A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY ~ Friday 16th November 2012

Outside my window...The sun is a little shy today...it's peeking in and out of the clouds. Playing hide and seek with me! There's a cool breeze wafting into the kitchen from the open door. Muffin is wandering in and out keeping an eye on everything.

I have a fresh boutique of flowers on a table near the window. I picked the flowers and greenery from the garden earlier. There are lots of strawberry leaves on my strawberry plant but alas no fruit yet...it looks very healthy but I suppose it could be that the blackbird has visited without me being aware. 

Alas, I've lost my chilli plant and all of the herbs too, so I'll have to restock just as soon as I can remember to stop by the nursery. I love having my herbs by the kitchen door so I'm missing them. All of my roses appear to be incredibly healthy this year, but then I think that may not have too much to do with my care...more the conditions and weather over the last few months. Rain and amazingly more rain!

The swimming pool needs a little attention but I'm not planning a dip in the next few days (I need warmer temperatures for me to dip even my toes in...never mind submerge myself).

The wind chimes have started to gently sing their song. I've just inspected the lemon and lime trees and there are flowers so I'll keep my fingers crossed we have a good crop later on....the gin and tonics await!

  

I am thinking...how can I be so tired after being on holiday? Surely I should feel revitalized now? 

I am thankful...for my mind which I know might sound a little odd but I have the ability to think, to store memories, to create new solutions and ideas. I'm having daily challenges in this technological world we live in but I'm determined to not let it run away without my hanging on for dear life.
Some days are more challenging than others but some days I actually feel quite bright!!!! I know amazing isn't it??!?!?
 

In the kitchen...well it's reasonably tidy but there's not much happening just lately on the baking front. I have been meaning to make a batch of scones but other things keep taking my attention. 

I am wearing...It's rather sad really considering I'm in Australia and it's nearly summer...but I've got my new black joggers on with a white long-sleeved t-shirt under a fleece! I should explain that this house is a double brick house that stays beautifully cool during the hot summer months but right now it's chilly. I sometimes just go outside to have a little warm. We even popped the fire on last night. 

 

I am creating...Nothing! I think I may have left Mr Mojo on holiday. I've put out a notice for him to return but I've heard nothing yet! If you see him can you sending him home please?
I really would like to be busy in my studio but you just can't force these things. I'll just have to tootle around all the artists' blogs to see if that gives me inspiration. It's no hardship really because there are some amazingly talented people out there in the blogosphere!

I am going...to iron yet again! Yeah afraid so....where does this ironing come from I'd like to know...maybe I should change the locks!

I am wondering...why a café serves tea in a coffee cup?  
Here in Melbourne there's a real strong coffee culture which I can understand but I sorry I just don't drink coffee. Strange but true! I used to but I blame my daughter and son because since I was pregnant with them I just haven't returned to my previous black coffee order...or should that be flat white, latte, chocca mocha, shocker or focker! And then you have all the different sizes...what ever happened to small, medium, and large? There is a whole new language involved in ordering now. Just a black coffee used to be sufficient!
I'm always a little sheepish ordering a pot of tea in the first place especially when the café is renound for its coffee expertise, but I know that I'm not alone in liking a cup of tea. So why can't we have a cuppa in a suitable cup that won't immediately cool the tea because the cup is so large, open and thick pottery that extracts the heat immediately upon pouring the tea. Because the cups are used primarily for coffee the essence is clearly still there which taints the tea...making it taste neither of tea nor coffee! 
I know it's probably a cost issue because for a café to stock two different types of cup adds to what might be already extremely tight budgets...but please it seems such a simple request to provide a decent cuppa that actually tastes of tea!  Rant over.....
Or maybe not...I've just tried to look for an image of a cup and saucer to pop in here but they all are listed as coffee cups...!!! Case proven Me Lord!
Ho hum! 

 
I'm reading...The Kindness of Your Nature by Linda Olsson

 In Linda Olsson’s third novel, The Kindness of Your Nature, Marion Flint explores the long-buried memories that have led her to shun the land of her childhood and flinch from human contact. Through a thoughtful and meditative first person narrative, Marion examines her past and confronts her present, seeking to come to terms with why she finds herself living alone – and so very alone – far from her Swedish home on the rugged west coast of the North Island.

This self-analysis is prompted by the unexpected and hesitant friendship she strikes up with a small boy, Ika: a silent, hungry, damaged child with an ear for music and a gift for art. In him, Marion sees an echo of her younger self, and so her attempts to rescue Ika become the means by which she is finally able to also rescue the damaged child buried within herself. The revelation of Marion’s past unfolds alongside Ika’s story in the present, and their resolutions are intertwined.

I have my reservations about this book because a book review mentioned that it was a relentlessly sad book, but it was recommended to me by a friend. I am willing to carry on with the story because so far it has intrigued me. It's also heavily atmospheric.

About this author

Linda Olsson was born in Stockholm, Sweden in 1948. She graduated from the University of Stockholm with a law degree, and worked in law and finance until she left Sweden in 1986. What was intended as a three-year posting to Kenya then became a meandering tour of the world with stops in Singapore, the UK and Japan, until she settled in Auckland New Zealand with her family.
Her debut 'Let me sing you gentle songs' was published in September 2005 in New Zealand. Since then the rights for it have been sold to many countries. It has now been published in the US and Canada under the title 'Astrid and Veronika' as well as in her country of birth, Sweden.

I am hoping...to round up enough warm suitable snuggly clothing for our Canadian holiday that will keep me cosy enough. I've mentioned on previous posts that I don't like to be cold and my tolerence level seems to be 16°C and above, so I may find it a tad chilly? I think you'll find me in a nice toasty spot near the open fire with a good book and a glass of something festive to hand. Sounds perfect to me :D

 

I am looking forward to...I would like to say Christmas as it's fast approaching but I just can't get it into my head that we're half way through November! When did that happen? 
We are going to Canada for Christmas which will hopefully be perfect. Lots of snow and chilliness which is how Christmas should be in my book. I've had quite a few in hot climates and it just doesn't seem right even though I cook the turkey in 40+ degrees. I also feel we've only just had our summer holiday so it's really strange to hear the festive songs playing on the radio. Quite frankly it's freaking me out! 

Around the house...There are things that need my attention because I've been neglecting things during our six week holiday but I'm taking it one job at a time. I can see all the other jobs in my peripheral vision! Yuk! 
But I'll get there....(sigh)
 

A favourite quote for today...the best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart ~ Helen Keller

 

One of my favourite things...is to see an order pop up on my Etsy shop! Whoohoo....I do a happy dance!  To have someone like my art enough to press the button and purchase makes me extremely happy and grateful. I had such a happy dance this week thankfully without witnesses. 
(Thanks...you know who you are  )
   

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

A peek into my day...Well this photograph isn't from today but one day during my recent holiday. It was such a great sign I thought you'd like to see it....it certainly made us chuckle! 
 

 We were on a cycle ride and I have to say I did peddle much fast once I saw this sign...
We didn't see any cows but there were quite a few bullocks!!!  :$

 So that's it for this week; 

I hope you enjoyed your visit. Don't forget to pop over to The Simple Woman's Daybook and check out the other day book entries

Have a fabulous weekend and hopefully I'll be nattering again with you soon   

Have a wonderful weekend everyone....Enjoy!