It has been so long since I wrote. I stopped as I wasn't making anything or photographing anything, then became afraid to come back as I might be judged as being boring! Ridiculous really but part of the mental health roller coaster.
I have realised that I need more structure and routine in my weeks. When you are busy and getting a lot done or achieving a lot, you feel satisfied at the end of the day. When you are merely waiting for each day to end it gets very depressing with nothing happening except the banal domesticity that some of us don't live off.
This all changed the other night as I sat watching 'Good News Week'. This is not a show that I am fond of, mainly as I know it is scripted and rehearsed rather than spontaneous, but also as the host irritates me. However I sat watching it and laughed, and laughed, so many times. I realised that I don't do enough laughing. Those brilliant chemicals being released from my brain were smashing through the cobwebs that had formed over the months. It was the best release.
So lesson one for the week is: Remember to laugh. Often.
P.S. a post without a photo is now hereby OK. Don't like it? go to google images and choose your own! ;) xx
Showing posts with label rant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rant. Show all posts
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
Well overdue update...
So clearly the Christmas season is well and truly gone, decorations are down, mince pies all eaten! I have had several questions from friends about The Shortbread Outcome.
Derelict as the laptop has been over the past month, I have blown off the dust and return; hopefully more regularly; to the realm of writing and sharing that is this blog!
I took The Shortbread very seriously. So seriously that It Never Got Made. kid you not. I got totally bogged down in my research. I had columns and charts, I interviewed devotees (both in eating and baking), and analysed my own results. I took notes of tips, ingredient annotations and different methods. I was warned off by an elderly officianado who told me that in Canberra shortbread never works well unless you have air conditioning. It's too hot/dry/dusty/etc apparently. Who knew? This was corobborated by another friend who had the same experience.
After all the brilliant investigations, it was Christmas Eve, and I didn't have the half salted and half un-salted butter receommended by Margaret Fulton, so chickened out.
There. I admitted it. Part of the reason for not posting for so long was the shame!!! Maybe now the pressure is off I can bake to my hearts' content...
j
Derelict as the laptop has been over the past month, I have blown off the dust and return; hopefully more regularly; to the realm of writing and sharing that is this blog!
I took The Shortbread very seriously. So seriously that It Never Got Made. kid you not. I got totally bogged down in my research. I had columns and charts, I interviewed devotees (both in eating and baking), and analysed my own results. I took notes of tips, ingredient annotations and different methods. I was warned off by an elderly officianado who told me that in Canberra shortbread never works well unless you have air conditioning. It's too hot/dry/dusty/etc apparently. Who knew? This was corobborated by another friend who had the same experience.
After all the brilliant investigations, it was Christmas Eve, and I didn't have the half salted and half un-salted butter receommended by Margaret Fulton, so chickened out.
There. I admitted it. Part of the reason for not posting for so long was the shame!!! Maybe now the pressure is off I can bake to my hearts' content...
j
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Christmas Baking - The Great Shortbread recipe hunt
Shortbread. You either love it or don't - there is no middle ground. My Nan used to make shortbread in little rounds with half an almond on top. This was always a hit with me, and I loved the buttery texture. Some shortbread is too crumbly, some is too hard, a lot is just gluggy. Mum's friend J has The Best shortbread I have had since Nan's. Consistently good, it's the kind of thing that you can't say no to, even when you are full to the brim and couldn't possibly fit another thing in.... except J's shortbread. Yummm.
So for the first time, I am determined to make my own. Yes, me of the instant gratification is Planning Ahead!
However, it is not so easy. Which recipe do I use? J is away and uncontactable, so her prized recipe eludes me. Rice Flour - you need that don't you? Recipe on the box - would this be a good start? Then I remember the 4 ingredients book, and also that Margaret Fulton was from Scottish heritage, so hers will be a winner won't it? How can recipes vary so much for a little biscuit? All sources however tell me that the oven is important. My old, unreliable, stand-alone burns things on the bottom when it intermittently fires out heat, do I need to outsource the actual baking?!? I am still not giving up, despite the supermarket shelves groaning under the weight of commercial shortbreads. I am determined. A woman on a mission. So where do you go when Google is unsatisfactory? The Blogworld!
