tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74223729958506092692024-03-14T03:18:18.903-07:00Che and FidelJodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.comBlogger783125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-25431053750259334192013-12-29T15:59:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:21.333-08:00it's time for a change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-4eVE-QMEM6U9HTGEgCOrH7ChD9e5FyWOyApq0DhRZQsWKItX2jdHRwU086lufeaVMycyfHANNe4mY8HnlXdNBIgxN8n3ivKWgV8C7OaWA1Ksx4FBkazBWPdT_Z-5IwBDWQ33CbJ8H_v/s1600/107A5792-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-4eVE-QMEM6U9HTGEgCOrH7ChD9e5FyWOyApq0DhRZQsWKItX2jdHRwU086lufeaVMycyfHANNe4mY8HnlXdNBIgxN8n3ivKWgV8C7OaWA1Ksx4FBkazBWPdT_Z-5IwBDWQ33CbJ8H_v/s1600/107A5792-2.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't think I've ever been on the cusp of a new year and had so much happening around me. Some of it has been in the pipeline for months now, a lot of it was only confirmed a few days ago. It's exciting, daunting and challenging and I'm embracing it - because it's the best thing I can do.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2014 is looking to be good. Very good.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the final post I'll write as "Che and Fidel". In a few days time the name of this little blog will change. It's time for a fresh start and a new path and I can't wait to share it all with you. I'll explain everything when the new blog launches but I wanted to let you know that if you do visit here, you'll be redirected to a new address, even though you'll be seeing the same page (and yes, all six years worth of blog posts will stay). Complicated? Completely! Lucky I've got an amazing <a href="http://graemetek.com/#home">tech guy</a> doing all the behind-the-scenes work for me.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sending blessings over the land and across the seas......for a happy, healthy and abundant new year. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jodi x</span>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-69998252116878732762013-12-28T13:35:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:21.347-08:0052/52<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQptEGWupnpMzQ23r2N1fJZ62EWGiUYGvbx-dsNllIxuSrtMRhn3Dtz9Y-4dQLjrLgD1Q5bGdXMZ-wfbuP2IolySBHL9rhlZRWhj7rgk3Mmw6oGsYKvZipNoSqivsYGddf0FCuCCoKkgX6/s1600/107A6469-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQptEGWupnpMzQ23r2N1fJZ62EWGiUYGvbx-dsNllIxuSrtMRhn3Dtz9Y-4dQLjrLgD1Q5bGdXMZ-wfbuP2IolySBHL9rhlZRWhj7rgk3Mmw6oGsYKvZipNoSqivsYGddf0FCuCCoKkgX6/s1600/107A6469-2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_en4kyP3aej_kziDPIkzb0lqyslJTyNip9Apr-GlkhWSbJ0D9_NO1RbKAsLcgUtqt0yyactaTlFUCxnRkKVvQ3kHnf0fa-uYovsWrKsXQ1Gp_LwTQSHBYDPib8EUiadbu1YidQHp3Q8s/s1600/107A6288-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_en4kyP3aej_kziDPIkzb0lqyslJTyNip9Apr-GlkhWSbJ0D9_NO1RbKAsLcgUtqt0yyactaTlFUCxnRkKVvQ3kHnf0fa-uYovsWrKsXQ1Gp_LwTQSHBYDPib8EUiadbu1YidQHp3Q8s/s1600/107A6288-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Che: warming himself in the sun, giggling uncontrollably as I tickle his belly (with my toes).</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Poet: a special ice-cream treat at Mama and Popa's house</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 children, 52 weeks, 104 photos. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think the beauty of this project is discovered in retrospect; when you look back and realise that regardless of how fast and busy the year was, there were so many little moments that were quiet and precious and memorable. They mean so much more to me that the big events because they're honest reflections of everyday life.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the start of the year I promised myself that I would take as many candid portraits as I could. I wanted to take the time to <i>be</i> in the now, <i>observe</i> the moment and, if possible, <i>capture</i> it on camera. There were many moments that never made it into this space; but the 104 that did, they are pictures I will always cherish - because they tell our story. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div style="text-align: center;">............................................................................................................</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Congratulations, friends! 52/52 is quite an achievement. I'll be back next Sunday with 1/52...will you be joining me?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div><!-- start InLinkz script --><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript">document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=354935&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script><br /><br /><!-- end InLinkz script -->Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-72417148205184937702013-12-21T09:30:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:21.354-08:0051/52<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzGumL8_i8aqMBwfzOahiLJa2LZwXJHcso768CtCG0hx4EeUeCSLUmxs_l-MSfPs9ObzMB5TaX6afo_shCSxslTe6ms0pDVOVSvi32a_4g8gL6Efvta2fDkDYiekhUT1ta9QvgmHpA_OV/s1600/107A6024-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzGumL8_i8aqMBwfzOahiLJa2LZwXJHcso768CtCG0hx4EeUeCSLUmxs_l-MSfPs9ObzMB5TaX6afo_shCSxslTe6ms0pDVOVSvi32a_4g8gL6Efvta2fDkDYiekhUT1ta9QvgmHpA_OV/s1600/107A6024-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTWDTQVF2kdCUWbic7uydCvFzV9-vyzmYnOy8a4qelztjzV_GBJXZu4ELthI0c59BIai7Fjf03ypyWs7ZlIjL54a6LtwPR-rQmmNhjt4T4inkHb5SWweKojwY3lY3doDzUPodgXyH_7za/s1600/107A5941-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTWDTQVF2kdCUWbic7uydCvFzV9-vyzmYnOy8a4qelztjzV_GBJXZu4ELthI0c59BIai7Fjf03ypyWs7ZlIjL54a6LtwPR-rQmmNhjt4T4inkHb5SWweKojwY3lY3doDzUPodgXyH_7za/s1600/107A5941-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Che: tired, exhausted and hot but still, the fairy lights intrigue.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Poet: standing in my childhood bedroom, admiring herself in the mirror.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Portraits imbued with a festive touch (and matching pouty lips). </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm going to keep this post simple - I'm tired, there's lots of Christmassy things to do and time away from the internet is much needed. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll be back next week with 52/52 and then.....well, come early January you'll notice some significant changes in this space; changes that have come from months of planning and redesigning. I'll explain the full story soon but rest assured, the essence of this blog will stay the same, even if it looks very different. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you and your families have a beautiful, heartwarming Christmas. May it be simple and joyous; a celebration of togetherness and gratitude. Thank you so much for everything you have shared throughout the year - your encouragement, advice and beautiful portraits. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In love and Christmas light, Jodi x</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><!-- start InLinkz script --><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript">document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=353402&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script><br /><br /><!-- end InLinkz script -->Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-39585842542761932572013-12-18T09:30:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:21.360-08:0052 | the ones that got away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnyJTYcpRyQPEpeilmcg7elA6bkkS75SFLHD0ibeTGvbk275g0awKgnmnTR_hzksypz-2QCKpNCDuK1Q1_CVeIN4J5NYuJGV4TXNfQYYCfHNWBreyxmGvUm8wKS2G3Ix_EU2Ks4SewG5r/s1600/P1560231-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnyJTYcpRyQPEpeilmcg7elA6bkkS75SFLHD0ibeTGvbk275g0awKgnmnTR_hzksypz-2QCKpNCDuK1Q1_CVeIN4J5NYuJGV4TXNfQYYCfHNWBreyxmGvUm8wKS2G3Ix_EU2Ks4SewG5r/s1600/P1560231-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBsZ-JMTmFQw67bfWQ3Aih_8D_Xx_yQvUP__4-N5bWjeiMxhZ0ygkW_wsartUrKk2OL3Ci1zioMLTR-s7aDxmWZdupbEVvbCGl7H0Pk-K_fA4jfoykue1PjjYt_1EMeuZ5tOgAC16oNGR/s1600/P1560063-1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBsZ-JMTmFQw67bfWQ3Aih_8D_Xx_yQvUP__4-N5bWjeiMxhZ0ygkW_wsartUrKk2OL3Ci1zioMLTR-s7aDxmWZdupbEVvbCGl7H0Pk-K_fA4jfoykue1PjjYt_1EMeuZ5tOgAC16oNGR/s1600/P1560063-1-2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrugqupg3zBSfPxHaEz9aSmrp4Tg4g_XLZJPkgIH8nXppSCK5L3V4qnMH2mq24J6BXDEFfkUDznee5_D9aWBmx2w3b_8b6O57JaynoJlN9q24b6wZPMOOMoRc96vUX8S6RoXdPztklsOwM/s1600/P1560969-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrugqupg3zBSfPxHaEz9aSmrp4Tg4g_XLZJPkgIH8nXppSCK5L3V4qnMH2mq24J6BXDEFfkUDznee5_D9aWBmx2w3b_8b6O57JaynoJlN9q24b6wZPMOOMoRc96vUX8S6RoXdPztklsOwM/s1600/P1560969-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk8uLNMhjQTb_bWXehYjszIiapcazSW1fE3e7vDwGr-naAXmCmE15_KNZgr9mrieNJ72X6p1UxWac5ZQ4cg96pbU-e_bB3NS2I2i_lBfeWPjVJ69m8OHzYhYB-BgxOkmFhyphenhyphenj_2_uuOdjM/s1600/P1590513-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk8uLNMhjQTb_bWXehYjszIiapcazSW1fE3e7vDwGr-naAXmCmE15_KNZgr9mrieNJ72X6p1UxWac5ZQ4cg96pbU-e_bB3NS2I2i_lBfeWPjVJ69m8OHzYhYB-BgxOkmFhyphenhyphenj_2_uuOdjM/s1600/P1590513-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfPTfxjzqoChRgYa1rauJNP_5aXvO95YbbF2tawXn3L8irO-J2lVjiii4kxLohFw9ntPnSR1skQrghkuB1P5Z3q4LnFjhHwqUVx0eS4FeadHUvctCqhCvYECoyTOl1XrsA4CHnP4YKm2y/s1600/P1590465-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfPTfxjzqoChRgYa1rauJNP_5aXvO95YbbF2tawXn3L8irO-J2lVjiii4kxLohFw9ntPnSR1skQrghkuB1P5Z3q4LnFjhHwqUVx0eS4FeadHUvctCqhCvYECoyTOl1XrsA4CHnP4YKm2y/s1600/P1590465-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h_aSpEZW9aeOME_SbMQDUspG4g0cdzoVn1ReR4UvkuOxK0m_0izlXAd7RgGnf-JgIcSJqCU4M2fG8iHSZcT0KrQoX3sUi0O-Vi6c4oM8bPJiWL_uycx7xVejfWN7LGrgLVHtfP6Du9uS/s1600/P1600087-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h_aSpEZW9aeOME_SbMQDUspG4g0cdzoVn1ReR4UvkuOxK0m_0izlXAd7RgGnf-JgIcSJqCU4M2fG8iHSZcT0KrQoX3sUi0O-Vi6c4oM8bPJiWL_uycx7xVejfWN7LGrgLVHtfP6Du9uS/s1600/P1600087-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSfH7DtRv0ttPECWXD2nHMfaYl8hBgOXUnbwy5a22cOVQH_8QCbxSZHJw3CwNhGl0R_vNPKj7ylAg_OMa8zOtZWrRYllvgfMp5ayVsRiimEhvL817vEJrs74mHhYPWTAQ6eDzZyhw4a2y/s1600/P1530964-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSfH7DtRv0ttPECWXD2nHMfaYl8hBgOXUnbwy5a22cOVQH_8QCbxSZHJw3CwNhGl0R_vNPKj7ylAg_OMa8zOtZWrRYllvgfMp5ayVsRiimEhvL817vEJrs74mHhYPWTAQ6eDzZyhw4a2y/s1600/P1530964-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjNwtmBkY6iimJnDfpplI-TYNwPiNVPwY9TAz-JwJIjOZQ8LegR74PySYoxhL4xK8B3FvB8gq1PKJNLOu8bNocZbM1ni2cDsWmI0mdW-yQG15V3LehzQvPVldfn90leYMtKyIwkauPvzt/s1600/P1540963-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjNwtmBkY6iimJnDfpplI-TYNwPiNVPwY9TAz-JwJIjOZQ8LegR74PySYoxhL4xK8B3FvB8gq1PKJNLOu8bNocZbM1ni2cDsWmI0mdW-yQG15V3LehzQvPVldfn90leYMtKyIwkauPvzt/s1600/P1540963-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQE54CpITLHXVUAWNHNfl64-KL7jP_ruplDlawNULjsetKsif8fxr-pMh32bFsynDutZNuT0Do8eXXr_XvjQscErQ-f8LXFbtGUxK1WfuSaY1yboto0145u_KItira2Z-7mXo641K3VmSs/s1600/P1570189-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQE54CpITLHXVUAWNHNfl64-KL7jP_ruplDlawNULjsetKsif8fxr-pMh32bFsynDutZNuT0Do8eXXr_XvjQscErQ-f8LXFbtGUxK1WfuSaY1yboto0145u_KItira2Z-7mXo641K3VmSs/s1600/P1570189-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6oco2_6OR2N1wTr_cTuB-f12jV2JRJW96TjjLw52A6XQoRL0J62awRJIyfxTwvT4bLp1751SwmI420kO1teMuuPCwK71nykYBFp0mQghaO1nM1OG1puZePPqrbqtzk1HsHv7dZTmoNvN/s1600/P1590771-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6oco2_6OR2N1wTr_cTuB-f12jV2JRJW96TjjLw52A6XQoRL0J62awRJIyfxTwvT4bLp1751SwmI420kO1teMuuPCwK71nykYBFp0mQghaO1nM1OG1puZePPqrbqtzk1HsHv7dZTmoNvN/s1600/P1590771-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hPFuEGCwBOEIuztATekItyAxOYZyHIfZDfMpRK_u7tPuVuHin-E9tAxAPdlYTuMFg6HDg6vwDhCjNL1ubtKe_0ooCWRM08ItAaEtjBT79c47Waa44QduV9-R4A2yyBA8ej9asX1idNrk/s1600/P1610626-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hPFuEGCwBOEIuztATekItyAxOYZyHIfZDfMpRK_u7tPuVuHin-E9tAxAPdlYTuMFg6HDg6vwDhCjNL1ubtKe_0ooCWRM08ItAaEtjBT79c47Waa44QduV9-R4A2yyBA8ej9asX1idNrk/s1600/P1610626-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0AeK0Vxwj-0RJ1qTreW2vgzRXav03dM3aaMY-FVk1PUNm_Td2pSKaZWt50xgxUWNfvd44BXUVwFzS64jhWYak9LNDxVP1FSYppIauytV7N9TSHgGlhzeJCbTdRwzAku4R-oayCFlkgQN/s1600/107A3448-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0AeK0Vxwj-0RJ1qTreW2vgzRXav03dM3aaMY-FVk1PUNm_Td2pSKaZWt50xgxUWNfvd44BXUVwFzS64jhWYak9LNDxVP1FSYppIauytV7N9TSHgGlhzeJCbTdRwzAku4R-oayCFlkgQN/s1600/107A3448-1.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To be honest, I didn't have time to go through all my 2013 photos and pick a few "outtake" portraits. But curiosity got the better of me so I strolled through the year and subsequently saw these photos in a new light - a very nostalgic one. