magical fiction. The trilogy of books by Nora Roberts called "The Three Sisters Island trilogy" was a wonderful read. Pure escapism about three witches and how their lives are entwined forever. If you enjoy a bit of witchcraft, fantasy and a love-story rolled into one, then these are the books for you.

I have also been busy reconnecting with some old friends, one of whom happens to be a witch herself. I have introduced you before, I am sure, to my dear friend Wendy. She is wild and beautiful, and oh so talented, and the hours just fly when we get together...she hypnotises with her unique voice.

I always try to bring a little magic into everyday...the possibilities are endless...

Have a magical day everyone...

Gypsy Dreams

2011-09-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

Today, the gorgeous Celia over at Adventures of the Striped Stockings is having her first ever 'Gypsy Dreams' party. You must go over and check out all the party goers, I am sure it will be loads of fun. I hope to visit everyone over the next few days - life around here has been kind of full on - both my girls share September birthdays, and this year, Georgia turned 18, so I have been busy organising her party.

I was hoping to have something super special for you all, but alas, it was not to be, so I dug up this photo I did a couple of months back, which I felt fit the gypsy theme...

Enjoy the party everyone, and I shall leave you with one of my favourite people...

Springtime Blossoms

2011-09-01T18:17:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here...how I love this time of the year, when new buds appear on the trees, blossom scents the air, and the days begin to get a little bit longer.

A little painting by me...

It's time for lovely walks in nature, picnics by the river, reading a book which captivates me in the warm sunshine, flicking through magazines for inspiration, picking armfuls of flowers and foliage to bring inside, drives in the countryside with the wind in my hair, listening to old songs blaring through the speakers, and just enjoying getting outside again.

It's time for new beginnings...time to shrug off the heaviness of winter and rejoice in the newness of spring! A time of transformation and renewal. A time to leave the cocoon and unfurl my wings.

I am ready to fly...

Unfinished butterfly...

(I actually did finish sewing this butterfly, but gave it to my sister for her birthday, and silly me forgot to take a photo - woops - but it was so fun and easy, and I thought I would share anyway)

Revisiting the seventies and a little bit of art

2011-08-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

So Saturday night was our annual progressive street dinner party, but this year we decided to give it a theme...70's - yeah! This is such fun, and if you have fun neighbours like me, you should definitely give it a go. The idea is that you start at someone's house for a course, then work your way through every course at a different house...fun! (And no need to drive anywhere, so you can have that extra wine - woops)

I ended up with the main course, and in keeping with the theme, cooked beef stroganoff with noodles, and went with a 70's bohemian vibe with my table setting, and my outfit was inspired by Stevie Nicks, tambourine and all. I tell ya, throw a few hats and wigs and instruments into the mix, and it makes for a wild night. (That's me rocking out with the tambourine above...)

The Menu...

Prawn cocktail

Lemon Chicken with rice

Beef Stroganoff with noodles

Trifle and Fondue

Cheese and lollies (ooh, and port!)

I have also been inspired lately (I guess with the weather warming up) to begin running again...I have always kept myself fit, but in the last couple of years, ahem, I was exploring other aspects of myself...hmmm, too much head time is definitely not a good thing - I find that now that I am back into my running, and balancing that with yoga (which I have fallen head over heels - literally - in love with - why did I not begin sooner?) I feel fantastic! I loved it the other day when the yoga teacher described the twists we were doing as being like wringing out a dirty dish cloth - releasing all the rotten toxins from our bodies - love that! (Especially as there would have been plenty of toxins after Saturday night - he hee)

I am also trying to eat healthier, which is kind of a given once you start exercising and seeing the results...your body just craves good food. That's not to say I don't indulge, because I definitely do - I am just mindful of when I am eating, and if I choose to eat a piece of cake, I ask myself, "do I really want that?" and if the answer is yes, then I totally enjoy it. (Sometimes we reach for the sweet stuff out of habit, don't you think?)

Organic dark chocolate is my saving grace...if I crave something sweet, a couple of squares of this stops those sugar cravings in their tracks...either on it's on or melted into some low fat hot milk with cinnamon sprinkled on top - yum!

I bought a George Foreman grill and have fallen in love...(I was going to take a picture of me kissing said grill, but thought that may be a bit much...hee hee)

I get bored with sandwiches for lunch, and indeed find bread a bit too 'heavy' for my temperamental stomach (don't start me), so I love to make wraps, but sticking them in the old 'George' takes them to the next level...I love tuna, cream cheese and spinach, but yesterday decided to go vegetarian and first grilled some butternut pumpkin and red capsicum, then filled my wrap with Persian Feta (omg), semi-dried tomatoes, which I always keep in a jar in the fridge - these babies spice up so many things, spinach, pesto and mushroom, then added the pumpkin and capsicum and grilled the wrap - YUM! Healthy and delicious.

And look who I snapped flying out of our pool...every year this duck and it's mate decide to land in our swimming pool...I think they are kind of cute, but the husband shoos them away - it seems he doesn't find them as lovely as me...QUACK...I love the colour beneath it's weeks - hmmm, see inspiration really does strike when you least expect it - I'd love to 'dip' the ends of my hair in this colour, but I don't know if I'm brave enough...

And yes, there have been fits and bursts of creativity too...I admire all you girls out there that are creative every day...just doesn't work that way for me - I always seem to be distracted by something else to do - house to clean, meals to cook, kids to drive to and from wherever. But when I am in the flow, I totally get absorbed in the process, and really enjoy it.

This is another altered book I am making - they are such fun, and cost vitually no dollars. I picked this one up at an op shop for maybe 50 cents, or a dollar. It's one of those old childrens' dictionaries, with the really cute pictures.

I tore out lots of pages (I always keep them for other projects) then began applying Gesso to them. Some white, some black. Some of the little pictures are just too gorgeous to cover, so I paint around them, as you can see below, and inspiration will strike. How sweet is this little poem? It reminded me of Miss Vanessa and her seeds...

The other pages I have just begun to work on...the fairy page above was created by tearing a hole in several pages, then glueing an image on the last page then sticking the pages together, so you can see the fairy through a 'frame'. I then sprinkled some glitter around it - so pretty. The flowers are some I have collected and pressed from my garden. I don't use anything elaborate, just press them between some paper towell in the pages of some telephone books. The other week I picked some little daisies while on a walk, and made a daisy chain which I have pressed and am waiting to dry. I always collect feathers on my walks too (little gifts from the universe, but I shall tell you of that another time), and shall add them too. I have just used paint for the background - keep layering, glueing, painting, whatever, until it looks pleasing to you.

These are such fun, and if you don't draw or paint, you can print off images from the internet, or rip pages from an old book or magazine - as you know I love collecting quotes, and enjoy using them in these books. I think they make lovely gifts for someone, or with the pages left fairly bare, a beautiful journal to write or doodle in.

Here is what the pages looked like before the magic begins...

...and with the Gesso...a blank canvas, just waiting for some magic. (And if blank paper scares you, don't overthink it, just start...I promise you, the magic will happen - there are NO mistakes)

I know this has been a somewhat lengthy post...goodness, I was kinda chatty, wasn't I? But hopefully I have inspired you, if not to host a progressive dinner party, then to perhaps begin altering a little book of your own. Let me know if you do - I'd love to see them.

Have a wonderful weekend friends...remember to enjoy the small things xxx

My Little Secret...shhh

2011-08-17T23:34:00.000-07:00

I have a sneaky little confession to make...I have a new addiction...it is consuming large amounts of my time, and I think I need an intervention! I have discovered pinterest and it is awesome! You know how much I love my magazines, and collecting inspiring photos...well this is all that and more...but, be warned, if you have not yet discovered it, it is highly addictive! Go check out my inspiration if you like.

In the meantime, I have borrowed some images from there to take us on a little adventure, because I am sick of Melbourne's cold, wet weather...we can but dream...so let's hitch up our gypsy wagon, to my little friend

isn't she adorable? and let's hit the road...I hope you are dressed for a gypsy adventure? Perhaps something amazing from my new favourite place Spell and the Gypsy...

...and don't forget your cowboy boots - yeehaw!Perhaps some gypsy jewells...

Let's take the path less travelled...

to discover hidden doorways...

in forests of green...then picnic by the ocean, sharing laughter and music

...and paella cooked on the campfire...

and washed down with big glasses of sangria...(oops, getting a bit tipsy...)

Then let's watch the sun set across the ocean, then dance the night away to gypsy sounds...

Feeling sleepy? Rest your head a while inside the little gypsy wagon...it's cosy and warm

In the morning let's celebrate the new dawn with some yoga on the sand...

Before we head home, how about a tattoo to remember the wonderful time we all had? Go on, I dare you!

I hope you all had fun...I know I did...and remember, if you decide to go and check out pinterest, don't say I didn't warn you...

(All the photos here are taken from the Pinterest site, which lists their origins)

Blooming Lovely

2011-08-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

Beautiful muted shades of faded roses, perched upon some tarnished silver...just a few of my favourite things. A cyclamen, plunked into a tattered old silver ice-bucket makes a wonderful alternative to a bunch of fresh flowers in a vase. I love the way the pink pops against the turquoise - two of my favourite colours.

