A Tranquil Townhouse

mind games...the dementia lottery

2012-01-30T07:00:00.020+11:00

I went to Newcastle on Friday to take my mum to her first appointment with the geriatrician. Some of you may know that dad has been diagnosed with dementia (in the mild category thankfully, at least so far) and my sister and I have had some concerns about our mum, especially since her surgery.

The good news is that mum only has “mild cognitive impairment” on the clinical dementia rating scale but there is a 50/50 chance of ‘crossing the line’ and joining dad within the next 12 months. Worrying, and she will be closely monitored by her doctor, but let’s take the glass half full view at this stage and hope for the best J

I suspect that in the next few years I am going to learn a lot about dementia. In a delightfully ironic twist, I have been doing some strategic planning work with people involved in dementia training for the health profession, so I have access to a mountain of information when I need it!

Parents get old (if we’re lucky) and time and age can dull their senses and lessen their mobility. That’s normal. I am beginning to see firsthand that old truism about the parent becoming the child, and vice versa. This doesn’t bother me. In many ways I see it as an opportunity to repay my parents, to look after them as they’ve looked after me. As best I can at least. For the problem is this: I left home at 17 and I’ve never lived in my home town since. I've never lived closer than I do now. My holidays haven’t been spent in Newcastle, or rarely, so extended periods of time with my parents have been few and far between. Filling out the questionnaire at the doctor’s surgery was difficult. The checklist about changes noticed over the last 10 years was much easier to answer than what’s the last week been like? The simple answer is I’m not sure. There is only so much that a phone call or reports from neighbours and family who live closer can tell you about what’s really happening. And with a five hour road trip each way, weekly visits are simply not possible...not without me ‘running on empty’ (which was playing on the CD as I made the last trip!) My sister lives in Perth, much, much further away than Canberra. We are faced with the ‘tyranny of distance’ in a very big way.

We have done what we can to put all the possible services in place to assist. The geriatrician knows where to find me and I'll be copied in to all correspondence. Power of attorney and enduring guardianship papers are being filled in. They are still very capable of looking after themselves at home (mum especially) but this will obviously get worse over time.

Does anyone have any experience with looking after parents who don’t live close by? Can you give me some tips, some strategies to make it seem a little more manageable? I’m open to suggestions! And surprise, surprise...no, they won’t move!

p.s. they'll turn 83 and 88 in a few months...they look good for their age don't they!

buffy...

2012-01-27T06:50:00.000+11:00

I have to confess that I don't have very much to say today. I'm on the highway to Newcastle again, and if the weather forecast is correct, the windscreen wipers will be on. I'll be listening to Radio National or singing along to something in the CD player. You can do that when you drive alone. You can even sing along to John Denver : )

But it occurred to me, while thinking what I might write about, that there are some of you who might be new to the townhouse who haven't had the dubious pleasure of 'meeting' Buffy...or as we ever so affectionately call her around here...the vampire slayer. I took a couple of snaps of her last night as she was enjoying a little breeze that had blown in to the courtyard garden. I have no idea how she gets up on top of that wall because it's all she can do to haul herself on to the sofa these days. But I thought she looked...well, tranquil : )

And I can assure you...that doesn't happen very often! She does need a new collar though. It's letting down the beautiful bling tag that Rachael bought her. I'd better get on to that.
It was Australia Day yesterday. I read a book. Perfect.
Have a lovely weekend won't you?

top ten pictures from the week ~ 25 Jan 2012

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000+11:00

Well, the holidays are done and dusted

And work’s back with a vengeance

it's crazy busy...the kind of busy I'm not fond of

I went to my first 'boot camp' session with the young 'uns at work yesterday

I'll probably be regretting that by the time you're reading this

but I desperately need to do some exercise

and try to get this body into some sort of non-potato sack like shape

Another flying (as in driving to the speed limit of course) trip to Newcastle on friday, or maybe thursday

to take mum to the geriatrician on saturday

life's a barrel full of monkeys at the moment!

anyway, enough of that...how are you all going?

images seen on: decorology; an indian summer; from the right bank; gild and grace; heidi claire; iced vo vo's; not my beautiful home; the small garden; tiny white daisies; verandah house

tassie highlights...last one (promise)

2012-01-23T07:00:00.001+11:00

You’ve been very patient with my holiday snaps, and kind with your comments...thank you.

This is the last Tassie post I promise...cross my heart J

They’ve come in no particular order...no-one who knows me would be surprised by that, so today we have Port Arthur and Battery Point.

Port Arthur is a place teeming with ghosts and ghastly stories. The tour guides try to downplay it, and that seems fair to me. After the awful events of April 1996 when Martin Bryant gunned down 35 people, both tourists and site workers, you can hardly blame people for wanting to emphasise the reformist aspects of this historic place. It was a penal colony, a place of incarceration for men and boys, designed to practice a new 'enlightened' view of imprisonment on the most difficult of the convicts from other parts of Australia. Almost inescapable due to its geography, only a very small number actually made it out. Despite its history, or perhaps because of it, I was captivated by its physical beauty. I hadn’t expected that.

And because I know you love a house shot or four J

Who knew black coral was a popular decor item in the 1800s?

And the kitchen in the commandant's house....cosy and comfy don't you think. What must the prisoners have thought about a lovely home just metres away? Fabulous faded wall mural and embroidered curtain coming up...

I want to buy a house in Battery Point. Excuse me while I dash off to buy a lottery ticket!

Ok, that's probably a Tassie overload...I might post some more photos on my facebook page later in the week, just in case you're suffering from withdrawal. And as I'm unlikely to be holidaying again any time soon you're probably safe for a while J

memorial to the 1996 tragedy

all images: a tranquil townhouse

tassie highlights...last one (almost) and a request

2012-01-20T06:51:00.000+11:00

I'm drafting this on Thursday night; I can hear the Australian Open tennis on the tv in the living room. Lleyton's behind in the first set and already this holiday feels like it happened so long ago. I wasn't ready to go back to work on Wednesday, but was even less ready for the funeral I had to attend that afternoon. Rudi, a very lovely man, husband to an extraordinary and equally lovely woman Kirsty, was lost to cancer at only 45. Not at all fair. So, I'm probably not in the best frame of mind for blog posting, but I reckon I can manage some more pretty pictures of Tassie J

Richmond:

I was going to say 'historic' Richmond, but that pretty much describes everything in Tasmania! The weather wasn't kind to us that day...even the ducks were sheltering under the picnic tables.
Pooley Wines:

Incredibly beautiful property (look, the vineyard cat even matched) , lovely people (in fact I think everyone in Tassie is lovely) and the Sparkling Pinot wasn't bad either!
Pirates Bay:

The middle picture is a part of the bay called the Tessellated Pavement. I recorded a lovely little movie on my camera of the waves coming in over the rocks. It's very peaceful but I can't work out how to put it on here so that it's not at 90 degrees, i.e. you have to be horizontal to watch it! It's probably not the right time for a lie-down so never mind L

DooTown:

Yep, good old Aussie 'something or other'...not quite sure what! Doo-Google DooTown...you know you want to. I had to bring home a postcard of course.
Lleyton's lost the first set to Andy Roddick but is ahead in the second.
And you know what...I think I'm going to stop here...I've run out of puff! Port Arthur and Battery Point will have to wait for another day. And then that will be it, I promise!
Well, who would have thought...the match is at a set each!
early morning update: poor Andy had to retire hurt. Lleyton was gracious and I'm off to the first friday morning breakfast of the year with the girls.
I hope you all have a lovely weekend. While you're doing your weekend things, sharing the mundane or the marvellous with people you love, could you please stop for a little moment and say a quiet prayer for my courageous friend Kirsty...that would be lovely if you could.
all images: a tranquil townhouse

tassie highlights...things starting with F

2012-01-18T07:00:00.005+11:00

By this I mean: friends, food, ferns and falls...let me elaborate...

One of the wonderful things about blogging is you get to 'know' people from all over the place. And if you're lucky, you get to meet them for real J

Such was the case last Wednesday night when I had dinner with Sarah from Molly's Maison and Jane from Life on Planet Baby. Here we are looking surprisingly presentable after a few bottles of wine, lovely Thai food and a great deal of conversation. Jane's car got locked in the carpark we yacked for so long!

And even better, Richard and I were invited to their homes on Saturday afternoon...now that I consider a real privilege. Beautiful pastries made by Jane and India for afternoon tea, and champagne at Sarah's...spoiled rotten we were. I wanted to take photos of their houses but thought that would be stretching the friendship a bit far! Just go to their blogs for that ok?

And then there are furry friends. I had no hesitation in taking photos of the famous Molly in her natural habitat! I'm not a dog person at all really, but I've fallen in love with Molly...well honestly, who wouldn't. Just look at her J

The day before this we'd headed off on a bit of a drive and ended up at Russell Falls in the Mt Field National Park. This place was stunning, really serene, and the oldest national park in Tasmania. We didn't have the best weather while we were in Hobart (and yet today it's going to be 36!) so it was quite cool but that didn't matter at all. I'm a bit fascinated by ferns...and moss apparently!

And the food...oh the food! Several kilos later...thanks in part to these delicious things. Without doubt, without a shadow of a doubt in fact, the raspberry danish you can see behind the chocolate thingies was the BEST Danish I have ever tasted.

From this place...

And then there were the oysters! From the Barilla Bay Oyster Farm, a saturday lunch of 30 assorted oysters (for $39...I thought that was really good value) and a wonderful ploughman's lunch that Richard got to before I could take a photo...you think he'd know about bloggers and photo opportunities by now wouldn't you! And as an added bonus, a view over the bay and a glass of Tasmanian wine. Bliss.

The produce at the Salamanca Markets on Saturday morning was also brilliant. We were going home the next day so didn't get to sample any of it, but doesn't it look amazing...all those jewel colours?

