Happy New Year 2009!!!

Another year over...how they are flying by...and what a year!!! Never in my wildest dreams would've I imagined what a lovely place the land of Blog is...and meeting so many wonderful, kind, inspiring and generous people out there...It is an absolute delight!!! I wish you all peace, love, joy, contentment, good health, safety ...and of course Happy Blogging...together with lots of new stitching projects...and good reading for the coming year 2009...

Of course I couldn't leave without a little something to ponder over..."Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense"~Ralph Waldo Emmerson~

HAPPY NEW YEAR...bring it on!!!

Stitching...Twilight Saga Books and Movie

A little post here before New Year's Eve... a pic of 2 little bags, one for myself...one for DD made out of leftovers from a little pram quilt made earlier this year for the arrival of her new baby girl. Will post a photo of the little quilt, along with the bags when finished...have been enjoying working on the little bags in between taking beach walks, taking it easy after Christmas...and...reading...

...Twilight...a book I have noticed many times along with the rest of the saga. Then upon reading a poem inspired by Twilight about Edward and Bella on one of my favourite blogs by Annabelle...and then learning it has also inspired a new wave of artwork...I thought...there must be something to this...so I purchased the first book to see what all this was about AND Wow...a true love story...and I wanted more!!!

S0...while DD was here and wanted to go to the movies...guess what we saw...Twilight...of course and I was hooked!!! There was even a cameo by the author Stephanie Meyer in it!!! Twilight is Stephanie's debut novel...and one that I have heard she had to be coaxed into finishing after laying it down!!! And like the back of the cover says...Deeply seductive and irresistibly compelling, Twilight is an extraordinary love story that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page. Finished the book this morning, resisted starting New Moon until tonight...so it's off I go to read!!! I hope you are enjoying whatever book you are reading!!! Till next time....

I've Been Pirated Away (so to speak)!!!

Here I am...Post Boxing Day...been kicked out of the kitchen...hence pirated away to Blogland!!! Mum, go and do your Blog they said...I'd had a headache this afternoon...no, I haven't had too much to drink...more like too much sun too quickly!!! We'll do dinner for you...how could I refuse? Yesterday after lunch was spent on the beach in the most perfect of conditions!!! Glorious sunshine...great water conditions...So...an unexpected post, what can I write about?

Then...I spotted Jo-Jo's new pirate goblet from Danelle...which came all the way from the Sea Horse attraction in Tasmania...so I thought...mmmm...okay start with that!!!

So...wind back to Christmas morning...and here's Jo-Jo getting into her stocking!!!
Travelled up to Hubby's brother's place to meet up with all his family...this was a special day as his Mum...who is 85...moved down from Queensland earlier this year and it is the first time the 3 brothers and families had spent Christmas with her for many years!!! Here is Ryan demolishing the Gingerbread House!!!
Back down the coast on Boxing Day and Jo-Jo's brother took her out kayaking...a first for her...he is only too happy to do adventursome things with her!!!

Getting sooo confident!!!

Latest stocking receiver...showing off her new bangle!!!

Delicious food has been eaten, gifts have been exchanged...the house is happy with laughter and cheerful talk... my headache is gone and I am sipping a red slowly...My Cup Runneth Over...Now, they're calling, Mum...dinner's ready....

When friends enter a home, they sense its personality and character, the family's style of living...these elements make a house come alive with a sense of identity, a sense of energy, enthusiasm, and warmth, declaring..."This is who we are; this is how we live." Ralph Lauren

I hope you all are enjoying Post Christmas celebrations amongst your loved ones...

Christmas Blessings 2008

If, as Herod, we fill our lives with things, and again with things; if we consider ourselves so unimportant that we must fill every moment of our lives with action, when will we have the time to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi? Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds? Or brood over the coming of the child as did Mary? For each one of us, there is a desert to travel. A star to discover. And a being within ourselves to bring to life....Author unknown

I came upon this quote in Sarah Ban Breathnach's Simple Abundance...I do think that we have our own desert to travel...and oh, how different the deserts are for each and every one of us!!!...And stars to discover...how wonderful and exciting!!! How this little piece just made me sit back with a few quiet reflective moments...before the last of the gift wrapping, house organizing, list checking, last minute baking...

