Surprise, surprise....

Life throws up surprises when we least expect them. I experienced two in fact during last week....

One happened in my local veggie shop whilst I was debating the merits of broccoli against green beans...a little voice piped up nearby, "Can we have a cauliflower?" The question came from a little cutie to her mum. Imagine my surprise! I don't think I've ever heard a child ask for any vegetable in my whole life! EVER!

The mother just carried on as if it was the usual request...like so many kids passing the sweetie counter or by the checkouts when are defences are lowered trying to get through the trauma of queues, trolleys, and tantrums...or is that just me!

I wanted to run after the mum to congratulate her on a job well done, but resisted....it's probably the norm here with so much fresh local produce in abundance, so probably not a strange phenomenon at all. 

My second surprise although it shouldn't have been a surprise really with all the effort I've personally put into this particular project over the years. It was my son's 20th Birthday and he'd finally reached the staggering height of 6 foot!

Not such a feat for some I hear you say, but I'm only 5' 4" tall and my OH is only 5' 8" and a half!

The HALF is very important and has always been stressed ~ it must not be forgotten in the equation ~ ever!

My father stood over 6' 2" and although my siblings didn't bother to leave any of the height gene's for me, being the last of the litter, the runt, the baby, I didn't get a say in any of the distribution.

Since my son arrived it's been my ambition for him to take after my father. 

All my OH's family are vertically challenged (eek! I hope they won't mind me saying this, but it's true).

We've measured my son on every birthday since he arrived but unfortunately the door posts where the record is noted aren't situated in one location, they're distributed throught the world on various doorposts. 

I've cajoled, cooked up a storm, baked, placed him in the sun periodically, watered profusely and other than popping his feet into compost ~ because that would obviously have been misinterpreted as child abuse ~ I was willing to do whatever was needed to achieve our goal. 

I say our goal because my son wanted desperately to tower over his Dad and he's finally acheived it. Although he's just said when I mentioned this article that that wasn't exactly true because his Dad was the biggest guy around in his eyes...how special is that...especially when you're only 5' 8" and a half!

My son's had quite a week actually along with his birthday, saying goodbye to his teens, and also he's to start  a new job tomorrow. 

He's certainly walking tall just now! ;D

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY ~ Friday 4th May 2012 

Outside my window...I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date! Not only am I posting this daybook two days later than normal, it's also early afternoon....therefore I'm sitting at the kitchen island looking out over the outside entertaining area. There's the dreaded autumn leaves on, in and around the pool which is maddening because I cleared them all away two days ago...how many leaves can one tree have? Oh yeah...there's quite a few trees around the house. We've had two really wet days but before that I replanted a hanging manger for some colour during the winter months. At the moment it's sitting carefully balanced on a chair waiting for the muscles in the house to lift it back up onto the front wall.

I can see a strawberry hanging over the strawberry pot rim...the birds mustn't have spotted it yet. The herbs are looking good in fact all the plants do which is amazing with the wind and rain we've had this week.

OH has been keeping a close eye on the lemons...even counting them it seems everytime he passes. He's obviously eyeing them up for a lemon tart!

There's a chilly breeze blowing making the wind chimes sing, even though I've tried them up in order to keep on speaking terms with the neighbours. There are snippets of blue sky and sun periodically, but like a bar of chocolate staying in my fridge for more than two days..they're rare!

 

I am thinking...see now that I mentioned chocolate...what else would I be thinking about! You got it!

I am thankful...I suppose I shouldn't say chocolate at this point because you'll get the jist that I have a problem (well thinking about it maybe I do :$) So to be serious for a second I'm thankful beyond words for my children. They are one of the most important things in my life. I'm so proud of them both.

In the kitchen...lamb chops for tonight's dinner. Stir fried rice with lamb chops is one of our favourite meals. It's so tasty and quite quick to produce. There is also some Ginger and Treacle loaf that I made yesterday. I haven't made it before but it has been a hit (no surprises there then).

I am wearing...A fleece still from my morning walk. Jeans, long-sleeved blue t-shirt, and blue pashmina wrapped cosy round my neck. Winter is nipping at the heels of autumn this week. It's not supposed to arrive until June but try telling that to Melbourne weather!

I am creating...see even to read those words...'I am creating' sends my heart racing and a happy feeling comes over me. I have been creating zentangles. I'm thinking I want to try other things and possibly my silk painting again but zentangles had me at 'hello' so I'm sticking with them for now. I don't want to frighten Mr Mojo away again. Perhaps I might do a wash on them next because I am missing colour although I love black and white.

I've also just bought 20 black frames of different sizes and shapes which is very h'eggsciting! They'll no doubt be another post about them when they arrive ;D

I am going...(if I say to clean my kitchen cupboards...you'd probably stop reading and move on wouldn't you so...) skydiving ~ how about that! ;D

I am wondering...how I can tell fibs like the one above and not even blush...I wonder what it might be like to skydive though but I'll carry on wondering because there's no way (NO WAY) I would ever feel the need to throw myself out of a plane at altitude.

