A life of charming moments by Miss Prudence Knits

A day at the aquarium

2012-02-12T21:17:00.002+11:00

Today was a rare day when we had nothing to do but just to

head out and enjoy a favourite family outing - the Melbourne Aquarium

Must admit I was smitten with the cheeky penguins so much so that

I managed to get left behind by everyone at the penguins!

Finally I did find the rest of the bunch and was chastised accordingly

for wasting their time looking for me! My how the tables have turned, he kids

looking for me!

I grabbed this photo opportunity thinking it was "so cute, just like when they

were little, all lined up" - afterwards I was horrified to discover it was the shark

tank and they had been baiting the sharks with their hands! Ahhh!

Martha is soooo shy! ha ha.

Beautiful Jelly Fish

A little more paper craft

2012-02-04T20:56:00.000+11:00

Miss M went to birthday party, she tells me John (the birthday boy)

loves bugs, that John is "hilarious", that he is her friend. He makes her laugh.

Miss M stamped the bag herself but charged me with the card and tag.

And just a simple bit of apple freshness.

Finally i can show you

2012-02-03T07:30:00.001+11:00

And I am back again. My computer has been in the shop and I couldn't blog.

I didn't like that very much, especially when I have things to show!

Miss M made these lovely pencil holders, one will take pride of place

on my desk at work next week

I am making my first quilt, well second really I made a lovely one

for Miss M's cot many years ago, in fact she still sleeps with it. This one

is a basic square patch, and I am using up just scraps from previous projects.

It really is hard work though, trying to get the squares to match up, I am surprised to find this.

Any tips on making this quilt less labour intensive will be most appreciate!

Things I am loving

2012-01-27T10:59:00.000+11:00

Linking in with Paisley Jade...

Loving that our range of organic buys is growing by the week and

our staples have been replaced with organics. loving that it didn't break the

bank.

Loving some not so organic treats from the USA.

These marshmallows are colossal! So good I can't even

consider buying Australian ones ever again!

Loving that I can bribe my kids with USA sodas...I can almost

achieve anything from them!

Loving instagram...ok so I am the last one on the planet to

start using it, but i am loving it!!

Loving these felt stockings I picked up at Coles for 25cents each.
Miss M and I are going to collect things throughout the year for a local charity.
This will be one of our community projects for our family to do this year.

Playing with instagram and the Vic Arts Centre

2012-01-25T13:25:00.002+11:00

Waiting in the foyer for Angelina Ballerina the Ballet to commence

Fabulous costumes that belong to the Fabulous Reg Livermore

A collection of Fabulous posters from Reg shows

Fabulously sweet Miss M

The Party is Over girlfriend!

2012-01-24T19:54:00.001+11:00

January has been such a lazy time for me, ~~we I~~ we have been enjoying balmy evenings by our pool and have most certainly partaken in a few sherbs to cool the blood....As you might not know Miss Prudence is partial to a sherry or two, maybe a glass of bubbles with the girls in the summer, party time season. But all good things must come to an end....so it is with great pleasure my liver announces that I am doing Feb fast. That is correct, indeed it is, Miss Prudence is swaying off the sherry for a whole month.

Febfast is a wonderful opportunity for any "social" creature to get themselves back on track after the festive season that seems to run for months in Australia. You probably recall that I am a Drug and Alcohol worker and a Mental Health worker so I see the effects of alcohol abuse frequently. Not pretty. And it is so wide spread in our community, in fact I believe many people have issues with alcohol and do not realise they do, they just see it as "something I do" ...Aussies are BIG binge drinkers, we really need to look how we use alcohol and why we use it. Anyway, enough with the lectures, watch this and perhaps you might join too or maybe sponsor someone, maybe even sponsor Miss Prudence!

A day at home

2012-01-17T19:56:00.000+11:00

Yesterday we went to the beach, the real beach with waves. I am a Sydney girl originally and when we moved to Melbourne all those years ago I nearly choked at what a pitiful sight it was when I laid eyes on St Kilda beach - I mean really, a beach has waves and vast quantities of sand, golden sand. St Kilda, no matter how charming it is, is just a sandy bank around a bay...Anyway, we drove an hour and a half and spent the day on a surf beach and loved it. We swam, played beach cricket, we swam, we laid in the sun (with adequate sun protection of course!). We drove home and crashed.

So today was a "lay around the house day"today. And some crafting and cooking was done.

I made some coasters

Cooked some veggie fritters, everyone has their own version and

below I have shared mine with you.

And something lovely. Our Ballerina apple tree that has been potted for 7 years

and finally annoyed me so much I stuck it in the front yard and just months

later we have our very first apples!!!! I am told by the nibbler they are good!

Veggie Fritters

Miss Prudence

You will need:

4 egg whites (I use the egg yolks for biscuits)

salt and pepper

approx 1/2 cup SR flour ( I rarely measure this, just chuck it in)

2 cups of grated veggies ( e.g. zuchinni, carrott, ripped up spinach, beetroot)

a chunk of fetta cheese

oil (I use spray olive oil in my hand pumped bottle)

Dressing: finely chopped mint, natural yogurt, salt.

Whip the egg whites until peaks are formed. In another bowl grate veggies, fold in seasoning and flour. Crumble fetta in and then gently fold in egg whites. Heat oil and drop spoonfuls - just use a dessert spoon. Cook on a medium heat until golden brown on both sides.....Blend mint into natural yogurt.

Serve with salad and dressing...yum!

Now go bake cookies with the yolks!

Careful, somebody might hear you

2012-01-17T09:55:00.001+11:00

I am really enjoying my time off work at the moment. I have having good times with the kids, with Mr G but also with me. I am getting time to organise me, tend to my needs and reset my very spun out clock. I have decluttered my wardrobe and drawers, finally fronted up to the beauty salon for pedicures, manicures and the all important summer "de-fuzz" - which truly, without sharing too much, probably wouldn't of surprised me if the beautician didn't call in wild life support as my bikini line could of been mistaken for a feral koala! *Shudder*....but organising me, recharging my burnt out batteries and resetting my personal clock involves much more than just environmental and physical appearances, it involves reconnecting with what generates my value system.

Sure I have started looking at some creative pursuits and I have read a few books but this week I have started to read the paper.. a bit more. Reading past the weather (how will I dress myself and the kids today), past the movie guide (which talking animal movie this week), I read through to some more analytical articles, meaty stuff, stuff that enrages you, gets up your nose, lights up that urge to go picket a corner and my goodness how it felt good to feel certain parts of my brain re-opening and resume functioning. Specifically, I am enjoying the social commentaries that challenge the status quo and the reader. Writers that have the courage to raise ideas and urges the reader to leave this page and seek further reading, think about it and come back and say what you think, are really grabbing me . I love these provocative writers with their gaul and courage as they stand solid in wait for a response, begging for a good debate, not a dumb "oh you're an idiot mate" but a considered debate. Of course there will be complete fools on the writing side that you just want to wallop up the backside, but they too have value as they will make you think about your position and how your position is composed.

One article in todays' AGE newspaper really grabbed my attention for a number of reasons, particularly as it has a " blogger beware" aspect. Both bloggers are hard hitters, both intelligent people, both raise excellent ideas throughout their blogs, but one is said to have gone too far writing about the other and she won't be taking it any more, she has threaten legal action.

This article alerted me to the fact that blogging, regardless of the reasons for which we do it, be it creating a online journal, an album that documents a family's or hobby's growth, a tool for emotional healing or venting etc...we are publishing opinions and we can be held accountable if our content hurts another person or business . We are putting our ideas and therefore our influences "out there", therefore we need to really be aware of what we are saying and whom we are saying it about. Our blogs are not exempt from defamation laws.

For the most part of my blogging experience, the majority of the blogging genre I blog with are sound, with a few exceptions. I have read a few blogs containing some incredibly sensitive stuff providing no warning to the new visitor that some material on that blog may distress some readers, such as the sharing of traumatic events or expletive language. I have also read posts where the blogger has received a comment that displeases them and in no uncertain terms tells them [the commentator] to @#$%& off, "it's my space, i'll say what I want". But is it our space?

When I think about this, I come to the answer of "no". No, it is not private if you do not have an "invitation only" blog, it is just like a public place. If I am in a public place, even a cafe, I cannot truly expect my privacy. Social convention usually prevails and allows our "private"conversations to take place in the public space, without people butting in with their comments. However, I think we all might be guilty of chipping into someone else's conversation in public, yes? Ever conversed with another parent? Commented on a stranger trying a dress on in the next cubicle? Of course you have, we all have! It is ok, we are out there in public, it is a risk we take and often it is all for the better - I know a kind word from a stranger has indeed made my day.

Blogging may seem like a new frontier to many of us, perhaps you feel like a pioneer? It's the feeling of freedom we get from the anonymous space that is charged with possibilities endless. We can be brave and safe all at once. But my guess is due to the rapid increase in new cyberspace inhabitants, the current cyberspace style of management that depends largely on self regulation of users abiding by agreement bonds and faceless "site managers" ( do they really know if someone is breaking the agreement rules?) will soon mirror the worlds we live in.

Is it only a matter of time (when "they" work out a way to harness the bloggersphere) that cyberspace will be heavily governed and organised and regulated by elected or non elected bodies and we will be faced with harsher penalties for upsetting others' apple carts as we do in the real world? What kind of censorship will ensue? What kind of input will the cyberspace community be afforded if and when this occurs? Given that it is a global phenomenon, will a new global charter be required for cyberspace? Oh my what a can of worms! Makes you want to stick to crochet posts only and sit back in apathy, whilst "they" sort it all out and determine how we will blog in future times.

So until then cowgirls and boys, enjoy free blogging just as we once enjoyed smoking in the pub with a beer at the bar, spittoon at the door, just remember your manners and don't blow smoke in others' faces - it is rude and can be harmful!

20 years since saying "I do"....

2012-01-15T10:39:00.002+11:00

I realise I am a little late with this post, things have been go go go and posting in a timely manner has been an impossibility. But I desperately want to tell you about the 11th January.

It was a Wednesday and it was our Wedding Anniversary, celebrating 20 years of Marriage!

The week started with a 2 night camping trip with the lovely Ms D from bluebird daydreams and her brood. No sooner did we hit our doorstep, cold tired and soaked, Mr G announced I had to pack an overnight bag, we were off to Daylesford for the night!!! The kids were off to a friend's place (bless her for taking all three).

You see it was our 20th Wedding Anniversary that day and whilst Mr G is a wonderful friend, life partner, father - he has not got a good track record with celebrating special events, so I wasn't expecting anything at all, let alone what lay ahead!

We arrived at the stunning Lake House hotel for a very decadent evening! Daylesford is a lovely little regional area an hour or two outside Melbourne.

Mr G thought of everything! I went to pour out some bubbly when Mr G produced to beautiful Platinum rimmed flutes (from Laura Ashley) explaining 20 years was platinum. Whilst I was swooning over such a romantic gesture, he whipped out beautiful Wedgewood box containing a stunning white china, lidded box. But, he explained, china was the traditional form of anniversary present. He covered both!!!!

