tea with lucy

just us. . .

2012-01-25T13:35:00.005+08:00

just this crazy kid

and me

hanging for a few days

while the other two are in the city

: :

next week

my girl starts kindergarten {eek}

so there's going to be a whole lot more

one on one time with my boy

days of plenty. . .

2012-01-22T13:49:00.008+08:00

reached our fill of zucchini weeks ago

waiting to harvest the first of the tomatoes

enjoying an endless supply of green beans

picking spinach each morning for green smoothies

thanking our new white chooks for their contribution

feeling all virtuous for being on top of the weeding

making beetroot dip, with cumin seeds & garlic

watching the bees busily carry out their work

wishing the basil would be more enthusiastic

eating something from our garden with every meal

nourishing the body & soul

: :

this book has me thinking & talking

about where our food comes from

hit the road...

2012-01-17T17:01:00.007+08:00

a few days away

trying out our new caravan

discovering new places

walking on the beach

eating ice cream for afternoon tea

running under sprinklers

reading & relaxing

surfing in the rain & weed

exploring the south coast

: :

thrifty thursday. . .

2012-01-12T16:19:00.004+08:00

metalicus x 4

mesop

basikke

kirrily johnston

all side by side

on the op shop rack

that's frock shopping

sorted for 2012!

: :

{i found all these on the last day of last year ~

i think the camera gear was pipped at the post

for the find of 2011}

my girl . . .

2012-01-06T20:30:00.001+08:00

now you're four

i see you untangling yourself

from around my legs

and standing on your own

~ blossoming

: :

happy birthday

my darling girl

12 things for 2012. . .

2012-01-01T12:41:00.005+08:00

1. early to bed early to rise

learn to love the mornings

2. disconnect, shut down, switch off

free myself from technology regularly

3. open a little hat shop

here in this space

4. build a farmhouse table

from locally sourced timbers

5. say yes more

especially to my people

6. give more, expect less

{still working on last years resolution!}

7. plant an orchard

nurture it & watch it grow

8. explore more

make the most of where we live

9. walk, swim, stretch

find time to move in some way every day

10. become expert beekeepers

{we brought home our new bees yesterday)

11. meal plan regularly

make the most of local seasonal produce

12. count my blessings

there's so much to be grateful for

: :

wishing you

an extraordinary, excellent & abundant

2012

{pictures of sam & his mum

checking on the bees at the olive grove}

these days. . .

2011-12-27T14:06:00.008+08:00

we're exhaling

& enjoying that summery space

between christmas & the new year

looking at our home

with fresh eyes & enthusiasm

after a stretch of days away

watching the children feast happily

on a smorgasbord of new toys

{i found peace with all the 'stuff' here}

scrubbing the shack & preparing

for a steady stream

of summer holiday visitors

recalling this time four years ago

when i was hot & heavy

excitedly waiting for my firstborn to arrive

reflecting on the past year

& discussing plans & hopes

for a new year

: :

{here are some glimpses

of our christmas extravaganza}

all is calm. . .

2011-12-24T14:32:00.009+08:00

. . . all is bright

for the past week
we've been catching up
with friends & family
in the city

during the week though
we escaped the busy christmas bustle
and found some calm
down at sam's folks olive grove

: :

to all of you
who have visited me here this year
i wish you a calm & bright festive season

merry christmas

making. . .

2011-12-12T19:54:00.007+08:00

sweet little sun hats

for sweet little girls

i've found the perfect project

for my vintage fat quarter stash

: :

good things. . .

2011-12-12T15:49:00.000+08:00

a tower of cake tins from

katie at grow cook sew*

some lotions and potions from

georgi at a pastiche

an organic cotton change mat cover

from kylie at eco nino

it looks like christmas came early

for me this year!

thank you for these gorgeous gifts

lovely ladies of the interwebs

: :

* after a few emails back and forth

katie and i discovered that our husbands

were friends in primary school!

treasure hunting. . .

2011-12-11T20:48:00.005+08:00

a lovely large cake tin

a sweet sheet from the free pile

and

a beautiful battered flour tin

20c

: :

you can find more treasure here

haircut. . .

