Amethyst Grove

New Home

2009-06-27T17:41:00.001+10:00

To anyone who still visits, I have a new home and a new name, along with some new motivation.

Come visit me at Seaside Magic and join in the new adventure - I'd love to see you!

I Wonder

2009-04-30T06:03:00.002+10:00

Here's a question.

Is it possible for an ordinary person like you or I (well we are all extraordinary...) to change ourselves. To invent a whole new life?

Almost like Madonna, or Britney. But without the resources. And in a more in-depth way, not just a physical transformation, but an emotional one. A new life, one that has been given a lot of thought and most likely a super-human amount of effort too.

Does it require massive changes? Such as moving to a different state or even country? Or can you do it at home? Will your friends and family accept it, or will they insist you stay in your pigeon hole, because that is where they are comfortable to have you.

And are all these thoughts because, once again I am bored with my life? Lol...

Freedom

2009-04-28T05:32:00.005+10:00

I find it interesting that one small occurance in a person's life can sometimes have a profound effect on the rest of their life, on their actions, on their thoughts.

That something tiny can be the thing that sets you free, within yourself.

It is an incredible thing, to feel free, and not something that everyone experiences within their lifetime. It is a state of mind, rather than a physical thing. It's a feeling of relief, of a weight being lifted. It's light as a feather...
It's a feeling that you can do anything you want, be anyone you want and the whole world is laid out in front of you just for your pleasure.

What to do first...

Do what it is you want to do.

Do what it is you want to do.

Do what it is you want to do.

Get out and experience the things you have always wanted to try - you may not enjoy them as much as you thought, but you have done them, and that knowledge alone is uplifting.

Be free.

Thought for Today...

2009-04-21T06:06:00.000+10:00

Life is good!

2009-04-13T19:52:00.002+10:00

Do you subscribe to the view that love is a romantic proposition, full of hearts and flowers, or do you believe (as I am starting to) that in the end, falling in love is another deal we make.

Let's face it, we all have things we want out of a relationship - and if a potential partner doesn't have the qualities we feel are most important to us, we cut our losses and move on, right?

Have you been, or are you , in a relationship where you aren't getting the things you want and need from your partner? Are you trading lack of emotional intimacy for money or prestige?

I have been reading that we are happier in relationships where we are pretty similar to our partner - where one is not superior in any way to the other...
And after some thought I would have to agree - we are probably better off being with someone reasonably similar to ourselves...to a degree.

I'm not sure I think that money has so much to do with it, as values, morals and goals in life.
I know that when (or if) I enter into another relationship, I want to be with someone who doesn't think I'm too crazy for having the dreams I do, for wanting to live the life I do, and who supports me in being the person that I am.

To do that he would have to be aligned with me on some level yes?

And I would like to be all that to him as well, and to feel that I can morally do that, without feeling out of alignment with myself.

Any thoughts?

Helloooo

2009-03-25T05:59:00.001+10:00

Not sure if anyone is still reading, but Miss*Gabbie has started a blog of her own...

You can go say hi here http://missgabbie.blogspot.com/

2009-03-24T05:55:00.002+10:00

Gosh, where does the time go??

Can you believe March is over halfway through already...I don't feel like I've drawn breath since Christmas!

My days are a blur of work, netball and occasionally sleep (sometimes not as much as I'd like!), with other "must-dos" thrown in as well.

I worked out my next free minute is after work on April 2nd! Lol.

Ah well, that's life I guess, especially when you have active teenagers. And it sure beats sitting around doing nothing all the time - although truthfully, I wouldn't mind a day of that right now! :)

Am about to get my first aid certificate in a few days - have to do 7 hours or so of online study, so that will be crammed into the next 4 nights.

Other than that, friends, there is nothing too exciting going on in my life right now...
No man, no crafting, no baking (I haven't baked in a year!). I need to take more time for me I think!

2009-03-15T06:08:00.000+10:00

I am Facebooking and Twittering all over the place!

Loving Life

2009-03-06T05:54:00.003+10:00

It's started people....

Netball that is :)

Time to think? No

Time to sew? No

Time to cook? No

Time to exercise? No

It's not all bad though, both the girls have great teams and awesome coaches, and have a good chance of doing really well this year.

The little Under 13's team I am coaching have some amazing potential and I hope to bring home at least one State trophy this season :)

So although it's all about netball, it's netball I'm getting excited about this year!

PS: Weren't the girls so cute? That photo was taken nearly 13 years ago!

Reading

2009-03-01T07:35:00.003+10:00

I went to Borders yesterday. Caught the train into the city and sat on the floor reading for a couple of hours...

Love it!

Today the girls and I are off to the beach. It is officially the first day of Autumn, but as far as I'm concerned there is plenty of Summer left to enjoy!

Thoughts

2009-02-21T06:07:00.002+10:00

I have been reading and thinking lately about the Law of Attraction - for those unaware of it, it's what "The Secret" is based on.

It's funny how when you really start focusing on positive things, not only does life become a little easier and happier, but you really start to listen and take note how others think and speak...

I have noticed that some people are very rigid and judgemental of anything they wouldn't do themselves, some are constantly talking about how bad things are, others are whining about their lives constantly, and others are being victims.

Now, I'm not perfect (by any means!), but I'm grateful for what I have, I try and remember to take responsibility for my life, and yes, when things get rough, it's hard not to get into that "poor me" mindset.

But at the end of the day, positivity attracts more positivity into your life.

The mind doesn't realise that those big dreams of yours aren't real, so go ahead and daydream that you are successful, happy, and driving around in a convertible (if that's what you want).

Let it make you happy.

Be mindful of your thoughts and words for just one day and see if it doesn't make a difference...

Appreciation

2009-02-17T05:53:00.004+10:00

It has been a funny few days.
Amazing how things can go from bleak to wonderful in the space of a few words from a sensational friend.

I don't have loads of friends, but those I do have are people that I love dearly.
Whether I've known them for half a lifetime, or short year, whether I see them regularly or have never met them in person, I know that each one of them would be there for me in a heartbeat - as I would be for them.

So this is a post of appreciation for the beautiful people I call my friends...

A big shout out to Sue, Dianne, Linda, Nicole and Monique. Each of you ladies means the world to me, and if you need me, you only need to whisper and I promise to do whatever you need me to do.
x

2009-02-14T08:07:00.001+10:00

Happy Valentine's Day.

I love you all...

Weekend

2009-02-09T06:29:00.004+10:00

I love my weekends - they're the best thing about being back at work!

This weekend just gone, we went to the beach...I love the beach too!

We had to be down at the Coast by 8am on Sunday morning, as Miss*G had a fitness session. I draggd the Princess along and told her she could do it too, lol.

Before you are thinking I'm a horrible mother, I'll tell you that I was doing the fitness too ok?

We all ran the Burleigh hill, which although it had sounded awful, wasn't too bad - I'm not feeling it today, so that's a good thing.

That's Brooke, she survived just fine...so did the other girls - they all look ok anyway :)

After that we all had brekky - fresh fruit and bacon and eggs, yum! Then some of the girls went from a swim in Tallebudgera Creek...

That's Gabbie on the right...my kids just love the camera!

After that my girls and I headed a little bit South to Kirra beach, which is just beautiful. A girlfriend and her little boy joined us for the afternoon, and we had a fun and relaxing day.

We buried both the girls - Gabbie a bit more than Brooke. we tried to make her look like a mermaid, but she ended up looking more like a dugong...lol.

We arrived home at 6pm, tired but happy, and were all in bed by 9pm.

I love my weekends.

Hmmph!

2009-02-05T05:36:00.002+10:00

So now I'm back at work what happens?

NOTHING.

Yep, that's my life at the moment, nothing exciting happening at all, nothing to blog about, just everyday living.

You know, get up , get ready, drive to work, drive home, eat, sleep....

Any wonder I don't really enjoy it?

Life Gets Back to Normal...

2009-01-28T05:46:00.002+10:00

Well, my "holiday" is over. And about time too!

Yes, I am starting my new (full time) job today. It took me a while to find something, but the one I have is ideal for me, both now and when I move to the Coast. The job itself is nothing too exciting - admin and accounts in a small company - but the people are nice, and that counts for a lot in my book!

I've never been a career girl. I work because I have to. If I could stay home and be a housewife I would - however that just ain't possible right now! Lol.
So I work to make money to enjoy my life (and pay for my kids stuff!), not because I want to climb the corporate ladder. I'll leave that to those who are passionate about it.

We start netball training next week. Both the girls are playing again, and I am coaching the U13's rep team. So life will start to get hectic, and I will need to be organised, organised, organised! It's looking like 3 nights per week to start leading into 4 once the season starts, plus weekend carnivals. Anyone want my that part of my life?
I'm looking forward to next year - once we move, I'll go back to being a mum, and Miss*G will have her license (and hopefully her own car) so she can drive herself!

Long Weekend

2009-01-27T06:49:00.003+10:00

Actually it seemed to be a very long weekend! Long, but satisfying :)

On Saturday, Miss*G and I went to the shops as she needed to pick up a few bits and pieces for a thing she is doing - more details later in the week. And does she love to shop...but it didn't last all day, as I had promised a friend that we would help her move into her newly built house.

The house is absolutely gorgeous - this friend has beautiful taste, and it certainly shows in both the design and style of her new home.

Of course it was stinking hot on Saturday - I think there should be some sort of law about only moving in Winter! Even though the removalists did the bulk of the work, we still sweated a bit ourselves.

After all that, it was time to head to the airport to pick up The Princess...it seems like forever since she left, and she was very happy to be home!
We got home around 8.30 on Saturday night, after leaving the house at 8.30 in the morning...phew!

Sunday was a little quieter, although the girls decided a trip to our favourite bookstore - Borders of course - was in order. I could spend all day and way too much money in that store.

And Monday was Australia Day, and was spent at the beach. If I was any sort of organised person, I'd have photos, but I keep walking out the door without the camera.
You'll just have to take my word that it was a beautiful day, and loads of fun. I got a little colour - although I'm not convinced red really suits me!

So now it's Tuesday and back to reality...

A Little Late

2009-01-20T06:42:00.002+10:00

It's getting very quiet around here - the Princess has been in New Zealand since the 20th Dec, so it's just been me and Miss*G for the last few weeks.
Brooke comes home this weekend though, and I for one, am looking forward to seeing her! Harry Bear was supposed to come back with her for a visit, but that isn't happening now :( he is coming over at Easter instead.

So last weekend Miss*G and I went to the ballet. The Queensland Ballet put on a production of Don Quixote, and we both enjoyed it very much. Some of the performers were very young - probably no more than 10 or so, but they were all very talented!
I'm saving up to go and see the Paris Opera Ballet, who are performing in Brisbane in July. I can't wait!