After snacking on fine cheese and local bubbly (gotta consider that carbon footprint - even if the uptight guy at the deli sniffed and mocked at our wine choice), we wandered around the lake and played with the ducks and geese, laid around the room reading magazines and then it was time to dine.

Dressed up we headed to the dining room. Now bloggers, we are talking serious foodie stuff here, I mean serious stuff here!

Now Mr G has taken me to some very legendary restaurants over the years, but this one took the cake so to speak! I must confess I am not a huge fan of the OTT places where the waiters seem to speak in tongues and have small levels of tolerance for the patrons, but the Lake House managed to keep things in check. The staff were utterly lovely and the food was really exquisite. They had been worded up that it was our 20th Wedding Anniversary and our dessert plate heralded a chocolate message of congratulations. Breakfast the next day was divine and truly, I couldn't eat for the rest of the day.

We have been married 20 years, in that time we have lived all over Australia, had many, many challenges, curve balls and just plain old bummers thrown at us. We have also had many exciting times and done some really interesting things together. We have produced 3 beautiful children together. We share a philosophy that has just developed naturally and never needed any really sit down planning or negotiations. There have also been times when planning was obviously lacking too and in hindsight, I can't believe we made so many dopey decisions! We laugh together and enjoy being together and share so much together. In fact we do and always have enjoyed a life that is abundant. We are blessed.

We love each other.

I reflect on the past 20 years and I am super glad I am signed up for another 20.

Happy Anniversary Mr G, I love you....

xxxxx

Things I am loving...

2012-01-13T22:10:00.001+11:00

Joining in with Paisley Jade

Loving us playing games in the pool

Loving that we started the year off helping. New Year's Day

we all headed to Bunnings for a fund raising BBQ for our Cub group.

Loving that they worked so hard regardless of the heat.

Loving baking with our new babushka doll cake tin

Loving this girl

How she is very kind and always willing to explain things to little people

Loving camp craft. We made these God's eyes on our camping trip earlier

this week

So much to say!

2012-01-13T10:32:00.002+11:00

Hello lovely bloggers, we have been "summer loving" and getting away from it all. We have been so very very busy having fun and I have so much to tell and show you all that I hardly know where to begin. So I shall start with a Wedding.

Very very early in the year we went to a beautiful wedding. The Bride is Japanese and the Groom a local Melbourne lad, they tied the knot in a beautiful yet simple ceremony just outside of Melbourne in Yarra Glen. It was at the reception we saw some beautiful Eastern touches that I found utterly divine!

Tables strewn with rose petals

Delicate blue paper cranes as place markers

Now this was what I found spectacular

The central tables were marked by an overhead canopy

with hundreds of paper cranes. These cranes were folded and threaded up

in Japan by the Brides' friends and family members in order for them

to attend her special day in a small way. Touching and stunning all at once.

Here is Miss Prudence and Mr G. I was delighted to

get a snap of us together, they are so rare! Finding something

to wear was a huge drama for me as I do not have many

"going out"frocks. I also didn't want to spend $400 - so being

my stingy ol' self, I opted for this LBD, added my turquoise glam

shoes I splurged on last year and some huge turquoise plastic rose jewellery and

it worked ok! I bought the dress from Target (or as my sister likes to call it "House of

Targét LOL) on sale for $30 a few years back - thinking I probably wouldn't wear it but

it has come through 5 times since and really looks like an expensive frock and the real bonus is

it fits perfectly! Love a frugal ensemble that pays dividends!

The food was amazing too. That fork belongs to Mr G, who

opportunistically taxed my calamari whilst my hands were

busy with the camera - the scoundrel!

The lamb was perfect too and Mr G got to enjoy his beef

and my lamb as I fall for his distracting tricks too easily - double dirty scoundrel!

The day was wonderful and we felt very honoured to witness the special occasion. We wish the

bride and groom a lifetime of happiness together.

2012

2012-01-01T20:20:00.000+11:00

2012

A big path lies ahead of me and my clan.

Angus will commence his first year of high school - he currently lives with a daily dose of anticipation, fear and excitement.

Mr G has big challenges ahead professionally, his team growing and his responsibilities multiplying, getting a good balance between work and home, I know, is big for him.

As parents, Mr G and I are faced with our first born entering puberty, the teenage years. We will be challenged with keeping him safe, letting him take risks, adjusting our lenses about what is OK and not OK in terms of behaviour as he is no longer a little boy and will need allowances at times. We will also need to get used to what is changing in front of our eyes with his physical appearance as he grows into an adolescent.

Miss Moo will have her first year at Middle School, she is in a class with only one of her friends and will be challenged with making new connections and keeping old ones.

Tully has yet to identify any concerns for 2012 but has set some big goals around achieving his Grey Wolf Badge - the highest achievement in Cub Scouting.

Me - well I have some huge goals that MUST be achieved in terms of my health. Of course I will keep plugging through with my studies and this year will see me increase my working days from three to four.

In terms of parenting, my goal continues in that I just want to keep building a family that is strong in character. Rich in experience. Bonded in a healthy way, a way that provides acceptance and belonging and security always for each member.

My Blog? Well I hope to expand the subject matter on which I blog. Cover more of the stuff that I find interesting and socially pertinent. I hope to try new crafts and get "out there" and meet other crafters, I hope to take my hobbies from home and share it with others - I am keen to join up with some craft groups and maybe do some short courses. This year I WILL learn how to knit cables!

Community wise. I hope to reduce some of mine and my family's ways. I plan to spend less on throw away items, buy hand made / organic where possible. I aim to increase my efforts with Citizen Advocacy (a Non Government organisation that provides advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities ), i have been involved with CA for over 16 years and am now in the role of President - so you will all hear more about this.

2011 has taken me to so many beautiful blogs, taking me to so many beautiful places, showing me so many wondrous treasures. Thank you 2011 bloggers. Thank you also to all of you for following my blog in 2011 - I look forward to another year of bloggy goodness together!!

Not long after Christmas...

2011-12-27T20:43:00.001+11:00

We totally chilled out! And it is divine!

Christmas Day was a little wondrous as it was white - with hail.

Never a good thing here in the Southern Hemisphere, where white Christmases

never occur. We were fortunate, but some poor folk experienced some dreadful damage.

We did experience one fatality and that was our oven!

Just as I removed the roast from its belly, it gurgled and

died. RIP Omega /Smeg 2000 - 25/12/2011. Gone but not forgotten.

Yesterday was Boxing Day. I have a strict tradition on Boxing Day.

Prawns and salad and assorted left overs for lunch. I start a new knitting project and

I watch DVD's all afternoon. Yeah!

But today the sun was shining and blue skies a plenty. Off I

trotted to Bunnings and bought up a heap of seedlings.

Back home I did some potting and pottering around the yard.

I tidied up my deck and it looks lovely.

Martha and her pal played with her new bunnies she got

for Christmas.

Martha played in Lady Bug Cottage : her cubby house

I basked in the sun. swept the paths and even jumped on the trampoline.

It was a good day.

Christmas Day 2011

2011-12-25T16:45:00.002+11:00

Christmas Day started early as usual. An IPOD seeking boy and

a girl seeking anything that Santa might care to leave her, barged into our room

around 6am. Despite seeking sleep ourselves, we pulled ourselves out of bed

and joined in the whooping and yelling. Santa has been!

Martha made these ginger bread cookies yesterday for Santa.

Meet Princess Leia.

Martha after a silly string war with her brothers

Now MY really BIG news is that Mr G, Mr Wonderful

gave me a DIGITAL SLR camera!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just cannot believe it!!!

OMG it just works like a dream.

I am so excited.

I keep taking photos.

It has been a pretty slow day here. A nice contrast to the lead up.

We have just grazed through the day, collect hail stones (oh my they were huge)

when it stormed. Lounged around and played with our new friends ! Yes!

Our new furry friends! Martha got 2 little male (they had better be!!) mini Dwarf Lop eared

rabbits and they are dear little creatures for sure! I will be posting about them tomorrow.

We are having a big Christmas dinner tonight with all the

trimmings. Our table is set and now the cool change will

allow us to eat in comfort.

I was also very lucky in getting this beautiful rose for my garden from the children!

So to you all you wonderful folk with whom I have blogged

with this year and all those visitors i am lucky enough to receive,

Merry Christmas and God Bless you all.

the final gifts

2011-12-23T12:32:00.001+11:00

The final makes for Christmas and they were for teachers.

Fabric brooches were happily received

But the bunting (please excuse the appalling photo quality)

were a huge success with teachers. This one was given to

a beautiful teacher who taught Tully, she is Harry Potter mad and has HP days in her room that

requires dressing up and lots of room decoration. I made her bunting in brown, crushed purple

velvet, greens and a kind of wizardy pattern. The other one was in pinks and oranges for a pink

mad teacher who was also a wonderful role model for my Martha.

Merry Christmas Mrs Kane and Miss Taylor, you were an asset in

Martha and Tully's lives this year - we thank you

Grade 6, it is now all over

2011-12-21T23:02:00.002+11:00

Angus with the whole year singing "firefly"

My boy has now finished Grade 6. Primary School is now over for him.

A whole new world of challenges lies ahead for him with High School

firmly in his sites.

Two nights ago our family dressed up and attended a Graduation Ceremony

for the Grade 6 of 2011.

We were so proud, he held himself so well.

We were even prouder when he was presented the Art Award over all students.

But nothing can describe how we felt when we watched a slide show

displaying photos of each student and their personal description of themselves

and their personal aspirations such as career and travel aspirations.

Our boy summed himself with a statement : Life is a wave, ride it well.

For a kid that was branded with a reputation, had never really enjoyed

access to natural justice and always seemed to cop an unfair hit at every turn (okay some hits were

deserved ), it was his way of letting everyone know that

"watch this space, I'll show you".

You rock my boy, you will ride it well!

Christmas Greetings

2011-12-21T06:37:00.002+11:00

A Christmas make

2011-12-20T19:41:00.000+11:00

I was reading a post today about ditching from the Christmas list.

You know, when you are trying to get all the trimmings made, on time,

gifts for all, the house looking amazing and basically trying to be Super Mrs Claus. Yeah?

In this post a blogger had decided she would let go of making a Christmas Stocking for her daughter.

After all the daughter was only One and likely not to mind getting when she was two.

Miss M is 8. I had yet to make her "that" stocking I had been meaning to make!

So today I did.

Christmas Quiz

2011-12-19T18:36:00.002+11:00

I saw this over at LissyLou's and thought I'd give it a go....

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

Bit too warming for Christmas in the southern hemisphere, maybe punch.

Does Santa wrap presents or just puts them under the tree?
Santa wraps most - for three kids in three different patterns of Christmas paper. This helps him

put the presses out and get to be at a reasonable hour before the kids wake their parents up at some

unGodly hour!

Coloured or white lights on tree/house?
Thanks to solar lights, we now look like the Griwalds - coloured lights EVERYWHERE!

Do you hang mistletoe?

I have yet to work out what this actually is, something to illicit smooching I hear!

When do you put your decorations up?
Miss m's birthday is December 1st - so the day after her celebrations the decs go up.

What is your favourite holiday dish?

Left overs!

Favourite holiday memory?

