half full, or half empty?

So? Which one are you? Is the glass half full or half empty in your world?

Because you know it occurred to me on our last family holiday that I am a glass half empty kinda gal after always thinking I was an optimistic glass half full.

But you know what? I'm ok with that. I actually think there are advantages to being a glass half empty person. I mean it's obvious really isn't it: there's space in my glass! 

So when the ski-mad Mr suggests that we cart ourselves, two small children and three tonnes of equipment half way around the world to chase the snow, I just sigh and point out all the difficult bits knowing all the while that I have space in my glass. If I put on my pessimist hat and prepare for the absolute WORST then I am bound to be pleasantly surprised right?

Well, I'm not sure but we are almost packed and we fly out tomorrow so I will keep you posted!

p.s Earlier in the week I had just cause to make that glass at the top completely EMPTY when I realised my wedding AND engagement rings were MISSING! Being a glass half-empty person I am certain they are gone forever  (imagine my excitement when they do actually turn up! Not that they will...).

p.p.s The awesome PottyMouthMama threw down the challenge earlier in the week to ask her ANYTHING! In one of my glass half empty panics I asked for tips on long haul travel with children. Friends, she did not disappoint. If you are at all contemplating such a journey, can I tell you you're mad and then highly recommend her extensive list of suggestions. Not that any of them will work of course (see that? Glass half empty!) but like I said, I'll keep you posted ...

The Giving Tree

"Once there was a tree ...

and she loved a little boy (and a girl!),

and everyday the boy (and girl!), would come and (s)he would gather her leaves and make them into crowns and play king of the forest. 

He would climb up her trunk and swing from her branches ..."*

This beautiful big old frangipani tree has been providing hours of fun at out place lately. I love that no matter how many toys and games there are laying about, the tree seems to be getting first look in upon waking in the morning and whenever we arrive home after being out. Perhaps it also has something to do with being able to spy on the big dog next door from a safe height.

My sister, Clare in a spot of vintage tree climbing in Brisbane circa late 70's. She has been using this photo (among others) to showcase her resin jewellery.

When was the last time you climbed a tree?

* "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein 1964

my creative space ... green tiles :: final

"With every passing of the needle the pain of loss bit and began to ease." * 

The green tiles quilt was finished on January 1, but only now do I feel ready to write about it.

Way back in June when we lost our little one, it occurred to me to make a quilt. At the time a friend said, "But that will take you ages." And this was the whole point. I wanted to have something to labour over and I didn't mind if it took until the baby's expected due date.

As it turned out it took longer than that but I think it needed to. At times I would find myself rushing and would need to gently remind myself that it was not a race. I trusted then that I would know when it was time for the final stitch.

And I did.

For more creative spaces hop on over to Kirsty's place.

___________________________________________________________________

In making this quilt I have so many people to thank. Firstly, Kate who I emailed for advice on where to start. She in turn put me on to the Fresh Modern Quilt group where I was inspired by a beautiful quilt by Rita, whom I had yet to find in the blogosphere. When I emailed Rita to ask her permission to use her quilt as inspiration she not only gave me her blessing, she sent me a beautiful package of fabrics, some of which were actually used in the quilt. 

I also want to thank Kathy from Material Obsession. Poor Kathy got me at my rawest at the quilt show last June just days after the miscarriage. But she made me laugh and sent me on my way with her book and the offer of help if ever I needed it. I did and she was there as promised. It was also Kathy's suggestion that I hand quilt. I think she knew before I did that I needed to s-l-o-w down! 

And for all the amazing, warm, beautiful, kind, awesome-ness that came in the form of comments and emails and cards and packages from YOU! People I had never 'met' in person but who comforted and inspired me more than I can ever express. Thank you, thank you, a million times thank you!

*(Alden, 2003 as quoted in Grief Unseen: Healing Pregnancy Loss Through the Arts by Laura Seftel)

my creative space :: finally!

I got to craft a toy for a fellow crafter's child! Hooray! No worrying about whether the parents might think I was being stingy, safe in the knowledge that I know she knows, you know?

This cute little guy ("blossom bunny"), was from softies and gave me the opportunity to try out satin stitch, backstitch, blanket stitch and a few failed attempts at french knots. I think he was the perfect size for an active little one-year-old's grip. 

For more creative spaces pop over to the hostess with the mostest, Kirsty.

run

For the past few weeks I have been making the most of longer daylight hours by popping on the joggers and pounding the pavement once the Mr gets home in the evening. All day I fight the voice in my head that says, "Not tonight. I'm too tired", and like a robot I just put on the gear and walk out the door figuring it's at least thirty minutes of "me" time.

And once I'm out there, head phones semi in place (why can't those little buggers just stay in?), well, I just feel free. I like walking but the bit where I break into - what should only loosely be described as - a jog is just liberating I guess. It's a moment when I feel so thankful to have the use of my legs, to be healthy, to live in a climate that allows me to do this outdoors, to feel pretty safe (I'm still always alert!), and to feel strong again after two (and a third) pregnancies.

And of course a few good tunes don't go astray in lifting my spirits. 

In case you're interested I have been following this program* suggested to me by a friend in New York who has done the NY Marathon TWICE! Not that that's a goal for me but still, she knows her stuff!

* I feel I should add something here about checking with your Doctor before you get all inspired and dash out for a run. But you know that right? 

p.s And yes, I am a complete loser taking photos of myself while jogging but it's a big deal for me to be doing ANY form of exercise people so just indulge me ;)


ETA: Just popped over to visit my 'ol mate Tania at Myrtle & Eunice to find a post about running! Great minds I tell you ;)

my place and yours :: what's in your bag?

It's taken me awhile to get my act together in time to join my place and yours since it moved to it's new home at Punky & Me but this week's theme was a hard one for me. On the one hand it gave me an opportunity to spill open the contents of the handbag and give it a good clean out and on the other it gave you an opportunity to see what an utter PIG I really am!

Anyhow here it is in all it's unedited glory

Actually that's not true. I did leave all that weird grit and crumbs and god-knows-what that was at the bottom in the bag. I'll face that another day. 

Highlights for me were finding that in fact I have TWO pens in my bag which is weird since I can never find one and three lip balms. Also I love my new little Harrod's eco-bag. Yes that is an oxymoron but it's come in handy I tell you.

Low lights? Realising I had three pairs of socks in there. My socks mind you as well as one odd sock of Sienna's. Also finding a half eaten mueseli bar and a bit of old banana bread that'd seen better days.

So there you have it. I've shown you mine now you show me yours. Actually whizz over to Vic's place and show her first ;)

p.s the weird looking black stuff in the zip lock bag is actually dried fruit but, you know, without the preservatives so it's ok that it looks like that!

my creative space :: the highs and lows

Well, you just never know where your creative space may be. Mine has been a bit topsy turvy this week.

One day I was comfy at home making stacks for a coin quilt (with a little help)

At the weekend I even managed a spare few hours to baste that quilt (three times mind you because I got it horribly wrong the first two!)

And then without much warning a runny nose for Luca quickly turned into difficulty breathing which led to an ambulance ride to hospital and an overnight stay.

The little man is still sick but is on the mend. And in the meantime I am sooo grateful I learned a more portable craft

Perfect for waiting rooms and paediatric wards!


I hope your creative space finds you healthy this week. For more creative spaces with hopefully slightly less mucous, head on over to Kirsty's place.