squiggly rainbow

not much to say

2012-02-21T12:01:00.000+11:00

I seem to have misplaced my blogging mojo. Not much to say lately. My house is a mess. We are still waiting for big decisions to be made by Mr DCT regarding the house. I have re-painted, arranged furniture and planted foxgloves in my head in this house. I hope I can do this is reality. I have been having interesting dreams; dreams in my sleep of washing HIS feet and HIS hands out stretched giving me something.

This afternoon I am going to art group - the first one. Exciting. Then we are eating pancakes for dinner at church for Shrove Tuesday. The kidlets will love that.

I started knitting again yesterday. This cool summer weather makes me feel like hibernating and knitting and drinking tea. I'm using a beautiful Rowan Cocoon yarn in Alpine - a cardi for Miss G. She chose it herself, however Miss G wishes for the sleeves and length to be longer.

Much Love Rach xo

making things pretty

2012-02-16T10:06:00.000+11:00

Still no news on the house front. The Mr DCT is going to see a builder today and check out our options, then we will decide whether we go for the Church House, or build for a third time. I know what I want and it is simple and natural. Pinterest is so helpful with ideas!

The Beehive Marquee event took place on Wednesday. The designs were delivered on Monday and the whole race-course was a-buzz with readiness and anticipation. It was indeed exciting being part of this and following my dreams to design and create. Amazing how it came about - and what lays ahead. I will post pics once I have some! I took a few snippets of the 'chandebeelier' with instagram - but the overall effect of it hanging in the marquee I can't wait to see the professional pictures!

When I was a little girl my Grandma taught me how to make roses out of icing for cake decorating. This week my crafty craftiness took me on a jewellery making journey - and I am quite happy with the result!

Much Love Rach xx

grateful

2012-02-10T23:27:00.002+11:00

For a new fun adventure. Here. The start of something tremendously exciting - a project to celebrate and love and reminisce and enjoy the good old cardigan (also known by some as the button up sweater or a gilet).

More will be coming in days and weeks to come. I am grateful for this little buzz of excitement. Really - sometimes we just have to make our own excitement. Creating a celebration of cardigans seemed like a dandy idea! Although it says 'The Yellow Cardigan'.... the phrase just sounded quirky - lets celebrate and enjoy all cardigans!

Come and visit, be grateful for the cardi and join in on posting pics and upcoming cardi swaps!

Much Love Rachxx

PS.. joining in with Maxabella loves grateful's xx

nice chaos, mess and no disasters

2012-02-09T22:03:00.002+11:00

I have come to thinking about quite the revelation tonight. I am not living in a 9 square house, I am living in my studio that I temporarily share with my homeless family. Ha! I think this will help me get through.

The house is not yet ours. I am not sure if it will be. Still not sure if we will build or buy. Mr DCT is in the midst of a serious workplace back injury. It has really miffed things.

So until we are no longer homeless - we will continue to reside in my artists studio.

There are branches of willow on the floor in the what-some-may-call living room. A re-fashioned dollshouse and boxes of apothecary jars filling the entrance room. A sofa full of clean washing to fold. The kitchen has the remnants of school notices and my first time jewellery designing together with dishes that didn't fit in the dishwasher and I haven't hand-washed (my excuse is we did have our first night of Irish dancing and super piano lessons from Mr DCT). Our dining table is full of apothecary jar lids that have been washed and are awaiting to adorn the soon to be made terrariums. There are piles of fabric on the dining room floor, miniature bees for The Beehive Marquee and a box full of fresh business cards.

The kidlets are doing well. High school and Miss G are a perfect match. Master S and his amazing teacher is heaven sent (albeit his trouble adjusting to the new year). And I wonder if Master J's tummy pains are not anxiety from a little Miss stating she wanted to kick him in the nuts and kill him. Oh dear.

On a brighter note to being kicked in the nuts - I have whimsically started a new project. Not sure where it is leading to completely.... but it is a bit of fun and I have some ideas up my cardi sleeve! Join in on The Yellow Cardigan Project. For lovers of my most perfect piece of attire - stay tuned!

Here are some snippets of the latest creations... More creations here too. My apologies for lack of photographic quality - I am relying on instagram until we buy a new camera....

Up-cycled and re-purposed vintage chair Squiggly Rainbow style.

My new ipad covers/cases, also suitable as a Kindle case

My first ever attempt at real jewellery making.... a fine clay sculpted rose upon a doily embossed background. My Grandmas taught me how to make roses out of icing when I was a child, something I will never forget.

Much Love Rach xo

to be, or not to be, that is the question.

2012-02-02T22:36:00.001+11:00

Faith lets me think it is. I pray so. Tomorrow we will put an offer in on a house.

Yesterday I was feeling quite lost, lonely and not too good. For no particular reason, it just was. Maybe I should have read this post then. But I didn't.

Hubby sent me a message that was out of the ordinary - almost romantic really. A note emailed "watching stars without you - my soul cries".... for those of you who know us personally - Mr DCT is not really a traditional romantic type. This is a verse from a movie soundtrack we watched years ago.... and while he was at work all week into the early hours of the morning - I felt that way! Blessed I felt! I am really inspired to learn to play the piano as I type this listening to the song.

Today I had to drive to a nearby suburb to pick up 9 huge and amazing candy jars for my terrarium miniature gardens.

I departed once dropping the kidlets off at school, with two special friends joining me for the road trip! There was great op-shopping to be done, hard rubbish and lunch. My, we were exhausted by the 2:30pm. My camera has died, hence lack of photo's.

Upon returning to school to pick up the kidlets; Master J had a huge fall on 'the court' with the regulars. We headed to emergency to x-ray for a broken elbow. Thankfully - all is well and there are no broken bones (4 hours later).

Much Love Rach xo

artists

2012-02-01T21:20:00.003+11:00

What do 'they' say about an artists mind? I am wondering if it explains the dark blue angel?

Much Love Rach xx

Love Mummy xx

2012-01-29T23:48:00.002+11:00

Dear Princess Cupcake Sweety Darling Pumpkin Butterfly Strawberry Muffin

This little angel, it seems so long ago, but only yesterday. About to start school you were in this picture. Now tomorrow is your first day in Year 7.

I know you are nervous, but just shine dear one. You are so loved and valued, I will be there to pick you by the court at the end of the day.

I hope you are sleeping tight tonight as I type this. I don't know if I will get any sleep.

Time has gone quickly - looking at these shots I can hardly believe it. But you and me, we stay the same. Full of love and blessing, that will never grow away as you and I grow older.

Be confident in the lovely person you are. Be happy knowing you are important. Those around you are blessed to call you a friend. Be wise my sweet, trust yourself and your feelings. Be true and honest as you are.

You are loved and are special and kind. Blessing and peace are with you on this journey my sweet.

I thank you for being you. I thank God for the blessing you are to our family. I praise Him for leading us to the blessed school for you.

Keep on smiling that smile and shining your light.

Your brothers love you albeit being picking their nose, hit you with a wet crocodile and spit on your leg kind of love.

Remember I tried to pass you off as twins?

Our beautiful girl. Beautiful.

Years have passed, and they are just getting better. Blessed are we.

Your peace will shine and have faith in who you are.

There is only one you Miss G. Only one.

Brave you are. The challenges you have faced, the changes - the stronger they will make you and lessons you have learned. It is time for us to be still now.

And dream lots of dreams. Bake lots of cakes and keep on dreaming. Dreaming of wonderful delights, sweetness and sunshine and fairies if we want to.

And just being you.

The calling and change, to where we are now. Your future is blessed and bright. You are amazing.

Let's keep on eating ice-cream and enjoying the good and happy things. When things are hard, lets just make more ice-cream!

I'll take another photo in the morning, your first day of Year 7. You will see your dearest and all will be great. The other kidlets are nervous too. Enjoy your slice, I'll have an icy-pole ready at home and maybe a trip to the pool.

Love you Honey xxx Praying your day will be that one day. Just one day. Nothing too big, if it's getting through hour by hour, or minute by minute. Remember - don't smile too much! (haha)

Love Mummy xx

my window

2012-01-28T21:23:00.000+11:00

I love my windows. I have been quite the complacent one these last few months. Focusing on my desperately-needing-renovation-bathroom and shoe-box laundry. How pathetic really. I stood still today and remembered how I love these windows.

We have been socialising with new families from our new community this week. We discovered a local, within walking distance extraordinary park with a free public (clean) swimming pool. We are becoming locals. We needed to stay grounded this week, staying at home and connecting with people in these hills. It has paid off.

Complacency. An interesting feeling really. Not much matters apart from love and life. A babe lost it's mother in childbirth here in Melbourne a few days ago. They need some help. A milktree of breastmilk donations is being organised by this lady. Please contact her if you can help.

My youngest babe is sleeping soundly with a fan blowing cool air on him, an early night in preparation for school on Monday morning. The two big kidlets are reading Deltora Quest together.

I need to not be complacent. In these last few days I have realised I have some big issues with house pride. Not good.

My window reminded me of this today. Or perhaps it was something else that reminded me.

Much Love Rach xx

providence

2012-01-27T17:06:00.000+11:00

It looks like I may try my hand at some regular special event and VIP corporate functions decorating in an eclectic and earth-loving style. I think it is nice to know there is more of a sustainable twist in the decorating side of things too. It did not dawn on me that people in special events may indeed like a bit of Squiggly Rainbow in their presence!

