Artists Play Room ~ Inspiration

This week's challenge set by the lovely hostess with the mostest Jenn at the Artist Play Room's is 'Inspiration'.

It seems to me that since I started blogging and creating art work again, that I see inspiration everywhere I look....

I'm being bombarded with ideas and feel that my head is about to burst if I don't get some of it out...unfortunately the battle is going on with so many other things too...

I've read so many incredible posts this week which expresses the theme brilliantly so why not take a visit to the Artist Play Room I'm sure you'll be inspired.

So 'ditto' the other artists wise words but I have to add two very important points of my own...firstly that I just can't express how thankful I am that my daughter encouraged me to start a blog. 

How ever did I manage before?

Everyday can be so 'inspiring' by what you see, read, who you meet and what knowledge, encouragement and friendship passes through the blogosphere. I think it's priceless!

But then not only did my daughter encourage me in this new steep learning curve she has always believed I should have kept drawing and creating all those years I just did mundane things.

Since she was a tiny tot with the colouring pencils we've shared this love of art.

We can talk about colours, subject matter, techniques, ideas, inspiration...you name it and we are on the same page. It's wonderful and I know the artists among you will relate to what I'm saying...that like minded people immediately 'get it' whatever your discussing. It's a fantastic feeling to have the same connection with creativity. 

So here's a painting and you'll see straight away that it's not my usual style....because that's just it...it's not mine! (I didn't want to fess up but I know as a Mother I should...Grrr)

It's my daughter's! As soon as she sent it to me I knew I had to enter it into this week's APR because she IS my inspiration. I love everything about this painting...and look how loose it is! (turning a little green here).

I had difficulty with the format so had to copy it and then photograph it so I'm not really doing it justice. If I work out how to change the scanned pdf copy into a different format that blogspot will accept, then I'll repost it.

I know this will come as a huge surprise to her....but that's the lovely thing about blogging...you never know what's coming next!

And on that note let me just tell you about one thing that happened during the last week....a cute little parcel arrived in the post. Now many will have heard me complain that I never get anything other than bills in the post but not any more because the cutest parcel arrived in my postbox. I carried it around for about an hour before making a cuppa and sitting comfortably ready to open it. (My son thought I was crackers but you have to savour these things)

What a wondeful surprise because the little package had travelled all the way from Canada!

Jenn had sent me a gorgeous chain pull, book mark and a beautiful letter. It was totally out of the blue and a wonderful surprise. The clasp is stirling silver and the embellishments a beautiful turquoise blue. (not surprising when its one of Jenn's favourite colours).

If you nip over to her blog at Just Add Water Silly she has an Etsy shop where you can see her fantastic crafts.

Apologies for rushing this post but I'm dashing off again this morning (when don't I dash?) but for a bumper boast of inspiration. I'm off to one of the biggest (and best so I hear) craft fairs in the whole of Victoria!

I'll let you know how I go and what happens but I may be gone some time 

Have a wonderful weekend, have lots of fun and enjoy the Playroom. :D

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY ~ Friday 31st August 2012

Outside my window...I normally write my daybook when I first wake, but once again I'm a little late not only with the hour of the day, but also the day...well very late in fact for me because its Friday and nearly dinner time...so the view is very different.

Tomorrow is officially the start of spring here and not a moment too soon as far as I'm concerned.

Although we have seen the sun for most of the day today...that lazy wind has been its constant companion. (just in case you haven't heard me use the term 'a lazy wind' before I just mean it doesn't go around you...it just cuts straight through!)

So what can I see from my dining room window...lots of plant cuttings that I took a few days ago when the temperature started to rise...I'm ever the optimist!

I'm also keeping a very close eye on my jasmine because there's a challenge on between my jasmine here in Melbourne and a friend's jasmine in Brisbane. The challenge is whose jasmine will flower first! I know I'm up against it here, as Brisbane gets far more sun and higher degrees more temperature but I have lots of buds on mine and it is in the sun (when it comes to call) They are just waiting to pop! It could be a close match! 

