“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ....Oscar Wilde

Tuesday 3 July 2012

What's on Your Workdesk ~ WOYWW 161

Morning wonderful WOYWWer's....well Wednesday's here again....
Oh yes and 'Happy 4th of July' to all my American readers!
Firstly I must apologise to everyone if I didn't get to visit you last week...I did try believe me.
And guess what?...today I'm going to take you outside...even though it's winter here, I thought I'd show you my outside workdesk (well temporary desk ~ normally used in summer for dining). 
I'll need to explain because just by looking at the photo you may be confused.....it's a hanging manger 
that was enjoyed thoughtout the whole of last summer and well into the autumn. 
But sadly it's had it's day...so I'm remodelling it as a winter basket.
As you can see the old plants have really gone leggy trying to catch any sunlight....(hey...maybe my legs might grow using that principle...nah...I thought not....bummer!)

I plan to repot and reuse some of the plants later but for now I'll put in hardy winter plants...
although hardy isn't really necessary. 
The lowest temperature we've had here in Melbourne this winter has been 3 degrees celcius overnight. 
So no frost so far ~ you watch now it will come and bite me for saying that!
So to keep my post short which is always our objective and to keep in Julia's good books....as they say
'Here's one I prepared earlier'
That way you see the finished product....and can you believe it...the sun appeared for the photo! 
It's still got a lot of growing to do and there is a trailing geramium in the bottom centre that hasn't quite got going yet...but I'm hopeful! ;D


If you'd like to see the process in a little more detail click here

But I couldn't leave WOYWW today without showing you a doodle that I finished during the week...
I love mushrooms so it was time I added them into the collection. I hope you like it?



If you've read all this post (thank you) or if you are confused or new to the term WOYWW? 
Then nip over to Julia's place at Stamping Ground where all will become clear. 
You'll have a great time and see some amazing art, creations and work desks throughout the world...but beware it can be addictive!
Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone....keep smiling: D

74 comments:

  1. it must be such a delight to have flowers in winter!!!
    Your mushrooms are beautiful!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yesterday whilst walking I noticed just how many flowers there are ...which is staggering considering it's winter. I'll make sure I take my camera with me and just snap them all to show everyone next time.
      Thanks for your early call...I've only just got the kettle on!
      Have a wonderful week xox

      Delete
  2. It's hard to believe you can have any beautiful flowers in the winter. You are sooo lucky. We just get mountains of snow. The mushrooms are awesome.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know we're lucky...although it is winter...it really isn't! If you see what I mean. :$
      It's just generally colder and wetter so all manageable...especially if you have thermals! LOL
      I'm not sure the photo of the mushrooms is showing them in their best light...it looks a little blurred to me, but there again it could be my eyes!
      I may tweek and repost it.
      Thanks for popping by and commenting...I love to have you visit!

      Delete
  3. Hi there. Nice to pop in and see your creative world this week. I won't stay long; don't want to give you my cold! Hope you have a good creative week though. Love the mushrooms.
    Neil # 33

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Neil...a summer cold..yuk!
      I won't keep you either, but thank you for popping by. I appreciate it, especially if you're feeling unwell :D
      Have lots of fun with WOYWW and hopefully you'll feel better soon.

      Delete
  4. winter is a lot different there then here. I tried winter hardy plants one year and the only thing that survived was a kale plant. Love the tangle! Mushrooms are awesome. Vickie #36

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree on mushrooms being awesome Vickie...I love they're shape, varieties, colour and best of all they're taste!
      I remember the UK winters and it's many trials. It was never a dull moment!
      Thanks for stopping to comment ~ enjoy WOYWW! Have fun ;D

      Delete
  5. Flowers in winter it's hard to get my head round that, Our plants in the uk are a little water logged with all this rain were having . Happy crafting jill #43

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is an amazing amount of blooms out at the moment in Melbourne, even though it's winter!
      We have had so much rain here after 10+ years of draught, but I don't think anything like what you guys have had in the UK.
      Thanks for stopping by Jill...have lots of fun with WOYWW :D

      Delete
    2. Tried to visit you Jill...but blogger won't play!
      Not sure why but I will keep trying...ho hum....