The Beehive Marquee at the Mornington Cup is taking off a buzzzz - and it is so encouraging. I'm a little bit shy to head to this even personally - maybe one day I would work up the courage! Hehe!

Milly cat likes to keep me company while I'm creating!

The ladies receiving beautician attention will be lovingly looking at a divine huge candy jar miniature garden with it's very own handcrafted miniature bee hive by me!

The theme for the marquee I am decorating for is - you guessed it 'the beehive' and raising money for wigs cancer patients wear. A great cause! So of course it is the 'beehive'!

Happy Friday to you and yours xx

Rach xx

ps.... no news on the house front

5 days left

2012-01-25T08:35:00.001+11:00

There are five days left of my children's summer holidays from school. Only five days. We have visited our closest friends and stayed at their houses, stayed with family and visited them on day-trips.

We have had our darling faux cousin/sister/niece staying for five days. A trip to the movies, an introductory session to Irish dancing. More cooking.

Billy cart time trials, some op-shopping and markets. Playing army men under the birches at a besties house.

Some trips to friends and local swimming pools. We have eaten lots of ice-cream.

Cooking; muesli bars, ice-cream, flour-less orange cake, flour-less hazelnut chocolate cake, pizza's from scratch to name a few care of Miss G and co.

The birches, I love them, they are being woven into the giant bee hive too!

The house has been re-arranged twice in that time. Lego built and packed away. New delights cooked and grown. Books read. Screen time (ipad, tv and computer). Time spent with our chickens introducing new girls to the flock.

Why does it feel like we have not done much. Do you compare yourselves to other families? We have not spent lots of money taking the kids out. My boys often choose to use screens rather than socialise with me or anyone. Sometimes it is hard to break away from that - looking back through the photo's I guess we have done pretty well. As I type though, Master J has just finished a tantrum over the ipad restrictions. I miss connecting with my boys - a meaningful connection with good eye-contact. I savour it when it happens.

I often feel saddened with the lack of connection at times. My 'niece' while she has been staying has joined in on time with the chickens. Yesterday she set up on some bed linen under the fruit trees with paints and spent a few hours with Master S enjoying the outdoors. It was music to my heart.

Miss G connects all day, what blessing she is. So are the boys, but it's different. Maybe it's a girl thing, not just an Asperger's thing.

I had to ponder why it meant so much to me. Maybe she reminded me of me. Maybe I wished my kidlets would sit and do something so peaceful for a few hours. She is a bit older - maybe this will come with age. I do hope so.

Do you jam pack your holidays with taking your children to exciting places - or do you keep it simple?

Rach xx

Yellow

2012-01-22T21:25:00.001+11:00

Remember I was going to share about yellow? The week got away - and so did the context of my saved post...

I do have some very exciting news to share with you though.

Don't you love this great mirror I picked up? It was originally white.... but oh - yellow is my favorite at the moment!

A teensy tiny scratch rescued with a glorious piece of wall art!

I must tell you about the hundreds of vintage handkerchiefs I picked up last weekend. I discovered a new market, a market I had never been to before. We did not have time to ponder through all of the stalls, as I spent my $50 within 10 minutes at one stall. A man had his aunts bits and bobs from a lifetime of collecting and not doing away with anything. Fabric is usually at the top of my browsing eye. I saw some colour and upon investigation - he said they were boxes full of old hankies. My kidlets were disgusted that I would even go near them, they had all been pressed into neat rectangles. So off I went with around 400 Vintage handkerchiefs. Oh the craft project ideas abound! I sorted through them as I sat on my front door step - disposing of the severely stained and plain white ones.

Here are some yellow ones!

This week everything was being up-cycled in yellow!

My kidlets were doing time-trials in our $5 billy cart.

Are you ready for the exciting news?

Squiggly Rainbow has been asked to set the scene in an exclusive VIP venue for the Melbourne horse racing carnival at the Mornington Cup.

The designer and milliner of Annette Sanfilippo Millinery Art requested I design the centerpiece and entrance decorations for THE BEEHIVE marquee. I am busy making ceramic bees and weaving huge bee hives out of willow. Very fun and exciting! It amazes me how blessings when one least expects them; coming out of the ..... well I know where they came from. The blessing happened at just the right time, when I felt like packing all my materials away and calling it a day until the kids are older or I have more space for a studio.

Here is my first bee for one of the giant size bee hive decorations!

My dear Master S surprised me with shapes of hearts and flowers from the garden. This one was from his flower garden, the first yellow rose of the summer. Precious.

I up-cycled two gorgeous antique chairs, they were extremely tired with stuffing and springs coming out of the original upholstery. I am so happy with this patch-worked re-upholstery and the yellow timber!

The kidlets are gearing up to get back to school. Master J has really missed his routine and friends and teacher. Most probably he has been the most difficult this summer break. It makes my heart break that we are not connecting - I think all his sensory defenses are on red alert and he cannot make sense of no routine.

On that note - we watched a really interesting short documentary on facebook. It helped us understand our boys much better, albeit they both are extremely verbal - but have many extraordinary sensory issues and quirky behaviour. This explained alot.

Much Love Rach xx

It was going to be yellow

2012-01-11T08:28:00.000+11:00

My pictures were all taken, the exciting news is ready to be talked about... (no, not the house - hopefully there will be news on that soon). My camera and the ipad won't upload to this computer - so the yellow post will have to wait for tommorrow. The funny thing was as I read my regular blogs this morning.... Kate had also posted about yellow yesterday! My post is saved, and you can read it tomorrow!

I love books, we have been doing lots of book reading over this Christmas break. The children received some new ones for Christmas and they are delightful. I bought Mr DCT four magazines on Green living and Sustainable building - and again Kate starred in some of the pages! So many wonderful articles.

Our kitchen garden is taking great shape in our pots (protection from the wombats). In one of the articles, the author talked about his childhood where his mother gave him a list and a basket to collect the vegies for dinner that evening.

Miss G has been delighted to begin this tradition. Such sweet simple things - nothing beats this type of blessing to our family - simple things.

This is one of the books we are reading - it's a great accompaniment to our Stephanie Alexander childrens book.

There are always books I stumble across as I browse book depository - doesn't this one look good?

Much Love Rach xx

limbo

2012-01-08T20:13:00.001+11:00

I posted this morning about a house. A very pretty house. Mr DCT loves building. We have built twice. The Lord knows what we are to do next doesn't he?

Building takes time. Mr DCT will be happier for it I think. But this house is oh so pretty.

Not however completely practical.... one wood fire for the whole house and an aga stove. Not sure our family would cope with that. And an apparently significant heritage overlay in it's legal bindings. A whimsical lass like myself does not really take these things into consideration. Mr DCT is the logical one. Let's see what he thinks once he's seen it!

Maybe it's the fairy-tale that gets me. My dreams of being a mother - a mother who has a garden swing for her children, a mother who's husband has a shed to work in and the kids hang out with Dad. I dream of having a practical home that is not to big and not too small. What's with me?

Our old house was lovely, we had very little land space.... we wanted more yard space. We needed to move to the blessed school. The school that holistically regards our children of different needs and abilities.

I really don't think I am falling into that I want more, want it all type of person. Maybe I am? My hearts desire is to be able to make a good home, cook my family meals, make and grow our garden - and that garden swing.... that would be lovely.

image courtesy of pinterest

Hope I am not sounding ungrateful. There is much I am grateful for. I just don't like limbo.

Much Love Rach xx

should we, will we?

2012-01-08T07:44:00.000+11:00

I have been away in the land of no internet connection - aka my Mum's house.... It was nice to spend some time with family. My brother and his family have moved back to the home-town. Cousins played together and Aunty Rachael got to tuck her possums into bed. Very precious. I look forward to more times like that.

Checking the latest real estate listings is something I seem to be doing each day. Mr DCT and I have been discussing whether this little home is a long-term plan. Mr DCT always thought of it as a stepping stone. I whimsically and romantically thought it would be dandy. Reality is that we have about 20 overhanging huge gum trees, we live opposite a huge forest (not great for bush-fire risks here in Australia). It is very small.

So yesterday I found this.

A coat of white paint inside and out and it is my dream come true. It feels too good to be true. Maybe I shouldn't be even sharing this. I wanted to share it though.

The children ran through the gardens yesterday. Miss G agreed it needs white paint and a little kitchen fix up. A big shed for Mr DCT. Space, flat ground and still only 13 minutes to the children's blessed school. Mr DCT will look at it tomorrow - will he find it as lovely as I do? I suppose it is all about the shed and the angle the sun will shine on the roof for solar power to be connected.

Here's praying! And it's nice to be back online!

Much Love Rach xo

today

2011-12-29T12:12:00.001+11:00

It has been so nice just relaxing and spending time together. Very little television, lots of lego, lots of cooking and lots of cuddles.

Miss G has been making pasta and ice cream. Master S setting up a town on the kitchen table. Master J following Master S around and being very smoochable. I love the things they say. Yesterday as Master J drew and and coloured 5 red hearts and wrote I love you on the back, I said wow - you love me.... his response "You bet ya". So beautiful and such a blessing to me.

Some tiny craft projects and getting our paper rolls ready for new seed planting. Loving our potted garden coming along so well.

Today we are feeling a bit better after Clementine is finally resting in peace. A huge mis-communication and misunderstanding lead me to believe I had to do the deed as the Mr DCT was not going to help. He was actually fully intending on helping after arousing from night shift.