I spoke a little too soon in my last post about the weather, for the cold has come back with a vengeance! I was so happy to see the sunshine, I almost forgot that we have a few weeks left of winter! So, to cheer me up, I have been surrounding myself with fresh flowers. For something different, it's nice to buy cheap plants such as a cyclamen, or perhaps a little pot of daffodils or hyacinths, popped into a beautiful vessel (think outside the box here) - have a look around the house - sometimes the most unlikely containers make wonderful pots to display some pretty seasonal plants. The great thing about this is that when they begin to look a little tired, you can plant them out into the garden - you don't get that with fresh flowers!

Taking a little stroll down my street, I was enchanted by my neighbours beautiful garden - now tell me fairies don't live beneath this gorgeous tree! It is so pretty with its garland-like flowers, cascading down like decorations on a Christmas tree...

I spent some time here this afternoon, celebrating a friend's birthday...even though it was a little chilly, I found myself enjoying sitting on their porch, the mountains in the distance, and surrounded by their many camellia trees which are all blooming profusely right now...the lawn beneath was strewn with a carpet of petals.

I sipped on champagne, and sampled some of Trish's beautiful home-made goodies...I have to tell you, my neighbour is the most incredible cook. There were little smoked salmon topped frittatas, mini croissants with ham and cheese, bite-size hamburgers, and the most delectable desserts like lemon cheesecake, apple crumble and chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream and strawberries, served in shot glasses - I love this idea, and think I shall ~~steal~~ borrow it for Georgia's 18th birthday. I really wish I had taken some photos to show you, but I was too busy ~~stuffing~~ feeding myself.

She did insist on me bringing home a loaf of her home-baked bread, which was unbelievably good topped with strawberry jam and cream!

It is Saturday night here, and I have a house-ful of teenagers, and I have to tell you, their energy is astounding! It is getting close to 11.00pm and the music blaring through the house is beginning to give me a headache - ohhhhh...I am old! So I have escaped here to spend some time with all of you lovely friends, before I attempt to tell them that it is soon time for slumber - yeah right! Cos that's going to happen any time soon!

Wish me luck!

Bohemian Bliss in the Garden

2011-08-03T22:14:00.000-07:00

Follow me down the garden path to my gypsy hideaway...it's my little version of a gypsy caravan, this little playhouse, long abandoned by my children. I come here to dream and imagine, and sip Moroccan tea and watch the birds in the trees - won't you join me? Today was another beautiful sunshiney day, and the garden was calling me...what better way to enjoy the sunshine than to don this INCREDIBLE HAT which was sent to me by the divine Tricia over at Conversations with the Muses I tell you, this girl is majorly talented - can you believe this beauty? I hit the jackpot, and won it in her Mad Tea Party giveaway!

Just look at the work in this amazing creation! Can you imagine the happy dance I did when the postman knocked on my door with this? I'm not even joking - Tricia, you made my day, my week....my year! Thankyou, sweet friend.

Birds and butterflies...two of my favourite things...and so fitting for Springtime, don't you think? Just look at that little nest...

I planted a wisteria yesterday, and hope that it will meander up and across my little gypsy home before too long...fingers crossed.

Wanna know something funny? I actually thought it was Spring, because of the beautiful weather we have had the past few days, then the girls reminded me that it is indeed still winter - oops, silly me! Well, anyway, I felt Springy today, especially in this gorgeous hat...

"The cycle of the seasons goes on. So does the cycle of life and so will I" - Christine Lister

A Spring in my Step...

2011-08-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

Steve's accident knocked me for six, and I hit a bit of a downer...you know how when something bad happens, it tends to set the tone for the following weeks...so I haven't really felt like coming here. But that has all changed with the arrival (finally) of Spring downunder - yay! Today was one of those magical days where, when you hop out of bed, you just know it's going to be a good day. I decided that a walk was in order, to soak up the long-awaited sunshine, but also to blow out the cobwebs and start anew...

I felt that my regular walking route just wouldn't cut it today, and felt the call of one of my magic places - the beautiful Yarra River at Warrandyte...so Pip and I hopped in the car and drove 10 minutes to this beautiful place. Because we have had so much rain lately, the river was flowing quite rapidly, and I could just feel the tension slipping away as I listened to the sound of the running water. For the first time in ages, the sun felt warm on my skin, and as we walked, we listened to the call of the kookaburras and said hello to the other walkers of the human and 4 legged variety...Pip is so very social, and always loves to stop when she meets another dog.

I love the houses that back onto the river, and admired this little family of chickens, foraging for their food...I miss having my chickens, but have refused to get anymore until Ian builds me a fox-proof house, because it's too sad when they are killed - I really do miss collecting the fresh eggs every day.

Pip was quite enamoured with the ducks swimming in the river...after our walk, I grabbed a coffee from the bakery, and we sat here and watched them for a while - bliss.

On the way home, we stopped off at a little nursery, and I couldn't resist buying some pretty spring flowers to spruce up my garden...nothing like a bit of sunshine to really inspire me. My little cubby-house in the garden was given a makeover, and I hung a little chandelier which I picked up recently from the op shop for $3.00 - bargain!

I am feeling so much better, and again, I want to thank you all for your well wishes for Steve and his family. Yesterday, he moved to another hospital to begin his rehabilitation, which I think will be around 2 weeks. His recovery truly is a miracle...

What will you do today to nourish yourself, inside and out?

Today I choose JOY

Some Wonderful News and the promise of Spring...

2011-07-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

Firstly, I would like to thank each one of you for coming here and leaving such beautiful notes, and for keeping Steve in your thoughts and prayers...I have some wonderful news! After one of the most horrendous weeks I have ever experienced, I am beyond elated to report that Steve is awake, and appears to have no brain damage! I simply cannot believe his miraculous recovery (for that is what the doctors' are calling it).

When he was airlifted to the hospital on Monday evening, his brain had swelled so much, they had to perform two operations, and we honestly did not think he would make it through the night...On Wednesday night, the school held a service in the chapel which was incredibly heart-breaking to see his mother and the kids in such pain. All of his friends spent every day in the hospital visiting with Steve, talking to him, and comforting his mother...then they would spend the nights with each other - they couldn't bear being alone.

On Friday night, the doctors began to reduce his sedation, and we were prepared for the worst - on Saturday, he slowly began to wake up and was responding by squeezing hands and making eye contact! You cannot imagine how excited we all were!

On Sunday, they removed his breathing tubes and Steve was able to talk! He remembered the accident, and who everyone was...isn't that the best news ever?!

I haven't yet spoken to Kim (his mother) about his long-term prognosis, but at this stage, everything is looking up...again, I thank you all for your beautiful support - it meant more to me than you can imagine, and to the follower that left my blog during this time, I send you light and love, but honestly, couldn't you have waited a week? Not cool....I really don't care that you left here - I am, after all, a boring housewife, but your timing sucked! ok, got that off my chest, hee hee.

How I wish I could invite you all over and spoil you with cupcakes and champagne! You are truly the best!

And in the very wise words of the great Carl Jung....

The word "happiness" would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness"

I have used photos here from the ones I took last spring...I love the metaphor of the seasons in the garden, and thought these were perfect for this post...spring follows winter, winter follows autumn, autumn follows summer, and so on it goes....sun comes up, sun goes down...blessings to you all xxx

For Steve

2011-07-13T00:33:00.000-07:00

I contemplated coming here with this, but feel it is something I need to share with you all...I truly believe in the power of connection and positive energy, and you have all been so wonderfully supportive in this space, so it is with this in mind that I ask each one of you who visits here to please be with me in this extremely difficult time.

My eldest daughter Georgia invited a group of friends to our beach house on the weekend after we came home. They were having such a wonderful time, and then the unthinkable happened. One of her best friends, Steve, was in a horrific accident, where he fell off a skateboard onto the road...he suffered a severe head injury and had to be airlifted to hospital...he is in a very bad way, and we really don't know what will happen. He is in an induced coma, and has had two operations so far to alleviate the swelling on his brain.

I can't tell you how these past few days have been for us all, and I wish with all my heart I could undo all the pain these kids are experiencing. It is beyond awful to see them struggling with this. They have been in to see him and held his hand, but the time ahead is going to be extremely difficult for us all.

I ask that you all keep Steve in your thoughts and your prayers if that is your inclination...I believe that we can all join in his healing...I have to believe that. Thankyou so much...deep in my soul I know that you are all beside me in this, and for that, I thank you.

If I am not here for a while, you will know why...

Collecting Feathers and other lovely things...

2011-07-09T18:57:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite things to do in winter is head down the coast and walk along the beach...there is something so wild and invigorating about this time of the year, listening to the waves crashing and the wind blowing the reeds and grasses. It is music to my soul...clears away the cobwebs and inspires and rejuvenates me.

While the girls slept warm and cosy in their beds, the husband and I decided to take Pip for a walk, where, to my delight, I found not one, but 6 beautiful feathers. When I glanced into the sky, this majestic bird flew overhead, gliding upon the wind, making it seem so effortless...floating on air.

As soon as her feet touch the sand, Pip is pulling at her lead, wanting to be set free to run as fast as her legs will carry her. There is such joy in watching an animal so present in the moment, and filled with complete bliss. We laughed as she ran like the wind, circling back to make sure we were still there...how she loves the beach, and we are lucky that at this time of the year, dogs are allowed...in summer, the times we can walk her here are restricted. Funny how a little furball can bring us so much enjoyment...

We managed to find the secret track that would lead us back home to enjoy a hot chocolate...

Is it just me, or does this photo remind you of Little Red Riding Hood? hee hee
All he needs is a picnic basket...

