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

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY ~ Monday 2nd July 2012 (EEK! July already!!!!)

Outside my window...is a wintery scene again. In fact I've just read what I posted on my last journal and it is virtually the same, only a week later!

It was tippling down earlier (I knew...not quite a meteorologist term...but hopefully you get my jist) with the grey blanket still very grey overhead, although we have seen some sun on other days. Unfortunately it appears very shy today and well hidden, so I don't think it'll make an appearance, but we live in hope.

The manic refuse collection trucks are using the quiet suburban streets like a grand prix course with their lights flashing whilst screeching breaks and flinging wheelies like they're on a fun park ride of their lives!

The magpies are chorkling as the rain has stopped and they have a lot of catching up to do. I did see one the other day with twigs in it's mouth...hopeful that spring is about to arrive. I'm thinking he'll be making alternative plans today.

The garden is mostly sleeping but we have amazing azaleas blooming like they have a huge responsibility to cheer all the wintery blues away. I didn't even notice them budding....how rude! But I'm making up for it now appreciating their wonderful displays of pinks, cerise and whites flowers. 

I am thinking...about Christmas! Well doesn't everyone in July? It's very strange here in Melbourne because quite a few families celebrate Christmas during the winter month of July!  Christmas in July....I know you have to flip your head around this...everything in opposites remember when thinking about here.

Even some of the large department stores are holding Toy Sales! 

But I think I'll leave my celebrations until December ~ thank you.

I am thankful...for modern medicine and all the medical experts that can make such a difference to people's lives.

In the kitchen...there's the lingering smell of my son's porridge which he microwaves and then smothers with honey...a good start to the day. I have one melting moment left in the cake container but I think that won't last long...I'm not saying anything more on that subject!

But it's a fact that you have to take in more calories over the winter to help keep you warm...isn't that right?

I am wearing...Now here's the thrilling details....brace yourself....Thermals! 

Yep I've succumbed plus grey joggers, long-sleeved black t-shirt, black fleece, socks and Ugg slippers.

I am creating...well I'm hoping to create a winter hanging manger. I've completed one and its up on the wall looking settled and right at home. The winter pansies are just flowering with some warm colours. It was definitely worth doing, so I'm going to do it once more with feeling! I'm not sure when I'll manage to get to it but if that sun finds it's way into my garden I'll be wrapped up out there and doing!

I am going...to arrange something as a surprise for my OH's birthday. I won't write it in here just in case he takes a peek. I'm also going to a posh restaurant on Saturday night but once again I'll probably post about it next week so I'll leave you in suspenders for now ;D

I am wondering...what I would be if I were an animal or plant? It's difficult to answer this for oneself so I may have to refer to my family and friends. 

I'm thinking as an animal I'd like to be something sleek, fast and beautiful to look at...but in reality I think I'm probably a tea drinking cat, liking the warmest comfy spot and being pampered whenever I decided but snoozing for the rest of the time.

As a plant I'd like to be an exquisite bloom with a beautiful perfume...an English rose perhaps, but again I'd probably be a double headed sunflower (of course I couldn't just be an ordinary sunflower...not that there's anything wrong with single headed sunflowers). Why would I be a sunflower? Well you guessed it, because I tend to gravitate towards the sun of course! 

 

I'm reading...The Seamstress by María Dueñas. I've only just started to read this book and thankfully I've got until August for my book club meeting because it is quite a thick book. My reading seems to be taking a back seat just now, but it looks a good read, so maybe I'll be able to squeeze in a little time somewhere?

Maria Duenas' million copy best-selling tale of adventure, tragedy, love and war, "The Seamstress". Spain, on the brink of civil war, 1936. In love for the first time, Sira Quiroga leaves Madrid, along with everything she knows and cares about, to run away to Tangiers, Morocco with her lover Ramiro. She entrusts him with all her inheritance only to be left by him - pregnant, penniless and in trouble with the authorities. At her lowest ebb Sira falls back on the one skill she possesses: sewing. Moving to Tetouan, Sira survives by sewing beautiful clothes for the English mistress of one of the most powerful men in Morocco and for her German friends. As the women unguardedly gossip about their husbands and lovers, Sira is placed in a position very valuable to the British secret service, and she is soon forced to move to Madrid where great danger lies. A grand and epic story that tells the story of Spain's civil war, Madrid in the Second World War and reveals a world of war, glamour, espionage and passion. "A wonderful novel with intrigue, love, mystery and tender, audacious and clean-cut characters". (Mario Vargas Llosa). "A magnificent novel that flawlessly brings together history and intrigue". (Juan Gomez-Jurado, author of "The Moses Expedition"). Maria Duenas holds a PhD in English Philology and is currently a professor at the University of Murcia. She has also taught at American universities, is the author of several academic articles, and has participated in various educational, cultural and editorial projects. She is currently writing her second novel.