So I ask YOU - do you have a recipe that produces light, crisp, buttery goodness that I could try please? In the vein of Julie and Julia I am tempted to blindly turn to Margaret Fulton, forsaking all others, but am open to suggestions.
In the meantime, I will make the mince pie pastry and await any suggestions!
With thanks - J
So for the first time, I am determined to make my own. Yes, me of the instant gratification is Planning Ahead!
However, it is not so easy. Which recipe do I use? J is away and uncontactable, so her prized recipe eludes me. Rice Flour - you need that don't you? Recipe on the box - would this be a good start? Then I remember the 4 ingredients book, and also that Margaret Fulton was from Scottish heritage, so hers will be a winner won't it? How can recipes vary so much for a little biscuit? All sources however tell me that the oven is important. My old, unreliable, stand-alone burns things on the bottom when it intermittently fires out heat, do I need to outsource the actual baking?!? I am still not giving up, despite the supermarket shelves groaning under the weight of commercial shortbreads. I am determined. A woman on a mission. So where do you go when Google is unsatisfactory? The Blogworld!
So I ask YOU - do you have a recipe that produces light, crisp, buttery goodness that I could try please? In the vein of Julie and Julia I am tempted to blindly turn to Margaret Fulton, forsaking all others, but am open to suggestions.
In the meantime, I will make the mince pie pastry and await any suggestions!
With thanks - J
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Counting down to the move
Master 7 tells me (loudly and early) this morning: "Six sleeps until the new house!"
What a slap in the reality-sphere for me! Despite having packed a heap of boxes, there is still so much to do. I am trying not to panic. I'm getting too old for this moving malarchy...
Me aged 4 with my Irish setter 'Toby' and my dear Grandad, in the garden of my childhood home. Circa 1978.
Somewhere amongst the boxes I managed to retrieve my knitting box, so that in moments of stress I can cast on or crochet just for the pleasure of it, not making anything. Amazing how relaxing it is, and healthier than mindless eating!
On the back of an old Coles receipt, a recipe for cheese scones written by my Nan - I love these bits of ephemera from the past.
The sewing machine is still not packed, I think it and the knitting box will now be packed absolutely last, as they are sanity-savers as we all know.
Random image of Miss 3 doing the dishes - she loves helping with chores -
This weekend in Canberra is a wonderful example of the joys of the Capital. Floriade opened yesterday, and continues until Sunday 11 October. The Handmade Markets were yesterday. Despite not having the camera (no idea where it is) I loved seeing Michelle, Jen, 'Nina', Redmag, and so many others, including the talented mother/daughters team of Eliza Clare. Lots of images at their sites and at the Handmade Homepage.
Off the swimming now for the little people then on with the day. Hope you have time for a hot cuppa and a moment in the sun.
xx
What a slap in the reality-sphere for me! Despite having packed a heap of boxes, there is still so much to do. I am trying not to panic. I'm getting too old for this moving malarchy...
Me aged 4 with my Irish setter 'Toby' and my dear Grandad, in the garden of my childhood home. Circa 1978.Somewhere amongst the boxes I managed to retrieve my knitting box, so that in moments of stress I can cast on or crochet just for the pleasure of it, not making anything. Amazing how relaxing it is, and healthier than mindless eating!
On the back of an old Coles receipt, a recipe for cheese scones written by my Nan - I love these bits of ephemera from the past.The sewing machine is still not packed, I think it and the knitting box will now be packed absolutely last, as they are sanity-savers as we all know.
Random image of Miss 3 doing the dishes - she loves helping with chores -This weekend in Canberra is a wonderful example of the joys of the Capital. Floriade opened yesterday, and continues until Sunday 11 October. The Handmade Markets were yesterday. Despite not having the camera (no idea where it is) I loved seeing Michelle, Jen, 'Nina', Redmag, and so many others, including the talented mother/daughters team of Eliza Clare. Lots of images at their sites and at the Handmade Homepage.