2011-12-06T14:00:00.004+08:00

hair-tut

he struts around

exclaiming proudly

: :

my baby is 18 months old this week

in the garden. . .

2011-11-27T15:29:00.006+08:00

the beans reach skywards

right before our very eyes

the basil seems to be struggling

and so too the carrots

there are all sorts of berries

we'll be feasting on soon

we've harvested the first of the zucchinis

and there are plenty more to come

we've been mulching with straw

straight from the chook pen

cabbage moths feast on the mizuna

and my boy on the broad beans

the tomatoes are off to a slow start

and not look as good as last season

we're weeding and watering daily

and there's always more to be done

we have a renewed sense of enthusiasm

after a visit from the experts

: :

how are things looking

in your garden?

we went camping. . .

2011-11-22T21:41:00.006+08:00

surfed & swam in the sea. gazed at the fire. hung in the hammock. sought shade beneath the peppermint trees. added rows to the rag rug. dug in the dirt. fetched fuel for the fire. toasted marshmallows by the bagful. got grotty & grubby. boiled billy tea. got munched by mosquitoes. bathed in a bowl. slept four in the bed. awoke to birdsong.

we went to the show. . .

2011-11-13T19:14:00.005+08:00

admired alpacas. had devonshire tea. took a tractor ride. smelled the roses. decided we need a caravan. got a show bag. watched a shearing competition. watched people. inspected farm machinery. recharged in the tea rooms. put the little people on a ride. marvelled at a magician. ate fairy floss. saw pretty poultry. met a prize winning heifer. came home exhausted but happy.

six years ago. . .

2011-11-12T16:26:00.003+08:00

i jumped aboard

a little wooden boat

and went to meet my love

on the grassy banks of the swan river

where we said i do

: :

happy anniversary my darling

pictures by lauren waye

my birthday was. . .

2011-11-08T17:25:00.004+08:00

up early with the little people. a treasure hunt. a gentle morning. yoga, coffee, nail painting & mooching. a winery lunch with friends. sparkling shiraz. fresh flowers. delicious decadent chocolate cake baked by my love. gorgeous gifts galore. phone calls from across the globe. an evening amble. walnut & broccoli lasagne baked by a friend. a nice bottle of red. a table cloth & the good china. wind, rain & sunshine. my 34th. yesterday. just lovely.

my creative space. . .

2011-11-03T08:41:00.006+08:00

making:

a dress for a baby girl

to be posted today

runny yummy jam

strawberry & vanilla

a crochet rag rug

couch crafting at its best

choc brownies

{thanks for the recipe megs}

fun new lampshades

for my boy & girl

: :

more creative spaces here

alfresco. . .

2011-11-01T14:56:00.005+08:00

we took our dinner

to the water's edge

and

watched the sun go down

: :

in the mudpie kitchen. . .

2011-10-27T16:34:00.003+08:00

when the sun shines

after all the rain

the mudpie kitchen

is at its best

utensils : tip shop

ingredients : mother nature

benches : mama made

creations : all theirs

washing : all mine

: :

glimpses. . .

2011-10-24T21:41:00.004+08:00

it's been one month now

since we moved into our new house

a blur of unpacking,

sorting & endless jobs to do

the last box has been emptied

the builders are almost finished

the fine tuning has begun

& our focus has shifted outside

it's such an easy place to live in

a space designed by us, for us

& after weeks of doing,

finally, we're tasting sweet moments of being

: :

{here's a look at aila & elliot's bathroom}

our weekend was. . .

2011-10-23T20:00:00.004+08:00

catching up on sleep. getting plants in the ground. potato harvesting. a cafe lunch. wine with neighbours. thunder & lightening. torrential rain. a day of inside jobs. plus time on the couch. making & baking. picture hanging. early to bed.

through the lens . . .

2011-10-21T12:31:00.005+08:00

oh wise and benevolent

all seeing*

op shop gods

thank you

for my quiver

of new lenses

hands down

the most perfect

and exciting

thrifting find

in all my many years

of treasure hunting

this box of old school

mint condition camera accessories

{perfectly matched to my pentax

for a grand sum of $5}

has me switching over to manual mode

and learning so much

: :

*i purchased a 50mm lens

on ebay a few months back

and it never showed

the golden hour

the golden web

macro mania

mess

the crack of dawn

{up early with a sick girl}

my sick girl

my snotty {nosed} knotty {haired} boy

enjoy your weekend

the golden hour. . .