Other than that, it's been pretty quiet around here...

Ohhhhh...

2009-01-13T12:34:00.003+10:00

I am SORE today.

No, not from the hike on the weekend either.

You see, I have gotten into the habit of rolling out of bed at 5.30am and heading straight to the gym for a good start to the day.
Yesterday, however, I woke and figured as I had done that hike the day before I could skip my routine, just for one day.

Well, the day just went from bad to worse - nothing horrible, but niggly little things.
At 2.30 I had enough and went to the gym! I took my ugh day out on my muscles and did a 4.5k run on the treadmill, a 4.5k stint on the exercise bike and then 45 minutes of weight training...

I felt so much better! Lol

Today though, I can feel every muscle I used. So I didn't go to the gym this morning either, but I'm talking myself into going this afternoon to stretch out my aching muscles.

Wish me luck!

2009 - A New Start

2009-01-11T18:21:00.010+10:00

Ok, I know how slack I've been in 2008, but I'm inspired all over again this year to re-blog!

Have had an epiphany or two over the last couple of months, and am feeling like a new woman :)

So here is my first post for the new year - by the way I hope everyone has an awesome year this year. We all deserve it!

So, let me tell you what I've been up to then...

I spent my Xmas down at the Gold Coast, and loved it so much we have made the decision to move down there at the end of this year. Unfortunately, due to commitments already made, we can't go any sooner.

While on holidays, I got my very first tattoo! Yes I did! It's chinese and means "accomplish everything without fear" and it's on my behind so I'm not showing you. And everytime I see it, it reminds me to live a life full of, well, life!

So yesterday, Miss G and I went to see a performance at the State Library of Queensland (what an amazing place - I could live there!) by a quirky 6 piece outfit from Melbourne called Croque Monsieur. They were fantastic and by the end had everyone up dancing to the rumba! Lol.
After that we went on the "Brisbane Eye", basically a giant bloody ferris wheel. Good Fun - as you can tell by the pics below...

Yep, lots of fun.

Today for something completely different, Mss G decided we should go hiking, so we piled ourselves into the car this morning and tootled up to Mt Tamborine - Cedar Creek Falls to be exact. Never been there before, but turns out it was only about 1.5km of walking track. We walked it anyway and took some pics for you :)

After that we headed up to Lamington National Park and had lunch (with the cheeky parrots who stole my lunch!), then embarked on a 10.6km hike - oh yes we did, and we are both feeling it now I can tell you! We saw 4 different waterfalls, and had to cross the river at 4 different spots - resulting in yucky wet shoes, ugh! We are sore and exhausted but we had an absolute blast!

We are now planning another hike in April, which is about 24km...we need training for that one lol.

Some of what we saw...

So that was the weekend :)

Oops

2008-11-29T06:46:00.002+10:00

Hello to the two people who still read this blog! lol
It has been pointed out to me that it has been nearly a month since I posted...sorry.

The reason for that is...nothing blog-worthy has been happening to me - unless you want this to be a blog about netball, netball and more netball! (I know it's not supposed to be netball season, but believe me, it never stops).

I'm still only working part-time, and have realised that I am completely disorganised when I'm not working full time...lol. It's that old "it'll still be there tomorrow" syndrome.

Haven't been on any dates - but am still chatting to the same guy I was last post - and yes we are both slack, but he works funny days and there is about an hour and a half drive between us. We will get together at some point! In the meantime, we have a very nice text relationship going :)

My teenage daughters are the loves of my life and the bane of my existence - I'm sure parents of teenagers everywhere will understand!

Have decided that it's ok to spend money on myself - even when it's tight. I like to look good, and that involves the occasional trip to the hairdresser, and getting my body hair ripped out by the roots...and as it's summer in 2 days, I am even going to treat myself to a fake tan! It's the only kind of tan I can get - lily white, that's me.

So there you have it - a summary of the last month in the life of Flossy.

See you in a month then!! :)

Dropping In

2008-10-29T06:44:00.003+10:00

Goodness, it's been a while - again!

Truly, there has not been too much happening in the land of Flossy lately...

I am working part-time (which is lovely) however, it means I am feeling a little like I'm on holiday! So I don't want to do the housework, or the washing or cooking...not good!

I will get my act together sometime before Monday and start afresh...I promise!

I am looking at some study too, which will keep me in line :) I am going to do my certificate 3 & 4 in fitness - something I have been wanting to do for what seems like an eternity... I'm waiting for the paperwork as we speak.

Finally, I have some sort of plan for my life! lol

Oh and I am still slowly losing weight - I can notice the difference in myself, but there is still a way to go yet. 21st December is when my "blitz" is officially finished...

Talk soon...

It's Working

2008-10-12T06:48:00.002+10:00

Haven't I been slack! Well, truly, there hsn't been a lot to tell you lately.

I'm still on "holiday" :) and enjoying it too - although I think I will pull my finger out and get stuck into really looking for a job this week, or I will run out of money and that wouldn't be fun!

My BodyBlitz is going reallly well! It was Week two measurements today, and so far I have lost 3 kilos and 3 cm off my waistline!!

I'm working my butt off though, and really watching what I eat, although it hasn't stopped me from eating out, just thinking more about my food choices.
I'm writing everything I eat in a food diary - it really makes a difference! Knowing I have to put it on paper makes me stop and think I tell you! lol

On top of that, I have been working out 6 days a week. I have a treadmill, and use that 3 - 4 days, as well as upper and lower body weights training and some aerobics and yoga thrown in for good measure.

I'm feeling better than I have in a long time :)

Done.

2008-09-30T21:26:00.002+10:00

Finally.
I finished up at my job today. It seems like an eternity since I decided to leave...in reality it's been 5 weeks. Five looooong weeks!

I feel free!

That won't last long however. I am trudging into the city tomorrow to see about some temp work until I find something close to home.

Work didn't want me to leave, however they simply couldn't match the salary I can get elsewhere - and I'll happily work for what they were paying - if I'm 2 minutes from home :)

To distract myself from all that boring stuff, I am currently trying to decide where to go for my Christmas holiday. It's only Miss*G and myself - Brooke is in NZ with Harry and her Dad...

We quite like the idea of a day at the beauty spa here in town (scrubbing, waxing, tanning etc) in preparation for a week at the Gold Coast. Miss*G is a beach freak - I can take it or leave it. I'm quite excited at the thought of running along the beach at sunrise however!

I have just "enrolled" in a 12 week BodyBlitz to motivate myself into getting rid of the flab - the goal is to be trim, taut 'n' terrific by Xmas! I'm even keeping a food diary - it's a good way to be accountable I have found :)
So basically, you sign up, give your measurements and take shameful photos of yourself and send them in.
Then you work your butt off - literally! In 12 weeks, you give your measurements and new pics - hopefully looking way better than the first lot! I think there is a prize, but I'm not doing it for that -just for me :)

I won't show you the cringe-making pics but if I'm successful I'll show you those photos! lol

The girls and I are having a "girly day out" in the city tomorrow. Should be fun - I'll tell you how it goes...

Emergency!

2008-09-17T06:10:00.003+10:00

I have learnt a valuable lesson...

Repeat after me: I will NOT try and save myself money by colouring my own hair (well at least not when going from darker to lighter).

Let me explain.

I get bored very easily, and instead of changinig my hairstyle, I change the colour quite frequently.

My most recent incarnation was auburn, and I had been that through most of winter, and needed a change - back to blonde I would go then...

What happened dear readers? A charming shade of orange. ORANGE!!

It's the worst possible colour for my skin tone (for anyone's I should think).

I spent a couple of hours at the hairdresser yesterday getting it fixed, and while I was there I got it all cut off too!

I went from this.....

To this...

Without the orange in between!

2008-09-11T06:02:00.002+10:00

You will be pleased to know that I am clean again! The very nice gas man delivered a bottle for me the same day, so I didn't get too whiffy!

Nothing too exciting to report at this time actually. Just work, work and more work...
I finish up at my current job on the 30th of Sept - a couple more weeks to go.
Then I have no idea what I am doing! lol Actually I will temp until I can figure out the meaning of (my) life. With a bit of luck that will give me some time to have a life, wouldn't that be nice?

Maybe even a few minutes here and there to get in front of the sewing machine, and to create a cosy little home...

I Need A Shower

2008-09-09T05:53:00.002+10:00

Whilst I do love having my hot water on gas, because there is always hot water, there are times when it becomes quite inconvenient.
Such as now, when I run out of gas, and have no hot water at all.

I only have provision for one gas bottle (how silly), so I run out of gas every three months or so. It probably won't be so bad in summer, but it's not so warm yet that I will have a cold shower.

I am one who likes my showers warm 90% of the time - it has to be close to boiling point outside before I'll have a cold shower!

So don't tell anyone, but today I'm going to be slightly unclean (I didn't do my workout, so no sweat!) and wearing lots of perfume!

And task number one on my list today? Call the gas man and beg him to deliver a bottle of gas for me!

The Weekend...

2008-08-30T08:21:00.003+10:00

I have my Friday nights back!
Since April, Fridays have been spent at the State Netball Centre, watching Gab's team play State League. Unfortunately, their season wasn't as successful this year as last, and they didn't make the finals. I am not complaining, because I have a tiny bit of my life back to call my own!
In 2 weeks, Saturdays will finish up as well - I'm so excited I can hardly stand it LOL

I might be able to do things that normal people do - like go out for lunch or dinner, go to the markets, and other fun stuff.

In other news, I am going to see a man about a job this afternoon. It's part-time and 2 minutes away at one of the local service (gas) stations. Not too taxing, but will allow me time to study when I leave my current job. Anyhow, we shall see how it goes.

Tomorrow afternoon, the girls from work are going to a Chocolate High Tea at the Stamford Plaza Hotel in the city. One of the girls is getting married in a month and we wanted to do something different - she is having a traditional hen's party in Sydney in a few weeks, as she is getting married down there.
I'm looking forward to a decadent afternoon!

Tonight I'm going for dinner at Mum's - free feed, yay! LOL

Tomorrow morning is Netball photos, so I have to rise early on Sunday morning and make myself look presentable - that could take some time!

So how is your weekend shaping up?

New Beginnings

2008-08-26T21:46:00.003+10:00

As if I haven't had enough changes over the past year or thereabouts, today I handed in my resignation at work...
I have 5 weeks before I finish up.

A lot of in-depth thought has gone into my decision. It comes down to several things. Probably the most pressing one is finances. I simply cannot afford to be travelling so far to work every day.

