Tuesday, July 23, 2013

every one brings something to the table...


I've been meaning to update with this post and after coming across Emily's post this morning, it was the kick I needed to get it done.  For the last few months, I've been finding it difficult to find time to post.  I'm a firm believer in making time for the things that are important and so after a lot of procrastination and consideration, I've come upon the real reason why I've not been making the effort.  It's difficult to continuously update without wondering whether there is any signficance to your posts and stories.

I revisited a few early posts to remind myself of the reasons behind why I started blogging in the first place.  This process, like a lot of other bloggers, was to document early motherhood and my children's life as our piece of history. It was also a sort of forum in which to unload dreams, ideas and excess thought that swirls around my brain. 

While doing some research for a paper, I came across a lovely quote by Anna Quindlen who presented this as part of a commencement speech in 1999:

“Every story has already been told. Once you've read Anna Karenina, Bleak House, The Sound and the Fury, To Kill a Mockingbird and A Wrinkle in Time, you understand that there is really no reason to ever write another novel. Except that each writer brings to the table, if she will let herself, something that no one else in the history of time has ever had."

There is no reason for anyone to read these udpates, it's ultimately for me to debrief in an almost 'therapeutic' way and possibilities in which connections can be made .  Every voice should have the opportunity to be heard no matter the simplicity, repetitious nature or audience.  Sharing thoughts is good for the soul even if it gets lost as it enters the aether.

What are you holding back because you think it has already been done?  Business opportunities?  Exciting dreams?  Blog posts...

Monday, June 24, 2013

still here...


So many unfinished posts...I hope to update you all soon.

Head over to: imogen eve, this brown wren, or crazy.mad.beautiful
for some truly beautiful inspiration.





 

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

you're growing up...

painting and posing...

Last night after saying prayers, you wrapped your little arm around my neck and said 'night night...'.

Yesterday, we were on our way out for a bike ride, I handed you your boots and you consciously picked them up put them closer to the wall where you could stand, hand on wall and balance yourself to put your little feet into the boots...

All rather insignificant moments but moments all the same. moments that tell me, you, my little girl, are growing up.



Tuesday, May 14, 2013

dust if you must...



dust if you must...*

dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better
to paint a picture or write a letter, 
bake a cake or plant a seed,
ponder the difference between want and need?

dust if you must, but there's not much time, 
with rivers to swim and mountains to climb, 
music to hear and books to read, 
friends to cherish and life to lead.

dust if you must, but the world's out there, 
with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair,
a flutter of snow, a shower of rain.
this day will not come around again.

dust if you must, but bear in mind, 
old age will come and it's not kind.
and when you go - and go you must - 
you, yourself, will make more dust.

-ANON-**

 


* I found this poem on the one small room page
**I can't seem to find the author - please let me know if you're aware of the author.
***Flower/bird fabric strip from http://www.pierrefrey.com

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

a belated 'call to the midwives'...

As it was 'International Midwives Day' on Sunday, May 5th, I wanted to share with you the most delightful, heartbreaking and emotional series that is 'Call the Midwife'.  Currently showing on the ABC, it is truly one of the most inspirational TV shows I have ever experienced.

It is a BBC period drama series starring Jessica Raine, Pam Ferris and the hilarious Miranda Hart.  The show was created by Heidi Thomas, based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth and set in east London in the 1950s.


If you haven't already, I encourage you to keep an eye out for this memorable show (current episodes available on abc iview).  Your heart strings will be pulled, warmed and given a thorough workout...




Monday, May 6, 2013

grateful 17/52*


Ashamedly, I show you this picture in the hope that I am not the only person that sits amongst this kind of filth while hurriedly finishing an essay.

Also, to be grateful that today, my assignment is complete and I would gladly invite you into my home (which no longer looks like a toddler has been roaming, discarding clothes as necessary, taking itself for walks in the pram all with limited parental supervision - ahem).

And yes, that is a nappy on the floor.
In that moment, I was that person...

*way behind in grateful posts so I'm skipping week's here and there...of course, I remain constantly grateful for one thing or another during those missing weeks!

Friday, April 12, 2013

grateful - 12*/52...



I am grateful for perspective...

 
 
*busyness contributing to my missing week's of grateful....
 
 

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

grateful - 10/52...

I'm insanely grateful for friends who find loved-up goods and think of me. Two, deliciously lovely ladies gifted me with these beauties so I could strut my stuff now that I'm a 'university girl'...