2011-10-19T18:42:00.006+08:00

i put the chooks to bed

do some watering

pour a g&t

dinner is taken care of

the shadows are long

the light is perfect

as the weather warms up

i'm growing to love that hour

just before the sun goes down

: :

i first heard it called

the golden hour

here

turbo...

2011-10-17T20:53:00.003+08:00

once upon a time

we called him

mellow ello.

gentle. easy. quiet.

then all of a sudden

{like someone flicked a switch}

we discover in our midst

a bashing, crashing, smashing little boy.

a boisterous and energetic

little whirlwind

rocking our peaceful home

to its very core.

hold on to your hats people,

it looks like we're in for a wild ride!

: :

treasure hunting...

2011-10-12T11:14:00.003+08:00

golden book extravaganza

10 for $2

egg basket

50c

a is for aila

50c

stool of my dreams

: :

you can find more treasure

here

captured...

2011-10-06T14:18:00.005+08:00

a little while back

the delightful dani

of wheatbelt photography

took some fantastic photos at

my gran's eightieth birthday party

i love them so much

i thought i'd share some with you

: :

you can see other photos

she has taken of us

here

{isn't she clever!}

loving. . .

2011-10-04T12:46:00.006+08:00

more decorating with blu-tack

friends with flowers

banana passionfruit from the garden

my new craft cupboard

mountains of magazines

: :

...most of all i'm loving

being in our new home ~

it feels so good!

in her room . . .

2011-10-03T11:29:00.004+08:00

we picked up an old

ladybird reader

from the chuck out pile

at our local library,

chopped it up

and blu-tacked it to the wall

: :

i'm half tempted

to move it to my own room...

this week . . .

2011-09-28T19:53:00.009+08:00

we scrubbed the old house clean. we scrubbed the new house clean. we said hallelujah for grandparents who take little people on outings. and cook dinner. and help clean houses. we regularly exclaimed how much we love the new house. we made secret birthday plans. we made cheesecake. we ate cheesecake. we played with new birthday toys. we had plans to go whale watching. it was cold and windy. it hailed. plans were cancelled. we went to bed early and slept like logs. we made little corners of pretty in the chaos. the list of things to do grew longer each day. i broke my favourite tea cup. we took a lot of stuff to the tip shop. we brought a lot of stuff home from the tip shop. we tried to be presentable for when builders arrived at 7am. we were utterly exhausted and equally happy.

my creative space . . .

2011-09-15T12:24:00.006+08:00

making :

personalised towels for the new bathroom

when i really should be packing

dreaming :

of what i might make with this pile of pretty

from kellie's vintage sheet swap

planning :

another of these dresses

from this pile of op shop finds

: :

see what other people are making

here

in the garden. . .

2011-09-13T16:34:00.004+08:00

potting up herbs

to take to the new house

pulling carrots

and eating them too

planting raspberry canes

we found at the op-shop (of course!)

building a new greenhouse

from an old bath & shower screen

making pots from newspaper

and planting our veggie seeds

and

waiting for the builders and to finish their work

so we can get some things in the ground

: :

springtime is here. . .

2011-09-10T17:57:00.006+08:00

there was

making & baking

weaving & winding

dancing & drumming

singing & storytelling

babies & blankets

coffee & cake

celebrating spring

in the sunshine

: :

happy days are here again

thanks for your kind words

this week has been. . .

2011-09-08T13:05:00.004+08:00

a live mouse with its leg caught in a trap somehow attached to the foot of the tights of the hysterically screaming three year old girl - a baby boy rummaging in the kitchen bin cutting his finger on broken glass resulting in a tarantino-esque kitchen scene and a trip to the hospital - a quick trip to town interrupted by a flat tyre in the pouring rain on the muddy steep sloping driveway - a boy who is into everything resulting in blood and grease and red nail polish on the floors, walls, furniture and no less than 10 items of clothing - a magpie trapped inside and choosing to perch (and crap) on the line full of just washed nappies...

what's next, i wonder?