But more than that, I now have the opportunity for the first time in my life, to live MY life.
I'm no longer beholden to anyone - besides my kids, and lets face it, they have to put up with me.
There is no other person to make me think I should be doing something other than what makes me happy and fulfilled.
Truly, as long as I have a roof over my head, fresh food on the table and a creative outlet, then I can be satisfied.

I want to experience a life full of Charm and Grace, imbued with all of the senses. Taste, smell, touch, live.
I no longer need to be grey. I can be vintage red with hints of aqua blue! And polkadots.

Time for a new life...

Is Anyone Still Here?

2008-08-23T21:58:00.002+10:00

I am well aware how long it has been since I have even visited the wonderful wide web, and believe me, I'm happy to be back in touch...

An awful lot has happened in the last 10 (that long?) months!

I have a new life, as a single mumma to my two girls. Harry Bear has gone to live with his Dad in NZ. He is happy over there, and visits frequently, so really it's not too bad.

The girls and I have moved to a house in town (not the city!) and the Princess can walk to school.

Miss*G left school at the end of last year and is now doing a traineeship in business studies. She is doing very well at it and loves having her own money and independance.

The girls are still playing lots of netball - especially this year. It's now pretty much all over for the season bar the shouting, so I can breathe a little.

I am still working full time, commuting an hour each way to work. The fuel costs are a struggle, so I am looking for something close to home, that allows me some time to have a life!

I haven't sewn or made anything for over a year, and I'm frustrated with that. It has taken some adjusting, but I am hoping that now I am back in blogland it will motivate me a little more. Although exhaustion has a part to play too :)

I hope to visit all my friends over the next couple of weeks to say "hi!"
And get my camera out to take some pics too!!

Until then...

Holiday Cheer

2007-12-11T15:13:00.000+10:00

Hello my friends, it's me, the blogger who comes and goes at whim!

I do have a pretty good excuse this time - no time...

I now have two jobs, three kids, two netball teams, and a partner. I do seem to be missing my mind somewhere, so if you find it could you let me know? Thanks.

And on top of that, my modem got fried in a storm the other night, and the phone stopped working a week ago. I'd use the mobile, but we get no reception in the black hole where I live.

I'm managing to do some of my communicating at work (not a busy job!), and I can check my emails from here too, just in case anyone is desperate to get in touch with me!

If I don't get a chance to talk to you before Christmas, here's wishing you a bright and happy holiday with all the Christmas spirits you can drink!

Love flossy xx

2007-11-19T06:51:00.000+10:00

Happy Birthday Miss*G!

Sweet 16 today.

This Is Your Life...

2007-11-10T16:14:00.000+10:00

My friends, I fear I am turning into a dullard of the worst type!
Of all the things I could have been doing on an overcast Saturday (a luxurious bath, reading my new book), I spent almost the entire day cleaning and cataloguing my pantry!
Yes you did read that right.

What is worse is that I took photos and am blogging about it! I apologise, I am a bore, but the pantry looks lovely now. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately for you), I neglected to take photos of the "before" so you will have to take my word when I tell you that I found things in there I had forgotten existed!
I also discovered I hadn't checked the use by dates on my spices for a good couple of years...

So, I leave you now with said photos of my food store cupboard - If you look closely you might find some Strawberry Tim Tams on the top shelf, which will go perfectly with the cup of tea I am about to make.

Already?

2007-11-09T07:13:00.000+10:00

It happens every year (except for one, when I was so organised you just wouldn't believe it).

Christmas.

It just sneaks on up behind me and at the last minute screams boo! And gives me an awful fright.

I have not started any shopping, and I'm really not planning to do a lot - I will make some things for those close to me, but I should probably get started on that very soon.
I need a new tree and decorations too. I have been wanting a white tree desperately for a long time now. I think I shall make a concerted effort to find one over the next few weeks.

You know there are bloggers who are starting to think about decorating already? Oh, how I wish I was so organised (and excited to be honest). My Christmas decorating really just consists of the tree plopped in a corner somewhere with some tinsel and a few lights and hanging baubles. Actually, last year we didn't even have that!

Seems the older I get, the less interested I get. I feel sorry for my kids - there doesn't seem to be any Christmas Magic here at all...

Sunday in Pictures (and some words)

2007-11-04T15:54:00.000+10:00

As promised some photos for you of my (now second) favourite picnic spot.

The kids and I packed a lunch this morning and headed off to Darlington Park, about 40 minutes from home.

After all the storms and rain our area has been having lately, everything is delightfully green.

Unfortunately, when we arrived we found the flies were so bad as to make things really quite unpleasant. After taking some snaps, we jumped back in the car for a little scenic tour, taking photos as we went.

After some sightseeing, we took a different route and drove just about into New South Wales - literally. We drove down the Lions Road and found the most amazing place, but I'm not telling you the name - I don't want it to get too discovered!

The kids had a ball swimming and lolling about in the water as you can see.

We have decided to return next weekend, and we may even take up camping!

This is the Kerry Valley - beautiful and green.

How cute is this church?

Darlington Park with it's wonderful old fig trees (and thousands of flies!)

Technically this is the Albert River at Darlington, but it's more of a creek at this spot.

The kids under the fig tree.

Miss*G took this pic - how gorgeous are the colours?

This is Darlington School - one room and a stunning Jacaranda.

This is our new swimming spot.

Sisters!

This leads to a hidden spot you can see in the video.

See how clear the water is?

Weekend

2007-11-03T08:44:00.000+10:00

Now, what shall we do this weekend?

I for one, have to work tonight :( Oh well at least it won't interfere with the day!

Miss*G is maybe going on a date today. Being teenagers they still haven't organised themselves properly!
Harry Bear has a friend over and they are happily playing whatever games 10 year old boys play (I think it involves some sort of war-like theme).
The Princess has nothing planned - she is like a bear and would happily sleep all day if I let her. I'm guessing she will loll about watching movies.

I am doing laundry (I am ALWAYS doing laundry) because it is a hot, sunny day and ideal for drying sheets and the like.

Tomorrow, let's see...

Maybe a picnic - yes that sounds like a delightful idea! I will take the camera and show you the best picnic spot in SE Queensland!

Complete Luxury

2007-11-01T08:44:00.000+10:00

I'm so excited!

Next year, in 12 months time (oh how will I ever wait that long?) I'm going to Tahiti!!

Not just Tahiti, but Moorea and Bora Bora too. Actually, I'm going on a cruise for 10 nights around French Polynesia.

I am taking Miss*Gabbie for her birthday, and my best friend from NZ (and Miss*G's godmother) is coming too.

We will be sailing around on this ship.

I will leave you with some pictures to drool over...

Rain. Autumn. Bella.

2007-10-29T12:33:00.001+10:00

We have had rather a lot of rain overnight.
Lightning and thunder you would not care to know about (I spilt my cup of tea I got such a fright!). A house up the road burnt to the ground from being hit by a lightning strike.

The first pic is of the backyard by the vege patch - I think the tomatoes may have drowned!
The second is looking toward the neighbour on the other side of the yard. That rain is gushing down the hill.

I have also made a canvas to put on ebay, just to see if there is any interest.
Here name is Autumn and I think she is quite lovely and serene.
She has rose, crystals, ribbon and lace to adorn her and a little butterfly fluttering about.

"There is harmony in autumn
And a lustre in the sky
Which through the summer
is not heard or seen."

Percy Bysse Shelley

And finally, a picture of the family cat - Bella, doing what cats do best!

Have a great day!!

New Obsession

2007-10-26T12:50:00.000+10:00

After yesterday's crafting effort, I have fallen in love with this type of collage!
So today has been spent in much the same way.
I just adore the look of printing the pictures on transparency paper and having the background showing through - I think the trick is to keep the background fairly neutral and soft.

I recently purchased a CD off ebay - Luna Girl. She has the most beautiful images and after receiving the CD, I couldn't wait to use them!

Miss*Gabbie wanted to try her hand at a canvas too, and this is what we came up with...

"Precious"

This is Miss*G's effort and I think it's sublime!

"Dreaming" - this one's mine.

"Christmas Wish"

I wanted to use this girl in a Christmas theme - she is heartbreakingly beautiful.

I am now over the big dusky pink flowers! They were pretty much all I had, but I think they make a nice accent. Must buy more flowery things.

I think I had better go and clean off the dining table now...

Creating...

2007-10-25T14:10:00.001+10:00

Oh, that felt good!

I have been printing, cutting, pasting and embellishing to my little heart's content.

Last week was my niece's 18th birthday. (They grow up sooo fast). On Saturday she is having a get together at my sister's house and I wanted to give her something a little bit special.

I printed a photo of her take at my sister's wedding, where she was a most beautiful bridesmaid. The photo is printed on transperant paper, and pasted onto a painted canvas. I love the vintage feel it has, don't you?

(And I finally got the photo problem sorted as you may have guessed!)

2007-10-24T06:35:00.000+10:00

Goodness. Has it been a week already? Isn't it funny - I read blogs everyday, and yet I can't find too much to post about lately.
I guess I think my life is too mundane for the world to know about!
Example:

In the last week, I have gone to work at odd hours of the night, which has made it essential for me to sleep during the day. Only problem is, try as I might, I just can't sleep in the middle of the day. Result? A very tired and ever so slightly cranky Flossy.
Last night I did't have to work, so I was able to be normal and go to bed at a reasonable hour. Nice.

On the weekend, Miss*Gabbie had Phase 1 trials for the State U17 netball team. She did well. Usually she ties herself up in knots with nerves and does a terrible job! I think she has a good shot at making it through to Phase 2 trials which are in February. Hopefully she will receive a letter in the post this week. No letter, no success...
Keep your fingers and toes crossed!

And that is really all that has happened around here in the last week. Truly.
Of course it's my favourite day again - Laundry Day. Today I am looking forward to ironing all of my tea towels. (Go ahead and laugh - I get that all the time)
It's a lovely sunny day, just perfect for drying laundry.
I also need to start work on Miss*G's birthday surprise - less than a month and she will be able to get her Learner's Permit! Scary thought...

Still haven't sorted the photo problem, I will get around to it shortly, I'm sure!
Have a lovely day (or week)!

Appliance Wednesday

2007-10-17T06:58:00.000+10:00

All I seem to be posting about these days is what I have been spending my money on!
Today is no different...

The toaster died the other day - it was fine one minute and then just gave up, poor thing. I happened to really like my toaster. It was a old friend that had been around for about 7 years. Hand picked by me, for me. I took it as a personal affront when it decided it didn't want to be with me any more!

Anyway, yesterday I went toaster shopping (thrilling I know). I wanted something stylish and I wanted a kettle to match (as ours is leaking).
Now normally when I know what it is I want, I can never find it, but - oh joy!