So with me thinking it was me who had to take responsibility - I winced as I attempted and thought I was successful at ringing Miss Clementine's neck. She appeared to stop breathing, was still, eye's rolled back and so on - the rest of the details you can imagine. If I buried her, the fox's would dig her up. The rubbish bin was full and the forest across the road was an appealing place to lay her at peace. I kept checking to make sure she was still 'gone'. She was there for a few hours, still, not breathing or moving it appeared.

Then I felt like the worst pet owner in the world - as I left the house to hang the washing on the line, there was Miss Clementine by the front door. Wounded bum and sitting there blinking at me. Oh my, oh my. How awful. I had to do it again. The children were so supportive. Mr DCT was very distressed as he woke up and realised I had not heard him in my early morning slumber that he would take care of it.

So the question on this families lips is, is it something we should do? Have pets? The pain is too much sometimes for some. We all live and die. I think these are good lessons and life experiences for the kidlets.

We have many thoughts and conversations going on about what the new year holds for our little family. A bigger house would give us new opportunities to extend ourselves in the community and in our family. A shed would allow Mr DCT to follow his dreams. Do we stay here and extend, do we move and build? Ceasing opportunity like having chickens and following dreams does cause a bit of pain, but it also brings much joy. Joy makes me smile.

I bought a gift for Mr DCT for Christmas to remind the family of this! What is the new year holding for you? We are off to some friends for lunch - loving this time of year!

Much Love Rach xoxo

post #2 for today - maggots

2011-12-27T19:53:00.000+11:00

I could be describing a few different things. But first of all I will start with our little chooklet Clementine. I didn't lock the chooks away properly on Christmas night and I woke to my chooklets screams. Ran out and found my three chooks a bit featherless, but alive. The cage had been dug in by what seems a fox. I locked them in properly. The next morning I gave them a check over and Miss Clementine has literally had her but bitten off.

Knowing the others would peck at her, I popped her in her own area. All seemed well after a bath and application of Pinetarsol mixed with Zinc. The best I could do on Boxing Day. Today she seemed peachy, but just now upon checking her she has maggots in her wound. Google told me to rinse it and apply various lotions, all I have is more Pinetarsol and I added salt.... she has been popped back in isolation and I said a little prayer.

Mr DCT is on night shift. I don't know if it is just night shift, the pattern of life tells me it is. I find it hard sometimes knowing how to be a wife. Tell me, am I the only one that feels this way? There are times that all is well and great - and then there are times that there is that lull. The lull of complacency maybe? I am having difficulty identifying what is normal in a marriage. Is it because I did not have role models that were married growing up? My Grandparents were very old school, Oma serving Opa and Opa loving Oma - albeit telling us all what a great husband he was.

It seems really hard sometimes.

Much Love Rach xo

blessed

2011-12-27T09:12:00.000+11:00

Our Christmas in pictures.....

Berry heart tartlets made by Miss G for Christmas desserts.

Watching the Christmas carols drinking egg-nog while joining in with our candles.

Very excited for present time.

The perfect bonding gift for Father and Sons.

Starting our own Christmas breakfast tradition.

Feasting and sharing a meal.

"When you are married as long as us it is like a Christmas tree growing, the older you get, the closer you get to the top of that tree".... famous words from my Opa almost ever time we see them!

I love these front porch photo's - I'd love a little porch like my mums!

They are growing up.

Beautiful cousin Master Z.

Everyone else is cropped out of this shot.... not sure if they would like me popping them on here - but you get the idea! Happy Christmas from us!

Blessed to have a peaceful joy filled Chrismas - I hope your's was too!

We are playing more Lego today and reading new books.... and catching up on the laundry!

What are you up to? How was your Christmas? I hope it was blessed.

Much Love Rach xo

the calm

2011-12-23T08:15:00.000+11:00

Yesterday and today are the calm before the Christmas season and quite possibly a real storm on Sunday. We have been a busy bunch doing lots of cooking, wrapping and planting our summer crops. The sun has just really started to shine this last week in our nest, so the potager is looking lovely.

Here is Master J harvesting our leeks. I read if you pop them in some water they will keep growing, so we have them upon our kitchen bench - it's nice to see some greenery too!

Master S delighted me in wanting to learn how to make spaghetti bolognese sauce to serve with our pasta. He has mastered the art of pancakes and now is extending his repertoire. There are days I worry that he won't be able to look after himself as a grown man. Then when life is less busy, when we have down time and the senses are not overburdened - we have great days and he cooks or masters something peachy and wonderful.

Simone at Vintage Girl was showing her lovely wrapping style - and I thought I'd share ours too. One can't get enough of Christmas wrapping ideas - especially the brown paper variety. Albeit not as professional looking or trademark - but the kids just love, love, loved being part of it. The boys were quite astonished at how great their handiwork looked. Miss G was recovering after her frolicking with Miss P.

Today Miss G and I have to pick up a few kilograms of berries to make our Christmas dessert to take to family gatherings. I can't wait to share that with you.

We have lots of washing to fold today, some tidying and then the Mr DCT and I are going on another date!! Twice in a week.... looking forward to hanging or 'counting' at the Counting House in Mornington with some great friends!

Much Love Rach xx

I have found instagram

2011-12-21T21:42:00.002+11:00

I don't have an iPhone, but we do have an iPad, so I thought I would see what all this fuss is about. It really is a great, quick way to take some artful shots. Especially now my camera is even more broken and I can only download onto the iPad, not the computer. So here are a couple of instagram experiments I took this afternoon.

So much 'i' talk. I'm feeling too technical. What I really wanted to show you some pictures of was our gardening of late. The children have enjoyed harvesting our first potatoes and some leeks that did not do too well. I cannot find the pics to show you.

Today, with five children in toe. Master S had his best made Master T. Miss G had here kindred spirit (the Diana lookalike) Miss P. Master J was a bit sick and loved admiring the big boys today. We headed to Bunnings. My Eden seeds have taken far too long to sprout - I bought lots of established herbs, one established eggplant and lots of seedlings.

My lovely friend had pots galore for me to rescue. The plan is to make a kitchen garden in pots out the back in my big concrete patch. The soil is marvelous up in these new hills of ours, so rich and lush. But we also have wombats. As lovely as they are - they are eating straight from my vegie garden and I am not getting anything grown other than root vegetables!

Anne Shirley and Diana frolicked in the garden making some sort of catapult and war zone. Very cute and something I hope to see more of.

The gorgeous friend who gave all the pots also visited yesterday baring gifts. My new coffee pot needs to find the perfect home - I could look at it for hours - I love it! Funny how blessed I feel to have people around me who just know me. That know I would love a coffee pot like this one.

And don't you love Master S' lino cute printing he did at school. I think my ten year old man has a wonderful creative talent. This is going straight to the trophy room - or should I say children's art gallery in our living room!

Playing around with settings. What did today hold for you? I will tell about our date maybe tomorrow - we are going out again on Friday night with some besties... twice in one week - I'm beginning to feel like a normal person!

Much Love Rach xx

now for the pretties!

2011-12-20T10:06:00.000+11:00

I posted about the reality of what lay beneath the pretty things..... Now I'll show you those pretties.

Have had a great, but confronting couple of days. Spent some time with one of my besties on Sunday,

Miss H.... what a taste for aesthetics she has helping me re-model the stall. It is looking great.

A confronting conversation with Mr DCT yesterday morning. It was a blessing to know some things. I guess I should really blog about the details of this another time. The good news is.... we are going on a date tonight and I think we will have at least a fortnightly date night.

We lost the Christmas decoration box in the move, the boys loved using lego, Miss G and I used some left over crochet tablecloth edging and tied red bows!

Some dreams were coming last night. We cooked dinner with 3/4 of our produce from our chooklets and our garden. I can't wait to do some more planting today!

Much love to you
Rach xo

grateful

2011-12-17T05:55:00.000+11:00

I'm sipping my coffee, seeing the sun rise as I prepare for my second market. I am so grateful for the orchestra of birds I hear singing from this wee little home. We have a forest across the road - the view is magical and the sound of birds makes me feel grateful to be here!

a collage I made with Vintage picture book illustrations of birds

Joining in with Maxabella's grateful posts ( I think she is still doing them?).
Much Love Rach xo

'so much to tell you' - and yes, I've been checking out John Marsden

2011-12-14T19:04:00.005+11:00

It is that busy time of year. Tomorrow is my kidlets last day of school. Two of there teacher's we will say farewell to as they leave the school for new adventures of having a baby and teaching at a new school. We make these connections with gorgeous people, and then the thing that ties us together can be no longer. There is a fine line for a teacher I suppose, but Mrs B, if you are reading, I do hope for those cuppa's and cuddles of the bub!

I have finished the Christmas shopping albeit one gift, but I will get that in the morning. My house is out of control as I prepare for the Christmas market at Kallista. My first market was so wonderful, I am so excited to be a regular part of the Kallista market community!

Next year is an exciting time, I have enrolled in two units of study to continue my ever-so-slow degree in Early Childhood Education. I will do markets in the warmer months. Create in school hours and build my stocks. Hopefully get a better grip of motherhood with some routine and more clarity. I thought I would jump right in to being organised and knowing what I was doing as soon as Master J started school, but it has taken this year and the move to gain insight into what I am meant to be doing. The doors slammed shut on what I thought was my dream job at the dream location. Then clarity came and I feel okay about it.