And just because I can, I'm going to finish off this post with alpacas. They're furry. They're funny. That fits with the theme right J

all images: a tranquil townhouse

tassie highlights...MONA

2012-01-17T07:00:00.004+11:00

Well. That holiday went in the blink of an eye! Despite the fact that I’ve lived in a lot of places, and travelled to more than my fair share...I had never been to Tasmania before last week. I know, I can’t believe it either, or how I could possibly have left it so long!

We had the most wonderful time, spending most of the week in Hobart but getting out and about on day trips as well. I have taken eleventy seven million photos (almost) and there’s no way they’re all going in one post, so just consider this Tassie highlights No. 1.

MONA ~ theMuseum of Old and New Art. I defy anyone not to be impressed by this place (although I was told by several people that there was a letter to the Editor of the Hobart Mercury demanding it be closed because of its depravity or debauchery or any number of other D words!).

From the sublime to the ridiculous, the bizarre to the brutal, this place is a bit of a shrine to individualism, to brave choices and in my view, an incredible gift to Australia (not just Hobart) although Hobartians, you can of course ‘own’ it all for yourselves J It is without doubt, world class. Here are some of my favourite artworks...although, I'm sorry, the photos simply don't do them justice.

Richard and I rarely agree on things artistic, but we both thought that this next piece was the most wonderful in the collection ..."Sternenfall" by Anselm Keifer...

And the technology...wow. There are no descriptions next to any of the art...you access all sorts of information through the iPod you're given on entry.

Some of it is so irreverent..."art wank"...just enhancing the sense of the unexpected wherever you turn...what's not to love?

The spaces in this gallery are stunning. It is immense and jaw droppingly, breathtakingly good...

And you know what...even the shadows on the floor are amazing...

The outside is equally impressive...wonderful rust, reflections and a stunning setting. Hobart is truly one of the loveliest capital cities in the world.

And when you go...take the ferry. You must. And dress in black...of course.

This was also the day Richard taught me to take photos through a torn piece of paper! As you do.

Go to MONA...you really, really must.

top ten ~ 11 Jan 12...from Tassie!

2012-01-11T07:00:00.001+11:00

Hi everyone...we're in Hobart

the diversion project

and loving it sick!

peep my style

We spent today at Mona

all fashion allowed

M.O.N.A.....Mona (sing it with me!)

design is mine

Can't help thinking of Lola whenever I say Mona

desire to inspire

Those of a certain age will get it I'm sure

desire to inspire

I've taken eleventy seven pictures today

greige

and then some!

justb

Deserving of a post of their own at some stage.

sfgirlbybay

But for today...it's the first top ten for the year!

And tonight I'm having dinner with Jane and Sarah...yippee :))

molly's maison

I'm a lucky blogger!

bedroom makeover...not quite finished!

2012-01-09T07:00:00.017+11:00

It's taken me days of my holiday...days I tell you, to paint my bedroom and install the gallery wall. Nothing, but nothing went easily...including the great gloss enamel 'fall down and splatter the floor and one of my new shoes' paint debacle! And the blunted drill bits when putting up the picture ledges into the brick wall...sigh. Still, it's almost there.

I'll do a full before and after post when I get back from Taswegia (I'll be on a plane just about now!) but thought I'd give you a bit of a glimpse from the doorway just to tide you over...hope you like it...Buffy seems to J

And yes Mary, that empty shelf will be filled before you know it!

image: a tranquil townhouse

the 2011 top "few"...

2012-01-03T07:00:00.002+11:00

Remind me. What drug was I on when I said I’d do this!

january: seen on this pretty space; the decorista
It's been an interesting exercise I can say that...

february: seen on sense and simplicity
Because I have the memory of a gnat...

march: seen on beautiful portals tumblr
it was kind of nice to look at all the images I've collected over the year

april: seen on the diversion project; my favorite and my best
I wondered whether my taste had changed

may: seen on my design chic; photo by janis nicolay my pinecone camp
given the exposure to so many wonderful rooms and great ideas.

june: seen on abigail ahern
It appears they have a few things in common...

july: seen on if the lampshade fits; a perfect gray
books, art, textiles and colour (and more white than I would have thought possible for me!)

august: seen on (clockwise from top left): my first little place; from the right bank; i suwanee; the design files
and when they're all in the same room...well, that's just love!

september: seen on an indian summer
and as you can see...I had to do it month by month.

october: seen on mom's turf
And there were sometimes...but not always... more than one

november: seen on brydie brown tumblr
so thank you for looking at these pictures throughout 2011...

december: seen on creamy life; design sponge (the loo was always going to make it!)
it was fun wasn't it...and while I can't make any promises about each and every week... it will continue to be a feature in 2012...it would be rude not to! J

2012

2012-01-01T10:05:00.000+11:00

I'm going to give it a red hot go...you?

image: a tranquil townhouse

last post for the year...I have a date with a gallery wall

2011-12-30T10:36:00.000+11:00

I don't know about you, but I need a bit of a break J

It's been a big year for all sorts of reasons...some good, some things I could have done without, and some significant changes on the horizon!

So while I have a bit of a rest from the blog and as many things electronic as I possibly can, there's some work to be done on my bedroom involving a whole pile of pictures and two Ikea Ribba picture ledges...

I'll be painting the lower half of the room and installing a gallery wall...I can hear it calling to me..."hurry up, I've only been waiting about a year for you to get off your butt and tart me up. Neglected, that's what I am!"

I'll see you sometime soon, ok? Early in the new year I'll sort my top ten pics from all of the top ten posts in 2011...I'm looking forward to a trip through the archives.
In the meantime, have fun, relax, stay safe, hug lots of people. But more than that, congratulate yourselves for being a very fine bunch. Caring, kind, supportive, funny, thoughtful, crafty, nutty, talented, eccentric, intelligent and a few other words that will no doubt spring to mind after I've hit publish. You add another, very lovely dimension to my life. You are admired and appreciated. Lots of love to all of you...even the bits you're not fond of!
See you on the other side (of the wall). I'm going to have to do it now aren't I?
images 1 and 3: pinterest; image 2: ikea

my christmas 'decorating'...and hi from the slayer

2011-12-22T07:00:00.027+11:00

Last week I told you that I'd show you my Christmas decorating...be warned, I use the term very loosely J I also said, if I remember correctly that you should be prepared to be underwhelmed. I'm not going to be at home for Christmas this year. Jess, Ben and I will be having a Christmas Eve dinner at Jess's home in Sydney and then we'll be making the road trip to and from Newcastle on Christmas Day to have lunch with my mum and dad and our rather odd, extended family! I say that lovingly J

Because of that, I haven't done much in the way of decoration in the townhouse, which is a pity. I've got an awesome black tree that looks fab with silver and pearls flung in, over and around it...but never mind.

So this is it I'm afraid...a $4.98 string of plastic hearts (from Big W) draped over an embroidered velvet taj mahal cushion cover I bought in India...framed after I spilled something on it and it lost its appeal on the sofa...I do love it and its memories though...even if due to this wonderful gift it's no longer hanging there...things move quickly in the townhouse!

...last year's frou frou feather boa wreath with the addition of a $2 string of white lights (last of the big spenders I am!)...

and cherries...because nothing in my view says Christmas in Australia more than cherries. I do hope your hols are the proverbial bowl of them.

While it may not be Christmassy in the strictest sense of the word...this is probably good advice for this time of year. The 2011 birthday present from the first born...it makes me smile every time I come home.

And it's hardly Christmas without the slayer now is it? With lots of love from me and mine to you and yours....see you sometime after the face stuffing and afternoon napping has ceased. Not that it ever does where that cat's concerned! And as I'm on leave at the end of today, I may just do a bit of that myself!

And most importantly...to those of you who are going through a hard time, who are unwell, who've lost people you love this year, who don't know what to do about something or someone, who are struggling...blessings to you xx

all photos by a tranquil townhouse

the last top ten for 2011...

2011-12-21T07:00:00.001+11:00

Well that year went in the proverbial blink of an eye didn't it J

There have been times when I thought...

this weekly top ten thing is a bit of a ~~pain in the neck~~ bother

and I might give it up and read a book instead

but thank you for encouraging me to keep going

the truth is, most of the time I quite enjoy doing it

most of the time!

And I have to tell you, I've got the most awesome record of rooms I like now

Ha! Who needs pinterest J

I'm going to attempt to select my top ten pictures for the whole year some time over the holidays...

watch out for that one!

I don't know why we post snow pictures at Christmas in the southern hemisphere...but we do...click on it for a bit of magic!

Covering my bases with this next one...

Only two more days before I get to have a break...yippee! Thanks to all the wonderful bloggers who have provided so much top ten inspiration this year, and especially to Jules, the fabulous woman who owns this blog ...you never fail in the interiors stakes bloss, never.

kxxx

images seen on: little green notebook/lime in the coconut; rummage; brabourne farm; an indian summer; decorology; elements at home; livet hemma; the diversion project; houzz (2); head over heels; tiny white diaisies; beautifulism

my early Christmas present...art

2011-12-20T07:00:00.015+11:00

I am more than a little bit in love with this early Christmas present I received on Sunday...and just quietly, the man who painted it J

It was created by the fella a while ago and it's called Teasels. Don't ask why, I don't know! Actually...I do know now. I googled teasel...it's a plant! Makes perfect sense. Richard tells me there are three separate shadows due to three different light sources while he was painting it.
I've been secretly coveting this painting for a long time, so to be given it was a completely lovely surprise...and I couldn't be more chuffed. And I'm super happy to have it in my home, where it looks so good against the red of the antique cabinet, don't you think? Yes, me too. If you look closely you can see that I've hung it a little lower between taking the first and second pictures.

It has of course meant a major rearrangement of the art in the town-house but I don't mind...I love it to pieces. I'm really lucky to have so many creative people in my life J

photos by a tranquil townhouse; artwork by Richard Baldwin

champagne wreath and a sneak peek...

2011-12-19T07:00:00.004+11:00

Start saving those champagne wires for next year people J

Who would have imagined you could make a Christmas wreath out of champagne leftovers...my good friend Chris, that's who!

