Velvetine Lily

Sunny, Yellow Cake Day

2011-10-30T15:13:00.002+11:00

Today I cooked a sunny, yellow "Orange Cake" - fluffy and yummy on the inside, crispy and golden on the outer crust. Iced with sweet citrus and puffs of sugar! Yum! A morning at the beach with "our nipper" at Nippers - beautiful. xo xoPottering with my family in a tidy house after a rigorous day of house work yesterday. Aaaaahhhh....Love this season, love this time of year.

My first, published Book Review - q.e.d.

2011-05-17T21:26:00.008+10:00

Book Review by Tracey Mason on:

'We Have Met The Enemy -Self Control in an Age of Excess' by Daniel Akst

We all have our vices. Think not? Can't drop the habit of that extra sugar in your morning coffee? Can't ditch that monkey on your back that stops you from writing your memoir or completing the renovation of the home that you and your increasing family struggle to live around? Can't give up the wine whilst you cook the evening meal? Can't bear to go to the garage anymore for fear that the car that you have been going to do up for the last thirteen years may tumble upon you and sever one of your limbs?

This book, 'We Have Met The Enemy' helps us to define the habits, behaviours or practices that we most struggle to self-regulate. Importantly, Akst points out from the outset that our potential failings may not necessarily be overtly addictive substances such as drugs or alcohol but more commonly and perhaps more perversely, daily temptations such as: food, procrastination, work, sex, the Internet or even our relationship with our i phone, blackberry or even our television viewing consumption. It is these objects of desire that we are increasingly self-flagellating about.

Upon reading Akst's research it can be quite confronting to realise that indeed one or many of these temptations may require immediate attention, self-monitoring and self-management.

In an age of abundance, excess, morbid obesity rates and waste of global resources (in the Western world), Akst advocates the health and lifestyle benefits of curbing our enthusiasm in our bid for materialism and instant gratification.

We have veered far off course from the Stone Age, when food and family relationships represented survival and protection. In our modern age we are now thrust a limitless array of what Akst coins "super normal stimuli" in a consumerist society, whereby every item is at our disposal and marketed within an inch of its life.

Food is now glossed up, heavily styled and photographed and made to appeal to our very identity in order to provide comfort, relief or even a raise in our social standing. The food we eat can make us 'hot' or not, hip or uncool.

Does pouring our energy into acquaintances or strangers via social networking cause us to neglect our core relationships with our immediate family who require our time and nourishment the most? Are we battling a cold war of internet warfare within ourselves?

Has our resolve and ability to have a handle on the "self" in self-control caught up with the trends of superfluousness pushed our way? It certainly seems not.

The human race is poisoning itself in a bid to "live life to the fullest". And yet, it would appear that the paradox of "living life to the fullest", may very well mean trimming the fat off some of our more excessive pursuits.

It is comforting to know however, as I slog away in an essentially 9 to 5 job, earning but a humble wage, that the old adage of "the simple things in life are often the best", still rings true. Akst illustrates in no uncertain terms that wealth leads to moral decline and degradation. What caused syphillus in the Kings of old, due to over indulgence of wine, food, power and women, were foretelling omens indeed.

The fact that I read Akst's philosophies whilst on honeymoon in a 5 star resort, scratching down notes in preparation for writing this book review, kind of left a bad taste in my mouth, as I battled with my own resolve and consequently said no to dessert and my third wine, all the while being mindful that I was already full to capacity. 'We Have Met the Enemy, Self-Control in an Age of Excess', berates like a chirpy Jiminy Cricket sitting on the shoulder of your social and moral conscience of everyday living.

Indeed, it seems we have met the enemy and the enemy is us. We have perpetuated the very society that is killing us.

An insightful and at times caustic book, but not one to be packed for your honeymoon.

"Mummy, I picked you a handful of clovers".

2011-05-16T12:20:00.002+10:00

The squidgy little paws and delighted little moon face handed me a bunch of clover. These are the simple little pleasures that make my days meaningful.

Catching the light and casting shadows on my kitchen windowsill, Lily's handful of clovers make me smile. xo

2011-05-16T12:16:00.002+10:00

Crispy and paper thin now, I can't bear to throw them out.

2011-05-16T11:59:00.002+10:00

They have taken up permanent residence in the natural museum that is our home.xo

Kiss

2011-04-23T22:05:00.000+10:00

Wading through wedding photos, narrowing the field of possible enlargements!?

2011-04-23T21:52:00.003+10:00

Each of the many million professional wedding images seem to vary by a millimetre. This one and the top one vary by a smidge of difference!

Going over the light and detail of each one is exhausting and quite hard on my eyes! I love every one of them, each for different reasons.

Writing beside a vase of Easter Daisies

2011-04-23T21:46:00.002+10:00

The image above is of the vases of flowers that were on the tables at our wedding.

When I went shopping yesterday I bought a bunch of white, lacey, Easter Daisies to put in a vase at home, perhaps not wanting to let go of the essence of April and Easter and our wedding.

Honeymooning at home and inspired to write again...

2011-04-23T21:40:00.002+10:00

Wrote ooooooooooooooodles today. Back to the memoir that I love. xo

Married life and the honeymoon.......wedding photos below. U may have to scroll to older posts.

2011-04-14T14:33:00.013+10:00

Every morning I have woken up to Paul rolling over and saying "Good morning my sexy wife!"

After plunger coffee and breaky I have been going for a jog on the beach (okay, I can't jog - it's a shuffle. The Cliff Young, potato farmer variety). Paul surfs while I shuffle...

We return from the beach and I select one of my many herbal teas that I packed for the honeymoon - and I sip, slowly in the sun.

If I'm not booked in for a treatment at the Day Spa - I will read. I have had treatments 2 x days consecutively. Day 1, my treatment at Endota was called "Never, Never Land". This treatment lasts a glorious 3 hours... I was entombed in clay, wrapped in a cocoon of hot towels, lavished with a pedicure, a facial, a 1 hour massage and then a 20 minute soak in the spa surrounded by candle light. At the end of the treatment I was levitating...

I backed Day 2 up with a 1 hour massage for good measure.

Prior to my 3 hour journey into "Never, Never Land", I was asked to choose an essential oil for my treatment. I was asked to smell 3 different oils. Amy, my therapist, told me that I would sub-consciously "choose what my body needed". Amy made a point of not telling me what each fragrance was until I had chosen the scent that most appealed to me.

I chose "Breathe" - a combination of peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus and lemon. Amy thought it unusual but very positive that I chose "Breathe" over the more "sedate" scents, because so often after a wedding, women choose "Dream" or "Calm" because their bodies are begging to shut down, sleep, hibernate and recuperate...

I don't feel tired at all but rather fresh, alive and invigorated -like I want to inhale all that life and love has to offer! I know, I sound crazy!!! Crazy happy maybe....???!!!

At 5 o'clock each evening Paul and I make our way down to the 'The 3 Nippers Restaurant' at the resort and enjoy happy hour!