      Delete
  6. The mushrooms are great!have a great weektrace x 52

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Trace...I had a great relaxing time drawing them.
      Have a great WOYWW hope about! I plan to start my visiting soon :D

      Delete
  7. My garden is sadly lacking my attention at the moment, maybe I will tackle it some time soon...thanks for the inspiration...it is winter here too and I usually plant pansies for some colour, but there just don't seem to be enough hours in a day or days in a week at the moment!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know exactly what you mean by the lack of hours in the week Bella!
      I struggle and sometimes don't even get near everything I'd like to.
      I think you just have to do as much as you can. ;D
      The garden here is quite a size and I haven't spent any time in it over the last few weeks...but then winter's like that.
      The temperature has to be just right for me to venture out
      there...but I will.
      Thanks for popping by my place again...It's always great to have you visit!

      Delete
  8. Hi Neesie, first off I owe you an apology, I sat down the other day with a cup of tea to read your lovely long newsy post, got half way through and the phone went - distraction is my middle name - and I did not make it back. Sorry! but I am here today to say I love, love your mushrooms, they are absolutely gorgeous, but then how could they be other, when you did it. Happy WOYWW, Anne x #49

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll forgive you Anne ;D
      I'm happy to hear that my mushrooms haven't disappointed you. I have a particular soft spot for mushrooms ~ both artistically and culinary wise.
      Have lots of fun with WOYWW and I'll be over to visit you soon!

      Delete
  9. Gorgeous garden, and I love your mushrooms!! Don't worry about showing zentangling every week for me!! Have a good week. Helen, 12

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Helen,
      I just became conscious of the lack of colour on my WOYWW posts and thought it would make a nice change...I'm hoping Julia forgives me.
      I'll be back inside next week.
      Have a great time visiting everyone and I'll join you asap!
      Enjoy :D

      Delete
  10. WOOO fab garden space but LOVE your zentagling piece
    Frankie #16
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww thanks Frankie,
      I'm happy to hear you love my 'tangle!
      Thanks for popping by my place...I hope to start visiting everyone soon ~ Have fun :D

      Delete
  11. Lots of our native plants flower in the Winter don't they. Love thiose mushroon Zentangles!
    Judy #9

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When I walked Mufftypup this morning I suddenly realised I'd seen so many flower's along the way.
      I think I'm going to photpgraph them on Friday...I can't tomorrow because Muffy is going into a Residential Day Care Facility to have lots of attention! (As if she needs any more ;D)
      Thanks for stopping by Judy...I hope you're well but will pop over to your place soon to check!
      Happy WOYWW (wow number 9...see what happens when you walk your dog...you miss Mr Linky!

      Delete
  12. Any flowers are lovely, they all have a place. Love the mushrooms too. Just quickly popping by between hospital visits to see what you're all doing! Have fun on WOYWW. Karen T, 77 x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh good luck with the hospital visit Karen and thanks for taking time out to visit me.
      Have lots of fun checking out everyone's space! Enjoy ;D

      Delete
  13. wow. That drawing is pretty amazing. If that's winter, you are very lucky. No shovelling snow :)

    Have a great WOYWW

    Mary Anne (1)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow number 1....I'm in awe!
      Thanks for stopping to comment Mary Anne. I really appreciate it.
      Happy WOYWW ~ enjoy!

      Delete
  14. Nessie I love your mushroom doodle! How clever you are! Hmmm flowers are a sore subject for me at the mo, I just moved into my new house and all the gardens have been left unattended for years!! Yep YEARS!! So it is just one huge tumble down mess right now :o( You could always come and help!! lol xx Sian - One and Only Designs No87

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd love to come and help Sian really but to travel 12,000 miles...hmm...that's quite a way.
      It sounds like it's going to be quite a task...maybe just treat it as a creative assignment. Draft your ideas out on paper first considering all the functions that you want from your ideal garden space...then deligate! LOL
      There could be lots of hidden treasure underneath the mess? Sometimes old gardens have some wonderful plants hidden...plus sometimes it's good to wait a year to see what comes up! That way you can relax for a while and just settle in.
      Have fun visiting the WOYWWer's ~ Oh and good luck with the garden whenever you decide to tackle it!