One more day of sun might just snatch this win for me ~ :D

I've also had a regular visitor this week coming into the entertaining area tidying up for me...no I haven't decided to take on a cleaner or gardener...it's a Magpie and he/she's obviously thinking spring is here already because he/she is collecting all the twigs and sticks for the nest. 

The sun is just dipping down now making that wonderful light that apparently makes photographers never home for dinner...it just changes everything and I always stop to appreciate it for a few minutes.

I am thinking...Whoohoo...my son got a new job today, so life is pretty good ;D
 

I am thankful...for the above obviously. 
 

In the kitchen...There's nothing cooking and I really must get going...dinner may be a little late this evening. Maybe a take-away might be better...hmm....
 

I am wearing...layers....the best ideal clothing for Melbourne. 

I've been out and about today so had to try and cover all eventualities. Jacket off...jacket on...jacket off!!!
I think it may be time to light the fire...don't you just love Friday nights!

 

I am creating...well I'm not really creating but I should be...I've hit a problem....because I wanted to post a scanned copy of a painting but it is in pdf format and I can't or don't know how to change that format without having to rescan!
If anyone knows how then please can you let me know before I pull ALL of my hair out! 

I am going...to a craft fair tomorrow which I believe to be the best in the whole of Melbourne! I can't wait! I'll hopefully post about it sometime next week...but I might be so overcome and hyperventilating that I might forget to take photos or have soooooo many bags to carry be unable to. We'll have to wait and see ;D

I am wondering...how people are coping after Hurracane Isaac. I've never been in anything other than a heavy tropical thunderstorm so can't imagine what it would be like to experience a hurracane.

I'm reading...I'm still reading this book but I have to say I'm really enjoying it...which is strange because when you read the synopsis you may think this one isn't for me...it sounds so depressing but let me tell you somehow it isn't... the writing is lucid, with precise and memorable images. It is a novel built on acute character observation, told with great beauty and that rare thing in fiction: genuine poignancy."

'The Meaning of Grace by Deborah Forester'

'Mum is the reference point. If you ever get confused about anything, there she is, waiting with all her knowledge of you.'
Grace Fisher, mother of three, one day decides her husband is a sore disappointment and moves the family from Melbourne to a coastal village in Victoria. But Ian's slow dissolution on the couch masked a depression that will harrow him into an early grave, leaving the kids with a lifetime of questioning: what happened to their father; how did he get so sad? Between their father's demise and Grace's hardscrabble existence working at a local bakery, each child is left to find meaning on their own. Edie, the eldest child, locks herself into a romantic ideal so lofty that it can't help but fail. The middle child, Juliet, struts and careens through life, filling it only with what she can seduce, steal and manipulate. Sibling rivalry between sisters proves the slowest and fiercest of burns. Love comes easily for Ted, the youngest, but when his wife abandons him to raise two daughters on his own, the perils of fatherhood are laid bare.
When Grace, the distant, imperfect hub of the family, is diagnosed with terminal cancer, the siblings are forced to confront each other as adults, and come to understand their mother.
Written with her hallmark warmth, humour and deftness of observation, Deborah Forster's follow-up novel to the Miles Franklin shortlisted The Book of Emmett is a moving story of the loves and rivalries that burn at the heart of every family, and the meaning that comes from it.

About the Author....

 

Deborah Forster grew up in Footscray, Melbourne. She worked as a staff and freelance journalist for many years and was a This Life columnist on The Age and The Sunday Age. Deborah Foster is married to Alan Kohler and they have three children. The Book of Emmett, her first novel, received the Dobbie Prize and was shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Literature Prize and the Miles Franklin Award.

I am hoping...that a friend who is having a really difficult time at the moment finds some comfort, stability and moves forward to a new positive place that provides all that she needs....she deserves it!

