The aftermath

Do you feel like you're in the middle of an aftermath after Christmas? I'm absolutely exhausted, thank goodness I have this week off work. I will be taking down the Christmas decos and tree today. How come putting it up is left to me, as is pulling it all down? I find that so depressing, but I'm ready for a clear living room again.

So who does resolutions? I don't usually. Oh well actually usually my resolution for the year is to do as many things as possible that I've never done before - whether that is from trying a new endeavour, eating something for the first time, travelling to a new place, whatever. You can't really break that resolution, and it's a growth thing really.

However this year I'm going to add de-clutter to the list. I must admit I'm a bit of a hoarder. Things seem to take on an emotional appeal to me and I find it hard to cull. But this year I am. It's good Feng Shui anyway, a cluttered home is a cluttered mind is a cluttered life. I want to simplify this year. Let's see how I go anyway.

Well I finished the socks for step-daughter no. 2. She adored them. Loved the colour, loved the fit. When she opened the present she said "oh but I have such a small foot" and I said "I know, that's why I made them like that". They fit like a glove. She was most impressed. Collinette Jitterbug is such a yummy wool to knit with, I should have gone down a needle size or two as the body of the sock was roomy but Miss B liked that, it was more the foot length I got down perfectly for her.

This photo doesn't do the socks justice, the colour is even more vibrant up close. The pattern is Anastasia socks and I've never done toe up so I did this top down and just worked the pattern the opposite way. Hey, I'm getting adventurous. I finished with about 1 metre of yarn left. Whew!

On the scrapping front thought I'd delve back through the archives of recently completed but still not shown pages. This is a photograph of my grandmother as a young girl. My grandma was only 5 when her mum died and 14 when her dad died and so the three siblings were raised by their Auntie. One of these days I'll scrap the lives of my grandparents. Ahhhh so many projects, so little time.

Credits here.

As for the menagerie, status quo exists. Although Bo did go almost nose to nose with Lucky through a fence we've put up between the bathroom/laundry area and the passageway, so that's encouraging, she did that of her own volition. Still early days I guess. He's under the desk at my feet right now funny little fellow that he is.

Tomorrow I get to meet one of my scrapbooking friends for the first time. Esther does such beautiful scrapbook pages and is holidaying in my neck of the woods so we're meeting up to go to a craft market together, perhaps a lovely coffee and cake, yum! Who knows. I'm looking forward to meeting her. She's instructed that my copy of the family book must come along and she has some of her work to show me too. It will be lovely to see in real life as opposed to one the computer screen.

Christmas - how we spent it

What a day, it was huge. We drove to Geelong with Lucky in tow. He slept from the moment we left home till the first traffic lights 2 hours later! And the same on the way back again, what a great little traveller.

We visited the cemetary to see Mike's mum's grave. Then over to my mum's house, having Lucky with us stemmed a lot of the tears she was feeling on the day, funny little cone head he is. She loved the book. No ... wait ... she adored the book. She was speechless, and since Christmas Day it's been round the neighbourhood too!

A bit overwhelmed as she opened it.

I don't know whether this was laughter or tears, because there was certainly both.

I made peace with mum's wish to be alone this Christmas as long as I could see her in the morning on the way through to Ocean Grove and again on the way back. She spent the day and the first anniversary of dad's death how she wanted it. The book helped. I hope it cleansed. I hope it made her laugh. I hope it offered a salve to her wounds.

Then onto Ocean Grove to lunch with Mike's sister. The kids adored Lucky and gave him quite the work out. Here's us at the Christmas table. What a feast - turkey, ham, all the trimmings, followed by the most delicious plum pudding, brandy custard and cream. Oh and for overseas people the funny paper hats we are wearing are from the bon bons (crackers). Don't know if you have them there.

Then late afternoon headed to see my brother and family. More presents to unwrap. More playing with Lucky, until in all the excitement he pee'd on Matthew's new boogie board. Lucky then became known as "Pisser" !!

Then back to mum's to chill out for a few hours which was nice. We just sat, opened some more presents and had coffee and enjoyed the peace and quiet. I know Christmas is about the kids, but lots of high pitched squealing and giggling and the incessant "Auntie Carol Auntie Carol Auntie Carol" chant nearly did me in.

Then Home James with us and we got home about 10pm. HUGE DAY!

We've just vegged out the last couple now. I haven't even gone into the sales, although I'm heading down to Geelong in an hour to spend a couple of nights with mum, we'll be going to the sales down there and may even make a trip to Highpoint.

And finally as for the menagerie. We are going okay (I think). Mainly the "I think" because I don't have anything to rate it against. Molly and Bo have always maintained a calm distance, I have seen Molly lick Bo a few times and she's not moved away, so that's kind of the arm's length relationship they have.

With Lucky in the mix, oh boy. Molly has done a bit of growling I must admit, but I've been told to step back and let them sort it out. It's all about the top dog status apparently. Lucky then takes a few steps back, lays down until Molly stops with the growling and then comes back for more, sheesh!