: :

thinking. . .

2011-09-06T16:32:00.007+08:00

these jobs are so much easier now that he's walking. where has my baby gone? it's going to be different when she's at kindy next year. gosh i'm going to miss her so much. what am i going to make for dinner tonight? pity we won't be here when these peach trees are fruiting. how many days has it been since i brushed her hair? they'd happily play here with the chooks all day. i need to bring some more wood in. i should have my camera with me more often. they're so much happier playing outside. i love watching them play together. this light is so nice. i really should go and do something about dinner...

: :

around here. . .

2011-09-05T08:50:00.000+08:00

planting : springtime seeds

making : lemon tart

loving : new laundry details

admiring : my husband's handy work

enjoying : a sunday lunch

finding : tip shop treasures

: :

dad. . .

2011-09-04T10:48:00.003+08:00

i hope this father's day

finds you surrounded by the weekend papers

or with your nose in a good book

and a big box of turkish delight by your side.

happy father's day

: :

photo by lauren waye

on the first day of spring...

2011-09-01T14:37:00.000+08:00

we visited the butcher, the baker and the chocolate maker. we prepared gifts and cards for dads. my girl recorded her first hit song {in her pajamas no less}. we bought beetroot seeds at the environment centre. the fish man was selling herring and flathead he caught today. the birds were singing. we washed dolls clothes and hung them out to dry. we had lunch with the daddy-o up at the shack. we got ready for mamabaking tomorrow. we had raw milk delivered in glass bottles. my new kitchen and laundry were very nearly finished. we wore thongs and short sleeves and were perfectly warm enough. there was a happy sunshiney buzz about town.

: :

collecting . . .

2011-08-29T13:18:00.010+08:00

a bounty of

shapes, sizes and colours

from the backyard

and creating

an army of

nutty little nut people

: :

our weekend was. . .

2011-08-28T20:20:00.005+08:00

friday coldies on the deck with the builders. date night with my love. discovering a new beach. a picnic blanket a magazine and a sleeping baby. big surf {too big for me}. a cafe lunch. making friends with strangers. a hot chilli chocolate shot. a power nap. tennis in the forest. climbing on logs. hunting for frogs. bbq with friends. muddy and soggy. talking about packing. not actually packing. a family yoga session. four seasons in one day. crispy skin chicken roasted in the kamado. laughing at the walking talking baby boy. full and fun.

: :

glimpses. . .

2011-08-22T12:23:00.003+08:00

watching

all the delicious details

unfolding

less than

four weeks

until we move in.

: :

bundles of goodness . . .

2011-08-16T16:03:00.006+08:00

arriving

from clever tammi

over at little poppa

{lucky me!}

and

departing

for kellie's vintage sheet fq swap

{thanks to my family

for letting me raid their linen cupboards}

the party. . .

2011-08-15T10:12:00.007+08:00

what a lovely afternoon it was

happy 80th birthday gran

2011-08-11T10:00:00.000+08:00

always in our hearts

a.m.f

making. . .

2011-07-30T11:16:00.006+08:00

a miss haidee inspired

vintage party frock

for my girl

next weekend

groovy gran turns eighty

and we're heading north

to celebrate!

: :

treat...

2011-07-28T14:25:00.004+08:00

it's a rare treat

to get a nap

out of my girl

but to have them

both asleep at once

...heaven.

: :

these days. . .

2011-07-27T20:18:00.005+08:00

playing in the park days

picnic by the river days

sunny days

to warm the hands and soul

: :

life feels that much easier

when we spend our days outdoors

the house on the hill...

2011-07-24T19:21:00.004+08:00

is at lock up now. is all insulated and cosy and warm. looks a bit like it stands on matchsticks. is all clad on the outside and lined on the inside. is an island in a sea of mud. had to sacrifice its veggie patch to make way for the rainwater tank. is the number one conversation topic with my beloved. is bathed in delicious northern light. is generating its own solar power. has a carport right at the back door, perfect for rainy days. has been occupying a whole lot of my thoughts and time lately. has an old boat out the back to keep the kids entertained. is feeling good.

: :

update. . .