I am looking forward to...warmer days. I'm sorry if you're heading into autumn/fall but I need spring :D

 

Around the house...I don't know because I'm sitting here in the dark now...there's only the glow from my screen as the sun has decided to call it a day. 

A favourite quote for today..."Learn from yesterday....live for today...hope for tomorrow"... Albert Einstein

 

One of my favourite things...is relaxing at the end of the week...candles lit, a glass of wine near to hand, chocolate and watching a movie...ahh....relaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaxing at last. 
    

A few plans for the rest of the week: Work, rest and play but not necessarily in that order : D

 

A peek into my day: I went into the CBD with a friend to see ‘The 400 Fest’ which started today at Federation Square. It's celebrating 400 collective years of Melbourne’s major municipal Markets.  

Today was the start of the 2nd annual market week festivities which will run from Friday 31^st August - Sunday 9^th September.

Don't you feel so much healthier just by looking at all this fresh produce never mind eating it.

I've posted previously about Prahran Market and the Queen Vic Market but have yet to post about the South Melbourne Market....but I will ;D

 So that's it for this week; I hope you enjoyed your visit. Don't forget to pop over to The Simple Womans Daybook and check out the other day book entries

Have a fabulous week and hopefully the sun will shine wherever you are : D

What's on Your Workdesk ~ WOYWW #169

It's WOYWW time again..can you believe it?  

For new visitors or anyone that hasn't heard of WOYWW (What's on your Workdesk Wednesday) basically it's the day to open your door and let everyone in to see what you're up to...

well on your workdesk that is! It's the brainchild of Julia's blog at Stamping Ground 

Visitors can come from all over the world....so be prepared....and get that kettle on!

In previous weeks I've been showing my work from the dining room table, but because I've actually been using my dining table this week as a place to eat...yeah I know fancy that...and I'm not quite back into the studio yet (even though Saturday is officially the start of Spring) I thought I'd do something different this week.
I thought because everyone seems to be amazed at how time fly's...
...I'd stop the clock and take my visitors back in time...back to the '90's!

I've mentioned to a few people during this past week about my time as a silk painting instructor and this photo shows two friends in our workshop. I'm hoping they don't mind me posting this photo of them because I had such fond memories of many hours being creative, inspiring and being inspired in lovely friendly company.

It was a very special time...

I decided to attend the classes initially to learn something new...it was a great way to spend one afternoon a week totally absorbed in doing something just for me! 

The silk painting classes were the first workshop I'd ever attended.
As with most expat communities the workshop was run voluntary and was part of the local social club.
I attended the classes for over a two years learning the new techniques and had such a wonderful time...even receiving commissions and the ultimate goal of sharing an exhibition with five other artists!
We even appeared in the local newspaper! LOL
See you didn't know I was a celeb did you?

After two years of learning the techniques the instructor was due to leave (as often happens in an expat community) and I was asked would I like to take over the classes. I had received so much from attending the workshops...how could I refuse...I needed to give back a little but the fact remains I still gained so much.

I couldn't let you go without showing you what I'm working on at the moment.
It's 'Willy Wagtail' (Rhipidura leucophrys) The name wagtail stems from the constant sideways wagging of the tail...which I've tried to capture in my drawing.
I know it's a little scary at the moment due to him not having any feet, but hopefully I'll get to that later today!
I'll come back and post another picture if I do finish him before WOYWW is over.

 Remember he's an unfinished piece of work please...
which I don't normally like to show but...hey...I know you now so I reckon it's okay!
His friends the Magpie, Kangaroo and Frog are all in my Etsy shop now...so take a peek if you want to see them up close and personal...just click on the (more) icon...

  

If you want to see some more artists/crafters desks to check out what everyone's up to...just pop over to Julia's  There's always something to capture your interest or inspire you. I'm sure you'll have a good time and they're a really friendly bunch...