So I took lots of great photographic shots of the pretty things, the new tree that has lego, doilies and bows decorating it as we could not find the decoration box. Photo's of the candles and advent calender. But I thought I'd show you what lies behind the pretty things at the moment.... mess!!!! I am feeling a great calm over letting it go, after market day, I will tidy - but as long as the dishes and washing are done - really - groundhog day of cleaning and tidying can take a back-step for a couple of weeks. Can't it?

Much Love Rach xo

La Rosa

2011-12-07T07:40:00.001+11:00

You know when you meet a person that is just so nice. My bestie has a little new job at a recently opened cafe in the quaint country town of Loch. The lady she is working for has renovated an old shopfront and home to create a quality food store and adjoining garden gift store. The garden gift store has taken a bit of twist to being a Vintage gift store with some plants.

So the exciting news is that this lovely shop owner requested to have some of my willow woven bird cages. Then a few weeks later she was asking for my clothing ranges and whatever else I could stock her store with. WOW! What a blessing. There is more to this story - her kindness just abounds with giving my children an ice-cream, raiding my car after market day and dressing the front window with The Simple Life Dresses.

So if you are visiting Loch in South Gippsland - pop in and say hello to Julia at La Rosa.

How special. I really need to get cracking and making. Mr DCT has begun working on the house after a few months of nothing. I ponder if I should be out gardening, but for now I think I will keep building my stocks up!

So that was the good news I was going to tell you a few days ago - life has been busy - so blogging always takes a back step!

I'm enjoying a couple of new blogs I have stumbled on. This one and this one!

Much Love to you

Rach xo

to market, to market to buy a terrarium

2011-12-04T17:27:00.001+11:00

Our first ever Squiggly Rainbow market stall at Kallista Market on Saturday. Pretty good for a last minute pull everything together market stall! Miss G and the boys were an absolute dream and loved frollicking around the other stalls and trying to eat as much food as possible!

I don't think we could have done this a year ago - what a testimony to my boys once again and how far they have come.

Miss G wore her new Graduation gift earings - they even matched the market stand!

Terrariums are continuing to be a hit! These ones had my new little handmade nests with blue robin eggs.
I loved seeing the children's faces as they came to visit - so magical!

Whimsical bunting - a twist on the traditional triangular garlands.

Miss G packed her book and cushions and made herself right at home. This was literally a dream come true for my darling. (Except I forgot the big woolen blankets for her to snuggle under.)

Dresses were a hit, with requests for ladies sizes.

A surprise visitor and her precious girls from my old hometown over an hour away! Isn't she just gorgeous - a real little faery with her new crown!

Vintage world map bunting light shade.

A close up of inside my miniature gardens.

The best thing about the market for me was the buzz of people and conversation. We did well for our first one - as I tried to explain to my kidlets - it wasn't about the money - the delight in people as they check out one's 'stuff' was what blessed me! The kind words - the great feedback and encouragement.

Tomorrow I will let you in on the news and how a brand new stockist came about!

Hope all is well.

Much Love Rach x

miniature

2011-11-29T13:25:00.001+11:00

Time is a flurry of housework and mothering for me at the moment. I feel like everything is going so fast - and I cannot keep up. So I have chosen not too. Of course there is the washing and dishes to keep up with and feeding us all - but to tidy and do the groundhog day cleanup each and every day - I am letting go of that at the moment.

We are sick yet again. It's Miss G's grade 6 graduation dinner this week. I have to finish the place cards.

I adjusted my dress as I felt it was a bit 'showy'. Some antique and vintage lace, new shiny patent heels and a black necklace should do the trick.

The transition from school to school to school for Miss G in the last 18 months has been huge. She has been so strong, but still I worry about her. She reminds me of me, holds it together and then seems to show a bit of anxiety. We talk lots and I pray she has good role models and some new friends come into her life. She is blessed to have a kindred little spirit at her school They actually really remind me of Anne Shirley and Diana!

My first ever harvest of organic garlic has turned out well, I should have planted some more. This might last us about three months!

Master S and his best mate Master T went fossicking on Sunday after church.... They came home with treasures for me to sell at my stall! How sweet! They found some amazing things too! They will definitely have to take a cut for these! I will wrap some jute around these legs to give it a new lift.

And a gloss red table - cute and quirky.

I am in love with making miniature gardens... the dreams of little wonderlands is never ending. I made some little nests this morning.

Squiggly Rainbow is on the waiting list for two big local markets.... but this Saturday we are going to be at a smaller community market in Monbulk. It is at St Georges Church, on the main street, by the roundabout.... Maybe you will come and visit me and have a trip to the hills!

Lots has been happening, we lost Mr DCT's great grandmother and fare-welled her yesterday. The boys attended their first funeral and handled it so well. Family drama flaws me at times. Greed and selfishness lead to such pain and destruction.

This past week many contemplative thoughts have been running around my head. It is not new to come to conclusions about destruction, pain and loss. I think my conclusion is that selfishness and greed overshadow what is right and what is good and what is love.

Sometimes I love reading blogs when I can get to know the blogger and relate to their thoughts and feel that connection. I am wary to discuss these major thoughts I have had of late as it really will open huge cans of worms. Why do we sweep aside passionate issues and shrug our shoulders and mandate that we all have an opinion and what is right is given no worth - because in the end they are just opinions. What about integrity?

What do you think? Is it important to blog and discuss what we are passionate about? Or do you readers prefer skimmed surfaces?

Much Love Rach xx

pretty things

2011-11-23T15:04:00.000+11:00

I love to be around beauty. Beauty for me is maybe not what beauty is to you. It's about aesthetics and kindness and honesty to me.

An old school friend is about to have her long awaited bub... it gave me the opportunity to make something baby oriented... it felt strangely odd making for baby. Very nice though - I often imagine having another girl - oh so pretty. I would definitely try my hand at making a Steiner Doll if it were to be. I have had my time I think, or maybe not. Who know's what the future holds for babes.

Maybe this needs some gorgeous feathers too.... mmmm? I have a thing for feathers. Well, most all things natural in art and creating these days. It's the natural untouched beauty. Authenticity and perfection.

It's pretty from my seat here as I type - it makes me happy. Poor Mr DCT has no room for that electric go-cart battery construction -but it is just not aesthetically pleasing to have it on my craft table.

I have been enjoying the company of a new creative group - my first online interactive community next to this blog that is somewhat intriguing. I have never been one for deeper online communities - but meeting so many other creative and perhaps shall I say seemingly ditsy people is blessing me!

Creations for boys are quite few and far between, so I am trying to even things up a bit. Paper bunting with Vintage World Atlas's with this gorgeous twill have been the latest off the machine. Tomorrow I will bring them down to the stall.

I feel like I am rambling away - have lot's of thoughts going around my head!

Much Love Rach xo

went camping

2011-11-21T14:45:00.001+11:00

The week away at Wilson's Promontory was just fab. Once we left in the morning - bags packed - the sun was shining and peace had arrived. I think our preparedness for positive attitudes to accompany us was the key ingredient in setting up camp. Tidal River and the whole national park is one of the most magical spots.

Our children were amazing. It always feels great when you are out of the home, and your kidlets are so well behaved, polite and caring. It was truly a blessing, each and every day they helped out with dishes, spoke kindly and enjoyed the outdoors. We camped with some good friends - friends who have had a personal crisis of late. Our children were so observant of the differences in our families - they were perhaps humbled.

Master J and his life-long friend Master E were even excited as the two youngest to do some washing up!

If not riding their bikes, skim boarding, swimming or hiking, they would pop themselves down with a book. The feeling of being blessed can't describe how nice it felt to see my children content and happy to sit down and read.

Master J learned how to ride his bike without training wheels... then there was no stopping him. Wilson's Prom is the same place Master S conquered this skill about 5 years ago!

I had lots of time to read a ~~trashy~~ novel. My embroidery kept my crafting on the run. My once upon a time sewing box that initially had my sewing and craft stash completely contained has now become my travelling craft box.

I'm not sure if this will become some loom art, or maybe I will sew it onto a cushion.

It's great to be home - and I'm glad I still have nature around me - feeling blessed.

Much Love Rach xx

feels like new

2011-11-11T15:26:00.000+11:00

A lovely new friend helped by taking charge of moving my furniture around in the house. I have felt ready to pack and move, not sure where - but that is how claustrophobic and unorganised I have been feeling.

That dark blue angel has been visiting again. I took myself off to the docs today and have realised with her help that I seem to be encountering more of a premenstrual depression known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder. For about 3 weeks I am feeling good, then for two weeks I am not. I am trying a mega dose of B6 and some Evening Primrose and breathing. I hope I feel better soon.

This afternoon was horrible, Mr DCT has gone to pick up the kidlets and do swimming - so I won't see them for almost 4 hours. Feels like a break I have needed - and tomorrow we are headed off camping. I do hope it is the r & r I need, but I am a bit worried it's going to be too much. I am thinking positive thoughts and taking more deep breaths.

Here are some snaps of my new craft space that I am sitting in and it is making me feel happy - I may just sit here a while and take more deep breaths.

Much Love Rach xo

making

2011-11-07T14:53:00.000+11:00

I just whipped these up - so cute and fun. On our way to the Royal Childrens Hospital last week with Master S, we discovered a miniatures shop at the Queen Victoria Markets. I was able to buy my little pets for these miniature gardens....

The toadstools were made by Miss G and hand painted by me. And my little cottages were fun to make! Thrifted vases and jars, pebbles, potting soil, plants from my garden and a secret ingredient to stop mould (a piece of charcoal from our fire grated finely and sprinkled over the pebbles).

