Grunge and Sweetness, or ...

... rather sweetness and grunge. I think the sweetest gift of Christmas was some quality time with the newest little ‘H’, my nephew ‘A’. This photo was taken at lunch while he slept all snuggled in and I battled the brussels sprouts. Why do mother’s think those small green stinky vege are a traditional part of Christmas? I must say everything else was delicious and of course I ate too much.

I kept last years resolution, 12 months without hair dye (actually I lasted 13) umm, perhaps I should not mention hair when I have the frizz happening above :). So I will boldly state this years resolution - to drop three dress sizes. Other aspects of my health have been my focus for many years and medication took its toll, but I have stayed the same size all 2008 so I am sure that with a little work I can remove some of the excess.

I am not sure I will ever be able to sit like the sweet angel to the left (my niece) but I would like to be able to keep up with her as she plays her games and runs around the garden.

This was the third notebook I made and I experimented with some new colours - I like the green with my usual "grunge" and rust tones. I cut and covered all six covers, applied several paint washes and some stamping then worked on one book at a time.

This book was not meant to have webbing spray on it's corners, a certain ginger purr-baby decided to jump on my lap as I was spraying the back ground of the other two - luckily only the corner was effected and I decided it added to the texture. I can convince myself of almost anything.

After I made the note books I found one more of the tin signs I used as the focal point of each book. "spirit" started out red, the others were shades of cream and white to begin with.

A time of Peace and Good Will to all...

If this is a time of peace and goodwill how come I have been dragged out of bed stuffed into this silly hat and been told not to blink. How is a boy not to blink with that glaring in his face?
Oh sorry, I have just been reminded this is not about me, it is about others. Jesus was born to save and heal others so Christmas is a time where we give to others and spread peace and goodwill in His name.

So, thank you for all the kindness and care you have shown Mum and I over the past year. I really do wish you all peace and safety for 2009 (and that every doggy should have unlimited bones).

Archer

>>> (licks)

Gorgeous Gifts

It was my birthday earlier in the week and I have been blessed with gifts for seven days straight. I thought I would share the hand made ones here. The address book above has as much detail on the back and inside as it does on the front, layers of tecture and colour and images all blended perfectly. A stunning gift from my wonderful friend Dawn. I love it soooo much I am going to use it - and have already put all my addresses in.

More goodies from Dawn, including a DJ Petit postcard just to remind me we are going to Melbourne for a retreat in March! Don't you just love the clay dangle?

I was thrilled to receive a beautiful parcel from Dotee too, including my very own birdie with a little Dotee Chick to tuck in the pocket behind her wing. Beautiful, and I am in awe of the time and skill in placing so many tiny embellishments just to.

Despite the kitch 70's look to this photograph this is a very cute Dotee Christmas bug - love it.

Genevieve made me this little treasure with a diorama on the inside, a wonderful mystery muse gift.

Now I must be off to finish wrapping Christmas Presents, and tidy up a little, but first a nap...

Smiles, Joys and Gratefulness

The 'view' as I leave my room and walk to any other area in my little house. Fish (yes,that is his name) in the bowl, art by Natalie, Misty and I, a lone kangaroo paw in my favourite vase (an old milk bottle) and a light shade I still love after five years of looking at it.

Homemade gifts ready to wrap.

Sunshine and sun scented sheets as summer finally arrives in Western Australia.
The sunlight filtered through the native garden, the rather intense looking Phantom as he enjoys the space and the leaves on the lawn.
The delicious fruit salad chilling as I type.
This knobbly native flower in my back yard.
No more stitches; I had a nasty little melanoma removed just over two weeks ago and my wonderful Doctor had to take WIDE margins. It is so good not to itch, and I am so blessed Geoff was on the ball and picked this up.

The geranium blooming behind washing drying in the sun.
Planning a birthday gift for a special seven year old, to be.

The faded roses against decking stump.
Knowing there are five more sleeps until the school year ends and I can catch up; house work, friends, garden, cleaning and -yes - school work.
Archer's delight when he managed to roll the treat out of his ball, the pile of mulch (a gift from my parents) and the hibiscus (a gift from a friend) in bloom.

Cuddles with my handsome nephew.

In a year where I have had more anti-biotics than in the last dozen combined, and faced more issues than in the last five. In a year where the fur-babies have all had their turn to be ill and the rain has fallen to the point where I wondered about buying a boat. In a year where I have never ever felt 'caught up' there has been much to be grateful for. Too much for one post, so today I am sharing just some of the things which have brought me smiles, moments of joy and made me grateful this very day...