I am hoping...that I can carry on creating my art. I'm having a great time and am so thankful that my mojo came back to me...heaven knows where he went for 12 years, but I'm so happy that he found me again. I hope he stays with me forever now :D

I am looking forward to...a holiday anywhere! Yep I'm still hopeful!
 

Around the house...okay we're reasonably tidy today. We were out on Friday night and Saturday with a relaxing lazy Sunday (perfect) so not too much devastation happening over the weekend. 

I could find lots to clean or sort if I look closely, but I'm not looking! So sue me! ;D

  

A favourite quote for today...Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible ~ Dalai Lama

One of my favourite things...are flowers of any kind. They never cease to cheer me up. It's at this time of year that you begin to search for any buds or blooms (well I do anyway). I always like to have fresh flowers in the house, but even better if they are from the garden. I remember my garden in Scotland was a great source for floral displays with such a wide variety of plants available. Here in this current garden I have to improvise and sometimes add additions from the local florist.

 

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...

 Our little lemon tree is producing masses of lemons, which is making my OH drool thinking there's enough for me to make a classic lemon tart. They smell incredible every time we pass!

 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 where you are : D

Pack your bag...we're off to the Maldives....

Okay so we're in the middle of winter here and I know quite a few of you out there haven't had the summer you would wish for ~ well not so far anyway.

So how about we just nip to the Maldives for a little warm? Are you free to join me? 

Come on then....

I hope you like flying because once you land in Malé then you downsize air transportation...which was great fun. My son was so excited as this was the smallest plane he'd ever flown in. 

We were virtually sitting on the pilots lap...I mean what you have to put up with to get a holiday! ;D

I made sure that all was in correct working order and also did my pre-flight checks...even down to the shopping lists on the 'yokes' or 'joysticks'...see I know my stuff. 

The pilot asked if I wanted to fly the plane but I declined...I mean I was supposed to be on holiday and having no stress after all....

Apologies for the quality of this photo but the window wasn't the cleanest...but you can see the luxury accommodation stretching out into the ocean....Ahhh.....

I took quite a few photo's of all the different islands which shows the rebuilding after the tragic 2004 tsunami.

Can you believe it's been that long since that tragedy?

The water was an incredible cobalt blue which unfortunately this photo doesn't show. 

The Maldives nestle in the middle of the Indian Ocean....just paradise.

Here's my son after leaving the sea plane ready to embrace the island. 

Bring it on....

And here comes out island right on cue....

As soon as you land on the island life is stripped down to simplicity. You can kick off your shoes...quite literally and not put them back on until you're ready to leave the island.

They comb (yes comb) all the floors including the dining area. I've never felt such a relief at not having to pack all my eight pairs of holiday footwear (for all occasions because you never know if you need heels, flats, runners, etc etc) and I'm sure my OH gave a cheer to.

Approaching the beach.....and the welcoming party!

Again I apologise for the quality of this photo because I think I may have just brought the camera outside from the air conditioned room. It gives you the idea of what the beach was like...although this doesn't really do it justice.

Other than a leisurely wander around the whole island ~ which took about 40 mins at a really slow relaxed pace ~ there were other activities for the more active! Phew....I'll have another cocktail please and could you just pass me that book...it's just out of my reach!

Here are some of the local residents.....

I think he's hot footing it off to the restaurant....because the meals were unbelievable. 

One special thing that I remember other than all the wonderful food made available all day long...was after one meal I folded my napkin into a flower and left it on the table...our waiter from then on at every meal would have a different folded napkin waiting for us. I was amazed by how many different designs he could do. The elephant was extraordinary!

Here's another little chap that needs to book into the spa for a manicure/pedicure. 

I did and had a wonderful pampered afternoon. I think it was compulsory!?!?!

Here's a local that unfortunately washed ashore many years previously.

 Obviously there's diving and fishing which lets face it you have to try...those waters are unbelievable.

Here's lunch just coming aboard...

And I have to tell you on one night time fishing trip, I caught the largest fish of the whole crew...on a hand line!!! 

I've cropped this photo but yes it is me and that's MY fish. I have to admit I did need help hauling him in because the line cuts into your hand when you have a big dude like that on the end of it. 