Off the swimming now for the little people then on with the day. Hope you have time for a hot cuppa and a moment in the sun.
xx
Saturday, 25 July 2009
A jolly long rant - procrastinating over decluttering part 2
It's a beautiful time in our house at the moment; a time of rediscovery. It's about this time of the year that we move house; every 11 or 12 months for the last 4 years, we have de-cluttered, donated, packed and moved our possessions, configuring them into different houses, rooms, styles, eras, cupboards, garages, and spaces. Inevitably what follows is then a second decluttering of the items we can't house. Kids find toys they had forgotten, books shoved down behind bookshelves, and I find my kitchen cupboards contain more than I use.
As I face this again, I feel weighted down by the enormity of the task.
This is of course a problem I have created. I hoard. I have periods of great collecting, gathering, nesting. This is usually proceded by guilt, clutter and confusion. At times I discard with disregard for the items, as long as I am freeing up space. Space that is for more crap.
Now as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so too is crap. There would be no trash n treasure without that fine line between junk and gold. One person's need is another's excess.
My issue with all things trash and treasure, is sentimentality.
To be sentimental about a thing in the literary sense evokes memories, moments passed, an earlier (and happier?) time. To define this word using a dictionary, MY version of 'sentimentality' is reduced to:
"false emotion" "insincerely emotional" "the effort by an author to induce emotional responses in the reader that exceed what the situation warrants" "evoking a predictable emotional response with a clichéd prompt".
Not sounding too good is it?!
The question remains though; what to keep and what to toss.
My parents have lived in the one house for over 35 years. The house has grown to adapt to their needs, spacial requirements, age and stage. As we now visit there with our own kids, my brother and I DO get a kick from seeing the books, toys and in some cases clothes of our childhood being used by our kids. This makes me wonder - is it my duty to keep things in case Miss 3 and Master 7 want them in 20 years? Under what circumstances can things be discarded without guilt? Am I keeping these things because they previously belonged to or were made by Nan? Is it triggering a memory or is it feeling about a certain item. Once I HAVE these things, are they of any use stashed in a box or cupboard?
The dilemma of course highlights the excess within which we all live. I am surrounded by 'stuff' as I have explained before. I seem to gather my 'nest' around me and get cosy within it, clucking and fussing until a visitor's face betrays their shock at the state of my rooms! I have been the brunt of thoughtless comments that "it's ok for the kids to run wild at Jess' as there's nothing that matters if it's broken". Harsh words but true to some extent.
I am in awe of some amazing people, like Eilleen, who can start again from zero-ish and rebuild, only having the items that are used and thus needed. Some people don't cling to memories or to the past. Some keep their houses minimalist but have boxes elsewhere. I however don't have the luxury of a shed, a garage, a storage container to keep my excess caged, I need to make some decisions.
Per example; wedding presents. Ten years ago we bought 'stuff'. Some of it we use, most of it has been passed on to others as our needs and tastes have changed. Wedding presents, so commonly requested via bridal registers reflect older tastes as well. We have some beautiful items in their boxes, rarely used. We don't believe in 'saving for best' but glass salad bowls just aren't practical in our day-to-day! To keep or to part with? Tastes change, cupboards can only be so full. TLK tells me that if it doesn't make you smile then throw it out. Of course memories of the wedding make me smile, remembering who gifted these items to us makes me smile, but I have other ways of remembering this. Lots of things make me smile but are not things to keep. After an hour or so of packing though, NOTHING makes me smile other than being outside in fresh air kicking the footy with the kids!
'Kicking the footy' by Kym Hart
The give-away-or-sell-? situation has never been an issue for me - I have always donated. I would rather someone get some use from an item and Salvos benefit from my 'trash'. I'm also too lazy to arrange to sell. At the moment though, the $$ is needed. Amazing that I feel like I'm cheating the Salvos by selling my own goods, but there you go. We're funny humans aren't we?!