Christmas, when my family lived closed to extended family we would gather for

huge parties. My favourite memory was the cheer that would go up each and every time

another family member would arrive. The last to arrive received a resounding cheer!

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
No

How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?

Specific colour themes that vary from year to year

Snow! Love it or dread it?
huh? Snow? At Christmas?

Can you ice skate?
No, but i can boogie board and can float on a lilo really well.

Do you remember your favorite gift?
Swirla Curla Chrissy (she was a doll with hair that wound up when you wound the wheel up at the

back retracting the hair. You pressed her belly button and yanked her hair back to long) I still have her.

What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Watching the children and sharing their excitement, downing tools and feeling the

general malaise that sweeps over Australia and remains for the rest of summer.

What's your favourite holiday dessert?
Trifle

What is your favourite holiday tradition?

A massive breakfast with blueberry pancakes and a very late lunch.

What tops your tree?
A star

Which do you prefer: giving or receiving?
Giving...I love watching everyone open their parcels - oh and getting the big hugs

after.

Candy canes... yuck or yum!?
Yuck after two

Favourite Christmas show?
A Wonderful Life

Saddest Christmas Song?

Confession here - I actually tear up when I hear any Christmas song. EXCEPT for

that Bob Geldof, live aid song. It brings out the grinch in me - I HATE it!

Christmas is...

2011-12-12T22:20:00.001+11:00

Gingerbread men

Coming to grips it's Christmas

2011-12-11T20:04:00.001+11:00

So it is time to get a bit better planned.

Better consult Nigella! I picked up this book last year at the Border's (RIP) warehouse

for, get this $2!!!!

I crocheted a few granny baubles using Pip's pattern

that seems to be everywhere including the doyen of women's mags : The Australian

Women's Weekly. Congratulations on your growing media successes Pip!

How great that I can make some new things for my tree and not just simply

go out and "buy more stuff".

Today I had to brave the shopping centres. Our kids received Christmas money

from Grandparents and just HAD to spend it, it is not a Christmas present if

it isn't under the tree on Christmas morning. So after two major shopping centres in

North / North East Melbourne - Miss prudence needed a strong sherry, but it was

too many hours before wine O'clock, so I bought shoes instead.

Look at these platform babies! HMmmm, Mmmm!

See later to share some Christmas planning!

Things that I am loving

2011-12-10T08:08:00.001+11:00

Joining in with Paisley Jade to share some things that I am loving this week...

This week I am loving some IKEA goodness.

A serving tray with rainbow birdies $8.99

This star shaped serviette holder for Christmas $3.99

I love these Christmas glasses a steal for $5.99 for a set of 6!

I bought a heap of these little lanterns at $3.99 each. Some I filled with chocolates,

added some fancy ribbon and voila perfect little gift.

Ah we can wok around the kitchen again! Finally I replaced the
dead wok, stir fry veggies were just not the same in the fry pan.

Brown paper packages tied up with string

2011-12-07T07:12:00.001+11:00

These are a few of my nieces' favourite things! My extended family all live interstate and around Christmas time there are birthdays too. So I need to get my Christmas presents and these birthday presents organised quick sticks and send them off together ! My niece adores the Sound of Music - so I wrapped her birthday present with brown paper and string and used a fabric brooch for decoration.

Trimming the Tree

2011-12-06T07:41:00.001+11:00

With Miss M's birthday being the 1st December, we always try to separate

Christmas and her birthday. However we all (especially Miss M) are always

very keen to get on with the next celebration ASAP!

This year we are doing a red, silver, white theme, which really isn't too different

from any other year! But what was different this year was the kids took charge of

the decorating! I just sat back and enjoyed the show.

They were very competent and had a decidedly strong

concept of balance in decoration style - our tree looked great!

All three displayed strong leadership qualities.

Which made for some noisy moments.

Some were charged with angels,

others managed baubles.

It was serious business.

But nothing was more serious than topping the tree.

This year it was Miss M's turn, but not without being "bunny eared" (which

seems to have become a sport in this house).

2011-12-05T06:25:00.001+11:00

Yesterday I found the time to head off to a local nearby market that included

a few local market farmers. Whilst they didn't carry official organic certification

they stated they didn't use pesticides and their chooks ran around munching on

natural stuff. One vendor in particular struck me as very honest and was just

lovely. So I now have a new "green grocer"....Her produce was very reasonable,

$26 for the above loot (the bag is chockers with big brushed spuds) and the gingerbread

also purchased had been eaten hours before photo ; 0

In the making stakes, a few more fabric brooches for gifts, sunny summer rose and daisy.

Rainbow Party

2011-12-04T19:18:00.001+11:00

Yesterday we had Martha's party. Rainbow was the theme and she invite 12 guests to our home for a relatively low-key party. Sugar and colour played a massive role, so if you have issues against colouring, then please look the other way!

Martha opted for a number 8 cake, rainbow style. American candy

"twizlets" were the go for decorating the cake. A small fortune cost

from specialist lolly shops in Australia!

Party bags were a last minute innovation. I stamped small flowers

in rainbow colours. I think it worked a charm!

Cupcakes of course

The weather allowed us to celebrate in the back yard

A novelty table, complete with moustaches and gum ball machine

was a hit

American bloggers showed me how "rainbow bark" was divine

Rainbow girl in tutu and tie dye

We relied on old fashioned games like pin the tail or the Mo

on the donkey!

Mmmm rainbow cake!

Inspired by nature

2011-12-04T09:13:00.001+11:00

Well actually by nature and by my friend Deb encouragement, I am making over my pantry. Overall it is not so bad, but it could be better. I have tried to buy organic where possible in the past, but time is the essence and I have so little these days working and shuttling people here and there and organic hunting takes time , organic eating has slipped out the windows completely.

Not really a very good excuse when some organic products are readily available at the local supermarket and for not that much extra.

So changes thus far are pretty basic, flour, sugar and rice cakes - all from Woolworths. Actually i am having a major moral dilemma with Woolworths shopping. Did you know that Woolworths own more poker machines than any other company in Australia? They also own Dan Murphy's, where you can buy discount grog....I am not sure if a few community grants can really make up for facilitating addictions that wreck lives in the same communities (as you know I am a mental health/ drug and alcohol worker). Dilemma? I prefer Woolworths to Coles, they always seem to have what I need. Solution! I hear Deb say in my mind's ear..."shopping organic and local will eliminate the need to shop at large supermarkets" - I heard Kate (organic Queen and adventurer) refer to them as the "stupid market"...I guess that dilemma is solved.
Thank you blogging community!

Happy Birthday Ladybug!

2011-12-01T07:17:00.001+11:00

Happy Birthday to our little ladybug. You are 8 years old today.

Yesterday you made us laugh with your determination to make a

celebration out of your last day of being 7.

Did you have a good day?

So this morning we woke you up with a tray a blaze with sparklers,

adorned with roses and baring totally inappropriate food for breakfast

laid out in fine china. We showered you with birthday wishes and

a few presses for good measure. And then we reflect....

When haven't you been our crazy, whacky, Duchess?

Always smiling that cheesy grin that comes with giggles.

When haven't you been up to wacky and often unsanctioned fun?

When haven't you loved bling?

When don't we see that wide eyed expression that comes with giggles?

Did I mention that cheesy grin?

When haven't you loved to accessorise?

Or meet civic duty?

You know when to kick back?

You know an adoring audience when you see one.

And you know you biggest fans!

Happy 8th Birthday Moo Moo, we ADORE you!

Finally crafting

2011-11-27T07:34:00.001+11:00

So it finally happened, I got the old girl out

and she was happy to see me.

Martha is having a birthday next weekend, our rule is every second year

is a low key home party. Martha's party is at home and is a rainbow theme.

So rather than rushing out and buying stuff I looked around here and not surprisingly

I found heaps of stuff to use.

So I whizzed up some bunting and a table runner both to decorate

the party table

I have some of the fabric left over and have decided to make some more

bunting for a friend's grand daughter and for Martha's teacher (she loves to

decorate her classroom - huh a blogger without even knowing it!). Much better
than returning it to the stash which desperately needs depleting , are you getting me ; )!

In the stash I found some cute Vintage style christmas fabric with 1950's style santas - so I am making

some bunting for my Mum who adores this style of "Santy" of "Father Christmas" as she

calls him.

And I thought I would share a few buys with you all.

We have 5 birthdays in the next 2 weeks (how rude!) which meant

heaps of pressies to get, unfortunately most of these people just

don't get handmade, so off to the shops we go.

Isn't this little Union Jack Blythe set cute!?

And this little necklace and bracelet from Cotton On Kids

was a steal, under $12 for the set, the fimo type beads

are beautiful.

Back later with some more crafty goodness because there is heaps more

to come!

2011-11-25T14:39:00.001+11:00

Hello lovely bloggers,

Today I am going to do a "blog alert" and alert to a lovely blog owned by a dear friend of mine. Deb
is very passionate about sustainable living and in the past twelve months has completely changed hers and her family's lifestyle. You can read about her garden, recipes, see her gorgeous children grow and she will inform you about some interesting stuff about what goes into our food and important diet changes and their benefits using her own experiences.

Deb is very talented in the creative stakes, so you will see her decorating adventures and I believe that she is currently about to go on a decorating bender, so it will be fun to see what she does. Apart from all these wonderful talents, she is one of the loveliest people I know and I am very lucky to have her in my life.

Please visit my lovely friend at Treasure Hunter Girl and start following her.

A day in Fitzroy Gardens

2011-11-21T22:11:00.001+11:00

Recently I took the brood to Fitzroy Gardens, a beautiful garden right in the

city of Melbourne. We had never been there in spite of living in Melbourne all these

years. One of the main attractions in this lush green gardens is "Cook's Cottage".

A cottage that Captain Cook, the explorer that discovered Australia, was born in. It

had been moved brick by brick and brought over here and rebuilt.

The last person who was born in the cottage was a lady in the early 20th Century, she was one of nine which was astounding as the place was tiny!

Tully looking regal and naval!

The house is surrounded by gorgeous English cottage gardens

Fun poses!

This was the large room

A bedroom which actually resembled a cupboard

We have other photos but we will save them for another post

Ta Da! The new ensuite

2011-11-19T07:05:00.001+11:00

Our renovation has been completed and the 90's bulk is gone, succeeded by simple white, with a natural look charcoal tile on the floor that is divine but you can't really tell by the photo.

I love that there is no hideous white plastic shower base

And that the water comes out of the ceiling!

I did not install a permanent mirror so I can change the flavour

according to my bedroom changes. I haven't found one yet not sure if

I will get something vintage or modern or classic or industrial looking.

I am having my first shower in my new ensuite today, I have new lovely handmade soap

a new fluffy towel and new shampoo. Utterly glamourous!

2011-11-18T15:27:00.001+11:00

To my Boy,

This morning you snuggled with me, I could feel your slight body shaking.
Tears welling in your eyes, you answered my questions if I certain teacher announced to the class that you were going to get the "baddest kid in the school".
You told me not to worry.
It was a long time ago.
That you were used to it.
Teachers have always said bad things about you.
To the class.
In front of the class.
They expected you to be bad.

You fought back the tears and said you were sorry for being bad.
All these years.

