the extras

One little thing always leads to another in this online world. And although I'm not a huge fan of technology I am grateful for the connection and the inspiration that can be discovered. It's special isn't it. To connect with people across oceans - those sweet ones you know you would love to sit down and share tea with. There have been a few parcels that have arrived on my doorstep that have truly made my day (or week). And when you buy handmade there is always the wonderful little extras that only affirm the package was sent with gratitude and love.

As I work on my knitting project, stitch by stitch, I am reminded of the time and energy imbued in each little handmade item I buy. Precious time, positive energy, kindness and love. Perfect for my home, sweet home.

hope

Amongst all the grief and sadness there are little bits of hope.
Like Sam, found by a CFA member, in desperate need of water. She drank 3 bottles...and has since fallen in love with a koala named Bob.
Do what I did - watch this, have a little cry, and find some hope.
Hope can also be found in the red cross tally - as of this morning $50million has been raised.

Visit handmade help too - where makers, creaters and crafters are coming together to raise much needed funds.
Think and dream that everyone affected will find their little bit of hope.

6th folder, 6th photo

Tag. I'm it. Lovely Fliss from udder tagged me to play. The rules?

"Open the 6th picture folder on your computer, open the 6th photo and blog it. Write something about it. Then tag 6 more people to do the same."

Thank goodness I agreed to play because I don't think I've even seen this photo. I was feeding Ché stewed apple, Daniel had the camera. Excuse me while I swoon over the cuteness I've unveiled.

You know what's really scary - I don't clearly remember him being so small. I have glimpses in my mind, little moments of his lightness, his little hands, those lips. I'll tell you a little secret - I opened the space bag with all the really little baby clothes in it the other day and inhaled his newborn scent. I'm just so comforted by the fact that we took photos - lots of them. And that they're safe in our computer, on discs, in albums, on flickr. So that I can return, at any time, to when he fit snug between my hand and my elbow.

I'll leave you with one last image from that 6th folder...oh chubby, chubby cheeks.


I tag emma, amber, tori, becka, michelle and shannon. Come play girls, you don't know where this game will take you.

30 days of gratitude : 18

I think I've realised how fun a one-year-old can be. How interested and engaged and excited my little boy is. Giddy in Spring sunshine we played and went exploring. He's so content to sit on my hip and wander with me. To point at flags and birds and wave goodbye to strangers who stop to chat. Today we ate peaches and strawberries and this evening we enjoyed roasted butternut pumpkin. And now I can see the remnants of peaches and strawberries and pumpkin on my cardigan.

Since becoming a mum I have become more grounded. I spend more time crawling around on the ground that I ever have before in my life. I don't get too bothered if my clothes get dirty or my hair gets messy. I spend so much time wandering on beaches, in parks and around gardens with Che. I love it and he loves it and I feel so much happier and healthier because of it.


For the last week or so I have been preparing our little balcony for the warmer weather - planting fresh herbs and spring blooms and clearing the clutter that had resided there over the winter months. We spend so much time here over summer - it's the best place to ponder, read and relax and because the ocean is at the bottom of the hill we often get a subtle sea breeze. Che has his own swing now too so he can suspend from the beams and watch the world go by.


I made cupcakes today and shared one with Che. Not quite as amazing as these, but still fun. He was recovering from his cold on his birthday and wasn't fussed with cake so I thought I would indulge him. He wasn't impressed with the icing (which secretly made me happy) but he loved the buttery cake. It was so yummy we decided to share some with friends.


I am still smiling at the beautiful gifts we were given on his birthday. I am so enjoying flipping through the storybooks and building with the blocks. So many generous people. Including Miss HazyJane who sent Che a gorgeous pair of handmade pants (the best pants) and a homemade card, which, funnily enough, looks alot like he did on his birthday morning - it was definitely a red crown kinda birthday. I got spoilt too - a cloth bag perfect for books/shopping/anything really. She's clever that girl and one of the neatest sewers I have ever come across.

Such a pleasant day we had.

pillow love

I found these gorgeous little pillows and I decided that I must have them...soft little reminders that simplicity is definitely beautiful. Shanna Murray transfers her lovely sketches onto fabric and sends them across the oceans to people's homes. And the gorgeous little card she accompanies with the package comes as a nice surprise. I especially love the dandelion design...it's nice to wake up, roll over and read my on my pillow: anything is possible

Che loved the box too