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have no idea why these shots didn't make it into 52; obviously other portraits were more meaningful to me at the time. Sometimes I get caught up in the beauty of the shot, at other times I choose a portrait because of the moment I captured or the emotion it conjures. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking through these outtakes and all the shots that made up 52 this year....well, I'm just so grateful that I persevered. I'm proud of this project.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>ps. thanks to <a href="http://www.oneclaireday.com/">Claire</a> for suggesting this "outtake" idea...</i></span><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><!-- start InLinkz script --><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript">document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=352586&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script><br /><br /><!-- end InLinkz script -->Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-22698690121533156092013-12-16T15:11:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:21.367-08:00mother + child | gaby + clementine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjob2FlpIbGtKKbJ59Rv228VSrw_GvzuBJ7EIikenw5Nk0JnuIKcUYurUfPK5lYDrGbCbexEE_22gitrW8-Q9sJpBXEiZiJzowhaL4VdaPqNziwWcfQzejB_FAiXiKhs57oMJdmRVv4Jhve/s1600/107A4834-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjob2FlpIbGtKKbJ59Rv228VSrw_GvzuBJ7EIikenw5Nk0JnuIKcUYurUfPK5lYDrGbCbexEE_22gitrW8-Q9sJpBXEiZiJzowhaL4VdaPqNziwWcfQzejB_FAiXiKhs57oMJdmRVv4Jhve/s1600/107A4834-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78Aii6Aan-0uNM-VcfRTAlbivG9Kfst_k0JgfVGF5bLYJynRdxIYl4h_v6KWli7VKxsRTjQFV4t0mAHZlc4FQ2-isEWaI5Iau_R5SHrBvhDt_f9WGA7xdoiwH-w7xLNkaWAgtsok0uvbC/s1600/107A4855-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78Aii6Aan-0uNM-VcfRTAlbivG9Kfst_k0JgfVGF5bLYJynRdxIYl4h_v6KWli7VKxsRTjQFV4t0mAHZlc4FQ2-isEWaI5Iau_R5SHrBvhDt_f9WGA7xdoiwH-w7xLNkaWAgtsok0uvbC/s1600/107A4855-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iQzsg6KTpuVgoJLUwYI4AGGaaVWZKAy_ikR4sEiCaNYC5so6OZ1gr-dNTwjH8VcoO1mafMuack-UJxzZYSuqvMpGjd5hpjLNeFym2zfP5VZUi9R0r7YkwbE_LY8cRX-pjF8UtZdCDeeA/s1600/107A4911-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iQzsg6KTpuVgoJLUwYI4AGGaaVWZKAy_ikR4sEiCaNYC5so6OZ1gr-dNTwjH8VcoO1mafMuack-UJxzZYSuqvMpGjd5hpjLNeFym2zfP5VZUi9R0r7YkwbE_LY8cRX-pjF8UtZdCDeeA/s1600/107A4911-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEVytWLsLgeiyxLreNhM22b50u2j8faXyOWKNnA8QkCGSYIb8pn1-08pDIG0Xp1SIG7R-bDHlXcCvjk4BCXKRkTFpTvzfpOukAzCesSXjVRIO58vHzZYwyl1hx87k5dxOSbg5lXGwOVUH/s1600/107A4996-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEVytWLsLgeiyxLreNhM22b50u2j8faXyOWKNnA8QkCGSYIb8pn1-08pDIG0Xp1SIG7R-bDHlXcCvjk4BCXKRkTFpTvzfpOukAzCesSXjVRIO58vHzZYwyl1hx87k5dxOSbg5lXGwOVUH/s1600/107A4996-2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTm5DwxJSVbd46Lkr15ekomA4magaSyh_lXwDcS_JdIELYuCsXLNrXA8aMCYOwXxeI-rHf6bHx1bzgqgHUiCveorcheOq-wChzCGr2tw4mqoDTWDdseMOdUpY705RRshh7E0CewTcPezpy/s1600/107A4980-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTm5DwxJSVbd46Lkr15ekomA4magaSyh_lXwDcS_JdIELYuCsXLNrXA8aMCYOwXxeI-rHf6bHx1bzgqgHUiCveorcheOq-wChzCGr2tw4mqoDTWDdseMOdUpY705RRshh7E0CewTcPezpy/s1600/107A4980-2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNGlZn0H_I23sK_HVdw3w4XW7xwXAF19vO0CRfIr1LKmLh0a5XuNoKLmFw7kH8QYakDzPp3wLQC4huF-YqGgZ67MVin5hN8YAy8x6O_6LkM9IcZaaS_12FFSa6CEKCK5J3SsNo8SgEMsN/s1600/107A4974-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNGlZn0H_I23sK_HVdw3w4XW7xwXAF19vO0CRfIr1LKmLh0a5XuNoKLmFw7kH8QYakDzPp3wLQC4huF-YqGgZ67MVin5hN8YAy8x6O_6LkM9IcZaaS_12FFSa6CEKCK5J3SsNo8SgEMsN/s1600/107A4974-1.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week I had the privilege of documenting Gaby and Clementine's <a href="http://thislittleport.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/sakura-bloom-sling-diaries-culture.html#comment-form">babywearing journey</a>. Early morning at the beach; milky light and alabaster skin. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking through the photos there was one word that kept coming to mind: touch. Little feet touching arms, little hands clasped to a singlet, a protective hand pat, pat, patting a squishy baby bottom. Babywearing - mother and child entwined. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I suppose now is a good time to mention that I'm available for pregnancy and family photos throughout 2014. If you're interested I'd be delighted to hear from you...</i></span>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-75261340708413189152013-12-15T17:55:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:21.373-08:00twenty-two | practicing simplicity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDyi4dbF6EqZylfXnbJOKKbTfQjNeEUJ7-AIgECLvztnTcfX5jLNXKV3CU8RWLoiaoLF1DYRe6UEwk_I0oF07eUAuqM5qSVkM3BARIRI7n5JMisb_3jL8jmA6Z7hbbsfdWYa7i2sauukj/s1600/107A5272-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDyi4dbF6EqZylfXnbJOKKbTfQjNeEUJ7-AIgECLvztnTcfX5jLNXKV3CU8RWLoiaoLF1DYRe6UEwk_I0oF07eUAuqM5qSVkM3BARIRI7n5JMisb_3jL8jmA6Z7hbbsfdWYa7i2sauukj/s1600/107A5272-1.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every Wednesday night I go to a yoga class - it's my mid-week reprieve, an opportunity to find space, rediscover patience and gain perspective. To begin my practice I lay with my legs up the wall in <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/1140">viparita karani</a>, my arms wide, my eyes closed. And I let myself soften into the floor. My entire sadhana (spiritual practice) last week was about softening without effort. My teacher's words resonated so strongly:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"...if you had to stay where you were for 10 more breaths, what would you shift so you could be comfortable? What would you change if you had to stay here for 100 more breaths, or a lifetime of breaths?"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was talking about being in an asana but she subtly hinted at the practice of life, too. What a beautiful question to pose to mothers; the women who live that role for now and forever - for the next 10 breaths and the next million.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What can you shift so you can be more comfortable, so the experience can be more enjoyable? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those words have been circling my mind since last Wednesday, coming to the forefront just when things start to get challenging. And I've shifted many things to make space and create opportunities, to quell tantrums and see things for what they are (and not what my emotions make them out to be). My experience as a work-from-home mother has benefited greatly as I've found a new way of integrating work and writing into family life - a very small change that has made a significant impact on my productivity, creativity and happiness. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So: shift and change things around so you can be more comfortable. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Take time this week to lie with your legs up the wall, if only for five minutes. Close your eyes, let out a few sighs and be still. It's one of the most rejuvenating practices you can do. This week we all need it more than ever. I hope you find a few minutes of calm amidst the crazy. </i></span></div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-87426431335018604202013-12-14T21:53:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:21.381-08:00the greater good : a giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEH5CnzMCXXdIO-Ob4BgQ4o82xjPQTe46px4PzkP1E7merajoOTixgemOQHAEaPW7FCqHqRogi4RYz3WlWsMHCy-V3urvogUTmIW0o4H0V1Q7mviLGXL-yXHDg8xnwqL6DljwI7fEQ-jN/s1600/The+Greater+Good+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEH5CnzMCXXdIO-Ob4BgQ4o82xjPQTe46px4PzkP1E7merajoOTixgemOQHAEaPW7FCqHqRogi4RYz3WlWsMHCy-V3urvogUTmIW0o4H0V1Q7mviLGXL-yXHDg8xnwqL6DljwI7fEQ-jN/s1600/The+Greater+Good+Logo.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoOcIrDzqVP7P5ldXRxS-8B5WlWQKV_n7TrAo0Y8t-AuS0lfvd88sSjjnIsKRefS12VNxgsQg4PdXDNhdcpCRvthK3O0u-0Y3TWB_SJKUxJXScDz0P-XyP6iI-HznGcVplorhoj3RN3go/s1600/appapp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoOcIrDzqVP7P5ldXRxS-8B5WlWQKV_n7TrAo0Y8t-AuS0lfvd88sSjjnIsKRefS12VNxgsQg4PdXDNhdcpCRvthK3O0u-0Y3TWB_SJKUxJXScDz0P-XyP6iI-HznGcVplorhoj3RN3go/s1600/appapp.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv70Z7omo0y2v0iymRP0UBt-XRM1u4CbL46uHSeY-MG6TkzkVhK19o393gBZS8ww2B21ZR7FiGPzoPQft4kKeIBIPvqEfypUc5Q3g84aEhGYicgfm1wjSdA9z7Votl_YDSKSxTeHq5TJP6/s1600/Hatschi-099v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv70Z7omo0y2v0iymRP0UBt-XRM1u4CbL46uHSeY-MG6TkzkVhK19o393gBZS8ww2B21ZR7FiGPzoPQft4kKeIBIPvqEfypUc5Q3g84aEhGYicgfm1wjSdA9z7Votl_YDSKSxTeHq5TJP6/s1600/Hatschi-099v2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>gorgeous <a href="http://greater-good.com.au/product/apple-papple-print/">apple papple</a> (as seen in <a href="http://cheandfidel.blogspot.com/2013/02/poets-room-complete.html">Poet's room</a>), <a href="http://greater-good.com.au/product/pirum-parum-pear-print/">pirum parum</a> and bug-like <a href="http://greater-good.com.au/product/product-6/">Hatschi hooks</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I heard Batman talk about 'the greater good' while the kids were watching cartoons one day. I think all mothers are modern-day superheroes, doing our best to serve 'the greater good' as we nurture our families and juggle day-to-day life." - Kirsty Frank, owner of <a href="http://greater-good.com.au/">The Greater Good</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the best things about blogging is the mothers I've met; the women who have created small businesses to satisfy their own dreams and support their growing families. I started chatting to Kirsty a few months ago when she was in the midst of planning her new venture. She has a passion for the quirky and colourful and firmly believes that children's toys, clothes and decor should be child-like without compromising quality. She has sourced an collection of products from a range of international artists for her online (soon to be bricks + mortar) store, many of whom haven't been stocked in Australia before. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She has collated a selection of beautiful products - decor, soft toys, storage and lighting. I really appreciate her taste; she has a penchant for muted hues and classic pieces and knows how important 'practical' is for the family home. My favourites? - the <a href="http://greater-good.com.au/product/numero-74-1/">bell garlands</a>, <a href="http://greater-good.com.au/product/taska-13/">coat rack city</a> (hang it at your child's height to encourage independence), <a href="http://greater-good.com.au/product/hessian-sacksari-with-pom-poms/">hessian sack with pom poms</a> and <a href="http://greater-good.com.au/product/supersized-colouring-page/">super size colouring page</a> (which would have been my dream come true as a child). </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.....................................................................................................................</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The winner of this giveaway will receive a $100 voucher to spend in store. To enter just leave a comment telling Kirsty and I what your favourite toy/item was as a child. The reader who leaves the most amusing/beautiful/memorable story wins (no essays required!).</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So you can spend and purchase before Christmas, I'll draw the winner on Wednesday 18th December at 8pm (comments will close at 7pm) and Kirsty will get the package in the mail soon after. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best of luck!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Comments now closed. The winner is #44 - Ally. What a story! Email me at jodiclairewilson @ yahoo.com.au and I'll organise your voucher. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kirsty is just starting out and really appreciates your support. Perhaps if you're on facebook you could head over to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/greatergood.kids">The Greater Good</a> and 'like'? </span></div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-16218842406283188142013-12-14T12:11:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:21.388-08:0050/52<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWU_mK-XzXt5kgeiTY1GHJktB-VU1vBA9Yicb-2_o_wG657Unfn-JlwR1UIZuP_TUe3eKWLwn6qKE3VIoaehf51BpXO-hcM43PorbdQqvTzHWADxnx8CLUeeKICob-rY0l8I5Ux_970t3/s1600/107A5475-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWU_mK-XzXt5kgeiTY1GHJktB-VU1vBA9Yicb-2_o_wG657Unfn-JlwR1UIZuP_TUe3eKWLwn6qKE3VIoaehf51BpXO-hcM43PorbdQqvTzHWADxnx8CLUeeKICob-rY0l8I5Ux_970t3/s1600/107A5475-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhIYI6KjBWAwK9r7thSsRlET4i95ihik9tdBWQKiaAz9VXQ1Excl_5bAEPYCxXf16OaAEgyNGkwhl-ljbeZCz0S1fHgTkzXtMfcthDawXY21Rt4rX8GDkaSf7_XpvbD-abK-EQ8WJwkVY/s1600/107A5581-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhIYI6KjBWAwK9r7thSsRlET4i95ihik9tdBWQKiaAz9VXQ1Excl_5bAEPYCxXf16OaAEgyNGkwhl-ljbeZCz0S1fHgTkzXtMfcthDawXY21Rt4rX8GDkaSf7_XpvbD-abK-EQ8WJwkVY/s1600/107A5581-4.