Being a creature of habit I have ordered the same thing every evening for dinner -scallops served on cauliflower puree for entree and then an entree serve of king prawns with avocado and tomato bruschetta for main. If I find a good thing, I like to stick to it. Paul has tried everything on the menu, be it duck or pork belly etc... I have completed every evening meal with a rich and creamy soy cappucino...

Australis Diamond Beach is half an hour from Wingham and is a secret, little patch of heaven! Our apartment is on the beach. It is tranquil, secluded and totally glassed in on one side of our bedroom - creating a spectacular wall of stars at night.

We keep ringing Lily at Nanny and Poppy's but with her cousins there, her Pony Sarah and the puppies, Lucy and Frody, she won't have a bar of us!?!

I am now off to apply some of my new "skin drink" - Bush Honey and Macadamia moisturiser and then time for a tipple of Moet and Chandon (thanks Simon & Lynelle - classy gift, I have never tried it before)! xo xo

Don't hope to poke my eyes out just yet - aaaah ..... have to go home tomorrow !!! I don't ever want to wash up or cook again!

Mum, Dad, Trude, Paul, Lily and I

2011-04-14T14:30:00.001+10:00

The crew

2011-04-14T14:28:00.000+10:00

Married!

2011-04-14T14:25:00.001+10:00

Paul jumped the gun - so eager to marry Lily and I, he said "I do" before the vows

2011-04-14T14:21:00.001+10:00

The little trio xo

Ceremony at Mum n Dad's at Cedar Party

2011-04-14T14:18:00.001+10:00

Our Flowergirl

2011-04-14T14:15:00.000+10:00

Lily the flowergirl riding her pony up the aisle helped by the beautiful Megan...

2011-04-14T14:10:00.002+10:00

Dear girls from work,

2011-04-03T10:48:00.004+10:00

No one has ever written me a song and sung it loud and proud in a restaurant full of people! Tatham - hilarious, hats off to you. I learnt a few things about myself! I never knew my derriere caused such speculation at work - particularly from other women! xo

I had the most fun, funny and perfect Hen's night!!!! Thank you little Marie for organising 35 wonderful women to come together and celebrate 'love'. Everyone was so relaxed and happy!

I was positively spoilt! My flowers, champagne, champagne flute and pink and black lingerie, boxed in tissue paper and tied with a ribbon - ahh - so romantic, sexy and beautiful!!!

I love u guys - thank you so much! This time next week I will be married! Watch this space!xo

Tracey

A word from the bride to be ...

2011-03-20T17:28:00.003+11:00

3 weeks to go until the wedding !!!

2 weeks to go until I finish up at work !!!

I do not care if it rains, snows or sleets - I just want to be married, be wearing my wedding band, see Paul wearing his wedding band, finally be in my dress, be Mrs Mason, celebrate with family and friends, relax, have a good night and a perfect and long honeymoon.....

5 weeks off for total and utter heart stopping relaxation !!!

I cannot wait ! ! !

This is it.... !!!

2011-01-27T17:09:00.005+11:00

At the end of every year at Kindergarten Transition, I stand behind the microphone and address the school hall, full to the brim with new and upcoming Kindy students' parents and I say in my speech:

"...in the first days and weeks of big school, your child will call upon everything that you have ever taught them..."

Now I find myself remonstrating over my own words. Eating them, actually - thinking, I have precisely 4 days to squeeze in every useful and useless piece of information that I always intended to cover, but never quite got around to! Where did those years go?!

Calmly and professionally I stand there and talk sense to frightened parents about leaving their tears at the gate (after their child has settled). How different it is sending off one of your own little lambs.

All set for a new year - just don't open the Tupperware cupboard or think about how I will get to work on time.

2011-01-24T12:10:00.047+11:00

For the first couple of weeks of the holidays, after hosting Christmas Day, I was a dead loss. I reclined on the lounge and read - intermittendly eating, swimming at the beach, drinking, reading, snoozing, reading, eating, swimming, snoozing - ad infinitum...

Bone tired from the year behind us, I needed the rest and had no qualms about taking it. The three of us all pottered about doing our own thing and re-charged our batteries, usually within a 5 metre radius of one another. I have a feeling that regardless of the size of our house, we would all be under foot.

In the last week of the holidays, however, I have bustled about our house like the Chatelaine of a castle! - albeit, a small castle. I have fastidiously cleaned out every conceivable cupboard space, bowl or receptacle hiding years' worth of crud. Anything that was not bolted down - went. Paul was concerned about his own tenure at one point.

My mood whilst cleaning was...well perhaps I should ask Paul and Lily because at the end of my rampage, when red-faced and puffing like a billy, I announced that I had finished the overhaul, Paul and Lily eyeballed each other and made comments to suggest that they were very pleased that in fact " The Mummy had come back!!!"

As a result I am now looking at sparkling, clean surfaces...I am subdued and surrounded by clean air and fresh focus!

"The quality of daily life is what matters, the taste of the food on the table, the light in the room, the peace and wholeness of the moment".
- Germaine Greer

Mind you, I couldn't come at the Tupperware cupboard. Nor could I encourage Paul or the wee one to assist with the plastic avalanche that greets us daily upon opening the cupboard door. I am talking about our Tupperware cupboard that is full to capacity but houses not one matching lid+container combo.

Now all I have to worry about is gearing up for the school runs in the morning and getting myself and Lily to school on time! Orchestrating school lunches, having the school casual phone and dropping my big school babe at her room each morning without invoking separation anxiety are the next issues on my agenda...

Any advice from Mums or Dads who already have little folk at big school?

My Book Club

2011-01-20T21:27:00.009+11:00

Yesterday evening I met with my Book Club at the Observatory Hotel in Sydney. Books & Nooks booked out the presidential suite on the top floor and sat in a circle on gilded, antique chairs, drinking French Martinis and eating canapes, whilst beauty therapists from the Observatory Hotel manicured and polished our nails - (I chose a shiny, cherry red and I keep looking at it on my nails as I type)!

Oh, we also discussed the text, that we had read this month. An English lecturer convened the discussion and at times our opinions varied greatly. One lady and I(she a psychologist, who no doubt psychoanalysed me) - did not share the same opinion about one particular character in the book. Things got a bit heated, which was great - it was so good to really get into the text with someone.

Afterwards, I met my date - Paul, in the bar. At the bar, I got quite a taste for the French Martinis that had been brought around to us on silver trays at our book club meeting - so I continued drinking them throughout the evening. Note: Ask for for your French Martini shaken with fresh pineapple pieces and garnished with a big, chunk of fresh pineapple, it gives a taste of ....Bermuda? Hawaii? The Maldives? At least that's where I thought I was last night...

In the restaurant I then ordered a clear Pipi soup infused with lemongrass, ginger and God only knows what else, but it was so good, so refreshing that it tasted like the very 'broth of life' itself and I made it my business to tell the chef this exact thing. I don't, however, quite know that Yomo knew exactly where I was coming from. Yomo's broth was so nourishing - it could bring back the dead. It felt like it had cleansed my body and my soul. This man - the head chef can seriously cook. I think of my batches of blueberry muffins and Smoked Salmon Pasta and they are lame and ordinary suburban concoctions in comparison.