Also I thought it best that you didn't see the sea monster up close and personal...after all we had been out on the boat a few hours in the sea breeze and it was a tough job hauling him onboard, so it's best I cropped myself off. I don't want to frighten the kids!

Talking of kids here's my son suffering our pre-dinner drinks but dinner is about to be served! 

No wonder he grew to six foot!

There's always something to focus on whilst lounging...it was tough but someone had to do it!

 

Unfortunately I think I hear the sea plane circling...so we better find our shoes and head back....

 

Maybe we will manage a trip to the Mauritius before winters over? 

Would you be free again? 

I hope so....it's more fun taking friends along!

I'll leave you in peace to watch the sun set....ahh...

Have a wonderful weekend ~ relax, have fun and smile :D

What's on Your Workdesk ~ WOYWW 160

Well here we are again...wonderful Wednesday! It's the day for desk hopping, although I'm not so sure I qualify at the moment because I'm not using a desk as such. I'm still cosy in the dining room.
It's an absolutely fantastic sunny day today, but I took this photo early this morning before my walk, when the sun isn't on this side of the house...hence the photo not up to scratch.
Note the Intense pencils are still in pristine condition...untouched....but I hope to remedy that later today.
For peeps that follow me you'll be relieved to hear I tackled the ironing (finally) so I'M FREE today! Yeeha!

Here's some of the work that's been created from this space....

I'll be making them into cards during the week. 

This photo was taken last night so apologies for the quality of shot...It is on white paper....honest!

 I was missing the Magpie that flew the nest so I had to draw another.....

Are you 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

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY ~ Monday 25th June 2012 

Outside my window...is a wintery scene...although I use the term 'wintery' loosely? Here in Victoria it can be chilly, wet and even snowy at times which for Australia is not what you'd normally think the weather would be. At the moment the sky is covered with a grey blanket, but I walked this morning with the sun on my back so I'm hopeful that it's only a temporary blip. There's a stiff business-like breeze that's impatient to get to somewhere which I'm hoping will clear the clouds away soon. 
The hibiscus outside the dining room window has lost the last of its blooms, so we'll have a wait until they return. The lilac bush is also completely bare but there's hope because if I look really closely I can see buds have appeared. We're over the mid-way point of winter now, so it's heading in the right direction.
I've also a hanging manger waiting for my attention. My OH took down yesterday, so that I can replant it. I've filled one already with it's winter plants and it's doing quite well...the flowers are just appearing and it's filling out nicely. I'll maybe take a photo of it soon to show you.

I am thinking...what a lovely weekend I've just had. It was our anniversary so on Saturday (which was the actual anniversary day) we went into the city to have dinner and to the theatre. I was tempted to do a post about it, but then thought I'd better concentrate on the anniversary and not in taking you all with us. I hope you don't mind?
We had dinner in a lovely little wine bar not too far from the theatre. It had a great atmosphere and it would have been nice to linger but we had a performance to catch, so had to curtail our visit. It's certainly somewhere I'd like to return to.
Then on to the theatre to see the musical Moonshadow. It is a show that has been created to encompass 40 songs by Cat Stevens. There was a storyline but at times I did feel that perhaps we were in a pantomime.
The singing, scenery and effects were brilliant though.We actually had the Cat Stevens song 'Morning has broken' at our wedding all those many moons ago....so it was very poignant.

I am thankful...that I have such a wonderful family. Both near and far. I am truly blessed.

In the kitchen...a steaming kettle having yet again just boiled....it's never far from the boil in this house. 
No baking or goodies in sight at the moment, but I plan to perhaps remedy that a little later today. I blame Masterchef because it does inspire me to try out wonderful recipes but also gives my boys idea's. Last night we had crêpes and I decided to challenge them....they had three crêpes each to decorate in their own way within the count-down. What a giggle!
My son's choice was to make a stack with the first layer of lemon and sugar, second layer maple syrup and the last layer with Nutella spread....yuk what a mix...not my choice and I think he'd be up for elimination if I'd been the judge, but he seemed to like it :$
My OH chose to fold his into triangles with yoghurt poured over, topped with fruit and mixed nuts, then drizzled with honey. He won on presentation so was thrilled. 

I am wearing...Black joggers, black long-sleeved t-shirt, red sweatshirt, a black pashmina (which was too cosy wrapped around my neck from my walk so its stayed put for now) socks...no Ugg slippers yet, but no doubt they'll be on later unless that sun appears. Fingers crossed!

