I've scored a hat trick...whoohoo...

I've always thought that I'm quite lucky...but today it has been confirmed!

Nope, still no lotto win...(well I can't expect to win really can I, especially if I don't buy a ticket!)

Why am I grinning like a Cheshire cat? 

Well, I have received three separate gifts from friends...how special is that?  

And it isn't even my birthday!

Two actually winged their way into my post box today. 

So of course I had to maximize the pleasure...I sat armed with a cuppa and a large white chocolate freckle that I bought at a Chocolatiere over the weekend. 

(More about that on my next post...once I get the photos to co-operate and transfer over...it's a work in progress and it's protesting at the moment...maybe I need to eat more chocolate instead of looking at it?) 

I'm not going to show you the pressies because some things I like to keep to myself...they are special and personal to me. 

Oh okay...you've twisted my arm...

I'll show you just one...

How fantastic are these babies?!?!

 I'm thrilled and excited but terrified all at the same time because I'm now going to have to use them...eek!

I don't want to rush it, so I'll wait until I get back from our next trip.

Oh yes our trips...

Last weekend, we went to the Yarra Valley for wine tasting and the weather was just perfect. 

Quite fantastic for autumn...beautiful warm sunny days and crisp nights.

The wine was incredible and we had a brilliant weekend staying right in the middle of a vineyard. 

I'll share a little of the trip with you soon.

In the meantime, I've got to repack only this time for chilly climes because we're off again tomorrow.
I know...there's no stopping us...and it's a wonder I find my way home. 

I can't believe that even though I've been busy and I missed the APR entry time... I did manage and enjoyed a little doodle in my journal. I don't normally like to show unfinished work but I thought today I'd be brave.

 I couldn't decide if I should zentangle him or not...and then I thought I'd like to try and add those fantastic peacock plumage colours...because let's face it that is what peacocks are renowned for. 

What do you think?

I took a whoosie approach and thought I'd photograph him at this stage, just in case he doesn't make the grade on the next stage...or it all goes pear shaped!

I'm going to add colour because I feel that a peacock's main feature are those amazing colours...plus I love them. I'm just hoping I can reproduce them. Wish me luck!

Why a peacock? Well...peacocks were the topic for last week's APR challenge...so if you'd like to see some more artists work then click here to visit Jenn's Artist Playroom.

I hope to visit the gang myself soon although times flying by and I actually fly out myself tomorrow! 

I hope you have a lucky day too...with lots of surprises....

keep smiling or better still pass it on

Reflections....

We started today with an enthusiastic Kookaburra chattering away at 4.45am...It must be the most unusual alarm clock I’ve ever heard but unfortunately a good two hours early!!!

{Courtesy of scenicreflections.com}

I wonder if he knows its the weekend tomorrow? I hope so.....

I'm in a reflective mood today, but that seems fitting as its the 11th day of the 11th month. It could also have something to do with the fact that finally the ‘humdinger’ of a cold has finally burst its banks and rendered me lethargic and not enthusiastic for my normal headless chicken, multi-tasking activities. I’m giving in today...so I'm sitting still and letting my mind do all the work. {Eek...scary or what?}
At least I can achieve one activity that involves sitting plus the internet seems to be behaving.....and that is to blog ;D yah!

So have you got your cuppa handy?

Then I shall begin.....

Thinking back about the events that have happened to me over the last week or so it highlights what I’m becoming more and more in tune with....

Let me explain....whether its Karma, positive energy, you name it...whatever...I have a few examples which reinforces my belief that if you give unconditionally, willingly and without expecting anything in return you will be rewarded for your kindness.

Well that philosophy seems to be working for me lately. The first incident happened on Halloween night. I’d truly intended to be ready with my goodies for the little ones to call, but unfortunately forgot. So when the doorbell rang and six or seven young Halloweenies called I knew I’d made a booboo.

There was no hiding especially when a blood druelling nun peered through my window {not that I would have hidden :O} ...so off to the fridge, cupboards, anywhere to find any kind of sweets or goodies....Nothing! Diddlysquat! Typical....who ate all the chocolate????

So as a last resort I went for the cash...I know I don’t agree with giving cash but what can one do to save being dive bombed with eggs {not that these little cuties would have any intention of doing anything like that ~ I hasten to add} Besides they were so engrossed meeting Muffin they forgot all about trick or treating. However, we did have to make it very clear that Muffy wasn’t the treat!

Anyway, to cut the story short, I insisted that they take the money even though they protested. I only give to the first callers anyway...so it wasn't going to break the bank...but imagine my surprise when later in the week I was scrambling around for some cash to pay for my milk delivery, when I collected a little card from the post box. Inside was a beautiful note from the mother of the main birthday Halloweenie. She wrote some beautiful lines to thank me and returned my money saying it really wasn't necessary.
The timing couldn’t have been any nearer to my need....my milkman was a happy man too.

Secondly remember the Hamper I created for my friend for the Melbourne Cup Day....well she was thrilled but not as thrilled as me when my horse came first and I won the sweep!

Then yesterday Zac called round to see if Muffin was pining away for him now that he’s returned home after his month stay with us. He brought the most exquisite bouquet of flowers and chocolates.

Pity she can’t have the chocolates...I'll just HAVE to help her.

And lastly here’s a link to something I heard on the news a few days ago.....Good Deed
It’s incredible that one good deed ~ stopping to help someone with a flat tyre ~ deserved another in return within minutes when that initial helper suffered a heart attack. Two strangers who helped each other with the incredible result of saving a life. Amazing!

So go out there this weekend and 'Smile'....  ; D

Happy Hamper.....

When we received a lovely warm invitation to visit friends, I knew exactly what I wanted to take to her house, especially after all my enquiries as to what she would like me to contribute were met with firm, precise instructions 'not to bring anything'.

Well I couldn't do that, so I thought of all the lovely yummy things that might appeal and bought a basket to present them. I bought one basket that was huge because I just couldn't find one of the right size, plus I was also running out of time. But then I saw one that was just right.... so I've had to keep the large one for myself ~ naturally ; D

Then it was on to the Deli for all the delectable delights to fill it. I had such fun deciding and hopefully they are all useable if not firm favourites. 

Then the cellophane and the ribbon to finish off. That was fun and a little tricky but I got there in the end.

The gift was for Melbourne Cup Day, so that meant it had to be a yellow ribbon. The flower for Melbourne Cup Day is the yellow rose. I love the Festival week tradition that each day there is a specific buttonhole flower for the gents. It really does look stunning with everyone dressed in all their finery.

And here it is.....

You can't really see all that's inside but then that's the fun...if you make one yourself you can put in anything you like.

The hamper was certainly well received so I was very pleased....I certainly had pleasure in creating it.

Funny really I can create something like that and I've also put together a stool for my kitchen today, but I just can't seem to create a painting.....don't worry I'm still working on it. I'll let you know if/when anything happens with the silk. Its still stretched out and waiting.....