I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year 2009. Thank You for all your visits and comments...it has been a real pleasure to get to know you!!! Many Christmas Blessings to each and every one of you...

Christmas Stitching, a Reproduction Project, Baking, a Party in the Library and a Giveaway!!!

Getting ready to...fill the stockings (from a couple of posts ago)...have just finished a little project for Jo-Jo!!! I make her a little something each Christmas, and give it to her on Christmas Eve...she really loves receiving her own little special stitched gift... ...this little one is from Anni


...yesterday I received the latest Australian Country Threads with the most gorgeous project in it from Kate...and like the article says...Take a trip back in time with this delightful pincushion and scissor holder from Kate Hampson. Based on a floral motif from an 1852 Pennsylvanian quilt, Kate has given the set the evocative title of Mary Agnes. It's made of a raspberry reproduction print ...I so adore reproduction prints and beautiful warm colours!!!

...and then I did some baking which I haven't done for a while, some mixed berry friands and vanilla cupcakes...all gluten free and just so moist and delicious...with a coffee, and reading everyone's blogs!!! Standing behind are the first of the hydrangeas...



...Amidst all this, an invitation from Catherine to a Party in the Library, how excited did this make me feel...straightaway I had to grab the camera, take the photo of the book I would take with me to share with the other guests...From The Miniature Library of Prose Authors...OLIVER TWIST... by Charles Dickens. There is no publishing date, but a previous owner has dated it...July 28th, 1895!!!

...splendid gilt edged pages!!!

...Frontspiece by Dower Wilson. Perfect discussion of this and other books... and like the invite says...feasting, reading aloud to each other, revelry...with a roaring fire and ...of course... with some wine!!!

...and last but not least...a giveaway by Robyn who is celebrating her First Year of Blogging!!! Congratulations Robyn...a wonderful achievement!!! Drawn New Years Eve.
Now...it's back to filling those stockings and my Library Party. Have a lovely weekend everyone...this the last before Christmas...and thank you for popping in!!!

Christmas Shopping in Provence...if only!!!

Once upon a time...actually on Friday... I was lucky enough to get some respite for our Daughter and went up to our nearest largest town...and came across this most gorgeous, beautifully set out shop...with very attentive staff...full of French soaps, shampoos, lotions potions...candles and the most divine goodies... to spoil oneself with..... ...one of the eye-catching displays
...stepping through the entrance!!!

...And then back to my real world, the organization that helps support our girl ...and other people with a disability...put together this cookbook, (along with some assisted funding) complete with photographed recipes, and photo recipe cards... The launch for this very special book was held yesterday...a local Member was also in attendance along with staff from the organization, local newspaper and of course the participants. And how proud they were at this achievement after many months of dedicated hard work...so lovely to see it all!!! And how my heart swelled up with pride also to be there and watch their very happy faces as they received their very own copy of the book...along with a well-deserved handshake!!!
...and just to finish off, a beach shot...taken late afternoon at low tide. Nothing like a beach walk and paddle to finish off a day (especially after being in Provence)!!!

Stocking finally finished...and a gift from a blogging friend

Finally...pleased with myself as the newest stocking is finally finished...the 4th one along. At times I thought it was going to take forever...after appliqueing the back I found that I had done it on the wrong side...so pull it all undone and start again...then the needle broke...no spares of course...then I ran out of cord...nevertheless, all done now...and hanging proudly with the others!!!

...and then to my delight and surprise, just at the right time...what seemed to come as a reward...a Christmas gift from my blogging friend Andrea!!! Okay, put it under the tree...but Andrea says go on, you can open it now...so,

...a lovely tree ornament, cookie cutter and a Christmas tea towel!!! How did you know Andrea that I always buy myself a new tea towel for Christmas!!! I have had the most fun with this blog...setting it up as Queen of the Armchair after my surgery...and meeting lots of lovely people out there!!! Now, it's off to deck the halls, spread some cheer over the weekend with decorations, flowers, candles and of course...some good food and bubbly. Enjoy your weekend in this lead up to the Holiday Season!!!