The rack of lamb that we ate next did not disappoint. It was encrusted in garlic and shinju mushrooms and the crust was black. Seriously if Yomo told me it were derived from boot polish, which is what it looked like, I would have continued to eat it after I took my first bite - the flavour was phenomenal and cutting the lamb was like slicing a hot knife through butter. Chewing was optional.

Paul and I returned to our room for the night to find that someone had been in our quarters! Paul initially thought it was a 'robber', however, on closer inspection the 'robber' had a fetish for classical music as well as an obsessive compulsive disorder. Classical music was playing. The quilt on our bed had been pulled down and our bed sheet neatly folded back and tucked in. They, he or she had put a bottle of water in a weird, sleeping-bag-type-holder on each of our bedside tables. They had also cleaned up my makeup that had been strewn about the marble vanity and they had also folded my nightie and placed it on the wing backed chair! The staff at the Observatory could not have been more attentive and left no stone unturned. Get thyself there!

We also had a spa before I went to my Book Club meeting and we looked at the stars on the 'ceiling' of the pool. Paul was in his element- it being a Hotel that promotes the whole Observatory/Science/Astronomy theme. Over dinner in the 'Galileo' Restaurant, Paul enlightened me on all that Galileo actually did for us in our modern age! Fascinating really...

Fashioning the wedding bouquet

2011-01-16T15:25:00.005+11:00

Well I have just breathed in a fresh gust of wedding preparation fever! It comes and goes.

This morning as we cooled ourselves on the slip and slide in the back yard, I pottered about cutting clippings of berries and other textured greenery from our garden, fashioning my wedding bouquet.

I am not responsible for the wedding bouquet above, my florist is and she creates, rustic, just thrown together, old fashioned, freshly-picked-from-the-garden bouquets, that appear effortless but are indeed exquisite, wired, natural works of art!

Mark my words, there will be pale, apple green berries in my bouquet and lots of white, ruffled flowers intermingled with greenery.

My first wedding bouquet was a heavy and contrived orb of rose buds that lacked that simple 'posie' look and looked stilted and well...contrived.

I am confident that all will be natural and right second time round - and that includes the flowers.

My holiday reading line up

2010-12-28T18:39:00.005+11:00

Each book above, was a gift, given to me by various folk for Christmas.

I love Christmas but I really enjoy Boxing Day.

On Boxing Day I took to my first book like a lover of creme brulee might take to the glazed, toffeed meniscus of such a pudding, with the back of a metal spoon :- breaking through the crisp skin with a hungry implement, I created shards of sugar that melted in my mouth as I devoured each word.

As I turned each page of my new book, sweet and warm - I dipped my toes into the heart of the story, looked at Paul and sighed, knowing that my Summer holiday has most definitely begun.

If you need me, you know where I shall be - reading.....unapologetically and indefinitely.

Merry Christmas from Frody, Lily and Lucy

2010-12-21T13:58:00.001+11:00

What a photogenic bunch

2010-12-21T13:52:00.002+11:00

Summer on the deck has kicked in. Afternoon apertifs - with no deadlines, no fixed time to have to rise or be anywhere in the morning. Aaaaah.... 5 weeks of bliss together on holidays. Thank goodness I am marrying a fellow teacher. Does it get any better than this?

A dog's life

2010-12-21T13:48:00.001+11:00

Larry, Mo and Curly

2010-12-21T13:43:00.001+11:00

Seasons greetings to you all...

2010-12-21T13:32:00.004+11:00

... from our beautiful Lily, her photo hanging like a shrine above our fireplace! Our mantle piece decorated for Christmas.

Wishing you peace and harmony at Christmas time. xo

It has been a big year for our family and we draw towards the end of it tired...

2010-12-21T13:26:00.003+11:00

but very happy ...

Who is more tired? You will see when you click on older blog posts....!

2010-12-21T13:23:00.001+11:00

The 2 partners in crime

2010-12-21T13:21:00.000+11:00

A big year for a little girl xo

2010-12-21T13:17:00.000+11:00

I have been waiting for this moment - school reports behind me and able to cook the Christmas Pudd

2010-11-29T09:54:00.010+11:00

Cooking the Christmas pudding represents so much to me. It means that as far as work goes, I am on the down hill run. Usually I write out my Christmas cards whilst the pudding is on the simmer, smelling the aroma of Christmas wafting through out the house, just as my mother did when I was little.

For Paul, it is a time of wanting to flee or go underground because it is a tense and tumultuous event, as I try to get a 'perfect skin' on my pudding. This year Paul absentmindedly asked mid-cooking, if I would mind moving my car out of the drive. The character 'forgot himself' but soon apologised as he witnessed me blow up, and flap around the kitchen like a Terradactyl.

Every year I make my Aunty Bev's Christmas pudding. The recipe my Mum has always used. My Aunty Bev died of Cancer when she was my age - in her 30s, with a young daughter. I was a kid at the time of her death but I was VERY close to her as was my sister and parents, of course. I often think what it would have been like to die a slow and painful death at such a young age, having to farewell a beautiful, daughter (her only child). Bev loved her daughter, my cousin Lisa, so completely. Lisa, Trudy and I are like sisters and always will be.

I have documented 'the Christmas pudding experience' and asked Paul and Lil to take photos, so that I can teach Lily this recipe - so that this tradition may live on in our family.

Merry Christmas from Paul, Tracey, Lily, Lucy and Frody xo

A precarious moment...

2010-11-29T09:49:00.001+11:00

Here goes...

2010-11-29T09:46:00.000+11:00

Crumbs...the unveiling - the whole family holds their breath!

2010-11-29T09:40:00.004+11:00

Will it crumble? Paul hopes not, as the success of the pudding somewhat determines the tone of Christmas!

Snipping the string

2010-11-29T09:36:00.001+11:00

Plonked from the pot after 4 hours of boiling...

2010-11-29T09:31:00.003+11:00

..weighing several kilos, Paul has to lift it - playing his part every year.

Cuddles from my kitchen hand and further blog posts overleaf

2010-11-29T09:27:00.001+11:00

Lily licking the pudding batter

2010-11-29T09:23:00.000+11:00

Ready to begin...

2010-11-29T09:18:00.001+11:00

High Tea anyone? Seriously - this is an invitation. I need a date!

2010-10-26T16:18:00.005+11:00

On Sunday November 21st I am going to a High Tea party at The Victoria Room, Sydney to see Kelly Doust (Author of 'The Crafty Minx') launch her new book 'A Life In Frocks'. She will also have on display, her entire collection of vintage dresses for the guests to peruse.

Apparently guests will be sipping on a selection of gourmet, freshly cut sandwiches and assorted, decadent sweets and we will be sipping on Piper-Heidsieck Champagne!

I am an online member of 'Books and Nooks' - type that in to see the pricing of the ticket and any other details if you are interested in going along.