Goodness knows how many bottles of champagne had to be ~~drunk~~ sacrificed to make this little beauty. I'm pleased to say that I may have contributed once in a while throughout the past year. I like to be helpful J Here it is hanging on the mirror.

Chris said she went minimal with the decorating this year (like me!)...but she certainly knows how to fling a few baubles in a bowl!

Chris and Terry are going to let me photograph their beautiful townhouse over the holidays so that I can show you on the blog...here's a sneak peek...

...you won't be disappointed!

all images: a tranquil townhouse

88 design...he did it!

2011-12-16T07:00:00.002+11:00

Last week the 23 year old and around 70 of his classmates held their graduating class exhibition at the University of Canberra. To say that I'm more than a little bit proud is putting it mildlyJ

This lovely young man of mine has worked really, really hard to get to where he now finds himself...with a Bachelor of Graphic Design degree that will be conferred next March. Distinction average thank you very much! I can't wait to see him in a cap and gown...the last time would have been at his christening. Actually no, he wore a little white romper suit to that. Sorry Ben!

I am of course hugely biased, but I think his work is wonderful...

I'm getting this one for Christmas!

Though I'm not a mummy blogger (whatever that is I'm pretty sure it involves having kids much younger than mine!) I am a mum, and if I can't occasionally use my blog to brag about my offspring, then quite honestly it's not worth having as far as I'm concerned!

Ben is talented, clever, kind, handsome, loving...and he is tenacious. He's persevered through some really tough times to achieve this...and it is, indeed, a wonderful achievement. Bursting with admiration for you my fabulous boy xxx

He's looking for a job if you know of anyone who wants to hire a graphic designer with a great attitude J

p.s. the colour scheme of the exhibition was black, white and yellow. I ~~accidentally~~ dressed to match, as you do J
images 1,2,7 by me; all designs by 88 design

this week's top ten...

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000+11:00

Hooley dooley, life’s a bit frantic at the moment…

I don’t know about you…

But I have about eleventy-seven million things to do

And nowhere near enough time to do them in

And that includes collecting ten pictures this week...which may account for this next one of a toilet, although I do think it's a bit genius!!

And while I told myself this would be a Christmas decorating picture free zone

I couldn’t resist this next one. Subtle. Glamorous.

I’ll show you my Christmas decorating next week….that should only take up about 2.5 seconds of your precious time…and I warn you now...be prepared to be underwhelmed J

Last top ten for the year is coming up next week...and then I may have a bash at compiling my top ten from the entire year's pickings...that should fill up a few of those non-existent spare hours I have up my sleeve!

Stay calm J

images, in order, seen on: desire to inspire; 79 ideas; bohemian hunter; bohemian shoebox; design sponge; nomad by sibella court on desire to inspire; 79 ideas; simple everyday glamour; the decorista; the grower's daughter

what I read in november 2011...

2011-12-12T07:00:00.000+11:00

I tried to read 11 books in the 11^th month...I even got sneaky and deliberately chose small books! But I failed to reach the target...no book reading bonus for me this month J

What with trips to Newcastle to look after mum and dad, and a road trip for work, the start of the silly season and the madness that is the end of the year in a consulting firm where clients leave everything until the last minute bless them, reading has been a bit light on. I still managed nine though:

Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg - fiction

The Snows of Kilimanjaro by Ernest Hemingway - fiction

The Wah Wah Diaries by Richard E. Grant - memoir

Circle of Three by Patricia Gaffney - fiction

A Year in the Valley by Jackie French - memoir

The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes - fiction (this year's Man Booker Prize winner)

What I Wish I Knew When I Was 18 - fluff

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris - memoir

A Widow's Story by Joyce Carol Oates - memoir

Books read so far this year: 72

I've just noticed that I read an equal number of fiction and memoir last month. My choices are rarely deliberate and I'll often pick something up, start it and then realise it's not the right time to read it. Do you think there's a right time to read a certain book?

My favourite this month was the first one I read ~ Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow. It was such an unusual thriller, with complex relationships that provided real depth; a not particularly likeable heroine, but a fascinating one, and set partly in Greenland and partly in Denmark it took me to places I've never been. The information about snow was also (surprisingly) interesting. I wouldn't say it was an easy read and probably not for everyone...I can imagine people throwing it in the corner in frustration... but I thought it was really worth the time spent with it.

I've only read one book so far this month, so December will also be a bit light on I suspect! I hope you're finding time for some books in between shopping and wrapping :)

my creative space: a new york memory...

2011-12-08T07:00:00.006+11:00

You may recall that I was lucky enough to go to New York earlier in the year where I met up with my friend Mary from Canada. It was a side trip following a work visit to Washington. I took lots of photos, but this one, taken from the top of the Empire State Building is one of my favourites, and I finally got around to having it enlarged and framed. Here it is just propped up in front of the meat safe...

Now I just have to work out where to hang the darn thing, because it's probably going to mean a major rearrangement of what's already in the living room. In fact I'm sure of it! One of the jobs that will keep me occupied and out of mischief once I get to the Christmas break :)

Here are the real creatives...over here. Pop on over if you get a chance.

this week's top ten, and a mum update...

2011-12-07T07:00:00.010+11:00

I'm sorry I've been so remiss

I should have let you know that mum's operation appears to have been successful...thank you to everyone who's asked.

We'll know more when the surgeon reviews at the six week point, but the pain appears to be significantly reduced, so that's good.

A bit more worrying is the memory loss.

Confusion after the operation was to be expected of course,

the hallucinations were mildly amusing...not nasty or scary, and we can laugh about them now :)

the nurses put on a christmas pantomine in the ward at 1am, apparently!

The confusion seems to be continuing unfortunately...

not to the extent of singing and dancing nurses thank goodness...

and you can be forgiven for forgetting a lot when you're 82 of course...

but my sister and I are a bit worried. And it's a bugger when we both live so far away. One day at a time I guess.

there you go though...a bonus picture for putting up with my grumbling :)

images seen on: a punch of color; bohemian shoebox; brydie brown; creamy life; desire to inspire; the diversion project; gild and grace; lona de anna; mix and chic; scrapbook; spicer and bank

a christmas wish list tag...

2011-12-05T07:00:00.028+11:00

Jennie aka Posie Patchwork tagged me to tell you what's on my ultimate Christmas wish list. Since the 100 day don't buy anything you don't really need challenge, I rarely think about buying stuff (I know, who would have guessed the impact of that little experiment would last this long!)...but, if anyone was wondering what to put in my christmas stocking this year and was flush with funds, this would be it...

a rug from loom...one day!

or a painting...

pink rabbit by adrienne gaha - we saw this at the tim olsen gallery last month

a book (well of course!)...either of these would be fine and dandy...

some simple jewellery from elk...

and perhaps some bling from tiffany...why the heck not...it's a wish list right!

oh yeah...one last thing...more space in the kitchen :)
or failing that...a cushion!

from here...

I haven't tagged anyone...honestly, and sorry, but I'm just too busy and tired to think at the moment, so if you'd like to play along, please consider this an open invitation and try not to call me a slacker!!

this week's top ten...and another trip to newcastle

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000+11:00

Hi there. Today's the day I'm off to Newcastle again

the weather's not all that great for a road trip

...but tomorrow's really the day

...for mum's operation, rescheduled for the third time

I'm sure we'll be right this time though : )

And...

hopefully I'll be able to grab a coffee with this lovely lady while I'm in Newcastle...

I love meeting blogsters for real!

Thanks for all the well wishes for mum.

They mean a lot.

See you later.

this week's images seen on: wish you were here; scrapbook; a life's design; apartment therapy; the design files; color me carla; effortless style; gild and grace; pia jane bijkerk; white trash beautiful

clever ideas to try...

2011-11-21T07:00:00.008+11:00

The blogging is going to be brief for the next week or so. I'm off to Newcastle on Wednesday for the third attempt at mum getting through the operating theatre doors...fingers crossed that all goes to plan this time.
I think I'm more than a bit distracted at the moment. I walked straight past John Travolta in the lobby of the hotel I was staying in on Thursday night. Didn't have a clue until the guy who got in the lift with me said he'd just shook his hand. Oh well.
I was doing a bit of blog cruising yesterday, while I was supposed to be burying my head in a work report (and not a book - my usual weekend practice!), when I came across this site...and some very clever ideas that you probably could try at home if you wanted! Half a globe used as a bowl...with the best country front and centre of course...

massed plates on a bathroom wall...

a Christmas centrepiece....I've done this before

lace trim on old tins...either real or stencilled

Now, I just need to find some time!

And I'm sorry, but there's an online shop as well...I have my eye on this...

The top ten is scheduled for Wednesday as usual, but I'm not sure what the week will hold after that. So, I'll see you when I see you. Take care : )
all images found on curious sofa

my current favourite kitchen gadget...

2011-11-18T07:00:00.008+11:00

I'm getting a great deal of pleasure at the moment, heading out to the postage stamp sized veggie patch in my courtyard in the morning, picking some stuff and packing myself a little home-grown salad to take to work for lunch.

Obviously the goat's cheese isn't townhouse grown (there's only room for one goat in this place!), nor are the onions but everything else is...baby spinach, cos, basil, rocket, coriander, parsley. And once the tomatoes start ripening they'll be in there too.
I don't think the flinging together of a little green salad can be done to the maximum level of perfection without one of these ...

...may I present my current must have, can't live without kitchen gadget... the salad spinner. Don't scoff. That one up there isn't mine...here's mine. Much less flash, and pretty cheap, but still up to the job.

And a touch of this delicious mayonnaise doesn't go astray either.