Much Love Rach xx

I'm back

2011-11-03T09:51:00.002+11:00

What a busy week. Rain. Catching up with Friends and Family. Miss G collapsed. Hospital. All is okay. Adverse reaction to pain. Head cold. Negotiations about a pet rat. More rain.

I tried my hand at some miniature ceramic modelling - it's not something I think I would do often, but I have some lovely little pieces for my next project.

Here are some of the latest dresses....

I have just read a wonderful blog post here today - great things to think about. I am going to go and hibernate this head cold away. Creative Space here today too!

Much Love Rach xx

I'll use blue for the clouds....

2011-10-25T14:23:00.000+11:00

Master J is home today. It's so nice to have him home and do some stuff together. Nice to slow down and just have one child home for a time. He doesn't usually like artwork - unfortunately (or fortunately for my kidlets) there is no escaping it with me as their mamma!

Apparently my little man doesn't really like Art at school. We have always been creative, but not much at home in the last six months. He's a little older now, so I thought I'd give some cotton tip painting a go with my Master J.

He loved it, and was talking as he created. I decided to start writing down what he wrote, I will write it around the outside of his work and frame it I think. Thought you might like to hear what he said.....

"I'm making the sun. Yeah - this is my artwork. Oh yeah, we forgot something. Some black for the clouds. You know that looks like a dead horse.....

Never mind... I'll use blue for the clouds, that looks lovely. I'm a pro at art. That's my imaginary friend.....

A duck pond, a rainbow. Did you hear that? Mum, I need some grey for the wind.... Shhhhh..... phhheeewwww...... sssshhhhhhh. I know birds better than you Mum. We need more brown, the tree needs more branches.....

Otherwise it won't live happily ever after. The dog has the stick. I'll draw God. God's house. That could be a big teddy bear.....That's God and he's eating an apple....

The apple tree needs two more apples....

Yes, an orange tree, with oranges.... oh it's a duck."

Precious times.

Much Love Rach xo

my place and yours

2011-10-22T08:29:00.001+11:00

I love touching base, but sometimes the type of my own thoughts is a bit boring I find! Not many great pictures to share, no new creations.... But a bit of fun from Punky & Me. My place and Yours?

It's show off your pin cushion day today! My dear bestie gave me this two Christmas's ago... she bought it from a market stall - you know the one's that ladies our Grandmother's age sit at with their creations?

One of my children has symmetrically placed my pins around the edge... love it! Happy rainy Victorian Saturday people... I'm off to a garage sale!

Much Love Rach xo

my place and yours

2011-10-22T08:28:00.000+11:00

Much Love Rach xo

wordless wednesday

2011-10-19T10:04:00.000+11:00

Loving this Spring weather and some new 'real' faery crowns!

Much Love Rach xo

the bunting swap

2011-10-17T10:48:00.000+11:00

Can the organiser be a little behind? I am posting out this afternoon - sorry everyone!!!!

I have lost my mojo for bunting and had grand plans to hand embroider something special onto all 50 plus of the one's I'm making - but I can't do that - so they are a bit plainer than I hoped!

You have all blessed me abundantly with the kind words that have accompanied each little package I have received. Please know what a blessing this has been to me, and I hope to each of you. I have loved seeing posts on other blogs about what you have all received... I will show mine off in coming days!

I just turned my head to ponder what I am writing and this is the view I see from my seat - thought I'd share it with you. I'm off to have a coffee and stuff more envelopes with bunting.

Much Love Rach xx

grateful

2011-10-15T09:37:00.000+11:00

The cloud lifted this morning. I am so thankful and grateful. Do you know that 'dark blue angel'? Some know it as depression.

image from pinterest

Sally sings a great song - I love it. I wish that dark blue angel didn't visit me, but sometimes it just does. Not for any rhyme or reason. It just does.

Grateful she isn't here this morning. It feel like she went away with the wind.

Much Love Rach xo

ps. joining in with the gorgeous Maxabella's grateful's

on my mind

2011-10-14T11:13:00.001+11:00

The kidlets went back to school on Wednesday. Miss G with the help of Master S and a precious Italian friends phone-call made her first batch of homemade pasta.

A day of sewing.

A trip to Brunswick to the lovely new Gleaners Inc. store where four of my bird houses are housed until their new owners pick them up! Two gorgeous new friends accompanied me, gee it was nice to go out with some friends (aka bird cage carrying assistants).

Sydney Road is so busy, I'd never been here before (that I can remember anyway). I was delighted to get back home to the tree's.

Lot's of bridal shops, this was a great photo opportunity!!

And how blessed did I feel to have a friend who also loves sifting through someone's junk!!! We found some lanterns and another non-descript item!

Some gorgeous vintage blanket and fabric finds. And today I am trying to catch up on my housework, the sun is shining but it doesn't seem to have reached my brain. More about that at another time.

That's what is on my mind.

Much Love Rach x x

hoping for, dreaming of & praying

2011-10-10T09:58:00.000+11:00

Do you or did you dream of what your life was to be - or what you desire. The desires of your heart? I probably started really thinking about these things when I had my Miss G. The thoughts began. Thinking about peace, having joy and smiling, smiling lots. Sharing simplicity and love and joy with those around me.

I hope for that simple life. We did the move. What more is to come? I have a feeling I know, I pray about it. Things come about. People come into your life at just that right moment. Just the right phone call, just the right act of kindness. It means so much.

We spent three days with our besties last week. Then I met up with an old and dear school friends wife, we went to their farm. How precious she was - as I knew she would be. I am glad my old friend is blessed with a gorgeous family. There was space, fields, paddocks, chickens roaming.

The topic came up again. Well, there were really lots of topics. But it was the adoption topic.

I loved practicing my photography skills with this little butterfly; Master J and a red door and a new stockist came about as we strolled the main street of this tiny village.

Then a house I have been looking at for over a year came on the market once again (about the fifth time). We looked at it. A new friend lives across the road. Is this the place? With that extra room? Is this where the adventure is taking us? I'd love to paint the front door red like this one!

As the girls practice their own willow weaving - many a conversation is had. Prayers, dreams, hopes. My bestie has these thoughts too. Do you?

It is a God thing. The owners have been faithful in their sale; I suppose I will let you know if it is meant to be. We will most likely be putting an offer in. The Mr DCT is concerned about the environmental aspects, but heck, the house has been standing for over 100 years. And it's pretty (I may give you a sneak peak, there's a creek), and the kitchen renovation is the same kitchen we have put in this house.

There is even perhaps a Squiggly studio for me. And a composting toilet!!! Why am I excited about that? I am though!

I love having Faith. Sometimes faith doesn't make sense. It's this strong feeling of knowing everything will be alright. And if this is not the one - there will be the right one. Gotta love the kids running around and arranging where our furniture will go!

The school holidays end for us tomorrow (this time I am singing praises and they cannot end soon enough). I am overloaded, mentally, emotionally and audibly. There has not been enough creating time to give that equilibrium of calm in my head! I found myself drawing pictures in the sand to ~~feel like flying away like a kite~~ fill that creative space!

With the arrival of spring, I have noticed in these new Hills of ours, the amazing orchestra of birds we wake to each morning. Truly amazing. Here's hoping today we get lots done and we see some sun today!

Much Love Rach xo

the simple life

2011-10-03T14:51:00.001+11:00

Our families journey to enjoy life's simple pleasures has inspired me for my latest range of children's clothing. Then a dear friend commented on the dresses and inspired my whimsical flutterings to create something for boys that is not so dark or bold. Something simple. Something calm. I love them. I hope you do too!

Here are some from my The Simple Life Range.....

All my items are made with 100% Vintage Fabrics and Trims.

I may try some ladies ones... what do you think?

More creativity here

Much Love Rach xo

I've got mail

2011-09-30T14:06:00.000+10:00

I received four parcels in the post today. Three gorgeous pieces of bunting and my new cd ,

Seeker Lover Keeper.

Very exciting. I may even just take myself off with some besties and the Mr DCT to see the girls playing in the city very soon. Fun.

Thanks to all of you who have sent me off a little package - yours is coming!

I am looking forward to my boys maybe looking after themselves proactively so I can do some sewing. How could my day thus far have been consumed with refereeing fights, washing dishes and doing the food shopping. It's already 2pm. Aaaahhhh! Love school holidays!

Much Love Rach xx

for the boys pant range

2011-09-28T11:39:00.001+10:00

There are so many delightful and quirky clothes for girls.... but what about our boys? I have made these this morning and love them.... More to be made as soon as this birthday season is over!

Available to order or purchase at our stockists.

More creativity here too.

Much Love Rach xo

lately

2011-09-26T20:24:00.003+10:00

Lately, I have been gardening.

Lately, I have been celebrating the birthday of Master S; he is now 10.

Lately, I have been enjoying the sunshine with my family.

Lately, I have been getting organised for Miss G's birthday (twelve tomorrow).

Lately, I have been receiving some little surprises in the mail - and thinking about what my designs will be.

Lately, I have been feeling really good.

I have been making some more new connections, new friends.

My old and dear one's visited yesterday with the kidlets lifelong friends.

Lately, I've been considering acquiring some new feathered friends.

Tomorrow, we are headed to the NGV. Exciting. Missing blogging - but life is busy. Hope you are well. Sending you my love and prayers.