Bo has made some of the scary hissing sounds and Lucky does the same, steps back and lays down and lets Bo go off on her merry sweet way. Although yesterday he decided to see what happened if he chased her. Heck! All hell broke loose. I ended up with a scratch from just below my right ear across my neck and down my chest. My own silly fault I got in the way and I know she didn't mean it. Now it's game on.

We've provided a safe room that Bo can get in and out of, but Lucky can't. Likewise with Bo's food. She has been coming back in each afternoon so that's a good sign. After all the hellaballoo we were watching a movie last night. Mike and I on the couch, Molly laying at our feet, Lucky on the arm rest side of Mike. Bo came in the back door, hopped up onto my arm rest, walked along the back of the couch and then came to sit on Mike's arm rest, within half a foot of Lucky, all very calm. Then hopped off and walked up the passageway. Not a peep out of Lucky.

So that's a good sign right? Please people placate me. I have no benchmarks. I feel like with Lucky and the cat it's a step forward and a step backwards. And of course my main focus is on the cat right now, I don't want her stressed. But she keeps coming back so I think that is positive.

Anyway cone head no more, the stitches came out yesterday and so did the cone come off. Here's the sweet little face that's worked it's way into our hearts.

We got Lucky today ... literally!

I was giggling so much when I wrote that post last night about getting lucky this year. Yes we did.

Introducing Lucky, our new 8 month old Jack Russell. He was needing a new home, came across from South Australia and he's all ours. Little brother for Molly and Bo.

Molly is none too fussed, they've had some big run arounds together and she's showing him she's top dog as it should be, there were a few grrrrrs when the butt sniffing got a wee bit personal! As for Bo the cat, well she's sulking up on our bed and hasn't ventured back out. After a few big dummy spit hisses we're just letting her find her own feet in this, she's been given a safe area that Lucky can't get into so we'll go from there.

Oh and the collar is because he still has stitches in from being desexed. They come out in three days. Then we'll get to see that beautiful little face for real.

Is this picture the epitome of love? I ask you! Someone is in love I tell you, I think the feeling might be mutual.

I have enjoyed writing this blog this year and am grateful and treasure the friendships I have made, people I don't really know, never met, but get to visit their lives from time to time. I enjoy that immensely.

As I will struggle through Christmas Day, I will be sure to take time out to count my blessings, it's been a tough year. I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and hope to see and "visit" you all again in the New Year.

I have news !!

But not until tomorrow.

te he I'm terrible aren't I? Leaving you hanging. But it's good news, I promise. After such a shitty year, it's about time we've gotten lucky huh?

I'm giggling so much here.

Tomorrow.

I promise.


Until then, Molly wants to say hi.

Credits here.

So continuing on with the Christmas theme

Thought I would show another Christmas page. It's almost mandatory isn't it? All throughout December.

Weekend before last it was cold. It was mighty cold. Rained torrential rain all weekend. We even had the fireplace on which is UNHEARD of for us in December. No wonder Christmas has snuck up on everyone here, because it's just not been Christmas weather. So I just had to take a picture of part of my tree and a lot of our fireplace, which made me laugh.

Credits here.

And while I'm at it, here's a pic of me and my easter bunny ... err ... reindeer! hahahahahaha Just showing off my new darker coloured hair.

What a week

It's surely been a week and a half in this neck of the woods. I am pleased to say that the cold weather seems to have disappeared. It's been lovely and warm this weekend and so much more Christmassy to get us in the mood. I don't know that I could cope with a cold Christmas. Oh okay, maybe I'd like to try it once. But bring on the heat I say.

I am pleased to say that all orders were received during the week. All orders I say??? Yes everything I was waiting for ... and ... THE ALBUM (I say in hushed tones with reverence). I can't even describe the overwhelming feelings I got when I opened the package. Actually I sat at the kitchen table and stared at the package a good ten minutes before I got up the nerve to open it. Step-daughter No.2 has been staying for the week so she and Mike gathered around as we looked at it in awe. Just the sight of it and physically being able to hold it in my hands after seeing it only in parts on the computer screen for the last 18 months, well I don't mind tell you I burst into uncontrollable tears.

It's beautiful. I can't imagine it being anything else than it is. It is EXACTLY as I had imagined, even better. Photos will be forthcoming.

Mum has spent the weekend with us and she's well and truly been initiated into our little town. We had the annual Christmas parade. What a hoot. Loved every minute of it. Then Carols by Candlelight in the Village Green. Once the sun went down it got rather chilly, but we were armed with santa hats, coats, big woolly rugs. It was a lovely evening.

I decided to use Sharon's new paper pack, aptly named Warm Christmas to show off some of the sights of our Christmas parade, as only a little town can pull off. ;-)

Credits here.

Oh yes, that's the love of my life there in all his reindeer glory !!! He was most put out when we were told by one of our friends that her young son came racing over to her and in almost a hyperventilating voice said ... "Oh mummy, did you see, did you see? There's Santa Claus and ... and ... and the Easter Bunny"!

Out of the mouths of babes huh?

Building an Ark !

It has not stopped raining. And even if it looks like stopping, you can still feel the moisture in the air. It started around lunchtime yesterday and is still going now. We have the fire on right now. In December!! Unheard of.