I am creating...my notelets, cards and other possibilities. If you would like to see my designs then click here

I find it so handy having cards or notelets available in the house. I very often suddenly realise I need one and hate to have to dash off to the shops to try and find something suitable. ;D

I am going...to finish my cuppa then go shopping as soon as I finish posting this daybook. Nothing too exciting but then it is Monday and I'd like to get back quickly to do some drawing. I didn't manage any over the weekend. I have a few appointments this week and finally have a hair appointment...I feel I could play the role of Rapunzel without the need for any embellishments!

I am wondering...why time can play such tricks on us! You can be sure when we are doing something we love or are passionate about the time just fly's by... but then when we're carrying out a chore or have to wait for something it can hardly move. 

 

I'm reading...The Seamstress by María Dueñas. I've only just started to read this book and thankfully I've got until August for my book club meeting because it is quite a thick book. My reading seems to be taking a back seat just now, but it looks a good read so maybe I'll be able to squeeze in a little time somewhere?

Maria Duenas' million copy best-selling tale of adventure, tragedy, love and war, "The Seamstress". Spain, on the brink of civil war, 1936. In love for the first time, Sira Quiroga leaves Madrid, along with everything she knows and cares about, to run away to Tangiers, Morocco with her lover Ramiro. She entrusts him with all her inheritance only to be left by him - pregnant, penniless and in trouble with the authorities. At her lowest ebb Sira falls back on the one skill she possesses: sewing. Moving to Tetouan, Sira survives by sewing beautiful clothes for the English mistress of one of the most powerful men in Morocco and for her German friends. As the women unguardedly gossip about their husbands and lovers, Sira is placed in a position very valuable to the British secret service, and she is soon forced to move to Madrid where great danger lies. A grand and epic story that tells the story of Spain's civil war, Madrid in the Second World War and reveals a world of war, glamour, espionage and passion. "A wonderful novel with intrigue, love, mystery and tender, audacious and clean-cut characters". (Mario Vargas Llosa). "A magnificent novel that flawlessly brings together history and intrigue". (Juan Gomez-Jurado, author of "The Moses Expedition"). Maria Duenas holds a PhD in English Philology and is currently a professor at the University of Murcia. She has also taught at American universities, is the author of several academic articles, and has participated in various educational, cultural and editorial projects. She is currently writing her second novel.

I am hoping...that I can carry on creating my art. I'm having a great time and am so thankful that my mojo came back to me...heaven knows where he went for 12 years, but I'm so happy that he found me again. I hope he stays with me forever now :D

I am looking forward to...hopefully a holiday anywhere!
 

Around the house...everywhere is reasonably clean and tidy. Even the floors have finally been moped and are sparkling. This is a major achievement after having so much rain last week. I know there's a mountain of ironing lurking ~ waiting to pounce on a passerby, but I hope to tackle that later. I think a good DVD might make the task bearable! Do you like to iron watching a movie and if so let me know which will make this mind numbing task endurable....please ;D

  

A favourite quote for today... 'Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning' ~ Albert Einstein
 

One of my favourite things...is to walk with my friend and her dog in the mornings. Mufftypup and her friend can also enjoy spending time together. You can see just how enjoyable it is for them by their antics! I just wish Muffy wouldn't roll over at every opportunity...which necessitates in bath time virtually daily! ^..^

 

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'm thinking towards spring, now that we are just over half way through winter.

'Hope Springs Eternal' and all that....so when I caught sight of these little babies gently waving in the sunshine yesterday I had to capture them....you could easily be forgiven for thinking that spring has already arrived!

 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 where you are : D

Monochromatic Art entry for the Artist's Playroom

In keeping with the water theme that's been happening here over the last few days...namely downpours of torrential rain, I've decided that I'll post a beach photo that I took whilst on a girlie getaway to enter into the the Artist's Playroom hosted by the brilliantly talented Jenn on her blog Just add Water Silly,
The theme this week for the APR challenge is Monochromatic and I'm hoping that a photograph will be okay. I'd love to have drawn or painted something to enter, but it's the same old story...the week just ran away with me trying to hang on!

Just have a peek at some very gifted talented real artists!

Well it's almost the weekend...so make the most of it...have fun and keep smiling everyone ;D

What's on Your Workdesk ~ WOYWW ~ 159

I'm not going to say the usual...I can't believe its Wednesday again...but really I can't! 

It suddenly gallops up and bites you! So because I posted a mammoth photographic post of an artist's retreat called Monsalvat yesterday, I'll keep today's post short and sweet...which is what the lovely Julia requests.