Just add some ham or cold chook or smoked salmon or nothing, and throw in a bit of diced avocado...yum. Quick, easy, what more could you want except a fully catered three course gourmet meal delivered by an impeccably dressed serving person, and perhaps a cold refreshing glass of something or other to get the creative juices flowing in the postprandial working hours! That postprandial word was for the word queen Felicity : )
So, what's your personal favourite kitchen gadget this week?

this week's top ten...16 november

2011-11-16T06:55:00.000+11:00

Well, I'm still extremely busy (how are you going?)...

but I did manage to get ten pics this week

Pity that I've run out of time to write a lot though!

Too much time spent at work...

or away from the house on the weekend...

or with my nose stuck in a book...

or best of all, when I can manage it...

having a nice, long sleep!

Or, if it was last night...

a special trip to the movies.

Bill Cunningham New York...

an absolute must see.

Off to Sydney again tomorrow for work so I'm not sure if there'll be a post on Friday...we'll just have to go with the flow, no? Or should that be yes. You'll work it out I'm sure. Lots of love though, to blog friends old and new :-)

seen on: life of riley; a perfect gray; apartment therapy; ivy & piper; my design chic; style files; parlour home; livet hemma; the diversion project; the painted hive;

Jackie French's garden...

2011-11-14T07:00:00.002+11:00

I spent yesterday with a group of lovely friends on an Open Garden Scheme tour of Jackie French's garden...

For those who don't know, are too young to know, forget they ever knew, never knew...

Jackie French is a well known and award winning author, columnist, speaker, presenter. She's been on the tv and on radio...she writes and talks about a lot of things, especially the bush and fruit trees...and historical fiction and non-fiction, children's stories, gardening...she's pretty extraordinary.

Jackie's home in the beautiful Araluen Valley near Braidwood NSW was open over the weekend and she was the hostess. So generous with her time and clearly an expert with a vast knowledge honed by an inquiring mind...

I lost count of the hundreds of trees, shrubs, plants that she and her husband Bryan care for. You can read a lot more about it on her website as well as about the 140 books she's written...yes 140! It was a fascinating talk, most of which went right over my non-horticultural head, but wow, what a lovely place to spend a few sunny Sunday hours.

Of course I had to buy a book :-)

This is part of the foreword ...
"Once upon a time I bought some land. I wanted to build a house, an orchard, a world of peace and plenty..."
Can't wait to read it.

Bless.

what I read in october 2011...

2011-11-11T07:00:00.004+11:00

It was another mighty reading month here in the townhouse...ten books, making my year to date total 63! Pretty impressive even if I do say so myself :-)
Here are the October covers...

And in order of reading:

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd (fiction)

A Cup of Light by Nicole Mones (fiction)

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (fiction)

Good to a Fault by Marina Endicott (fiction)

The Thoughtful Dresser by Linda Grant (non-fiction/memoir)

Odd One Out by Monica McInerney (fiction)

Waiting Room by Gabrielle Carey (memoir)

The Blackwater Lightship by Colm Toibin (fiction)

The Seven Sisters by Margaret Drabble (fiction)

Still Alice by Lisa Genova (fiction)

As you can see, it was heavy on the fiction this month, but my goodness there were some powerful reads...I think that books find you, in fact I'm convinced of it, and this month two of the books dealt with dementia (Still Alice and Waiting Room), and one with ageing (Water for Elephants). I'm sure these books found their way to me to help me understand and deal with my dad's dementia diagnosis. Still Alice was especially moving, and also very instructive. The author is a neuroscientist, or was...she's now a writer...which I think is why the book is so believable, and such a sympathetic portrayal of early onset Alzheimers. She has a blog here. This book was my favourite this month, closely followed by A Cup of Light (the author's previous book The Last Chinese Chef was also wonderful) and The Blackwater Lightship. Odd One Out was a bit of fluff and I really couldn't say to you rush out and read it (to be honest I can't even remember what it was about although it was pleasant enough at the time), but all the others...yes. They weren't all easy reads but they were worthwhile. Most definitely.

I hope your reading is going well. 10 books in the 10th month...I'll be trying for 11 in November :-)

not the top ten...

2011-11-09T07:00:00.013+11:00

Do you hang out for the top ten every Wednesday? What! You don't! Oh well, that's good because there isn't one this week. I've been too busy working and gallivanting off to Sydney and back and haven't had time to collect random bits of gorgeous decor and other pretty/striking/ thought provoking/ colourful/ quirky/insert own adjective here pictures. Sorry about that. But here are some snaps I took when I was in Sydney on the weekend. Consider it a consolation prize. Lovely house fronts in Woollahra...

Is it odd to take photos of tree stumps? No, I didn't think so either...

And to finish...some urban art in Newtown. Just ignore the rude word.

Hopefully we'll be back to normality next week. Whatever that is :-)

new shop: LivedIn Coogee...

2011-11-07T07:00:00.001+11:00

Last week I followed a link on Shannon Fricke's blog to a fabulous shop called LivedIn Coogee. Since the 100 day don't buy anything I don't really need challenge I set myself finished, and my habits changed a little, I don't do an enormous amount of shopping. I do some of course. I'm not silly! But I was intrigued by Vanessa's story...she'd done a Shannon Fricke workshop (as had I) and she went on to open her own shop (as I most definitely did not!). You can read about it here on Shannon's blog.
Anyway, long story short...not living in Sydney, I couldn't go to the actual shop so I hopped over to the online shop and immediately fell in love with this...

I am a kaftan girl from way back...oh yes I am :)
I whipped out the credit card, ordered, three days later it was delivered to the office, wore it out that night...many compliments...one happy shopper! As I emailed to Vanessa, "I am totally in love with it. I can wear it as a dress or over trousers. It's so versatile and comfortable."
This is the only item of clothing in the online store at the moment, but check out the lovely homewares you'll find there. I was a bit in love with this, but alas it's sold...pout.

Vanessa has a lovely blog too. You should check it out.

soul food friday ~ being in the garden

2011-11-04T07:00:00.030+11:00

I have to say that the little townhouse garden is excelling itself so far this spring...

I wouldn't call myself a brilliant gardener...I'm certainly not very knowledgeable about trees and plants and flowers...not like Sarah

But I am completely convinced of one thing...

...there are few things more restorative to a sad heart, a tired body or a worried brain than spending some time in a garden...

admiring the perfect loveliness of a simple little flower and being grateful for the chance to sit for a while and just look

even if it's only in the confines of a small courtyard garden. Actually, especially in a small space...it reminds me that we don't need all that very much to be happy.

Gardens allow us to just 'be'.

...even if that small garden is inhabited by a mad cat :)

The slayer and I send you our best wishes for a wonderful, serene weekend. Go and smell some flowers if you can. And as Elvis says...

This week for the first time I'm joining in with maxabella loves...

all images: a tranquil townhouse

this week's top ten...

2011-11-02T07:00:00.002+11:00

Thank goodness...

the Melbourne Cup and Halloween madness is over for another year...

Sometimes I think I'm turning into one of those people who could appear on the Grumpy Old whatever show...

except I'm not famous so that's not going to happen.

Otherwise I might just qualify.

Or it could be that I lost my money on the the race sweeps I entered.

I'll never get that $8 back! On the plus side, the Reserve Bank cut interest rates yesterday.

I did think that the winning French jockey was very humble and charming though...good on him for acknowledging the suspended Australian jockey whose place he took.

All class Christophe.

I'm going to Sydney this weekend and hoping to spend a bit of time with the first born. She provided this photo...nice huh?

images seen on: brydie brown; brabourne farm; brydie brown; the neo lifestyle; delight by design; gild and grace; little emma english home; style by emily henderson; stye files; chasing satellites

a bit of jewellery organisation...

2011-10-31T07:00:00.007+11:00

I don't know about you but I seem to wear the same jewellery over and over. There are some pieces that never come off (except when going through the airport screening of course)...two silver bracelets I bought with money from my parents to celebrate my 5oth are always with me.

I have a bit of jewellery...not much of it is precious in terms of dollar value, but I do like a good necklace or pair of earrings...or three. But I wasn't wearing much of it because it was shoved away in various drawers, boxes and what have you's. Except for the necklaces...they've lived here for a while...I think you've seen them draped over my bedroom mirror before.

But my earrings and rings were another story. Not any more!

I had been collecting 'silver' mugs from op shops (ignore their unpolished state) and one day, not so long ago I had an idea. Mugs as earring holders...and a bowl for bracelets, rings and brooches...why not? So I did...and now they're being worn...I really must polish that silver one day though!

colour and pattern in the townhouse...

2011-10-29T15:04:00.000+11:00

During a lull in the great honeysuckle massacre last weekend, I thought I'd have a bit of a play with my camera and its zoom function.

These photos were all taken while sprawled on a sofa...

...too knackered from my mammoth gardening effort to do anything much than slide from one to the other to vary the shot a bit.

It will come as no surprise to you that I like a bit of colour and pattern. Oh yeah...and buddhas. Of any description.

Pictures of zoomed-up-on flora next week I think.

Enjoy your weekends everyone and thank you for your comments this week. I hope to be spending a bit of my weekend in the courtyard, weather permitting, and without the secateurs this time. And I probably should do a bit of dusting as well judging by these photos ;)
all images: a tranquil townhouse

this week's top ten...

2011-10-26T07:00:00.001+11:00

I'll be honest...

I haven't been overly inspired this week

Couldn't seem to find all that many images that made me stop in my tracks.

To be fair though,

I may not have expended much effort looking this week

I spent a great deal of time in the garden on saturday and sunday

and had what amounted to an almost screen free weekend

it's good to do that from time to time don't you think?

On the plus side, my mammoth gardening effort means the honeysuckle is now kaput, and the jasmine has been released from its evil clutches and can now do it's own perfumed thing :)

In important news, mum's op has been rescheduled for the 24th. Fingers crossed it happens this time :)

And in news of the trivial kind, I'm thinking of buying this chair.

images seen on: belle maison; the diversion project; ish and chi; abigail ahern; dust jacket; the veda house; sarah tuttle on absolutely beautiful things; the style files; the home in paradise; matt blatt

a request...to you...from the first born...