2011-07-18T19:29:00.001+08:00

never doubt that a small group

of thoughtful committed citizens

can change the world.

indeed, it's the only thing

that ever has.

margaret mead

: :

thank you all

for sharing my concern

about what's happening

at james price point

there are a band of people

working hard on the front line

to save this last great wilderness

from short-sighted industrialisation

you can read more

about what they are up to at

save the kimberley

and thanks to these girls

for helping to spread the word

and raise awareness

there is hope

: :

sky grass earth

print by paul parin

stay awhile. . .

2011-07-17T20:44:00.006+08:00

coffee

newspapers

colouring

a light lunch

a valley view

and plenty of winter sunshine.

everyone's happy

: :

change. . .

2011-07-14T20:59:00.002+08:00

a groovy new eco nino change mat cover

from the gorgeous jodi

i wonder if her new baby

will be arriving with this full moon?

: :

once upon a time. . .

2011-07-11T23:53:00.002+08:00

we used to camp

atop those red pindan cliffs

and climb down their rugged face

to swim in the blue green water

we'd cook our dinner

over the hot campfire

while we watched

the sun melt into the ocean

a place where humpbacks passed

and dugongs fed

true untouched wilderness

a magical place

an ancient land

rich in mythology

with shell middens and burial grounds

where song lines cross

this is walmadan

this is james price point

this is country

: :

the western australian government

has chosen james price point

as the site for a major industrial gas hub

... the bulldozers have started clearing.

find more info here

: :

Only after the last tree has been cut down.
Only after the last river has been poisoned.
Only after the last fish has been caught.
Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten

memory. . .

2011-07-06T15:28:00.006+08:00

my papa used to grow

rows of red radishes

in his veggie patch

in the back yard

i remember him

as a big gruff

gentle sensitive man

who loved his grandkids

he was a hands on

father and loving husband

who made a big impact

in the few years i knew him

this week he would have turned 83

: :

happy birthday papa

winter days. . .

2011-07-03T12:50:00.009+08:00

listening

to rain heavy and steady for almost a week now

wearing

gum boots and raincoats and mittens and beanies

catching up

with my little brother visiting from canada

making

simple fingerless mittens for the daddy-o and me

picking

mandarins and oranges and pomegranates too

eating

delicious mamabaked meals from the freezer

marking

the winter solstice with a lantern walk

appreciating

my mum and how much she does for me

buying

locally made uggies to keep tiny toes warm

realising

it really does take a village

discussing

tiles and taps and tanks and tradies

reconnecting

with my beloved over fine food and wine

cheering

as my baby boy takes his first wobbly steps

: :

...and thank you all for your concern.

the house on the hill stood strong

in the wild and windy weather.

building. . .

2011-06-27T13:26:00.004+08:00

last week was a busy one.

we got the roof on

the pv cells installed

and windows in

and this week...

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

for Damaging Winds with Locally Destructive Gusts,

Abnormally High Tides and

Flash Flooding.

pure. . .

2011-06-26T13:38:00.004+08:00

she likes to play this game.

we cover the table

with random objects

from around the house.

she covers her eyes

with her little hands

and i remove something

from the table.

what's missing?

she nails it every time.

: :

oh for such a fresh & uncluttered mind...

one. . .

2011-06-19T19:23:00.007+08:00

while we were away

my winter baby

celebrated a tropical

first birthday

: :

happy birthday my darling sweet boy

we love you very much

missing. . .

2011-06-16T15:22:00.010+08:00

sunshine. smiling faces and helping hands.

someone to hold the baby. daily massages. playmates.

fragrant frangipanis. walks in the afternoon.

the rickety bridge. the magic laundry basket.

bare feet. bare bottoms. the daddy-o. outdoor showers.

lolling. tropical fruit. delicious meals served three times a day.

fresh juice. lazy days inside the villa gates. friends.

greetings. . .

2011-06-12T19:08:00.004+08:00

... from the island of the gods.

: :

be back soon xo

my creative space. . .

2011-06-02T11:57:00.009+08:00

we can count on one hand now

how many sleeps until we're on a plane

but i need many hands to count {and complete}

all the jobs on my 'to do' list

sewing a laptop case

so my computer can come too.

tick.