I have to apologise before I go any further if I didn't get to your desk last week...it's not that I didn't want to or couldn't be bothered ~ I really just couldn't fit it all in. I wish I could visit you all and not only on a Wednesday...I know there's some amazing blogs out there....so if you have a tactic on how to manage this task....please tell me your secret. ;D

Oops...I better show my desk before I ramble on...well yet again it’s the dining table. It’s still chilly here so no studio for me for a while.

It's a good job that my art doesn't require masses of equipment because I have to pack them away each time I need the table...but then it's cosy and the sun shines in here, so I'll put up with that for now...

After last week's comments my son's been playing and took this shot of me working but through the glass reflection from the dining room door. I think we need to tweak this technique, but you can see a little of my view...but unfortunately the sun wasn't shining when he took it.

If you're new here or confused as to what on earth WOYWW are all about, then nip over to Julia

at her place and all will become clear....you'll have a great time and see some amazing things...but beware it can be addictive!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone....keep smiling :D

Monsalvat

WARNING: This post comes with lots of photos....16 to be precise!

Which isn't bad really considering that during my visit to Monsalvat in Eltham, I actually took 40 in total.....without even trying.

Imagine my delight when a friend invited me to join her for a visit to Montsalvat.  It had been on my list of places to visit for quite a while, but for various reasons previously, I hadn't managed. 

So I was thrilled to finally appreciate this amazing place where inspiration permeates every pore of your being as you wander through the beautifully aging buildings.

From its beginnings in the middle of the 1930's it was a centre of creative activity and remains so to this day and is still ‘home’ to a number of artists, including painters, sculptors, instrument-makers and jewellery makers. Many live at Montsalvat, while others choose to visit in order to teach classes or workshops.

 

(The Meeting Pool restaurant)

Montsalvat was founded by Justus Jörgensen and is Australia’s oldest artists’ colony and home to practising artists. It remains to this day a working not-for-profit arts centre administered by a board. Set in 12 acres of established gardens, the historic buildings include charming mud brick cottages and the impressive Great Hall.

To read Justus's complete biography click here 

 (The Meeting Pool restaurant entrance)

In 1935 Jörgensen purchased land and with his friends commenced work on the buildings that became Montsalvat. The first buildings were two small ‘French Provincial’ style cottages where they could stay at weekends. One was referred to affectionately as 'Lil's House'. Lily was Jutus' wife.

(Entrance to The Barn Gallery)

During World War II Monsalvat become almost self-sufficient with a market garden, poultry farm and small dairy. Several more buildings were hastily built for the ‘farm’ - the dairy, barn, stables, silos and storehouses belong to this period.

There are gardens, steps, nooks, twists and turning paths to explore, whilst soaking up the creative energy which radiates from every aging stone and building. 

There always seems to be a surprise around the corner or at the top of a flight of stairs.

(The ornamental pool)

Jörgensen had the ability to make use of whatever material was at hand. The earth and stone from the excavations formed the walls, with other materials sourced from wreckers’ and builders’ yards across Melbourne.

 ( The Bluestone Chapel )

The Chapel was the last building to be completed before Justus Jorgensen died in 1975. Despite failing health, Justus taught himself to drive a small cubdozer in order to move bluestones to the building site. Completion of the chapel became his obsession as he made it known this was where he wanted to be buried. 

Montsalvat is a stunning location and has been used for photographic shoots from fashion shoots to a large-scale TV production. From the splendour of the Great Hall to the old-fashioned charm of the white mudbrick stables, there are many locations within the 12 acre property to choose from. 

Montsalvat is also the perfect setting for a romantic wedding.

Every path invites you to explore....

 ( The Great Hall)

This mainly stone building includes two galleries, a studio and a large dining hall.

An artists cottage with actual resident artist in situ...take a peek through the window....

Artists can reside at Monsalvat from 2 weeks up to 6 weeks and sometimes further. 

Jörgensen established Montsalvat as an arts colony and centre for creativity in all its forms. Montsalvat still fulfils this vision through its resident artist community and strong focus on events presentation and educational development. Whilst artists are encouraged to focus on their own work there are opportunities to come together within the Montsalvat community to share their inspiration, research and talent. 

Workshops are available...

Check out the website for futher details...click here

Some of the other stunning residents of Monsalvat...

(The whitebrick stable block)

I had a wonderful day and even though my friend wasn't happy that the sun didn't shine...I think Monsalvat shone enough without it!

One last photo just in case you're not into art or architecture....how about some rusty machinery?

 I hope you enjoyed your visit to Monsalvat. It's a magical place and one I know I'll revisit soon.

Have a great week...wherever you are :D