Mike and I were talking earlier, the long hot unending days of Summer when we were kids. It seems to be a thing of the past, or at least the seasons are moving, now we seem to be getting warm weather up until Easter.

It's a quagmire out in back yard, but yes I know the rain is good for the garden, the water shortage, yes yes I know. But this much? Over the Christmas season? We have our Carols by Candlelight in the Village Green next Friday night. Please please please don't rain on our parade two years running.

So it is Mike's birthday today. 47 years young. His dad and sister and family are coming up tomorrow for lunch. I have a zucchini/carrot pie in the oven right now. Tossed salad. Cheesecake in the fridge. I'm good to go! Stress is starting to finally be released.

So in keeping with my Christmas layouts, here's another to keep us in the festive mood.

Credits here.

Okay, back to the knitting, thank goodness the Collinette Jitterbug knits up fast, I need to get this last sock finished!

Update, how am I going?

I'm getting there...

• Tree is still up - the dog and cat haven't knocked it down yet, LOL.
• Gifts 95% wrapped, ribbons still all over the kitchen table, but not so anxious now.
• Cards half sent, ran out of stamps, but the last lot ready to go.
• Christmas stockings well and truly on their way.
• Lost present found - LUCKY - because it was a watch! whew.
• The sock - had done about 5cm from the cast on and totally stuffed up the pattern and ripped it out. Still to be done. Big effort this weekend.
• Yes, cheesecake shop has been visited and a luscious strawberry cheesecake is sitting in the fridge right now for the birthday boy.
• And ring is at the jewellers for fixing.

And at last the weekend. And it's raining. Very steadily. I think it's going to be a wet weekend the whole way through. Birthday presents are all wrapped for the birthday boy tomorrow. He's in the loungeroom watching the Last Samarai on telly. Why? When we have the DVD, who knows.

So to bring you a bit more Christmas cheer, I'll finish off with a page I did using one of the new designers at twolittlepixels' - Opal Scraps newest kit, Urban Garden.

My little Bo Bo Girl, I think this was actually a yawn from memory, but it looks like a funny little laugh from her, so I'll stick with that!

Christmas Anomaly - Relaxation

So the silly season has well and truly set in. Aren't we all meant to sit back and enjoy the days of December.

I don't know how it goes in your home, but why is it that I have to write all the cards (which mind you are still sitting on the kitchen bench not sent, even the overseas ones!!), I have to keep tabs of what we've got for who, I am the one braving the stores, I am doing all the wrapping. Who gets to sit back and relax in December??? Not I.

I have revolted again this year and Mike is writing on the cards of the people who are first and foremost his friends the longest. I just plonked 10 tags in front of him and instructed him to write, so there's his writing on some of the items. As for the wrapping, nah! I'll do that.

So let's take stock of where we are up to in the land of Carol and Mike.

• Tree is up - check.
• Gifts half wrapped, paper and ribbons still all over the kitchen table - making me anxious.
• Cards written, still not sent - half check.
• Final order of four Christmas stockings finished and packaged, to be sent tomorrow - check.
• One lost present I hid so well I can't find it - DISASTER!
• Still one sock to finish otherwise the recipient will be given only half a pair - breathe breathe!
• Husband's family descending on us on Sunday for Mike's birthday - arrrrrgggghhhh!!
• Meal to plan, birthday cake to make - think Cheesecake Shop might be getting a quick visit!
• And in amongst it all - one lost diamond.

I whacked my hand on a cabinet in the filing room today and looked down and there was a gap. One of the three diamonds on my engagement ring had disappeared. I even had the boss down on his hands and knees searching!! And after 10 minutes searching there it was. What a big scream I let out and then a sigh of relief. So a visit to the jewellers planned tomorrow to fix my ring.

Yep - rest and relaxation in December!

So let's have a walk down memory lane at some of my Christmasses past, a double page spread from the family album.

Credits here.

You can't help but be impressed with my fringe in the first page huh? Mum was the master of what I lovingly call "the bowl cut". She would put sticky tape across our hair and then cut whatever was left hanging. hahahahahahaha

Okay, off to search for the lost present again.

Hope your December is a bit more relaxing. Somehow I'm wondering if Christmas + Relaxation = does not compute.

Yawn !

Sunday morning. I'm tired. Mike was up early and has gone bush looking for gold. I intend to turn this place into a Christmas wonderland today but I need a bit of oomph to get me going this morning.

It means I need to get up to the top shelf of the cupboard and get the Christmas tree down. Vaccuum. I usually put away a lot of decorator pieces in the loungeroom and replace with Christmas decorating so it's not "too much", put away my normal white dinner crockery and replace with Christmas crockery, plus I intend to wrap presents today, finish writing cards, and parcel up the overseas presents I send hoping they get there in time.

It is the season for rest and relaxation isn't it? te he

Thought I'd show you more pages that are in the family album. Counting down the days till it arrives.

A double page along the same theme, lots of smiling faces over the years. I love mum's face in this first page. She had just unwrapped a cappuccino maker. I guess coffee does that too a girl !

Credits here.