Eilleen has taught me that shopping is not a hobby, not a leisure pursuit, not a habit I want my kids to inherit. As I look around me, I see so many things that DO make me smile, and I realise that I need to give myself permission to err, need to forgive in me the mess and clutter, and embrace the bower bird within. I am attempting not to buy things that aren't neccessities, use what I have, finish the UFOs, practice gratitude rather than wanting, and spend more time just kicking the footy. Things are just that, things. Maybe if I repeat that enough times to myself I will believe it...
If you have read through this, then thank you for hanging in there! Yes, this IS a craft blog, and things are being made and planned to be made. Now the rant has excaped, perhaps I can make room to create.
xx
As I face this again, I feel weighted down by the enormity of the task.
This is of course a problem I have created. I hoard. I have periods of great collecting, gathering, nesting. This is usually proceded by guilt, clutter and confusion. At times I discard with disregard for the items, as long as I am freeing up space. Space that is for more crap.
Now as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so too is crap. There would be no trash n treasure without that fine line between junk and gold. One person's need is another's excess.
My issue with all things trash and treasure, is sentimentality.
To be sentimental about a thing in the literary sense evokes memories, moments passed, an earlier (and happier?) time. To define this word using a dictionary, MY version of 'sentimentality' is reduced to:
"false emotion" "insincerely emotional" "the effort by an author to induce emotional responses in the reader that exceed what the situation warrants" "evoking a predictable emotional response with a clichéd prompt".
Not sounding too good is it?!
The question remains though; what to keep and what to toss.
My parents have lived in the one house for over 35 years. The house has grown to adapt to their needs, spacial requirements, age and stage. As we now visit there with our own kids, my brother and I DO get a kick from seeing the books, toys and in some cases clothes of our childhood being used by our kids. This makes me wonder - is it my duty to keep things in case Miss 3 and Master 7 want them in 20 years? Under what circumstances can things be discarded without guilt? Am I keeping these things because they previously belonged to or were made by Nan? Is it triggering a memory or is it feeling about a certain item. Once I HAVE these things, are they of any use stashed in a box or cupboard?
The dilemma of course highlights the excess within which we all live. I am surrounded by 'stuff' as I have explained before. I seem to gather my 'nest' around me and get cosy within it, clucking and fussing until a visitor's face betrays their shock at the state of my rooms! I have been the brunt of thoughtless comments that "it's ok for the kids to run wild at Jess' as there's nothing that matters if it's broken". Harsh words but true to some extent.
I am in awe of some amazing people, like Eilleen, who can start again from zero-ish and rebuild, only having the items that are used and thus needed. Some people don't cling to memories or to the past. Some keep their houses minimalist but have boxes elsewhere. I however don't have the luxury of a shed, a garage, a storage container to keep my excess caged, I need to make some decisions.
Per example; wedding presents. Ten years ago we bought 'stuff'. Some of it we use, most of it has been passed on to others as our needs and tastes have changed. Wedding presents, so commonly requested via bridal registers reflect older tastes as well. We have some beautiful items in their boxes, rarely used. We don't believe in 'saving for best' but glass salad bowls just aren't practical in our day-to-day! To keep or to part with? Tastes change, cupboards can only be so full. TLK tells me that if it doesn't make you smile then throw it out. Of course memories of the wedding make me smile, remembering who gifted these items to us makes me smile, but I have other ways of remembering this. Lots of things make me smile but are not things to keep. After an hour or so of packing though, NOTHING makes me smile other than being outside in fresh air kicking the footy with the kids!
'Kicking the footy' by Kym HartThe give-away-or-sell-? situation has never been an issue for me - I have always donated. I would rather someone get some use from an item and Salvos benefit from my 'trash'. I'm also too lazy to arrange to sell. At the moment though, the $$ is needed. Amazing that I feel like I'm cheating the Salvos by selling my own goods, but there you go. We're funny humans aren't we?!