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Che: goodness, what a masculine stance. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Poet: on tip-toes as she looks out the window.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm getting a little nostalgic now. Only two portraits to go and then we're back to the beginning. <a href="http://www.oneclaireday.com/">Claire</a> had a great idea earlier this week and I'd love to bring it to fruition. We were talking about all the portraits that got away; the ones that weren't chosen because others seemed more fitting. So, on Wednesday, I'll be writing a post titled: "52 / the ones that got away" - there'll be a link, too, so feel free to add your own post. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm excited to tell you that the "52" button for 2014 is currently being designed by melbourne-based artist <a href="http://www.paperpinwheel.com/">The Paper Pinwheel</a>. It features muted ocean-inspired colours and a touch of distinctly Australian flora. I'll be able to share it with you in the next week so make sure you leave a little room on your sidebar.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may have also noticed that I'm currently running a <a href="http://cheandfidel.blogspot.com/2013/12/minted-giveaway.html">giveaway</a> to win a $200 voucher to <a href="http://www.minted.com/">Minted</a> - a company that creates beautiful photo cards, art prints and personalised stationery. It's open to readers worldwide so feel free to enter...perhaps it will be one way you can use some of your 52 portraits.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">..................................................................................................................</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I adore Yellow Finch's perspective and I especially love <a href="http://yellowfinchdesigns.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/4952.html">these shots</a> - especially the piano portrait! / I love everything about <a href="http://olivelse.typepad.fr/olivelse/2013/12/4952.html">these portraits</a>; happy faces, warmth and <i>that</i> blanket / I wholeheartedly understand the <a href="http://www.motherdownunder.com/2013/12/the-portrait-series-4952.html">"need to get the last sip"</a> determination / I always love a diptych and I especially like the 'railing' perspective in <a href="http://rebucadoacido.wordpress.com/2013/12/06/4952-1/">these portraits</a> / and finally, <a href="http://theyaegerpack.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/4952.html">haircut time</a> - always cute (and a little bit funny!). </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><a name='more'></a><!-- start InLinkz script --><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript">document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=351398&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script><br /><br /><!-- end InLinkz script -->Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-16244471243955553422013-12-13T20:38:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:21.396-08:00minted : a giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GyIkyyJ_5HBjsJ2YArUHaljk2iSKoPwxgl77HSJl2BdXw_45Ybq7hsyaVOSzY88g7qQymOnJ7okSuGoxfUud78iVZKUxclyyvIdzGY4KsX6iCT3oBZXMhJKktFzoN6WY303Yf1qfR_l_/s1600/107A5638-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GyIkyyJ_5HBjsJ2YArUHaljk2iSKoPwxgl77HSJl2BdXw_45Ybq7hsyaVOSzY88g7qQymOnJ7okSuGoxfUud78iVZKUxclyyvIdzGY4KsX6iCT3oBZXMhJKktFzoN6WY303Yf1qfR_l_/s1600/107A5638-2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDgLHv4mnnRrahe0DH8EhyphenhyphenNeUOcdlO9dYLv-RcmCJaLdivrZoJsqKFE-rPo7rl7jdTu3Ngq1BR_S_WhEOyvjcQAUH58g4l9Ckcq4igXA5PitINMCJKgHblLnqrw3uU1pAd1RWXmzQEGYa/s1600/107A5613-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDgLHv4mnnRrahe0DH8EhyphenhyphenNeUOcdlO9dYLv-RcmCJaLdivrZoJsqKFE-rPo7rl7jdTu3Ngq1BR_S_WhEOyvjcQAUH58g4l9Ckcq4igXA5PitINMCJKgHblLnqrw3uU1pAd1RWXmzQEGYa/s1600/107A5613-2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>this is a sponsored post</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo prints and personalised stationery - a few of my favourite things. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year I've made an effort to imbue messages with a personal touch. The kids and I have been painting stars for Che's classmates and I've printed <a href="http://www.minted.com/product/holiday-photo-cards/MIN-66E-HYC/merry-bright-holiday-delight?ccId=43863&agI=0&org=photo">merry & bright</a> cards for friends and family across the seas. In this age of jpegs and emails, a handwritten note (sealed and stamped) is a welcome gesture.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've long admired <a href="http://www.minted.com/">Minted</a> for their work with independent designers and their commitment to quality so when they approached me about a giveaway I was more than happy to oblige. Think of the company as a platform for indie designers the world over, a welcome step-up in the often overwhelming online world.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"<a href="http://www.minted.com/">Minted</a> crowd-sources design and art from a global community of independent designers, then sell their best designs as fine products such as stationery, wall art and decor...every time a product is sold the artist receives a commission. "</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">..................................................................................................</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The winner of this giveaway will receive a $200 voucher to Minted. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To enter just leave a comment telling me about why you love personalised stationery and what you would buy if you won. Perhaps some <a href="http://www.minted.com/product/personalized-stationery/MIN-6Z8-PST/watercolor-lotus">personalised watercolour lotus cards</a> to use in the new year (see mine above), a <a href="http://www.minted.com/product/personalized-stationery/MIN-ZPV-PST/soft-watercolor?ccId=150075&org=photo">personalised notepad</a> (particularly useful for school mums) or <a href="http://www.minted.com/birth-announcements">birth announcements</a>, <a href="http://www.minted.com/product/art-prints/MIN-JJX-KNA/go-to-it-laughing?ccId=105768&org=photo">art prints</a>, <a href="http://www.minted.com/product/journals/MIN-63U-NBK/bright-ideas?org=photo">kids art journal</a> (great idea!) etc......</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This giveaway is open to readers across the globe. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask them in the comments section - I'll answer there. The winner will be announced in this post on Wednesday 18th December at 5pm.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best of luck! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Comments are now closed. The winner is #71 - <a href="http://slowheartsing.blogspot.com.au/">Vanessa</a>. Best of luck with your 2014 business ventures. Beautiful stationery is the perfect motivation! </b></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>If giveaways aren't your thing feel free to use the code CHEANDFIDEL for 10% off site-wide.</i></span></div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-91997519985895151622013-12-12T19:02:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:21.403-08:00summer : a seasonal series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaIgZiys02sch6d-LpdAkDke5AaqtQb7ryMNmZkkFZi2KvDoi3zdzTzlOuxocgSBdAXGJSJit63Ld8iZdMcMvNLLGI5dRtUwxjvswogd-beMAEIQNOh0EFiaX1mtzkl2-Gqz-pjlUp01Q/s1600/107A5269-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaIgZiys02sch6d-LpdAkDke5AaqtQb7ryMNmZkkFZi2KvDoi3zdzTzlOuxocgSBdAXGJSJit63Ld8iZdMcMvNLLGI5dRtUwxjvswogd-beMAEIQNOh0EFiaX1mtzkl2-Gqz-pjlUp01Q/s1600/107A5269-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWt11CqHlDJaFGFeMVMmi5-v5znSwzgHw6SoA-ySc6PjPNwIeSDO1ccP-ibw6MfpwOrj4nNsdjxs5XZah-TwhgckESyfHoRy7PBoOVLx1CFSIV0huUSaRQggVMYxjZCqXMVASpgj39-z_/s1600/107A5409-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWt11CqHlDJaFGFeMVMmi5-v5znSwzgHw6SoA-ySc6PjPNwIeSDO1ccP-ibw6MfpwOrj4nNsdjxs5XZah-TwhgckESyfHoRy7PBoOVLx1CFSIV0huUSaRQggVMYxjZCqXMVASpgj39-z_/s1600/107A5409-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>pom pom Australian natives that match my header / rich, summery prints from <a href="http://bohemiantraders.bigcartel.com/">bohemian traders</a></i></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our visit to <a href="http://cheandfidel.blogspot.com/search/label/bali">Bali</a> slightly threw my seasonal series but I'm happy to say I'm present once again, observing nature's shift outside the window and beside me as I walk. Sunlight comes early and leaves late; there's so many opportunities to be out and and about and yet we always retreat to home come midday - the sun is scorching. The gums that tower at the back of our house are a blessing in summer (a curse in winter) and right now they are shades of grey, tan and green; subtle tones in bright, white sun.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are eating lots of cucumbers to cool the blood, sipping ice water and making salads to accompany our evening meals. Amidst it all we're preparing for a Christmas that is so different to the ones depicted in most of our books. In comes as no surprise that Che and Poet adore <a href="http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=94&book=9780733322495">Applesauce and the Christmas Miracle</a>; an adaptation of the birth of Jesus set in the iconic Australian landscape. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Che has been asking about snow and why we never have it for Christmas. Isn't it a enormous concept to grasp; that one side of the world is at the beach and the other side is huddled around the fire. A good lesson in opposites and a beautiful reminder that our world is, indeed, vast and wondrous.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This weekend, the last before school breaks, we'll be making Christmas cards, choosing, chopping and carting home a tree, decorating with joy and sitting back to admire the inevitable wonkiness of real pine. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cheers to a balmy summer!</span>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-17684960047083388322013-12-11T12:35:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:21.412-08:00motherhood : to give you need to receive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8Mcl1X12MR2U4oTZUDF79f3ECrC7ahqLtyMYn_AiO9LCZFP4HQqml9hA7XDzLa41ybbBsY8cSFT97DPAk25NB8bZA5K5Qef73eNSrMUN1X_ryFad9VpMmX8_1QgdlyEwZkAjm3OHn4bM/s1600/107A4948-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8Mcl1X12MR2U4oTZUDF79f3ECrC7ahqLtyMYn_AiO9LCZFP4HQqml9hA7XDzLa41ybbBsY8cSFT97DPAk25NB8bZA5K5Qef73eNSrMUN1X_ryFad9VpMmX8_1QgdlyEwZkAjm3OHn4bM/s1600/107A4948-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://theresaleeshields.blogspot.com.au/">theresa</a> and mason (such a beautiful, wise little face</i></span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">) - <a href="http://cheandfidel.blogspot.com/2013/12/early-mornings.html">early mornings</a> at the beach</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you for your (often brutal) honesty on my <a href="http://cheandfidel.blogspot.com/2013/12/on-having-third-baby.html">"third baby"</a> post last week. It was interesting to read such varied opinions; some of you found the third baby an easy addition whereas for others it </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">really was/is hard, hard work. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The most humbling fact of all is that I have no idea what my experience will be. There are so many factors involved; most of which I cannot control. Having a baby is a giant leap of faith - yes, there will be challenges but the rewards are of the greatest and most blessed nature. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wholeheartedly believe that my fears are valid, and I know that regardless of if and when I fall pregnant with a third those fears will probably be more profound. Nothing a bit of "letting go" can't fix, though. It's interesting that even in this phase of thinking-about-having-another-baby I come back to the words that I have heard during my first two pregnancies; the words I share three times a week in my yoga classes: the essence of conception, pregnancy and birth is <i>surrender. </i>And the same goes for motherhood. Being a muma is one big lesson in <i>surrender</i> because we really do just keep giving, letting go, and giving some more. It's not always graceful and we often resist but at the end of the day we realise - surrender is the only option.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's universal law that you need to receive a little in order to give a lot but that equation is never very balanced for mothers. Last week I stayed in Sydney for the night by myself - the first time in four years(!). And it was glorious! I caught the train into the city, found a little table at a cafe in The Strand Arcade and had beautiful coffee and an amazing haloumi salad. Whilst there I people watched, enjoyed Nina Simone playing in the background and marvelled at the fact that I didn't need to help, console or reprimand anyone (or share my food). Then I shopped, had a mani/pani, caught the bus over to Manly and went to my work Christmas party where I danced till 1am (for the first time in about 6 years!). The next day involved breakfast at a cafe, a ferry ride, coffee with my brother, some Christmas shopping and a late afternoon train ride home. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I walked in the door I felt like I'd been away for a week. It felt like I had been given a brand new dose of patience (thank goodness for that). Whilst away I promised myself that I wouldn't feel guilty for the indulgence; I deserved the break and I <i>needed</i> it - for my own wellbeing. I realised that I need to, on a regular basis, <i>surrender</i> to the urge to have <i>me </i>time. And if I do, everything else will be a little more balanced and much more possible. It might be a night away or an hour in a cafe, a yoga class or a solo swim in the ocean. Regardless of what it is I know it needs to be a regular occurrence; an opportunity I'll embrace before I travel the road of pregnancy, birth and babyhood again.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Years ago, when I worked in a bookstore, I met a mother of a toddler. For Christmas she had been given a handmade voucher from her husband which said: "Once a month, every month, for the next year, this voucher entitles you to a day by yourself, a lovely lunch out and a new book." So every month I saw her, alone, and watched as she relished her time spent perusing book shelves. An idea, perhaps? </i></span></div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-86106070082967845242013-12-10T18:23:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:21.501-08:00haiku winners and gift suggestions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXOvp8ECUOkXtwNLot7YKdp9rd8aS0WfNCtIIP7-MfdDKpl-nf5ZF035NCIruMZG-laV2LfcKFD29KyxzN8bpptyDa799s3iDdJaGPgqnp8iioJPZecwWTi9GfHnqPRxqhLyVJmCr8Swp/s1600/107A3873-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXOvp8ECUOkXtwNLot7YKdp9rd8aS0WfNCtIIP7-MfdDKpl-nf5ZF035NCIruMZG-laV2LfcKFD29KyxzN8bpptyDa799s3iDdJaGPgqnp8iioJPZecwWTi9GfHnqPRxqhLyVJmCr8Swp/s1600/107A3873-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>bursting with excitement for the "Chriiiiimas Holllllldays"</i></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...otherwise known as a very random Christmas-themed post. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firstly, haikus. Let's just say that you're an eloquent and rather poetic bunch. I loved reading through all the <a href="http://cheandfidel.blogspot.com/2013/11/a-thank-you-giveaway.html#comment-form">giveaway entries</a> and I must admit, those three-line poems really did spark the Christmas spirit within. A few of my favourites included:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#8 - jobungalow</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We put our heart in</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To the gifts that we create.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks! With love from us</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#39 - <a href="http://aluminiumgirl.wordpress.com/">aluminiumgirl</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Celebrate the King</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">born - a silent, wordless babe</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the good news for all.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#48 - <a href="http://peppercroft.blogspot.com.au/">Olivia</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She asked for beauty</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Be that beauty," they whispered</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and her wish came true</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#91 - Rachel </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pavlova lusting</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">leaves jolly hips less trusting</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rudolph is amused</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#144 - <a href="http://accidentallentil.blogspot.com.au/">Accidental Lentil</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A red dust toddler</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Only sees 'beach' in a book</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get excited, little one</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the contributors were unanimous with their votes and the two very deserving winners are:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#68 - <a href="http://shinelittlelight.blogspot.com.au/">shine little light</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eucalypt and pine</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hot music of cicadas,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm full to the brim.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#21 - <a href="http://samanthaheather.blogspot.com.au/">samantha</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sounds of their laughter</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">echo through our sunlit home</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, the house is warm.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.....................................................................................................................................</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've ummed and ahhhed about creating a Christmas gift guide and with all my procrastinating I've realised that it's only two weeks till Christmas and time is, most definitely, running out. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Breathe. It all becomes a little too much at times, doesn't it?!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lovely design featuring beautiful products was out of my reach so I have simply listed some gift suggestions below. There are products that I've purchased for the children this year as well as gifts that they've been given in the past (and some that I've added to my list of "maybe, one day, I'll keep it in mind"). You'll notice that many of the links go to my sponsors but this is, in no way, a sponsored post. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Without further ado...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">dressing-up gifts are timeless and a brilliant choice for boys and girls. I adore these <a href="http://www.dragonflytoys.com.au/shop/imagine/dress-ups-role-play/Childrens-Silk-Animal-Masks/">silk animal masks</a>, pretty <a href="http://www.dragonflytoys.com.au/shop/imagine/dress-ups-role-play/Fairy-Skirt/">silk fairy skirts</a>, the most exquisite <a href="http://www.theyvonnecollection.com/">hand-dyed and hand-sewn tutus</a>, <a href="http://www.fawnandfox.com.au/store/pc/Super-Hero-Mask-29p727.htm">superhero masks</a> and <a href="http://www.udder.com.au/collections/cape-mask">cape + mask sets</a>.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I always add a beach toy of some sort to the Christmas stocking. Our favourites include the collection from <a href="http://www.littleeconest.com/search_results.aspx?search=green%20toys">Green Toys</a> (100% recycled plastic), like <a href="http://www.littleeconest.com/Product-green-toys-beach-set-199.aspx">this beach set</a> and a <a href="http://www.littleeconest.com/Product-green-toys-bath-tug-boat-green-toys-australia-183.aspx">marvellous tug boat</a>. Poet's favourite beach/garden toy last year was a little plastic watering can that I picked up from the supermarket.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">books are always found under our Christmas tree and at the moment I'm loving <a href="http://www.readings.com.au/review/kissed-by-the-moon-by-alison-lester">Kissed by the Moon</a> (destined to become a classic), the Montessori series of books on <a href="http://www.readings.com.au/products/15214932/montessori-letter-work">letters</a>, <a href="http://www.readings.com.au/products/15214970/montessori-number-work">numbers</a> and <a href="http://www.readings.com.au/products/17071302/montessori-shape-work">shapes</a> (absolutely brilliant learning tools and very reasonable), the <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/series/67448-buddha">Buddha comic series</a> (for older readers and adults), <a href="http://www.freyablackwood.com.au/amylouis/index.htm">Amy & Louis</a> for the story and sweet illustrations and finally, for older kids, <a href="http://www.readings.com.au/products/10061414/how-to-be-an-explorer-of-the-world">How to be an Explorer of the World</a> is genius (and beautifully designed).</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my kids aren't getting many 'toys' this year (except Lego, of course) but in the past they have received the following and they still play with them: <a href="http://www.dragonflytoys.com.au/shop/imagine/stacking-building/Extra-Large-Rainbow/">stacking rainbow</a> to make bridges, road, tunnels, houses etc, <a href="http://www.dragonflytoys.com.au/shop/give/for-3-5-years/Dustpan-Brush/">dustpan and brush</a> for house play (and a great way to pack up hundreds of lego pieces), the <a href="http://lucaslovescars.com/search?q=click+clack&search-button.x=0&search-button.y=0">click clack range</a> of wooden vehicles, <a href="http://www.littleeconest.com/category-puzzles-65.aspx">puzzles! </a>(those that, preferably, come in a storage box), <a href="http://www.dragonflytoys.com.au/shop/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=steiner+doll&submit.x=0&submit.y=0">steiner dolls</a>, our beloved <a href="http://www.sendatoy.com.au/store/pc/Moulin-Roty-Wooden-Oven-81p727.htm">wooden stove + oven</a>, Poet's adored <a href="http://www.wishbonedesign.com/">wishbone bike</a> and the <a href="http://tinyfolk.com.au/">Tinyfolk playhouse</a>.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought my kids were sorted for clothes and then I realised Che's bucket hat no longer fits him. He's getting <a href="http://www.shorties.com.au/product/stripe-hats-by">this striped one</a> and Poet already owns <a href="http://www.naturebaby.com.au/nature-poplin-sunhat-p-4165.html">this one</a>. High on summer rotation at the moment are <a href="http://www.etsy.com/au/listing/87982706/summer-pants-size-3-black-daisies?ref=shop_home_active">Hazyjane pants</a>, <a href="http://www.ilovedoodlebug.com.au/products/bamboo-t-shirt-black-howling-wolf">bamboo t-shirts</a> (Che calls them the softest tees in the world), <a href="http://fabrikstore.com/collections/saltwater-sandals">Saltwater Sandals</a>, a <a href="http://havelidesign.com.au/content/pineapple-island-dress">pineapple dress</a>, a <a href="http://www.udder.com.au/collections/ss-collection/products/howie-tee-mustard-stripe">striped smart/casual tee</a> and a <a href="http://www.printebebe.com/collections/tops/products/smock-blouse-in-embroidered-pink-bird">light smock top</a> for days out in the sun, </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">finally, a few bits + pieces to add to the stocking - fun and practical things, including: a <a href="http://www.seedheritage.com/new-arrivals/face-wallet/w1/i9835347_1001372/">wallet</a> (for the occasional trip to the school canteen), a <a href="http://www.seedheritage.com/bags/embroidered-flap-bag/w1/i9693525_1001377/">bohemian bag</a> for little girls who like to dress like muma, <a href="http://www.shorties.com.au/product/crazy-scientist-activity-cards">crazy scientist activity cards</a>, <a href="http://www.shorties.com.au/product/knitting-dolls-4-styles">knitting dolls</a>, <a href="http://www.shorties.com.au/product/wooden-skipping-rope">wooden skipping ropes</a>, <a href="http://www.shorties.com.au/product/floating-paper-bird-decoration-4-colours">floating paper bird</a>, possibly the entire <a href="http://micador.com.au/">Micador</a> range (it's available from Big W, too) and a <a href="http://www.littleeconest.com/search_results.aspx?search=toothbrush">toothbrush</a> (my kids always get a toothbrush!). </span></li></ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...and now it's cup of tea time!