Credits here.

Okay, I'm eyeing off the cupboard, will need to find the step ladder. I can do it right? Let's go get that tree. Eeeek.

Can't help but be impressed

So my last post I mentioned I had just sent away my book to Shutterfly to get printed. And it's Thursday now and I've received an email to tell me it is winging it's way to me as I type. Now that's service! Soon soon soon it will be in my hot little hands. I can't wait.

Here's another couple of pages that went into the book, thought I better put a wedding page in and some of my loveliest memories of my family at our wedding. Gosh dad was scared when he walked me down the aisle. I remember sitting in the back of the car with him as we were chauffeured to the venue. I said "so dad, this is where you have to give me some advice and words of wisdom". He could hardly speak he was so nervous. So instead of any worldly speech from him, he started talking to the driver about the mighty Cats !

Here's a double page spread, both pages using the fabulous new Uptown kit by creashens.

And although you've not seen all the pages of the book, you'll still have more to see, I absolutely love the front page I created. I had a vision in my head that it was going to be white and I love this paper. I can't wait to see it all done.

Credits here.

You know sometimes fate comes in and lends a helping hand. Do you believe in that? I do. Mum had been invited to a memorial night that the funeral home puts on each Christmas. She dearly wanted to go, but doesn't drive and doesn't particularly like going out at night, so passed it up.

Step in my work. I was told to go to a training course down in Geelong on Wednesday and to travel down Tuesday night and stay over. Unbeknowns to anyone at work that this would work in perfectly, I could take mum to the memorial night and attend myself also. You just don't question this type of luck do you?

My goodness, there were hundreds there. Sometimes you feel like you're the only one going through it and then you look around and everyone there was grieving a loss. It was a beautiful night, some songs from a woman with the most angelic voice, a talk about getting through the Christmas season and some ideas to implement to help us through it and honour our loved one at the same time. Then we got to light a candle from one of the four main candles they had lit amongst many tears from our part - memory, courage, life, love. Afterwards they gave us all a balloon and we went outside and let them go flying free high in the sky. Very freeing. Then a supper afterwards if we wanted to stay.

I don't think mum has changed her mind as to wanting not to join in any festivities over Christmas and for solitude, but I do think it's helped heal just a wee little part of her heart.

I must admit I often look for signs. Signs from dad. Silly may be, hopeful possibly. I do like to think that dad had a role in making sure that this course was on and I had to attend when I did, to enable mum (and me) to get to that night. I'm going to believe that anyway.

That's it from me tonight. It's raining very steadily outside right now. I've done a lot of sewing tonight, so now it's time for bed. G'night.

He was everything ... and more !!

It was a given really. I have just loved Billy Joel since forever. What a great weekend.

What fun. The motel was perfect, we had a fabulous banquet in China Town for dinner, the weather was ideal for walking, our seats were AMAZING!, Billy was incredible, have I used enough adjectives?

Here's some pictures. Like I said, amazing seats, this wasn't zoomed in, this was exactly where I was sitting.

Then of course I got up on stage with him to take these ... hahahahaaha Only kidding. The wonders of the zoom lens huh?

Truly just the best weekend ever.

Now I'm down to earth. Ready for this ... THE FAMILY HISTORY BOOK IS FINISHED !!!! And I just spent an obscene amount at Shutterfly for the printing. Gasp! But it will be worth it when I see mum's face when she opens it for Christmas.

Over and out.

I have a hot date tonight :-)

My husband knows about it. He's totally cool with it, because I've known "him" longer than Mike. Already worked out what I'll wear, makeup, hair. I'm getting tingles just anticipating.

hahahahaha

I am going to see Billy Joel tonight. YAY ME ! Sixth time I've seen him in concert, a bit of a fan huh?

I'm taking mum along, she's a big fan too. Mike on the other hand would rather stay home, in the comfort of the lounge chair with a bourbon watching a DVD of Billy Joel, no screaming fans, pushing, shoving, hard seats. He doesn't get it doesn't he? It's the whole thing about live performance, it's special, it's exhilarating. So anyway it's going to be a girl weekend, we've even booked accommodation right in the city as well.

Watch out Melbourne!

Twolittlepixels has an amazing lot of talented new designers and we're so lucky to be able to play with their goodies to present them to the digi scrappers. I got to use Emily Giovanni's beautiful Glitter Snowflakes here in this page. Go nab a bargain 25% for Black Friday sale.

For any overseas people this page will make you laugh. The very first time I saw snow. It was at the top of Mount Wellington in Hobart, Tasmania. There you go Jodie, I've been up there. I was soooooooo excited to see the snow. Truly, there is snow there, I'm pointing to it !!! haha

Credits here.

And with that, I'm logging off, I have a bag to pack and a date night to be had.

Go Wes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think you know I'm an Idol fan. Have wanted him to win since the audition stage. So very pleased and yes, I will be buying his CD absolutely.


Okay first things first, I have been neglecting my knitting on this blog, so will show you the socks I have finished. The yarn is The Knittery Chubby in Merlot, sounds good enough to drink doesn't it? I was given this wool by a good friend Tanya with the express instruction that the socks I make must be for myself. So here they are Tanya and I love them.