This doesn't happen very often, so I thought I would share a photo of Ian and I preparing dinner...we bought some huge rib-eye steaks (I'm talking Fred Flintstone size people!) and Ian whipped up some home-made chips and a Greek Salad, and we enjoyed the most beautiful meal with a bottle of red wine in front of our little wood fire. Heaven....

These times spent with family are truly my favourite...

I have been enjoying taking these hipstamatic photos on my new phone...humour me, won't you until I get it out of my system...but I do like the effect they give.

Wherever you go, go with all your heart

She...

2011-07-05T03:34:00.000-07:00

I read this today and fell in love with the words...they seemed to resonate very deeply with me (except for the part about being quiet in public, hee hee) - I didn't write it, so if anyone knows who did, please let me know so I can share here.

It is school holidays here, and I am enjoying being with the girls, sitting by the open fire, watching movies (last night we watched 'Chocolat' for the umpteenth time), op-shopping today, with a beautiful lunch of Chinese dumplings...these are the times I cherish...no plans, just kicking back, taking it slow and enjoying the company of my family and friends.

Snapshots of a Lazy Sunday Afternoon...

2011-07-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

What a week it's been! I had such fun hosting the 'Mad Tea Party'...I want to thank each and every one of you for popping in and leaving such lovely notes. It was such fun peeking in at all of your tea parties - everyone is so creative and fun...you all inspire me so!

I have had such a busy week...Ian had a birthday, so there have been lots of dinners and parties with family and friends...it's finally Sunday afternoon, and I am enjoying a very quiet day of lazing by the fire and reading my book, listening to the rain falling outside. Lovely....

I hope to be back in a few days with some more goodness to share...in the meantime, I hope everyone has a magical week!

Mad Tea Party Time..and a little update below...

2011-06-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

Oh good, you've arrived just in time...I've made a fresh pot of tea. Come in, come in - make yourselves at home.

Please help yourself to whatever takes your fancy...(adorable little peacock spoon a gift from my beautiful friend Melissa)

Pip has dressed up for the occassion...she is so pleased you could make it. She's been nagging me all week..."How many more sleeps?"

The little fairy made some cupcakes...would you like one?

She is happy to share her lolly bag with her best friend...oh, and you of course...

Careful girls...Pip can sniff those lollies a mile away!

Would you like another cup?

Perhaps you would like a little cake? I've had 3 already...

mmmm...my favourite... fruit tart...

So glad everybody could make it...just shoo the little birdie off your cup...oh goodness, I hope she didn't have a little accident in there??? Let me get you a fresh cup...

You really shouldn't have brought flowers...how did you know tulips are one of my favourites?

Marshmallow, anyone? We can toast them by the fire if you like...

Ahhhhh....lovely

Don't forget to grab a lollipop before you go...

My goodness, time flies when you are having fun...I'd ask you to stay a while, but I know you have lots of other visits to make...thankyou so much for coming, it's been a hoot!

Just click here for all the other parties to visit...have fun!

And a big thankyou to the one and only MISS VANESSA for hosting such a scrumptious affair!

UPDATE

I just wanted to let everybody know that I am slowly getting around to visiting you all...what fun! As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, blogger is being annoying and not letting me post a comment on some of your blogs, but please know that I am popping in on each and every one of you, and I do so appreciate everyone who has stopped by here to say hello - it's always lovely to meet new friends xxx

The time is drawing near...

2011-06-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

I've just popped in to check that you all have your party frocks ready for the Mad Tea Party on the 25th June...Pip and I can't wait for you all to come over. There will be tea and cakes and lots of sweet things to share. See you really soon x

Oranges and Lemons...and a secret garden.

2011-06-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

I have been baking...this orange cake is simply divine, and oh so easy to make. You must try it - here is the recipe...

ORANGE CAKE

2 oranges
1 cup sugar
6 eggs
2 cups almond meal

Cover oranges with water, bring to boil then simmer for 1 hour. Cool completely, then remove seeds (I don't bother with either), and puree. Beat eggs and sugar together, add puree and almond meal. Stir well, pour into greased cake tin and bake at 160 degrees celcius for 70 minutes. (Mine was actually done after 65 minutes, so just check it with a skewer after an hour).

That's it people! How easy is that? It's just perfect sprinkled with icing sugar and served with a generous dollop of double cream - mmmmmm.

I am wondering if I could try lemons in this with some poppy seeds, seeing as my lemon tree has been quite prolific...big word, I know...

I have been out in the front garden planting some beautiful roses that were a gift from a dear friend. I am very spoilt indeed...I love the idea of this type of gift. Once my roses start to bloom and grow, I shall think of Jo each time I cut an armful to bring inside. There is so much weeding to be done, so I shall try to do a little each day this week...I just love the smell of the earth this time of the year. I am inspired to keep going...

The view outside my dining room this time of the year makes me happy...my camellias are all beginning to bloom...just perfect to bring inside to fill my vases.

...and I am waiting to have this little garden room paved, so I can begin planting a woodland garden...looking down from our back deck.

I will keep you updated, as this little project starts to happen. What's everyone else been up to?

A new painting...and that is all.

2011-06-09T05:35:00.000-07:00

I finished another painting this week, and I really love it...Abby has claimed it for her bedroom wall. The words are not by me - they are on a poster - but I just find these words completely inspiring. Here's a closer look.

The creative juices are flowing again...sorry about the short post, but I think the painting says it all...

When you wish upon a star...

2011-06-06T16:42:00.000-07:00

I have had the most magical few days, so I wanted to share some pictures with you...when I discovered the blogworld a few years ago now, I never imagined that I would become friends with such amazing kindred sisters. It has been so wonderful. When I was in a sad place Jo's little blog 'Old Flowers 4 Me' became a welcome escape for me, and I looked forward with anticipation for her next post. I just loved her world - it spoke to the child inside of me, and just resonated with my playful side. So imagine my delight this weekend when a wish came true!!! I visited her home - 'Fairy Cake Pond' - and it was just as magical in the flesh as it is on her blog. We ate little cakes and sipped cups of tea and glasses of bubbly - it was a wonderful afternoon spent with new friends. Here we are in the kitchen at Jo's...

Me having some sticky date pudding - thanks Nola - everywhere you look at Jo's are her wonderful collections. Even her kitchen cupboards are filled with her treasures that she has been collecting since she was 11! Can you believe that? Truly, I feel so blessed and so inspired after visiting her beautiful home. This internet can be such a wonderful place to meet like-minded people. I have another little story...there is someone else who I have 'met' through this virtual world, although she doesn't yet have a blog - her name is Mel, and she has a huge heart...imagine my delight when Jo presented me with a gift from Mel that she had sent in the post...a beautiful crystal. Thankyou sweet Mel x

...and do you see the gorgeous peacock necklace I am wearing? Another gift from another beautiful soul who also happens to be called Melissa...this one from Fancilious Fairyland blog. I LOVE this, and have barely had it off! You absolutely have to check out Melissa's blog if you haven't done so already - she makes the most amazing fairy gardens...thankyou dear Melissa - you definitely made my day. (She also sent me a gorgeous little peacock spoon and some peacock notecards which I can't wait to start using).

In the words of the lovely Jo.... "Dreams do come true"

p.s. I don't know what's going on with blogger, but I have tried to leave comments on several of your blogs, and for some reason, it won't let me - grrrrrr - I also can no longer access my flikr account - what the? So please know, that I have been peeking into your little worlds to see what you have been up to...

Now I am off to make Lemon Delicious with the lemons picked from my tree - mum and dad are coming for dinner tonight, so I am cooking up a feast. Ta ta for now...

It's almost time...

2011-06-02T05:30:00.000-07:00

Do you remember last year when we all visited one another for the wonderful 'Mad Tea Party' that the one and only Miss Vanessa organised? Well, it's time to get out your stripey socks, people! Because it was just so much fun, I have decided to join in again this year.

I'd better pop on my apron, tie back my hair, pour myself a cocktail or two, and get baking...please don't be late. Check out A Fanciful Twist blog for all the details - I'd love to share a cuppa with you. Time to crack out the cookbooks and magazines for some mind-blowing inspiration...cheers!

Hello...

2011-05-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone...I'm just popping in quickly to say my life is busy at the moment, and my blog has taken a little backseat for the time being. Everything is good, I just don't have anything much to share right now. I have been stepping outside my little box, and it feels great.

I have spent time with some wonderful friends, enjoyed time with my family, eaten some amazing meals, started a new job in the community and shared stories and music with beautiful kindreds (you know who you are)...oh, and received a gorgeous gift in the mail yesterday from across the ocean (I will tell you more about that next time) - my heart is indeed full.

I hope to get around to visiting you all over the next few days to catch up on what everyone's been up to. I am going to leave you with this link. Melody Ross has the most inspirational blog, and she writes so beautifully. She can say it a whole lot better than I can, but this is where I am at right now too...I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I do!

See you all sooner than soon xxx

(pic from Melody Ross blog)

Girls' Weekend

2011-05-22T21:31:00.000-07:00

This weekend, I was lucky enough to spend a wonderful couple of days away with an amazing group of friends. We travelled a few hours away to a place called Bundalong, near Yarrawonga in Victoria's north, where we stayed at Anna's beautiful holiday home. She was the most gracious host, spoiling us with a home cooked dinner Friday night, way too many Cosmopolitan cocktails, and a night of dancing and fun! The next morning we dragged ourselves out of bed (ouch) and visited a beautiful winery, built back in the 1800's.