</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you find this list helpful. Tell me, what are your children getting for Christmas?</span></div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-14590696684304074242013-12-09T19:17:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:21.595-08:00early mornings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8X_pYxtRBJM00CX04ghFV9uYjuo2dbjk0tVZ61rv3hgjAUGLt4-ZKYsh5pnlCp1k5klMnnEi-Vp9-0H5-HxKnr08id30eBueaJT8TDHk2YYnhuzyLTjR6xZdiBvVaZmltbokbCBKZkyZi/s1600/107A4815-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8X_pYxtRBJM00CX04ghFV9uYjuo2dbjk0tVZ61rv3hgjAUGLt4-ZKYsh5pnlCp1k5klMnnEi-Vp9-0H5-HxKnr08id30eBueaJT8TDHk2YYnhuzyLTjR6xZdiBvVaZmltbokbCBKZkyZi/s1600/107A4815-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OvBpjhlBI4N7D3pe14wzLbpf5Hx98RdF2GdhUGOTGHZFIbWEU16hLgK6gAdhqLZFjh6MTG9tbB6XqNKruYD3jgTn4eJAUtnU3ZZeiQk_SSX07H7F_JSHHzSQbisrjfnbWZPq0sKSOf5m/s1600/107A4803-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OvBpjhlBI4N7D3pe14wzLbpf5Hx98RdF2GdhUGOTGHZFIbWEU16hLgK6gAdhqLZFjh6MTG9tbB6XqNKruYD3jgTn4eJAUtnU3ZZeiQk_SSX07H7F_JSHHzSQbisrjfnbWZPq0sKSOf5m/s1600/107A4803-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLm42U1FZP0UJaO_yU3PUDLd2SimdGKzkVuwcsmlLSPkiSAIz-XPsx27gV2jSU2DHmgJsGb-INT8z2qHb6Zs8neHEVJ0kTPdcpm_XyRHb8uY2dMlajq4sEGTeF-gHSR-jpJ6k1yMBS9yiS/s1600/107A4782-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLm42U1FZP0UJaO_yU3PUDLd2SimdGKzkVuwcsmlLSPkiSAIz-XPsx27gV2jSU2DHmgJsGb-INT8z2qHb6Zs8neHEVJ0kTPdcpm_XyRHb8uY2dMlajq4sEGTeF-gHSR-jpJ6k1yMBS9yiS/s1600/107A4782-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>a refreshing sea palette; just what I need right now</i></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been talking about working from home a lot lately. People seem interested to know what it's like and I admit, most presume it's easy. In the scheme of things it is the easier option but I would never describe it as 'easy'. It's a bit like motherhood; a constant juggling act where you do, at times, dodge the unpredictables.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the past week or so I have been rising early to get a few hours in before the kids wake up. It's a productive time and I'm thankful that the words flow easily and I can tick a few stories off the list before breakfast.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This morning was a little different, though. I met <a href="http://thislittleport.blogspot.com.au/">Gaby</a> and <a href="http://theresaleeshields.blogspot.com.au/">Theresa</a> at the beach for a photo shoot for the next instalment of The Sling Diaries (it's fun being on the other side of the camera! You can see <a href="http://cheandfidel.blogspot.com/search/label/sakura%20bloom%20sling%20diaries">my diary entries here</a>). Both girls wore their gorgeous babes in silk and linen and we talked about the crawling stage, lack of sleep, travel plans and house prices. It was a beautiful way to spend a morning; socialising, taking photos and soaking in sea air - all before 8am! It got me excited for those days post Christmas when Daniel, the kids and I will head down with our umbrella and beach paraphernalia and while away the holidays. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For now it's back to work..then school pick up, afternoon tea, dinner, bath, story time, tea, a bit more work, bed - one.step.at.a.time</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I can't wait to share photos of our morning....a beautiful muma and her babe, little hands and little toes, a backdrop of ocean and seagrass. </i></span>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-91017216135961218842013-12-08T18:24:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:21.684-08:00twenty-one | practicing simplicity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLOXX_VQ-eXafYnLVmoJbO7oPvjsxeNJc-LgeUFXm0YirNI97rTqx2ABEGSJzpTC5jYLZLb5CR4KdCUnsnXuoEtzVWJxV9SAjeAbdcUidswCcStPd6ud2jA_sihCaHee5DeYb2QET1Mj7/s1600/107A3447-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLOXX_VQ-eXafYnLVmoJbO7oPvjsxeNJc-LgeUFXm0YirNI97rTqx2ABEGSJzpTC5jYLZLb5CR4KdCUnsnXuoEtzVWJxV9SAjeAbdcUidswCcStPd6ud2jA_sihCaHee5DeYb2QET1Mj7/s1600/107A3447-2.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living a less-distracted life : observe your children at this busy time and respect that Christmas is both magical and overwhelming for them.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My children are usually quite difficult on Christmas Day. And I wholeheartedly get it. The anticipation and excitement in the lead up is huge; they've slept lightly and risen early. They seem to experience the full range of emotions: elation, happiness, delight, disappointment, anger and sadness. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Early on in this parenting gig, Daniel and I decided that we would only have one celebration on Christmas day. Going from one set of Grandparents to another was just too much with a baby in tow - it made it stressful and exhausting, despite the fact that it was only a ten minute drive between houses. It's one of the best decisions we've made - both for the children and us (and our Christmas sanity). </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But still, emotions are high and patience is low. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In retrospect, my expectations of the children have been unrealistic around Christmas time, especially when it comes to gifts. You see, I want to teach them gratitude but I also want them to be honest. There's a part of me that expects them to absolutely love their gifts and be so very grateful for them, regardless of the fact that they get more presents on that one day than they do for the entire year. We keep it simple but still; they are surrounded by new toys and books - they don't know where to turn.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year, if need be, we'll stop whatever we're doing to make sure our day is enjoyable. Presents have been kept to a minimum to ensure the overwhelm isn't too great and if I sense the onset of a tantrum I'll know it's time to step away from the crowd and seek a bit of quiet and one-on-one time (cue: reading books in bed with full bellies). </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For us, the days after Christmas are always our favourites. We spend easy mornings at the beach, snack on left-overs and schedule a siesta every afternoon. There are no plans and no expectations; always a relief after the height of the busy season.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So: recognise that it's an overwhelming time for your children. If you make it easier for them you make it easier for yourself, too. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>ps. a few readers have asked what presents the children are getting. Are you interested in a post about lovely, simple gifts I've found along the way?</i></span>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-66635781534613451362013-12-07T20:38:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:21.864-08:00garden fairy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_A3949-XuohpV4YLBpN9Nybr7FHcbtMpAPdsmgDdB_HoLMHTTDJ6wZ7hzkK7H6xPHELFzYFKyfdl8hJ70J7fHRBxpiLEk8tD4IzUn_AiQvJO-JWXY8UtKp2_fFm1uwtbEAGZL2gDu9VVP/s1600/107A4467-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_A3949-XuohpV4YLBpN9Nybr7FHcbtMpAPdsmgDdB_HoLMHTTDJ6wZ7hzkK7H6xPHELFzYFKyfdl8hJ70J7fHRBxpiLEk8tD4IzUn_AiQvJO-JWXY8UtKp2_fFm1uwtbEAGZL2gDu9VVP/s1600/107A4467-3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and the dressing-up phase begins. </span>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-44146260725206331962013-12-07T11:25:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:21.957-08:0049/52<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Gg8UyX9_4GtbEZRMuS3ddQH6eev5Xo7900OPw6xbdJUVUrGMoVNt-yUfl4z1wlCbpxyv1Uz1JOwfzVIwMeW8INVqNUS3Ag92TXkvYTSKTMUye2_8xSPBiV-3ylDyR6fLU_kx6YAfgJR0/s1600/107A3775-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Gg8UyX9_4GtbEZRMuS3ddQH6eev5Xo7900OPw6xbdJUVUrGMoVNt-yUfl4z1wlCbpxyv1Uz1JOwfzVIwMeW8INVqNUS3Ag92TXkvYTSKTMUye2_8xSPBiV-3ylDyR6fLU_kx6YAfgJR0/s1600/107A3775-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C3k3OP7v8UsCtGWYvxOvoU3XhXVLU9qBAK6nt-TXOh7JxFePzzxdRp8gI9o8DHj4n4Su6OklwJydQcze5mMp7dLuyxxw5BzgrgYa61NlSZ1_jHWJJorXN3iScZ0Icaaf8V-vpYlwXiBL/s1600/107A3853-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C3k3OP7v8UsCtGWYvxOvoU3XhXVLU9qBAK6nt-TXOh7JxFePzzxdRp8gI9o8DHj4n4Su6OklwJydQcze5mMp7dLuyxxw5BzgrgYa61NlSZ1_jHWJJorXN3iScZ0Icaaf8V-vpYlwXiBL/s1600/107A3853-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Che: a very quiet moment (ISO 100, f1.8, 1/640)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Poet: she's got fire in her belly and determination in her eyes (ISO 100, f2.2, 1/640th)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another unplanned diptych that may just go down as my favourite of the year. Summer light in the late afternoon/early evening; Christmas hues of eucalyptus green and a hint of red. I've fallen hard for the canon - so many possibilities. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look back through your photos and you'll notice; you captured a portrait of the seasons, too. Where colours changed, clothes got lighter/heavier and the light threw yellow, blue and green. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">......................................................................................</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved the colours in <a href="http://meldonc.blogspot.ie/2013/12/4852.html">Clio's portrait</a>; matte black against hues of cool green and blue / little <a href="http://beforeverlovely.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/4857.html">Chloe</a> and a magical background / silhouette's always please me and this one of <a href="http://www.wildmorning.com/2013/11/4852.html">Nico</a> is so sweet with the sheer curtain / again, I'm besotted with the colours of the landscape against the bright pop of children's clothes; opposites, <a href="http://mummykarma.wordpress.com/2013/12/05/4852/">just like these brothers</a> / and my friend <a href="http://www.oneclaireday.com/2013/12/4852.html">Claire</a>, always capturing the most stunning scenes; depth and light and beauty. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><!-- start InLinkz script --><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript">document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=349056&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script><br /><br /><!-- end InLinkz script -->Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-60300152155998769372013-12-03T17:17:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:22.050-08:00on having a third baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3St2u4OCJIwyX3hiyqK9Vc2U5tvzJchcWu0jObYz3mPZmkNEiEbWF8J69EyDY2hxqeZG92sXpipNIpA7fJJbzJfhNQXBLYztuV72J49jssp8ctNQ9lFhBglImU2qabYs1w2IbcFNp6HI/s1600/107A1776-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3St2u4OCJIwyX3hiyqK9Vc2U5tvzJchcWu0jObYz3mPZmkNEiEbWF8J69EyDY2hxqeZG92sXpipNIpA7fJJbzJfhNQXBLYztuV72J49jssp8ctNQ9lFhBglImU2qabYs1w2IbcFNp6HI/s1600/107A1776-1.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the past few months Poet has asked me, almost every day, if there's a baby in my belly*. I always reply: "Not just yet..."</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You see, I have a lot of fear surrounding the idea of another pregnancy. It's a new-to-me fear; one that has come as a bit of a surprise, especially considering my love of being pregnant, giving birth and tending to a baby. Just the thought of a first trimester is enough to make me want to wait a good while before planning for another little one. It probably doesn't help that three times a week I'm teaching pregnant women; yes, the beautiful belly and joyous kicks are enticing but the exhaustion, nausea and heat is a constant reminder: pregnancy is hard work and always demanding. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I talk about fear a lot in my prenatal classes; I come straight out and ask my students what they're scared of. There is always a wide range of answers: fear of pain, tearing, loss of independence, lack of sleep, birthing an unhealthy baby, not being able to breastfeed, not knowing how to tend to a newborn, etc. Once the fears have been recognised we work on letting go of them. Sometimes it takes months. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, there is also fear about the reality of life with three children. Most parents admit that the jump from two to three is a big one - you really notice it because, quite simply, you're outnumbered. I'm also worried about having a newborn and getting Che off to school, <a href="http://cheandfidel.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-cost-of-living-one-year-on.html">the cost of a growing family</a>, how I'll balance work and motherhood and the imminent and everlasting mountain of washing (a frivolous worry but a worry all the same). </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's a part of me that feels selfish for having these fears, especially considering the amount of women who experience much heartbreak to fall pregnant and carry to full term. Regardless of my worries I'm grateful for the opportunity to wait and accepting of the fact that, at the end of the day, nature decides if and when. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have more than two children, did you find the jump from two to three overwhelming? I've also been thinking about the <a href="http://cheandfidel.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-age-gap-conundrum.html">age gap conundrum</a> - if I leave it much longer will the gaps be too big? Maybe I should just let go of worry and see what happens...</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>*on discussing another baby with my parents a few weeks ago my Mum was genuinely disappointed that I wasn't already pregnant. "Oh," she said. "I thought you would have been working on that in Bali." </i></span>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-4019230336011305652013-12-02T18:53:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:22.145-08:00the school series : the younger sibling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PcyeAXCJu7S1QNyuDLD1-9AebRAJZEkW7hWWtJOUZM3ksXmMFXM8ZsLXUiot5mrNopYwu22su4cIKo3lEZyG4d7nn8U0L9-SWW-cmEX0Ne9PdTA2tW5xWN3-Im_qk4mD4CBxMIs4R4KS/s1600/P1640612-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PcyeAXCJu7S1QNyuDLD1-9AebRAJZEkW7hWWtJOUZM3ksXmMFXM8ZsLXUiot5mrNopYwu22su4cIKo3lEZyG4d7nn8U0L9-SWW-cmEX0Ne9PdTA2tW5xWN3-Im_qk4mD4CBxMIs4R4KS/s1600/P1640612-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Christmas stars found just outside the school art room</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At drop-off and pick-up time, school playgrounds are full of younger siblings getting to know the swing of things.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When your first-born starts school the entire family starts school with them. Family life and the school routine merge and the pre-schoolers, toddlers and babies get carried along for the ride. Breakfast is often hurried, afternoon naps are interrupted and Peppa Pig is the replacement for mum's attention at homework time (a necessity and nothing to feel guilty about).</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For our family, the start of school has been one of the biggest changes we've experienced. It <a href="http://cheandfidel.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-school-series-amateur-school-mum.html">really rocked me</a> for the first few months; in retrospect I was grieving the loss of spontaneous days and having difficulty accepting the reality of a strict routine. Not one to gracefully embrace change, I was very reluctant to face the truth; school is now a significant part of our lives, for this year and (at least) the next twenty.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was only yesterday, as Poet and I took Che to his classroom, that I thought about her experience this year. School life is such a novelty for her; it's exciting, loud and intriguing. She has adapted so well to routine - she's embraced the opportunity to sneak into the classroom (more times than I can count) and has </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">enthusiastically</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> participated in every activity that we've been invited to. She has her very own bank book for school banking day and she waits at the bottom of the stairs every afternoon to hug Che. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a while I felt sorry for her; having to make the journey to and from school twice a day. But that was all my stuff - it never bothered her in the slightest. Whilst I don't want to get carried away I know that when it's her time to start school, she will be ready. Oh so ready. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">...............................................................................................................</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Come January I will be expanding on <a href="http://cheandfidel.blogspot.com/search/label/the%20school%20series">the school series</a>; collating thoughts, advice and practical tips for those of you who are about to embark on the journey. If you have any questions I'm more than happy to answer them!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tell me, do you have a child starting school next year? If so, how are you feeling? If you want a book to help ease the transition, I highly recommend <a href="http://www.penguin.com.au/products/9780670076765/starting-school">"Starting School"</a>. </span></div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-53453837291261014212013-12-02T00:09:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:22.234-08:00twenty | practicing simplicity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlsG2uQj_LLCkXYpRe936bEDVZtKdnjYt-xl3c0cCnka9F66INT3KFHAjlJvS-543vrzlvLqpdLZyzCi-XqXbUVuLjXsGq_uxeqDCobm3cfU4sHVJ2-41dOXmS9Y76YuBxwmzf_zCl3DO/s1600/107A1792-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlsG2uQj_LLCkXYpRe936bEDVZtKdnjYt-xl3c0cCnka9F66INT3KFHAjlJvS-543vrzlvLqpdLZyzCi-XqXbUVuLjXsGq_uxeqDCobm3cfU4sHVJ2-41dOXmS9Y76YuBxwmzf_zCl3DO/s1600/107A1792-1.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll give Halloween a miss but I wholeheartedly believe that Thanksgiving should have a place on the Australian calendar. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A national day to pause and give thanks for our blessings? What an honour</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> that would be.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gratitude hasn't always come easily to me but I now recognise it as something that enhances my every day. It provides me with perspective; it allows me to see what I have instead of getting caught up with what I don't. Practicing gratitude is an integral part of practicing simplicity.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I am grateful for:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">happy children who are so excited about "Chri-mas holday"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the trampoline</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a delicious roast (and the even-better leftovers)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">doting grandparents</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the promise of many mornings at the beach</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">freshly cut roses</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">health and energy</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">an understanding partner</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a new book</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So: share what you are grateful for; it will put everything into perspective. I look forward to reading...</span></div><br />Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-73600258419492789922013-11-30T12:51:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:22.324-08:0048/52<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzowVowZ3AZhLdRDtrSH5rIT3tsUZyR1uYsOvMztC8HE0FLiGg7mevQ6PcwcbVuFmt9DZ3gJJev3gzPNM66cLoqdYbg1-gkmgQ8600j5rCfVW6ZblyGQM59vt6Ch9KHcbec3_L-3JrXpx/s1600/107A3529-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzowVowZ3AZhLdRDtrSH5rIT3tsUZyR1uYsOvMztC8HE0FLiGg7mevQ6PcwcbVuFmt9DZ3gJJev3gzPNM66cLoqdYbg1-gkmgQ8600j5rCfVW6ZblyGQM59vt6Ch9KHcbec3_L-3JrXpx/s1600/107A3529-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHz7b-ZbM4PH35j3lxOp2-T-hSkBhwIRY_QrI16bZNGmU-Hwu3vZx2cQ0MTAxA9LNw4ECUw_0ROWhPKgV0Ek7AvB817lS9BanjvTHFBKd90iVBAk_Jy6bPp_4fhqMCEbwrZxoK1BtlLYF7/s1600/107A3539-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHz7b-ZbM4PH35j3lxOp2-T-hSkBhwIRY_QrI16bZNGmU-Hwu3vZx2cQ0MTAxA9LNw4ECUw_0ROWhPKgV0Ek7AvB817lS9BanjvTHFBKd90iVBAk_Jy6bPp_4fhqMCEbwrZxoK1BtlLYF7/s1600/107A3539-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Che: the biggest daydreamer I know. Here he is on the way to the school's Christmas concert (ISO 800, f1.6, 1/800th)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Poet: she has all-of-a-sudden embraced all things fairy and pretty. I'm kinda liking it (ISO 800, f1.6, 1/5000th)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friends, after these portraits there's only four to go. Can you believe it?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">..........................................................................................</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was an abundance of inspiring portraits this week; testament to the way you have all developed an eye for seeing and capturing an emotive, beautiful image. I chose the following because, quite simply, they are joyous.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://wendieland.wordpress.com/2013/11/23/4752-my-2252/">This image</a> is rather unforgettable - that window, her face, little pink shoes! / Katie captured <a href="http://growcooksew.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/4752.html">Sophie and Henry</a> in natural, candid moments; these photos are imbued with a sense of nostalgia / one of my favourite portraits of the year - <a href="http://alittlelioness.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/4752.html">Elsa</a> dancing in the kitchen / colour, light and bubbles; summer is just around the corner for <a href="http://www.poppyfoxathome.com/2013/11/4752-portrait-project.html">Poppy and Tully</a> / and little <a href="http://barnaclebags.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/4752.html">Owynn</a>; snuggled under a handmade quilt, his little legs in supta buddha konasana (I mentioned this yoga asana <a href="http://cheandfidel.blogspot.com/2013/11/nineteen-practicing-simplicity.html">here</a> - it's a brilliant pose for rest). </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><!-- start InLinkz script --><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript">document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=346277&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>'); </script><br /><br /><!-- end InLinkz script -->Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-33104434114565280702013-11-28T17:05:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:22.418-08:00walking with poet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGoeBhh0UubaPJGQnJC55wncR_SDzNAP003l4HQFa8WvVgqnbPo-rz8wxonr1Mm6yIbTcOM4ln8oQySn1ffzSClRCamyjOmeODElzn9fVUddL5H0YBS0yfrasHBAWrS0vaksZUy_QCgPP/s1600/107A3502-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGoeBhh0UubaPJGQnJC55wncR_SDzNAP003l4HQFa8WvVgqnbPo-rz8wxonr1Mm6yIbTcOM4ln8oQySn1ffzSClRCamyjOmeODElzn9fVUddL5H0YBS0yfrasHBAWrS0vaksZUy_QCgPP/s1600/107A3502-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOHTbOGC9jWf1EbgCzhNIr_PDz6vLxowZ2hJeTHTZGZ4X3yUb9Xsl8yoo_KfUy-HB07BH50ZdUf1yjg3N4Dzh1F0C8vqLfsgVaPV2NP0vKUPnxd6wEHMmQhJWZdBBRqtnuR0c7mEvLmOf/s1600/107A3462-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOHTbOGC9jWf1EbgCzhNIr_PDz6vLxowZ2hJeTHTZGZ4X3yUb9Xsl8yoo_KfUy-HB07BH50ZdUf1yjg3N4Dzh1F0C8vqLfsgVaPV2NP0vKUPnxd6wEHMmQhJWZdBBRqtnuR0c7mEvLmOf/s1600/107A3462-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaU4AYyWi76JB2POAhDQKX9qwNf-jNW8hofkpYq-Fq3bST9IkB-CdrQM1YiCIukXGyGvSQGpDx6VCgCtX7RYm6Xori4vh1wCCTq5t7RVrXYkUuOeJHii1mHK_Y5OmgDDiYKDlmwdG1W-sC/s1600/poet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaU4AYyWi76JB2POAhDQKX9qwNf-jNW8hofkpYq-Fq3bST9IkB-CdrQM1YiCIukXGyGvSQGpDx6VCgCtX7RYm6Xori4vh1wCCTq5t7RVrXYkUuOeJHii1mHK_Y5OmgDDiYKDlmwdG1W-sC/s1600/poet2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDuElr7rOUFlg1gon8ablH3oMQtVAAYi8XGYLwdMMpuAQQgatrbWRSxzrCalfpLFGVgtnA8P-ee3oRpIAgW0wX-RNWpxdFMlcb1Vz1VWYHGVSFRKA9FfGe4WLQcI-ypUrwKRwPszgY5XD/s1600/107A3498-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDuElr7rOUFlg1gon8ablH3oMQtVAAYi8XGYLwdMMpuAQQgatrbWRSxzrCalfpLFGVgtnA8P-ee3oRpIAgW0wX-RNWpxdFMlcb1Vz1VWYHGVSFRKA9FfGe4WLQcI-ypUrwKRwPszgY5XD/s1600/107A3498-5.