Eilleen has taught me that shopping is not a hobby, not a leisure pursuit, not a habit I want my kids to inherit. As I look around me, I see so many things that DO make me smile, and I realise that I need to give myself permission to err, need to forgive in me the mess and clutter, and embrace the bower bird within. I am attempting not to buy things that aren't neccessities, use what I have, finish the UFOs, practice gratitude rather than wanting, and spend more time just kicking the footy. Things are just that, things. Maybe if I repeat that enough times to myself I will believe it...
If you have read through this, then thank you for hanging in there! Yes, this IS a craft blog, and things are being made and planned to be made. Now the rant has excaped, perhaps I can make room to create.
xx
Monday, 13 July 2009
Demecull
Light on pics, heavy on words. Rant warning !!
Odd heading isn't it? It was the word verification for a comment I made on a blog this morning. It made me laugh a little as I had only just finished saying that when we move house I will need to be strict with myself, and have a little cull.
No sooner had I said that to Mr BB then I typed "demecull". Demi-cull! What a great term for packing! Anything I don't use regularly, love to death or need for practical reasons will be going to the great op-shop lottery. Knowing me I will buy a lot of stuff back - this has been known to happen...
There is an episode of the tv version of Winnie the Pooh where rabbit tidies, and as he only has one of a pair of bookends, he takes the single to the tip. Later he sees it at Piglet's and wants it as a pair for the one he just threw out. As we the viewers know, it's the same single one.
Yes, I have done this with Tupperware, fabric, teacups, linen, all manner of things. I see something such as a book, and grab it, only to flick through the pages and see my handwriting in the margin, or my kids' names on the inside cover...
We have moved more than some, less often than many more, with 5 moves in 7 years. It gets very tiring, and one becomes rather good at down-sizing. I know I have donated more than I have bought from Salvos, however as I look around my house, I realise that the next move (in the next couple of months) will require further down-sizing.
Always in the back of my head is the sad story featured on Oprah of a woman who couldn't stop buying things. Her house was FULL of bags of things. Furniture was obscured by STUFF, and it was controlling her life. I keep this picture as a reminder that her 'stuff' was collected and spread out in a warehouse. This pic shows about a third of her excess.
Friends wonder why I have so much STUFF. It's not just that I have it, but I seem to have it ALL out and ON DISPLAY! My cupboards are not utilised well, and my shelves are heaving under the strain. I have decided that this is just me and part of who I am. I have always had clutter, and have never known how others manage to live so tidily. I've also decided that this endearing trait is because I have so many interests and hobbies.
So is it only interesting people who live within clutter? Are all messy people interesting? Of course not. However I think that all the interesting people I know, love, admire, and treasure have fabric stashes, heaving bookshelves, and boxes and cupboards full of UFOs.
My dream is to have a grown-up's bedroom devoid of clutter, just dedicated to restfulness and sleeping. This I am reminded of daily as I climb out of bed and squish between the boxes and crates that double as bedside tables.
As I attempt to accept this trait within myself, why then do I get frustrated that Master 7 lives within a nest of his creations also? Why do I expect order and reason from the rooms of my off-spring when I find it so hard to achieve myself?!
So I return to the Demi-cull, the (half-arsed?) method of decluttering that I formulated in a random moment of procrastination this morning.
I will pick a shelf, a drawer, a cupboard, a shelf, and decide on the spot what isn't coming to the new house. Only things that bring joy shall be retained, unless they have an inherent usefulness I cannot ignore (there would be so much more room in the laundry without that big machine but I think it should come...) It is likely that all things will make it to the new house, however in the absence of a garage, I will be forced to make some big decisions. The trick is, that once sorted, the stuff has to GO. That's sometimes hard too. I have been known to drive around with items in the boot of my car for weeks, only to be brought back into the house at a later date.
In 2 weeks I think I will try my luck at the local weekend Trash n Treasure market. Perhaps I can fund part of the move, or failing all else, get the money for bread and milk! I do know that without trying I can fill the boot and car just from excess in the garage, let alone what's in the house!