I'd also just like to thank all my new followers and everyone who popped by my place last week and left such lovely comments. I really appreciate you taking the time, but if I didn't make it to your desk I apologise...if only I didn't have to sleep...sigh!

I'll try again ~ promise :D

Have fun and be creative everyone!

Elephants on Parade...Melbourne Mali

As a child I remember loving our annual zoo trip, but I'd always leave feeling a little bothered about some of the animals and their behaviour. But that was back then...and whether you like zoos or not there's no getting away from the fact that they really have come such along way over the years.
Today the enclosures have such thought and planning behind their construction, food programmes are devised mimicking the animal's natural habits from the wild, toys and interesting environments challenging their minds and improving their well-being. All these positive changes are for the animals better welfare.
I remember when we were in Singapore and my children wanted to visit the zoo, I was rather reluctant to go because I didn't want them to have similar experiences I'd had but I needn't have worried.
Singapore Zoo was incredible and such a positive experience. The main thing that impressed me was the fact that there didn't appear to be any fences or pens. They were very clever in making it appear that the animals were just happy to stay within their boundaries. It was quite unnerving to begin with especially with a very active enquiring 8 year old animal lover and a 6 month old toddler!
One particular event that I remember very clearly was having a huge Elephant walk up behind us with his keeper. It put a whole new meaning to the word 'Walkies'! Thankfully I had my camera and my running shoes to hand...the first to capture this incredible event and the second just in case!!!

Remember that this was quite a few years ago (my toots are now 27 and 20 years old) so to see an elephant just walking through the zoo was a spectacular sight!

This photo is now placed in our 25 year wedding album ~ the one I'm supposed to be finishing, especially as time is marching on and we've now just celebrated our 33rd anniversary. 

I've always loved Elephants so imagine my delight when I heard that Australia's first zoo is delighted to be sharing the fun and excitement of its 150th anniversary with everyone in Melbourne, with the Mali in the City public art event. Mali the baby elephant was born in Melbourne Zoo in October 2010.

Fifty fibreglass models of the famous elephant calf, Mali have been painted by a variety of artists and are now on display on Melbourne city's streets until September 21 as part of the celebrations. The event, run in conjuction with Wild in Art has engaged three-time Archibald Prize finalist, artist David Bromley to be the program's Art Patron. 

Zoos Victoria has also announced a sister event for the major public art event, to engage school students in the celebrations. Every school in Victoria has been given the opportunity to get involved in Mali in my school. Fifty schools will design, paint and exhibit one of fifty mini-Malis alongside others being painted by renowned Australian artists.

We had a trip into the CBD this weekend and I actually managed to spot seven of the statues. Each so unique and vibrant...they really stand out and catch your eye. I was only able to photo two whilst walking ~ the other's I spotted whilst driving around.
I was thinking of trying to track the whole herd because there is an phone app that shows all of their locations but then thought 50 photos might be a little excessive! So here's just two...

They are amazing...

The elephants will begin their great migration to Melbourne Zoo where they will be on display for the entire month of October. 

 My friend J snapped this photo and sent it to me so he could join the herd here...I think this one might be my favourite so far....Thanks J

On 25th October the entire herd will then go under the hammer at an auction event with all proceeds going to Zoos Victoria's conservation work that fights the extinction of animals here in Australia and overseas.
The Zoo is calling for potential buyers to register their interest to attend the Mali in the City Auction via email at maliauction@zoo.org.au

Here's a beautiful video clip of some male bonding...

 (Courtesy of Melbourne Zoo ~ a brilliant video clip....check out much more on their website and see more of Marvellous Mali)

And there's more good news because Mali's Mum is pregnant again!

Dokkoon became the first of her endangered species to give birth at Melbourne Zoo when Mali was born.