2011-10-25T06:12:00.000+11:00

Happy Monday. How about those All Blacks hey? That was a close one!
But enough about the rugby...there are more important things on the agenda today! Those of you who've been visiting the townhouse for a while will know that the first born (my daughter Jess) works for Cleo Magazine. She's just been promoted to features/lifestyle writer...that's my girl :) She's asked if you lovely people could help with an article she's writing...

So, in her words...

Hi everyone,

I’m working on a cute story for the magazine about life advice from 9 – 90 year olds and was hoping you could share some words of wisdom someone under the age of 10 or over 80 has given you.

It could be funny, silly, profound, practical or supremely beautiful; I want to hear everything!

Please include the name and age of the person who gave you the advice.

I know you’re all super busy, so I thank you very much for your time!

Jess x

PS – a six year old once told me (in a very exasperated voice) “Jess, time comes and time goes and it doesn’t matter anymore.” Out of the mouths of babes…

Would love it if you could help my girl out...so I don't have to come up with something clever :)

soul food friday ~ perfect relationships...

2011-10-21T07:00:00.015+11:00

I think about relationships a lot. Probably far too much. I like this quote. I'm not sure how true it is, but I'm willing to give Bob the benefit of the doubt...drug induced though its birth may have been. I find myself nodding along. It talks about laughter, thinking, awareness (of yourself and the other person), acceptance, reasonableness, acknowledgement, responsibility, care...all the right ingredients for a good relationship I think.

I don't believe there's such a thing as complete perfection in a relationship but we hold on tight and value those bits of perfection that come to us...more often than not if we're lucky...those times of pure pleasure and rightness...before the next bit of imperfection...the annoying interlude, careless word or thoughtless act comes along to bite us on the bum. Whether it's done to us, or by us.

But what I think I know about the perfect relationship is this:

the perfection in a relationship comes from overlooking the imperfections...the ones that don't matter all that much...the tiny little gnat bites...the ones that won't be important in six weeks or at a stretch, six months.

That's my take on it anyway...what's yours and what have I missed?

image from bits of truth

this week's top ten...

2011-10-19T07:00:00.000+11:00

Ok, let's get the tough stuff over with first...after the Wallabies' humiliating loss to the All Blacks last Sunday...

I'm with Amanda, and her family, in their lovely house (above)...

well, not literally of course. Although I'm sure that would be lovely. But I will be hoping NZ wins the Rugby World Cup, seeing that Australia can't. Don't get me started.

There, I've said it.

In other news...I set myself a challenge this week...

to choose the top ten from blogs I haven't visited before...

(apart from Amanda's of course...I couldn't resist that pic)

It wasn't as easy as you might think.

I'm loyal, and a bit wedded to my favourite top ten haunts.

But it was worth branching out a bit, don't you think?

yes, me too :)

images seen on: small acorns; conspicuous style; walking around; marie claire maison; sanctuary; acquired objects; mom's turf; love you big; spicer and bank; buddha interiors

acts of generosity...

2011-10-17T07:00:00.000+11:00

The phone rang in my parents' house just as we were getting ready to make the trip to the hospital for mum's operation...the one she's waited so long to have. The one that is hopefully going to ease the chronic pain she's been in all year.

I had a feeling as soon as I heard the phone ring that there was another cancellation on the way...and I was right. Unfortunately. With a mere three hours notice, the operation was put off. A hazard of relying on the hard working public health system I know...but still. I listened to my mother say reassuring things to the person on the other end of the phone, completely gracious in the face of disappointment. Oh dear, yes of course. I understand. There are a lot of sick people aren't there? It's just that my daughter's come all the way from Canberra to look after her father. Can you let me know when it might be rescheduled. Thank you for calling.

She put down the phone and said quite calmly, bugger, it's off, it's been cancelled. I, not at all calmly, blew a gasket and managed to string quite a few F words into the rant that was my response to the news. Not at all gracious.

Both my parents had a very sanguine response to the bad news, Dad giving Mum a hug and sympathising with her. I was struck by the generosity of their response, although to be honest, not at the time. When it happened I was cross with Mum for being so nice to the voice on the other end of the phone....the surgeon as it turned out, who in all fairness, at least had the good manners to call with the news himself and not delegate it to some equally overworked nurse or hospital administrator.

My response was anger, my parents' was acceptance, although as I remembered several days later, when the same thing happened to me many years ago...the last minute cancellation of major surgery...I responded in a similar way to my mother. She has taught me well it seems, except I was a big wimp and burst into tears when they told me I'd have to wait. There were no tears from mum last week. She's much stronger than I give her credit for. And more generous.

As are you. Thank you for all the lovely messages of care and concern I've had. It was a tough few days for a lot of reasons...when you live some distance away from ageing parents you don't get to see the small changes, you can't help out with simple day to day things. And the large changes...well, they just shock you. Having this blogging support group makes a difference. The phone calls, text messages, emails, FB comments from people I know and love, and from so many of you who I haven't met but who say kind words regardless, I hope you know how much it all helps.

So, I'll be back off to Newcastle to try again, hopefully in the not too distant future, and hopefully with mum getting into the operating theatre this time! And as an added bonus, coffee with the lovely Newcastle blogger Pink Patent Mary Janes can be rescheduled as well. There's always an up side :)
all images by me, taken in the courtyard. Sorry about the fuzzy bird...who has decided to pay regular visits to stare at itself in the mirror. The vampire slayer is thankfully too old and slow to pounce!

top ten ~ 12 Oct 11, and newcastle bound...

2011-10-12T07:00:00.010+11:00

Hello petals.

As you read this I will be driving up the M-something or other on my way to Newcastle...

My mum's having an operation tomorrow

and I need to look after dad while she's in the hospital...

I'm hoping it will be simple and straightforward

but in their 80's, and with dementia involved, nothing is certain is it.

So I may be off the air for a little bit.

Or I might take my camera and find a few of my childhood haunts :)

either way, if you could cross fingers and toes for me...

I'd be very grateful :)

see you a bit later...

images seen on: beauty and grace tumblr; 16 house; a punch of color; abigail ahern (2); coco+kelley on desire to inspire; desire to inspire; princess anne county; lou, boos and shoes; belle maison

another long weekend...home and an exhibition

2011-10-11T07:00:00.003+11:00

Lucky old Canberra had another long weekend...two in a row...we're a bit spoilt aren't we :) But then again we have politicians to contend with on far too many weeks of the year so I guess it evens out. I did a lot of stuff around the house and went to an exhibition, because you know I love both of those things.

The exhibition was the Fred Williams Retrospective at the National Gallery of Australia...seriously one of my favourite places in the universe. And I have to say that I think this was one of the best exhibitions I've seen for a while. Did you know that Fred Williams was the first Australian ever to have a solo exhibition at MoMA? No, I didn't either. Beautiful, beautiful work...the colours were spectacular.

Click on the NGA link above to see lots more.
I came home with stuff...thank goodness the 100 day challenge is well and truly over! The exhibition catalogue was a must...Buffy says hi...and that's the last orchid spray there too.

An elk necklace...I have been after one of these for ages so I had to get it when I saw it. I have no idea what it was doing with Fred's stuff but I didn't question :) And a fridge magnet. I love fridge magnets. Do you?

My very good friends Chris and Terry came and helped take the faded green fibreglassy stuff off the pergola (I have no idea what it's called apart from ugly). Well to be honest, Terry did the hard bit while Chris and I fetched and carried. It didn't take long. Terry's toolkit rivals a Bunnings warehouse with a gadget for every house or garden issue imaginable. The courtyard looks so much better...

Now the wisteria just needs to do it's work and get over the pergola. It will let so much more light into the living room in winter now too without the horrible green stuff. I also picked up the drill once or twice myself over the weekend...attached a hose reel to the back wall and moved the automatic water timer thingy to a more convenient position...and look...a coat rack courtesy of Ikea, me and a power tool.

Quite pleased. Probably shouldn't have left my boots lying higgedly piggedly on the floor though. Never mind.

friday flowers...

2011-10-07T07:00:00.000+11:00

Well, this is a first for me, posting a picture of flowers on a friday :)

The lavender is from the courtyard ~~mess~~ garden which is slowly getting a spruce up for summer...I've given up on spring...this weather is ludicrous.
Anyway, it's another long weekend in the nation's capital and rain is forecast...what a surprise!
Still, I won't complain, and thanks to the lavender by my bed I'm assured of a very good night's sleep.
Have a wonderful weekend, long or otherwise, and thank you for spending some time with me this week. I love it when you do that :)

top ten pictures from the week ~ 5 Oct 11

2011-10-05T13:06:00.000+11:00

Sorry. A teeny bit late...

I thought that for a bit of a change, I'd give you an insight into what attracts me to the images I choose each week. What the first thing I notice is, because it will be different for each of us I'm sure. A scary look inside my brain!

No.1: textiles first, then books, art and windows. I don't like the blue coffee table, the toadstool or the creepy stuffed fawn, or the white side table in front of the tan sofa. Actually, I'd change quite a lot now I think about it!

No. 2: the layered art and the interesting mirrored console/drinks thingy/whatever it is...

No. 3: definitely the mirror, the black and white palette and the frilly shower curtain. The bath mat does nothing for me...I'd have a persian rug :)

No. 4: the neon sign,the light boxes and the multiple lights...the quirk if you like. I'm not sure that I'd be doing the whole x-ray thing myself...perhaps something a little less confronting and a bit softer displayed on them to take some of the highly industrial edge off the room.

No. 5: the art, the sofa and the zebra ottomans (or ottopersons as we call them in the tranquil townhouse...which reminds me, I have to recover mine but definitely not in zebra!)

No. 6: the fact that it's a covered verandah...I am quite obsessed with verandahs...and that fireplace at the end. I'd have a lovely squishy armchair in here instead of a table and chairs though. Imagine escaping with a good book and hiding in here.