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She's a walk three steps, take five back, kind of girl. A mountain of work is waiting at home and I have to constantly remind myself not to utter the words: "hurry up". </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've started tying her hair in a messy bun and all of a sudden I see the girl and not the toddler. Almost two-and-a-half, she has fire in her belly and a big, generous heart. Her cuddles are tight and her kisses plentiful. And as for her <a href="http://thechalkboardmag.com/mantra-monday-chin-mudra">chin mudra</a>; she has obviously inherited the the yogi gene. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our seven minute walk took an hour today. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.................................................................................................</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope your weekend is a good one. I'll be teaching and writing and (hopefully) taking a walk along the beach. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See you on Sunday morning with 48/52 (we are so close to the end!).</span>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-83587546214989051652013-11-27T22:55:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:22.508-08:00worth the wait<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkapZ0CmTh70TN7i3p_AV-nMCDzQwFf-YRy5LUD642SZz6_pEvZFk5YvsTJDZ8LUT7zamGg36c4E3x3Q5B8_4r07vctbr9bQHk0JxGm8AAwEklgkTznBklioIY1S0GZiYA5CF9AqromxwJ/s1600/107A2786-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkapZ0CmTh70TN7i3p_AV-nMCDzQwFf-YRy5LUD642SZz6_pEvZFk5YvsTJDZ8LUT7zamGg36c4E3x3Q5B8_4r07vctbr9bQHk0JxGm8AAwEklgkTznBklioIY1S0GZiYA5CF9AqromxwJ/s1600/107A2786-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAI3TAQ3N0om01fSD7lzweeoxgEVlaOH92o7NiPxzid4qMaYwwk0Z0_aOd60nLdYXOXxQR1Um3xSc65UJLmg5no3MvU-Bk9jYfJJHwjx1XVgnlnItMzBLpEMDaJ2KCpUbZwI4p3H5l13j/s1600/frames.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAI3TAQ3N0om01fSD7lzweeoxgEVlaOH92o7NiPxzid4qMaYwwk0Z0_aOd60nLdYXOXxQR1Um3xSc65UJLmg5no3MvU-Bk9jYfJJHwjx1XVgnlnItMzBLpEMDaJ2KCpUbZwI4p3H5l13j/s1600/frames.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>family photos by <a href="http://www.alexandrenaparker.com/">alexandrena parker</a>, <a href="http://www.timcoulson.com/">tim coulson</a> and <a href="http://tamaraerbacher.com/">tamara erbacher</a> / the <a href="http://www.corbanblair.com.au/frames/16x16-frame-with-10x8-mat.html">frames</a> I had been searching for / hydrangeas from the neighbours' gardens</i></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier this year I had the priviledge of walking the streets of Surry Hills with renowned stylist <a href="http://blog.piajanebijkerk.com/WordPress/">Pia Jane Bijkerk</a>. Along with <a href="http://thislittleport.blogspot.com.au/">Gaby</a>, <a href="http://www.luisabrimble.com/">Luisa</a>, <a href="http://thisbrownwren.blogspot.com.au/">Steph</a> and <a href="http://herlibraryadventures.blogspot.com.au/">Sophie</a>, we wandered in and out of hidden boutiques and warm, bustling cafes; a gaggle of women chatting under umbrellas. It was <a href="http://cheandfidel.blogspot.com/2013/07/winter-oyster-farms.html">grey and wet</a> and reminiscent of a winter's day in Amsterdam; apt considering Pia had spent the past few years living there (on a <a href="http://blog.piajanebijkerk.com/WordPress/category/amsterdam/">houseboat!</a>).</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We talked about a lot of things that day - motherhood, creativity, photography, birth, food, collecting, curating - but there's one conversation that has stayed with me, one that I've mulled over and subsequently treasured. We discussed slow-consumerism at length, our desire to buy quality over quantity and really <i>love</i> what we bring into our homes. It is to: </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>...consume and purchase with absolute mindfulness; </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>never settling for something that will 'just do' but waiting, waiting, for the right one to come along...and knowing that it will...</i></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i>It was an apt discussion, considering I'd already spent eighteen months searching for the perfect picture frames. Our collection of family photos was growing and I wanted to display them above our mantle...but as hard as I tried, I couldn't find anything that was quite right. I'd looked in op-shops, visited my local framers more than once and trawled online stores but alas, nothing. You see, I wanted frames that would be around for years; solid and well-made they needed to be both simple in design and aesthetically pleasing. I wanted a natural timber frame, an off-white matte and a back that was easily removable for when I felt the need to change the photos. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few months ago I was scrolling through instagram when I spied some beautiful frames in the background of a friend's photo. One message led to another and I finally discovered the frames online at <a href="http://www.corbanblair.com.au/frames/16x16-frame-with-10x8-mat.html">Corban & Blair</a>. They were exactly what I had envisioned and to make the deal even sweeter they're a carbon neutral product (the timber is sourced from renewable plantations in New Zealand). </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a nice feeling to wait for the ideal purchase and then admire it every day (especially when it holds precious family memories). And perhaps it feels so good because I have also experienced the opposite; buying things on a whim only to regret it later. </span><br /><br />Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-54944547246434181222013-11-26T18:27:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:22.597-08:00on naming a baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-VWJcqHkqLnpAxIUoqYxAvVRG-V1Q-xw9H8xZwJnvtTiv9E65DjTKkiyUiaqNH_6M97yRRvuEz_bSWAW_Sk4sQTLILraS6lsjAGhrych7acpPQHZw0xSWn1q_ewQlQS1eKNp4C24Q5wT/s1600/107A3076-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-VWJcqHkqLnpAxIUoqYxAvVRG-V1Q-xw9H8xZwJnvtTiv9E65DjTKkiyUiaqNH_6M97yRRvuEz_bSWAW_Sk4sQTLILraS6lsjAGhrych7acpPQHZw0xSWn1q_ewQlQS1eKNp4C24Q5wT/s1600/107A3076-2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>a sweet little tag that came with a recent scarf purchase</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When teaching pregnant women it's expected that the topic of baby names will arise. Lucky for me it's one of my favourite topics! I'm always delighted when my students start the discussion and even more honoured when they ask my opinion.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During <a href="http://cheandfidel.blogspot.com/2013/11/photography-antonia-family.html">Antonia's photo shoot</a> last week we chatted about their preferred names. Pregnant with a boy after two girls, they only had a few names on their list*. They agreed with most people - boys names are hard!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We took a week to name Che. When I was pregnant we had a name chosen (I won't divulge) and as soon as we looked at his face we knew; he <i>really</i> wasn't that name. And so we ummed and ahhed for a few days, trying out a few different options. "Che" had been floating around on our list since early in the pregnancy and six weeks before he was born I bought Daniel a book called <i>Loving Che</i>. We had talked about a wanting a name that meant growth and life but we ended up choosing Che because it means "friend" in Argentinian, it has a beautiful sound and because it was the name of the cat in my <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0381681/">favourite film</a>. But then, when Che was about 18months old, I was reading a book about South America and within its pages was the meaning of "Che" in the ancient Mayan language. "Che" means "tree". We had it right all along.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We pronounce Che with a hard <i>ch. </i>Most people presume it's pronounced <i>shay</i> so when he was younger I would always say: "It's Che like Cha," hence he got his nickname, Che Che. It's definitely stuck, so much so that he often introduces himself by saying: "Hi, my name is Che Che."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for "Poet", well, we just always loved the sound of it and the fact that it was a 'word' name. We expected much more criticism than we've ever received; most people adore it! We call her Poe for short and Poet Winter (she was born on the full moon in mid-winter) when she's in trouble. And since she's arrived, I've met or come across both boys and girls named Poe, Poet and Poetry.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think the more children you have the harder the name game becomes. You kind of have to match the name to the baby's siblings and that can get tricky. Tell me, do you love talking about names? What are your children's names and why did you choose them? Do you have a secret list tucked away in case another baby comes along?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*little Archer (beautiful, strong name) arrived late last night. Photos to come!</span></div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-66398844128584638552013-11-25T18:32:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:22.688-08:00a "thank you" giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-OO5Xpzd0eNaQFcNpfDlv0hfOZ1fX_dDA7Cbtj0hsg-bx_1d_b_jvBQkiwCHr7LAz6Zidnzm3_A1bf2OFXRzanE0D2CB-0rQ72y60jZPpvBynfMGW95HARP97w5FaVJFwNaNiOymcHo0/s1600/ChFidel_Thankyou_white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-OO5Xpzd0eNaQFcNpfDlv0hfOZ1fX_dDA7Cbtj0hsg-bx_1d_b_jvBQkiwCHr7LAz6Zidnzm3_A1bf2OFXRzanE0D2CB-0rQ72y60jZPpvBynfMGW95HARP97w5FaVJFwNaNiOymcHo0/s1600/ChFidel_Thankyou_white.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>giveaway design by Em of <a href="http://thedailysmudge.blogspot.com.au/">the daily smudge</a> and <a href="http://www.emandjondesign.com/">em & jon design</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we journey towards Christmas we embrace the season of gratitude. And so it's with the upmost thanks that I announce this giveaway; a collection of beautiful gifts for two of my readers. I really appreciate the time you take to visit me here; I've come to love the sense of community, the connection and the conversation. I admire the way you share your thoughts in your comments; always honest, never nasty. And for that I am incredibly grateful. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first collection of goodies, valued at $640, includes:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://www.corbanblair.com.au/stationery/a6-journals-and-notebooks/a6-journal-1668.html">A6 fez journal set</a> by <a href="http://www.corbanblair.com.au/">Corban & Blair</a>. The exquisite debossed cover featured patterns reminiscent of hand-carved wooden screens found in Turkey and Morocco. Plain pages make this the ideal book for note taking or travel documentation. Valued at $31</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://www.udder.com.au/collections/penguins/products/penguin-flip">"Flip" the penguin</a> is part of the <a href="http://www.udder.com.au/">Udder</a> collection; made from 100% handprinted and hand-dyed cotton. Valued at $65.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. A simple take on the classic time-teller, this <a href="http://www.thehorse.com.au/collections/watches/products/wrist-watch-brushed-rose-white-face-walnut-strap">gorgeous watch</a> from <a href="http://www.thehorse.com.au/">The Horse</a> features a walnut band and rose gold coated stainless steel case. Leave your phone at home and wear a watch instead! Valued at $129.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. The newest addition to the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BoxyJewellery">Boxy</a> range, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/au/listing/168674298/king-tide-handmade-boxy-clay-bead?ref=shop_home_active">"King Tide"</a> is classic and beautiful; neutral tones with a hint of sea blue and silver. Valued at $35.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. A gift that grows! This <a href="http://sownsow.com.au/shop/four-christmas-gifts-of-seeds/">four pack of Billy Buttons</a> from <a href="http://sownsow.com.au/">Sow 'n Sow</a> is the perfect little gift to send in the mail. Each pack features a festive illustration and comes with a recycled envelope. All you need is a stamp. Valued at $29.95.