Thank you Morphy Richards for the super cute kettle and the very stylish matching toaster

I am officially very happy with them although I really wanted red (actually pink would have been even better, but in Australia? Not a chance), but the store didn't have the jug in red :(

The other thing I came home with was an epilator. I haven't tried it yet, but it looks and soulds like it could be quite a painful way to remove hair! I will let you know when I summon the courage to try it out. Why buy it I hear you ask? Because it's pretty much turned into summer here and I am sooo over shaving my legs!

Today will be spent doing my favourite household chore - the laundry. No I am not being sarcastic.
I will wash, hang, fold and iron to my little heart's content today...

Talk soon.

Rain

2007-10-12T06:57:00.000+10:00

Aaah...

Glorious rain.

I awoke at 20 past midnight to a deluge, along with the sound and light show.
We have had 4 storms in as many days, but I am not complaining. The rain is simply heavenly, and I am thankful.

Miss Gabbie and myself went and hit the op shops at the Gold Coast on Wednesday. She starts work soon, and wanted some nice clothes.
She did very well for herself, spending approx $70, for which she came home with 6 shirts/tops, 2 skirts, 2 dresses and 2 pairs of sunglasses!

I spent $11 LOL
I picked up a gorgeous Crown Regal tureen in perfect condition (white with gold rim) and a beautiful lace curtain - absolutely huge! Once I get this little photo problem sorted, I am going to start ebaying again :)

Wishing you a delightful weekend...talk soon.

Monday

2007-10-08T07:14:00.000+10:00

I really object when all my plans "don't" come together.

I want to take photos and upload them to my lonesome little blog, but I need to reload the software and there is a CD stuck in my computer! How rude of these things to happen and inconvenience me.

Looks like I will have to unplug everything and haul the hard drive to my friends at the local computer shop to fix it for me...

On another note, my cat (kitten rather), Bella, is tearing around the house like a maniac making all sorts of rude noises at me. She is about 7 months old and a petite little thing with a bad attitude! Her name comes from the fact that she is the same colour as my favourite strawberry champagne. Oh if she were as sweet.
I'd post a photo of her but obviously that is not goingto be possible just yet!

How was your weekend?

I found some real life friends who like the same things as I do - that is exciting for me as most of the people I know think I have a screw loose (in the nicest possible way). We went treasure hunting together at the markets, and I had a ball. I haven't been rummaging for a very long time.

I found a gorgeous glass cake plate with a dome for only $5.00! I have been wanting one for an age and a half, so I was very excited.
I also got Miss*Gabbie some lovely clothes - 2 dresses, a jumper and a top - for only $15.00
Again you will have to wait for pics...

Must dash - the kids are back to school after 2 weeks holidays today (yay), and I had bestmake sure they are organised.

Talk soon...

Saturday

2007-10-06T06:09:00.000+10:00

Just a quick post before I go off to work today.

I have spent some time browsing the net (as you do) and getting very inspired indeed by all the amazingly talented people out there.
On that not, I have decided to make time to do more creative stuff. It seems like an age since I have made ANYTHING.

And I get really cranky when I don't create. And I am feeling it - that frustrated, nothing is right with the world feeling, that is the creative juices backing up and bursting to get out into the world!

Special snaps to Jennifer Paganelli of Sis Boom (Google it, I can't remember how to link and haven't got time to look it up) who is my idol. Her blog is full of eye candy - I love it!!

Talk soon...

Wednesday

2007-10-03T08:04:00.000+10:00

Well, I'm glad the weekend is over!

My sister got married on Saturday and it was a big weekend. They had the wedding at home, so I helped to decorate the gazebo and the tables for the reception.

The wedding was at 4pm and then we ate, drank and the band turned up, so we danced the rest of the night away.
I awoke on Sunday morning very sore and stiff!

We went out for a leisurely breakfast and I have to say that the rest of the day was spent very quietly. I will point out that I wasn't suffering from a hangover, as the champagne I was drinking was only half strength (much to my disappointment when I found out at the end of the night!!).

This week has been fairly quiet so far - the kids are on hols and we are broke - as is usually the case come school holidays. We seemed to have skipped Spring altogether and moved stright into Summer all of a sudden.

The exercise is going well. I am doing a 12 week "body blitz". There is a competition I can enter, but I think I will do it unofficially - I don't really want the whole world to see my"before" pics!

I am doing at least 45 minutes every day, and have some DVD's to follow now as well as the bike and rebounder. I am also being more careful about what I eat, and have stocked the house with fruit and nuts and veges. LOL.
I'm very motivated and it feels great! I haven't felt this passionate about anything for a long time. The thing that I am surprised about, is although I am (officially) fat, I am really quite fit - that has to be a good thing, right?

So I will keep on keeping on, and we'll talk soon.

Wednesday

2007-09-26T08:14:00.000+10:00

Let me see, what has happened since we last spoke?

Well, I am now the proud owner of an exercise bike, which I (and the girls too) are riding away into the sunset on :)
I find that "interval training" is the most effective way to go - that means riding like a madwoman for 12 seconds, then recovering for 8 seconds etc etc. It is a good cardio workout, and less time on the bike. We have set the downstairs room up as a gym, with the rebounder, skipping rope and aTV and DVD for those exercise programmes I am going to get!

In the meantime, I have got myself a job doing nightfill (stacking shelves) at the local supermarket - I am also waiting to hear about another job - it's a temp office job for 5 months. Hopefully I will get that one too and I can save some money to do some studying.

My plan is to eventually (haven't worked out timing yet) relocate to Tasmania.
I have had enough of the heat and drought here in Queensland, and all my research shows Tassie to be the kind of place I will really enjoy living in.
A slower lifestyle, less people, fantastic food!!

Talk soon...

Friday

2007-09-21T07:08:00.000+10:00

Goodness.

So very little has been happening here that it is hard to find something to blog about!

Now that netball season is over for a little while, life has become very peaceful. The girls and I are still adjusting to not having training to get to.

I am looking for a treadmill at the moment. My sister is getting married in a week and yesterday I went shopping for something to wear.

OMG! I didn't realise how much weight I had put on this past year.

Not having a full length mirror in the house, I truly had no idea. It was only when I tried a dress on that I got a real good look - and I did not like what I saw.

So instead of spending a small fortune on a piece of clothing, I am going to spend a bigger fortune on something more helpful to me.

Wish me luck.

Champions

2007-09-16T10:34:00.000+10:00

Yep, that's right, the girls won their Grand Final on Friday night!

The game was a bit of a nail biter, but they got there in the end and that is what counts.

Last night was the end of season dinner for all the rep teams and parents. All the presentations were made and then we danced the night away.

Today I have a very sore throat and very sore feet!

Miss*Gabbie, Miss*Brooklyn and myself snuck in through the door at 2am... and consequently slept half the day away!

Now that I'm up and about I had better get on and catch up with the laundry...

Muffins

2007-09-12T06:58:00.000+10:00

It has been a quiet week here so far. Nice.

I have finally put myself onto a healthy eating kick and even did a little (a very little) exercise.

You see, I quit the dreaded cigarettes over a year ago, but I took up eating instead, and the food of choice wasn't exactly good!

As you can well imagine, the combination of a slowed metabolism, lots of fatty food and no exercise didn't do me any favours...
I'm not sure how much weight I have put on as I refuse to have scales in the house, but I do know that I have gained about 2 dress sizes!

I don't look as bad as some that I have seen, but I just FEEL so yuk. So I have finally gotten motivated to do something about it. I hate feeling fat and lethargic, and I loathe looking at myself in the mirror at the moment.

My weaknesses are potato chips and bread, so I am on a mission to cut out the chips altogether, and minimise the bread intake.

More fruit! More veges! More moving!

Saturday

2007-09-08T07:29:00.000+10:00

This morning has dawned bright and clear for the local show that is on this weekend. After a very grey week, nature has come up with a spectaclar day for the kids to have some fun!

Miss*Gabbie and I turned home from netball very late last night - but the girls were victorious! Next week they are in the Grand Final.

My goodness they have had such a big year. To start with, every Friday night since April 17 we have driven 45 minutes to the State Netball Centre. They have played some hard games to get where they are, believe me!
On top of that, in June they went to State Age Championships (around 185 teams on average) - they went through their division (2) undefeated and took home the trophy.
At the end of July we travelled to Bundaberg - around 5 hours away - for Country Carnival. For the first time in 5 years, our girls made division 1 - a huge achievement. Unfortunately, they didn't place, but they played their hearts out that weekend!

This squad of 10 young girls from a little town outside of Brisbane, have made Netball Queensland sit up and take notice this year. All their hard work, blood, sweat and tears (literally!) has paid off.

I couldn't be prouder of all of them.

Thursday

2007-09-06T07:37:00.000+10:00

Well it's a grey old day here today - just the way I like it! A perfect day for baking I think.

I also have to run a couple of errands which unfortunately can't wait. Pity as it's a good day to stay in and putter. But my eldest daughter has run out of strapping tape and is playing a must win match tomorrow night (to make Grand Final), and if she rolls an ankle I will not be a popular Mum!

Her team is playing in a competition in Brisbane called State League - it's 2 levels down from the Firebirds, Pheonix and Swifts etc, so we are very proud of them for doing so well in their first year at this level. The worst they can do is 3rd. Well done girls!
And only 2 more weeks to go and I can have both my Friday nights and Saturday mornings to myself again! Yippee!!

Not a great deal more happening in this household at the moment, but I'd best get on with the chores.

Talk soon...

The Prodigal Returns...

2007-09-04T09:05:00.000+10:00

My goodness.
It feels a little strange to be back - in a good way.

I don't really expect that anyone will come to visit for a while, it has been 7 months since I have been here.

I won't play catch up, I'd rather start afresh with all things current, if that's ok with you...

But not right now. No, for now I will simply pop my head in the door to say hello, and let you know that I am looking forward to chatting with you soon.

There It Goes...

2007-02-13T21:37:00.000+10:00

My time and life, that is.

I am feeling a bit short-changed. It's only mid-February, and my life is not my own anymore.

Yep, you guessed it - netball.

Seems the season starts earlier and finishes later each year. Already this week (and it's only Tuesday) I have had two meetings. Tomorrow I start playing again, and Thursday is Brooklyn's training. As of next week she trains Tuesdays as well.

I am looking forward to Friday, when I can come straight home from work and relax, instead of running all over the countryside LOL.

Aaaah winter. Nothing quite like it - except it's still Summer where I live!!

2007-02-06T05:14:00.000+10:00

Is it ridiculous, do you suppose, to miss something as changeable as weather?