I have tried to embrace things like Fly Lady, but they just do not work for me. There are always too many little bits of crap that creep into my life, demanding accommodation. I think an intervention a la the now defunct "Your Life on the Lawn" tv show. Any suggestions on where the hell the Demi-Cull should begin??!!
xx
Monday, 6 July 2009
Sorting things out
I seem to have lost my way a bit lately - sewjo gone, blogging seems hard. Remembering why I started and what I love about it all, and hoping that my creativity returns. Maybe playing with the buttons is in order... back soon -
xx
Saturday, 9 May 2009
Cheeky - clever possum (Ruminations on motherhood)
My favourite seven-year-old and I were walking along the other day having a lovely chat about things. Where does electricity come from? What's inside lightning? You may also have had these conversations. I realise how little I know of the world when they occur. I also realise what a wonderful mind my little man has, so inquisitive and interested in learning. It's truly pleasurable spending time with him.
Image from hereAs we walked and chatted, we passed a group of Mums out for coffee. They looked at me with a smile. As we came level, Master 7 suddenly exclaimed: "When can I get my very own mobile phone?"
Image from hereAll adults gave a little laugh. I was rather astonished, as I am not into technology and children. Once a month he might get ten minutes on the computer, if that.
"When you have a job and can pay for your calls!" I replied.
Master 7 then floored me with: "But you don't have a job Mum and you have a phone?!"
Image from hereThe mums were laughing hard now, and I was in awe of the mind of the child, and the literal mind of the Aspergers' mind.
I am so grateful that he has an inquiring mind, that he has such a quick mind. I love his sense of humour.
Being a mother has not always been a joyful time for me. I sometimes wonder how I got here. I am certainly aware of the amazing gift that has been given to me, and I adore my kids. But what does it take to be a mother?
Once I knew I was pregnant, I considered myself a mother. I was growing a life. We bonded immediately. The dreams you have as a potential parent begin. You visualise your child, your famil. You long to meet them.
I ache at this time of the year for all the women who have lost a child. Friends who have "angel babies" are also mothers. A local church had a vigil service last night for all women who have had children, lost children, been unable to have children. It was an opportunity to reflect, listen to music, look at artworks, and meditate. I will be lighting a candle tonight for those friends who have carried a life, some brief, some to term, and have had to say goodbye. It's a tough time for them. They are mothers too.
I will not see my mother, as she is in Victoria, however I will call her and try and have a cup 0f tea with her over the phone. She's a great role model and a friend as well as a Mum. I know she will be thinking of her Mum.
I hope to go to a local park tomorrow for a Mothers' Day party in the park with an Abba cover band. Pop in to Glebe Park if you are in Canberra and be a Dancing Queen with me!
Image from hereHappy Mothers' Day to you - high five to all mums - we all do our best with the tools that we have. Take care,
J
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Clothes Swap this Saturday in Melbourne!
Public Service Announcement for those of you in Melbourne this weekend:
The Clothing Exchange are having a clothing swap this weekend on Saturday 28th March. You need to check in at 3.30pm, and the event finishes at 5pm.
The event is held as part of the Earth Hour Celebrations, at Box Hill Gardens, Irving Avenue, Box Hill.
You need to bring six garments you value but no longer wear to swap for those you will. Swap not shop. Bookings essential on 9262 6555.
For more info regarding the whole program, visit www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/sustainablelivingweek
What a great idea - anyone want to help me organise one in Canberra??
Enjoy!
j
The Clothing Exchange are having a clothing swap this weekend on Saturday 28th March. You need to check in at 3.30pm, and the event finishes at 5pm.
The event is held as part of the Earth Hour Celebrations, at Box Hill Gardens, Irving Avenue, Box Hill.
You need to bring six garments you value but no longer wear to swap for those you will. Swap not shop. Bookings essential on 9262 6555.
For more info regarding the whole program, visit www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/sustainablelivingweek
What a great idea - anyone want to help me organise one in Canberra??