Our tour guide Ralph informed us that there is indeed a resident ghost here...but unfortunately we didn't meet him today...but we did sample the beautiful wines, made in the traditional way with the very same ancient machinery that was used back then. We wandered the gorgeous gardens, then sampled some beautiful cheeses, before heading out by the lake to enjoy an afternoon of wine and yummy cheese platters.

After a little rest back at Anna's we headed out to the local for a pub meal and a night of snooker, dancing and much laughter...phew!

Thanks girls for a magical fun weekend...can't wait to do it again!

Roadtrip

2011-05-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

weeeeeeeeeee....I'm off on a girls' roadtrip for the weekend! Yipee! See you on the flip side xxx

The mountains are calling me

2011-05-15T23:13:00.000-07:00

I am sure I have told you here before of my love for the mountains near my home...they were calling me last week, so I hopped in the car, put this CD on, and drove through the beautiful rainforest...it was very cold and foggy - the perfect weather for a visit to the mountains.
I enjoyed a beautiful lunch in this cosy French cafe...goat's cheese and capsicum tart...while the rain fell outside. Delicious in every sense...
Can you spot the little chippy coffee table in the next pic? After all of your lovely comments about my kitchen dresser, I am inspired to pick up the paint brush again and make over a pine coffee table just like this one, that was actually a wedding present 20 years ago...hopefully I can achieve this look.

Then I had a browse through some lovely little shops. Sassafras is the name of this beautiful village nestled in the mountains. It is one of my very favourite places to visit.

This gorgeous doll's house belonged to Dame Zara Bates, who was an Australian fashion designer and wife of former Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt (Harold Holt died mysteriously in December 1967 when he was swept from a rock while swimming at the beach near Portsea in Victoria). It lives in a little room of this shop.

It is actually now for sale - anyone got a cool $12,500?

I also wanted to say hi to my new readers...it's always so nice to meet new friends, and everyone here is so lovely - do you know how much I love your visits?

Speaking of new friends, on our walk this morning, Pippi met a new friend...

Um, unfortunately it didn't end well...they have decided not to be friends...

(In case you were concerned, Pippi is fine...the cat didn't actually scratch her, I just think she got one hell of a fright! You see she had never met a cat before, and I think she was quite scared, but also curious...I feel a bit bad for telling her pussy wouldn't hurt her) I had a little video of the incident, but blogger, for some reason, won't let me upload it...it's probably for the best...

"The more I think, the more I feel there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people" - Vincent Van Gogh

(I think he should have added 'and animals', don't you?)

Makeover Magic

2011-05-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

So, as promised, here is my kitchen dresser makeover - ta da! I am in love with it. Just look at it before - dated and boring. Armed with a colour that knocked my socks off, and a couple of hours work,

here she is after her makeover...all it took was a $7.00 sample pot and some vintage style knobs and I have a whole new piece of furniture. I sanded it back in some places so the wood could show through and give that vintagey look.

I decided to leave the doors off the top bit so I could display my glasses and cups and saucers.

A closer look...I love my little teepee painting that my friend Elspeth painted...the colours pop next to the turquoise.

I am rather pleased with how my dresser turned out...all the colours make me smile mixed in with my silver, coloured glass and plates...

"If we all did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves" - Thomas Edison

Mother Love...and an update below...

2011-05-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

I have just quickly popped in here to wish all of you beautiful mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and grandmothers a most wonderful, magical Mothers Day...I hope that you are all enjoying yourselves...we just had some home-made soup with crusty bread. I am about to light the fire (it's freezing here today) and my mum is arriving soon for afternoon tea. We shall have sponge cake and scones with jam and cream...mmmmm.

I'm back...couldn't resist sharing some photos of our day.

Mum and I sharing a glass of bubbles...

An open fire and a dog by my side...I am a happy mummy.

"There are two lasting bequests we can give our children: one is roots, the other is wings" - Hodding Carter

Second Hand Rose

2011-05-04T21:55:00.000-07:00

There is something incredibly thrilling and addictive about finding treasure in second hand shops...one of my very favourite past times is hitting the opportunity shops (or op shops as they are affectionately known)...I think overseas you guys call them thrift stores. I am forever chasing a bargain, and feel like I have won the lottery when I bring home someone else's discarded treasure.

I may have mentioned a favourite shop of mine here in Melbourne called 'Harem' Well, imagine my delight when our local op shop had a shop-load of their clothing at ridiculous prices! I was like a kid in a candy store...no matter that some things were very small, and would not even go close to fitting me, I still had to have them. Gotta think outside the box sometimes - if it's something you love, it can always be used for lots of other things, like displaying on mannequins, or the fabric could be used for sewing projects - much cheaper than going to a fabric store.

I am so glad I brought these lovelies home...

Another score this week were these lovely cloches - they are so pretty for displaying different things under...check out my baby shoes - awwwww. And of course the lovely nest my beautiful friend Jo made for me last year.

I procrastinated over buying this latest edition of Flea Market Style - worth a fortune here in Australia...but I'm so glad I succumbed. Look how beautiful these pages are...then I came across this gorgeous plate, cup and saucer in the op shop...it says blah blah, Queen Mother on it, so it was a bit dearer than I would normally spend, but I couldn't resist, especially with Mother's Day just around the corner - I'm picturing a romantic afternoon tea inspired by this photo....

And isn't synchronisity a funny thing? Just look at the collections - remember I recently purchased a piano accordian? Then on the next page, I loved the idea of these stacked velvet boxes, and lo and behold, I found one for $1 on a dusty shelf, yep, you guessed it, in an op shop! Oh Happy Day!

Finally, i just have to share this pic from the magazine also...that turquoise table makes me weak at the knees...so I have decided that my very dated kitchen sideboard needs a makeover - I went to the paint shop with magazine in hand, and they have matched this colour for me - you know that I will share photos as soon as this project is completed - stay tuned.

So, the moral of this little story is...surround yourself with things that make you smile. Think outside the box, and finally, you really don't need to spend a fortune to have a beautiful home. Just be creative and look for inspiration all around you.

Autumn is the most wonderful time of the year...

2011-04-27T23:00:00.000-07:00

We have been busy in the garden, cutting back the hydrangas...I plunked them all in a wicker basket to enjoy inside. My dad grew these for me from cuttings, and with all the rain we've had this year, the flowers were enormous! We are working on creating another 'garden room'. I think I have told you before that we built our house about 10 years ago now, so the garden has been a work in progress...on my wish list is some more beautiful paving, a frog pond, and lots of lovely blooms (I can't plant roses in my back garden because the possums like to eat them, but for some reason they leave them alone out the front - go figure...)

It is autumn time here in Australia, and my camellias have begun to flower...so I picked a few to float in my favourite silver bowl. I created a little vignette to enjoy in the hallway each time I walk past.

I bought the little fairy picture on a girls' weekend in Sydney a few years back...I fell in love with it at the Paddington Market and just knew she was coming home with me...I love the chippy frame.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Easter...we snuck down to the little house at the beach, where we enjoyed a long weekend with friends...

Delicious autumn. My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking successive autumns - George Eliot

We're going to the zoo...how about you?

2011-04-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

It's school holidays here in Melbourne Australia, and the sun is shining, so we packed a picnic lunch yesterday and headed to our beautiful zoo...I LOVE the zoo, and have been wanting to go ever since the two little elephants were born. I wasn't disappointed...we caught them just while they were having a swim in their pool.

Aren't they wonderful? Apparently the females are very social and enjoy each other's company, while the males prefer to be on their own in another paddock...hmmm...sounds familiar...

I just love how Melbourne Zoo has created a whole village to replicate the elephants' home...it really is beautiful...

I also adore the Butterfly House...check out the gorgeous mosaic entrance...I love this fairyland.

And no trip to the zoo is complete without visiting these guys...the gorillas fascinate me. What do you think he's thinking? He was so funny...he let us watch him for a while, then he chose to go and sit behind a tree..."right, that's it, you've gawked at me long enough...get lost"

Monkeying around...sorry...

The girls checking out the giraffes...

Snapshot of my weekend...

2011-04-17T00:51:00.000-07:00

A night away in a beautiful bed and breakfast in the gorgeous Yarra Valley....good friends, good food, good wine and lots and lots of laughs...

Just thinking...

2011-04-11T23:22:00.000-07:00

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do.

So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover....Mark Twain...

Questions and Answers...

2011-04-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

(Me on the front porch circa about 1970)

While browsing through some wonderful blogs recently, I came across this little questionnaire, so thought it might be fun to share here...I would love to hear what answers you would all give...

1. You are constantly seeking....that ever elusive happiness and the answers to all of life's big questions

2. You have a closet full of...op shop finds.

3. You never wear...wow, this is a tough one - I think I've tried everything, although I've never worn leather pants....I did have a white leather skirt and bodice with a matching fringed jacket made for my 21st - ha ha! I know, you're all jealous (Oh my God, what was I thinking?)

(Must have been too hot for the jacket...did I mention it had cowhide on it as well? Ha ha...this is taken at my 21st party which had a white theme - so cool - we had special lights so everyone glowed in the dark...except me! No-one told me leather doesn't glow...the white stitching did though....)

4. Pants or skirts? I'd love to say skirts exclusively, but the fact is I love my stretchy pants and leg-ins at home on the couch and to slop around in. But I wear loads of skirts - it's the girly girl in me!