No. 7: the art, especially the colours, the battered copper jug and just the elegant simplicity of the whole shebang

No. 8: that end wall and its little nook. It takes a simple and lovely kitchen into another place. I love it. Not sure about the three bottles at the end of the bench, but let's not be too picky.

No. 9: the windows, the height of the ceiling and the rustic table. It appears I have a bit of a thing for white kitchens. Actually, I think I do...I need to do something about mine pronto!

Hmm, no No. 10...never mind.

So, did you notice the things I did, or do you have a different take on what you pay attention to and what draws you in?

images found, in order: architectural digest via design manifest; design manifest; design sponge; desire to inspire; lonny via brabourne farm; the decorista; the design files; driftwood interiors; 16 house

happy public holiday...and coffee

2011-10-03T08:56:00.001+11:00

Happy day off to you, if you're having a public holiday that is. I am :)

I've been making friends with my new DeLonghi Pixie, its friend the milk frother and a vast array of Nespresso capsules that are a complete mystery to me. Alas, it didn't come with the optional George Clooney accessory, but it makes a mighty fine coffee nonetheless.

There's been much sorting, chucking out and organising of jewellery going on this weekend. And a bit of footie watching in between. It's been great weather to stay inside. And there may have been a bit of reading as well. Only right :)

what I read in september 2011...

2011-09-30T06:48:00.000+10:00

Can you honestly believe that it's the end of September already? I'm sure it was only February five minutes ago!
I feel like I've been a reading machine this month, and boy, it's given me so much pleasure. And it seems my 'make reading a priority' message last month resonated with some of you too. I'm really happy about that. Of course, all this reading hasn't done much for my writing practice! But still, I'll take my pleasures where I can get them.
So, here's this month's book list...ten tomes. I've even impressed myself :)

The Contest by Matthew Reilly - sci-fi thriller

The Secret River by Kate Grenville - historical fiction

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - fiction

Plan B, Further Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott - non fiction/memoir

The People on Privilege Hill by Jane Gardam - short stories

The Writing Book by Kate Grenville - non fiction

Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote - fiction

Marrying George Clooney by Amy Ferris - nonfiction/memoir

Parrot and Olivier in America by Peter Carey - historical fiction

The Tall Man: death and life on Palm Island by Chloe Hooper - non fiction

It was quite a mixed bag this month; a bit of science fiction (The Contest) which I normally don't read, but have to admit I enjoyed - it was a page turner but not particularly deep and meaningful! Not that there's anything wrong with that.
The non-fiction/memoir selection was a bit disappointing to be honest. Not bad, but I expected more.
The fiction books were all sensational and I would find it very hard to select a favourite. I really enjoyed re-reading To Kill a Mockingbird. It was required reading for my writing course and I loved it. It never grows old. I'd never read Breakfast at Tiffany's before this...how did that happen! Kate Grenville is a brilliant Australian author and I love reading anything she writes, but this month the fiction pick has to go to another Australian, Peter Carey. His novel about two highly unlikely companions who travel to the new world is full of delicious detail and hugely fascinating characters. Loved it a lot and I especially loved reading about New York at its genesis.
But for me, the pick of the month was The Tall Man. The story of the death in custody of aboriginal man Cameron Doomadgee on Palm Island in 2004 and the events that took place after, including a riot on the island and the trial of Senior Sgt Chris Hurley, this is a book that stays with you. I couldn't put it down. It was interesting to read The Secret River earlier in the month, a story that told of a massacre of Aborigines in the early days of the colony...and two centuries later, the injustices continue. The book paints a sad picture of a remote community. I visited an aboriginal community on Cape York a few years ago and spent one of the best weeks of my life there. In that eight days I saw both the worst and the best and considered it an enormous privilege just to have been there, but that's a story for another day. This book is not an easy read in terms of the subject matter, but it is a must read in my view. A review of the book can be found here.
So there you have it. It's a long weekend here. Bet you can't guess what I'll be doing :)

top ten pictures from the week ~ 28 September 2011

2011-09-28T07:03:00.000+10:00

Surprisingly for me...

modern kitchen design by other metros architect Andre laurent seen on houzz

few words today...

just pictures...

bit knackered...and it's only Wednesday

enjoy possums :)

images seen on: houzz; apartment therapy; desire to inspire; 10 rooms; an indian summer; tiny white daisies; the city sage; wish you were here; design is mine; bohemian homes

a restful weekend...and a thank you

2011-09-26T07:00:00.001+10:00

It's Monday again, a day that comes around far too quickly for my liking. There was a time in my life that I lived for Mondays...sad but true. But not anymore. Nope, those days are blessedly gone. Quite often I have to work on the weekend. Not as in actually attending a workplace somewhere, but more a case of finishing something to meet a deadline that hasn't been able to be achieved during the working week.
But not this weekend. This weekend I did things just for pleasure, and it was good :)

Friday night was a movie, free, courtesy of a double pass win from the ACT Writer's Centre...the Fred Schepisi adaptation of the Patrick White novel The Eye of the Storm...brilliant stuff.

As soon as we stepped out of the movies I hightailed it across the street to a favourite bookshop The Paperchain in Manuka and bought the book. I haven't read Patrick White since the enforced reading of The Tree of Man in high school. He's easier to read when you're a bit more grown up I've found. Loving the book. It's scary reading a book after you've seen the movie don't you think? There's almost always disappointment one way or the other, but it doesn't seem to be the case with this story. Movie and book are both excellent.

It was lousy weather on the weekend so I did a lot of reading and I even had an afternoon nap on Saturday. I never do that! It may have been because I was a bit exhausted after hoofing it around the Lifeline Spring Book Fair. I came home with a few pre-loved books...20 to be exact...but such a bargain, ending up at around $4 a book. Yep, definitely a bargain :)

A trip to the Grower's Market near my place on Sunday morning yielded the week's supply of baby spinach, rocket and coriander and some plants for my new veggie patch from Bunnings that I put together last weekend...all by myself with only a few minor injuries involving a concrete paver.

And hallelujah the wisteria is finally sprouting. About time!

And last week's poppies hung in there really well and can now be joined by this week's new bunch from the markets...seven bucks well spent.

Do you like ivy? I know some people don't, but I love it. My grandma's name was Ivy, so perhaps that's why. This has appeared over the courtyard wall and there's no way I'm getting rid of it. I'll just have to be vigilant and not sit on the bench for too long lest I be strangled by it!

And the orchid was disappointing this year...a bit ratty, but still lovely in all its imperfection.

And before I forget, because I can be such a lame-brain sometimes, a big thank you to Jennifer, the blog mistress over at A Sampler who gave me the versatile blogger award a few weeks ago.

Please go and visit Jennifer...she's a writer and a reader (so you can see the attraction!), who, as she puts it "fled the film and TV industry a few years ago to give motherhood a second whirl...". Gotta love that!
I hope the week ahead brings lovely things your way.

soul food friday: a rare (and quite mild) rant

2011-09-23T07:00:00.003+10:00

I can be quite opinionated. I won't lie. But I don't get on my soapbox much. Really, I don't.

But yesterday I saw this...

and it really got on my goat; goats having horns 'n all.
In Australia there has been much recent debate after commentator Mia Freedman dared to say we shouldn't call Cadel Evans (Aussie winner of the Tour de France) a hero. I agree with her, totally, although her timing may have been a bit off. Misuse of the word hero has long been one of my pet hates. To prove, I previously wrote about it here...
And while Jonathan Adler may be a design guru, and I dare say some will be ludicrous enough to call him a design 'hero', I really wish he or his marketing minions wouldn't use a word with as much gravitas as heroic to label a porcelain horn or three. Please leave it to describe acts of courage, which this is not, unless of course people hate them. If that's the case then I can probably think of a few other words, like dopey.
This hijacking of hero/heroine/heroic makes me crazy!
They are quite nice though, those horns :)
Have a lovely weekend while I put my soapbox away in the attic. Which I don't have. Wouldn't mind one though.

top ten pictures from the week ~ 21 September 2011

2011-09-21T07:00:00.003+10:00

You would think wouldn't you...

that because it's been two weeks since my last top ten...

I'd have lots of pics to share with you.

But, nope....'fraid not :(

Because the reason I haven't posted for two weeks...

is that I've been busy, busy

and have had to drastically reduce the old blog stalking time.

Sorry about that...

but I made it...

just!

images seen on: a punch of color; brabourne farm; princess anne county; small space style; ada and darcy; casa sugar; the red thread; head over heels; apartment therapy

lessons from the 100 day challenge...

2011-09-19T07:00:00.027+10:00

The 100 day don't buy anything I don't really need challenge is over. Here is my first post about the challenge where I tell you why I started this madness and here is the halfway point post where I 'fess up to a couple of small purchases in Bali. And I bet you're wondering what I've learned from the experience. Yes, I am too. But first, a recap...here's what I said I would give up buying for 100 days:

magazines
books
appliances
clothing, shoes and accessories
music
craft materials
anything decorative for my house
linen and towels
cosmetics
iPad applications
anything from an op shop that I don't need even if it is an absolute bargain and I'm helping a charity.
wine (just kidding...!)

So how did I go?

Magazines: 2 in 100 days, but I did renew my subscription to Real Living last month and I feel fine about that. Magazines are what I thought I would miss most, but I haven't. Not really. Occasionally I'd linger over the magazines in the supermarket but the feeling soon went away. And there are always blogs, and a lovely friend did buy me a few as a gift, and I still haven't finished reading them :)
Books: ok, moving right along. I didn't buy books for maybe the first month but I couldn't manage for 100 days. I love books. Always have. Always will. Can't live without them. Therefore they fall into the category of 'need'. No guilt. Not a bit.
Appliances: apart from the kettle that blew up, a little electric mini chopper/blender/whizzy thing. I've used it and it only cost $20 so I think that's ok.
Clothing, shoes and accessories: nope, nothing. Now that's what I call impressive, although with spring and summer upon us that may change a little over the next few months.
Music: no
Craft materials: only the bits I needed for gifts I was making, which still aren't finished. Yep, I'm a great starter but finishing is sometimes a challenge :)
anything decorative for my house: no, except for the occasional bunch of flowers and I'd say that was perfectly justified!
Linen and towels: no
Cosmetics: well, it's like this. I was going incredibly well with this until a friend invited me to a cosmetics party last weekend. I think the products I bought will be brilliant but it's a bit too early to tell yet...I'll let you know
iPad apps: just the Blogpress one which I haven't used, so that may be justified in going into the things I didn't really need category
stuff from op shops: I went into a few when we went to Ballarat, but apart from a couple of books (see above) I've bought nothing!
wine: don't be crazy.