      Delete
    2. Sorry Sian but I receive a delivery error when I try to post on your blog....I'm not sure why but I've tried it a few times with no success. :$

      Delete
  15. Great doodle. Really gorgeous. And how lovely to be able to work outside when the weather allows. I guess when you're a gardener the whole garden becomes your work desk. Cool.

    cheers, rachel #53

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think that's quite true Rachel...the garden is a big creative ongoing project, which always needs some attention in one form or another.
      The weather is not too bad although it's been rather wet, but I just wrapped up and ventured out to prune the roses.
      I have to admit it was rather refreshing to spend an hour or so out there.
      Happy WOYWW ~ have fun visiting everyone ;D

      Delete
  16. How lovely to see your outdoor workdesk, Nessie. It's been so wet here, mine has been sadly neglected.
    I had to smile at your finished winter basket, they are the plants I have in my Summer ones here!!!! Oh for your lovely temperatures!!! We have to have really hardy plants in ours and then they don't do much!!
    Thanks for sharing your space and Happy WOYWW
    Hugs Lisax #91

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How funny to hear that we are using the same plants!
      The temperature and light is something I will miss when I head back to the UK. Whenever that might be.
      I'm happy to have you visit Lisa and thanks for your comment.
      Have fun ~ Happy WOYWW!

      Delete
  17. Love your gorgeous mushrooms, but what's this about ONLY going down to 3 degs overnight. We went down to 5 degs overnight and I thought my face would drop off when I went out in the morning. Cold is double figures overnight, freezing is when it goes into singles figures. We are having the coldest winter in many years, it's starting to feel like Melbourne up here in Brisbane!! We are lucky that we have beautiful flowers in winter here in Aus. We had luch out on the back patio last sunday, I guess you can't do that in many places in mid winter. Have a great week.
    Von #32

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hehe...I know it's cold for Brisbane Von, but really until you've been through a UK or Canadian winter there's no comparison. Plus you still have flowers throughout!
      By the time spring comes around in the UK, you're desperate to see any flower...even the weeds ;D
      And that's why I'm here!!!
      Have fun ~ enjoy WOYWW

      Delete
  18. The garden photos are fab. And your doodling is magnificent. Hope you have a good week. Hazel WOYWW #20 x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Hazel...I'm glad you like them because I had fun.
      Happy WOYWW ~ enjoy!

      Delete
  19. Lovely basket and how lucky to be able to work outside - it's rained here for ever!
    Gorgeous zentangling as always.
    Thanks for sharing - Hugs, Neet #3 xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh we've had a fair share of the rain, but after 10+ years of drought I think everyone is thankful...well maybe not everyone.
      The reservoir is now 70% full. It was around 30% when we first arrived three years ago!
      I heard that the UK has had the worst May, June and July ~ ever!
      Thanks for visiting my place...Have fun with WOYWW!

      Delete
  20. Gorgeous basket - as Lisa says, they are our UK Summer plants :)

    Love the zentangle - clever you. Happy WOYWW, Di xx #5

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your lovely comments Di,
      It does seem a little crazy doesn't it, that the plants are the same.
      Have lots of fun with the WOYWW desk hop ~ enjoy!

      Delete
  21. What a lovely job you made of that manger, Bravo :D And what a lovely spot you have to work outdoors when it's warm enough ;)
    That mushroom doodle is just GoRgeOuS. I too love mushrooms, both for eating and viewing, they are so fascinating :)
    I hope this finds you enjoying a not too cool an evening :D

    ps-3degrees is great for Winter temps, we've been lucky to get above that lately and it's bloomin' 'Summer'! hehe

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm lovely and cosy with the fire toasting my toes! Thanks ;D

      Thanks also for your lovely comment...it's great to receive such positive feedback for my art. It's always a little nerve-wrecking putting your work out for people to appraise.