5. Flowers or chocolate? Chocolate is lovely of course, but I cannot live without flowers - they feed me more.

6. Movies or music? Life would not be worth living without both! I adore watching movies, but music has always been a passion of mine...do you know I learnt the organ and the flute when I was younger? (Not terribly good at either, he hee)...and I would really like to learn to play the harp...we had one playing at our wedding...ooh, and I am always singing. Really....always!

7. Romance or drama? Well, being the drama queen that I am, I shall choose that one, although a good romance is always enjoyable...I loved drama at school, and performed on stage several times - I have a passion for acting...something I want to pursue again...have I told you my auntie is an amazing actress?

(Me circa 1984 - The Wizard of Oz)

8. Pop or rock? Are you kidding me? I love all kinds of music, but I do love to rock out to rock'n'roll!

9. Summer or winter? Hmmm....I was always a summer person, but as I, ahem, get more mature, I can't handle the heat like I once did...and besides, where I live in Melbourne Australia, we have very distinct seasons, and I enjoy each one for all that they offer...I love to curl up beside an open fire with a nice glass of red wine...as much as I love to swim in the ocean in summer.

10. You never leave the house without....my camera, of course...since beginning this little blog, I see everything through 'blog eyes'...it's a wonderful way to be mindful and aware.

11. You always have in your bag...my little sketchbook for doodling in and inspiration when it strikes.

12. Breakfast girl or dinner girl? Well, I love eating out any time of the day! But I think there is something quite decadent about taking yourself out for breakfast...eggs benedict is my fave!

13. Best dinner? Well, that's easy...one that is shared by friends. I LOVE good food (and wine)

14. I enjoy...authenticity in people, good conversation, big belly laughs with my friends...ooh, and red wine!

15. I buy a lot of....books and magazines! Can't get enough of 'em...I am an avid reader and you will often find me with my head in a book...books have always been a source of escapism for me - I could not live without them...

16. I have a thing for...boys who can play guitar and serenade me with their songs...ahhh, see, I am a romantic after all...

17. A pleasure...meeting kindred souls - like all of you wonderful people who bring me such joy with your support, encouragement and friendship - I'm giving you all a big hug!

18. A dream...to travel this beautiful globe, and to meet as many of you as I can on my way...how cool would that be?

19. A wish....happiness and good health for my family and friends...

20. Couldn't live without....my girls - what on earth would I do without them...they are growing into such beautiful, spirited women - I am so proud of them both.

(These two are still cracking me up...)

21. If you could turn back time you would be...a singer in a sultry jazz club, wearing divine frocks and feathers in my hair....ok, maybe that should have been the answer to number 18? I really always wanted to be a school teacher...I used to line up all my toys and play schools for hours!

22. Describe your style in a few words...individual, bohemian, eclectic, artful... although I am governed day to day by my moods.

23. Describe yourself in a few words...complex, spiritual, loving, loyal, layered, passionate, fiery, sensitive, flawed, with a wicked sense of humour...

24. Do you believe in love at first sight? Ahhhh, I would like to think I do...

25. What does your name mean? I don't know if I have shared this before, but I was named after my mother, Bettina...but I have only ever been Tina - the Italian version of Bettina means "blessed" or "my God is plentiful" - I kinda like that.

(Mum and I circa 2010)

26. Favourite word...Journey, and man, it has been an amazing one...I still have a long road ahead. There have been many twists and turns in my road, but that's what makes life interesting, right?

So, that was so much fun! Did you make it to the end, or did you start snoring half way through? I don't know about you, but I love to get to know someone through their blog. I hope you all know me a little bit better. Why don't you have a go at answering these too - I would love to read them....

(Newspaper article for our school play...Wendy Rule is Dorothy to my Glinda)

Have a wonderful weekend everyone...ooh, I'm all nostalgic now....

Chicken Soup for the Soul...

2011-04-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

Wow, thankyou for all your well wishes on my last post...it's always difficult to know how much to share here, but I really was feeling quite down, and yep, of course I ended up getting sick! The past couple of days have been spent snuggled up on my couch, feeling sorry for myself...but today, the sun is shining, and the day beckoned me outside to play dress-ups in the garden.

I have to tell you, I LOVE these boots...they are pretty wild, I know, but they make me smile. When I bought them my dad said "You're seriously not going to wear them out, are you?" Hilarious! I thought they looked extra wild with my tutu! (No, I don't have a fever anymore, I've always been slightly mad!)

I haven't visited the fairy tree for quite some time...gosh, it's quite overgrown down this part of the garden...

I spoilt myself for lunch with my homemade chicken soup, and this bread that I made too - seriously good!

Sweet little handsewn paper bird I made hiding amongst the windflowers...

A closer look...

And finally, we spent a lovely day on Sunday at my friend's place sitting by a bonfire, eating sausages in bread, patting their horses and riding motorbikes...just look at the sky in the afternoon...bliss.

In the words of Katy Perry "After a hurricane, comes a rainbow".

"Sometimes the only way to stay sane, is to go a little crazy..."

Funny Little Art Doll

2011-04-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

Just popping in quickly to show you the little art doll inspired by Mirka Mora...

And to share this for I am struggling with some stuff at the moment...I really need a vacation from my head sometimes!

"People are like stained-glass windows.
They sparkle and shine when the sun is out,
but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed
only if there is light from within" - Elisabeth Kubler Ross

Kitchen garden at Heide Museum of Art...

Getting my craft on...

2011-03-30T21:31:00.000-07:00

I have been playing with my fabric stash, and came up with this collage of bits and pieces...sooooo, I decided to make a journal cover out of the finished piece...ta da!

Ready for some mindblowing inspiration, scribblings and thoughts...this was fun!

Also, visited the wonderful Heide Museum to check out an exhibition of one of my very favourite artists, Mirka Mora...she is such an inspiration to me. Mum and I spent a lovely day soaking up the inspiration, and enjoying a lovely lunch in the cafe. Here I am standing outside the windows where Mirka painted one of her fabulous murals.

and here is a picture of her painting the windows...

As well as her gorgeous paintings, her cloth dolls were also on display. Hmmm...I have decided to make one of my own...

Here are the beginnings of my art doll, inspired by the wonderful Mirka Mora...

Can't wait to show you the finished product...

A Fairytale Wedding

2011-03-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

As I promised, I am sharing photos of my darling friend's wedding...Elspeth and Adam were married in a beautiful hand-fasting ceremony yesterday. And they get to do it all over again later in the year, as Adam is from Canada...here she is arriving.

And here is the wedding altar...

Smudging...

The Wedding Cake...

Darling friends...these are some of the girls I studied Art Therapy with.

A Chocolate toast to the bride and groom...this was an alcohol free wedding.

So in love...

So beautiful...

My beautiful girls...Abby and Georgia

We were incredibly blessed to be audience to this amazing couple...check out their incredible music here They are called Sacred Earth, and they are pure magic...

I made brownies to share for the wedding feast...

...Adam and Elspeth requested that their gifts be handmade, so I made this mosaic waterbowl for their garden...

What a beautifully spiritual wedding...thankyou Elspeth and Adam for sharing your sacred day..it was so special and deeply moving x

A very Pippi Birthday...and some other stuff

2011-03-21T19:13:00.000-07:00

Wow, it was a busy weekend, but lovely all the same...I visited a festival, caught up with girlfriends and had people for a lovely barbecue lunch on Sunday. Today I am making a special wedding gift for someone very dear to me. She is marrying her love this Friday, and I can't wait to share photos of what I'm sure will be a beautiful day...they have requested that the wedding gifts be handmade - isn't that lovely? This pic of Elspeth and I was taken about a year ago at a market where she sells her beautiful paintings. Have I told you how much I adore this girl?

Shhhh....don't tell her, but this is what I am making...

...and just some random stuff...

I have been inspired all over again because of this beautiful song...there is something magical about this beautiful performance by Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. Glee did a version last week, which was amazing (I love Glee!)

I am reading this amazing book and can't seem to put it down...I am a huge Dean Koontz fan. Yes, it's a thriller, but it's also about the amazing bond between humans and dogs. In this case Golden Retrievers...I had my beautiful retriever Bo for 15 years. He was my first dog after leaving home and in fact my first 'baby' before my girls. (just realised I say amazing a lot...)
Speaking of Golden's, have you seen Vanessa's new little man? He is a sweetheart...aren't puppies the best?

Also speaking of dogs, have you all seen this beautiful friendship between a dog and an elephant? Two of my favourite animals. Now if only humans could learn something from these two, and accept each other's differences....hmmm, it would be a much nicer world.

Ooh, I almost forgot to tell you....guess who turns one today? Happy Birthday little Pip! I have to tell you, this little girl melts my heart. She is so lovely, and such good company. Today she gets extra cuddles and belly rubs...look at how she's grown!

I'll be back in a few days with some photos of Elspeth's wedding - I am so looking forward to it!

"When you pet a dog or listen to a cat purring, thinking may subside for a moment and a space of stillness arises within you, a doorway into Being" - Eckhart Tolle

Lotus Gardens and a peaceful Mandala

2011-03-16T20:26:00.000-07:00

This week, I was lucky enough to visit a beautiful Lotus Garden with my mum. Such a peaceful, beautiful place, set amidst the mountains of the Yarra Valley near my home. It was quite magical, and reminded me of Bali...suprising that such a place exists here.