(there's bubble wrap sandwiched

between those layers of fabric)

: :

see what other people are making here

making me smile. . .

2011-05-29T18:49:00.006+08:00

a baby boy in nanny-made knits. surfing in the sunshine with dolphins. a house with walls. drawing and painting and chatting with my girl. counting down the days until bali. a {momentarily} clean house. teeny tiny pullet eggs. sourdough in the camp oven. field mushrooms in the backyard. a husband who likes to vacuum. clickety click season.

: :

our weekend was. . .

2011-05-22T19:38:00.004+08:00

. . . lazy mornings, a roaring fire, tennis in the forest, mulled wine, bbq dinner, rhubarb tart, waking to pancakes, rugging up, a winter walk, card games, tree climbing, early nights.

: :

treasure hunting. . .

2011-05-18T12:42:00.005+08:00

some of my latest finds.

i'm drawn to little pottery pieces

at the moment.

jugs, mugs, bowls and vases.

hard to resist bringing them all home.

. . . and on a side note,

the cushion has landed.

so glad you like it cath.

: :

gone fishing. . .

2011-05-16T21:18:00.005+08:00

just a few minutes of my time

and she was entertained all day.

if only it was this easy every day.

: :

{just call me joel}

lunch. . .

2011-05-16T10:01:00.001+08:00

tomatoes from the veggie patch.

basil from a friend's garden.

lemon from the tree.

organic olive oil from my in-law's grove.

bread from the oven.

now we just need to grow some garlic,

then i think we've got it covered.

: :

what's for lunch at your place today?

home. . .

2011-05-14T11:14:00.008+08:00

we're spending more and more time up at the block.

harvesting and planting. in the bath. sharing a drink or a meal.

dreaming and discussing details.

watching our new home unfold.

a born and bred farmer's daughter, i know only too well

how important rain is. whether you are on the land or not.

to fill the tanks and dams. to make things grow. for life.

but each morning i make a guilty little wish for another sunshiny day.

a team of hard-working non-surfing chippies

putting in long hours,

plus a run of 'good' weather,

means we are a week ahead of schedule.

. . . and although it's early days,

without even walls or a roof,

already it's feeling like home.

it's where my heart is.

: :

adventuring. . .

2011-05-10T12:17:00.005+08:00

mothers day

out and about in

the yellow boat

: :

for a long time

we've wondered

what was on that little island

mum. . .

2011-05-08T16:53:00.006+08:00

for your generosity

your selflessness

your kindness

and patience

for all you've ever done for us

you always showed me

that children are for celebrating

not for enduring

thank you

{isn't she gorgeous?}

: :

this week. . .

2011-05-06T10:41:00.008+08:00

friday

we rugged up and watched a movie outdoors

while the babies slept in laps and quilts

saturday

played tennis at a quaint club

hidden in the forest

sunday

it rained and i sewed

monday

visited a friend's piece of pristine wilderness

and watched the boy delight in his first mud puddle

tuesday and wednesday

took a doll making class

and stitched ma and pa in the autumn sun

thursday

enjoyed morning tea at a friend's cosy home

and got inspired by her edible garden

and today

we're baking, washing, reading, sorting, folding

and catching up on jobs at home

: :

hope you have enjoyed a week of good things

my creative space. . .

2011-05-05T13:24:00.003+08:00

crazy cushion

all packed up and ready to go

off to it's new home

I even taught myself

how to insert a zip properly

especially for the occasion

: :

more creative spaces here

: :

through her eyes. . .

2011-05-01T21:18:00.002+08:00

i often find little treasures like these on my camera.

it makes me smile to see what catches her eye.

what the world looks like from her perspective.

: :

making. . .

2011-04-27T14:31:00.003+08:00

a woollen dress for winter

additions to the herb bath

a sign for the block

friends with sourdough

apple puzzles for my girl

: :

these days. . .