I can't wait to wear a vintage frock and dress up and enjoy an afternoon of food, fashion and finery. A copy of Kelly's new book is included in the ticket price and has already been mailed to me, bound by tissue paper and ribbon. Heaven on a stick! I am already a third of the way through the book, which I am really enjoying.

My sister Trudy will be in Hawaii then, as will Lynelle. Caroline will be in Vietnam and frankly the event is not really Paul's cup-of-tea (pardon the pun).

I would love some company! If you are interested - even if we haven't met - it may be a lovely afternoon of conversation.

Lily and Paul will be in Sydney with me on the day spending the allotted 'High Tea Time', visiting the Opera House and exploring the city. Got a spare couple of hours on the Sunday the 21st for plushness, relaxation and a sip of tea out of a fancy tea cup?

Text me, ring me, email me or reply on my blog.
My email is velvetinelily@hotmail.com

Home made, iced cup cakes from Lily's 4th birthday party

2010-10-26T16:11:00.001+11:00

Lily - 5 years ago, hanging out with Lucy

2010-10-25T15:53:00.002+11:00

When Lily was a new born (5 1/2 years ago!!!) the only thing that would stop her crying in the middle of the night was Lucy, our Labrador. With our eyes hanging out of our heads, Matt and I would dutifully walk down our stairs and out into the night air (Lily was a Winter baby) to allow Lily to stare at Lucy for long periods of time... in order to cease Lily's crying.

When we brought Lily home from the hospital for the first time, Lucy would sleep under Lily's bassinet and snore.

When Lil grew to be a toddler I was horrified to walk out onto the verandah one morning to see Lily feeding Lucy weetbix off her plastic, baby spoon.

Now Lily does Lucy's hair, gives her massages, tells her off and dances with her all in the same instant. Lily makes Lucy coffee and pie in her 'mudpie cafe' and Lucy sits on the chair and sips at the sandy concoctions that Lily lovingly dishes up.

Lucy is a very obliging and patient recipient of our family jokes and antics. We put funny hats on Lucy, we have put booties and bibs on Lucy and once Lily put a pair of her dancing shoes on her. Lucy takes it all in her stride and laps up the attention.

What characters they are as they potter around and play.

Lily has always loved Lucy, ever since she was a baby...

2010-10-25T15:50:00.000+11:00

Lily - cackling her head off as she rests her feet on Lucy

2010-10-25T15:46:00.001+11:00

Soul Sisters

2010-10-25T15:41:00.001+11:00

Always up to no good! Paul and I often hear Lily prattling along to Lucy about life.

Lily and Lucy dancing on the 'stage' together

2010-10-25T15:36:00.000+11:00

True Friends - True Colours

2010-10-18T16:00:00.009+11:00

In the holidays we entertained friends from Boston (Mark, my old school friend and fellow prefect), friends from Annandale/Sydney, friends from Shelly Beach and we were entertained by friends from Tarbuck Bay, Toukley and Wingham.

We had many play dates for Lily, including the one in the picture above at my friend Belynda's place or 'Grudes' as she is always referred. All the kids hopped in the bath together on a cold day after their swim in the pool. These kids have been hanging out with each other since they were born, in fact - well before.

On play dates such as these I notice that each of us mothers each others' children in some way. One of us will run the bath, another Mum will get the kids out of the bath, let out the water and dry the whole crew - because we totally trust one another.

From left to right in the photo above; Zayne, Lily, Talen, Sophia and Xavier have an affinity with each other, like that of the bond that is present between their Mums.

Xavier and (my) Lily are only a day apart in age. When Leisa, Xav's Mum went into labour, I was sure I wasn't just going out in sympathy! No, I was on the phone at the time, at about nine o'clock at night and Grudes assured me that my complaints of bad period pain, were the beginning of the rumblings...sure enough, by 12 that night the ambulance had come, I was taken to hospital and Lily was born at sun rise that morning.

Leisa and Grudes are a whirling dervish of drama and intrigue. Both of them are teachers and I can best describe them by saying, if there was a child on the roof at school, neither one of them would think twice about scaling the building and sitting on the roof to talk a kid down. They are honest and generous and would give you their last dollar. Perhaps they are surprised that I have lumped them together and described them similarly, but they are - similar in some ways, in terms of their values. They are both fiercely loyal and I have witnessed both of them as they have gone into bat for me on several occassions.

Hendo is the bloke of our group, also a teacher, he dotes on his little girls at play dates such as these. His elfin featured little girls; Zoe and Ava, greatly resemble his beautiful wife, Joanna. Hendo is our male perspective on all things feminine.

Our friends can recognise our handwriting instantly, what type of books we read, the words we consistently say - but aren't even consciously aware of and our friends hold a mirror up to ourselves. Each meeting or encounter with our friends reinforces that we are 'known' and that we 'belong'.

True friends know our idiosyncrasies and love us anyway. Lynelle, knows that I don't do 'stand up' concerts anymore or in fact anything compromising my comfort and as such her and Simon accommodate my every need and whim when I stay with them. I know Lynelle disinfects the receiver of the telephone after someone with a cold has spoken into it, and I can pay her out and stir her up about this profusely, because I know her. Friends have come and gone but my friendship with Lynelle has stood the test of time. Lynelle married my friend Simon from primary school and together all 3 of us have a very special bond. I am also pleased that Lynelle married Simon because he is an exceptional cook! The dishes that he tries out he tries out on us!

My friend Caroline is an arbour of strength, tenacity and creativity and like a bird she is drawn to pretty, shiny things to feather her nest - thus her recent trip to our neighbourhood to scour the antique shops.I kept spotting things that 'looked like Caroline' and she spotted a table cloth that 'looked like me'. So convinced she was that it was "my effect", that she said "If you don't buy it, I am buying it for you!"

These holidays I connected with so many different friends on so many different levels. What a nourishing, uplifting bunch of catch-ups.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something BLUE xo

2010-10-06T17:44:00.005+11:00

Well I've found my 'blue' - as shown above and I FOUND MY WEDDING GOWN!

I walked into our local, bridal boutique a couple of blocks from our house, tried on 2 dresses and ONE, WAS UNEQUIVOCALLY, IT! Not one to spoil a surprise I will simply say it is pre-loved, a touch vintage and very simple and I am so delighted with it.

After the wedding I will return it to Mel's little store of one-offs, for yet another bride to fall in love with... Such is the circle of life! It fits me like a glove, not so much as requiring a hem really.

Trying it on in the shop, I had that moment - when you try on THE bridal gown and you feel like a princess, a princess that is soon to be wedded and you feel loved and beautiful and magic, wanting to look utterly gorgeous and desirable for your handsome prince! Until this point, I hadn't felt bride-like.

I came home the night of finding my gown and said to Paul with a wine in one hand and severe despondence in the other, "This is the last time, at the wedding, that I will feel like a woman". He laughed, looked at me affectionately as if to say, 'are you turning into a man?' and said, "You are so funny and melodramatic, why is this the last time you will feel like a woman?"

