I came across this book, Paper Cutting,Contemporary Artist, Timeless Craft, via A Little Hut yesterday. There's something about the delicate nature of a papercut that sets my heart aflutter. I've pre ordered a copy via Amazon and will now have to practice patience until it arrives.

"Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hope

A sideways glance while chasing after 2 boys running wild in the park yesterday revealed this incredible, edible looking flower. It's perfect.... and looks like it's made of icing sugar!

If you have about 40 mins to put your feet up with a cup of tea and watch this documentary, Ocean of Wisdom - The Life of the Dalai Lama, you'll (hope..fully...pardon the pun) be filled with admiration. What a life.

Green finds, green mind

I'm having to dig deep today. I'm dragging my heels. I can't stand to hear my sorry tale so instead I'll try a different tact.

Today I'm finding joy in ...
* these beautiful green treasures (above) we collected along our path this morning.
* the absolutely stunning Melbourne Autumn day.
* the Little man riding his balance bike, solo & for the first time, to our cafe. Negotiating people, pooches and tricky ditches with perfect ease. Pleased as punch.
* Sunjay's coffee hit and the friendly faces at Kotch Lane.
* the sun drying my washing. There's something so satisfying about freshly washed clothes hanging in the sun.
* the afternoon being ours... what to do, what to do??? I think a little beach time could be the go.

“Each day comes bearing its own gifts.  Untie the ribbons.” -Ruth Ann Schabacker

Crafty Monday

On Crafty Monday's I have a loose arrangement with around 4 local lovelies that from 10am Monday morning, myself and at least one other, can be found tinkering away in my back garden on some random crafty project.
My project of choice for the last few weeks has been stripping and sanding back these great Parker chairs I bought on eBay. They are a birthday present for my father. There are 8 in total but I'm doing them in lots of four, as that way I feel somewhat more productive!
It's such a joyous way to start the week. We all experience a real sense of achievement... and because it's shared achievement it feels multiplied. We also get to have a cup of tea and a laugh together. Thank you Monday's. I really do love you. xx

Bliss. I enjoyed half an hour soaking up some Autumn sun while reading a chapter of my book and sipping a cup of tea this afternoon. The Little Man is down for a nap and the Big Fella is enjoying his first football match for the season. There's a lot to be said for simple
pleasures.

Look!

We caught the tram into the city today. It was a huge adventure for The Little Man. The tram trip alone was enough to warrant our trip a sensational success, in his eyes.
However, I was keen to take a look at the State Library's current exhibition...titled...none other than, 'Look! the art of Australian picture books today'. It's a free exhibition on until the 29th May and I highly recommend a visit.
It's quite enchanting. I'd actually like to return, sans Little Man, to really take my time and appreciate these incredible illustrators, all with such differing styles.
My favorite illustrator, who I stumbled across recently at the local library (not literally, I mean her book, 'The Tomorrow Book'), is Sue de Gennaro. Sue's illustrations are just delightful. Collage is a medium dear to my heart and the way Sue has worked with completely recycled materials (all found in her home or studio) for The Tomorrow Book, is totally inspiring. Her blog 2lb elephant is an optical treat too.

We started the day with My Daddy is a Pretzel. The yoga moves were a huge hit. Z man loved them so much we set up the yoga mat outside this afternoon and stretched and giggled again. The Dog is Z's favorite pose... although his version is The 'running' Dog!! Funny little man.

I snapped this photo recently while out for a stroll. I'm imagining I took it in the St Kilda Botanical Gardens but I can't be 100% certain. For some reason it escapes me. I love the sweet yellow flowers. They seem so cheerful.

My Daddy is a Pretzel

We spent a great day today hanging out with friends eating yummy homemade food, playing and laughing. Always a wonderful tonic.

This afternoon we came across this fantastic book at the St Kilda library. We'll work a few of these moves into our morning agenda tomorrow.
The introduction to this book talks about finding figures who possess qualities worth striving for. This is something I would love to cultivate more of, not only in Ziya's life but my own. There's a world of incredibly inspiring people out there to draw upon.

Maya Angelou is a 'figure who possesses qualities worth striving for'. I happened upon this quote today: If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. 
- Maya Angelou    

Patience

After 5 years.....I'm pleased to announce..... my very first olive is growing.

the road to Robe

Where do we go from here?

I do love the way the world works. I came across this poignant question, of all places, on the side of the road while out walking earlier this week.
St Kilda's trash is my treasure. X

A tribute

 

I've started this blog as a personal record of the everyday joys surrounding me in my simple, everyday life.

My lovely aunt died during the night. She's the fourth family member to die in the past few years. My Mum, 4 years ago, of Leukemia; my Aunty Dossie last year of Breast Cancer; my Nan -at the ripe old age of 89 - 3 months ago & Aunty Judy, last night, of a Brain Tumor. All totally loved ladies and they leave huge deficits in so many lives. Another huge deficit was left when a dear friend committed suicide, when I was in my late 20's. All of these people have played a huge part in shaping who I am and what makes me, Me.

Even though I am blessed with so many wonderful memories, with a beautiful husband and an incredible (almost) 3 year old son, life comes with heartache & loss. Days can be tough. It's a given.

We all have a choice to focus on our losses or see the beauty surrounding us right now.

Stupendous Joy is an account of all the things in life that make me laugh (hence the world stupendous!......there's something about the pretentiousness of the word I can't take seriously), smile & inspire. It is intended as a tribute to my family and dear friend...... and to all the love I have in my life right here, now!