Headspace

Every day I construct my blog post in my head, but somehow it doesn't make it to "print". Time for a change...

Blue-violet-indigo

It's hard not to be blue when you wake up every day tired, and muddle your way through the day in a fog

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"

Bridge Building

I am a perfectionist. I fuss over things. I want to take photos of my art with my good camera, perfect them in Photoshop and then post them to my blog. But all of this is very time consuming- and I am time poor. So my blog lays silent...

Well a good friend of mine has a saying that always makes me smile "...build a bridge and GET OVER IT!!" So here I am building my bridge - using photos from my iPhone, and just getting it done.

And guess what? It feels great!

ps Not totally without editing software (did I mention the perfectionism?!). I use PS Express iPhone app.

April

Well the April page is on it's way. I have all the components, and now I need to find a window of opportunity to put it all together. And then it struck me...my inability to gather the mental energy to "get it together" is because there is an element that I want to include that I am not sure exactly how to do, or how it will turn out. The fear of failure is holding me back. And yet, I know that once I take the plunge the process will be enjoyable and fullfilling- regardless of how it finally turns out. So, tomorrow I believe I need to take myself firmly on hand, have a stern chat and a gentle kick in the kibosh. No more excuses.

Sad, but true

Well I am embarresed to see that the last time I posted it was MD, which is next weekend. Ah there have been many and varied reasons.... Hmm, since last year, I have accumulated more UFOs. Seems summer is the time for creative energy, and winter is the time to finish all those summer projects LOL. Crochet has been put on the back burner, initially because my hands just got too sore (as I do insist on using teeny tiny hooks) but then because of the heat. So I have a sheep, a cow and a monkey all calling out to me. I have also been dabbling with drawing, started my writing again...gosh...just too many things and not enough mental energy. So, I live vicariously through others, and dream of the day when I will complete my hobbies.

One flew over the cuckoo's nest...

Who knew that one could become so attached to chickens! It seems you name something, spend time working how to tell one from another, and WHAM!! you are hooked. So when I came home from picking up SM and discovered Charlotte sitting on the pool fence (ie NOT in the coop) and Ginger nowhere to be seen, I was quite upset. A quick scout around with the torch (flashlight) did not reveal the illusive chicken. SM patted my hand, and said, "Don't worry, mummy. We'll find Ginger tomorrow."

Hubby came home and did another quick search. Nothing. Conclusion: she escaped and was living the high life or a neighbours dog got to her...

The next morning I went outside to let my girls out of their hutch when I saw Ginger running around in the pool area - where she had obviously spent the night. I was most relieved! Needless to say, as soon as hubby woke up, the chickens has their flight feathers snipped.

So much for the long weekend

Well the long weekend has been and gone. I thought that I would get a chance to work on
Instead I looked after my SQUIRREL MONKEY and MR BUSY, when I wasn't helping build

Which now houses

Unfortunately these 3 are not impressed!

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UFO vs WIP

This long weekend (ANZAC Day) I am going to tackle some of my UFOs. They have been lurking in zip lock bags at the bottom of my WIP bag.

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I have been a tad bad...I have started a new project before finishing Sheepish. My poor eyes needed a break from 3 strands of black cotton!! And so begins "Udderly Mooverlous" Hopefully pics soon. As if life wasn't busy enough the "old Geiser" - the hot water variety - needs replacing, so crafting will have to take a back seat...

Frustrated

Well it has been two weeks and I still haven't had a chance to finish my sheep! It is driving me crazy!!! A combination of looking after the kids, working with black (which is very hard to see, especially with tired eyes at night, and doing two at once (to make sure pattern is correct) has meant my poor little one is taking FOREVER! So I guess less moaning, more crocheting!

Anyway, here is a preview of Sheepish Shaun. He still needs another arm and leg, and a tail. Not sure whether to put a top knot on his head. Will have to make one and see what it looks like

Pulled in too many direction

So many ideas,  so little time!! To sleep or to crochet?? Been working on lamb for three days now! Isnt there a bubble somewhere where time ceases to exist?