"After you are a bride the frequency of occasions in which you pamper yourself, dress up elegantly, totally waxed and womanly, feminine and perfect are few and far between".

I intend to enjoy this day. A wedding is also an opportunity for a long and luxurious honeymoon, which we have booked and I can't wait... !!!!! xo

I love Wingham

2010-10-06T16:54:00.009+11:00

When I went home to Wingham to Mum and Dad's place in the holidays, I came across these quirky, little rustic place card holders for the bridal table. Their intended use I believe is to hold and display photographs, so I will use them for that after the wedding.

I purchased these from Bent on Life, the lifestyle store that is beside the cafe, Bent on Food that is situated in Isabella street, (the main street) of Wingham - that I want all guests travelling to the wedding to visit! Whilst you are there, visit the book store in Wingham that I (perhaps, solely) am trying to keep afloat. Classy accommodation can be found at Tellers - The Old Bank Guest House.

If you wish to scour a charity shop for vintage goodies, like my friend Caroline, there is also a long-standing Op shop. I remember going in there with my Mum when I was a little girl. A good omen for me when I visited these holidays - the Op shop had a wedding display in the window, with vintage bridal gown, veil, shoes, purse and accessories.

To a pair of city eyes, Wingham really doesn't have a great deal more - a couple of bakeries, my Aunty & Uncle's stock feed shop, a cute florist, with lavender in buckets out the front and yet I love the place - my home town. So glad to be marrying there.

Oh, "The Wingham Brush" is remarkable, filled with fig trees and flying foxes it shares its perimeter with my old, primary school. There is also a quaint cooking school called 'Duck Under the Table', which teaches cheesemaking and the cooking of various cuisine. Caroline, as I mentioned before, is bringing a host of girls from Sydney, for the weekend - to make cheese.

I insist on few things for this wedding but 3 of which that I will not compromise on are:

(1) Fresh flowers for the table - a la Bella Vita Florist Wingham, in support of a small and local establishment (2) A good feed of good food
(3) Simplicity.

Experimenting with ideas for our rustic, country wedding

2010-10-06T16:47:00.001+11:00

My public and sincere apologies to you all ...

2010-10-01T12:38:00.006+10:00

In my post below about Badminton, I have used the apostrophe several times. Each time I use it I cringe, worrying about my misuse of it. The mechanics of my writing has never been fully developed. I am not as grammatically correct as I would dearly love to be, unlike my friend Moira at school.

When I went to school I learnt language and the construction of it through osmosis - through immersion and by way of a philosophy known as 'whole language'. I was never taught grammar as such.

When I went to Uni a phenomenon was streaking through NSW, whereby nouns where being coined 'participants' and verbs something equally as ridiculous? I didn't know the original and correct grammatical term, let alone then be able to transform the grammatical term into it's new guise.

Thus and apologies - you are left having to put up with my insistence to press on writing, whilst exposing you to my clumsiness. I have an editor for my book - thank goodness for Sally, she will save you from feeling like someone has run their finger nails down the chalk board!

I cannot afford the time or the money to do a writing course at this time. I applied for a scholarship and was unsuccessful, but I will keep applying. Until such time, thanks for putting up with my 'mussy' language, it is important for me to express my thoughts.

Moira and blogging friends, please read the Badminton post below and correct me on my misuse of the apostrophe and or any other faux pas that I make in any blog posts. I will only learn through correction. I would be grateful of the lesson.

I have not played Badminton since Christmas day when I was a kid...what a fabulous game!

2010-10-01T11:58:00.008+10:00

Paul bought Lily the shuttlecock and bats to get her through the school holiday boredom that sometimes rears its ugly head.

However... our 5-year-old-John-McEnroe walked off with the huffs on several occasions this morning because Mummy and Paul (sorry did I include Paul, it would be fair to tell the truth here - Mummy ) became quite competitive taking up quite a bit of Lily's game time.

I know what we will all be playing Christmas day this year. Bring on the family comp! Be sure to put a cheap and cheerful Badminton set in every one's Christmas stocking - particularly the adults'. Dad will love you for it. Even the Mums will get into the action I promise you.

Today Lily went on her first playdate ever to her best friend's house - without her Mummy

2010-09-29T17:37:00.005+10:00

Today I dropped Lily at her best friend's house for a play date - without me.

Asha is Lily's best friend. Asha is Balinese. She looks like an Indonesian princess; chocolate eyes, chocolate skin, chocolate hair and Lily and Asha just adore one another - they always have.

Asha's mum, Amy and I have always met up at the park or a play centre, but today the girls had a play at Asha's house. They are now talking sleep overs! We shall see in the future, it may be a different story when the sun goes down.

Being an only child (at this point) Lily loves the company of other children. The two girls have a really precious bond - having been drawn to each other very early on when they were both bubbies-in-cots at pre-school.

Funny how the parents of the friends that your children befriend, become your friends. Thank goodness Lily has exceptional taste in people. Perhaps she seeks out people with similar values to us/to me? I stepped into Amy's house today and it felt like I was walking into my own home:- colourful, mosaic pots everywhere, a strong sense of culture, love, family and nature infiltrating every room. Asha's family are beautiful people and we welcome them into our lives.

I feel a sense of relief and pride, that our girl has the intuition to find herself a wonderful, little person as her best friend. Let's see how the teenage years go - we probably won't even get to meet the parents then will we? Can one insist upon this? They are so protected when they are young. Lily can move in with my sister during this period and Trudy can monitor and interview her compardres!

[The photo above is of Lily before she left for Asha's house this morning. She woke early to draw copious amounts of pictures to take to her best buddy Asha].

Lily, the night before her play date with Asha

2010-09-29T11:38:00.005+10:00

Last night, Lily went into her room and layed out all of her clothes(including her Strawberry Shortcake knickers) in readiness for her play date at Asha's house.

Today I...

2010-09-25T14:32:00.008+10:00

began the first day of my holidays !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We walked our puppies and then I came home and did all of my Christmas shopping online for Lily. I finally tracked down the tree house that was around when I was a kid - you know the one that popped up and had a family of 5 with a car and a swing in it, that you wound up?! I think Lily and I will fight over it. My cousin Lisa had one when we were kids and I loved that thing!

Interestingly, when the Magic Tree house was first created 25 years ago in France, I doubt it was advertised in the way that it is now and I quote:

"The Magic Tree teaches children the notions of ecology, renewable energies and the protection of endangered species".

Vulli, the French company have since made the tree electronic, making the whole countryside come to life when you open it up, "recreating sounds of birds chirping and that of a running river".

The characters have also been environmentally named since I was a youngster. There is: 1) Martin - the forest ranger father 2) Begonia - the fruit and vegetable growing Mummy 3) Robin, the little boy 4) Cherry - the little girl 5) Basil - the dog who comes with his own humane kennel. How life has changed!

As Lily is starting big school next year, I also ordered cute little, 'Lily Kate' stickers and iron-ons for her school belongings and uniform. Beside her name are pictures of owls wearing sunglasses! Too cool for school. She will love these when she unwraps them under the Christmas tree.