Melbourne Zoo Director Kevin Tanner says that Dokkoon has now become the first elephant in Australia to achieve a second pregnancy. He said that ""If all goes smoothly during the 22-month pregnancy, Dokkoon will give birth to a little brother or sister for Mali in November 2013. That calf will be the fourth calf to be born at Melbourne Zoo."

How amazing it that! Obviously Melbourne Zoo has got it right.

Artist Play Room....Illustrate A Word

Hey it's Friday...so let's play a little game today shall we? 

What about you have to guess the word?

I'll give you clues as we go along...and you shout out when you think you know what that word is ~ peeasers!

Let's begin....

It can start your day off just right...making you leap out of bed ready to take on the day whatever it brings 
(no not caffine, although that works for me)

When it's not around...we miss it so much we yearn for it...even travelling miles in pursuit of it.
(no not chocolate....although I possibly could... scaling mountain heights and swimming oceans...
oh bother, see now I've got to go and get a bar ...)

It needs to be treated with respect and we need to be careful how much we indulge
 (nah...red wine's good for you...I'm sure I read it somewhere?)

Getting warmer??? (clue)

We can feel full of life and become incredibly active...wanting to do anything and everything

(I have to say here and now...this is not me diving...

when I enter the water, I'm like an Olympian diver...there's hardly a ripple!...cough)

 

or just kick back and chill....

 now this is more like it....cheers! (any closer yet?)

Too much....(sizzle)...

And too little...(brrr)...you need to find the right balance...

There's nothing better than finding the right spot.....(Ahhhh)...and some have this skill better than others...

Did you shout something there...? I'm guessing you've got it by now....

Wonders can unfold under it's power....

And finally amazing sights can give a perfect display at the close of day...

You must know by now....the word is.....(drum roll please...)

'SUNLIGHT'

And so what was all this fun and hilarity about, I hear you ask...other than it's nearly the weekend ....

Well it's Jenn at the Artist Play Room's challenge for this week.
Illustrate a word! 

I bite the bullet and opened my new art journal...and let me tell you it was scary...all those blank white pages staring back at me...new journal...new pencils...new techniques....my oh my...Jenn really pushes me

 (but in a positive good way of course :D) 

I start out at the beginning of the week wanting to do something serious, but by the time I finish my entry it always seems to be whimsical! 

I'm now wondering is this my style...I'm not sure I'm happy about that...

I'd love to do a serious masterpiece...but I guess that's never going to happen. Ho hum...

Now take a peek at what the other entrants have submitted...I know you'll have a great time seeing all the brilliant artists work.They'll blow you away with their talent...they do me every week.
Have a wonderful weekend ~ whatever you get up to and let's hope that sun shines! :D

What's on Your Workdesk ~ WOYWW #168

It's WOYWW time again..can you believe it?

Basically on a Wednesday it's time to open your door and let everyone in to see what you're up to...

well on your workdesk that is! 

Visitors can come from all over the world....so be prepared....and get that kettle on!

Now let me show you what's happening on my desk (dining table again) this week....

Yep it's ME....and Mufftypup! 

 Now you can see what I'm up against when I'm trying to be creative. 

Someone else wants to get involved....but then it all gets too much....

 My son snapped this photo whilst we were busy. Or should I say I was busy!

I wasn't sure whether to post it initially...but then I thought why not?

It made me laugh because I didn't realise that she was resting her chin on the table. 

She's obviously not impressed with my work.

 As you can see she's modelling her 'Dennis the Menace' jumper and I'm in my quilted waistcoat....as we're still a little chilly here, although today it's looking really springlike...yay! Spring begins offically in 10 days time. At this rate I hope I may well be able to transfer back into the studio soon.

I'm in the middle of a few new designs and thankfully Mr Tommy Frog came back from the printers to join the rest of the gang ...

Here he is...

  (He is now available on in my Etsy shop....see sidebar for details)

So if you want to see some more artists and crafters desks with work in progress...then why not pop over to our WOYWW host Julia's blog at Stamping Ground to check out what everyone's up to...there's always something to capture your interest or inspire you. I'm sure you'll have a good time and they're a friendly bunch...