2011-04-25T21:22:00.004+08:00

it's all wet & wintry around here.

good weather for rugging up at home.

our little town is packed full of holiday makers,

so we've been avoiding it at all costs.

there's been a lot of cooking, sewing & playing.

we've also been keeping busy up at the block.

our wonderful family helped us to plant 100 trees

and build a fancy house for my chooks.

this week the builders start work on our new house.

we're busy sourcing bits and pieces from here and there.

trying to make sure the new place

has plenty of rustic charm & soul.

hope you are enjoying your holidays too

: :

easter. . .

2011-04-21T10:05:00.005+08:00

we're

making hot cross buns

hoping the fish man has his sign out today

looking forward to our house guests arriving soon

trying very hard to resist the chocolate eggs in the pantry

: :

wishing you a happy easter my friends

making. . .

2011-04-20T21:53:00.004+08:00

cushions & trinkets

: :

we're joining in with vic's cushion swap

over here

our weekend was. . .

2011-04-18T09:25:00.006+08:00

friday night pizza. saturday morning pancakes. the last of the beach weather. mummy daddy surfing tag team. an unread newspaper. an outdoor bath at the shack. pumpkin harvesting.

. . . and then the start of the wintry weather.

dusting off the gumboots. ripe figs {finally}. more stolen moments in the sewing room. hot chocolate in new {old} mugs. no power, no water. planting grass for the easter bunny. corned beef with white sauce and mash. rain on the tin roof. three nights of sleep.

sweet sleep.

: :

how was your weekend?

pumpkin scones. . .

2011-04-17T14:57:00.006+08:00

we're enjoying a bumper pumpkin crop this autumn.

heritage varieties with so many interesting colours and shapes.

this simple recipe is very easy and healthy

{until you top the warm scones with slabs of butter,

as i like to do}

300g SR flour

250g cubed pumpkin

pinch of salt

20g butter

1 egg lightly beaten

milk for brushing

Cook pumpkin until tender (steam or microwave)

Dry off the pumpkin pieces with paper towel or tea towel

Mash the pumpkin

Rub butter into flour

Add all remaining ingredients and mix until it makes a soft dough

You may need to add a little more flour to get the right consistency,

depending on the wetness of your pumpkin

Shape and cut into scones

Place on a tray and brush with milk

Bake in 200 C oven for 15 -20 minute

This recipe was adapted from a thermomix version

which can be found here.

gift...

2011-04-16T14:22:00.004+08:00

my beloved gave me the sweetest gift of all last night.

sleep.

with head and heart full of mother's guilt,

i retreated to the far end of the house.

left my boys to work it out on their own.

with daddy's twinkle twinkle little star

in place of mummy's boob,

they survived just fine.

with not too much fuss at all, really.

{naturally the three year old

found her way into my bed,

and i spent a good part of the night

listening out for my baby}

but today i caught the slightest glimpse of me.

like the fog had lifted, ever so slightly.

and guess what?

there's talk of doing it again tonight.

: :

our weekend was . . .

2011-04-10T16:26:00.007+08:00

the obligatory weekend tip shop visit.

a birthday party under the trees.

attempting to make friends with sourdough.

falling in love with a straw bale house.

snatching moments at the sewing machine. veggie shopping.

bracing myself for a couple of days single parenting.

: :

how was your weekend?

caught . . .

2011-04-09T11:43:00.007+08:00

we got caught in the rain

and sought refuge in the op-shop

where i stumbled upon this little number

by master + margarita

: :

{not striking a pose,

just running to beat the self timer!}

dream weaver. . .

2011-04-08T13:34:00.004+08:00

we made it

to catch her bad dreams

and melt them away

. . . and it worked.

: :

yesterday. . .

2011-04-02T10:15:00.002+08:00

breathed new life into

an old paint stained top

enjoyed pumpkin scones for

morning tea at the shack

saw the corn people get married

and moved into a new home

tidied up the veggie patch

and foraged in the tomato forest

: :

wishing you a wonderful weekend

...we're going camping!

moments. . .

2011-04-01T13:24:00.005+08:00

there are moments of frustration

and moments of destruction.

where he bulldozes her block towers

and eats the contents of her dolls house.

then there are the sweet moments

where they're in their own little world

laughing together endlessly.

these moments make my heart melt.

: :

my creative space : : make a corn dolly

2011-03-31T13:27:00.007+08:00

: :

more creative spaces here

friday finds. . .