Isn't this pretty with the mountains in the background? The lakes are filled with lotus and waterlilies, and the sound of frogs carries through the air...we are near the end of March, so it is almost the end of the flowering season, but it was still delightful to behold.

I love the Buddhist symbolism of the Lotus Flower - awakening to the spiritual reality of life. Quite poignant I feel, at this point of my life's journey, where I am re-evaluating so much about myself and the world in which I live.

The Lotus Flower's pattern of growth represents the progress of the soul...it begins with it's roots in the mud at the bottom of the pond. Slowly, it grows up towards the water's surface, moving all the time, towards the light. As it emerges from the water, it begins to blossom and turn into a beautiful flower.

As metaphor, it has endured the 'mud and muck' of materialism, and negotiated it's way through the waters of experience to emerge into the bright sunshine of enlightenment. Beautiful. At times, I still feel like I am stuck in the mud, but then I remind myself of all that I have and am grateful for the life I have been blessed with.

All of this beauty has inspired me to explore a mandala featuring, you guessed it, a Lotus Flower...in times of stress and emotional upheaval, sitting down and drawing a mandala is one of the most relaxing, meditative things to do - have you ever tried it? I know mandalas are a wonderful Art Therapy tool...time has no significance once you immerse yourself in this beautiful past-time. And even if you don't feel like drawing your own mandala, there are so many designs you can print straight from the internet and just colour with pencil, or crayon or paint...a most relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

And yes, I realise that my lotus isn't perfectly symmetrical, and that you can see pencil strokes - so what? I feel so calm and relaxed just from the process of creating my mandala...mine is drawn freehand, but of course you can always trace or like I said before, print out your own. So, I hope I have inspired you to create your own mandala...if you are too 'scared' to paint a picture, this could be the perfect starting point for you...put on some inspiring music, grab some pencils and paper, and go wild with the colours that sing to your heart and soul...

Gone fishing...

2011-03-14T03:28:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share some pics from our weekend at the beach...this was my view from my little chair that I propped on the front of the boat. Isn't it gorgeous? The sunshine was magical as it played upon the water, and the clouds were just incredible. So relaxing...no deadlines, no worries, just us and that beautiful ocean.

I didn't manage to catch one single fish...the mister caught a couple though...I just sat back and enjoyed the sunshine on my face and the light playing upon the water. Bliss.

I hope that everyone else had a wonderful weekend.

I shall pop back in later in the week.

A Most Beautiful Village

2011-03-11T04:22:00.000-08:00

Today my friends and I went to this beautiful artists' village for a lovely lunch. This is such a magical, peaceful place, and the sun was shining for us...a beautiful day indeed. I really want to do a little pond like this in my back garden...water lilies and all.

This is my beautiful friend Helen, whose birthday is tomorrow - we were celebrating early.

And here are all of us enjoying our apple tarts...

I know - does it get any better? Peacocks roam about the garden. They are so very beautiful.

After our lunch we wandered about the gardens (there are 12 acres here), and checked out all the beautiful old buildings...

Just look at the beautiful leadlights...I am in seventh heaven when I am here...

Just look at that beautiful iron spiral staircase!

Secret doorways leading to beautiful spaces.

Such majestic buildings. I could stay here all day.

Montsalvat is a very old artist's colony.

Mother hen with her baby chicks.

Artfully yours...

A collage made by me for my friend...embellished with flowers pressed from my own garden.

I made this little fabric collage as well. Both are inside a gorgeous wooden photo box with a silver lid - silly me forgot to take a photo of the whole thing, but you get the idea.

A most enjoyable girls' day out...I had so many photos, it was difficult to choose which ones to share, but I hope you enjoyed a little glimpse of our day.

Happy Birthday for tomorrow dear Helen xxx

"A friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart."

If you would like to know more about Montsalvat just go here to read about the history and what's on.

Dreamweaver

2011-03-09T19:27:00.000-08:00

This week, the lovely Miss Jo decided to set a challenge for some girls - to make a dreamcatcher. Well, I was a little slow (you know, the usual procrastination, plus a dose of general can't be bothered and a touch of too busy looking after everyone else). Anyway, I got there in the end, and this is my creation, made completely with stuff I had in the house. I tore strips of muslin and covered a wire coat hanger, and then began embellishing with cotton, beads, brown string, lace and feathers I found in my garden.

The centre is just cut from a doily and embellished with a fabric flower. Too easy, and lots of fun. My girls have already requested one each for over their beds...I can't wait to try a more colourful version. Perhaps with a peacock feather or two? Go check out Jo's to get some more ideas. Her stuff is always so fun and uniquely Jo.

So, what do you reckon? Wanna have a go? I'd love to see them if you do - maybe let me know, then I can link them all on here.

I had a very powerful dream the other night...the kind that feels very important and has a different sort of quality to it. It gave me goosebumps in the dream, but when I shared it with a very dear friend (who doesn't think I'm too crazy), she said she got goosebumps too, so maybe I didn't dream them. My dream held some symbols which I didn't really understand, so when I awoke, I did a bit of research and now feel I was being given a very important message.

Just wondering if anyone else has these types of dreams? The kind that you can't shake easily, and that feel like they hold an important message....

I have been extra sensitive this past week and haven't quite worked out whether it was the dream, or maybe just that time of the month, hee hee...

"Dreamweaver, I believe you can get me through the night..."

Pretty Picnic

2011-03-07T22:54:00.000-08:00

Follow me down into the garden...

It's a picnic just for us...

Pip wants to play hide and seek...she wears flowers in her hair.

I don't have many words this week...just some pretty pictures. I hope to return soon.

"Be still and let the beauty come" - Sark

A Painting, a Cake and Sweet Friends

2011-03-01T23:01:00.000-08:00

I finished my painting today...it makes me happy. I hope you like her too...

Remember I told you I was baking a pear and almond cake yesterday? Well, I just had to share with you, because it was super easy, and so delicious...I imagine it would be equally as lovely with apples or other fruits...here is the recipe. Oh, I didn't have any flaked almonds and I can only guess that such an addition would take this to the next level!

I shared a slice this afternoon with a dear friend who came bearing gifts of the most wonderful kind...Helen, you rock! My head is spinning with the possibilites...gotta love girlfriends...

And, I almost forgot to tell you of the lovely suprise I received recently when I went to my letterbox and discovered a lovely gift, sent all the way from across the ocean...thankyou dearest Wendy - you made my day. If you haven't already, go and visit her wonderland...it is a magical place indeed.

and the other side...

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." Pablo Picasso

Today was a Fairytale

2011-02-28T19:45:00.000-08:00

I am enjoying just taking it nice and slow lately...I have had a houseful of sickies, and I have learned over the years to look after myself at these times, so I can continue to care for my loves. (I refuse to catch their horrible bugs!)

So, it has been big steaming bowls of homemade chicken soup, and fresh fruit, and plenty of R & R...the weather has been crazy - hot and sunshiney one day and bitterly cold the next - strange times indeed. Today is blustery and cold outside, so I am just enjoying pottering about the house, enjoying the quiet. It's a perfect day for baking, so I have decided to bake a pear and almond cake...I wish you could smell it cooking in the oven. It will be ready for afternoon tea...

Come, grab and cup of tea and enjoy a fairytale or two...

This is an enchanted tree I painted when I was studying Art Therapy...we all had to paint ourselves as trees...mine came out very childlike and whimsical, with a strong sturdy trunk, and branches which reached trowards the sky...heart shaped fruit and lots of swirls...we all taped them to our classroom walls, so for the rest of the term we were surrounded by a beautiful forest of trees.

I have finally come to some inner acceptance around my art...it IS childlike and whimsical, and that is ok, because it has come from somewhere inside me. And I have always been influenced by fairytales and make-believe.I think that by realising this, it has freed me to create my art, and not expect it to look like everyone else's. I am working on a painting at the moment, which I really love, and I cannot wait to share with you.

Please forgive me if I haven't got around to visiting you all yet - sometimes life gets a little busy. But I hope to visit soon.

Also, can't wait until this dark fairytale arrives in the cinemas...

Thyme in the Garden...a scrapbook

2011-02-24T17:06:00.000-08:00

Well, as promised I am sharing some of my garden scrapbook inspiration with you today. When we built our home around 8 or 9 years ago now, I told my hubby, I must have a garden...you see nature is so very important to me. I don't think I could live in the city, for I love wide open spaces and room to breathe. Our garden is certainly a work in progress, but one that I have enjoyed immensely. I am working on creating 'garden rooms', for I love the concept of being able to wander from one part of the garden to the next, and even the idea of themes. I love the colourful mosaics in the photo above, and have been quite successful in making some for my own garden, and those of friends and families.

This little garden room is wonderful...I love the colour blue in the garden - the combination with all the green is just fantastic. The pop of colour from the leadlight (another great love of mine, and yes I have tried it myself, but became quite frustrated!) adds a whimsical, romantic touch. I also love the idea of being enveloped by garden, and just love walking beneath canopies of vines and trees. There is something so magical about it. I am particularly drawn to woodland style gardens, dotted with beautiful statuary. (You all know my love for fairies and such). I also love water features in the garden, and there is something undeniably soothing about relaxing with the sound of trickling water from a fountain or water feature.

Isn't this a cute idea? A fish pond made from an old bathtub...

How about this Balinese inspired rooftop garden? I love the doorways leading to to other secret spaces.

This pic is from a beautiful book I have told you about before called 'Velvet Pears' - so very romantic.