And, what have I learned (and I'm not about to write an essay on consumerism...although I probably could...so don't worry!):

that I definitely have enough 'things' and I'm not in the least bit deprived (nor do I feel deprived, there's a difference) if I don't have more/the latest/or in some cases the replacement
that I'm becoming less interested in 'stuff' (except book type stuff...see above!)
that while I'm happy to go shopping with others I really don't have all that much interest in buying for myself these days (is this a sign of age I wonder or just an acceptance of enough?)
that in the early days of the challenge I used avoidance as a strategy (i.e. didn't go anywhere near shops, didn't open emails from shops, didn't follow links to shops on blogs). Now I don't need to avoid, but I'm just not all that interested to be honest
that when I do buy I think about it much more carefully. I ask myself do I really, really need it or do I love it so much that I will forever kick myself if I don't get it? And importantly if I do need it is this the best option, because for sure I have a lot of things in my house that haven't been the best choice. And if the answer is yes, then of course I'm going to buy it, provided it's affordable. It's not about not buying for the sake of not buying.
that I've been surprised at the things I've said no to...they've mostly been things for the house...this has always been my weak spot (along with books!)...and unsuitable men ;)
that I really, truly love having a zero balance on the credit card statement
that 'things' don't make you happy (but we all knew that) and that some things make you smile every time you look at them...and that they are the things you know you've bought well...they are the things you would be quite correct in saying you really need :)

And during it all I found this quote, which sums up the experience quite nicely I think.

"Enough is abundance to the wise."

Euripides

Someone indicated to me that Euripides also said "where there is no wine, there is no love". I suspect that may not be an accurate quote, but I'm happy to go with it!

Now, what will I try next I wonder :)

images: my clever girl; flickr; google images

turn your radio on...

2011-09-12T07:00:00.005+10:00

I don't listen to the radio much. Mostly it will be when I'm in the car and occasionally on the weekend. And as a sign of I know not what, these days it's permanently tuned to ABC Radio National, not to JJJ or a commercial radio station as in days of old. Is this a sign of my age? Probably.

But I've heard some wonderfully interesting things in the last week and I'm determined to turn on the radio a lot more. I've learned (or been reminded) that:

lifts are the most unsociable places you can find yourself in (there's a short story that's slowly, slowly taking shape in my mind about this)
people live in very small homes quite happily, and apparently the 'not so big' house movement is the antidote to the McMansions epidemic. But, Australian houses lead the world in size - double the size of a house in Denmark but also bigger than American houses - that really surprised me. And, get this...the amount of space we take up as individuals is equivalent to 2.5 tennis courts (that includes roads, housing, hospitals, employment). Hell, why aren't we all Roger Federer then? As a comparison, Parisians take up just over one court and Londoners a mere three quarters. Interesting.

there's much pleasure to be gained in listening to someone read you a short story...back to our infancy perhaps?
if you're planning to build a skyscraper don't bother with more than 50 floors - above this and you drastically reduce your return on investment (so glad I found that out!)
I'd really love to see the Aboriginal opera Pecan Summer, inspired by the first mass strike of Aboriginal people in this country - something I knew nothing about - shame on our education system.

losing weight is not as straightforward as we think - less calories, more exercise is only a small part of the solution; if you engage others in helping you lose weight you're more likely to be successful; and if you're an all or nothing, black and white thinker you're much more likely to regain the weight you've lost. Be flexible about the amount of weight you can reasonably lose seems to be the message. If only it were that easy :)

And there were a few wonderful hours yesterday morning listening to the live broadcast from the Brisbane Writers Festival. Are you a radio listener or is it the TV that turns you on? Or perhaps you're happiest with the wonderful sounds of silence?

image: 1; 2; 3

frozen moments in time...

2011-09-09T07:00:00.004+10:00

Sunday is the tenth anniversary of the day that will forever, or for at least a very long time be known as nine eleven. And my heart goes out to all those who are still suffering. I remember exactly what I was doing and where I was when I heard the news...or rather, saw it on the tv. I bet you do too.

I also remember the details of the day Diana died, and exactly where I was during her funeral (on a supposedly romantic weekend away, with me refusing to budge from the tv coverage). Funnily enough that relationship didn't last but poor Diana wasn't the reason!

I also vividly remember the day of the first moon landing. We were sent home from school early to watch it because schools in those days didn't have tv...yep, I'm that old!

I can also remember overhearing my best friend Barbara's dad telling others what he thought should happen to the person who shot Bobby Kennedy. I won't repeat it here.
Closer to home the Newcastle earthquake in 1989 was a shock on a personal level. I was living in England and a phone call from the other side of the world delivered the news that a relative had been killed.

I don't really have a point in writing this post, other than to remind myself how extraordinary some events are, how indelibly etched into our brains they've become and how easy it can sometimes be to take ourselves back to those frozen moments in time. And I also wonder if horrible events embed themselves more deeply than the good ones. I hope not. What do you think?

all images google images

top ten pictures from the week ~ 7 September 11

2011-09-07T07:00:00.000+10:00

I'll let you in on a little secret

on the night before a top ten post

chania's wonderful florida living room...love it!

which is when I put them together

I'm normally scrabbling around like a mad chook

trying to find just the right pictures

I usually don't have enough

and I get a bit stressed.

Not this week though :)

this week through some extraordinary and inexplicable alignment of the moon and stars

I had more than enough, and I've had them for days!

not only that...

there are two extras this week

and that's the way I like it...

images in order seen on: decorology; razmataz; white trash beautiful; an indian summer; belle maison; wish you were here; desire to inspire; emily gilbert photography via desire to inspire; house of turquoise; mfamb; table tonic

My book list: august 2011

2011-09-05T07:00:00.027+10:00

I was chatting to a stranger a few weeks ago, making polite conversation while we were waiting for our respective partners. I had a book with me and we got to talking about reading, and he lamented that he loved to read but couldn't find the time to do much of it. And he asked me if I read a lot, and of course I said yes, quite a lot. Where do you find the time he wanted to know. And without thinking about it, without knowing it was the answer, I said 'I make it a priority'.
And that's the trick. I make reading a priority. And I hear you say, if only it were that easy. And I know it's not. But in my world, living alone and without small people needing my attention, or people of any size really, just an annoying cat at meal times, I can do it. And the reality is, I would be lost without the pleasure of reading. Completely lost.
I read eight books this month...I'm pleased about that. The reading frequency dropped off for a while there as I let other less important things get in the way. You'll notice that there are more non-fiction than usual and that many of them are about writing. I'm trying to learn as much as I can...it's not easy! I've also been doing an online creative writing course with the Sydney Writers' Centre so writing has pretty much consumed me lately. Here's the list:

Writing down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg - non fiction

On Writing by Stephen King - autobiography

The Sweet Poison Quit Plan by David Gillespie - non fiction

Short Circuit: a guide to the art of the short story edited by Vanessa Gebbie

Living Oprah by Robyn Okrant - non-fiction/journal

Shooting the Fox - short stories by Marion Halligan

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield - novel (for Book Club)

The Pigeon by Patrick Suskind - novella

It's hard to choose a favourite this month because I've read all sorts of books for all sorts of different reasons (I'll let you know about the sugar quitting in a few weeks...it's not a pretty story I'm sad to say!), but if I were to recommend a book to you, the prize would go to....

...maybe that's because it was the only novel I read, or perhaps I liked it because it's about a writer...two in fact :) Margaret Lea is the narrator, a book lover, and part time biographer who works in her father's bookstore and lives a solitary life defined by an event in her past. She is contacted by Vida Winter, an ageing, ailing and famous author who wants Margaret to record her autobiography before she dies. Vida tells story upon story before the truth is finally revealed. I think you might like it. And you lovely people, what's your latest good read?

exhibitions from the foto biennale...

2011-09-02T06:52:00.000+10:00

The lovely Rachael left me a comment the other day saying 'you do love your exhibitions!'. And it's true...I do. I definitely do.

brian duffy - jean shrimpton

While we didn't get close to seeing all 72 exhibitions when we went to the Foto Biennale in Ballarat a few weeks ago, we did manage a few. There was a brilliant retrospective of Brian Duffy, who died last year and was almost as famous as his famous subjects...

brian duffy - ziggy stardust

The next is by one of Richard's portfolio reviewers Cynthia Karalla...

We met the next photographer Heather Dinas when we were having breakfast at the Bibo cafe. She was lovely. Just as an aside, Richard chose 'the dog's breakfast' from the menu!

heather dinas - i carry your heart

heather dinas - at your feet

heather dinas - lucretia

The next one by Judith Crispin, who is also a poet really captivated me...

judith crispin - self diptych

judith crispin - soliloquy

judith crispin - afternoon of the cartographer

...and while I was looking at them I had a discussion with a photographer who'd also been having her work reviewed, about how I thought it was the height of laziness for an artist to label an image 'untitled'. And then she told me that's what she did! But she was very good about it and promised to think about what I'd said and why I thought titles were so important. I wonder if she went off muttering to herself about ill informed, amateur art critics! Probably. But, you know, it's all about the words for me, and how they can enhance the visual. Although I do concede that it's probably very easy to get it wrong.