Much Love Rach xoxox

bunting swap update

2011-09-20T10:17:00.001+10:00

Hello Ladies! Addresses are getting sent through - there has been a little confusion over your own name not being on the list I have emailed through. That is because you need not send one to yourself! Everyone has a different list as you are all making different numbers of bunting pieces, I have organised it that if you make and send 5 or 10 or 30, you will receive the same number in return!

There are still some to email through, I will get to this asap - we are having a very ASPIE week in my home, which is delaying me!

Finally, Yaga at The Shiny Bubble has put together a flickr group for us to each upload some pics of what we are making and or receiving! Here is the link.

Two gorgeous friends have blessed me with a gift of bunting - wow I felt treasured! Aren't they pretty!

I feel like a bad mother of chickens at the moment, I did not lock our chooks away properly last night and our Milo girl was taken by I am guessing a fox. She was our friendliest and cuddliest - I'm sorry Milo. RIP.

Much Love Rach xo

gone fishing

2011-09-19T21:59:00.002+10:00

He packed his pack, upon a stick.... tape measure, 'fish list', sunglasses, measuring tape, magnifine glass, bathers and goggles. Master J was ready for a fishing expedition!

Master J has becoming an expert on different varieties of fish. Thanks to the ipad application 'flick fishing'. I must say as much as I dislike parenting with these gadgets, I feel there is no escaping it in my house. We have put to task in real life, a virtual experience into the real outdoors and environment. My children love, love, loved fishing on the weekend. They did not lose concentration or interest and we enjoyed the sunshine for a good 3 hours! They would have stayed longer if I did not have to get home to cook dinner.

I think we have discovered a new family regular outing experience. We do need to find some more local fishing spots though, the local park was a bit busy for fishlings.

In Master J's kindergarten years a kindred friend of mine made her boy a 'happy book'. This book is to use when a child is having a meltdown, tantrum or basically a hard time adjusting to a situation. Sometimes words do not help. This is true for my boys at times. I made a 'happy book' for Master J, it has a nice soft felt cover with a happy face on it. The inside pages are filled with pictures of family, friends and things Master J loves. One of these things is skeletal structures.

I loved the look on my little man's face when he saw this sign with fish skeletal details. Precious. Master J discovered a website with me that has fish skeletons, how amazed and enthralled he was.

What amazes me with my boys is there amazing re-call and retention of facts. Tonight Master J counted to 400 by 5's - is this Prep material? I am also amazed by their challenges, some which are hard to deal with. These may be looked at by some as my lack of parenting, I have even felt I don't make the chop. But, I do. The fact is, Asperger's is a condition that affects one's perceptions of sensory input and this can be debilitating. It is debilitating. It is hard work.

Then we have break through days like this one. More days of being able to be in a public place. Days of making some new friends (albeit being aged just 1 and a half - but as delightful as all could be and my boys adore him).

Sharing these days with a gorgeous big sister and relating.

And sharing something as a family (except Mr DCT who was on night shift).

It is all about perspective isn't it? I thank my lucky starts we do not have huge physical illnesses that bring about hospitalisation. We do not have chronic illness that requires regular medical treatment. I am thankful.

I wonder what I can do to help those who do have high medical needs? Do these people wonder what they can do to help some like us who have developmental disorders in the family? It's not tit for tat. But to think of others, no matter what the deal, is always a good thing.

I have a new friend. A blog reader. Her family is sick, quite sick. They need prayers and love and miracles. They need organ donors. Are you on the list? We are. It is important. It is something we can all do. It's not hard, it's selfless. Goodness, one won't even realise or feel the 'pain' of it when our heart and brain are no longer ticking in this world. Sign up today, please.

Do you have a local fishing 'hole'? Tell me!

Much Love Rach xo

My Creative Space

2011-09-15T13:40:00.000+10:00

I have been gearing up for more sewing and have a goal to get a few lines down to The Vintage Shed as soon as I can sew them all up. HOWEVER .... my space was an absolute sty. So a day off after being a working woman (in paid work) for two days, gave me my mojo to clean up the area.

I finally got around to washing this pile of Vintage buttons from last weeks oppy find.

And then the post-man turned up with this delightful book I ordered only a few days ago - goodness I love the Book Depository!

Not long before school pick-up, I might be able to sew a skirt in time!

What have you been making this week? Check some ideas out here at Our Creative Spaces!

Much Love Rach xo

ps - last day to register for The Bunting Swap is tomorrow xx

Spring?

2011-09-13T21:28:00.001+10:00

There has been a crisp Spring chill in the air.

My sewing machine has been skipping a beat - not sure why.

These are my latest three designs, I am so happy with them and will be sending them off this week to a store in Hawthorn!

Today I began my casual job as a teachers aide at my kidlets blessed school. How nice to work near them and see them running about. I am back there for a full day tomorrow - my pile of sewing will be waiting for me on Thursday I'm sure!

Hope you like these little frocks! How are you? The Bunting Swap is almost organised, you should all receive your addresses by the weekend!

Much Love Rach xo

PS - It's Master S and Miss G's birthdays in just under two weeks.... after many an idea thrown our way - a lovely kindred spirit suggested an outdoor cinema screening on our big white space where I will eventually hang the bunting! How exciting - now to start decorating!

earthly treasures have blessed

2011-09-10T12:33:00.001+10:00

I feel I have had a bit of a confirmation for our path we are travelling at the moment. It has been a difficult week with some news of friends close to us - but that news has confirmed another way that our move was the right choice.

Our move to concentrate more on the simple life. I have been chatting with my boys about giving this week. Another blogger discussed kindness and giving on her blog last night. Interesting reading - lots of thoughts.

This week I have been gifted five amazing bundles of earthy treasures. To be blessed with bundles of vintage and antique fabrics together with lace trims has been nothing short of miraculous. Mr DCT has wondered if my sewing efforts are worth my while. Somehow this has been a confirmation. A blessing.

Then today I went to a garage sale (yard sale) - and wow. I met a lady who shared a similar view to life as I do - albeit she was older and has had many a hardship. Her blessing, her kind words - one of those chance meetings; we exchanged numbers. She was an art-therapist at the Royal Childrens Hospital years ago. Mmmm, interesting. Isn't it amazing how when we have felt to isolated or lonely - answers to prayer just start flowing in and we meet people or read something that blesses us!

I bought this collection of books at her sale. And I love the vintage illustrations in a poetry book I picked up.

My how I love this mamma Owlet. Please read this amazing post she wrote last night. How I yearn to do something like this. Maybe I may start paving the way - it may take some courage. It brings me back to The Bunting Swap - a bit of courage - listening to what I felt I had to do. The blessings that have come.

Aren't these treasures amazing! How grateful I feel.

Much Love Rach xo

for the boys

2011-09-09T13:57:00.000+10:00

I will be back on a more personal note soon, still need my mind space! This is what I've been making this week. My "For the Boys" range.

Much Love Rach xx

what do you think?

2011-09-07T19:49:00.001+10:00

My first consignment went out in the post today, a gorgeous little store in Norwood, South Australia called Econest. Word of mouth from a fellow Vintage Shed stall holder - Septembre Vintage, blessed me with my first client. I am thinking of emailing a few more stores and including this little advertisement.

Does it look okay? Just whipped it up on Picnik.

Much Love Rach xo

hello

2011-09-05T12:22:00.002+10:00

I just wanted to say hello! We have had a chaotic weekend going through some difficult news with some of our dearest friends.

So I just wanted to say hi and let you know I am here, and also keeping busy with The Bunting Swap and making a range of baby girls dresses that are being shipped off to Adelaide this week!

I hope you are well - I may not be online much this week due to personal prayerful time and supporting loved ones..... I will most likely be on facebook, it is a no-brainer stress release!

Much Love to you and yours Rach xx

the arts

2011-09-01T20:48:00.001+10:00

I spent today on a school excursion to the Melbourne Writers Festival with my young Master S. He was chosen as one of four in his class for his creative writing - to participate in a Year 4 to Year 12 English excursion. Master S met his favorite author; Emily Rodda.

It reminded me of my teen years, the years where I was discovering my academic abilities. The years that I began to explore the City. The years where my creativity began. The years I met Mr DCT at Flinders Street Station to spend days together. The years that I now feel, I am getting back to similar trains of thought.

I loved being with all the 'kids' today. My group was just delightful - I even got a hug from one of the boys. How sweet (I felt valued).

On the bus on the way home, chatting with another mamma. The conversation came to being a mamma. The tasks, the choices, the role, what we do, the sacrifice, the loneliness, the joy. One of the teachers, a beautiful lady - let me know she remembered those days, when her last babe went to school. The feeling of climbing out of a hole. I love being a mamma, don't get me wrong - but it is hard. That is not talked about much.

I was thinking. Where did I go? What happened to that teenager that whimsically loved going to the City and experiencing the Arts, culture, OP-SHOPS! She had babies. I had special babies.

Last night I received an email from a fellow stall holder - she too has a child on the Autism Spectrum. One of the mamma's on the excursion today has a child on the Autism Spectrum. I have two. I remembered that only 12 month ago, if we took Master J to a shopping center, movie theatre - or the like. I remembered the stress, the tantrums, the sensory overload; the anxiety it caused the family.

Today I had a little hope. As I accompanied Master S on his excursion - that maybe one day soon - just maybe - we might be able to be a 'normal' family. We might be able to start experiencing culture, the Arts, trips to the City again. I hope so. I felt like me again.