Enjoy!
j
Monday, 16 March 2009
"Happy days are here again...
... The sky outside is blue again!"
There is nothing like an open afternoon to create without any time pressures. This weekend I had such an afternoon. Miss 2 and Master 7 were with friends, Mr BB was bike riding; so I had no impediments.
Skirts made a triumphant reappearance on the agenda. I love these. I now have a little system going when I do them, and no longer have to think. After nearly ten down, I am still not finished with them! A dear friend has offered a skill swap for some of her artwork, so another one to make for a little poppet! Yay!
Size 2 for Miss 2 with thrifted denim and ric rac, and stash fabrics. A fine leaf pattern from years ago, and a more recent toadstool print from Japan.
Lemon yellow for my niece Miss almost-2, little PP. This is also lined as the cotton voile I made it from is so fine.
Size 4 for Miss 2 as a longer skirt, to grow into. Thrifted everything except the floral, which was a 30cm strip from my old work.
Also made a library bag for Miss 2 who starts 3-year-old kinder in a couple of weeks. Handles used to be a draw-string in a pair of Miss 2's track pants.
Tried my hand at some more piecework for a patchwork class. The fabrics were all provided, so I did an eye-spy cushion for Miss 2. I'm no good with novelty prints usually. Miss 2 was a little overwhelmed too I think, as she keeps the backing up (a mermaid print) rather than the chaotic front. Zippered for easy washing it may not be here long.
Love, love, love having the Janome back out, and reluctant to put it away. Do need to clean her out though - vacuum the fluff out etc, oil the bits, change the needle. Do you clean your machine regularly? Ever? It works so much better when you do!
SO SICK OF The Little Mermaid! Kids watch it too much. Miss 2 has taken to quoting it: "Dad, I'm not a child!" which of course is pretty funny.
CAN'T STOP EATING choc-coated bullets - the choc part is fake, the licorice is painfully chewy, but they are. as Mr BB would say, Spanish! (Moorish)
READING Pride and Prejudice (Did you watch Lost in Austen? Rather fun take on an old classic, complete with Mr Darcy/Colin Firth comparisons and wet shirt scene!), Does my Bum look Big in This Clutter, Brideshead Revisited, TV Guide.
WATCHING Life on Mars Series 2 (UK version) and 24 (Jack's back!)
WORKING on my CV to get a job that is not cleaning, retail or reception. Those years at Uni won't be wasted!
LOVING the cooler weather in Canberra this week. I'd forgotten what it was like to be cold. Lovely!
xx
There is nothing like an open afternoon to create without any time pressures. This weekend I had such an afternoon. Miss 2 and Master 7 were with friends, Mr BB was bike riding; so I had no impediments.
Skirts made a triumphant reappearance on the agenda. I love these. I now have a little system going when I do them, and no longer have to think. After nearly ten down, I am still not finished with them! A dear friend has offered a skill swap for some of her artwork, so another one to make for a little poppet! Yay!
Size 2 for Miss 2 with thrifted denim and ric rac, and stash fabrics. A fine leaf pattern from years ago, and a more recent toadstool print from Japan.
Lemon yellow for my niece Miss almost-2, little PP. This is also lined as the cotton voile I made it from is so fine.
Size 4 for Miss 2 as a longer skirt, to grow into. Thrifted everything except the floral, which was a 30cm strip from my old work.Also made a library bag for Miss 2 who starts 3-year-old kinder in a couple of weeks. Handles used to be a draw-string in a pair of Miss 2's track pants.
Tried my hand at some more piecework for a patchwork class. The fabrics were all provided, so I did an eye-spy cushion for Miss 2. I'm no good with novelty prints usually. Miss 2 was a little overwhelmed too I think, as she keeps the backing up (a mermaid print) rather than the chaotic front. Zippered for easy washing it may not be here long.
Love, love, love having the Janome back out, and reluctant to put it away. Do need to clean her out though - vacuum the fluff out etc, oil the bits, change the needle. Do you clean your machine regularly? Ever? It works so much better when you do!