Living in the sub-tropics doesn't suit me in the slightest. I do not enjoy the heat, humidity, nor rain in summer.

Perhaps not all will understand, but I am yearning for seasons, not just hot and cold.

Give me a grey winter day with the rain drizzling anytime.
I don't believe I could ever be one of those afflicted with SAD. I love nothing better than dark days - when I can snuggle inside and potter around to my hearts content.
This sort of thing doesn't happen here. Our grey and rainy days (few and far between) are hot and steamy as well, and it just doesn't sit right with me!

I also desperately miss gardening.
It is such a struggle to grow things without water and with too much heat. Granted, I am a cottage garden kind of girl, and that is nigh on impossible to achieve in those conditions.

But I can't grow veges either - especially not now that we're not allowed to water our gardens...

So, to this end, I am still trying to convince my family it's time to move.
A temperate climate for me!

Drip...drip...drip...

2007-01-27T21:01:00.000+10:00

That's the sound of sweat.

It is soooooo hot!

So, I made more soap - laundry soap.
The scent is rather yummy. It's called "orchid" which is odd, because orchids don't have a scent.
I guess it smells they way they would if they could.

I am just hoping it is a nice, hard soap that's suitable for grating. I'll let you know in about 4 weeks or so...

I made some other stuff too

My delightful children(!) go back to school on Monday. Miss Brooklyn is going into her first year of high school, Harry is in Grade 5 and Miss Gabbie is in Grade 11.
I think they're over their holidays for now - 6 weeks is just too long.
We are all organised and just waiting now, to get into the swing of things...

Done

2007-01-22T23:32:00.000+10:00

I have another blog. It's very different to this one.

Come and play at FlossyLoves

Baking?

2007-01-22T05:59:00.000+10:00

Actually, no.

Making soap...

From top to bottom:

Vanilla and Lavender Goats Milk Soap

Green Tea and Chamomile Shampoo Bar

Chocolate, Strawberry and Coconut Cupcakes (still to be iced).

Yummmmm - good enough to eat! Although, truly, I wouldn't recommend it..

A New Direction

2007-01-20T14:15:00.000+10:00

I think I am going to change things a little around here.
Starting with the template - many thanks to Caz, she does beautiful work!
I am tinkering around with Amethyst Grove - the store. After letting it go, I am wanting to get it off the ground again. So this little space on the web is going to be dedicated to what is going on over there...
At the moment that is not a lot, but things are afoot! Here is where you will learn first what gorgeous things are coming up :)

I will probably start myself another website and/or blog to focus on other things fairly soon, and I promise I will let you know when it is up and running...

For now though, I can tell you that I am in the kitchen cooking up some rather scrumptious soaps - some almost edible! Along with a novel idea that hopefully people will love. Pictures will come soon enough...

I hope this finds everyone well and happy. I apologise for not getting over to see too many of you, but it really is a time thing. I would never get any sleep at all!
But I do think of you and send happy thoughts out into the world on a regular basis.

Talk soon...

And 5 Days Into It...

2007-01-05T21:09:00.000+10:00

How are y'all going with the resolutions?

Me? Well, I am trying to be thoughtful and mindful in the things I do - not an easy task really. We are pretty much a brainwashed mob, aren't we? Taught - even encouraged - to think only of what we want and bugger everyone else. I think that being aware magnifies the awfulness of everyday human behaviour. Sad, but true. To help soothe my feelings of discomfort with the world, I am reading a book called Everyday Grace by Marianne Williamson. It seems to help.

I have also started walking again in the mornings - something that fell quickly by the wayside when I started work. I have a sedentary job and have gone from an active lifestyle to sitting on my a** all day! Add Christmas, and boy have I gained some pounds - ugh. I gotta get me some more exercise and how!

Over the Xmas break, I completely decluttered the cottage, something I have been trying to do for a long time. Next weekend we are having a big garage sale, so the next few days will be spent in preparation - cleaning, organising and pricing all the treasure.

So until next time...

The Eve of a Brand New Year.

2006-12-31T08:03:00.000+10:00

I love this time of year - the feeling that tomorrow I can start a new year with a clean slate and make of it what I will.

I thought about all sorts of resolutions and have decided on just one. One that means the most to me and pretty much covers everything.

In 2007, I am going to be more...mindful.

I will think before I do, speak and think.

Every little thing I say and do impacts on someone and / or something, and it ain't necessarily good, which is why I resolve to be mindful.
I love the word mindful. To me it conjures up images of thoughtfulness and care, and when I go, that is how I would like to be remembered.

Blessings for your New Year.

(I was going to do a rant about certain political events occuring around the world, but have decided I would rather focus on more peaceful subjects today - see? Mindful. )

That Bit Bteween Christmas and New Year's.

2006-12-30T07:38:00.000+10:00

We had a lovely Christmas around here. Busy, but enjoyable.
Boxing Day was used traditionally - ie: doing as little as possible and recovering from the excesses of the day before.

I am fortunate to have the in between time off work, I go back on the 2nd. Now that I know I have to make the most of these little breaks, I have been getting into the house like a madwoman. LOL

It's a perfect time to declutter, don't you think? After getting new stuff at Xmas and making a clean start to the New Year.
So that's what I have been doing.
We have taken one trailer load to the tip, and we are going to have a garage sale in two weeks.
So far I have done all the bedrooms, the sewing room and am half way through the kitchen. Just have the desk and the craft supplies cupboard to go (oh my goodness!!). Yog has done the shed - that alone took 3 days! LOL

I only have today and tomorrow left, because (weather permitting) we want to spend the day at the beach on Monday.

So I will catch up with you all next year!
I hope you have a positively scrumptious year ahead, filled with joyous blessings and a lot of love.

Talk soon...

Happy Feet...

2006-12-27T21:54:00.000+10:00

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and are now recovered and thinking of the bright and wonderful New Year ahead.
Have you decided yet what it is you will do to make (y)our world a happier, kinder place?

The children and I have just returned from the cinema where we saw the George Miller film "Happy Feet".
It's the story of Mumble, an Emperor penguin who doesn't fit in. Instead of singing, he is a dancing penguin.
It has all the requirements for a family movie - laughs, scary bits and the obligatory message - in this case an environmental one, although I think it was only there for the storyline. I don't think it was meant to be an environmental movie, as the ending was kind of ridiculous - if only it was that easy in the real world...

The kids enjoyed it, purely for it's entertainment value, but I'm only going to give it 5 out of 10 stars.
However, it showed a trailer of the next movie I want to see - "Miss Potter".
Can't wait for that one, starring Renee Zelleweger as Beatrix Potter, the girls want to see it too. Looks lovely.

In other news, I am enjoying my little Christmas break. For those of you who didn't know, I am now working full-time. I love it, but it has been a bit of a culture shock, getting used to not being home, and the lack of time - time I used to take for granted. I really make the most of the weekends now, whereas before I went to work, Saturday was just another day, as was Sunday.
I'm pretty lucky, I don't have to leave until after 7.30 in the mornings, but of course that means I don't get home until nearly 6pm.
Fortunately, the kids are on holidays and old enough to help out quite a bit. Miss Gabbie has been cooking up a storm - I'm not quite sure what I will do when school starts again! I guess it gives me a little time to ease into the mass organisation it requires. LOL

Well, I shall go and do a little blog-hopping now.
Talk soon...

Flossy's Back at Blogger!!

2006-12-24T09:43:00.000+10:00

Oh my goodness.

No I haven't fallen off the planet. I've just been busy doing life.

I apologise to everyone for my absence and seeming rudeness. However, I am back and rearing to go.

Over the next little while I am just going to see in what direction me and my blog want to go, so there may be some rambling going on (so what's new? lol).

In the meantime I want to wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday season.

Talk soon...

Better...

2006-10-22T22:46:00.000+10:00

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to those who left comments and emailed me - I do appreciate your prayers and support.
Nikki is doing really well considering - it was touch and go for a while, but she's a pretty tough cookie.
She is now awake and today was taken off her machines. They will start surgery to fix her face within the next day or so - broken cheekbones, shattered jaw and a nasty gash from chin to ear. As you can imagine she doesn't look too pretty right now, but she is alive.
The problem was not so much her injuries as the blood loss. She had to have a massive transfusion (the doc said all her blood, plus more) and the danger is, that stirs everything up.
She has metal rods in her leg, one arm encased to the shoulder in plaster and a few pins in her jaw so far...

Sorry for the gory details, but again, a huge thank you to you all - your prayers and kind thoughts definitely helped.

xx

2006-10-20T07:34:00.000+10:00

Dear blog friends, please pray for my step-daughter, Nikki, who is fighting for her life after being in an horrific car accident. She needs all your support and prayers, and so do we...

Is It Thursday Already?

2006-10-12T12:59:00.000+10:00

Well, it has been an interesting week thus far, some of the interest I could have lived without though!
Monday was fairly quiet. My girlfriend Kim, who I play netball with on Tuesdays, called to see if I wanted to look at investment properties with her after netball the next day. Being an extremely nosy type, of course I said yes!
We won our game and jumped in Kim's car ready for some house-hunting...going straight ahead through a green light, we were cut off by a @$%*()(^%$@# idiot turning right - from the left of us!!!! Poor Kim had no chance of not hitting him, fortunately we weren't going fast , so we weren't injured. But would you believe this moron then just drove straight off? I still can't believe that someone could cause an accident and drive away wothout stopping. Unfortunately, it all happened so fast we didn't get his number plate, and to be honest I wasn't expecting him to do a runner! *Insert a not very nice description here*

On a brighter note, I am making plans to do some travelling - not for a couple of years yet though. Let me explain...

Every year, when the Grade 12 kids finish school, it is tradition to celebrate with their friends at Schoolies Week usually on the Gold Coast. It is turning into something closer to a week of drunken revelry, drugs and sexual assault.
As Gabbie is going into Grade 11 next year, it is something to think about - and my thoughts are "no way!!"
So instead, I am taking her on a month-long trip to Europe. She wants to go to France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. (Save, save, save! Thank goodness I have 2 years.)
Any advice on the best way to go about a trip like this would be most gratefully received. At this stage I am thinking of renting a place in France as a base and heading out and about from there...

That has been my week so far - today I have stayed inside and been very quiet! I'm hoping for a nice, relaxing weekend...wish me luck LOL.

5 Weird Things Meme

2006-10-09T19:23:00.000+10:00

Having seen this on a heap of blogs (and quite possibly tagged I think!) I have decided to do this one...

Weird Thing #1
I am considered "weird" by all my friends - and immediate family too! Mainly because - well, I think they think I'm crazy;lala;doolally;bonkers.