Much Love Rach xo

my creative yarning along space

2011-08-31T12:57:00.004+10:00

image from grrl+dog

Lift up a flag on the bare hill, raise your voice to them, wave the hand that they

may enter the doors of the nobles.

Isaiah 13:2

Pass through, pass through the gates!

Prepare the way for the people.

Build up, build up the highway!

Raise a banner for the nations.

Isaiah 62:10

All you people of the world,

you who live on the earth, when flags are raised on the mountains,

you will see it,

when a trumpet sounds,

you will hear it.

Isaiah 18:3

---------------------------------------------------

My Creative Space this week and yarn along have been consumed with The Bunting Swap and what it means. I don't think it is really just a little swap of bunting pieces, but something deeper.

I have been reading up on meanings behind flags, bunting, banners and standards. Dating back to the 17th century; bunting and flags were used to celebrate festivals and proclaim faith. They were a sign of unity. Brooke Fraser even sings a song about flags - it is quite fitting!

Photo courtesy of Giggleberry (The Queen of Bunting who is participating)

It got me thinking about the unity we have as bloggers, as mamma's, as home-makers. Some of us may not feel united, may not feel part of anything - maybe something has happened. Maybe all is well in your world now and you can give, make a piece or two or three for the swap.

I have been reading a blog for sometime of an Australian woman who is very well known in the blogging world. I'd love to send her some bunting - (you know the Sally Seltmann song "I'm a little bit shy") - sometimes I am. I may drop her a line. I probably should.

So, as we all know bunting is wonderfully pretty - it brings joy and colour - and I love it! I have had so many wonderful responses - about 25 participants so far making anywhere from 1 to 30 pieces individual pieces to post off across the world. How many more can we get? If you have already put your hand up and not mentioned it - please spread the word on your blogs. I think this swap has a strong calling to it.

Himalayan prayer flags are synonymous in the Hills I live in - I think these flags we make in The Bunting Swap will be a fresh representation of love, joy and kindness - fruits of The Spirit. Please sign up if you haven't already - it is open to everyone, not just Australian bloggers! Here are the details:

1. Must be made out of whatever scraps you have in your stash

2. Can be any shape you desire

3. Finished measurements to be approximately 15cm x 20cm

4. Any materials can be used other than paper

5. If you want make and send only 1 piece of bunting - you will receive one

6. If you make and send 5 you will get 5 (etc etc)

( I want at least 50, so I will be making and sending out 50)

7. Individual pieces need not be made into a garland of bunting - use as you desire.... Sew onto a cushion, or skirt, or dress - or frame - or make into a loom artwork

8. Items to be posted in a small letter size envelope to keep postage to a minimum

9. Pieces of bunting to be mailed out by October 15, 2011 (Date has been extended from Sept. 28)

10. If you want to take part - email me: Rachael and subject line "Bunting"

squigglyrainbow@hotmail.com

I will need your postal address included in the eamil

*Please tell me how many pieces you wish to make,

and I will email you your list of recipients once I have details*

11. Pop this button on your page and PLEASE spread the word... it is a great reminder of how kind and encouraging this crafting, parenting bloggy world is! Once the button is on your page - please

link back to this post or even blog about it!

My knitting for this week has been a little slow going, I am trying to use up the rest of the gorgeous charcoal alpaca yarn I bought from the Bendigo Mills. A vest or sleeveless sweater for my Mr DCT is the plan. I am modifying this Patons pattern to be sleevless. My reading has been The Word.

I really should get cracking on my bunting though! Maybe I should knit some!

Much Love Rach xo

blah

2011-08-28T21:15:00.000+10:00

I made this last night. Mr DCT has finished night shift, now it's time to return to normality for a few days.

I am enjoying mixing up funky vintage fabrics.

Mother guilt got me today. With the children being sick, they have watched a bit of television and spent time on the ipad. What is with my mother guilt that goes with that?

Today it did my head in. Seeing the sun wash going to be shining all day - I dispersed the likelihood of it being another day hibernating with sick kidlets.

If my kids were sick and spending their days drawing and reading books, I wouldn't feel so guilty.

Maybe it was an off day for me - Maxabella chatted about 'scratchy' days today. Maybe mine was a tad itchy. Maybe I'm too passive, too gentle. 'Right' - no screens, let's do some construction, drawing, moss artwork. They just needed me to put my foot down.

I am missing those kinder days, maybe it is just those sun-shining days.

We all felt better after some creative fun. Master J made some boats.

Miss G was 'helping' Master S with his smurf drawings.

Master S loves his beanie and reading at the best of times; he decided he wants to be an author today. (Super Master S is meeting Emily Rodda this week at Fed Square.)

Mr DCT had a tad of post-night shift syndrome. I was not very patient. He thought my moss painting is causing him to lose hair. Maybe it is, oh well.

I enjoyed the kookaburra's today; and watched this one eat a mouse. After Mr DCT reminded me of my poor chicken husbandry skills (post-night shift syndrome).

If one is needing calm - I have the perfect recipe... Transplanting moss. Miss G and I were back to it today.

I think we will leave the rest to grow once we have finished the 'nest' and heart and one of the birds. I made another mix today and we re-painted with a new improved recipe:

1 Cup of moss (without excess dirt)

1 Cup of fermented, passed it's use-by date Organic yogurt

1 tablespoon of Organic sugar

Blend

Paint

Do you get mother guilt? Do you feel like you are not making the chop?

Are you part of The Bunting Swap? I hope you are.

Much Love Rach xo

grateful

2011-08-26T21:07:00.000+10:00

This week has brought about three very sick little kidlets in my home. A trip to hospital. The beginning of my first ever crafting/blogging swap (The Bunting Swap). Some romance with my Mr DCT. Our first egg from the chooklets. My first Spring - Summer 2011/2012 dress design off the machine.

I am very grateful for the new blogs I have been discovering. It truly blesses me to read and share your lives. So my grateful post this week is about reading other blogs, learning through them, relating to them, gaining the boldness to begin my own (thanks to Dee) and enjoying the gorgeous pictures!

Much Love Rach xo

ps - join in each weekend with Maxabella for gratefulness love!

what's on your mind?

2011-08-26T11:12:00.001+10:00

I've been dreaming of the bunting swap last night - it is very exciting. The three children are now sick on the couch - poor kidlets.

Spring has sprung at our house - albeit the grey skies today - we have our very first ever, especially special.....

EGG

and the forget me not's are popping up all over the yard (one of those extra special delights of moving and experiencing our first Springtime)!

That is what's on my mind that I'm loving!.

Hope your day is blessed!

Much love Rach xo

bunting

2011-08-25T12:28:00.006+10:00

Once again Pinterest is an amazing source of inspiration - I love that it is like flicking through a magazine, without all the other bit's I'm not interested in. Our Creative Spaces - is also another fabulous source of inspiration!

I am a self-confessed lover of bunting - the more whimsical it gets, the better. As the sun is shining here in Melbourne's outer hills, and our renovations are taking place..... It is time to get into the yard and get it ready for many a summer bbq.

When we bought our house, the garden, although it had many wonderful heirloom plants; it had not been tended to in over 20 years. We have been clearing and pulling some plants. One of these area's is at the rear of the house - where we will make a temporary outdoor area while we consider our future plans for the house!

This is what it looked like at the time of purchase earlier this year....

Now please mind all of our mess - bikes - outdoor furniture - plants - the clearing of overgrown flora. This is what I am envisaging...

The Plan

You have all heard of cushion swaps, fat-quarter swaps, brooch swaps.... right?

My plans to create a gorgeous few rows of bunting across the white timber got me thinking..... I could just sew something up by myself. Then I got dreaming how lovely it would be to incorporate triangles, rectangles, doilies, pieces of bunting (single 'bunts') that friends, strangers, bloggers, anyone made.

It would bring a whimsy delight to sit outside on a summers day and see a few pieces of bunting amongst mine - that others had created. Maybe a bit of an artistic way to remember this little community of readers - or just to enjoy bunting even more?

What do you think?

Okay, so I am thinking it will go like this....

1. Must be made out of whatever scraps you have in your stash

2. Can be any shape you desire

3. Finished measurements to be approximately 15cm x 20cm

4. Any materials can be used other than paper

5. If you want make and send only 1 piece of bunting - you will receive one

6. If you make and send 5 you will get 5 (etc etc)

( I want at least 50, so I will be making and sending out 50)

7. Individual pieces need not be made into a garland of bunting - use as you desire.... Sew onto a cushion, or skirt, or dress - or frame - or make into a loom artwork

8. Items to be posted in a small letter size envelope to keep postage to a minimum

9. Pieces of bunting to be mailed out by September 28th, 2011

10. If you want to take part - email me: Rachael and subject line "Bunting"

squigglyrainbow@hotmail.com

I will need your postal address included in the eamil

*Please tell me how many pieces you wish to make,

and I will email you your list of recipients once I have details*

11. Pop this button on your page and PLEASE spread the word... it is a great reminder of how kind and encouraging this crafting, parenting bloggy world is! Once the button is on your page - please

link back to this post!

FINALLY & Important : Please still take part even if you do not write a blog - I really want you too!

----------------------------------------

Here is some inspiration care of Pinterest...

Let your creativity take you away - I would love to upload some great new pics of YOUR creations to Pinterest.

If you do not write a blog of your own - please still take part.

Much Love and Bunting fun to you - Rach xo

yarning along

2011-08-24T20:43:00.001+10:00

Green is still the colour for my Master S and he chose this yarn himself for his new beanie. I was amazed how the type and colour of yarn really affects my thrill of knitting. I prefer to only use natual fibres, this is a New Zealand 100% wool - but the colour got to me while knitting.