I also ordered a little something for myself - personalised stationery, with my blog address up top - you should see the image that I selected for the paper - so cute and yet so totally unnecessary!

I also ordered 2 good books for my holiday reading.

How uplifting is this weather! Drowning in my own self-absorption and loving it.

This week I ...

2010-09-24T18:57:00.015+10:00

- had breakfast with Lily in her cubby outside (view from the cubby, looking outside in the photograph above).

- sat in a tranquil garden by myself, surrounded by the smell of spring. I smelt Azaleas, reminding me of the tending of an old-fashioned garden - like my late-Pop's. I smelt real roses that have a perfume that makes you sigh - the colour red, like a Mr Lincoln.

- wrapped Lily tightly in a warm blanket and nursed her like a newborn, after she came out of surgery distressed. I felt the power of the love between a mother and a daughter. When Lily came out of the anaesthetic she was confused and screaming for her Mummy. The nurses came and got me and as soon as I held her, she stopped. Her little body relaxed and she went back to sleep in my arms. I patted her. I had a moment, a revelation, I felt so lucky. Our love for each other, our knowledge of each other, is instinctive - no words are needed. I have lived knowing the love of a child.

This week I ...
- let a handful of significant people into my life - almost physically feeling the accommodation and transition. I let go, let my guard down and realised their extreme loyalty to me and consciously accepted them into my inner circle. I resist intimately taking 'new people' into my personal and immediate world because each being requires; tending, love, water, sunlight and nourishment. I am aware that my time and energy only allows me to nurture a select few close friends. My priority is raising my family. As I get older the friendships that I forge are fewer, but stronger.

-laughed loudly and deeply, expelling sorrow and tiredness, breathing sunshine and colour into my soul.

- was affected monumentally by the depth of kindness, protection and support offered by my friends.

- took steps to alter my life and well being in 2011. I created a plan that suits me, enabling me to achieve a level of fulfillment, creativity, balance and harmony in my life next year and for the remainder of this year.

- scratched the surface and found profound joy.

The edited version of 'The Proposal'

2010-09-15T18:49:00.011+10:00

Well over a week ago, I sat down to write an excerpt for my blog entitled 'The Proposal'. Over 3,000 words and a chapter and a half (of my book) later, I still haven't a short, sharp and interesting post to shower you with.

My apologies. I keep getting texts and emails from people saying "Where is the proposal story?" I need to tell it as a whole because it really was a weekend long memory and each moment leading up to 'it' was significant.

But to be brief though and because the purpose of a blog is to be a blog and not a novel, I will say that 'the proposal', culminated in two separate events.

The official proposal occurred whilst on a romantic weekend away at Blueys Beach.

A second proposal ensued a couple of days later when we returned home. On that occasion, Paul proposed to Lily, bending down on one knee and placing a "diamond" ring (please note the inverted commas) on Lily's squidgy, little, ring finger, asking for her hand in marriage.

Paul told me later that he had found Lily's ring, well before mine.

Lucky for Paul - both girls said yes!

The above photograph is of the beautiful pink lilies and roses that the staff at my work had sent to our door, after hearing the good news of our engagement. Rebecca our social club organiser - you are gorgeous!

When the flowers arrived I thought how wondrous it is that the very idiosyncrasies and peculiarities of our colleagues, who often create such vexation to our spirit, suddenly become the very personable and endearing qualities that reduce one to tears!

I cannot leave the place that I work. These people are truly beautiful friends.

Last night, three girl friends from work took me out to dinner to toast our pending wedding.

I am a very lucky girl xo

A sunny spot at our breakast table

2010-09-15T18:28:00.005+10:00

The vase of lilies were from Paul for my birthday. An engagement and a birthday all in the same week!

The pot of parsley, from a friend at work, is sitting on my dining table as I attempt to de-mystify if indeed it is just an old wives tale, that giving parsley to a friend, makes that said friend pregnant!

For those of you who are also 'trying', save yourself the effort of trying to channel the blessings of the fertility Gods, by accruing and displaying bowls of quinces around the home. Quinces in bowls do not deliver.

Paul proposed on Saturday night! We are getting married!

2010-09-06T18:03:00.004+10:00

Above and below are some old and fav pics of us since we have been together...

When time permits, I will go into a bit more detail...about the proposal, which was beautiful....

It will be a country wedding - a party, a celebration and we can't wait!

Us xo

2010-09-06T18:01:00.001+10:00

I like this one of us smiling at each other ...

2010-09-06T17:56:00.001+10:00

Us at the Hunter Valley

2010-09-06T17:53:00.001+10:00

The early days

2010-09-06T17:48:00.002+10:00

Our baby's going to big school ! ! !

2010-08-26T14:48:00.003+10:00

Today was Lily's first day at big school - The first of 6 Kindergarten Transition days. What an exciting and emotional time (for the Mums). Lily was up at dawn in anticipation.

How cute are the shirts that the school has had printed for next year's Kindys!!!

Our baby's going to big school !

2010-08-26T14:44:00.000+10:00

The morning of the big day

2010-08-26T14:41:00.002+10:00

Mummy and Lily on the step, ready to go to big school

2010-08-26T14:36:00.002+10:00

A last cuddle on the step with my babe, before we head off to our first Transition at big school.

Lily, being an industrious, little beaver!

2010-08-26T14:31:00.001+10:00

Lil was keen to sit down and get started on her Teddy Bear hat. A studious, little character, just like her mother!

Lily, finished her work and waiting patiently

2010-08-26T14:10:00.003+10:00

We were so proud to watch Lily make her Teddy Bear hat all by herself. Our baby had coloured it in, written her own name on it 'Lily P' (always with a love heart beside), cut it out by herself on the dotted lines and even stapled the head band on. She sat quietly whilst the other little poppets around her finished.

When the teacher read a story to the children, Lily sat cross legged up the front and listened, showing beautiful manners. I am so pleased now that we took the hard road of following through on consequences, insisting on politeness, good manners and kindness.

It's too easy to give in as parents. We witnessed some rude behaviour from some of the other kids today. Many kids spoke over the top of the teacher, pushed in and displayed a lack of manners. We were disappointed that their parents didn't intervene, as clearly the teacher kept saying the same names over and over again. Unfortunately in life, the squeaky wheel gets the most oil.

I am so pleased that I have said "no" a trillion times to Lily, to reiterate right from wrong. Today, it all paid off. On her first day at big school, Lily called upon everything we have ever taught her.

We are so proud of you baby !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Teddy Bears Picnic at Big School

2010-08-26T14:00:00.002+10:00

At the end of the day all the kids went on a treasure hunt and relaxed with their picnic.

Writing beside the scent of sweet peas...

2010-08-23T18:12:00.013+10:00

I really rate the concept of 'giving a service'. Obviously I also enjoy being the recipient of a service too!

My sister Trudy has looked after Lily for me, when Lily has been sick, with a roaring temp, when I had an extremely important event on at work that I could not get out of. She has taken a sick day, made the drive from Sydney and administered panadol every 4-6 hours, recording each dosage in 24-hour time with the precision of the intensive care nurse that she is.