You said you were scared of high school, that these
teachers would tell them how bad you were.
That they would hate you too. What if they hate me too mum?

You paused and then told me your art teacher was nice, you thought she might believe in you. Like your
footy coach and your Scout Leader. They made you feel good. But the rest eat you away inside.

Tears fell off your face and you squeaked to me that you tried and tried, you wanted to know why people
didn't believe in you.
Why other people were allowed to call you names, kick you, over look your good work.

I couldn't answer.
I am sorry my darling, I should of taken you out of this school
I can't explain why there are bullies and cowards that can hide in the ranks of teachers too.
I am so glad your art teacher believed in you.
I want to heal this incredible hurt you carry, kiss your anxieties away.

Today I asked your nice teacher to look after you. He admitted to me that the teachers don't like you.
It stabbed me in the heart.
Then she came into the room. The one who told the class about that award.
I asked her to give us some privacy. She wouldn't leave, even though she is a support teacher not your real teacher.
She scoffed at me and said something, she began shaking her finger at me.
It was then I had to speak for you - I knew it had to happen.
I stood up and named her behaviour.
Cowardice and Bullying.
I told it had to stop. Stop today.
She didn't care that she hurt you
It became all about her, how she needed respect, that you wouldn't give it to her.
She ran off. I don't respect her either, respect is earnt.

I cried, your class teacher cried too. He promised to keep you safe from her. He believes in you too.

You are worthy
You get my top award
You are a great kid. The best.

Praise be..

2011-11-15T22:15:00.001+11:00

I have been absent for a little while, not just from my blog but from

everything I love. As you may recall I started a Grad Dip in Alcohol and

Other Drugs (AOD) and it has been a slog - I only took one subject this

semester and it was oh so dry, pardon the pun!

My major assignment was 3000 words big and everything around me

went into chaos (of course) my renno was underway, stuff is everywhere and

my family decided to get really tired and melt down. Ugh!

But a few minutes ago I emailed it off! Yay, a week late but it is done and

dusted. So bring on the craft, bring on the parenting, part prep for Miss Moo's

8th Birthday and of course Christmas and Summer!!!!! BRING IT ON!

2011-11-03T07:20:00.002+11:00

photo

I have been running.

No not over hill and over dale. Just on my treadmill.

Yep, whilst the rest of the country was boozing and betting

on the Melbourne Cup, I hit my treadmill and astounded myself by

running 20 minutes straight and clocking up 2km.

Now I realise that this is small potatoes for anyone that might

have an iota of fitness in them and runs marathons etc, but for

me, super sloth, it is huge!!!

What blew me away, and I am quite serious here, is how it affected

me. I may as well of been boozing ! I felt high for the day - after

stepping down from the treadmill I was racing around like

a woman possessed, just like I had the day before (I had run 10 minutes

straight and clocked 1 km something I had never done before)....It was like

being on drugs, but good ones!!

I did hit the wall later, I was chatting to a friend that evening, started off

all chipper and zingy but felt like my batteries had run right out

by the end of the call - I could feel everything slowing down like a record

being played on slow speed - poor friend, hope she didn't think it was a reflection

of her conversation!

So due to sore legs I rest for a few days and then I cannot wait to

get some of that yummy feeling again. I'm feeling an addiction

coming on!

New goal : run a fun run for charity. Yeah!

Farewell October, thanks for the blogging

2011-10-31T07:31:00.000+11:00

And so Blogtober finishes.

I somehow managed 21 posts and visited

many wonderful blogs, made new friends (hi lovely taylor made to name

one!) Now it's onward to Christmas and summer days.

But for the meantime, I will enjoy the last month of

Spring, with you all, my friends.

Thank you Tinniegirl for once again hosting the event,

the usual suspects for generating the love and all the

new bloggers for jumping in and meeting up in the

"sphere"...

Happy day people, happy day xxx

another renno

2011-10-30T15:45:00.000+11:00

This little eyesore is my / our ensuite. As you can see by the size

it is very IKEA!

This week it is gone baby!

Well not, just redone in a more tasteful kind of way.

Ok so I gave up cleaning the shower cos

I knew it was being ripped out...

Mmmm, 90's bluk!

2011-10-29T08:51:00.001+11:00

Linking up with Paisley Jade

for

"Things I am loving"

That bananas are once again affordable and

that aging bananas are going cheap again

which means banana bread is back on the menu.

It also means Queensland farmers are

back in business again.

I am so loving and feeling ultra excited about a new project I am
involved with at work. As many of you know I work in Mental
Health Recovery. Our service has partnered up with another service
that runs a garden in the local community. Here are some
of their amazing garden sculptures. I cannot wait to get
into the garden and earth myself!

And finally, I am loving that my thoughtful and caring husband, asked
me to make him a card for a lady he works with. This lovely lady has
recently found out that the disease she thought she had beaten has returned and
with a vengeance. She is now leaving work to get the most out of her life.
Our thoughts and prayers are with this beautiful person and her family.

.

Book Club

2011-10-28T07:10:00.001+11:00

This month at my book club we are reading this.

It is wonderful.

As you read, you read in that soft southern lilt that Alabamians have.

Truman Capote writes with such a lyrical flair that feels genteel and

yet an amusing yarn unwinds.

I love it!

2011-10-25T13:51:00.002+11:00

PARDON THE MESS BUT MY BLOG IS HAVING A MAKE OVER.....once I get my I T guy onto it!

Note to self : I am not a boffin girl, I am not a boffin girl - I must not try things outside my ability ! LOL

I do NOT {heart}. I Love

2011-10-25T09:36:00.002+11:00

I have to say I think saying "I Heart" instead of "I LOVE"

is really

Dumb

Why would you replace a word like Love .

It seems to me like the epitome of stupid.

I heart you!

Why

Sure use symbols like love hearts - that is cool, clever. But replace the adjective

with a noun? A feeling with a name? What does this mean? What type of "heart" are you directing at me?

Cow heart? Human heart? Are you just extending the use of one of your main organs

at me? Argh! Popular culture can be such an ass.

Does not Love deserve more from us?

Hasn't Love been good to us and promises us more?

Love is patient, Love is kind.

Love is perfect

Then why change its name!!!

No no no sireeee. No " hearting" from me.

If you want my heart

then you will need to show me

Love

xxxxx ( ahhh that's better and it even looks gentler)

Things that I am loving....

2011-10-22T11:01:00.001+11:00

Linking in with Paisley Jade

My trademark for the past 25 years - really black sunglasses, usually over sized

Loving coming to work to find that one of my beautiful colleagues has left

my op shop fabric treasure on my desk as a surprise!

Very vintage fruit cake tin

Polka dots are taking over my kitchen. Joy!

Seeking wisdom for my girl

2011-10-20T07:28:00.000+11:00

Last night I lay with my dear little daughter before I turned out her light. I listened to her tell me her worries and to my pain there were many.

She was worried that if she kept chewing her nails and surrounding skin, she would never have lovely hands when she grew up....sadly this was my stupid warning I sounded to her when I saw her bleeding little fingers and whilst she is having trouble breaking this habit, I now foolishly implanted fear in her. Last week she decided to give up ballet - another girl is being openly hostile to her and called her fat : we recently caught her doing sit ups and refusing to finish her small meals. This little girl in question has some problems with other little girls in other classes, so I know this is true.

Through tears, she told me of a "friend" at school who promised to invite her to her birthday party only to discover the party was Tuesday just gone and she never got an invite. Another friend was giving her the silent treatment and she just didn't understand why all this was happening. She felt so lonely and just wanted some true friends.

Now this all rang bells for me and I know there are certain skills and ideas I need to give her. I also realise now I have a girl that is far less resilient than I thought and I must be careful with what ideas or careless comments that impart from me. We have had a big talk about ballet and there was more to it, she was feeling tired of it and wants to try tennis. So OK, tennis it is and then onto what grabs her interest next.

But, I can tell you I am scared.

Scared of repeating foolish mistakes my mother and father made. Scared I might be missing something, or maybe over reacting. Fear is really gripping me. Fear for the pain my little girl may be facing.

I can see it, feel it - history repeating and whilst I cannot shield her from everything and she will need to

experience some tough stuff to build strength - I must do what I can to prevent needless pain. Of course this might just blow over and it will all OK next week.

Oh how her little tears burnt into my heart. I will worry all night now. That's ok - it is what mummies do and I will most willingly lose sleep for her, if I thought it would get me closer to a solution and to restore the harmony in her life. I think that might be a bit too easy though.

I am a bit stuck , what to do about the friend thing - I need to help equip her with skills that are used for building friendships. Friendship should be easy and I want her to have the confidence to not settle for questionable friends and see herself as a worthy friend. This is such a dilemma, I am really concerned about what course of action to take.

How do you foster friendships with your children? Have any of you bee faced with this problem, what did you do? I would really value any pearls of wisdom here.

xxMiss Prudence

A bit of bit of paper craft

2011-10-19T07:21:00.000+11:00

I haven't made a card in what feels like forever! I have had this stamp set hanging around

for months unused! It is so 1950's vintage I love it! Just a quick card, I love the harsh

black ink on the power pink gives it an extra vintage look.

The Kindness of Knitter Sue

2011-10-18T07:26:00.001+11:00

Thank you Sue for your generous gifts xx

There is a wonderful knitter in Blogland called Knitter Sue. Her knits are as

amazing as they are prolific. A short while ago I decided I might give a

certain knitting pattern a go, not being able to locate the size I needed I contacted

Sue for help.

And the help she gave me was most unexpected.

A week later a parcel arrived in the mail

with not one, but two amazing knits in the pattern

I was seeking! Her girl had just grown out of them and there

were no little sisters to pass them onto.

Now I am embarrassed to say this post is over due thanks to a

missing camera and study commitments and I wanted to dedicate a post

just to Sue. Martha hasn't taken them off since they arrived and the

quality of these cardigans are truly awe inspiring - i truly aspire to

be the knitter Sue is.

But more importantly, it is the generosity that blew me away.

Sue, you are a beautiful and kind person. I truly hope things

go your way very soon. Love and Blessings to you from us xxxxxx

That really hurt

2011-10-17T07:58:00.002+11:00

That really hurt. Multi tasking is risky business.

I slipped from the top step to the bottom step.

I was on my way to the laundry, talking on the phone and getting ready

for my friend's son's 21st, whilst cooking dinner.

I didn''t have time to stop and care.

Like any good woman, I was depended upon to be somewhere.

I kept going. I refused to acknowledge the incident.

Two days later I can't move.

Ouch.....I should of gotten an ice pack then.

Smiling the blues

2011-10-16T12:41:00.003+11:00

I am smiling today. Smiling all the time. Not at anyone or anything.

Just keeping a smile on my face at all times.

Because smiling makes me feel good.

Smiling encourages smiling.

When we smile we are less likely to say mean things

or think mean thoughts.

image

I am smiling because it makes me feel good.

Smiling chases away negative thoughts I have about myself and that makes

me feel safe.

When I smile I feel an inner glow and my thoughts go straight to good things to consider.

Then I feel OK. Smiling DOES make you feel happy!

Smiling at you all xxxx

Things I am loving.....