Another gorgeous garden room...I love the angel statue.

I want to leave you with this beautiful mosaic...some of the images are mine, the rest you will find beneath the photo. Did I mention that a tree-house is also on my wish list for the garden?

1. Sunset in Somerset, 2. we built our own castles, 3. fortune teller 4759, 4. Boinga Bob's House, 5. Bruno's, 6. Bruno's, 7. The Bottom of the Garden, 8. Carousel Dreams Birthday, 9. Bruno's, 10. Forest, 11. spirale - durchgang für unsere katzen, 12. bluebell meadows III, 13. Inspiration from the net, 14. Vivre Dehors, 15. Jeanne Bayol, 16. Untitled

"What I need most of all are flowers, always, always" - Claude Monet

"He who plants a garden plants happiness" - Chinese Proverb

Whoever loves and understands a garden will find contentment within" - Chinese Proverb

"Come forth into the light of things. Let Nature be your teacher" - Willian Wordsworth

"If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere" - Vincent Van Gogh

Inspiration Overload

2011-02-21T19:29:00.000-08:00

Update below...

I get so much inspiration from visiting beautiful blogs - there are so many out there, but there is nothing quite like sitting down with a cup of tea, and flicking through the pages of a book or a magazine...over the years, I have ~~wasted~~ spent a lot of pennies on magazines. I never tire of revisiting my favourites, but the collection was growing alarmingly big, so a couple of years back, I bit the bullet and began to tear out my favourite pages and glued them into some visual diaries. Oh yes, my friends, there were some that I could not bear to tear up, but I managed to cull quite a few mags. The following pics are taken from my little books of inspiration...they are just some of the things that make me smile, or speak to me deeply. I hope you enjoy them as much as I.

These pics are actually from a cookbook - aren't they lovely? It is the gorgeous Miss Victoria Springs, who lives in Byron Bay, one of my very favourite places to stay in Australia. (My darling friend Wendy is moving there later in the year, so I am hoping to visit). She makes the most beautiful jewellery, and below you will find some more photos of her gorgeous home...Victoria, not Wendy...but do go visit Wendy's new blog and read about her adventures touring America.

I also can't resist some good foodie shots, for afterall, cooking is another passion of mine...

"Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all" - Harriet Van Horne

This home is owned by a lovely lady who has a gorgeous shop called 'Harem' here in Melbourne - it truly is a delight for the senses. I actually used to work with her sister in a gorgeous little shop that sits on a river near here...I think I have shown you before. It was called Riverclay in Warrandyte, but is no longer there. I don't think I saved any of the money I earned - I always spent it in the shop!

I just adore this embroidered tapestry chair...it is so whimsical.

Here are some more pics of the lovely Victoria Spring's home...just look at that raspberry sofa! Did I tell you that Abby and my husband saw a red velvet couch on the side of the road recently, and they DIDN'T PICK IT UP! I wished they had never told me...I jumped straight in my car, but alas, some other lucky soul had beat me to it...sniff....

I still do adore a bit of vintage white...

Why would you put these dishes away when they are oh so pretty? I love collecting old china...

These pages are over the top - but in a good way!

I just love this idea of the painted laundry basket for the pooch...I'm pretty sure Pippi would have that chewed up in no time at my house though!

Always fleurs! Either picked from the garden or bought from the markets...they make me happy. And I love the sentiment that is written here about imperfection - chippy, peely furniture is yum!

I love this idea of everything on display...hmmmm - not sure hubby would agree though!

So my lovely friends, I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into what floats my boat...I have another inspiration book filled with garden goodness, but I shall save that for another day, for I fear this post has been awfully long.

May I just leave you with another little quote (for you just know I collect those too!)

"A house is a home when it shelters the body and comforts the soul" - Phillip Moffit

...Update...

I couldn't pass this opportunity to tell you guys about a most beautiful kindred fairy. You simply must go and check out her amazing blog: Tricia Fountaine Design - she is an enchantress who designs the most beautiful weddings. But when I visited her yesterday, she has opened her home for everyone to enjoy. If you are like me (and I suspect that many of you are), then this is a real treat for your eyes. Tricia, I still haven't worked out how to leave a comment on your blog - frustrating - but may I just say you are indeed blessed, and I am seriously coveting your beautiful collection of bracelets! Oh my goodness - swoon!

Sacred Spaces

2011-02-18T04:35:00.000-08:00

I have long been enamoured with the bohemian style of decorating, and just love rich coloured and textured fabrics...not for me the minimalist style! My bedroom is decorated in a style that I find comforting and inspiring. It is after all where I dream some amazing dreams...but that's a whole other blog post!

I think it is important to surround ourselves with beauty and things that sing to our souls...oh, and cute puppies don't hurt either! A 'sacred space' where we can feel at peace and harmony.

I recently discovered 2 lovely bohemian style blogs which entice me with their gypsy goodness. Go on over and visit Jeannie at Romany Soup and Dawn at Bohemian Valhalla - below is just a taste of what sort of goodness you can expect at Jeannie's blog.

Thankyou also to everyone for your beautifully encouraging comments about my cushions in the last post...I had such fun creating them, and am inspired to make more. I have been off treasure hunting and hit the jackpot with some gorgeous trims and trinkets for embellishing. Can't wait to begin creating again...

I have a little book on creating sacred spaces and wanted to include a little quote from it..."When we take time to revere our own greatness and acknowledge our innate gifts, we create a space around us that truly reflects who we are". Isn't that wonderful?

And finally, a little bohemian flikr mosaic to tempt your gypsy souls...some are my flikr faves, and some are my own photos - credits below...enjoy x

1. rosetin, 2. rosebud, 3. L1030129, 4. Mad Tea Party 2010 4, 5. play 024, 6. Untitled, 7. bolig inspiration, 8. Vivre Dehors, 9. Tee Pee, 10. Peacock, 11. peacock, 12. Carousel Dreams turns one, 13. just thinking..., 14. Strawberry Layer Cake, 15. Boinga Bob's House, 16. A few of my favourite things

Happy Weekend my friends x

Handmade with Love...

2011-02-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

Well, as promised I have been busy in my new art room, sewing up a storm! Inspired by the romance of Valentine's Day, I created these cushions.
I used vintage images printed onto calico, lace and material I have collected from op-shops - old velvet dressing-gowns and bridesmaid's dresses are fabulous for cutting up to use in projects - and so cheap!

I found the silver ice-bucket at the local trash and treasure market for $5 and filled it with faded hydrangas from my garden...these were grown from cuttings from my dad, so they are precious to me...

I also found this gorgeous nightgown - so pretty...shown here with a little fur shrug and a brooch I found at a local second-hand shop. I love the thrill of the hunt and when I find little treasures I am so happy.

Happy Valentine's Day everybody - don't forget to spoil yourself today xxx

A Room Of Her Own....Finally

2011-02-07T19:08:00.000-08:00

Remember some time ago I told you that I was going to turn my spare room into my little art studio? Well, after much procrastination (remember I am the Queen of Procrastination) - da daaaaaaa! I give you my little dreaming and creating space - yay! I am so happy!

I still would like to take the queen size bed out of here so there is room for another work table and an easel - but I can live with it for the time being, until said bed finds a new home...

Abby updated her bedroom, so I quickly jumped on her shelves which look simply perfect in my little room - Georgia outgrew the cube shelving, so I cleaned all of her ~~crap~~ stuff out of it and organised my 'bits and pieces' into their own little cubes - cute huh?

I have told you before I love collecting old silver and china, so that has been put to good use housing all of my stuff. It's so great to be able to see everything at a glance - I just know it will inspire me to create!

I love this sandalwood insence I got in Bali. I'm quite sensitive to smells, and only like a couple of insences, but this one is lovely and doesn't irritate my nose. I also love the glow of candles - makes everything shiny and magical, don't you think?

I feel so organised and inspired...now if only I can find time in between keeping house, being taxi-driver to teenagers (a full-time job in itself!) and going to yoga I might be able to whip up a few masterpieces - ha!

Ooh, I have to share this delighfully delicious Banana Bread recipe with you - I tell you, it is so scrumptious! And a cinch to bake - it's actually more like the consistency of a moist cake - I promise you will love it...I enjoyed mine with a cup of tea in my magical space - Bliss!

Best Banana Bread

1 cup self raising flour
1 1/4 cups almond meal
1 tsp bicarb soda
1 tsp cinnamon
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
120g butter
2 eggs
3 orver-ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup golden syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Cream butter and brown sugar. Add eggs and beat until well combined.
2. Mix flour, cinnamon, bicarb soda and almond meal into a bowl and set aside.
3. Add golden syrup and vanilla extract to mashed banana and mix lightly.
4. Add half of the flour mixture and half of the banana mixture to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
5. Add remaining flour and banana and mix until well combined.
6. Pour mixture into a well greased and lined loaf tin.
7. Bake at 160 C for approximately 45 - 50 minutes.

I have to tell you I only used 2 bananas (I didn't have my reading glasses - hee hee) and it turned out beautifully. I also didn't grease my tin, just lined it with baking paper and I also added 1 tsp baking powder as it has a tendency to sink in the middle, not that that bothers me in the least...I tell you, this bread is so yummy - let me know if you try it.

(I am a glass half full kind of a gal, whereas my dear husband tends to be somewhat the opposite...anyway, last night he was trying to fix our smoke alarms (which kept beeping the night before, keeping us awake) He came into my little studio at the top of the stairs, and started complaining and carrying on - I swiftly told him he and his negative energy had to leave as this was happy place - hee hee...)