Weird Thing #2
Despite being only thirty something, I like (in Miss Gabbie's words) "old-fogey music". Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller, Billie and Etta and Louis and even Dizzy. My very favourite piece of music in the whole, entire world is Pachelbel's Canon.
But Beyonce's voice can move me to tears too...

Weird Thing #3
I am addicted to magazines - Country Living (both British and American), Handmade, Organic Gardening, Romantic Homes, Green Earth, and the list goes on and on.
I would move to the States for the magazines alone!

Weird Thing #4
I desperately want to travel, but my fear of flying keeps me at home (for now). I was fine until I had kids...now I have all sorts of strange worries. I think it stems from the nastiness of today's society.

Weird Thing #5
I read lots of blogs, but lately I have been to darn lazy to comment - my apologies :)
I'm going through an introspective phase, where I think alot, and talk very little. I hardly leave the house and am happy to be cloistered away from the world.
In a month, however, I could be the ultimate party animal!

Not tagging no one for this, because I think most everyone's done it already!

2006-10-07T22:15:00.000+10:00

*pouting*
For the second year running, we lost the grand final by one goal - ONE GOAL!!! This little vegemite is not a happy camper at the moment. I'm a wee bit competitive and don't like to lose. Everyone says it's meant to be fun playing sport - well I'm sorry, but for me, losing isn't fun!
Anyway, that means I play another year of netball - no retirement until I actually win this particular competition LOL

In other developments, the sewing room has been cleared out, in readiness for finally getting some walls! I have 10 large plastic containers full of "stuff" with nowhere to put them. The sewing machine will go into my bedroom I think - a bit cramped, but I can still sew if I want/need. Once the walls are sheeted, it turns into Miss Gabbie's new bedroom, so basically, I have lost my sewing room until downstairs is finished. And you may have noticed that around here, we don't like to rush these things! (Wall frames have been up for 14 months - that's terrible!)

Much as I love my Sweetie, he is very disorganised about getting things around here finished in any sort of order. Things get started and then we wait, and we wait...
We put in our shed around the same time as the walls in the house and today, he finished building the retaining wall around the shed! Yay!!!! Now I can get a garden happening to screen the shed from the road a little.

So it seems things are happening around here - must be the Spring weather huh?

Thursday

2006-10-05T06:54:00.000+10:00

Well, I have been enjoying the delightful Spring weather we have been having here in South East Queensland - my only complaint is I would dearly love a little more rain...
It would save me hauling the watering can to the vege garden four or five times every afternoon.

Yes, the garden is coming along quite nicely. The corn is starting to poke through, as are the sunflowers I tossed in for good measure. No sign of the carrots or broccoli yet... I also popped a fewstrawberry plants in, and they are looking marvellous.
On the seedling front, I have lots of lettuce, two types of tomatoes and cucumber growing madly in the trays - still waiting on the capsicum to show it's face.
This vege garden is kind of an interim measure until I get the permaculture up and running. In a couple of weeks I get my child support for the month and I am going to use it to buy the pipe and other things I need to make a portable chook (hen) tractor. Should I feel bad? No, the kids will get as much benefit and fun from having chooks as I will - and they love eggs!
Anyway, the chook tractor is apparently snake-proof (which is good, because I have seen a couple), and hopefully fox-proof. Although I can make sure of that.
Once it is finished I get to go and buy some chicks - I want 12 - and then they can get busy digging the garden beds for me :)

Last week I went for a drive to the only organic supermarket within a reasonable distance, and purchased a Bokashi Bucket What a great thing it is! I can now put ALL my kitchen scraps into it (including small amounts of meat and paper), without the hike down to the compost every evening. It doesn't smell at all, and I get to use it all in my garden in 3-4 weeks.

This Sunday, the kids and I are driving to the Gold Coast to go to the only dedicated organic markets around here. I'm looking forward to seeing what they offer. The kids are also desperate to go to the beach LOL

Still no soapmaking done around here, and the school holidays are nearly over LOL. It has been a quiet hols, and I don't know about the kids, but I've enjoyed them! No running around like a madwoman as is usually the case, just cruising through each day and enjoying what it brings...

I have a grand final to play in tonight for netball. Wish me luck - the family are coming to watch! LOL After this, I am down to one game a week instead of three, so that will free up a little time!! Although I am thinking about playing six-a-side soccer one night a week - we'll see.

Anyhow, that's all the news for now - stay safe and happy my friends xx

Wednesday

2006-09-27T08:32:00.000+10:00

I love Spring, don't you? It's all about renewal, a chance to start with a blank page if you will - almost like January 1st.
So I have finally gotten up off my backside and out into the garden. A load of topsoil needed to be delivered before I could even think about the vege garden, but it came yesterday, and after spreading and raking the garden is right to go! I have seeds of tomatoes (2 types), lettuce, capsicum and cucumber germinating in trays as we speak. The carrots, shallots, watermelon and sunflower seeds I have will, of course, go directly into the garden. I don't seem to have any corn, which is unusual. I will order some today (along with whatever else takes my fancy) and they should be here by the end of the week - only organic seeds in this garden!

My roses are starting to flower beautifully and after the rain we have had, the garden is looking as lush as I have ever seen it. I picked a big bunch of gerberas to put on the table yesterday. They are a beautiful pale orange and are so pretty...

School holidays have so far been uneventful. Today is the day we get into Gabbie's bedroom and clean and declutter and organise - a big job, but I have to get her out of bed first! Typical teenager :)

It's kind of difficult to get any soap made with the kids floating in and out of the kitchen all day long, but I will try and get at least one batch made in the next week!

On Blogging...

2006-09-21T06:50:00.000+10:00

It's funny, but since I had my blogging break, I feel I have nothing to write about anymore.

Things in my life are the same as they always were (nothing really ever changes), and yet it was the same before. Now it seems that I can't find the words to make everyday life interesting.
I guess I'm in a blogging funk - which is maybe why I took such an extended break!

I expect I'll snap out of it soon enough, but in the meantime, don't be concerned if I'm not around everyday. I'm sure you're all sick of hearing about my escapades in the laundry! I'll post when something other than housework rears it's head, or if I have some social comment to make ok?

The kids are on hols from tomorrow, for two weeks, so I may not be around much in the near future...

Much love xx

Friday

2006-09-15T06:58:00.000+10:00

Yay! It's raining again (thanks Tammy) not heavily but it's still wet stuff falling from the sky...

So what will Friday bring? I would love to stay home and recover from yesterday - I am feeling a bit sore from all that moving,and I played netball last night too - but there are things to do.

Harry starts playing futsal (indoor soccer) tonight and I need to go and get him some shin pads. The ball they use is smaller and harder (and heavier I think) than a normal soccer ball, and it hurts!
While I am at the shops, I want to have a look around for some storage bins and things. With an unfinished house you can never have too much temporary storage!

When I come home, I have some makings in the fridge of whipped soap to turn into cupcakes, so I really need to do something with that before one of the kids thinks it's a bowl of custard LOL. It wouldn't hurt them, but it's a bowl of fat - Ewww!

I have no kids home tonight, so Sweetie and I may go out for dinner, or just stay in and relax at home :)
Harry is going to his Dad's after futsal, Brooklyn is staying at a friend's place and Gabbie is going to the rodeo with a friend and then staying the night as well! And I have just remembered that football is on the telly tonight (semi-finals), so I bet we will be staying in! LOL

Need to go and clean up a little before I go anywhere - talk soon...

Thursday

2006-09-14T06:44:00.000+10:00

Good morning friends...
Well I have managed to get half my Mp3 player problem sorted out - the Sony one is working fine and dandy now.

Is it awfully mean of me to just give the iPod back to my ex and tell him "it doesn't work you may want to get a refund?"

Today I am helping a friend move house. Fortunately the new place is only 5 minutes from the old one, so it shouldn't be a hassle. Four of us girls are doing the smaller stuff and the men are doing the heavy furniture tonight. I could certainly use the exercise today! (Feeling a little like a blob at the moment)

Apart from that, things have been very unexciting around the cottage - quite ho-hum in fact. Maybe I need to spice things up a little around here so I have something to blog about! LOL

The rain seems to have cleared up for now, but it was certainly lovely while it was here...pray we get more to fill the dams, for what we did get wasn't nearly enough to break the drought and we are going into level 4 restrictions very soon. That means no more watering the garden - at all, not even with a bucket...

Talk soon xxx

MP3 Blues

2006-09-12T06:39:00.000+10:00

I need a tech head in my house...

Miss Brooklyn recently acquired (from her father) an iPod Nano, so on Sunday evening, being the good mummy I am, I sat down in front of the computer to install and get it up and running for her.
Unfortunately, she got what seems to be a dud - it will not do what it's supposed to do. After many phone calls to the support line (in India) culminating in me being extremely frustrated, I rang a real live Australian here in Brisbane. I have to take it into a service centre. Did you know Apple will not refund? I'm sure that isn't allowed...

So in the meantime, I thought I would buy her a Sony Mp3 - Gabbie has one and has had no problems with it. Once the iPod is fixed, I can have it.

So I duly returned home and tried to get it up and running. I cannot transfer any songs to the #^*%^ thing!! The software works fine for Gabbie's, but not for the new one - it's error messages all the way.

I am so disappointed and frustrated - I now have over $400 worth of Mp3 players sitting around pretty much useless at this point. Sigh.

I am not going to try and do any more with them, it only makes me angry and upset. Anyone have any ideas as to what I can do?

Rain

2006-09-10T13:57:00.000+10:00

Aaaah glorious rain...

Isn't it a delightful way to spend a rainy Sunday - tucked up inside, all cosy and comfy.

Keep raining, it's wonderful!!

Saturday

2006-09-09T20:09:00.000+10:00

Saturday morning dawned and the family was up bright and early.
It was Grand Final Day! Yes, it has finally arrived - the end of the netball season!!
Miss Gabbie was nervous and I was stressed, but a large cup of strong coffee on the way to the courts would have to be enough to tide me over...

At 9am the Bratz - Super Brat, Speedy Brat, Biggest Brat, Baby Brat, Space Brat, Peppy Brat and Sleepy Brat - take the court. Mini Brat (team manager) and Boss Brat (me) nervously paced the sidelines. This was it!

After not losing a game all season, I truly thought at one stage that they would lose today. It was a very close game and after 60 hard-fought minutes, the Bratz claimed victory by only 5 goals.

These seven girls are the nicest young ladies I could ever hope to meet, and it has been a privelege to coach and support them this year. Sadly, three of "my" girls are retiring from junior netball (too old now!), but I am hoping to keep the rest of the team together and add some more players for next season, and do it all over again!

So, to the Bratz...Thank you for a wonderful season. Congratulations on your victory - you well and truly earned it!