The pattern is Spring Forward from Knitty, knitted on 2.75 needles. The pattern, although it looks complex, is really easy and I think has surpassed monkeys as my newest favourite pattern.

More on the knitting front. I nabbed a couple of skeins of Colinette Jitterbug when in Geelong last week. Stitchery Blue is now stocking it. Delicious to knit with. I'm knitting with the bright coloured one (colourway = Jewel) right now. Of course I didn't knit a swatch for size and they're turning out a wee bit bigger than I imagined. Oh well, they will make brilliant bed socks I reckon. The other skein there, the black and white one (colourway = Zebra) will be for mum, the ardent Collingwood fan, for Mother's Day.





Now back to the scrapping, thought the very last page of the book should be a current picture of the house where we grew up. It's changed a lot over the years, as the journalling attests. I think it will be a fitting end to the book. By the way, I'm not scrapping in order, so just because I say this is the last page, I've still got a couple more to go and then away for printing.

Credits here.


Hmmm, the journalling is a bit small to read. It goes like this:


"A lot of changes over the years. Painting, awnings, new side fences, change of roof colour, front fence up, front fence down, plants grown, plants ripped out, wattle tree, pampas grass, bottle brush, wooden window frames, change to aluminium, driveway paved, ramp put in, different cars, different neighbours, altering fittings and fixtures, wood panelling, new carpets, change of whitegoods, things break down, things keep on going, cracks appear, cracks get fixed, floors creak, the sounds of the house, children raised, adults coming back to visit, meals enjoyed, laughter abounds, tears shed. Yes, lots of changes over the years, but one thing remains constant - Love grew in this house and you can feel it every time you walk in the door."


And with that I must be off to bed. It is tragic having to set my alarm tonight, but back to work tomorrow.

Guess what I'm playing on right now?

My beautiful new Wacom Bamboo. That's what. It arrived today and Mike quickly connected it up because he knew he'd never hear the end of it if he didn't, hahaha. Oh it's so beautiful. And so responsive. Plus it looks so sleek on my desk. I LOVE IT ALREADY AMANDA !!!! She promised I would.

And what was more of a surprise was the other little gifties Wacom sent me also. Not that I do paper scrapbooking but a packet of 180 assorted 12x12 inch papers, and another packet of 120 assorted 8x8 inch papers. I will put these to good use with other craft projects most definitely. Plus a really neat digital scrapbooking book. I was not expecting these other gifts so was most surprised when I opened the box.

I went to a craft party on Thursday night actually. Oh yes, I live on the wild side! It was for Stampin Up! Although I have no plans to get back into stamping, I must admit it was a brilliant product. Once stamped they actually looked like they were printed on rather than stamped on.

So amongst the layouts I've done this week, I've had a huge play. Sharon has a wonderfully fresh Beach Play kit out and Shen has the most beautiful soft Christmassy Fa-la-la kit which I know I will use long after Christmas photographs are put away. Check out the links to take you to the shoppe.

And I am going to give you a plethora of pages using the kits ha! All for the now famous (or should that be infamous) family album.

Yes, what a rotter I was telling all the kids at the Christmas party that it wasn't really santa but it was my dad. Eeeek. I don't know how old I was here, it was in the 70's some time. Surely someone would have told me that round stripes do nothing for a girl's figure, hahaha.

I love looking at pictures of when I was a wee toddler. And it still blows my mind that these photos have stayed so pristine over the years. This was from 1966.

And yes, please feel very sorry for me. We had to wait until AFTER lunch was over, AFTER the dishes were done and AFTER mum and grandma put lipstick on (why? who knows), before we could open our Christmas presents. This meant there was a lot of secret touching and shaking going on during the morning. By everyone!! Even grandma, I love seeing that picture of her, all 70 or 80 years of her, on the floor checking out the presents.

And we were very lucky to have a pool when we were growing up. It's not there now, one too many leaks unfortunately. Do you remember back to those days, we would lather ourselves in baby oil and positively cook ourselves in the sun? And thought we were doing wonders for getting a great tan. I get the horrors now thinking of it. These photos weren't the clearest of pics, but they made for a good collage of some summer fun we had as a family.

That's it from me, over and out, time for bed.

Fly by posting

I'm tired, I'm aching, water aerobics tonight was like boot camp. What happened to the fun nights of floating about on a noodle? Hmmmph.

Meant to take a picture today of some beautiful yarn goodness that I bought over the weekend. I will tempt you with that thought, tomorrow there will be pictures. Stitchery Blue in Geelong is now stocking Collinette Jitterbug yarn. Whoooooo weeeeee !!!

I will leave you with a page that I love the feel of it. Pictures through the early 60's during mum and dad's dating and courtship. And once again I thank our lucky stars we are so fortunate to have such clarity with these old photographs. Yes there was a little bit of cleaning up on photoshop, but only to fix dust particles that found it's way onto the scan.

There's a few poses going on below too. Do we do that in the early stages of relationships when the camera comes out? I know I'm a terrible poser now, bring out the camera and I'm jumping in front of it, haha, but the arm on the hips and the leg up on the tree, hmmmm don't know that I did the model poses as such.