 

I am reading...4 books are in line so hopefully by my next Daybook entry I'll have started one of them...my next book club read is 'Mr Wroe's Virgins' by Jane Rogers (I haven't even bought it yet never mind started reading it...so I better get on) 

I am hoping...that my son's new job goes well. He starts on Monday so fingers crossed ;D

I am looking forward to...Masterchef starts again here in Melbourne this Sunday night. Call me sad but I love that programme. It's so addictive, informative, enjoyable and entertaining. I hope it lives up to all expectations for another season ~ by the look of the clips I think it will. 

Around the house...There's a body lying horizonal in a bedroom making the most of a few days break before the new job starts! (well what did you think? Murder?) The rest of the house isn't bad but I know there's a pile of ironing lurking that could cause immense damage if lifted. Okay I'm trying to get to it ~ I just left it alone for three weeks and it had the audacity to reproduce like a rabbit warren.

 

A favourite quote for today...Happiness quite unshared can scarcely be called happiness; it has no taste ~
Charlotte Brontë

One of my favourite things...sitting here chatting with you instead of ironing!

 

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...Ginger and Treacle Loaf with a lovely cup of tea in a Royal Albert teacup. I've got my own little afternoon tea going on here....ahh....:D

 I know there's quite an amount of butter but the knife slipped...what's a girl to do?

So that's it for this week; I managed to just fit it in before the weekend. 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 fun : D

What's on Your Workdesk ~ WOYWW

I'm amazed that I've actually managed to spend some time in my studio this week...whooho! 

And it feels so good. ;D

I'm juggling between the jobs but my reward is to spend time being creative too. It's not ideal but for now it seems to be working.  Pity washing my tea mug wasn't on my list of jobs to do before taking this photo...I just kept refilling the same mug as the tea kept going cold. Yuk!

Normally I drink my cuppa whilst it’s still like molten lava. But when I'm being creative, it's the only time I tend to forget to drink...at any other time it would be a hanging offence.

Note the vinetage mobile phone...no super duper iphone here...(sob sob)...maybe one might appear soon but I have an affection for this trusty friend. It keeps my schedule, sends me reminders, has photos that I can't take off due to my daughter not remembering the security code, alarms to keep me on time and treasured texts that I've saved. Yes, I know an iphone could do all this plus make great toast, but I haven't got one yet! So I can't compare only turn 50 shades of green when I see someone intently connected to their's.

See what I received last week in the post...I now feel a proper member of WOYWW. Julia kindly sent my badge....all 12,000 miles! Thanks again Julia ;D

 

Surprisingly I'm not zentangled out yet, but I feel there may well be a timeline on these but I keep coming up with designs that I'd like to do. Yesterday I produced the King Protea plant which I hope to finish today.

I've also completed an A3 size garlic to hang in my kitchen.

 

Well if you are wondering what I am going on about visiting desks, pop over to the lovely Julia and join in...there's so much talent out there plus if you're a sticky beak nosey parker like me, then you'll love snooping around everyone's desk.

Have fun, smile and pass on some thoughtful act (make someone's day) :D

Time for another walk...this time through the city.

Well the holiday is over...for my SiL that is. No she didn't leave by sea if you're looking at the picture below but I thought it was a great way for you to see the city skyline. 

I also thought I'd post a few photos of a tour through some of the streets of Melbourne. If you're a recent visitor to my blog then you won't have seen some of my old post photos...Melbourne has such a variety of things to see and do, its difficult to know what to include. If you want to see some more then type Melbourne into the search bar to the right for some of my previous posts.

Everytime I look at the skyline it seems to change...but I suppose that's usual with a vibrant ever changing city.

As well as the modern skyscrapers there are the old treasures.

The South Bank is a must for any foodies. There are so many fantastic Restaurants

to choose from....walk along the bank of the Yarra River and decide which to sample. You'll not be disappointed.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground or MCG as it's known has be featured when showing Melbourne. It's in the centre of this photo.

It plays (literally) such a large role in so many sporting events, not just cricket. The total capacity of the MCG is approximately 100,000. The MCG was first surveyed in 1861 by MCC committeeman Robert Bagot, who changed the ground’s configuration into what is today’s conventional oval. It previously was an irregular hexagon with a band rotunda in the northern corner.
 

And then of course like any major city there's the people...

With so much walking I'm sure a little afternoon tea would be a treat...so off we went to the Hopetoun Tea Rooms  for a little refreshment. (Psst...by the way it's a great place to take Mum for Mother's Day)

Who could resist?

 But then they have been established since 1892, so they know what they're doing.

After more shopping, eating, drinking and sightseeing, foot sore and shattered we headed home. At this stage I forgot to take more photos...there's only so much fiddling you can do with your arms full!