Friday

2006-09-08T06:31:00.000+10:00

Good Morning everyone! Do you like the new me? I have some tweaking to do yet, but I felt I needed a new look, and I think I quite like this one :)

Well, I spent all day yesterday fluffing about on the laptop, like I said. I have now got it all set up with my sewing machine so I can start embroidering again. Yay! I had to make a couple of phone calls to help desks here and there, but it's all done now and I'm itching to get creative with some monogramming and such :) I have towels to do for netball, and a couple of jackets as well - enough to keep me going for a day...

It was blowing a gale all day yesterday, and now it has turned decidedly cool. Spring was here, but it's retreated for a little while I think!

Much to do today, my friends - I will get this blog back to rights soon, I promise :)

I will let you know how the girls go tomorrow...wish them luck!

Rambles

2006-09-07T06:44:00.000+10:00

That's the thing about having a new computer - it's like a blank canvas. There is nothing there - no clutter...nothing.

This can pose a bit of a problem - some sites I want to visit are firmly ensconced on my favourites list on the OLD computer - and I have no idea of the URL.
Fortunately, I still have the old dinosaur, and will spend today puttering around and "decorating" the laptop with my must-have sites and programs.

Because today is windy, I will also do a few loads of laundry and try to catch up from the rain we have been having. Yes rain! Probably not enough, but welcome, nevertheless, in this corner of the world. Now that things have dried out, I have discovered a leak in the pipes at the road. It seems to be fairly substantial (underground) as there is a large puddle at the bottom of our hill. On the agenda this morning - ring the council and see how long it takes them to fix it given the current water shortages we are having.

I also need to make seven black headbands for my netball girls to wear in the Grand Final on Saturday - that should be a reasonably quick and simple job. Famous last words...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have a marvellous new (to me) way of getting exercise! A rebounder. You know, a mini-trampoline. What I like the most is it is no impact on my poor joints which are taking a hammering every time I play netball. I can jump on (haha!) for 30 minutes in the morning and do a gentle workout or get a bit more enthusiastic about it. All the information I have read points out that it is very good for lymphatic flow - which improves so many things.
I have put on weight in the last month or so, and I'm hoping this will help to tone me up and drop a couple of centimetres from my stomach, hips and thighs...
I will let you know.

Flossy's Back at Blogger!!

2006-09-06T10:13:00.000+10:00

Hi friends, I'm back!
Many aplologies for being gone so long, but I was in no great hurry to sort my internet problems out - I really enjoyed the break, and the house has never been cleaner! LOL

Anyways, I'm here now, and I have loads and loads of friends to catch up with, and parcels to post (because I am slack and technical stuff can destroy a LOT of things).

I hope you are all super duper well and happy. Things here have been fairly quiet, but I will endeavour to catch you up on what I have been doing...

Not terribly much really.
Lots and lots of laundry, as usual, and mucho housekeeping. I am playing netball three times a week, but I am putting on weight rapidly - hmmph! Never mind I have a plan for that...
The kids are all well, just going to school and stuff. I don't recall any great dramas over the past couple of months. Netball is grinding to a halt for them - grand final this weekend. Brooklyn's team didn't make it but Gabbie's did, so my fingernails will be gone by Saturday lunchtime!
Harry, well, he is Harry :) He is very good at being a boy.
Ummm. I have been thinking about getting a job, but so far haven't had much luck (any luck actually) which leads me to believe I should forget that idea and get stuck in to my own stuff. Of which I have done very little recently, mainly because I haven't been able to update the shop. Now I am back online of course, that is not an excuse anymore. So with that, my friends, I am going to go and do something!

I will be along to your blogs soon - it will be ever so lovely to see you all again :)

Much love to you xxx

Computer Problems

2006-07-23T22:38:00.000+10:00

Good grief! What a day!!
I toddled off to pick up my new computer today - a very cute and fancy laptop, with plenty of accessories, including a wireless router so I can sit in bed and blog! Well, that was the plan...
I am unsure what I have done to make it so mad at me, but once I tried to get everything set up, something went woefully wrong. Don't ask me what - I have no clue. I swear I followed the instructions faithfully!
The upshot of all this, is I am still using my old PC and have no satellite internet connection - oh my gosh how will I manage?!
I'm using dial-up to post this, but I just wanted to let you all know, I will be gone until next Tuesday, when my new modem for ADSL arrives and I get that set up. Dial-up is soooo s l o w...
so all I will be doing for the next week or so, is checking my emails.

I hope you all have a wonderful week, and I will have lots to tell you by the time I get back, I'm sure :)

Take care my friends...xxx

Going To Bed the Flossy Way

2006-07-20T06:46:00.000+10:00

I don't know about you, but my bed is my favourite place in the world. I love going to bed and snuggling under the covers, at any time of the day :) It's a comfort thing...

18 months ago, it was time to replace the old, worn-out sleeping arrangement. Fortunately, I knew exactly what I was looking for - finding it was another matter. I searched for weeks, and after thinking I may have to settle for something not-quite-right, I found it. The perfect bed.

White, distressed timber. Higher than the average bed. Rather Swedish farmhouse looking, but it was perfect!

On to the new mattress, that was easy - fairly firm, with pillowtop on both sides. With all the extra height from both bed and mattress, we just about need a ladder to climb into bed - makes me feel like a princess :)

Yesterday, I went shopping for new treats for my sleeping experience...so what follows is how I make my bed for a luscious sleep.

First, a mattress protector, followed by a wool and silk underlay, sprayed with lavender linen spray. On top of that are Egyptian cotton sheets (320 thread count) in "seafoam green" (about the colour of this post!) also sprayed with lavender. Next comes the Ralph Lauren quilt - all snuggly and pretty :)

On to the pillows. 2 sets of wool pillows, with the top ones covered in a wool protector - all misted with lavender, of course!

To finish, I fold a vintage, white Matelasse cover and place at the end of the bed, for when it gets a bit chilly at night, and maybe a couple of cushions to add interest.

To me, bedding is something you should NEVER scrimp on. Buy the best you can - it saves money in the long run, and makes for truly wonderful nights sleep. I will save money elsewhere, but I won't put polyester on my bed! A restful sleep sets you up for the rest of the day, and I deserve the luxury, quite frankly.
I love to go into bedding shops and browse, feeling the fabrics, drinking in the colours of sheets and covers. I touch all the cushions - it's such a tactile, sensuous experience. I can wander around for hours in a good linen shop!

Greens, blues and lavenders are great, restful colours for bedding. And I think more practical than white. Especially when there is a man in the bed, who may or may not appreciate the pristine linen that takes so much effort to achieve on laundry day LOL

Lamps and candles are another favourite for my bedroom - much nicer than harsh overhead lights, and they add a restful quality to the room.

Finally, don't forget the room spray - it's so lovely to drift off to sleep with a hint of lavender or French vanilla wafting around you...

I will post photos later today, after I have made the bed! LOL It's early in the morning here...

And What Are You Up To Today?

2006-07-18T06:41:00.000+10:00

Much excitement - I have found out (after emailing the company), that the delightful dinnerware I am so enamoured with is available here in Australia! So for any Aussie girls who feel they have to have it - go to Myer LOL Failing that they will ship overseas, but I expect the postage would be rather hefty.

A busy day for me today...starting with netball this morning and then some shopping.
Miss Brooklyn is leaving for Grade 7 camp on Thursday. They are off to Canberra, Sydney and then the snow! She's very excited, as you can imagine. Of course, coming from the Sunshine State, we aren't very prepared for cold and snowy climes, so it's off to the shops for some snuggly clothes and a few other essentials.
Then on to the supermarket for the weekly grocery shop - the dinner menu is written, but alas, the list is not.

The Sweetie is very impressed with our washing machine (and you thought I could go a week without a post about laundry? Ha!). Yesterday was spent with my favourite appliance - I lost count, but I did a minimum of eight loads of laundry and our sullage tank (where the grey water goes) wasn't anywhere near full! Sweetie says everyone should have a machine like ours LOL. Of course they are giving government rebates if you buy a water saving machine now - I got mine for my birthday last year, and unfortunately I don't qualify for being forward-thinking!

Oh, and Miss Gabbie and team won their netball carnival on Sunday! Unfortunately, Gabbie came home with a knee the size of a melon, and now physiotherapy is in order. She has a week to get better before another major tournament for school, an then the biggest (and last - woohoo!) carnival of the year. They fly to Rockhampton on July 28. I think then she is announcing her "retirement".

Well, I think I have caught you up on all the happenings, so we'll talk soon...

And The Winner Is...

2006-07-17T12:55:00.000+10:00

Peggy!!

from
Hidden Haven Homestead

Yay Peggy, you are the winner of the 200th Post giveaway :)

I have lost your address, so could you email it to me, and a surprise will be winging it's way to you in no time.

Thank you to everyone who left such lovely comments - I wish I could send you ALL a gift - but I can't LOL...

Which Deadly Sin Does This Come Under?

2006-07-17T09:52:00.000+10:00

I am adoring, coveting, wanting The Most Gorgeous Tableware In The Known Universe from Rosanna Inc.

I am truly, madly and deeply in love and I want it all NOW!

A Milestone

2006-07-15T08:02:00.000+10:00

I never realised I talk so much! I only started blogging in January, and this, my friends, is post number 200!

So, to celebrate, I'm going to give away a little prize (surprise) to someone...

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post, and you will go into the draw for a gift from me :) So if you've never commented, now is the time to do so LOL.
Go ahead - introduce yourself. I swear, I don't bite - well, not hard anyway :)

I will do the draw on Monday lunchtime (Australian time), and let you all know who wins.

In the meantime, it hasn't rained as much as they promised, so I have to take the girls to netball this morning, and Miss Gabbie has a carnival tomorrow, so there won't be many crafty endeavours going on in the cottage for the next two days :(

However, come Monday, and I'm on a mission! LOL I will post my list later for you to peruse at your leisure...

Talk soon.

Pick-Pocket

2006-07-15T07:59:00.000+10:00

I wrote a letter to my love and on the way I dropped it

Someone must have picked it up and put it in their (apron) pocket.....

Ok, you win LOL. I will sew pockets on the aprons.

Pocket Poll

2006-07-14T15:00:00.000+10:00

Here's a poll for you, regarding the pocket on aprons issue :)

11.42am Friday

2006-07-14T11:45:00.000+10:00

After going back to bed for a bit this morning and getting an extra couple of hours of much-needed beauty sleep, I feel fine now :) I really should go to bed earlier at night I think...

I have the two youngest treasures home with me today, and they are quite ok - Harry Bear isn't as bad as I thought he would be after last night.