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. A beautiful soft-textured <a href="http://readandbell.bigcartel.com/product/white-dress">embroidered dress</a> from <a href="http://www.readandbell.com/">Read + Bell</a>; featuring white on white embroidery on cotton it's the ideal everyday summer dress. Valued at $85.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. A <a href="http://www.ilovelilya.com/">Lilya</a> <a href="http://www.ilovelilya.com/products/Gingham-Scarf-Apricot-20.htm">tassel scarf</a> that will accompany you through the seasons; bright and cheerful with the sweetest details. Valued at $99.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. Woolpets kits from <a href="http://www.dragonflytoys.com.au/shop/index.php">Dragonfly Toys</a> are the perfect opportunity to learn needle felting and create a <a href="http://www.dragonflytoys.com.au/shop/Wool-Pets/create/childrens-craft-kits/Needle-Felting-Kit-Gnome/">sweet little gnome</a> for play or display. Valued at $25.50</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9. <a href="http://www.printebebe.com/collections/tops/products/short-sleeve-top-in-purple-retro-flower">Floral top</a> and <a href="http://www.printebebe.com/products/bloomer-purple-retro-flower">bloomer</a> set from Bondi-based <a href="http://www.printebebe.com/">Printebebe</a>; wear together or separately, a perfect addition to a little girl's wardrobe. Valued at $66.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10. A <a href="http://www.ilovedoodlebug.com.au/collections/stationery/">Christmas cherrywood stationery pack</a> from <a href="http://www.ilovedoodlebug.com.au/collections/">Doodlebug</a>; featuring simple, beautiful designs on wood sources from renewable forests and plantations. Valued at $25.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11. The <a href="http://fabrikstore.com/collections/girl-dresses-2/products/esther-dress-melon">Esther Dress</a> in melon from <a href="http://fabrikstore.com/">Fabrik</a> - the perfect Christmas Day dress featuring pintuck yoke and filly sleeves. Valued at $49.95.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">....and the second collection, valued at $790, includes :</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://www.corbanblair.com.au/stationery/a5-journals-and-compendia/a5-lined-journal.html">A5 fez journal set</a> from <a href="http://www.corbanblair.com.au/">Corban & Blair</a>. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The exquisite debossed cover featured patterns reminiscent of hand-carved wooden screens found in Turkey and Morocco. Plain pages make this the ideal book for note taking or travel documentation. Valued at $47.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Cute as can be <a href="http://www.etsy.com/au/listing/166794326/hand-printed-linen-cushion-cover-billie?ref=shop_home_feat">Billy Bear cushion cover</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/au/shop/hellomilky">Hello Milky</a>. Handprinted on 100% linen, it's the perfect addition to a child's bedroom. Valued at $36.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. <a href="http://www.ilovelilya.com/products/Tuberose-Tote-Tan-Creme-Stitch-61.htm">Leather Tuberose Tote bag</a> from <a href="http://www.ilovelilya.com/index.php">Lilya</a> featuring contrast cream blanket stitch and a </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">removable wallet. Valued at $249. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A </span><a href="http://www.ilovedoodlebug.com.au/collections/stationery/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas cherrywood stationery pack</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> from </span><a href="http://www.ilovedoodlebug.com.au/collections/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doodlebug</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">; featuring simple, beautiful designs on wood sources from renewable forests and plantations. Valued at $25.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://lucaslovescars.com/products/automoblox-s9-police-car">Automoblox s9 police cruiser</a> from <a href="http://lucaslovescars.com/">Lucas Loves Cars</a>; includes a removable roof and little people who sit inside. Valued at $55.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. The <a href="http://www.ilovelilya.com/products/Kantor-Top-Tangerine-18.htm">Kantor Top</a> in tangerine from <a href="http://www.ilovelilya.com/index.php">Lilya</a>. I adore this top; floaty, classic cut, stylish. Valued at $149.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. <a href="http://www.craftybundle.com/">The Crafty Bundle</a> is a genius idea and this collection impresses. A box of beautiful, handmade pieces by three Melbourne designers. Valued at $89.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. <a href="http://www.naturebaby.com.au/nature-poplin-sunhat-p-4165.html">Kid Nature Poplin Sunhat</a> by <a href="http://www.naturebaby.com.au/index.php">Nature Baby</a>. Lightweight with a full brim it's the ideal summer accessory. Valued at $29.95.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9. Made from the softest of soft bamboo, this <a href="http://www.ilovedoodlebug.com.au/products/mila-bamboo-pinafore-dress-pink-flower">pink pinny</a> from <a href="http://www.ilovedoodlebug.com.au/collections/">Doodlebug</a> is the sweetest little dress, featuring a bird print and wooden buttons. Valued at $54.95</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10. <a href="http://www.greater-good.com.au/">The Greater Good</a> is a brand new online store that stocks a collection of contemporary homewares. I adore these Jall & Tofta hooks - perfect for the hallway or children's room. Valued at $39.95</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11. <a href="http://www.lhami.com.au/">Lhami</a> is a local company that makes beautiful organic beauty products. This <a href="http://www.lhami.com.au/body-bath/lemon-myrtle-hand-body-lotion.html">lemon myrtle hand and body lotion</a> is light and nourishing and smells divine (and very natural!). Valued at $19.95.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.................................................................................................</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Entry to this giveaway involves creativity in the form of haiku - a Japanese style of poetry that celebrates nature and the seasons. There are up to 17 syllables in a three line haiku poem; 5 on the first line, 7 on the second and 5 on the third (or 5, 3, 5). A beautiful example:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"So many breezes</i></span><br /><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">wander through my summer room:</i><br /><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but never enough."</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Issa</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so, to enter all you need to do is write a haiku poem about Christmas. I will nominate my favourite 10 poems and will send the list to each brand featured in the giveaway. They will then nominate their favourite and the two poems with the most votes wins (the first winner will get first choice, the second winner will receive the remaining collection of gifts). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This giveaway ends on Tuesday 3rd December at 8pm. I'll announce the winner in the days following. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask them in the comments section - I'll respond there as soon as I can. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This giveaway is open to readers across the globe. I can't wait to read about balmy Christmas' on the beach and snuggly celebrations by the fire!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best of luck! And thanks again.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Comments closed!!!!!!! Winners will be announced in the next few days x</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Gifts will be sent direct to the winners from the brands involved. I will contact the winners in regards to sizes, colour preferences and address details. </i></span></div></div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422372995850609269.post-8712109259720751632013-11-24T20:39:00.000-08:002014-01-02T04:26:22.782-08:00nineteen | practicing simplicity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBITbVBBAJxNtDyZMMiJzxIyGyQQ-ZgGqx16zutNnTBp1-KYJIel_tE2R5C8IKvRSv-EUey7mTi7uC0oi_V9Xa3ZctEPVJ0ailH6sBM2lvfLV7ZXyu4pGyvteMqyuIJKydsNtfSlUH7m9/s1600/107A1796-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBITbVBBAJxNtDyZMMiJzxIyGyQQ-ZgGqx16zutNnTBp1-KYJIel_tE2R5C8IKvRSv-EUey7mTi7uC0oi_V9Xa3ZctEPVJ0ailH6sBM2lvfLV7ZXyu4pGyvteMqyuIJKydsNtfSlUH7m9/s1600/107A1796-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>hydrangeas in abundance in my neighbours' gardens</i> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living a less-distracted life : admit that you're tired and reclaim rest.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know, I know; motherhood and rest rarely go together. We are a weary bunch, aren't we, running to and fro and round in circles. Despite our exhaustion we just keep going because we have to. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps it's more pronounced at this time of year as we take a sharp inhalation and deal with the plethora of to-dos that accompany the festive season. My diary is quickly filling up with deadlines, the end of school term is fast approaching and I am completely disorganised in regards to Christmas. Yes, it's overwhelming and if I'm honest, there's just no time for early nights and afternoon kips right now. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Che is tired, too. I kept him home from school on Friday for a rest day and he lulled about reading books, watching a movie and building lego. There was a part of me that wished I could do the same thing; ignore all the necessary chores and emails and just lie in bed; rejuvenating and being kind. I know I need it but I can't see it happening anytime soon. And so I started thinking about quick rests; little things I can do that will restore and revive. I mention them in my yoga classes all the time and yet applying them to my every day takes a little more discipline. But you know what, they work, and sometimes they're more beneficial that a deep day sleep (I usually wake up groggy and cranky and that is never good!). </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next time you're feeling weary, try one of the following:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">drink water. It's usually at around 4:30 that I experience a slump and unfortunately it coincides with dinner prep. So every evening I stand at the kitchen window and drink a big glass of water. Within ten minutes I have the energy to get through the dinner, bath, bed routine.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">get outside. I've taken to lying on the trampoline and purposefully taking a few deep, nourishing breaths. I then let out loud sighs (much to the family's delight). Fresh air - always good.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">lie on your bed with your feet together and your knees out wide. This position is called <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/663">supta budda konasana</a> or reclining butterfly pose. If you feel that it stretches your groin too much just place a pillow or rolled blanket under your upper thighs. In this position become aware of your breath and focus on your exhalation for a few moments - you'll notice you start to grow heavy and soft and relaxed. Then, count your breath backwards from 27. "I am breathing in 27, I am breathing out 27, I am breathing in 26..." When you get to 0 start to awaken your body by wriggling your fingers and toes. Get up slowly and carry on with your day. This is also a great practice to do with older children. First, choose an item to place on the belly - a feather, a small teddy, a paper boat - and then encourage them to watch and feel the feather/teddy/boat rise and fall with the rhythm of the breath. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">close your eyes whilst breastfeeding. I understand this isn't always possible if you've got more than one child but when breastfeeding my two I made a point of lying down to feed at least once a day. I'd put my phone away, get really comfortable and close my eyes. Sometimes I would sleep, sometimes five minutes of shut-eye was enough.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So: recognise your exhaustion and take five minutes rest. Consider it self-care. </span></div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09754100790023579994noreply@blogger.com0