Thank you ladies for making my week a little brighter, my wardrobe a whole lot more fun and for providing my shoulder with some serious piz zazz*.


*Definition of piz zazz:  'An attractive combination of vitality and glamour' - how cool is that!
*I'm sure a few bloggers are doing this also.  Please feel free to join in!

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

grateful - 8,9/52...


Last week I started a bridging program at Uni, a pathway into a specific course I would like to do in 2014.  The entry process has reminded me of just how accessible education is in Australia.  We are typically free from cultural, religious and political barriers that get in the way of education for others around the world.  
Therefore, for this week and last, I'm sincerely grateful for the chance to learn, build knowledge, opinions and skills in an environment where a holistic approach to education is provided.  

Our first assignment was to write a personal reflection, I'm still considering whether I share this with you all....eek!


*I'm sure a few bloggers are doing this also.  Please feel free to join in!


Friday, March 1, 2013

a month of sundays...

FEBRUARY:

a sunny bbq at our place

dreaming of a new addition from one small room

playdough fun at the circus

an end of weekend wind down



Sunday is a special day for us. We reflect, serve, support and enjoy on this day. It's important...


Feel free to join me.


Tuesday, February 26, 2013

girly weekend #3...

For the last day of our girly weekend - an almost distant memory - we visited the Campberwell Markets.   An impressive community initiative. 

oh my...

Shoes for all of us, a sweater for me, camping cups including an original emu-skinned case (find!), a super* vintage suitcase and a beautiful present for a friend. All for a steal. There was plenty more to rustle through however, time did not permit.




Well thank you Melbourne, what a pleasure it's been wandering your streets and inner goodness.



*super vintage as in totally cool, not as in really REALLY vintage...

Sunday, February 24, 2013

grateful - 7/52...


This week I am grateful for the opportunity to come back to our humble house and perfect coastline and delight in the company and heartfelt conversation with dear friends...


*The last installment from our girly weekend to follow soon - #1 #2
*I'm sure a few bloggers are doing this also.  Please feel free to join in!

Saturday, February 23, 2013

girly weekend #2...


our little trip to the Collingwood Children's Farm...















Nora found it difficult to leave. 
What a beautiful way to spend a Saturday...or any day.


-  If you're wondering what the mysterious spot on Nora's nose is, she had a dive at childcare the day we came to Melbourne. Poor little sausage...
-  Total photo overload...

Friday, February 22, 2013

girly weekend #1...


Nora and I have come to Melbourne for a lovely weekend with my sister, Tracy. It's beautiful weather and luckily Tracy lives close to the essentials of Melbourne...

So far we've enjoyed delicious coffee at the lovely Cibi's - child friendly and great service; walked up and down Brunswick, bought some LongLissies, had a swing and have now returned home for a nap.






Some pictures of today's adventures and my sister's lovely home.  Tomorrow morning we're off to the Collingwood Children's Farm...

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

grateful - 6/52...

After a 5:30am start, two cups of cold coffee, copious tears and many irrational thoughts later, I was wondering what I had been thinking when I wrote this post and was finding it very difficult to have a grateful heart.

However, the day has improved with a trip to the seaside, some downtime (thank you afternoon nap) and a few too many pretzels.


I am grateful for the opportunity to be a mum and all that the title entails.


I am grateful that we live near the seaside.


I am oh so grateful that I can be a composed, pensive and caring woman one day and completely fail at it the next.









*I"m sure a few bloggers are doing this also.  Please feel free to join in!

Monday, February 11, 2013

the everyday calm...

Following the holidays and some lovely unpredictability, we're back into 'it'. Since then, I've been mulling over how to capture 'that holiday feeling' into the everyday week.  I realised its not necessarily the holiday I'm seeking, I quite enjoy my home and work routine, rather it's the feeling I get when everything feels calm and well....good. I feel a little more like the person I strive to be.

After a few more daydreaming minutes watching Nora roll around in the sand I'd come up with a condensed list of what gives me shrills on the inside...


- finding a beautiful jacket
- a lingering breakfast
- omitting the worry and enjoying my child/family
- walking through any market
- dining with an incredible group of people
- trying something new
- drinking tea out of a fancy teacup
- enjoying fresh and delicious food
(with no afterthought other than "ill be eating that again")
- making something beautiful
- listening to a song that curls me into a reverie
- when lunch with friends turns into dinner
- walking into a cafe or shop and thinking "they've got it!"
- growing something from scratch

Obviously finding and buying a beautiful jacket is not going to make it's way into my 'everyday' (sigh). However, taking time to drink tea out of a teapot and growing/sharing with family and friends are all things that can be somehow incorporated into our everyday.