Christmas puddings all in a row...

On Friday I took a trip up to my old town for a visit to the Dentist...so I thought I'd have a little look at a kitchen store...something a lot of little regional towns do not have. And what a treat it was...all these little puddings in a row...

...But first up...breakfast...and wow, the best ever Eggs Benedict I have ever had. I sent my compliments to the Chef for producing the best ever, how I thoroughly enjoyed them!!! I'm sure people were wondering what I was doing...I told the waitress I was doing a Cookery Course and couldn't resist the photo...

...stepping into the store, I get all excited at all the equipment, treats from far away places, even the good old tea towels and aprons...me being a real apron wearer!!!

...ginger and almond shortcake

...more goodies

...delicious oils, vinegars, apple balsamic vinegar...the list goes on. I ended up purchasing a few little items...Sauce Aioli, Delouis fils...made in France. Looking forward to trying it with some fish perhaps, cannot resist it with beer battered chips. Had to have the prize winning olives, then I bought a pack of mixed berries, and cherry cranberry pistachio nougat. Little things I know but not readily available in our little town...but makes them all a bit more special. I will savour it all...Then I couldn't resist a cute little white creaming jug and square saucer under...

I found a little quote that to me says it all...Love the moment, and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries...Corita Kent. It's Monday morning and I can still taste those eggs....mmm!!!

Australia...the movie

Just fitting a post in now as I won't be able to for a couple of days...first up, I went and saw Baz Luhrmann's much talked about new movie....Australia...starring Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, David Gulpilil...and a host of good ol' Aussie actors including Bill Hunter, Bryan Brown and Jack Thompson... and featuring the young boy Brandon Walters...what a star I think he is... ...the scenery is absolutely stunning, and very powerful...the camera work at times made one feel like they were in the picture also. An epic movie, (love those) awesome set, great period costumes...set between the wars...narrated by Nullah (played by Brandon)...and to me also a very spiritual and in a way magical!!! All this and telling a very important Australian Story. Onya Baz!!! And the gorgeous Hugh...what more can one say!!!

Now back to the real world...new kitchen bench arriving this weekend...so it's back to unpacking those cupboards...

7 Things

Well...here I am, having been tagged by Mel, who also has been called Our Very Own Aussie Martha, at http://www.melsroseplace.blogspot.com/ This is how it works...post a link to the blog that challenged you and add these rules to your post: Share 7 things about yourself. Challenge 7 other blogs at the end of your post through naming their blog and post a link to it. Let them know they've been challenged by leaving a comment in their blog. So...here goes, I have just chosen 7 favourite things for now...

...Summer is my favourite season of all!!!

...I thoroughly enjoyed cooking a simple dinner last night......of a creamy chicken curry with accompaniments...my first real cook up since surgery...and a cold bottle of Moscato...

...I really appreciate hand made...

...Further, I enjoy the lather of hand made soaps...

...Thoroughly enjoy my books in a nearly new book case...

...Love timber... the smell, feel, texture...this one is a set of salt and pepper grinders made of sassafras and purchased in Tassie... standing on an old banker's desk...

And would you believe it...I have just wiped out a beach shot!!! Which was...I can't resist a Salty Blue Day!!! And...just for trivia...I am enjoying the gadgets/widgets available (can't you tell!!!) Have even added a playlist while I'm here reading everyone's blogs!!! I do think of Coco Chanel and ...as you walk out the door, take one thing off. I can't help it...I seem to be the type to...add another one!!! Oh well, more is more!!!

Now, I would like to tag these wonderful bloggers that I enjoy and would like to know more about:

Oma aka Meme at http://www.acupofsimplicity.blogspot.com/

A Good Yarn at http://www.cottonreelcapers.blogspot.com/

Irish Muses at http://www.thedote.blogspot.com/

Kimonos'n'Quilts at http://www.kimonosandjapan.blogspot.com/

Life's Just a Ferball at http://www.fer48.blogspot.com/

Catherine at http://www.athousandclappinghands.blogspot.com/

I'm on my way girls...