2011-10-15T10:25:00.001+11:00

Joining in with Paisley Jade

Loving taking time out to blow bubbles

And jump for joy

Accepting an adoring gaze

Accepting reassurance from my big boy each and every time I

show a slightly, mildly, teeny tiny bit of frantic emotion about him going to high school

next, growing up or losing my baby. The words "Mum, you've still

got me" accompanied by a hug and kiss are REALLY good.

No place for yo-yos

2011-10-12T06:54:00.000+11:00

Remember when I made a whole heap of yo-yos?

I am still trying to find something to do with them!

Bad Retro

2011-10-11T09:39:00.001+11:00

The above symbol represents Playboy magazine. Now whatever you might want to say, Playboy magazine is Porn. Porn is Porn, soft / hard whatever. This rabbit symbol symbolises pornography. Porn is for adults only. Yes?

Now that I have established that, I want to ask you dear bloggers and I am deadly serious,

Do you think that a Pornographic symbol such as playboy bunny jewellery is

OK for CHILDREN to wear?

NO I do not either. But DIVA jewellery shops think it is OK for little girls to be emblazoned with

pornographic symbols. They are selling Playboy Bunny jewellery as a children's line of jewellery! They have been approached by concerned groups to remove the line but they have REFUSED and continue to sell the jewellery to children.

Sure, it would be up to the adult to buy it for the child. But there would be some adults that would without truly considering was the symbol really means. Also it is retro and foolishly some may think that there is no harm in it, let the kiddies have it - it no longer means anything but a bit of fun. Wrong!

The Famous Logo Website tells that the symbol, used since the 1950's, denotes a "sexual connotation", "playful and sexy". Hmmmm, they make no bones about it. And I am pretty sure the Playboy mob would agree it Playboy brand is for Adults not children.

If you think it is wrong, yes I mean WRONG that children could be actually labelled with

jewellery that suggests they are "playful and sexy", marked clearly with sexual connotation, then go and sign a petition, write to DIVA jewellery and express your concerns. I did and I informed them I no longer a customer. You might do the same. Little girls, all children in fact are faced with so many challenges to having an uncomplicated and safe childhood, this is one easy thing we can do. We use our consumer power and it is power, we use our voice and tell them NO our community will not accept this. Diva did respond to my complaint in a very lack lustre manner stating no offence was meant. I have retorted by saying "but you have offended me and put children at risk, please remove the line"...let's see what happens.

At my book club

2011-10-06T07:36:00.000+11:00

If any of my book club members read this they will laugh at the nerve of me as I have hardly read any of the books since joining them - not enough time, subjects that don't interest me, boring, boring, boring books -I just can't afford the time to persevere with a crappy book. BUT this one was great.

I saw the movie some years ago and loved that - gorgeous Eric Banna in the lead role - it was a good flick. But now I have read the book I am a little annoyed with the movie. For one thing I felt the mother was portrayed as a slovenly, promiscuous, hopeless mother instead of the incredibly ill woman she was how suffered incredibly with a psychotic illness and was plagued constantly with auditory hallucinations and paranoia. Both parents had experienced the horrors of Nazi Germany and then had the Australian 1950's migrant experience which was appalling and degrading too. The father's mental health seemed to be glossed over too in the movie.

I enjoyed this book, it was interesting if you consider multiculturalism in this country and are able to consider what things were like in the 1970's. 80's and now....

Mmmm, turquoise oppy treasure

2011-10-05T06:52:00.002+11:00

Blogtober Day #4

2011-10-04T09:33:00.000+11:00

Every year my kids love going to the Royal Melbourne Show.

So off I send them with Mr G.

I hate big crowds you see, my memories of

going to the Canberra Show (one which ran over 3 days) herald

memories of crowds, dust or mud and major personal discomfort.

So I don't usually go

But this year I did!

There were some gross traditions. Hello heart attacks on a stick!

Lots of colour and rides to be ridden. Angus, kid #1 and I made a HUGE

mistake by riding a VERY scary ride which took many, many, many minutes

to recovery.

There were stinky animals

And dollies on sticks - Miss M loved this!

The slide was chosen by all who witnessed Angus

and I cheating death on the previous ride, as a much more

sensible option. Martha looked hilarious coming down the slide

full pelt, leading the charge with her dolly on a stick.

Yes, it did occur to me the potential danger in allowing this - parent of the year here!

Over all it was pretty good fun and I enjoyed the craft pavilion immensely, but sorry no

photos there. Have you ever entered an item in the show? How did it go?

Should we consider doing next year?

Cuboree

2011-10-03T07:22:00.001+11:00

Last week I our family saw Mr G and the younger 2 don some fancy

uniforms and head of for the Extravaganza 2011 Cuboree!!

Mr G is a Cub leader at our group along with a few other

truly dedicated and energetic people. I am truly amazed at these guys

specifically how each week they aim at having a meeting that will not only

be fun but a learning experience, which is accessible to all CUBS regardless

of gender, ability or culture background.

Cuboree 2011 saw around 3200 Cubs meet up for a

big camping experience. Doesn't that sound mind blowing? Conjuring

fears of everything that could go wrong, in even the most crusiest parent. But I am assured that to call

it a "well oiled machine" is an understatement.

In addition to having the perfect balance of amenities, there are places such as the

"Care Bear Castle", a place that Cubs who might be feeling a little homesick or sad, can go
for some extra TLC. At Care Bear Castle Cubs could be assured of some soothing
reassurance and nuturing. I had it on good authority the camp activities were so
good, stays at the Castle were kept to a minimum!

Cuboree was manned by hundreds of volunteers both Leaders, Venturers (older scouts)

and parent helpers. Their needs weren't over looked either with the provision of

a "time out" tent - focussed on adult welfare. An adult could go an sit in some comfy

chairs, eat chocolate, chat with other adults or not - all without kiddies.

The week was wet, I mean really wet with record rain levels and storms.

But the Camp went on, designed to cope with such minor challenges as wet weather.

When the bus pulled in i was struck with how EVERYONE was all smiles and

couldn't wait to tell their stories of fun and adventure. I was particularly struck, as I am each time

I see a pile of campers clamber off the coach that brings them home, by the look

of self satisfaction on each Cub or scouts face. You can tell that they have faced challenges

and taken them on to the best of their abilities and it is that which fuels their satisfaction

not necessarily whether they succeeded or not. Truly the journey not the destination stuff!

As I read through some emails from parents of our Cub group, expressing

their gratitude and relief that their child had the time of their life and

how they will no longer be as worried etc etc - I know that risks are

worth taking with our kids.

Term 3 wrapped up

2011-10-02T09:52:00.000+11:00

Term 3 was really busy, much busier than other terms. On top of our usual "stuff", we had additional tutors, additional weekly dance practices, school socials, projects, Scouting and Cub stuff , school camps and grade 2 sleep overs at school and HEAPS of

dressing up days at school. I am sure the teachers just absolutely fell onto their couches

last week and just ate chocolate to allay the exhaustion!

There was Book Week that saw "Fancy Nancy" and "Rainbow Wizard" step

off to school...The idea was to dress up as a book character, when Tullster was questioned

about "Rainbow Wizard" the reply came it was one of his own characters, awaiting publishing!

The Extravaganza though was "the Restaurant Project"

Every second year the year 1/2 students make a "restaurant".

They research the country from which the restaurant represents, they look at the

culture of that country, the type of food, they make the food, restaurant job roles are

delegated and the "cuisine" is hand made, the restaurants are decorated.

Much learning is had.

Martha's grade did "The Rising Sun" Japanese Restaurant.

I made Martha's kimono. I used my own pattern (feeling so clever!!)

Martha wanted a cherry blossom patterned fabric and blow me down if

we didn't find it at Lincraft for $3 a metre!!

I made the Obi belt too and even looked up a "how to tie" tutorial

on Youtube - so she had a proper Obi belt!!!

There were fabulous decorations

Martha was at the booking desk and felt very chuffed to have such

an important role. Martha is most dedicated to the art of

accessorising - I was amused to see this outfit did not

fail to be accessorised!

"Green Tea" came in jugs

paper rice noodles

And delicious looking Bento boxes.

It was a fabulous learning experience and one Martha just loved.

So much effort required from the teachers in a very, very taxing

term 2. Thank you to those most dedicated teachers at our school. xx

October brings me back

2011-10-01T14:39:00.001+10:00

It has been so long since I have done a proper post, i really lost my mojo. So Blogtober is a great motivator to get me blogging again.

Things a busy here. I am studying a Grad Dip.
I have done a little sewing, not much though. A little baking. A little gardening.
But overall, I have been busy with kid stuff, family needs. I haven't been looking after me.

But Spring has returned and as always the urge to declutter, renew and refresh all aspects of life returns also. So, I am not immune this spring fever. I have started the decluttering - 4 bags from the kids rooms, 2 garbage bags of Tupperware - now this is very appalling as I still have a very full Tupperware cupboard and when I think of all the money that sits in those big plastic bags ugh!

So in October I will blog daily and share my Spring fever and how that fever transpires in my life.

So very glad you dropped by, so very glad to be back with you all. See you tomorrow xx

Miss Prudence

True Story

2011-09-06T07:41:00.008+10:00

Sunday just gone was Father's Day and Mr G was spoilt and paid homage to

as he deserved quite rightly. That evening we decided to go to our favourite Vietnamese

restaurant, cheap and cheerful with the BEST food.

Upon arriving we were handed menus, ooohh the menu has been jshooshied up we noticed!

Some clever little person had added picture icons : a cow for beef dishes, a fish for seafood and

BABE the pig for pork dishes!!!! Lull lull laaaah! Noooooooo!

There has been a recent drop off in the sale pork dishes.

Red for Daniel

2011-08-15T22:07:00.003+10:00

image

You can read about Red for Daniel here

Other bloggers are posting RED for Daniel. Please visit, or link up with us
to show the Morcombe's our support and send a clear message that we
will not tolerate people harming our children.

Plain and cosy

2011-08-10T21:18:00.000+10:00

I made this little cosy, it looked sweet but lacked somewhat

Later that evening, I added this

Much better

Lumar made me make it

2011-08-08T21:02:00.001+10:00

Limey saw something very exciting on a blog recently - she saw Lumar, her long lost brother. The story goes that they were captured by hunters, separated and shipped off to gift shops around the zoo / museum circuit (it is an underground trade just posting this puts us in danger shhhhhh)....After her initial delight, Limey noticed that Lumar, her brother who had scored himself a beaut new home with one of my favourite bloggers Joyce, had also scored himself a beaut new blank. Soooooo.....

She looks pretty wide eyed happy about it doesn't she?!

Things I am loving.....

2011-08-05T08:25:00.000+10:00

Joining in with Paisley Jade to share some things I am loving this week

Thrifted vintage earrings

Thrifted silk scarf that is begging to become a fabric flower brooch

Building a family gallery

Angus' appreciation of our new million dollar vacuum cleaner

New novelties to grace the shelves in our family room.

Like a place card really - come to think of it I think I may be

label crazy, I promise I will seek help when I put a "toilet" sign

on the bathroom door!

After having an awful stomach bug that knocked us flat for 24hours

I am loving feeling well and hearing happy noises in the house today.

I am loving milder temperatures this week, sunshine and clear skies has

had an incredible effect on my state of mind.