When I come home from work, I get an official, medical 'hand over' that falls just short of her asking me to sign, indicating that I have understood the state of the patient, before I take over my shift.

My friend Lynelle rang me today and told me to 'save the date' for the 25th of September, as her husband is cooking a 3 course meal for her and 4 of her closest friends for her birthday. Lynelle asked her husband for this service, as a gift.

My artist friend, Caroline, provides a service to her community. She teaches art at her son's pre-school each week. I am told that every youngster in the centre knows who Andy Warhol is as a result of this and the little, characters have created Pop Art inspired portraits of themselves to prove that they are familiar with this genre.

As I watch Paul wash every pair of dirty clothing in our household each week, I love the man more and more and more...

I love that before I went to bed last night I said to Paul (the early bird), "after your surf in the morning can you pick up a tub of wax (as in hair removal wax) from the supermarket when you pick up the morning papers?" Bless this man, he buys the bread, the ingredients for our nightly meal etc... all before I have even got out of bed.

My point is this - this morning I awoke to my breakfast, the papers and a tub of wax. Give me the luxury of a service over an expensive, dust collecting gift any day.

We all procure far too much 'stuff'. In a time poor society, giving time to others is precious.

Incidentally:

"Australians, per capita, are the biggest producers of waste in the world, averaging 2.25 kilograms a person every day". planetark.org

Play this clip and spare some love for missing little girl, Kiesha

2010-08-07T14:45:00.008+10:00

I feel so saddened by the disappearance of Kiesha, the 6 year old who was admitted to hospital with an infected, adult bite mark on her face, prior to her now lengthy disappearance. To hear through the media that she had spent her time playing idly in the neighbourhood, with stray cats, was evidence of her sorrow.

Who was protecting and loving this innocent, little girl? Hearing of this dear, little angel who had no voice and became invisible makes me want to right the wrongs of this world. Should I become a foster parent? Or do I just continue to love my own daughter and be kind, loving and aware of injustice and neglect amongst the children that I teach, being vigilant about reporting abuse? Is this enough? What can we do? What can I do to make a difference?

I hear the politicians arguing over nonsense as they prepare for election - I see no reform or genuine improvement dedicated to the lives of Kiesha and the other, lost little girls and boys suffering in silence.

Justice can never be served for the loss of this young life.

Kasey Chamber's song 'Am I Not Pretty Enough?', reminded me of Kiesha, when I heard of her disappearance on the radio. This clip I found on YouTube.

God bless her beautiful soul.

What is your sin? Cabaret and the 7 Deadly Sins.

2010-07-31T17:22:00.004+10:00

Last night we were mesmerized as Tim Rogers and his 7 piece band, belted out their definitions of the 7 Deadly Sins through music, at the Opera house. Cello, double bass, piano, violin, accordion, guitar, drums and vocals created the sound and essence of each of the 7 deadly sins.

Which prompted us to ponder: what are our vices?

What are your biggest sins out of the 7?

1. Lust
2. Greed
3. Wrath
4. Sloth
5. Pride
6. Envy
7. Gluttony

I had to confess that we didn't need the cheese platter that we indulged in after the show at the Opera Bar. Gluttony would be on my list of sizable sins. It was, however, the best blue cheese I have ever sampled.

I don't see lust as a sin, unless misplaced or misdirected.

Sloth - I am definitely prone to an unmotivated moment, when I get one, only because I am so ridiculously busy the majority of the time.

Envy: I did envy the non-working group of Yummy Mummys at the park the other day. They talked of their love of not working, of going to the gym and putting their babies in the creche. They had six packs and ran half marathons in their free time??? I tried going to the gym after Lil was born (5 years ago). She screamed so much in the creche, that the child care workers had to keep paging me.

Wrath: I get cranky when I get tired, does that count? I seem to be tired most of the time......
Oh and I get cranky when I'm hungry. Wrath would be witnessed when I'm both hungry and tired.

Pride: Yes, I am very proud but always humble enough to apologise, tell the truth and acknowledge other people's endeavours and achievements.

Greed: not relevant to me. I don't aspire to material or monetary wealth. I will take comfort, simplicity, safety, security and homeliness over decadence, excess and wastefulness.

How do you rate? Be honest!

Love a red wine or three? Chocolate by the square or by the block?

Off to Cabaret at the Opera House Tonight!

2010-07-30T15:03:00.003+10:00

Tonight Paul and I are watching a cabaret show at the Opera House. My sister, Trudy will drop us into the Opera Bar early, so that we can take in a drink, dinner and the sights and sounds of Sydney.

Lily has packed her Barbie dolls and will stay with Trude in Sydney for the evening. We will catch a cab back to Trudes later in the night, hopefully after a coffee in the city.

Escaping from the daily grind - work has consumed me of late. This half of the year is my busiest time. Sorry to neglect you dear blogging friends. I will get back on the radar this weekend.

xo

Tea, coffee, me ?

2010-07-25T12:54:00.003+10:00

I have abstained from tea, coffee and alcohol for months.

Last night, Paul and I sat by the fire and with a red wine in my hand and a rosy glow on my cheeks - Paul played me record after record - of all the songs that he wooed me with, when we first met.

Each song took us right back to our courtship, when each of our 5 senses were amplified.

Last night I was courted all over again. I feel so safe and loved with you Paul.

So nice to take time out to connect and 'just be' with your, intimate, significant other.

Home to Mum and Dad's Farm

2010-07-19T21:09:00.009+10:00

We went home to Mum and Dad's on the weekend. On my first night there I read a novel from woe to go, because in the presence of her Nanny, Poppy and Aunty Trudy (who was also home, from Sydney), Paul and I are both obsolete to Lily. Lily follows her Poppy around like a puppy dog; feeding the animals, shifting the fences, breaking in the horses, testing 50 cows for pregnancy! You can see her little, pink gum boots marching in the paddocks, a mile away from the house.

Poppy had arranged to give Lily a new, baby lamb, to keep for a pet - that was the reason for our trip. When we arrived and Lily was shown her baby lamb, which she named 'Pat', she then asked Poppy if the next animal he could get her could be a giraffe????? Poppy replied that he would if he could! I think they ended up agreeing on a piglet.

Little Pat is so soft and cuddly. Her tiny, little bleat nearly makes your heart cry. She is so timid and likes to stay close to her Mummy.

Animals are so therapeutic. My sister and I both had a pet lamb when we were at high school and we had to get up through the night, every four hours to feed Nonny and Mo, their warm bottle. I want this experience for my girl. I am so pleased that Lily loves animals and is so kind to them.

On Saturday morning, we 'went into town'. We visited my Aunty and Uncle, who own the 'Farm Produce Store'. We had lunch with them at 'Bent on Food' and I bought a love heart, black board from 'Bent on Life', the kitchenalia and homewares store in Wingham. I then perused the new book shop in Wingham. Wingham 'the friendly town', has never had a book shop, so I spent up big in support of this quaint, little store, so that it remains open for my subsequent visits.