2011-03-25T13:47:00.004+08:00

lambswool jumper for the daddy-o

handmade skirt for the mama

plastic fantastic for the little people

: :

the op-shop gods smiled on us today

my creative space. . .

2011-03-24T20:58:00.004+08:00

hot iron

sharp pins

chokey buttons

why do babies and sewing have to be so incompatible?

: :

i'm trying my hand at patchwork.

truly clueless, scrappy, unskilled,

n0-idea-what-i'm-doing patchwork

{mum, look away now}

more creative spaces here

holiday. . .

2011-03-20T09:45:00.003+08:00

sunshiny days. sandy feet. sandy floors. pies for lunch. wet towels draped on chairs. mojitos on the beach. hide and seek after dark. full moon. ocean breeze. figs from the tree. fish and chips. kayaking as the sun comes up. ice cream. painting toenails. walk to get the newspapers. peppermint trees. suncream. coffee and croissants. hanging with the family. bbq. dip in the ocean. dig in the sand. sleep all afternoon.

: :

cuddles. . .

2011-03-13T21:39:00.003+08:00

he's nine months old now

he's been out as long as he was in

: :

my creative space. . .

2011-03-09T13:04:00.000+08:00

we're making pretty things
from clay
imprinted with leaves
from the garden

see more spaces here

: :

weekending. . .

2011-03-05T09:55:00.002+08:00

it's a long weekend in this part of the world.

my baby brother has come to stay.

my parents are arriving soon.

we're making pasta sauce and lemon butter.

doing odd jobs.

reading the papers.

going to see the waifs.

hoping for some more beach weather.

drinking coffee and eating pancakes.

wishing you a wonderful weekend too.

yesterday. . .

2011-03-04T14:53:00.004+08:00

we harvested

another 4 kilos

of tomatoes

and

a friend delivered

2 pretty black chooks

imelda & regina

welcome girls

: :

an afternoon in the veggie patch. . .

2011-02-28T19:41:00.007+08:00

the pumpkins are taking over

tomatoes are {finally} abundant

so many different shapes, colours and sizes

she was happy sorting and arranging

he was happy in the dirt

: :

i didn't have much hope

when i scattered the seeds

high on the hill

exposed to the winds

gravelly soil

expectations

well and truly exceeded

: :

boom boom. . .

2011-02-27T14:59:00.003+08:00

last night we saw her live

she rocked. and rolled.

: :

visiting here

to help get in touch

with my inner rockabilly!

cute attack...

2011-02-25T12:31:00.004+08:00

Neutral expression

Mouth closed
Looking straight at camera

...we got there eventually.

: :

our weekend was. . .

2011-02-20T19:40:00.003+08:00

the little one's first stitching session

and a spot of sewing for me too

a special friend's first birthday

with insanely good cake

in the kitchen making sauce

tomatoes and plums aplenty

a sunday morning surf

because I'm making a habit of it

: :

loving. . .

2011-02-15T13:03:00.007+08:00

after lunch sleeps with my little people. the crispness of hemp sheets. the calm of our steiner playgroup. a husband who brings me tea in bed. that berries grow wild at the end of our driveway. being engrossed in a good book sent by my dad. wintry days in the summertime. blissful bowen. the personality i see emerging in my baby boy. picking stone fruit from the garden. playing hairdressers with my girl. jam and cream on anything.

: :

give. . .

2011-02-11T13:25:00.005+08:00

my heart swelled with pride

as i watched my little girl

collect a bag of special things

for another little girl

who had lost everything

: :

eight months. . .

2011-02-10T13:10:00.004+08:00

{please excuse me

while i do some record keeping}

two teeth *

pulling up

climbing

crawling **

waving

emptying cupbards

laughing at his sister

eating more than his sister

chasing the dog

mum mumming

bub bubbing

* just checked, make that 3

** mostly launch and body slam style

tuesday...

2011-02-08T19:59:00.004+08:00

is steiner day

is yoga day

is a good day

and to top it off

a double dose

of chocolate cake

today

taste...

2011-02-05T14:45:00.002+08:00

recently retrieved from the mouth of the boy:

1 {dead} huntsman spider

1 {live} garden snail

: :