What are you loving this week?

Did I tell you?

2011-08-02T08:04:00.000+10:00

Did I tell you that I actually won a give away? !!!!!

I was, am still VERY excited!

I won the give away from Leonie's Blog : Seven Cherubs (see my blog list and

drop by to see her. Leonie has lots to say about keeping things real, I love that)

I won some lovely eye shadows for Ragged Blossom Beauty

A lovely little package arrived : in a gorgeous sustainable styled patterned paper wrapped, machine stitched.

One is a bronzey brown colour and the other is a beautiful steely blue colour.

They are beautiful and silky to apply and there are no nasties in them.

Rarely would I consider giving a plug to a product but I am with this product as

it has changed my view on mineral style make ups. Go over and check out Lindy's

range, if you have any questions I have no doubt Lindy will look after you well.

Good Morning Sunshine

2011-07-31T09:07:00.002+10:00

image

Finally, the sun has come out!! Wahhh-hoooey!

Now what to do?

Oh the possibilities are endless : go for a walk, set up a comfy chair and read in the

sun, knit in the sun, drink tea in the sun. Garden, plant some colour - spring colour!

Walk the kids, the mutt, go to a market, visit the botanical gardens, walk in the

bush, sit in the sun - back here again you see, I think that says something!

One thing for sure, I won't be wasting the sun by being on my Mac - no offensive

lovely bloggers! So get up, go out and B. R.E.A.T.H.E the fresh clean air, T.A.K.E. in

the rays of sunshine and top up your vitamin D levels. Be in that moment of sunshine and

know that we are worthy.

2011-07-25T20:55:00.002+10:00

I - just - can't - stand - the - rain

anymore!!!!!!!

Hello Sunday

2011-07-24T11:26:00.002+10:00

It is Sunday, I blog from my warm soft bed. Out of the window is wet, overcast, outside all the ground is boggy and muddy. I am really longing for some dry hot weather, this is compounded by reading summer time posts by US bloggers. I wonder how uncomfortable my big boy is out there on the footy field - mental note to have bathroom ready for hot shower and a hearty lunch waiting for him : downside to this I must get up to perform this nurturing act. Visitors enter my room and they have brought me tea! Leaving this comfort is becoming a harder decision hmmm. The tea is good. My visitors reminisce about last night with particular reference to the cupcakes I made / took - they were pretty good. We went to a party last night - it wasn't a birthday or special occassion, our friend just decided to have a party. Have you noticed no one seems to have parties anymore?

Everyone at the party last night noticed too, plans for the next one [party for no reason] were seeded. Summer will be the time for ours - we love pool parties and have an old pool that has seen a lot of splashing in. It was a great night last night and i think everyone was really appreciative to be out on a Saturday night. The kids, about 15, had a ball and did what kids do at a grown ups party : played hide and seek using huddles of politics, popular culture talking adults as hiding spots. It was a great night.

I reflect on the week, that is a good Sunday thing to do - just prior to planning the week ahead. Some good things that happened

1. We enjoyed a visit from family

2. I won a give away! Yes I did! From Ragged Blossom - beautiful eye shadows. I feel so lucky

3. Middle child won a book in a contest - he feels lucky too

4. I piped cupcakes icing and it worked!

5. I got accepted into a grad dip course

6. Miss M had a really happy time last night after having some very sad times earlier in the week

7. Being crazy in the kitchen with kids : doing "frosting lay backs" - hysterical!

8. Having a very satisfying week at work

9. Miss M presenting me with a card to say "i love you"

10. Joining up with my book club buddies twice this week.

The bigger picture of family

2011-07-19T19:03:00.000+10:00

This week has seen me blog less and this is because we have had very special guests at our home. Mr G's Mum and Dad have travelled over from Perth and we have had a lovely, easy going week together.

Because there is so much space between Perth and Melbourne, travelling between the two cities is expensive and therefore occurs only once every couple of years. We do talk on the phone a lot and email and send photos but it is not the same.

Yes I made that scarf MIL is wearing.

My MIL is a pretty active lady and is always doing something interesting, a true dedicated nurse she has yet to retire and is in her late sixties and still nursing. She is also always up to something be it travel or hiking or camping. In terms of aging she has set the bar high!

Our kids loved having their Grandparents staying with us and boy did they get around town and show them the sights of Melbourne!

Times are a changin'

2011-07-16T22:17:00.002+10:00

The school holidays are now coming to an end - in 24 hours I will be packing lunches, checking bags for all required items, laying out uniforms, writing cheques for school fees, up coming excursions and after school care. I didn't get to do all the things I wished to do with them, nor did I spend the time I had hoped with them. You see, times are a changing in my family, my kids - they are growing, growing older.

I have found with this holiday that they needed down time, that crafty arty pursuits were ok, but only once or twice. I discovered that my kids are more and more seeking the company of peers rather than parents, that electronic devices are my greatest challenge these days. My kids are showing more independence too, they now want to and actually can cook cakes with little direction - we cooked thogether rather than them cooking with me.

These holidays showed me that my kids are developing nicely and are slowly and surely getting the picture that a bigger world exists out there. At the beginning of the holidays I gave each child a paper gift bag with : 1 Smiggle voucher (for those outside Australia - Smiggle is a very hip stationery shop that kids go mad for!) for $20, $20 cash, some lollies and a movie ticket. This was their "stash" for the holidays I explained, I would not be spending vast sums of cash of wims and fancies. My plan was to get them understanding that money was something that did run out, things cost money and hopefully get them to consider their purchases.

And you know what? It has worked! Eldest child has all of his cash in his piggy bank, has seen a movie and used his Smiggle voucher on some snazzy bits and bobs for school. Middle child blew his cash in the first 24 hours, seen a movie and yes used his voucher too - but he certainly hasn't bugged either of us for anything else. Miss Moo today went to the markets and thoroughly enjoyed buying rings, cake and necklaces. She has really considered what she could do with her money and held on to it, she too has used her voucher but not seen a movie.
All in all they have really spent some time thinking about what they could do with their cash and seemed to really get it that once it was gone it was gone.

What has also been different these holidays is the way we are all communicating. I have had some pretty interesting conversations with these three lately, conversations that have not necessarily been started or guided by me. Recently we had an issue at our home that involved a neighbour visiting with some DVD's, somehow one of these DVD's sustained some damage - OK it happens, taking personal belongings to another's home comes with a risk I feel. Anyway, no one knows how it became damaged, but it did. Now our neighbours became most upset and it became an issue about "property" and "compensation" and during this "exchange" we were very taken back with the aggressive way this compensation was demanded . The upshot was that we happily handed over $10 and were left astounded that our neighbours sanctioned their child displaying such an appalling lack of manners to us. Later over dinner, it was amazing the insight our children displayed to us - not having aired our feelings (which weren't particularly charitable by that stage but because we are the grown ups we had kept ourselves to be shared later when the kids were in bed!)...Not only did our kids hit the mark about courtesy and manners - they could not believe how out of hand the neighbours reaction was to something we would of probably offered to deal with in the first place! They expressed sympathy to us that we had to be spoken to in such a way and offered us their ideas on valuing people and managing conflict.

Man they rocked!! So much wisdom and insight! I certainly don't recall being switched on like that when I was a child, they must get it from their Dad - Mr G is very level headed and according to his Mum always has been.

So these holidays have been very different, not what I had planned or hoped for but better than I could of imagined. They are growing up and I think I will be ok.

The Leila Howard Challenge

2011-07-11T22:29:00.000+10:00

I haven't blogged much about my own challenge "The Leila Howard" test kitchen challenge, of cooking through the old Women's Weekly cook book. I must say some recipes have been 1970's awful, but some are pretty good.

Meat Loaf, key ingredient would be mustard powder - man did Leila LOVE mustard powder and I have to say it works! I did add a few things such as spinach and I used a mixture of veal and beef mince. A big win with the creatures!

Next winner was the good old Bread and Butter pud.

The Pranktser Eggspress

2011-07-10T10:37:00.001+10:00

We have a resident prankster in our home at the moment. It's " a phase" that many kids go through and I must admit I am getting a kick out of it although that cannot be said for Mr M and Miss M. Miss M and Mr G have been the main recipients or should I say target of the many pranks / jokes that have been conducted around here.

Last night the Prankster handed Miss M a pair of binoculars to look through, Miss M looked through them demanding "what am I supposed to be looking at" - the Prankster shrugged and took them back with Miss M handing him a verbal berating of "wasting her time".....whilst everyone cracked up at the two big black circles the binoculars had left around her eyes. Pretty funny actually.

Less laughter when Mr G was woken up by Miss M at 5.30 to help her turn of the "emergency siren" in her room. You guessed it, the Prankster had set an alarm to sound like a siren, and go off at 5:30am in Miss M's room, it took a while to find and to add further insult the Prankster did not wake up through the "caffuffel".

Fortunately to date the extent of pranks played on me was to sabotage my baking attempts. It is a bit hard to use ingredients with such eggs-pressions!

Things I am loving.....

2011-07-08T10:33:00.000+10:00

This week I am loving a lot! But I will pare it down to a few items, so joining in with Paisley Jade

I am loving these cute little bakewares, party wares

I am loving that Miss M and her friend made old fashioned lemonade, it was really yum!

I am loving that my Uncle turned 70 this week and for that I made him a Wise Owl card

I love that my friend bought me flowers yesterday and I love how the picture turned out!

This has been a wonderful week, I do realise that amongst the cooking and mothering and crafting

many of us are dealing with big challenges be it financial, relationships with others or God forbid health

issues in ourselves or families. I hope and pray that you all can find a balance within and truly be in the moments of things to be happy.

xxx Miss Prudence

Fairies, tinkers and sprinting thistles

2011-07-07T19:30:00.001+10:00

Miss M and I went into the city today, we saw Disney on Ice.

Now I would like to be a cool, non commercial type and say "yeah,

it was an appalling rip off, cash grab yaddah yaddah, independent children's theatre is far more

stimmulating and ethically right, blah blah"

BUT I can't!

I loved this show! Minnie and Mickey, the Lion King, Ariel the mermaid!
I was in Disney heaven, yeah!

It was fantastic! I was really expecting it to be as irritating as most talking animal movies, but how wrong I was!

It was $90.00 for two tickets but totally worth it and when you put it into

context of going to the movies, it wasn't that bad.

I heard that many of the skaters are ex olympians, which would explain the amazing abilities

of the cast. The costumes and choreography was brillIant and mesmerising. The finale with tinkerbell

was just wonderful. We truly enjoyed ourselves and I think this will be a day we will always remember.

So if you are in Melbourne, consider taking your kids to this wonderful event, you'll enjoy it.

And so the crafting bender continues...

2011-07-06T09:34:00.001+10:00

Yesterday my children all went their separate ways (in the house) and apparently

I was not to be included - such is life when your kids are finding independence.

So what to do? Sew of course!

After my reasonable success at making a market skirt for myself, dug out

this wonderful piece of embroided charcoal wool - I had some red lining (giving my mediocre

sewing skills, purchasing lining is pretty amusing!). So I made Miss Moo one BUT with lining!!!