I'm also entering this drawing into Artists in Blogland which is a blog that I've just found.

I'd also just like to thank everyone who popped by my place last week and  left such lovely comments. I really appreciate you taking the time, but if I didn't make it to your desk I apologise...I did try but it's been a crazy week...again...sigh!

So I'll try again  ~ promise :D

Have fun and enjoy your day!

A Simple Woman's Daybook...

FOR TODAY ~ Monday 20th August 2012

Outside my window...I normally write my daybook when I first wake, but I thought 3.34am was a little too early. It's the time that I can often wake...the time when ideas, plans and designs plus blog posts pop into my head...but unfortunately later when I'm really awake those ideas are a little sketchy. I keep a pen and pad on my bedside cabinet just to make sure I capture them...but so many times I'm in that floaty dreamlike state that I actually forget to write them down! It's not until I try to recapture them later that I realise I really should make the effort! 

But how could I describe what was outside my window at that time of the morning when the blinds are down and everywhere was enveloped in darkness. If I took a peak outside I'd probably see me looking at me...in the reflection. Not a pretty sight at that time of the day believe me! Scary!!!!

So here I am a little later now...the sun is being very shy lately or maybe it's away on holiday? I just know I'd like it to come back...and soon please! Everywhere is quite still with just the odd waving tree branch here and there. The refuse trucks have done their wheels round the circuits grabbing bins as they fly by with flashing lights and screechy breaks...is it any wonder I can't hear any birds?
Oh at least here comes the sun....whoohoo!

I am thinking...How pleased I am that Callum Hann is no longer the MasterChef Bridesmaid...last night he won the Australian MasterChef All Stars title and thus won $20,000 for his chosen charity ~ the Cancer Council. 
I first saw Callum when he appeared in 2010. Then at the age of 19,  he was the youngest contestant and he narrowly missed the winner's title by a few points. It's been wonderful seeing him progress and expand his culinary expertise to reach his goals. No one deserves it more.
He seems such a grounded nice guy too and even when winning the prize money he took time to announce he'd like to donate half of the money to the runner up Chris' chose charity (Lort Smith Animal Hospital).

I am thankful...The internet, for giving the possibility to meet, learn from & share with many so incredible things. I can't imagine life without it now.

In the kitchen...Lemon Drizzle Cake I know its appeared before but there are so many wonderful lemons around right now and this cake is soooooooooo simple to make plus my OH requested it. He hasn't a sweet tooth so I'm not sure why he keeps asking for this cake!!!
 

I am wearing...Working from the toes up...socks, knee high boots, skinny jeans, white 3/4 length arm sleeved under t-shirt, navy loose t-shirt over the top, multi-coloured pashmina...(shhh...yes its a new one) 
I didn't finish the daybook first thing so its later now ~  I've been to two earlier appointments already! 
Busy day ;D

 

I am creating...a design which is only in it's infancy at the moment. The idea came to me during the early hours...nothing new there! Hopefully if it germinates (there's a clue there) then you may see it later in the week.

I am going...As mentioned above I've got a few appointments this week that if I told you about I'd be here too long and I'd miss them! Enough said ;D

 

I am wondering...why is it that if you have something special it breaks or gets lost!?! 
Something that has no sentimental value whatsoever just sits around or hides in a draw or box forever. 
I'm rather upset this morning because I'm bare necked...yep...in my nakey and I don't like it. My beautiful necklace that my OH went out, chose himself and wrapped specially for my Christmas present, broke last night! It just came off due to a link breaking.
This is the second one that needs repairing as the first chain broke after only a few months....my OH was told it's not an everyday piece of jewellers....but I want to wear it ~ everyday! There's obviously a flaw in the design, but then I love it and don't want it replaced. Oh well it's back for repair when I can fit in a trip to the shop. :$
 

I'm reading...Yay...something different this week...at last I hear you say!
Now when you read the synopsis you may think this one isn't for me...it sounds so depressing but let me tell you somehow it isn't... the writing is lucid, with precise and memorable images. It is a novel built on acute character observation, told with great beauty and that rare thing in fiction: genuine poignancy."