      I know the temperature is great and that's why I love being here.

      Delete
  22. The outside shots are wonderful. We are having lots of 100 degree days and I prefer to be inside when it is that hot. Being the 4th of july, I have a day off and hope to get some crafting done. Love the mushroom. I am going to have to start practicing my zentangle. Mine never look that good. #17

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy 4th of July Joynana, I hope you're having a fantastic time but not in 100 degrees. That's a little too toasty!
      As long as you enjoy 'tangling then that's all that matters.

      Enjoy WOYWW :D

      Delete
  23. i love your doodle i can not draw to save my life!
    TFS Happy WOYWW xx Charlie.xx #72

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Charlie,
      Well it's just doodling really...so you could have a go ;D
      It's really fun.
      Happy WOYWW ~ enjoy desk hopping and thanks for hopping to mine!

      Delete
  24. I love the new plants!! So vibrant!! And that doodle is amazing! You have outdone yourself with that one! that is a huge piece!!!
    Happy WOYWW!!
    xxDaniella#30

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww fanks Daniella...you say the nicest things ;D
      Thanks for popping by ~ Happy WOYWW to you too.
      Have fun desk hopping!

      Delete
  25. I know you are down the peninsula from me but I have had some really horrible frosts. Yes it has been b....y cold too, don't I know it working night shifts. LOL Love your manger. I like your mushrooms too but have to enjoy them from a distance I am really allergic to them. Thanks for sharing.

    Eliza #22

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oops that doesn't sound good Eliza...especially as you say on night shifts. I hope you've got your thermals on?!!?
      Thinking of you out and about at night has just reminded me...did you see the moon rising last night? It was huge! Obviously a full moon, but when it appeared low over the horizon all the cars in front of me slowed down and I'm sure it was because it was such an incredible sight!
      Anyway...I got sidetracked there...story of my life ;D
      I'm flattered that you like my mushrooms especially with being really allergic to them.
      Thanks for stopping by ~ hey the sun's just come out after this mornings fog! Whoohoo :D
      Enjoy WOYWW.

      Delete
  26. ( ok, I am going to admit something to you, please don't be hurt...but you don't have to answer me on here, it will be so busy trying to get to everybody on WOYWW that I won't have a chance to get back to see if you replied.) Now, you new plant looks heavenly, hope you don't get any frost that might damgae it, I am always moving plants in and out of safe keeping during frost inclined weather. waving hi from the hills of North Carolina with a hot dog in one hand and a flag in the other! :) #37

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nae probs Sandee...I don't expect everyone to return it's bad enough trying to visit everyone initially, without having to come back! Life's too short!
      The position of the manager is up close on a protected wall so if a frost did land I think it would be okay. Well fingers crossed anyway ;D
      I remember juggling plants when I lived in the UK...but it was necessary if you wanted to keep them alive.
      Thanks for popping by my place ~ Happy WOYWW :D

      Delete
  27. Replies
    1. Thanks Laura...I appreciate you comment ;D
      Have fun with WOYWW ~ enjoy!

      Delete
  28. Amazing zentangle mushrooms there - if we look hard enough perhaps the fairies will appear :)
    Hugs, LLJ #60 xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmm...so do you see fairies regularly LLJ??? ;D
      I have to confess I did think about them when drawing it but decided to add the little snail.
      Thanks for popping over to my place. I love to have visitors :D
      Enjoy WOYWW!

      Delete
  29. You realise that these flowers are our summer stock...geraniums, pansies are all year around, but reeally, geraniums in winter!! It 's absolutely lovely, and I like the theory for being leggy! Yep, loving the mushrooms Neesie, no surprise to me!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Julia...so I guess I'm not on detention for deviating from the normal desk...phewph!
      I know the fact that there are so many flowers out here in winter is still so surprising...but such a joy :D
      Thanks for your lovely comment ~ I really appreciate you popping by because I know how busy you are and that you actually manage to visit everyone. HOW? I have no idea, but that's why you're incredible and a wonder to all fellow WOYWWer's!