When you see these early pictures of their relationship, you realise just how many years have gone by. Here are two people with hopes and dreams in their eyes and a whole future ahead of them.

Credits here.

Sparks a plenty!

I've been spending a few days with mum, just wanted to be there over the weekend because Saturday would have been dad's birthday. Mum and I ended up going to dad's favourite eatery and having a lovely meal, a few wines, and a nice time.

I've actually had quite a busy long long weekend. I met up with my very good friend Myra from Florida. She is out here again visiting . How lucky I am to see her once again. Myra and Joe took us to a lovely restaurant where we were served the biggest meals I've ever seen in my life.

And then Sunday I met up with some dear dear friends. I've stayed good friends with a group of girls where we all met on a wedding forum and all got married around the same time. We're from all over Australia, all walks of life, and we make sure we meet as often as we can. And it's terrific. These girls keep me sane!

NOW .....

I can tell you my very very good news that I hinted about in an earlier post. I entered a competition with one of my scrapbooking pages, first time I've ever done that, with Wacom Pen Scrappers. And unbelievably I won one of the runner up prizes and will soon be the very proud owner of a Bamboo. There'll be no stopping me then!! This page is the one that means the most to me out of all the pages I've ever made so it's meant a lot to be amongst the winning entries. Check them out here.

I've posted the layout before, but I think it deserves another showing.

Credits
The Beautiful Day Kit by JoFia Designs
Diamond Rain by JoFia Designs
Fonts – Carpenter and Mom’s Typewriter


I'm just amazed, stunned really. And Wacom have been wonderful, after the initial email advice, they made they phoned to ensure we knew that we'll be getting an Australian model so the plugs will work, and just now I've received an email from Wacom Asia Pacific who are planning a worldwide press release announcing the results of the contest and would like to customise the Australian and Southeast Asian press releases to highlight me and my artwork as the regional winner among scrapbooking media in the region and would like to interview me. This is too wild for words !!!

Okay, stop getting carried away!! Onto other things ...

I did say in the title sparks a plenty and I meant it. Last Thursday there was an almighty storm here and although the house didn't get hit, the lightening has hit a pole somewhere and sent a shock through our phone lines. Final count - blown up telephone, my computer fried (YES!!! *MY* COMPUTER), the modem blew out and the fax machine went kaput.

Because Mike's best mate is an IT Guru, he's already hooked me up with a brand spanking new computer that he's built, and it's AMAZING! What a very spoilt girl I am.

Off to make dinner. Yes we can be lucky and spoilt, but dinner still awaits! haha

Whew! That was close

Heck I nearly vowed and declared never to watch Idol again last night when Wes was in the bottom two. I frantically got on the mobile and sent another 10 votes in! hahaha Now I *never* do that, so I'm feeling quite passionate about this year's competition. What a great final three. This is probably the best Idol year yet.

In my efforts of online shopping this year I've turned to Etsy. Do you Etsy? It's like going to one big craft market under the one roof. I found a fabulous gift for my step-son and purchased it but alas there was confusion about the postage. It appeared that it was free postage worldwide, which I should have realized was too good to be true. Unfortunately I received an email to say it would be $26 US postage on top of the price of the goods. I panicked! I wrote a nice email to the seller thinking gosh I'd done my dough (considering I'd already paypalled for the goods) and he's let me rescind the purchase and already refunded my money.

Doesn't it reaffirm the goodness in people, especially people in business? I'm feeling very warm and fuzzy right now, considering he would have probably incurred costs through paypal too. My online shopping expedition continues and I will email first to check on postage.

Another family album page to show. Ahhh I'm taking a walk down memory lane looking at these clothes, yes the swirly skivvie makes another appearance in the bottom photo (I don't look very happy do I?) but the top two photos I was wearing my beloved Hollie Hobbie skivvie. I think the kicker with a lot of these photos are the fashions. At 10 years old I was a style guru! What can I say? haha

Credits here.

And now another shiny new button to display, I love blinkies!! The twolittlepixels gallery is now an open gallery, would love to see new members sign up and so we can see the beautiful way you've used twolittlepixels goodies. Lots of inspiration there.

Must ... go ... sew. I have many Christmas stockings to finish.

A little bit of Idol chatter

Well who watched tonight? I loved it, but I think Teale has to go. I'm still thinking it will be Wes and Mark in the final two and although in my heart I just think that Wes will win, it was Mark's night tonight. Was he hot or what?

My lovely friend Di and I text all through Idol with various comments. Why we don't just pick up the phone and chat through it I have no idea. At one stage the text read "Sex on legs" and that's all that was needed, no other words. Mark burned up the screen. haha

So bottom two for tomorrow night will be Teale and Luke and Teale will leave. So says the prophet of Carol.

I'm having to do a bit of re-arranging in the family album, I'm starting to run out of pages for all the rest of the ideas I have. I'm hitting the maximum number that Shutterfly hold for a book, eeeek. This is going to be expensive, but so worth it. I got an email today saying 47 days till Christmas, oh my goodness, when did that sneak up? Usually by September I have my gift shopping done and dusted, not this year.