I rock! It took about 2 hours including the ruffle (I am soooo getting a ruffle foot).

I just need to thread the elastic into the waist and voila!

Then last night I cleaned out my sewing box and sorted various

haberdasheries out. I found a handful of embroidery silks and realised

I hadn't done any fancy work in AGES, like years.

In my family, we use the 1940's or earlier term "fancy work" - I don't know

if that is a recognised term, but it has been in my family for generations and given

the amazing talent of my fore mothers I won't argue the term.

In fact I love it. My mum, Nan, Great Nana, Aunts, Great AUnts and the gals before them

were AMAZING fancy workers -truly you can't tell the back from the front it is so neat and perfect,

I am so glad some of their work is still held in the family today.

Anyhow, I picked up some fabric ticking and thread and just did some "free" fancy work,

didn't draw a pattern just sewed to see where I would end up.

It seems to reflect my current train of thought lately I think!

Thanks for dropping by, make sure you take just a few minutes at least to

savour today and feel good to be in the world...you make a difference you know!

Some making making

2011-07-05T09:52:00.001+10:00

I actually did some sewing yesterday, but that is not all. No bloggers I wake up today a more accomplished sewer than ever, yes I do. Do you remember mr G gave me an overlocker for Christmas? Well I was a little overwhelmed at the idea of threading it and I misplaced the instructional DVD (me lose something? Never LOL!) Good ol you tube to the rescue and voila! Overlocker threaded AND it worked! Ok so I need to tweak it more, but it does the basic functions.

So yesterday I made myself a skirt using the betsy kingston market skirt pattern - I used up some old cord and put a contrasting frill on it, a 50c doily for bling and done! There is a pattern for a Martha size skirt too so she will get a market skirt today as well.

Next I solved a messy storage problem. Miss Moo has a cut IKEA bookcase in her room that is packed with LOTS of treasure and looks something like this

Hey it is school holidays so yup there is junk on the floor - she likes to play! So I figured a pretty curtain might provide a cover up.

I was going to go nuts with ric rac and braids, full on embellishments - but

I didn't have any in pinks - well that needs to be rectified!

So I added a few ruffles and voila again (I was feeling very french yesterday hence all the voilaS!) It looks pretty cute huh? But add to my must have list : ruffle foot.

Then last night I joined some lovely ladies at SAY (stitch and yarn) group.

I was a bit sewn out so I packed up my Licorice All sort granny stripe rug

inspired by Paisley Jade. My middle boy AKA Rainbow Boy went a little mad for one - so here is my version thus far which will eventually be his.

Had a wonderful evening meeting and chatting to some amazing crafters and sewers.

Thanks girls - see you in a fortnight!

My Vintage Treasures

2011-07-05T09:25:00.000+10:00

It's Tuesday and time for a Vintage Treasure.

This Lady is a wall vase, she has a polka dot kerchief in black and white, the flowers in her basket have been gathered from the field during a windy spring walk.

She once belonged to my Nana, my other Nana, Vera. As a child I used to love looking at all the china treasures in a buffet unit above her bench (very 60's arrangement style living). This lovely lady shared a space with some more expensive ladies, but I loved her the best, there was also a little white and black spotty dog who very obediently sat on a little china Louis V chair - my Aunt reclaimed him.

This lady now sits on my tall boy in my boudoir. Not particularly valuable in term on monetary terms but valuable to me.

Decorating delight

2011-07-04T08:51:00.000+10:00

I recently made a huge decision around window dressing in my home.

Some of you might recall my recent frenzy of redecorating, I sent much of my

home from green to white. Our lounge room has always been a turquoise-ish, vibrant duck egg-ish,

tealy kind of colour calle Merman. We have had this colour in our lives since early in our marriage

and it has kind of become an "us" kind of hue.

My lounge room is a vintage tribute - pretty much everything

is vintage from the 1920's lounge, to the 1950's Ventian glass piece

that I got from my Nan's home (which actually began as a one of my parents's wedding

presents) *see coffee table. Everything is old and special.

This is the "good room" - I really can't believe I ended up having a

good room, but I did and it is a marker of sanity. When the house is a wreck

the "good room" is a haven of order and calm.

There is no TV or stereo in this room.

It is comfy, a tranquil. I love to chill in this room.

But it really lacked in window coverings, so with trepidation I went with

plantation shutters. I agonised over this, whether it would look too stark,

or whether I should stick with my regular Bo- ho look which worked with the

art deco feel to the room. So, months of worrying I ordered them, and

a kidney later ( they were shockingly pricey) I placed the order.

Six weeks of worry and a feel sleepless nights ( I know, stupid) my shutters

were finally installed and I am very relieved and happy.

The room has a new look, light and airy and the green doesn't look so stark against

the new white look that is now flowing through the house.

A week down the track

2011-07-03T17:51:00.003+10:00

I have spent the previous week "over hauling" myself, I called it project Me Change

I exercised like a woman possessed.

I cooked things that interested me. I tried new styles, new looks, new topics.

But there was more to it than that. The objective of my project was to refresh myself and check in with me, do a personal stock take kind of.

I was feeling a bit disconnected from myself

I felt uninspired. Old. Out of "it", meaning I felt like I didn't know what was happeningin popular culture. I was feeling like I wasn't living the life I wanted to live.I felt out of touch with things. Fat, old, uninspired.
I needed to check what needed upgrading, changing, keeping and so on.

So upon evaluation of said project what results have I to report?

Well, I watched heaps of movies that I have been meaning to see in

the last few years, I been reading papers, newspapers, investigating current issues.

I have made a few things, tidied a few things. I have followed up on some outstanding stuff too.

I have put my current "look" under the microscope and guess what?

I have discovered that....

Social issues really are what inspire me, all the movies and books that I saw just tightened my core beliefs and I know that I was born to do the work that I do- it is not a job it is what I believe in. I just naturally gravitate to the human struggle.

I found that

Exercise gives me LOTS of energy and that even though I don't love it, it works well for me

I have discovered that my metabolism is in dire straits because no matter what I do I can't shift my extra kilos.

My extra kilos should not make me feel bad, they do not define who I am BUT have been a source of my sadness over the years (oh I have known that for ever) BUT I feel that it is time to stop dwelling on this as it really has never achieved anything - I have kids that need to have confident role models. I just need to be healthy, being happy about being me is healthy.
Oh, and I can always be cheered up with news shoes.

I have also given thought to my future and have come up with some good directions.
I am a pretty lucky duck with a lot going for me.

In evaluation of my week, well I am feeling ok, good, refreshed.
I think that is pretty key, recognising when we need a break. So I had a
good break and I feel renewed, ready for the second half of the year.
So many choices lay ahead, pretty exciting huh?

The old adage apply: " if it meant to be it is up to me"....I can certainly source some assistance, resources outside of me, but ultimately I drive the bus- it is who I am, always been.

So I will fight "the good fight", I will work true to my beliefs. I will not put myself down. I will be proudof who I am, can be. I will accept only reasonable barriers, I will love me and all those around me.

In doing so I get to promote authenticity to my children, my husband, my friends and who ever else crosses my path and that I know is catchy....

Thank you all for supporting me in the past week, I have had wonderful comments and feedback from many bloggers. You all mean so much to me and I truly value your kindness, your disclosures and your genorosity as this WAS pretty indulgent and egotistical. I don't usually put pictures of myself up but I felt that if I was going to bang on about me, you should see me!

PS I set a goal of trying a new hairstyle - ended up going back to my 1993 look that happens to be in (thanks Adele!)...

For those facing school holidays, enjoy relax and be you, for those working- take time for you, but all of you dear friends, be true to you xxx

things I am loving.....

2011-07-01T07:52:00.003+10:00

Joining in with Paisley Jade for things I am Loving....

I am loving my daughter's natural inclination to make people feel better about themselves. I am loving what I had the good fortune to witness in my home. Her friend is being bullied at school and is, understandably very emotional - during an outburst of emotion this little girl blurted out some very negative things about herself. I was so impressed with my girl in the nurturing,generous and genuine way she responded to her friend. Amongst the hugs, she reinforced the friend's wonderful attributes and then changed the tone of the moment by instigating an "afternoon tea" with the ever healing Cupcakes and popcorn! I was completely blown away as she made her friend take the lead and actively learn from her friend, telling her friend who is older, that she " wanted to be just like her", trying to pump up her friend's self esteem. I lurked in the background and let them make cupcakes and pop popcorn ( for safety purposes), and listened to their exchange. It was so beautiful to witness trust, love and friendship bloom in my kitchen. My privilege indeed as this day I remember how blessed I am to have children in my home not just mine but sharing others' children as well.

I am loving making curries - warm and spicy, with colours that glow warmth and hint at the exotic. This baby is a beef korma, I threw in a handful of red lentil, egg plants and capsicums. I cooked it slow, real slow on the stove and then we ate the next day. We were loving the flavours, the deep seated flavours....served with nutty brown rice and microwaved pappadums (why bother frying them)...Winter warming yummy.

2011-06-30T10:13:00.000+10:00

Good morning bloggers!
Day 4 and I am feeling considerably better than I did last week. I am loving having some time to myself, setting myself challenges and trying to meet them.

Yesterday I planned to go for a hike, try a new hair do, check my wardrobe out for some "new looks" without having to pay out too much moolah. So I did go for a hike 15km's in fact, 2hours of wonderful fresh air, quietness and vitamin D ( I ditched the SP15 us Australians freak out about leaving the house without) - oooh living dangerously!

I kept finding myself feeling like I needed to rush somewhere, that I was in danger of being late - it felt very novel having to reframe my thinking to "i have all the time in the world, now what else can I ponder?" I let my thoughts drift from item to item : what I will cook, work, kids, finances, what i will make, who has annoyed me or upset me lately. Eventually I arrived at a point where I was just taking in the bridge I was walking across, the reflection of the trees in the river below me, swans feeding in the swamp, happy bike riders passing by ( these lovely ladies pictured above really made me laugh and were an absolute delight to meet momentarily. I stopped once or twice to munch on a piece of fruit - I ate the most incredible tangello, so juicy I quenched my thirst and actually made a small mud puddle with juice beneath where I sat. Truly, this was an incredible piece of fruit. When was the last time you entered into a moment with a pice of fruit? Or being in any moment without trying to orchestrate, organise or engineering it - just being part of that moment and letting it happen and being aware of every aspect of it. Their is a technique called " Mindfulness " it incorporates some Buhddist techniques - but not the religion, it aids relaxation and truly increases our awareness in our lives. Try it, very good. I might post some links and info on it soon.

So I was very physically active again, yay! I got some domestics done and my abode looks very liveable. I found a skirt pattern I am going to use this week - the Besty Kingston Market Skirt. I have had for ages and there is a pattern for Martha contained in it too.

Today, I am going to pick up some Overlocker thread - truly it is high time I got my christmas present put into commission, so slack. I am going to pull the bread maker out, and more cardio......well this may be a little boring for you all but I am putting it out there for accountability.

Just in case you dropped by for some craft, here are some super simple cards I made
combining sewing and punched stars. They take literally less than a minute each card and produce a wonderful clean simple effect that is still special.