      Delete
  30. I love your mushrooms! I especially like the thin lines that are the underneath part of the caps -- that is just how they look in real life. Thanks for sharing and happy WOYWW! ~ Laura #112

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know Laura...sometimes the real and the imaginary mix. :$
      I get lost in the real and then flip to the whimsical and that's why I think my designs aren't strictly zentangles ~ more doodles!
      Whichever they are I enjoy drawing them and I'm pleased by everyone's reaction to them.
      Happy WOYWW to you too ~ have fun and thanks for visiting.

      Delete
  31. Nessie your such a talented lady! The picture of the mushrooms is amazing!

    Sarah x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh bless you Sarah,
      I'm glad you like them. Thanks for popping by my place and leaving such a lovely compliment :D

      Delete
  32. ...it's amazing to think that you still have so much colour during the winter, there will always be something to make you smile when you step out side...your Zentangles just get better & better, the mushrooms are simply stunning as were all the piccy's from your hols a coupla posts down, wowzers gorgeous or what Neesie...thank you for dropping by me, have a wonderful rest of week...Mel :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's always something to catch my eye on my walk but I really didn't think it through until recently that it's winter and normally you're starved of colour and can't wait for spring...not so here. :D
      Thanks for all your lovely compliments about my drawings and photos. I really appreciate it.
      Have a great Friday and wonderful weekend!

      Delete
  33. Loved the visit to the garden. Leggy or not, I do love growing green things! I just wish I wasn't allergic to so many of them. Pft! I hope you didn't jinx yourself by mentioning no frost!

    Your mushrooms are fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too! It's looking okay again for today and there's a chance we might see the sun ~ whoohoo!
      I don't know what I would do if I was allergic to plants because I'm always in the thick of them. Both my hubby and son are but my daughter escaped...could it be that the guys have just worked the system so that they don't have to help out in the garden ~ I wonder?
      Thanks for stopping by...Have a fantastic Friday and a great weekend. :D

      Delete
  34. Gorgeous doodle and gorgeous planter!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
      I really appreciate it.
      Have fun this weekend ;D

      Delete
  35. Wow Neesie - gorgeous zentangle mushrooms! You do awesome zentangle art work.

    Happy belated WOYWW,
    Shoshi #25

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well that's a fantastic compliment Shoshi...thank you so much.
      I've lost a little momentum this week with trying to get to know the Derwent Intense pencils but hopefully I'll get back to it!
      Have a wonderful weekend ~ enjoy ;D

      Delete
  36. Hi Neesie, if my doodles were anything like yours I'd be highly delighted with myself - the toadstools are stunning. I do believe you've started a craze for zentangle in WOYWW land - I've seen quite a few examples as I've been going through the links - and why not, it's lovely. Your hanging basket is going to be a picture but what amazed me is that the flowers you've planted up for winter are the same flowers as we plant up for summer :)) Hope you had a great weekend that Monday hasn't been too shabby either :) Elizabeth x #85

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Elizabeth,
      Thanks for popping by and leaving such great comments.
      Whoops...I'm not sure I intended to start a craze as I haven't been in WOYWW land for more than a few months and not sure what the trends where before As long as everyone is having some creative fun then that's fine by me. :D
      I love to doodle and if my doodling can inspire others to have a go and enjoy themselves then I'm a happy bunny. That's what it's all about isn't it...giving and receiving inspiration.

      As to the plants it is strange that I see plants here doing so well during winter....it makes life a lot easier.
      Yesterday I planted up another manger...so hopefully we won't get any frost. ;D

      Monday wasn't too bad but a busy few days ahead.
      Have a fantastic creative craft week ~ enjoy!

      Delete

I get so excited to see you here and love to read your thoughts and comments.
I always try to answer each one personally (I think it's only polite)
...♥...I truly appreciate your precious time here so thank you ...♥...

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...