101 things about me

Wednesday 29 April 2009

the getting of wisdom...

If I was wise, I would...

smile often
exercise daily
grow an edible garden
sleep well
say 'I love you' more often to those I love
be awake to the world around me
ignore negativity
embrace
slow down
remember to say thank you and you're welcome
defend what is right
eat good fresh food
smile often

Wednesday 22 April 2009

The rainbow connection...

“We think too small, like the frog at the bottom of the well.
He thinks the sky is only as big as the top of the well.
If he surfaced, he would have an entirely different view.”

Mao Tse-Tung

Hope you are having a lovely week and your view is broad and full of sunshine.

This is my latest creation.
It's a gift for a very special friend.
I hope she likes him.

Friday 17 April 2009

Getting friendly with a 47 year old Singer...

Thanks to the help of a very good (and patient) friend of mine, and my Mum's 1961 singer sewing machine... I managed to make this bag on a Sunday a few weeks ago. As we worked away for the afternoon, we were accompanied by the sweet hum of the sewing machine which is 6 years my senior.

Not only was it quite easy, I love the result! Mum's sewing machine and I got along quite well - we are still on speaking terms. At this rate, I think we might become quite well acquainted! Good friends even.

Tuesday 14 April 2009

Dreaming of escape to a simpler life...

There are days, as the summer fades into autumn and I sit at my desk after a long week-end, that I dream of escape.

I don't want much really... a peaceful view of the water, sunshine on my shoulders, sand between my toes, a pile of books, a few pens, brushes and an empty notebook... and a caravan in which to make up a mug of hot chocolate in the cooler evenings and curl up each night.

This little beauty is an Airstream Bambi, and you can buy one here. At $51,000 it's a bit out of my price range (and I think that might even be US dollars), so I'll just have to keep dreaming.

Thursday 9 April 2009

Easter greetings... and a hot cross bunny or two...

The long weekend has just begun and I am at home tonight preparing to head down to the beach for the long weekend. The sun is shining and I hope it stays that way for the next four days. Long walks along the beach, sand between my toes, fresh air... and somewhere along the way, hopefully a hot cross bun or two and maybe a chockie egg or four...

Wishing you all a peaceful and relaxing Easter.
Stay safe and enjoy!

Wednesday 8 April 2009

An apple a day...

Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.

NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE

Tuesday 7 April 2009

6/6... come tag along if you like...

I was recently tagged by the lovely Lilli Boo. It's a 6/6 game...Where you chose the 6th photo in your 6th folder and write about it!

The 6th image in my 6th folder is this curious cow in BellingenI took this picture is Belingen in January 2007. I had been attending Camp Creative doing a one week writing course, and was on my way out of town homeward bound.

I stopped at a local gallery on the outskirts of town and was watched as I got out of my car by this curious cow. I managed to capture the moment on my camera, and not a moment too soon as the cow soon decided there were more interesting things to observe other than me.

For the curious... Camp Creative is a yearly event that fills Bellingen to bursting point. Over 1000 participants descend on the small NSW town and it buzzes for the entire week. I stayed at the local YHA which was pretty basic, but welcoming and relaxed.

Courses run for one week and range from creative writing, painting, cooking and mosaic through to circus skills and learning to play a clarinet in a week! It caters for all ages - there are lots of kids and heaps of oldies... and many in between. I had a great time and if you are interested, it's definitely worth a look.

Bryce Courtenay, David Helfgott (Subject of the movie SHINE) & David's wife Gillian are Patrons. David performed on 2 occasions the year I was there. There is also entertainment throughout the town most nights and a pretty funky market on Saturday mornings. No wonder the subject of my pic looked so peaceful!

Wednesday 1 April 2009

Beautiful Birthdays...

There are lots of birthdays happening around me right now and I would like to send my love and best wishes to all of my favourite Aries babes. They are all amazing people and are special to me and I just wanted to let them (and you) know why...

On the 28th of March, it was the 53rd birthday of a blogging friend of mine called Renee of Circling in my Head. I met Renee last year (online) during the time when my brother had cancer, and we have shared emails and visited each others blogs since. She is an incredible woman and her blog is a treat where she shares openly of her thoughts, her trials and her love for the life and lives around her. She is an inspiration and a lovely person to boot. I hope she doesn't mind I used this image from her site (I'll be checking to make sure)

Yesterday my cousin Jenni turned 40. I think it's come as a bit of a shock to her (I felt the same 18 months ago). Who would believe that we could be this old? Of course, being 'this old', she has a lot to show for her 40 years so far... a gorgeous family, lots of friends and a job that relies on her insight and an open mind and is both challenging and rewarding. She is adored by her children, her family and her friends. And me too.

Today is Angela's birthday. She is the creator of Miss Buttons and she is also the person who encouraged me to start blogging when I worked with her a few years ago. She continues to inspire me with her creativity, and her imaginative ideas are always a treat. Go wish her a happy birthday at Three Buttons!

And finally (for this week at least) it's my Mum's birthday too. Yes, this coming Monday my Mum turns 69. Incredible! When I was a child, people of 69 would have been considered 'oldies', but this generation is yet to step into their slippers and take a rest. My Mum is a regular golfer, has a wide group of friends, cooks a mean roast, still loves to body surf at the local beach, has travelled widely and is the best Mum in the world. What can I say? I love you Mum! Happy Birthday for Monday!

And so. To all my favourite Arian's... Love and good wishes to you all. May your birthdays be celebrated in health and happiness and may you be surrounded by the people you love.