So I'll have to leave you here and get on with the day...Muffin hasn't been well for the last week or so, but she's gruffing and ready to go this morning...^..^...obviously the vet's tablets have done the trick!

Have a great week and I'll be back soon with some more of our trips.

It's a little chilly out there so wrap up cosy this morning ~  but the sun's still shining though...yay  :D

Sit back and chill.....

There's a lot to be said for just sitting back and taking stock....

I drove my sister-in-law to the airport last night and thought I'd be a whirlwind today. 

Hmm...well that didn't happen. But then there's always tomorrow...

 

Photo taken at Healesville Animal Sanctuary....(future post when I can get to it :$)

Have a great weekend everyone and remember to sit awhile ;D

What's on Your Workdesk ~ WOYWW

Hmm...well I'm a little ashamed to show my desk this week for numerous reasons. Mainly it’s a mess, plus the fact that after being away for the weekend everything has been dumped on it. There's been no art work done here for what seems like years, but I know I'm slightly exaggerating here (Just between you and me I tend to do that ~ a lot!)

I apologise for not visiting everyone last week, but I hope to be back to normal from next week (normal for me???...now there's a frightening thought) If you popped by my place ~ thanks....I'll repay the compliment as soon as I can.

You may now realise when you see this photo that the sun doesn't always shine in the land of Oz. We've had two days of wintery weather. The thunder rain this morning was torrential.But that's Melbourne for you...the weekend on the beach...today snuggled up inside.

The garden lounger cushions just landed on the table too. I think they'll hibernate now until spring but not on my desk! ;(

I've got lots of creative idea's fighting to be set free so hopefully next week you'll be amazed! Well I will be :O
Oops...forgot to display my WOYWW badge. Julie kindly sent one to me...12,000 miles! I was so excited when I saw the envelope in my post box. Once I find a suitable spot to honour it I'll let you see. Thanks Julie I really appreciate it. 
I've also started to fill the blank wall opposite my desk as an inspiration wall. Only three things stuck there so far but it's a work in progress...like my life!  

So maybe if you want to see more productive creative workdesks, then just click over to Julia and you'll be able to snoop at some amazing crafty people, their desks and what they're up to...they won't mind...honest! 

For all those Australian's and New Zealand readers...Enjoy your ANZAC day ;D

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY ~ Wednesday 25th April 2012 

Outside my window...Instead of the gentle cascade of autumnal leaves there's a torrential downpour of thunder rain. The windows are speckled with splashes and the beating sound resonate my ears. The odd car splashes past whilst the front gutter sends a shower onto the doorstep. A reminder that the gutters need clearing before we head into winter.

 

I am thinking...about today. It is ANZAC day here in Australia and New Zealand. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. ANZAC day is probably Australia's most important national occasion. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. Today is an occasion of national remembrance with dawn services taking place. It is a public holiday.

I am thankful...For all the incredible brave soldiers from past and present whom have experienced incredible unimaginable things to make my life what it is today.

 

In the kitchen...A leg of lamb is marinating ready for today's meal.

I am wearing...My pink dressing gown ~ well it is a public holiday so we're slow to start this morning.

 

I am creating...unfortunatley only ideas at the moment but my SiL leaves to return to the UK soon, so once the house is back ship shape (its been neglected for other duties) then I plan to get busy.

I am going...to spend today with family and friends. Hopefully with a lovely meal once I get started. I think another cuppa is needed to help with that process.

I am wondering...how my daughter is getting on. I didn't speak to her yesterday (which is unusual) she is about to sit her last exam (EVER...in her words) This is the final of five elements and has necessitated her in staying in London to complete. Her fiancé is about to travel down for Edinburgh to join her for a long weekend treat which is greatly needed after suffering the last week or so. 

My son had his birthday this week. We've always measured him on his birthday and on this momentus 20th Birthday, he's reached the staggering height of 6 foot! It has been his ambition to be taller than his father and he's managed it. My father was 6 foot 2 inches so he may have a little further still in the tank.

 

I am reading...again unfortunately due to my other duties whilst having my visitor I haven't really had the time for books. I suppose travel, and tourist information leaflets have been my main reading material. 

But I have quite a few books lined up on my bedside ready ;D

I am hoping...That the rain eases and my OH and his sister can have a great day spending special time together.

I am looking forward to...getting back into my studio. After visiting lots of galleries and craft locations I'm fired up and raring to go!

Around the house...I'm ashamed to say...lots of mess. It’s totally out of character for me but I'm proud I've managed to shed my obsession for everything to be in its place.

 

A favourite quote for today...Happiness quite unshared can scarcely be called happiness; it has no taste.
~ Charlotte Brontë

One of my favourite things...A walk along a quiet beach with the sun on my back...the colours, sounds, smells and sight touching all of my senses.

 

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...

 

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 fun : D