SO SICK OF The Little Mermaid! Kids watch it too much. Miss 2 has taken to quoting it: "Dad, I'm not a child!" which of course is pretty funny.
CAN'T STOP EATING choc-coated bullets - the choc part is fake, the licorice is painfully chewy, but they are. as Mr BB would say, Spanish! (Moorish)
READING Pride and Prejudice (Did you watch Lost in Austen? Rather fun take on an old classic, complete with Mr Darcy/Colin Firth comparisons and wet shirt scene!), Does my Bum look Big in This Clutter, Brideshead Revisited, TV Guide.
WATCHING Life on Mars Series 2 (UK version) and 24 (Jack's back!)
WORKING on my CV to get a job that is not cleaning, retail or reception. Those years at Uni won't be wasted!
LOVING the cooler weather in Canberra this week. I'd forgotten what it was like to be cold. Lovely!
xx
Thursday, 5 February 2009
Resignation
So today despite the Global Financial Crisis, the impending Recession and my lack of other options, I nonetheless submitted my resignation. I am going to devote time to getting my life in order and getting healthy again. I have been granted an exemption from the two-weeks-notice-needed clause in my contract, so today is my last day! 3 hours and a bit to go!! Sanity here I come!
j
j
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
Wanted
Wanted - employment for charismatic and intelligent Mum who is limited in what hours she can work and has to earn enough to pay for childcare! Such jobs do not appear to exist!
Please pay me to read, I'd be a good editor! Pay me to sew - I can do most things! Pay me to use my brain! I can organise, I can arrange, I am honest and genuinely want to work. I can do anything - years at Uni not wasted!
Aagh!!
Please pay me to read, I'd be a good editor! Pay me to sew - I can do most things! Pay me to use my brain! I can organise, I can arrange, I am honest and genuinely want to work. I can do anything - years at Uni not wasted!
Aagh!!
Monday, 24 November 2008
Snow. Really!
Yes, it snowed on the weekend in the Canberra region. Coming down the parkway this afternoon, my phone captured the hint of white dusting the Brindabellas. Much has melted since yesterday, but it's still messing with my attempts to pack away Winter clothes! Ahh, Global Warming...
Monday, 20 October 2008
Forgive me...
Dear Blogger -
Forgive me, it has been three days since my last post. I FORGOT that I was doing Blogtoberfest, and didn't even turn the computer on over the weekend...
This is what happens when the weather is beautiful, and the kids' social lives require Mum's Taxi...
Can you just explain to me though please, why are other parents so judgemental? When you see a child acting up, throwing a tantrum, can you not do what my Mum has done, and smile, saying: "You are doing a wonderful job"?
Why do I have to explain that my child has a neurological condition that renders him a toddler at times? Do you even care that he and I are upset enough?
It is tough yakka carrying a child mid-tantrum when he is a tall and kicking near-seven-year-old. I don't need your sneers as well.
Keep it to yourself. I envy that your child can manage in social situations, at lunchtime in the playground, at mealtimes. It may seem like nothing to you, but we would give anything for him to be happy, relaxed, and accepted.
End of Rant.
j
Forgive me, it has been three days since my last post. I FORGOT that I was doing Blogtoberfest, and didn't even turn the computer on over the weekend...
This is what happens when the weather is beautiful, and the kids' social lives require Mum's Taxi...
Can you just explain to me though please, why are other parents so judgemental? When you see a child acting up, throwing a tantrum, can you not do what my Mum has done, and smile, saying: "You are doing a wonderful job"?
Why do I have to explain that my child has a neurological condition that renders him a toddler at times? Do you even care that he and I are upset enough?
It is tough yakka carrying a child mid-tantrum when he is a tall and kicking near-seven-year-old. I don't need your sneers as well.
Keep it to yourself. I envy that your child can manage in social situations, at lunchtime in the playground, at mealtimes. It may seem like nothing to you, but we would give anything for him to be happy, relaxed, and accepted.
End of Rant.
j
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