Mum is still not wanting to have anything to do with Christmas this year, she doesn't want to go anywhere or see anyone, wants to be left alone. I want to respect her wishes here but I just can't. She has relented and mentioned the other night that she was going to have a Christmas tree (after adamently saying for months she was not). Thank heavens for Trevor's new step-children. That's the only reason she's having a tree. I'm still biding my time with her, I don't know what to do or which way to jump.

So this is why the family album is going to be the 'be all, end all' present for her. Hopefully! So in an effort to rationalise pages, I've decided to put our 21st birthdays on the same page. Can you believe there's only 3 years between photos, my brother went through a bleached hair skinny phase. Me on the other hand looks like I was auditioning for Psycho the way I'm killing the cake with the cake knife.

Oh and if you could see the full length shot of my 21st outfit (which you won't! ha) It was all shiny all the way in 1985. Shiny electric blue shirt, shiny electric blue pleated skirt, white lace stockings with white shoes, pearls and a brooch. And I was HOT TO TROT !!!!

Credits here.

That's it from me, Sunday night is over and time for bed.

So much to tell ...

So make yourself comfy, grab a cuppa, dunk your biscuit and let's start chatting. Where to start?

Firstly how did I get so lucky? I have no idea. Twolittlepixels has expanded in a big way. Six new designers. All amazingly talented. Sharon has found the most wonderfully talented group from all over the globe. I think only three have been announced so far so I'm keeping my lips zipped. Go visit the shoppe to see their goodies - so far Emily Giovanni, NatashaNaSt Designs and Pure Scrap have been announced. There's a few freebies to pick up in the shoppe too, so go have a wander.

As part of the twolittlepixels creative team I'm also part of creashens creative team and she's given us a shiny new button to display. Isn't it purty?

I do sometimes wonder how this gig has happened for me. I was scrapping along minding my own business, stalking Sharon's blog most days, especially Fridays for her freebie, and she calls for some creative team members and wham, I'm on for the ride of my life. Such a nice group of girls I'm honoured to call my friends.

I had another play with creashens' Pure paper pack, it's so beautiful, perfect backdrop for pictures. And this is my favourite paper in the bunch. I love this picture of the four of us, probably not the best day for my brother to remember, but it's part of our family history so into the album it goes. The CT girls will know how I obsessed about what journalling to put down, if any, not wanting to offend my brother. So I went with a bit of a telegram speil. It's so special now to look back on pictures of the four of us together. Yes ... even me with boofy hair and a very dated bridesmaid's dress. LOL

Credits here.

The other thing that makes me smile about this page is that my dad didn't dance. But funnily enough the few times we did manage to get him up on the dance floor someone snapped a photograph, so it actually appears in our photo albums here that he danced a fair bit. But that wasn't the case. And for a rather big man, he was surprisingly light on his feet. I think he would have been a great dancer if he had the inkling.

I have a wonderful roast pork doing it's thing in the oven right now, the smell is wafting throughout the house. It smells yummy. It's been cold and rainy here today so it will be the perfect fodder for dinner tonight. Mike is having a granny nap on the couch and I'm playing here and then I'll be doing some stitching tonight. So that's us in a nutshell right now.

You will recall that Lynne of Too Hot to Knit awarded me with an "I love your blog" award, which was just lovely. I've thought long and hard and there are just so many blogs I love to read and I don't want to leave any out, so if you are reading this and I've ever commented on your blog, know that that award is for you too.

How's that for sitting on the fence? Thank you again Lynne.

Now I think a bit of retail therapy is in order, I want to do a bit of online Christmas Shopping. We all know that November is the quickest month of the year. Don't be fooled, Christmas will be on us like a flash. If any Aussies (and I guess non-Aussies for that matter) are looking for great quality online goods to purchase I can highly recommend Peters of Kensington. I've never been disappointed yet. If nothing else sign up for their weekly emails with all their best buys.

I have some other news that I'm bursting with but I'm not sure if I'm allowed to put it out on the WWW yet, so I'll just have to leave you with the thought that there's something exciting about to be shared. Tis rather mean saying only so much isn't it?

Toodlepip. :-)

The man in white is always right

Isn't that how it goes? Except nowadays the man in white at the footy has become a man in a myriad of colours. I don't like the baseball caps on the goal umpires, I don't like all these neon colours they are now wearing. It looked so respected in the past being the man in white.

My dad was a goalie for a zillion years as we were growing up and even when he stopped waving the flags, he was still involved on the appointment panel. I bet you didn't know that even the local football games in the oval up the road may have someone scoring the umpires, on their skill, managing the play, decorum, etc. He spent 46 years involved with his beloved football umpires so we grew up going to matches. Oh those were the good old days, we would sit in the car along the boundary fence, tooting the horn when goals were kicked, on the nice days we'd be sitting on the car bonnet cheering the play, a meat pie in one hand, thermos of drink in the other. It brings back so many memories. And oh for half time when the players went off the ground and all the kids (old and young alike) would en masse take over the ground kicking their own balls around.