Wednesday, day 3 of Me change

2011-06-29T09:28:00.001+10:00

IMAGE SOURCE UNKNOWN SORRY

So my goals yesterday were kind of met. I did exercise my butt very hard and have been reintroduced to some old muscles - well hello glutes, nice to see you again, what have you been doing in this time? What? Just blobbing around? Hmmm, sounds very lazy to me - you need to live! So enough digressing with me talking to my bum.

I did do some reading and remember "seeking out inspiration" is big on my list. Well I read a very short synopsis on Caroline Chisolm yesterday and i felt very inspired by her - i always knew about what she did, but I think I wan tot know more about the woman. So I got a little inspired to learn.

I did not touch any craft, except when some young friend came over to get some ideas for engagement invitations, looking to my card making skills. Pretty awkward really as i don 't think anyone had any idea of what they liked and wanted the invites out by Friday!!! I am pretty proud of myself by not leaping in and offering to make them - although I did let them take a loan of some of my most important basic card making tools - so I hope i don't get paper craft inspired today or this week!

So day 3, I think I will have to look to some domestics, but here are my hopes

1. Go for hike (2hours)
2. bake some bread
3. get some domestics done
4. try a new hair do
5. find 2 new outfits in my wardrobe
6. ????

It's Tuesday!

2011-06-28T07:54:00.000+10:00

And boy is this going to be a looooong day as I have been up since 3am. Not sure what woke me up but i just couldn't shake my thoughts away from the movie I saw yesterday; Oranges and Sunshine. Truly devastating stuff and make me all the more committed to my work in the human services sector.

So what do you do a 3am Miss Prudence?

I ponder some UFO's. This pattern is from one of my nan's baby pattern books from the 1940's

it has my mum's name on the cover which meant that nan knitted mum's "layette" from this book.

The pattern has 29 rows to the pattern and it repeated a few times before the lovely leaves appear.

I am feeling more motivated about it as I type.

I read some stories from this book of short stories, about how others have known God to enter their lives

Being in an Aussie context it is very direct but nonetheless inspiring.

I am enjoying it.

I make pancakes at 6am in wait for the pancake lovers

Sorry blurred photos

And I surf the net and catch up on information about current events, past events, professional papers

and of course I blog!

So Day 1 of my "Operation Change Me" went ok. I achieved all goals I set included getting to bed at 9:30pm (drat that I woke up at 3am though!) So here is are todays goals:

1. 1 hour exercise

2. A really, really long walk

3. Find a skirt pattern and cut it out

4. Bake something nice for afternoon tea

5. Declutter my tupperware cupboard

6. Make some nice cards

7. Have a play with a UFO or 2!

See you later in the day for " My Vintage Treasures"

Movie Review

2011-06-27T19:24:00.000+10:00

Wow, what a tear jerker. I just loved this movie and cried my eyes out, in fact I was still crying after the movie and teetered on tears later in the supermarket. I have seen / read a significant amount of material relating to the child immigrants from England (this occurred during the 1950's right up until 1970! Can you imagine). The children were deprived, abused in all possible ways and not educated. The children were used as labourers, cleaners, cooks, farm hands and not paid, in fact most of them were hit with a debt when reaching leaving age.

This wonderful woman Margaret Humphries, a social worker in Nottingham UK, started a reunification project that became bigger than Ben Hur and a project that has become 25 years worth of work.

The movie is about the fight against governments, how responsibility has been shirked by both countries.

Truly a magnificent movie and a fight that continues and requires our support.

It's time......for ME change

2011-06-27T09:37:00.000+10:00

Good Monday Morning dearest bloggers, I am home today in fact I am home for the next fortnight. You see, I have been out of whack for so long, my personal motivation is at an all time low, if indeed I have any. Sure I am enthused, content and feel most competent with my roles as Mum and partner, I love my job BUT i am just not happy with ME.

A mid life crisis I hear you say, well maybe. I feel so uncomfortable in my own skin, I see an amazing world going on around me and yet I am not participating in it as much as I like, or how I think I should. My internal, personal energy drive is kaput. I am in need of renewal, inspiration, fabulous-isation (that would be the verb). I want to feel a sparkle, an energy surge, a drive in me that never gives up. If I am honest with myself and I mean REALLY honest, I have to admit i have been lazy. Too lazy to stretch myself that bit further to get out there. My self parent is too lazy to let my self child out to play in the rain because that would mean finding the rainboots and raincoat and possibly having to deal with the mess later. And hey, my real life family create enough of this without me doing it too. So phoooey to that life sapping way. Here's to ME change, puddles on the floor (because it only takes a second to wipe them up).

I know it is in me, I just forgot where the switch is located. So this week I going to flick that switch and make over myself. I mean, REALLY make over myself. I am going to try new styles, I am about to embark on a full on exercise regime, no vino, no slothing around , no half finishing things, no stressing out - I have some time and if I waste it, it's gone. So welcome to the my self imposed Boot Camp of Me Change - well the first two intensive weeks anyway! I'll be blogging about my schedule, my achievments, my sooking, fashions, hair, craft and what ever else fits the bill at the time!

Where to now? downstairs to the rumpus room for

1. 1 hour of working out
2. Lunch : tuna and steamed veg, fruit
3. Movies : Sunshine and Oranges.

I'll be back for more chat this arvo!

xxMiss Prudence

My Vintage Treasures

2011-06-21T07:42:00.000+10:00

It is Tuesday again and wow that went fast!! So this weeks' vintage treasure is

a new treasure - new to me that is!

Last week I found this little darling at an Oppie for (wait for it) $1!!!

It is an Australian picture too! See the little koala with his bunny mate?

Love it!

And for something a little different, Miss M and I have been playing vintage games.

Hopscotch! We drew up our hopscotch out the front ,heh heh I could see my anal neighbour going

pale as the chalky mess! Oh no!!! Some years ago I once caught him just about to rouse on my son riding his

bike with trainer wheels because on of the trainer wheels was trailing a streak of mud on footpath past his house .

There is something very wicked part of me that loves tormenting my neighbour...is that wrong?

Anyway, we have gotten hours of fun from hopscotch - it is so free and so vintage simple.

Love it!

crafty goodness

2011-06-19T13:44:00.001+10:00

Time to get serious and deal with the ever growing "stash" that is bursting out of every free space.

So I got looking and looking and looking through the

endless piles of patterns I own, then there were all the patterns from cyberspace I have bookmarked .

I got very confused, it gave me a headache.

So I made a coat hanger that reduced my stash by 1 ball of cotton yarn, a scrap of ribbon and 1 button and an old bare hanger. When things get hard on my head, I get back to basics to clear the stress and restore the enjoyment of the craft at hand.

My latest fabric flower brooch. I am quite surprised how popular these are becoming with people.

You might remember back in May I made a heap for the mother's day stall at the kids' school, well the feedback i got for them was amazing and even a few orders for them. I have no idea how much to charge for them - what do you think? What would you pay for one of these? I was thinking $10.00??

My Vintage Treasures

2011-06-14T09:13:00.001+10:00

These little guys have been with me since I was seven.

I spied them at my Nana's (Madge) house and I begged her for them.

They are from the 1950's, the spotty pattern is getting a smidge worn

these days but I still love seeing them in my kitchen each morning.

Thanks for dropping by for My Vintage Treasure. Do you have some vintage treasure that you adore?

Perhaps it has an interesting story attatched to it or it was a super buy / find at an oppy or market!

How about sharing it?

xx Miss Prudence

Thanks for the Weekend Queenie!

2011-06-11T14:02:00.003+10:00

It's a long weekend in most parts of Australia and we are enjoying the prospects of having a long weekend before us. It's a present we get for having a Queen, remaining loyal to the Commonwealth. Being Aussies we leap at any opportunity to recreate, so weekends such as this we put aside any ideas against the Monarchy we may hold (if indeed we do hold them) and we tips our lids to Lizzie and enjoy the extra time off work, school, the daily grind. Hypocrisy? Maybe. I have felt for a long time that the relevancy of Australia having a Monarchy has disappeared and it is time to stand on our own feet, be a republic.

Change our flag then you ask? Well, I actually LOVE our flag, Union Jack included. Moving forward is essential if we are to truly progress and develop our Nation, however our history is not something to ignore and throw away. As you most of you know, I work in the Community Sector in mental health, my training is Community Development - meaning I am "pro" building stronger, healthier communities that reflect the needs and values of those who make up the community both local and wider ( meaning national values and needs etc). I remember as a young worker I was involved in planning an event that was aimed at bringing together Community Development workers across the state so we could share ideas and define what community development actually was.

One key speaker at that conference said something that has truly impacted on me and the way I work ever since. Community Development is about building healthy communities, a feature of one such community is one that has a vision for the future and a healthy respect for the past.

Yeah, that says it all for me. Australia's past must never be forgotten or shunned, yes there have been mistakes - all countries make them and mistakes are rarely designated mistakes until after they are made - and we have or are /can learning / learnt from them. But good achievements have been made too by previous generations, individuals and governments who have paved the way for future visions and pathways that are open to us and our children to achieve our dreams and enjoy a quality lifestyle with meaning and pride.

So the way I see it our flag shows us the Union Jack is represents our past and the stars, our beloved Southern Cross, illuminates our way into the future.

I know there are many views around this topic, my view is quite possibly guided by my heritage of many generations living in this country. If I were indigenous I may share a different view and yes I do acknowledge traditional land owners and I feel proud to see the indigenous flag flying high next to the Australian flag. This is just my view, today at this stage of my life. I do feel it is balanced and considered, perhaps in time my view may change and develop with new ideas and social happenings.

Do you share differing ideas about the Monarchy? The flag? Our nations' vision? How do you feel about your country's history and current vision ? Would love to here about them, I am always open to discussion! Feel free to drop in and share.

So in the meantime, I have extra time to spend how ever I choose. So far I have actually finished one of those "UFO"'s! Ages ago I received a lovely gift from another blogger who was playing the "paying it forward" containing some precut squares just dying to be made into a cushion, and here it is!

things I am loving.....

2011-06-08T21:51:00.009+10:00

Joining in with Paisley Jade for things that I am loving. I just LOVED doing a give away on my blog. I really enjoyed being able to have a little fun with a give away, so much so i am going to make it a regular event on my blog....I love giving.

I am also loving

My new Peter Alexander sleepwear that Mr G bought me, he is so romantic!

My clover yoyo maker, now what do I do with them!!

Playing UNO with the family

Ganging up on Mr G with the kids...crazy Mr G is always uniquely resourceful when he has too many cards to hold! PS this is his crazy face, he looks much nicer than this usually!

Life is good, there is always something to love not just "things". What are you loving this week?

Join in and share with us!

Announcing the Winner!!!!

2011-06-08T21:15:00.000+10:00

I am soooooo EXCITED !!!! 14 beautiful bloggers signed up for my first give away!

Thank you my lovely friends for following my blog, connecting with me, sharing moments - day to day and

the special ones too, yours and mine...I cannot put into words how much support I gain from you all. You are all

so very special to me xxxx

But only one could win and the winner is....

The lovely Amy

You have won a crochet book of bag patterns, some pretty braid, one of my fabric flower brooches and

a pretty Mozi bag. Mmm lovely!

I hope you like this giftie Amy.