Life is far from monotonous, wesometimes just forget to include the things that makes us quiver. laugh. wonder.

What makes you feel calm?  Do you bring those things into your everyday or save it for the holidays?


*and by 'we', I mean 'me'...

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

carry on summer...

Nora and I met up with a dear friend today for some coffee (to attach the drip) and a trip to the beach.

A constant fun-filled activity that we take advantage of at least two or three times a week. Time gets lost when we're hiding our toes in the sand, squealing and jumping waves.




There's nothing like hanging on to summer holidays...

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

a month of sundays...

JANUARY:

relaxing - oh the posture of the young...

my two little dickie bird peaches...

nostalgia at the park...


 
Sunday is a special day for us. We reflect, serve, support and enjoy on this day. It's important...


Feel free to join me.




Monday, February 4, 2013

grateful - 4,5/52...

Last week, I was so busy enjoying my family after our short separation that I forgot to do the grateful post - too busy being grateful I guess...(blurgh!)

So for this week and last, I am grateful for my little family and the non-stop (mostly) joy they bring to my life.  We've had the best reunion.



I am so blessed and forever thankful.


*I"m sure a few bloggers are doing this also.  Please feel free to join in!

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

gypsy eggs...

My sister and I had brunch last week during my 'incubation'*, at a lovely cafe in Willunga. My Eggs a la Flamenca were completely delicious!

Yummo...

I'm changing up my meal plans (again) and decided to find my own recipe for eggs a la flamenca. The recipe I used and adapted turned out to be called 'Gypsy Eggs' - how appropriate.

The final product...


RECIPE:  GYPSY EGGS (inspired by Delicious Magazine)

1 tbs olive oil
2 chorizo, thinly sliced
1 potato, thinly sliced and cut into 2 cm pcs
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
300 ml chicken stock
1 tsp smoked or sweet paprika
1/2 tsp chilli flakes
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
4 eggs
some chopped parsley OR basil leaves
ciabatta OR sourdough

Step 1:  Boil potatoes for 5-6 minutes until just tender. Meanwhile, heat the oil in an ovenproof frypan over medium heat.  Add the chorizo and cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until beginning to crisp.  Remove and drain on paper towel.

Step 2:  Add the boiled potato and and cook for 2 minutes. Remove and add to chorizo.  Add onion to the frypan and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes until softened.  Add the garlic, tomatoes, stock, paprika, chilli and fried chorizo and potatoes, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the mixture has thickened.  Season with salt and black pepper.  Add peas for final 2 minutes until just tender.

Step 3:  Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180 C.  Make four indents in the pan, then crack an egg into each indent.  Bake in the oven for 10 minutes or until the eggwhite has set but yolks are still soft.  Sprinkle with parsley or basil and serve immediately with bread.

(tomato mixture can be divided into separate baking dishes if preferred)

Enjoy...



* Incubation Explained

Saturday, January 19, 2013

project update #2...

I was hoping to get a few updates in prior to the final renovation week but it just hasn't happened that way.

So here we are...

1/3 Bathroom Renovation:

During the first week of January my lovely Father came and removed as much of the old bathroom as possible so we could get moving on the project.





It's amazing what you find when demolishing and I was hoping for something cool and vintage (Bah!) instead we got hundreds of dead snails. That's right, snails - it was disgusting...


Instead of making this project update last the duration of Abraham's existence, I'll split it up and do a sole bathroom reno update.


2/3 Veggie Garden:

Unfortunately, the plans we envisaged for our vegetable garden has not come to 'fruition' since we are most likely going to rent out our little beachy abode in the next couple of months.

I know, I know. We have a brand new bathroom - WHAT WERE WE THINKING???

However, we pulled an amazing amount of peaches, a handful of nectarines and our fist apricot off our trees this year!


Anyhoo, I hope to produce a more portable veggie garden for our future home(s). I'm going to Pinterest the heck out of transportable gardens and provide you with some wish-list-pics for the next update.


3/3 Creative Projects:

Some great projects, if I do say so myself, made over the festive season...

Felt Christmas Tree for Nora

Stocking's for Joel, Nora and I

and a cute, slightly fuzzy, bow-tie onesie for my future nephew


There it is...
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