These were my winter Saturdays growing up. And a perfect opportunity for a page in the family album, along with an ... err ... quite funny story. Hmmm, it is plain to see where I get my sense of humour from is it not?

Credits here.





The lovely Lynne of Too Hot to Knit (yes Lynn, I know I've been slack in showing my knitting, but I'm up to the toes of the second sock I'm currently knitting, so soon, I promise, soon! LOL) presented me with a very warm and fuzzy award recently. Isn't it pretty?



This blog world really is a lovely place to be. I need to award this as a pay it forward to some of my favourite blogs, so I will do that during the week. Thanks Lynne!!

In between scrapping and knitting (and sitting here indulgently with Molly who I fear can sense a thunderstorm coming, oh I'd say in the next half hour judging by the look in her eyes), I've been sewing. I've put a few new offerings on Molly*Bo Gifts so go check them out.



Well I suppose I best go do some ironing before this storm that seems to be coming hits. I had to buy a new iron during the week, mine actually blew up last weekend. Not from overuse I might add! ROFL. I hate ironing!

Happy Halloween...

To those who enjoy it, dressing up in fancy dress, eating lollies, what's not to enjoy huh? Hmmm, sounds like something I'd like to do, you know my love of fancy dress.

I felt quite sad for my two new American nephews, their first Halloween in Australia, no spooks, no dressing up, no lollies or candy. Yes, we are seeing a bit of it infiltrating our shops over here, but there is no trick or treating, at least not where we live. So I sent two big Halloween helium filled balloons tied to a big jar of lollies to their house. What a surprise my brother said, the look on their faces were enough! Okay so it cost me a fortune to send it but it is worth it. And that's what Auntys and Uncles do right?

Credits here.

So Happy Birthday today. Firstly to Miss B, number 3 step-child. Sweet 16 and never been kissed today. We're off to a family BBQ this afternoon, weather is looking a bit tenuous out there, so we'll see what the day ends up like.

And Happy Birthday to twolittlepixels. I can't believe it's been a year since Sharon and Megan opened the shoppe for the digiscrap followers. And well birthdays there are presents right? How about 30% off the goodies in the shoppe? How about some fabulous new stitches by guest designer Syrin, and we all love Syrin's stitches!!!! How about a present from twolittlepixels to you?

HUH?

Yes that's right YOU get the present. [ksharonkdesigns], creashens, Angelica E. and guest designer Syrin have all gotten together to create this wonderful "Happy Place" collaborative kit and it's yours FREE. Click on the picture to take you to the shoppe and check out all the other goodies too. Lots of birthday goodness!!

Half way

Half way through the work week. On the downhill slide now. Went out for lunch today with my work group and went to a fabulous cafe which had a zillion (well I do exaggerate slightly) little giftie ideas. I am going back for a serious shopping expedition ... oh and probably coffee and cake too. te he I will be a woman on a mission come pay day next week.

Okay first things first, two fabulous things to let the scrappers know about. Now I seriously doubt that any designers out there read my little blog (oh apart from our twolittlepixel ladies) but if there are any who read along or any up and coming designers, this is a great chance to get on a team with fabulous women from all over, and might I say the best darn creative team you'll get!! (cough cough)

And secondly, very exciting for the scrappers who read up here.

Not bad huh? It's twolittlepixels first birthday and you get the presents!!! The freebie collab kit is FABULOUS! I can't wait till you see who the guest designer is.


Okay another page to share with you for the family album. Simple is best.

Credits here.

I do giggle at my love of distressing and tearing papers now in my pages. Another time another place and I would think it ruined and have to start again. Now I love the texture of it all.

Time for bed. Seeya!

A bit of Idol chatter

Do you watch it? Who is going to win? Wes all the way!!!!! I will go on record, and have actually said so since day one, that it will be Wes and Mark Spano in the final two and I am happy for either of them to win. Both incredibly talented, both seemingly very nice guys. But if I had to pick one, it would be Wes. Brilliant every night.

This is Australian Idol by the way, if you are not from here and don't know these household names! te he

I have a lasagne cooking in the oven, it smells absolutely delicious. I do believe there will be garlic bread in the offering too. Anyone coming for dinner? LOL

Time to share another page for the family album, they are coming thick and fast now. Although now I'm having problems, too many photos, not enough pages left. There is a limit with Shutterfly for 50 pages (101 sides), so I'm doing a lot of shuffling on my grid that I have the thumbnails in at the moment.

Credits here.

Do you have any family Christmas traditions? I love that we all get to stir the Christmas pudding when mum is making it and make a wish. I love that we get coins under the pudding and custard (alas I'm too young for the days when the old coins were baked IN the Christmas pudding). Would love to hear about any traditions you may have. I'm going to have to work hard at making some new family traditions to take mum's mind off what we used to do with dad so that she doesn't go into a tail spin. So please do share.

I'm at the point with some of these photos that I am not even hazarding a guess, but am just working out the vintage by the hair styles! hahaha Oh, and the amount of earrings Trevor had in his ears. There was about 8 there at one stage, but they tended to get less as the years went on.