Love, love, love these next ones by Lisa M Robinson. It's not often that the bloke I and agree on art, but we did with these from the Snowbound series...

lisa m robinson - phantom

lisa m robinson - verandah view

lisa m robinson - running fence

lisa m robinson - echo

alfred 'greg' gregory - blackpool

There's still a few more weeks of the festival. Or if you can't get there, plenty of images on the website.
What do you think - titled or untitled?

Have a great weekend whatever it is you're doing...I might just go to another exhibition :))

top ten pictures from the week ~ 31 august 11

2011-08-31T07:00:00.002+10:00

Hey, it's spring tomorrow...in my hemisphere anyway. That's good isn't it?

I know that not all the images I choose each week will be everyone's cuppa...americans, that's short for cup of tea...one of your countrymen asked me what it meant once :)

naturally there'll be some you like more than others, and some you might even turn your nose up at, and that's ok too

do you want to know why I choose what I do?

It's really incredibly simple. I heard that muffled "possibly a bit like you" comment, don't think I didn't :)

I only choose rooms that I would want to spend more than two minutes in (although occasionally there'll be a flower picture or two if one strikes me as being very beautiful)

or something completely random...

Just say that if the rooms I show you here were in a display home or a house for sale for instance

people would be trying to kick me out when the open inspection was over because I'd want to linger, longer...

or if it was your house and I was visiting you'd be looking at your watch and thinking to yourself 'when is she going to go home!'

And I'd be ignoring you because I wanted to stay in your lovely room. So if any of these are yours you'd better not invite me over.

...and sometimes I just choose the same type of pictures without even knowing it, like the time they were all dining rooms. Who knew! Someone did; they told me. I liked that :)

images in order seen on a perfect gray; econest; design is mine; little french nest; brabourne farm; beautifulism; from the right bank; design chic; fryd + design; the new victorian ruralist

I went to ballarat...

2011-08-29T07:00:00.001+10:00

Hi there friends. I've been a bit absent I know, but I've been popping in and out of bloggy world whenever there's been a chance. I wouldn't want you to think it's been complete neglect. No, not at all.

One of the reasons for my absence was a lovely four day break in Ballarat. Although to be precise it was one day driving there, two days in situ and another day getting home. It's a long way between Canberra and Ballarat, it is indeed!

We went for the Foto Biennale. Richard was having his portfolio reviewed so I went along for the ride...and yes, he got some great feedback and encouragement to carry on. Yes, very pleased about that :)

But oh the irony, here we were in a lovely town for a photo festival and I hardly took any snaps. This meagre offering is it I'm afraid.

Oh well. Next time. And maybe I'll show you some of my favourite works from the 72 exhibitions in another post. Yes I will. Hold me to that. There was some very fine stuff and it's definitely worth looking at.

top ten pictures from the week ~ 25 august 11

2011-08-25T07:00:00.000+10:00

It's ludicrous...

[seen on small space style]

here it is...Thursday, again

[seen on luxe + lillies]

and I haven't posted anything since this time last week

[by janis nicolay pinecone camp]

how did that happen I hear you ask

[seen on the bottom of the ironing basket]

well...it's like this

[seen on my favorite and my best]

I've been away

[seen on the diversion project]

in Ballarat to be precise

[seen on my first little place]

for the photo biennale

[seen on this pretty space]

it was good...you should go

[seen on abigail ahern]

I'll try to be better with the whole posting frequency thing next week

[adore home seen on decorology]

provided I get my creative writing assignment in on time that is. What's that? I haven't told you about my course. Maybe next week :)

top ten pictures from the week ~ 18 august 11

2011-08-18T07:00:00.001+10:00

It pains me to tell you this...

seen on honey 'n fizz

but I will anyway

seen on gingerella

the top ten was hard work this week...

seen on wish you were here

I had to persevere and keep looking, looking...I was disappointed it took so long to put together, but what can you do?

seen on the style files

just go with what you've got...which is good, don't get me wrong, but it was hard to find...it's usually a breeze. Well, breeze-ish.

seen on the design files

I don't think the fact that I've been difficult to please or my patience threshold is low has got anything to do with a lack of sugar. No, I won't hear of it!

seen on my pear tree house

it's only been three days and I suspect there's so much kicking around in my body it's going to take a lot longer than that for withdrawal nastiness to kick in!

seen on greige

but...reading this post by Jane from My Pear Tree House certainly made up for a dearth of pretty pictures. Please go and read it if you haven't already. A wonderful attitude and quite a lot of wisdom waits for you there.

things could get ugly...

2011-08-16T07:00:00.001+10:00

I finished reading this book last night...

It's probably fair to say that I have a sugar addiction. My waistline certainly thinks so. And it's probably also fair to say that if you're a sane person, one major self imposed challenge at a time is more than enough...

Ha! How long have you known me? As if I'd stop at one! So quitting sugar starts today, and like I said it could get ugly. So enjoy the pretty $8 tulips from Woollies while I'm still in a good mood.

And for those of you who've been asking for the vampire slayer, here she is...always alert, never alarmed :)

soul food friday ~ what labels do you give yourself?

2011-08-12T07:00:00.011+10:00

Are you new to soul food fridays? It's where I get all philosophical on you. Buckle up and come along for the ride. And welcome.

here

Ever since I came back from Bali I've been writing. Short stories, random thoughts in pretty notebooks, ideas that inconveniently float into my mind while I'm in the shower, the first sentence of something or other that's yet to fully reveal itself.

I said in this post that I'd found what I wanted to do. And what I want, more than I think I've wanted many things in my life, is to write. And yet, even though I'm writing, even though I'm more determined about this than a lifetime of other things I've tried, I still can't offer myself the label 'writer'. Not even after having coffee with a friend the other day who told me that at least 90% of my job is writing. Which is true. But it's not the right sort of writing if you know what I mean.

here

So I did the only sensible thing. I started to write about my reluctance to tattoo writer on my forehead. Here's a snippet from a piece I'm working on...

I paint. But this doesn’t make me an artist. I garden. I plant and I prune and I dig but I’m hardly a gardener. I cook but I don't call myself a cook, much less a chef. I take photos and some of them turn out quite well. I’ve managed to capture some lovely things through my camera but do I call myself a photographer? Do you call me that? Do you call me any of these things? No. And neither do I. Because I'm not paid to cook, garden or take photos.

This is why, although I write, I can’t name myself writer. I can't meet someone new, shake their hand and in response to the inevitable 'what do you do?' can't bring myself to say 'I write'. It’s a label that won’t stick. It slides easily off and away like the sticker on a jam jar that's been soaking in the sink for just the right amount of time.

It's fear isn't it? And now I think about it, most of the labels I've given myself don't earn me a living, apart from my business of course. I don't get paid to be a mum, partner, reader, rambler, friend. Of course I don't. In fact I'm usually the one doling out the dollars! But I do all these things, happily and willingly. I am all of these things. We do stuff we aren't paid for, lots of it, all the time. We do it because it's worthwhile, because we have to, because these things give us pleasure and hope and add meaning to our lives. Why should 'writer' be any different?

... I've tried so many things. Tried, failed or just got bored. My failures laugh quietly at me from the corners of my home, stashed in cupboards, shoved under beds. Half done paintings, incomplete quilts, balls of yarn artfully resting in a wicker basket under an antique desk, with its barley twist legs and beautiful brass handles. Unfinished tapestries on wooden frames are shoved away at the end of this long brown desk I’m writing at now. Flung one day between it and the window they wag their bright woolly fingers at me. Psych degrees started and abandoned. Not just once, not even twice, but three times and that's it, you're out. And I wonder whether this thing called writing will end up stashed in a cupboard or somewhere on a forgotten thumb drive.

So, dear bloggy people, as my first step, over there in the about me section, I've snuck in 'writer' along with those other things I know I am. I can say it to you here in the safety of this blogging community. I know you'll get it. And even if you don't it doesn't matter, it still feels good. I'm keeping it.
Are you a bit like me?
What are the labels that you'd love to shout out loud to the world but can't bring yourself to do just yet?

A Tranquil Townhouse

mind games...the dementia lottery

buffy...

top ten pictures from the week ~ 25 Jan 2012

tassie highlights...last one (promise)

tassie highlights...last one (almost) and a request

tassie highlights...things starting with F

tassie highlights...MONA

top ten ~ 11 Jan 12...from Tassie!

bedroom makeover...not quite finished!

top six reads of 2011...and what I read in december

the 2011 top "few"...

2012

last post for the year...I have a date with a gallery wall

my christmas 'decorating'...and hi from the slayer

the last top ten for 2011...

my early Christmas present...art

champagne wreath and a sneak peek...

88 design...he did it!

this week's top ten...

what I read in november 2011...

my creative space: a new york memory...

this week's top ten, and a mum update...

a christmas wish list tag...

this week's top ten...and another trip to newcastle

clever ideas to try...

my current favourite kitchen gadget...

this week's top ten...16 november

Jackie French's garden...

what I read in october 2011...

not the top ten...

new shop: LivedIn Coogee...

soul food friday ~ being in the garden

this week's top ten...

a bit of jewellery organisation...

colour and pattern in the townhouse...

this week's top ten...

a request...to you...from the first born...

soul food friday ~ perfect relationships...

this week's top ten...

acts of generosity...

top ten ~ 12 Oct 11, and newcastle bound...

another long weekend...home and an exhibition

friday flowers...

top ten pictures from the week ~ 5 Oct 11

happy public holiday...and coffee

what I read in september 2011...

top ten pictures from the week ~ 28 September 2011

a restful weekend...and a thank you

soul food friday: a rare (and quite mild) rant

top ten pictures from the week ~ 21 September 2011

lessons from the 100 day challenge...

turn your radio on...

frozen moments in time...

top ten pictures from the week ~ 7 September 11

My book list: august 2011

exhibitions from the foto biennale...

top ten pictures from the week ~ 31 august 11

I went to ballarat...

top ten pictures from the week ~ 25 august 11

top ten pictures from the week ~ 18 august 11

things could get ugly...

soul food friday ~ what labels do you give yourself?