'The Meaning of Grace by Deborah Forester'

'Mum is the reference point. If you ever get confused about anything, there she is, waiting with all her knowledge of you.'
Grace Fisher, mother of three, one day decides her husband is a sore disappointment and moves the family from Melbourne to a coastal village in Victoria. But Ian's slow dissolution on the couch masked a depression that will harrow him into an early grave, leaving the kids with a lifetime of questioning: what happened to their father; how did he get so sad? Between their father's demise and Grace's hardscrabble existence working at a local bakery, each child is left to find meaning on their own. Edie, the eldest child, locks herself into a romantic ideal so lofty that it can't help but fail. The middle child, Juliet, struts and careens through life, filling it only with what she can seduce, steal and manipulate. Sibling rivalry between sisters proves the slowest and fiercest of burns. Love comes easily for Ted, the youngest, but when his wife abandons him to raise two daughters on his own, the perils of fatherhood are laid bare.
When Grace, the distant, imperfect hub of the family, is diagnosed with terminal cancer, the siblings are forced to confront each other as adults, and come to understand their mother.
Written with her hallmark warmth, humour and deftness of observation, Deborah Forster's follow-up novel to the Miles Franklin shortlisted The Book of Emmett is a moving story of the loves and rivalries that burn at the heart of every family, and the meaning that comes from it.

About the Author....

 

Deborah Forster grew up in Footscray, Melbourne. She worked as a staff and freelance journalist for many years and was a This Life columnist on The Age and The Sunday Age. Deborah Foster is married to Alan Kohler and they have three children. The Book of Emmett, her first novel, received the Dobbie Prize and was shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Literature Prize and the Miles Franklin Award.

I am hoping...that my children find their passion and can pursue their dreams.

I am looking forward to...my son has just added...making him crêpes !!!
The real answer for me would be to have the chance to visit lots of interesting places...which should happen quite soon because my OH has booked some time off work!
Watch out for some travel blogs soon ;D

 

Around the house...a playful pooch that doesn't like me sitting here at my laptop when there's toys to be chased. Her gentle constant little gruff is so powerful. It seeps into your very being...until you submit to her demands. ^..^

A favourite quote for today..."Don't count every hour in the day; make every hour in the day count!"

One of my favourite things...Listening to good music all day every day. Don't ask me to list what music I like because it can be from any era and a very wide genre. I'm very often found to be singing at the top of my voice...when the house is empty preferably but then that's not always the case if the right record plays.
I think music is so incredibily powerful.
    

A few plans for the rest of the week: Work, rest and play but not necessarily in that order : D

 

A peek into my day...  

 Whilst walking we suddenly became aware of seeds dropping down from above... look who was having a lovely al fresco breakfast!....

 The Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) is a species of Australasian parrot found in Australia, eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

One of the most colourful of Australia's parrots, the rainbow lorikeet has a dark blue head with a yellowy green collar. It has a red beak. Its belly is violet and it's chest orange. Its back and tail are green and when its wings are stretched, they are orange underneath. There are yellow patches on their thighs.

They are about 32 cm long, including their tail. Males and females look alike.

They have a brush tongue to get nectar from the flowers but they also eat fruit, seeds (as shown here by our model) and sometimes insects. They fly extremely fast and make lots of noise!  

I would have to be feeling very brave to wear that much colour all at once, but obviously the rainbow lorikeet has no problem!

 So that's it for this week; I hope you enjoyed your visit. Don't forget to pop over to The Simple Womans Daybook and check out the other day book entries

Have a fabulous week and hopefully the sun will shine wherever you are : D