I hope you all have a wonderfully creative week xxx

Beneath the Below

2011-02-03T02:58:00.000-08:00

Mermaid by Tina Gates

Beneath the waves
She lives in a world all her own
Where everything is quiet and peaceful,
Far removed from the chaos of the world above.
Here she is free...
She is happy in the moment, floating in her watery oasis.
Soon she will swim to the surface once more.
But she feels comforted knowing this is her secret place
And that she may return whenever her heart desires.

I am reminded of when I was young, maybe 10 or 11, we had a little pool in our back garden, and in the summer, I spent many hours in the water - couldn't get enough of it...I think I have always been a water baby. Anyway, I remember I used to do these weird sorts of twirls over and over again in the water. It occurred to me recently that I had probably discovered meditation, even at that young age, because I would do it for a very long time, and felt so completely relaxed and blissed out.

It wouldn't be until many years later, when I began to study Art Therapy, that I learnt how to meditate and become mindful...isn't it funny that I think I had discovered it all of those years ago, because I was so completely in the moment, nothing else existed except twirling in the water...it seems that I lost that gift somewhere along the way.

I am grateful that I have found it again...

Happy Birthday Little Blog

2011-01-27T20:19:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it? Today my blog turns 'one'. How the time has flown by...

I am not one to commit myself to things, so this blog has been wonderful for nurturing my creative side. It really has become quite addictive, and the friendships I have made here have been incredible. It is so lovely to be able to connect with like-minded people the world over. The truth is, I wish you all lived down my street! And then I would invite each and every one of you over for afternoon tea, with treats and trinkets to delight you all.

So please, have a cupcake, and a glass of rose-scented bubbles, and let's celebrate this momentous occassion together...

Do you know just how much I love it when you all pop in? You bring a smile to my face, and I just love popping into your little worlds to see what you have all been up to. I consider myself blessed to be in the company of such amazing people.

So....Happy Birthday Little Blog - who knows where this year may take us...and thankyou to everyone who visits here and makes me smile xxx

Australia Day

2011-01-25T17:35:00.000-08:00

I love a sunburnt country,

A land of sweeping plains,

Of ragged mountain ranges,

Of droughts and flooding rains,

I love her far horizons,

I love her jewel-sea,

Her beauty and her terror,

The wide brown land for me...Dorothea McKellar

Today we celebrate Australia Day...I shall throw some lamb chops on the barbeque and enjoy some lamingtons. I truly am blessed to live in such an amazingly beautiful country.

The Little Princess

2011-01-23T16:31:00.000-08:00

"I am a princess. All girls are. Even if they live in tiny, old attics, even if they dress in rags, even if they aren't pretty, or smart, or young. They are still princesses. All of us." - The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

What will you do today to make you feel special? Go on...you deserve it...you are a princess...

Come follow me to the enchanted wood, where I have prepared a feast fit for any princess...just click your heels together three times...

Marvellous Moondance

2011-01-20T05:35:00.000-08:00

Home-made pizza - yum...and a summers day by the pool...and then...

Won't you join Pip and me under the full moon tonight? I am feeling very playful...how about you? Would you like some tea in the midnight garden under the fairy lights? Perhaps you would like to sit a while on my garden swing?

Don't be shy - join me in a moondance....don't forget your wings....

Pip, you do look sweet in your lace...don't worry, it's just the kookaburras and the possums you can hear - they are helping us celebrate...tonight is a special night - my love and I have been married for 21 years...

Would you like some chocolate cake?

Snapshots of Summer

2011-01-18T01:28:00.000-08:00

Life has been moving at a very leisurely pace these days...we have been travelling back and forth between home and the beach house. It is a funny summer - we have bursts of really hot weather, and then it rains and the temperature drops so that swimming at the beach is no longer an option. I never tire of this gorgeous view though...this is our beautiful beach, and the sound of the waves rolling in never fails to sweep the cobwebs from my mind and rejuvenute and relax me at the same time...

Both girls are involved with surf life saving so I always know I'm in good hands...

We also did a bit of exploring, and took a ~~long~~ scenic drive through some gorgeous rainforest and discovered this beautiful suspension bridge in the midst of a fairy forest...a very spiritual place.

Also couldn't resist snapping a photo of these two - aren't they gorgeous? They live in a paddock near our little house. I have always adored donkeys.

And I wanted to share this little pencil sketch I did of a shell....can you hear the ocean?

Sometimes life gets so busy, so it's always nice to ~~run away~~ get away from all the hustle and bustle and switch my brain off for a while, and just curl up in the sun with a good book or a magazine. But I feel well rested now, and ready for a new year filled with new challenges...

Hello Sunshine

2011-01-13T22:45:00.001-08:00

After a whole week of soaking rain, the sun has finally decided to make an appearance. I have to admit, I have enjoyed sitting on my back deck listening to the rain on my tin roof, and watching the butterflies - there are so many! You see it is summer here, and very humid, but the rain has been relentless - not so much fun for my two teenage girls who are on school holidays....but heaven for my garden which is so lush and green! I love to wander through my garden barefoot after the rain, and float flowers in my birdbaths.

As for me - I find it soothing and comforting, although the heat knocks me for six! I have been flicking through my magazine collection, gathering inspiration and re-visiting all of my photos and home movies...because my little Pip is growing up so fast, I thought I would share this little video I made of her a few months ago...excuse my Aussie voice, hee hee...see how dry everything looks? Everything is so much greener now..

Pip is not the only one growing up fast though! I cannot believe that Georgia is about to begin her final year of high school! Man, where did the time go? Abby will be going into year 9 - my baby...it's funny though, I still don't feel old. I think age may be just a state of mind...what do you think?

Home Again

2011-01-09T21:13:00.001-08:00

Well, after some much needed R & R, we are back from the beach house...the weather was pretty good, and we managed to get in quite a few swims in the ocean.

We had lots of friends come and stay with us...even Pip had some friends of the furry variety - she was quickly worn out! (Here she is above catching a dog nap on New Years Eve - and this was before the festivities even began!)

But I must say, it's always so nice to come home and see my garden again...we have had some really hot weather, but this week there will be quite a few showers - very tropical, really - there's nothing quite like strolling through the garden - I especially love walking beneath the trees when they are moist from the rain...magical.

There's something about this time of the year that inspires me and makes me enthusiastic for the year ahead...I hope to continue creating my art and hopefully posting here regularly. I have not made any new year resolutions, but hope to continue on my journey of self-discovery and just being the best me I can possibly be..and remembering to keep living in the moment - being mindful, and oh so thankful for all that I have.

I look forward to visiting you all over the next week or so to see what you have been up to...I have missed you x

Happy New Year and Welcome to the Funhouse

2010-12-26T04:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year my lovely friends! I am still away, but look forward to visiting you all in the next month or so xxx

This post is dedicated to Patricia over at http://papillonbleuuk.blogspot.com/ She loves all things circus and carnival....Happy Birthday dear Patricia - I hope your day is filled to the brim with magic and laughter. Do pop over and say hi! I'm a little early - her birthday is on the 3rd, but I am away at the beach, and this was the only time I was able to get onto the computer!

Merry Christmas Y'all

2010-12-25T05:19:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas from my crazy home to yours...I am full of turkey and pudding and red wine...I hope you all had a wonderful day - see you all really soon xxx

Do you like this parsnip grown in dad's vege patch? He was yummy indeed with some oil and maple syrup! Hope you all had a wonderful day xxx

Home for Christmas

2010-12-19T13:31:00.001-08:00

I'm back home after my little birthday holiday...we took off to the beach house for a while and I had a lovely birthday because I had suprise visitors come to help celebrate with me. Mum and dad and my sister and her husband and my niece. They took me out for lunch and then prepared a birthday dinner at the house. We had a little fire outside and sipped champagne, then everyone stayed the night.

It's always lovely to come home again though, because I still have much to do before Christmas Day - I am cooking a traditional lunch for my family, and then my in-laws are joining us Christmas night for dinner...it's always a very big day.

I tend to feel quite overwhelmed at this time of year, so I always ensure that I take the time to slow down and reflect upon what Christmas means to me. I get such simple joy from being at home, listening to carols, watching Christmas movies and cooking shows (love those!) and enjoying all my decorations with my family around me.

Yesterday, I went through some old photos, and decided I would scatter some amongst my holiday decor - memories to make me smile. These are just some of my favourites. The one of me was taken just after my 16th birthday at mum and dad's. Yes, I still had a stocking on Christmas morning, a tradition my girls still enjoy.

This one of the girls is taken at their nana and pop's - I love this photo! The stocking Georgia is holding is hand-made by mum and is embellished with lots of tokens from our childhood - badges and pieces of broken jewellery, so it is very special. I remember that my parent's had mistletoe hanging in their entrance, and every one that came to our home was greeted with a kiss under the mistletoe...

I would like to thank each and every one of you for all of your lovely words throughout the year. It has been such a pleasure getting to 'know' you all...I am feeling some big changes coming to my world in the next year, and am unsure where they may take me. So, with that, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and will bid you farewell for a while. I may pop in now and again over the next month or two, but intend to try to enjoy some old-fashioned time with family and friends without computers and mobile phones...hmmm, wonder how that will go? Be safe, and remember to enjoy the little things because someday you will realise they were the big things xxx