Happy Bog Day

Bleary eyed I stumbled about this morning, getting ready for work. Somehow the magic surrounding birthdays disappears as the every day grind of adulthood sets in.

And then, just when the crust of cynicism seems well and truely hardened, something suprising happens.

At morning tea I treated myself to a half strength, skinny cino (fondly refered to as "dish water" or "why bother") and an amaretto biscuit at my favourite cafe. I was then taken out for a delicious lunch (thanks A) at Govindas, an all vegetarian restaurant in West End. http://www.brisbanegovindas.com.au/

I stopped at M&D's for a lovely afternoon's catchup. Sadly time went all too quickly and it was time to collect H from school.

When I picked H up from after school care, she proudly presented me with a card she had made. Inside was a lovely picture and the message "Happy Bog Day" written in her unsteady hand. I loved it. It was so precious and made me smile.

H regailed me with stories from her day at school, on the (long) journey home. After we had been in the car for about half an hour she said,
"Are we there yet?"
"Do we look like we are?" I ask, to which I get a string of muttering. She tries again,
"How much longer?"
"10 minutes."
"Can I count to 10."
"No to 60- ten times"
....so she did.

Once home H blew up balloons for me and insisted I wear a party hat. Champagne flowed, (for the adults of course), which was the perfect accompaniment to the Blue Castello. A delicious dinner of steak (medium rare- woohoo) and garlic prawns (or surf 'n turf) was served. Every tender mouthful was savoured.

Not ones to rest after dinner, the kids declared as the last plate was scraped that it was time for birthday cake. Candles were broken out of their packet to wish me a "happy dirthay" (H had previously declared that 39 candles were far too many to put on the cake, and had suggested to Dad that two might be better). The sparklers were also a huge success.

After posing with the kids for happy snaps, we tucked onto the birthday cake - a gorgeous light and fluffy Ginger sponge. There was also sticky date and ginger pudding with a smmooth chocolate sauce. Of course it would have been rude not to try both...roll me into bed.

I feel deliriously happy. I've had a great day, and shared it with many friends, both in person, and via the wonders of modern technolgy. I have experienced the joy of celebration through the eyes of my children. They have taught me that there is still magic to be had.

Hs Skirt

Well today I finished my first skirt. H is over the moon and I get all those warm and fuzzies. I have enough material to make two more (yay!!). It has been a steep learning curve and I'm looking forward to the next one going a little more smoothly, with fewer "frogs".




Front


Back

Time for kids

Well this week has been about crafting for the kids.

Firstly it was time to break out the sewing machine. I bought some lovely pink and burgundy pinwale cord about three (or was it four) years ago. At the time I though of making a couple of little tunics for H for winter. Well, I figured I should finally make H something with it before she leaves home!

I rather like the look of a three tier skirt - but had no pattern. My MIL showed me how to take a pattern from one of H's skirts. And I did a quick search on the net for some "how to's".


I have learned that I hate gathers. Seriously I am happy with how it's working out. Not perfect - but I don't do perfect - well not yet anyway. Sorry, no previews tonight, the light isn't good enough. Hopefully I can finish it tomorrow and post some pics.

Secondly it was time to assemble the production line - 30 Mr Cone Clowns needed to be made for H's Grade 1 class speech "my favourite recipe". Of course a talk isn't complete without samples...(which did limit what she could make. Originally she wanted to do Nigella's Hot o Pots, but unfortunately they are not suitable to send to class for a tasting)...




Postscript...

It's too easy sometimes, especially as a busy mum, to get caught up in regret for all the things that you can longer squeeze into your life. I often find myself dwelling in that place of meloncoly - feeling left out.

And then there are days like this. Days when I get to make things for my kids or we get to do something together. And then, at the end of all the madness, when I am tired and questioning my sanity for getting involved in these crazy projects, I sneak in to kiss my lovelies good night, and a sleepy B reaches out for a hug and kiss , and H sighs contentedly in her sleep. At that moment I feel a deep sense of completeness. Its in fleeting moments like this that everything seems worthwhile.

Sunshine kind of day

The irony of living in the sub tropics: I spend all summer avoiding sunshine, scuttling from one airconditioned area to the next. In the winter I seek out the sunny spots and bask in the glorious warmth. Of course in winter there is no humidity which makes all the difference.

After a lovely walk with the dogs this morning, I sat out on the patio and enjoyed some breakfast, prolonging the ineviatable return into the dark, cold, gloomy house, where chores await me (houses are built for the LONG hot months).



I am trying to capture moments of bliss and joy, to keep me going through the dark days. My favourite memory at the moment is sitting with the kids on my bed, each doing our own thing, with the sun streaming in at the window.

Indigo

Some days you just can't seem to let the sun in.

Daily struggles

Anyone who has had to make major life changes will tell you that it isn't just hard, it's bloody difficult. It's nearly impossible. But somehow, somewhere, they dig down deep, and find the strength. I salute those people.

Me- I need to find that place of strength. I need to retrain myself. I need to stop using food as a means to an end. It's a source of pleasure, of soothing, of distraction, a way to stay awake...

I want my art to fill that niche. But I am perpetually tired. I can't concentrate on drawing/painting when I'm tired. I can't draw with two kids in my face, demanding attention. So how do I overcome "I can't", and find "I shall" I must" "I can"???




"Holding back the tide"

Life gets crazy

Between illness and the madness of packing up a house (for impending renovation) there has been little time for art. However I did manage a couple of pen doodles - working on an idea