When we returned home 'from town' someone had placed a block of wood, from the wood pile, at each door of Mum and Dad's house, denoting that a visitor had been. Last time I was home, a visitor had placed our gum boots in a fancy arrangement at the back door, indicating, once again, evidence of a visit - in our absence ---- a country thing...

Mum and Dad are always entertaining. People drop by continually. We had coffees, drinks, cups of tea, cheese platters and home grown, grain fed, T-bone steak and salad with relatives and friends whilst we were home.

Just what the doctor ordered.

Holly and her foal, Mingo

2010-07-19T21:06:00.000+10:00

The new addition to our family - 'Pat', Lily's baby lamb

2010-07-19T21:02:00.001+10:00

The Girls were very happy to have their photo taken - every one of them, making eye contact

2010-07-19T20:59:00.001+10:00

Lily and Chee Chee

2010-07-19T20:57:00.001+10:00

'Emu', the bull and I had a mexican stand off - eyeing each other closely, as I took this photo

2010-07-19T20:53:00.001+10:00

My love heart chalk board, to hang in the kitchen - to scribble reminders

2010-07-19T20:47:00.002+10:00

When you've lost your MOJO - copped a blow of sorts, what do you do?

2010-07-15T13:09:00.006+10:00

You wallow in self-pity for a day or 2. Feel sad. Go for a chai tea on soy, at your favourite cafe and stare at the people passing by - wondering about their circumstances.

You pull yourself together by bringing home a cheese platter for the family, aiming to create some tone of conviviality.

You cook a big batch of minestrone, contemplating jumping in the pot yourself.

You play ping-pong with your daughter because you know it makes her so happy.

You sit out on the deck, in the sun the next day, wearing a big, floppy hat and even bigger sunglasses that cover your dark eyes and you think of the positives - as there are so many.

Should my life stop in one instant - I could not be more unbelievably lucky and happy. I love you Lily and Paul. This little family of ours, of the three of us (five including the dogs - and they are always included) makes me exceedingly happy.

The recipe for our Minestrone comes from the book titled 'Velvet Pears', by Susan Southam. The book itself is beautiful, the recipe is fool proof and the end product is gold. Can be googled, but I recommend buying and savouring the book.

This is what Tommy thought of the brunch! Today's Girls' Brunch! Please scroll down to older posts too - I posted 14 photographs!

2010-07-08T23:40:00.012+10:00

Poor Paul and Tommy! Surrounded by all these crazy women! The above shot is of Shelley. The brunch was in her honour! So good to catch up.

Scroll to 'older posts' at bottom of this page to see the food and my attempt at a 'rustic' table setting.

My blog was playing up so all posts are out of order! Sorry?!!! What a vexation on the spirit!

Lily and Charlotte on the piano

2010-07-08T23:37:00.011+10:00

Amy's 'Magical, Love Heart', hair do for Lily

2010-07-08T23:33:00.009+10:00

Charlotte and Lily playing Mummys - and cooking in the sand.

The Girls - deep in conversation.

2010-07-08T23:27:00.003+10:00

Shelley explaining something to Nat. Lily resting back and LOVING getting her hair done by Aunty Amy!

Nat, Shell and Amy

2010-07-08T23:25:00.002+10:00

Shelley (the star of the day) who we all miss - and Amy on the right

2010-07-08T23:20:00.003+10:00

Shelley and Amy in Lily's bedroom.

Lily and Amy (Aunty Amy - Queen of all the kids and respite for all the Mums!)

2010-07-08T23:09:00.003+10:00

Amy and Lily

Amy's Sweet Potato Quiche...

2010-07-08T23:03:00.003+10:00

My Mum and I have this thing for milk jugs?!

2010-07-08T23:00:00.002+10:00

Fresh Juice in a Big Yellow Jug

2010-07-08T22:55:00.005+10:00

I find brunch to be a particularly easy 'meal' to cater for, regardless of the number of people attending. Trays of warm croissants (out sourced of course, I am not Martha Stewart, can she even make croissants? Can anyone?), a fruit and a cheese paltter, a home made cake and some form of chocolate, covers sweet and savoury.

Lunches can be fiddly and dicey and require cutlery. Dinners involve several courses and a need to be balanced and timed correctly. Too much stress and cleaning up.

I really rate brunch. You don't need to hang out in the kitchen.

My little cheese board that I made in Year 9

2010-07-08T22:48:00.003+10:00

Many moons ago, at High School, I made this little cheese board in Industrial Arts, (with the help of some of the boys in my class, particularly, one - Sam Worland). It has listened to many a conversation betwixt friends over the years over copious coffees and glasses of red wine.

A cinnamon stick on each napkin for fragrance and effect

2010-07-08T22:30:00.007+10:00

It is hard to tell in this pic but the table cloth and the napkin have actually been fashioned out of a $17 builder's drop sheet from Bunnings hardware store.

I saw an image of the drop sheet, used as a table cloth in a Donna Hay Food magazine. Last time Paul went to Bunnings I asked him to pick one up for me. The material is raw like linen. The drop sheet is humungus - so great value and perfect for a rectangular table, like ours. Paul just had to trim a bit of the length for our table and then sew the edge. I cut the napkins to size. I cannot believe builers are using this gorgeous fabric as a drop sheet - it is criminal. Go and buy yourself one today. I am going to get another one because they are so functional and a perfect, rustic, raw, oatmeal colour, that goes harmoniously with everything.

It feels elegant to serve butter on a crystal platter

2010-07-08T22:08:00.011+10:00

Just like sometimes I want to put on my 'posh shoes', sometimes I want to trawl through the cupboard and pull out the elegant china and mix and match it together in a tinkling clatter!

I am talking ever so rarely - school holidays, when I have the time to socialise with friends and do something special, but it feels so civilised and decadent and ceremonious. A touch of harmony and decorum and grace, which rarely intercepts our busy lives, dotted with take aways, plastic coffee and our perchance for eating whilst standing up at work, rather than embrace the alternative - that being, to starve.

Today we ate croissants with jam and more lascivious, lashings of butter. The marmalade jam above, is home made by my grandma.

Today's Girls' Brunch At Our Place

2010-07-08T21:48:00.015+10:00

Today I had the girls over, so that we could catch up with our Shelley Anne, who has moved away - and is home for the holidays.

Kids and Mums and friends had a good day together, laughing, eating and talking. I love my friends - I didn't want them to go! We had so much to say, so many things to cover - neither one of us, hardly drew breath!

Gabble, gabble, gabble - Paul takes us all in his stride - regardless of how personal or girlie, the conversation turns.

Thanks girls, for your company - I had a beautiful day!

I was going with a 'rustic themed brunch' - hence the leaves and colours of autumn.

2 days ago, Paul and I went to a cafe and on my teaspoon, rested a quaint and fragrant, little star anise - thus, I repeated the idea for my brunch. One can pop it in their tea for a hint of flavour or simply place it on the spoon for effect.