So far today, I have done n o t h i n g. I really need to get up off my behind and get moving, but it is a grey old day here today. One of those days just perfect for snuggling with a blanket and a book :)
I have a sore shoulder - either I slept on it funny or I overstretched a little at netball last night - either way, I don't know that I want to be hunched over the sewing machine today.

Here are a couple of "Flossy Aprons" I finished yesterday. I didn't put pockets on them for three reasons.
a) I never use the pockets on my aprons - may do a poll on this :)
b) They are such pretty fabrics they should be used for entertaining or impressing guests, although they will stand up to the rigours of housework.
c) I was ultimately too lazy and impatient to sew on the pockets! LOL

I have a few more ready to put the trim on, and then I may get a bit over-the-top and make some "Glamour" aprons. I love them because they are trimmed and embellished to within an inch of their lives! LOL One can never have too much frou-frou, I say...as long as they can stand the Flossy Washing Test. I can't abide by anything that needs special attention - like hand-washing or such rubbish. If I can't toss it into my washing machine, then it's likely going to be a white elephant, and sit in the bottom of the laundry basket until the end of time.

Well, I certainly have rambled on here haven't I? I will leave you in peace now, dear friends :)

PS: I ADORE Alexandra Stoddard, and I want to be her best friend!

6.25am Friday

2006-07-14T06:27:00.000+10:00

Miss Brooklyn is starting to feel a bit better - Harry Bear has the bug now.
I have woken up with a headache.
I think I'll just go back to bed...

Wow!!

2006-07-13T13:23:00.000+10:00

A very nice courier man came and gave me this today - my prize!

Lots and lots and lots of biscuits LOL - and check it out...a pink netball!! Just what I have always wanted (truly, ask my friends), I won't use it though as it's autographed :)

Thank you Paradise Foods - the girls will be thrilled with all this :) I will keep the coffee and plunger for myself though, the last thing those teenagers need is caffeine - they are hyped up enough as it is LOL.

You know, I was thinking just last night I needed a big basket I can use for picnics...

A New Blogging Friend...

2006-07-13T06:38:00.000+10:00

While doing a Google on "pink" the other day (LOL), I came across this little blog.

Miss Pink Ponsonby's Swell Soiree

Isn't that the best name? Anyway, you should go on over and say hi to her and her cat Mackie :)

*Warning* There is little cussing in her latest post, but it's not so bad - if you are offended by that sort of thing, then don't go!

By the way, I have changed things - as from now, those of you who come here and don't have a blog can now leave comments! Go on, I know you want to :)

That means people like Sue (are you getting my emails?), Leah, Caroline and anyone else who has been lurking LOL

2006-07-12T21:55:00.000+10:00

"So rescue yourself from these general themes and write about what your everyday life offers you; describe your sorrows and desires, the thoughts that pass through your mind and your belief in some kind of beauty - describe all these with heartfelt, silent, humble sincerity and, when you express yourself, use the Things around you, the images from your dreams, and the objects that you remember."

Rainer Maria Rilke from Letters to a Young Poet

This. This is what I want from my life; for my life. And for you too, my friends.

Ramblings

2006-07-12T06:14:00.000+10:00

It was back to school yesterday for my cherubs, however Miss Brooklyn has been afflicted with the flu, poor baby, so she stayed home. She isn't much better today, so another day home for her. She caught it off her father when she was there on the weekend, and she is running a temperature, has a headache and a cough. Not nice.

As a consequence, I didn't really get too much done - not as much as I had planned anyway. No matter, as I am slowly working my way through my to-do list and it's not going anywhere! LOL

I do need to get moving on making things though. On August 5th, I am having a party plan thingy for all my goodies that I make. Why I do this to myself is anybody's guess, but I work better to a deadline! So tis lots of sewing and soapmaking for me in the next few weeks!!

I went to the library yesterday. Am I the only one who goes there and only checks out craft books? LOL
I do read other types of books, but learning how to make new things is definitely my favourite way to pass any spare time I may get :)

Speaking of books, a couple of months ago, I bid on, and won a whole bunch of Alexandra Stoddard books on ebay. Thirteen of them. They were from the States, but I ended up only paying $2 - plus $20 postage. Still a huge bargain! Well, they finally arrived, and I am so excited and can't wait to start devouring them. One is even autographed.
So I shall have lots of new ways and ideas to make everything in my life as lovely as can be :) and that, in my mind, is always a good thing...

So what is on the agenda for today? Hmmm, a little laundry (of course), and then I think a little sewing of aprons - and possibly a couple of tote bags too - Flossy Totes LOL. And maybe a ruffled bag? We shall see how much I get done then.

Have a perfectly perfect day, talk soon...

Creating rituals for everyday Living

2006-07-10T21:19:00.000+10:00

In order to make life lovely, I believe you need rituals. I’m not talking about rituals for yearly events like Christmas and birthdays. Think rituals for the everyday things we do.

Like eating, sleeping and bathing. Even paying the bills and cleaning the house can be made into a lovely reminder that you are alive.

We spend an awful lot of time every single day doing things that are ordinary, even - dare I say it - mundane. Well, I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way.
In order to create simple little rituals to make our lives beautiful, we need to begin with order and organisation. It’s so much easier to do something when everything you need is on hand or easily found. I will go into that in more depth another time. For now, I want to give you some ideas on how to make those boring tasks something special.

Breakfast Time
Do you eat breakfast on the run, while you are rushing out the door to face another frantic day?
Stop. Take a deep breath - and slow down.

Starting your morning with a gentle breakfast ritual will make you feel good for the whole day. We are all busy in the mornings, but try setting your breakfast table the evening before, with a pretty cloth, a flower in a jar, bowls and cutlery. All that remains in the morning is to rise maybe a half hour earlier and ease your way into the day calmly and quietly.

It can be done, if you want to do it badly enough. Your family will love you for it, not to mention how good you will feel on your way out the door.

Showering and Bathing
It’s relatively easy to create a ritual when you are having a bath. Unfortunately, we don’t get the luxury of having the time to do that very often.

Why not create the same relaxing atmosphere when you have a shower. Again, it’s simply a matter of having everything on hand to make shower time a retreat.

Scented candles can still be placed around the bathroom - try lots of them so you can turn the harsh lights off and shower completely by candlelight. I don’t know about you, but I have washed my hair so many times, I really don’t need a glaring light to do it!

Have your exfoliating scrub in the shower and your favourite moisturiser for when you get out. Soft, fluffy towels are a must and something that shouldn’t be reserved for guests or a stay in a hotel. Little luxuries, everyday, make for a life worth savouring.

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More ideas for creating rituals to come soon…

Two Days Later...

2006-07-10T06:54:00.000+10:00

Hi friends, I would have caught up with you all yesterday, but I really wasn't feeling up to it :)

I had a lovely time on Saturday night, and drank a wee bit much Strawberry champagne, which left me feeling rather tired. I also may have had the teensiest headache to go with it! LOL

I was spoiled rotten with scrumptious gifts - lovely. Perhaps later today, I will get myself together enough to take pictures, but don't hold your breath :)

I love birthdays. To me they are a chance to start anew. That is how I've been feeling this past couple of days - it's never too late to become the person you want to be. That is what I'm doing for myself this year. I feel like I have spent a good many years just half living my life. Not any more! I'm in the best years of my life now, and I don't want to waste this precious time. There are things I want to do - nothing earth-shattering, more a lifestyle thing. So I'm promising myself that it's important enough to me, to actually DO it, instead of wishing and dreaming.

Time to make those dreams come true.

Birthday Girl

2006-07-08T08:40:00.000+10:00

It's my birthday today. I am thirty six years old. Tonight I am going out for dinner with 20 something of my closest friends and family :) I may or may not cause havoc LOL. If I do, well, it's MY birthday and I can do what I want - right? Tomorrow I may not be feeling very well...

Anyway, to celebrate, here are 10 things you might not know (or even want to know) about me LOL.

1. I have an IQ of around 135 or thereabouts - depending on what test you do :)
2. I don't like cooked vegetables.
3. I drink about 8 cups of tea a day.
4. I bite my fingernails.
5. I am absolutely terrified of spiders. And I mean terrified. But only of big, hairy ones.
6. I left school half-way through Form 5 (Grade 10), with no qualifications.
7. I don't wear white - I'm too much of a grot and within 5 minutes will have some dirty mark on myself.
8. It's automatic for me to imagine the worst possible scenario for any given situation (usually involves some disaster). Thank goodness my fears are groundless!
9. I'm a natural blonde and I have given up colouring my hair because I don't like the idea of all those chemicals being in such close proximity to my brain.
10. I'm a lazy and unmotivated blob 99% of the time - I have to force myself to do pretty much anything (except eat, I like to eat - and shop, I like that too).

So there you go, now you know things about me that I think I'd rather you didn't LOL.

Funky!

2006-07-07T16:43:00.000+10:00

This cute retro red polkadot laundry set is the latest addition to my store

I love it! Maybe I need one of these myself to help me overcome what I think is an obsession with all things laundry-related...

Oh My!

2006-07-07T12:21:00.000+10:00

Today, while tackling a laundry pile the size of K2, I realised I have a problem. A problem which is the cause of a laundry pile equivalent to the highest mountain in the world.

I am a pedantic launderess. I know that everyone sorts into piles of towel, whites, colours etc, but I have to take it one step further.

Not only do I do all of the above, I do a pink load, a blue load, a black load, a dark greens and blues load, and of course, whites...I read somewhere that you shouldn't wash teatowels with bath towels, so I took that on board in a flash! Light coloured towels, bright towels, pale towels. Tea towels and dish cloths get a load all their own in very hot water.

Then, of course, there are delicates, and other things that require a separate load.

*sigh* No wonder I am forever doing laundry and never quite caught up!

Ooh Ooh!!

2006-07-06T07:14:00.000+10:00

I'm very excited!

Yesterday afternoon, my mobile phone rang, and I was having a bit of a blonde moment and missed the call :(
Checking the number, I didn't recognise it, so decided not to call back - I wish I had!
Upon checking my messages later, there was a message from Catherine Cox - Goal Shooter on the Australian Netball team! Calling little old me! Why?
Well a while ago, I entered a competition that she is affiliated with and she was ringing to tell me I had won the weekly prize ($500 and a snack hamper) and am now in the draw for the major prize - $5000 and a coaching clinic (for my wonderful team) with her :))
Wow - I never win anything...
Keep your fingers and toes crossed for me, because I REALLY want to win this. The money will go to the netball club, but the clinic is what I would be jumping up and down about LOL

If you want to check out my "winning" story, go and check out these pages and click on winners stories. (Mine is week 8)

Woohoo!!!

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