However seeing these pictures of my beautiful boy, it really looks delightful on him!

The sun has been shining here and I have been out in the garden; gathering ideas and thinking how I can make this home more homely. I really don't know how long we will be here, but while we are here - I feel the need to create and make it a home.

I have a bunting project up my sleeve and will blog about that tomorrow! It is very exciting and taking me a bit of courage to get started.

I have come back to this book from this blog. It is not an easy read, but most certainly a blessing and I am learning lots!

I am loving Yarn Along and following Ginny's blog. I am in need of another book to read... any recommendations? I don't like anything sinister or spooky or violent though - something nice... suggestions welcome!

Much Love Rach xo

PS... I am hoping to host another Squiggly Sunday post - please let me know if you would like to be a guest blogger!

impatience

2011-08-23T10:30:00.000+10:00

I don't know if it is a bad thing, but I have realised I am a bit too impatient to wait for my moss to grow via the painting method.

Upon reading some green graffiti articles, I remembered that moss can easily be transplanted! How exciting! My boys really are not interested in helping me as I thought they would be - however they have accompanied me on some moss harvesting walks.

Miss G is still in bed, we had a trip to Emergency yesterday and she most likely has Influenza B, which presents with excessively high fevers and laryngitis symptoms. Poor Love, she is still asleep. Master J is also home with a slight fever.

This moss artwork is a bit addictive, especially as it is so green and I get to work in the outdoors with this almost-Springtime sun!

Transplanting moss is as easy as peeling it, soaking in water (I used fresh rain water that was in our bird bath) and then pressing it against the surface you want to moss. My investigations assured me that pressing very hard was fine. So that is what I did. I have continued to spray the moss with a fine mist of rain water using a spray bottle.

I decided to use a few different varieties of moss I found in my yard. These are the varieties I have; Dicranum, Dicranella Heteromalla and Hypnum moss.

I'm off to hang out the washing. Enjoy the sunshine!

Much Love Rach xo

Squiggly Sunday

2011-08-21T18:07:00.003+10:00

It has been many weeks since I last posted for Squiggly Sunday - I may need to organise my posts better. Sunday is often a day that I am with the children and Mr DCT is at work - or we are out and about as a family. Blogging takes second place.

Here is the next part of my Master S's story. If you are reading for the first time, Squiggly Sundays have been a place where I share my life story. Quirky, distressing, real as it is. You can find previous posts here:

The very first; followed by this; Squiggly Sunday part 2. Then some high school days; followed by meeting Mister DCT and Miss G.

So here is part 1 of my Squiggly Sunday post about my middle child, my first born son, my Master S.

And now part 2 - Master S

There is so much to write - and life has been so busy here.....

My darling boy, who is so big now - and so grown up. Looking at these pictures, prompting memories. He was so unwell for his first few years of life. Master S lived with constant chest infections. Due to the lack of experience with BWS in Australia - our doctors could never really pin point what was causing Master S to be so unwell all of the time.

In my personal research and eventually finding a wonderful GP when he was about six years, we concluded it was due to his enlarged tonsils and andenoids among a mid-face hyperplasia.... In laments terms, this means that he had an under-developed middle of his face - albeit his tonsils and adenoids being bigger. This causes greater susceptiblity to colds and flu and upper respiratory infections.

Miss G was the most nurturing big sister. Her love for her baby brother was so genuine and motherly. She too would get a little sick after being so affectionate. The many trips to the Royal Childrens Hospital in Melbourne we observed to be a significant contributor to germs - after each visit Master S was ill within a few days. The worry of having a darling baby sick all the time - it's hard to explain. Those of you that have experienced it will understand - my only way of describing it is with simple words; faith, love, worry, tears, nausea, sleeplessness, faith, love and worry.

We would notice in the next few years, some of Master S's habits (licking ballustrades and licking counter tops) actually caused him to be sick. We didn't understand at the time what this sensory behaviour was about - we just thought it was something boys do.

My babies turned 1 and 3 three days apart from each other - they almost look like twins. Miss G is so petite and Master S grows on the 98th percentile (another Beckwith-Wiedemann characteristic).

As time rolled on in 2002, we knew one of the biggest days of our lives was ahead of us. As parents one makes the best decisions they can at the time, based on the circumstances. Our Master S due to the size of his tongue had developed a sever food aversion. He reverted back to bottles at the age of 12 months. He could not close his mouth. He had constant drool and a disturbing rash on his neck and upper chest due to the constant dampness of his clothes. No sooner would I change him and he would have dribbled all over himeself. Master S could not sleep through the night - he had sleep apnea.

We had visited the Maxillofacial and Craniofacial unit at the Melbourne Royal Children's Hospital and worked towards a surgery date. Surgery for a glossectomy; also known as tongue reduction surgery. Few of these procedures had been done in Australia at the time, our surgeon had performed less than five when Master S was operated on.

It was the most difficult decision to make - it was not like emergency surgery when it is a life or death matter. If it went wrong - we would be to blame (so I felt). We chose what we felt was best for our boy. We wanted him to be able to eat. He could not close his mouth without biting his tongue as his tongue filled over his teeth-line.

So on October 15, 2002, our son had his tongue reduction surgery. Approximately two thirds of his tongue was taken away and a new tip was made. This is us before surgery.

My darling, brave boy in the intesive care unit.

The black piece of cotton is an emergency tongue stitch. If huge amounts of swelling occurred and blocked his airway - we were to pull his tongue forward with this.

Watching Hi-5 was the only thing that settled Master S. Thank goodness for hospital television.

One of the most difficult things was that my baby did not smile. He did not smile for 8 days. He did not eat for 10 days and we were not allowed to be discharged until he ate.

I had such a fright when his tongue began to reduce in swelling. I thought his stitches were falling out - however I was informed there were hundreds of stitches in my boys tongue.

He recovered reasonably well. It took about 8 weeks for swelling to go down completely. We began to do our regular things again - especially with Spring in the air and no more winter colds and flu.

Master S would kick doctors when we saw them. His timidity began to increase, he was 14 months of age now. We hoped our appointments with specialists and doctors would slow down... if only we knew!

I am so thankful for all of those appointments. At times I wish many people I know could just go and sit at McDonalds in the Royal Childrens Hospital - take a look around; and be thankful.

----------------------

Another Squiggly Sunday snippet for you....

Sorry they are so slow coming. Miss G is currently on the couch with influenza - so my nurse duties are calling!

Much Love to you Rach xx.

more moss

2011-08-20T15:56:00.004+10:00

Miss G is sick on the couch with the flu, the sun is shining - so that meant a day at home with Miss G on the couch, with the boys and I outside!

Remember I posted about some garden inspiration? I am lining up some willow branches, however we could get started on some green grafitti today! So exciting! Master S told me it is a 'bit over the top' - it is definitely quirky - but I love it!

First we used some home-made buttermilk (you can use beer or yoghurt as well). The recipe I used called for 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 cup of moss and a tablespoon of sugar.

Blend it all together - ours was quite runny; I guess I will see in time if it has worked!

Start painting!

A number 9 for our chimney!

And voila - you have a masterpiece! Mister DCT smiled as he returned home this afternoon; "looks good - I

like it" he said. Wow.

Spray with water daily to keep moist and stimulate growth.

It will be so cute when it looks like this...

I don't know if we will stay where we are living, but I need to make it fun while we are!

Today I am so grateful for the sunshine - seriously good medicine! Enjoy your weekend.

Much Love Rach xo

cheery yellow doilies

2011-08-18T14:12:00.001+10:00

Yarning along today with Ginny of Small Things...

As I sat drying our clothes this morning at the laundromat - I found this delightful plain covered 'book'.... it

immediately took my interest from the cover design. I found it to be a personally published message, a

newspaper printed to convey one person's compassion, care and non-complacency for our world. It

delighted my soul - I am excited to read the collection of articles this author wanted to share with the

community!

I am knitting Master J a vest - taking a break from the green Fishermans pullover, I chose to knit in thinner

yarn (it's taking so long). This vest is so sweet and will be so soft and snuggly in the thicker yarn I have

chosen.

I found the happiest doilies today - canary yellow - must be some more reminders for me that Spring is

around the corner! My travels of late have not gathered many bigger items - just lots of little ones. I am

loving these vintage sewing patterns too!

Seems I am not the only one pushing through the end of winter... thank goodness... and thanks for all your

lovely comments! I have caught up with new friends this week, and today is my first day 'alone' home by

myself.... I know tomorrow I will need to natter away a few many thousand of my words to continue feeling

positive - I definitely was not created to be a hermit! Today I have been cleaning up, aiming to move some

furniture around and get the house more liveable.

I bought a crochet hook yesterday after visiting my favorite wool store with my mum, the store I have to show

almost everyone who visits me. Mum was down for Grandparents and Special friends day at the kidlets

school - and one of my best friends came too as a surrogate aunt to my Miss G. How blessed we were.

So after finding these doilies today - I am inspired to learn to crochet doilies in quirky and fun colours!

image courtesy of pinterest

Hope your day is blessed!

Much Love Rach xo

here comes the sun - doo doo doo doo

2011-08-16T21:18:00.000+10:00

Seriously, it has felt like a long, cold, lonely winter! I found myself singing "Little Darling, here comes the sun, and I say - it's alright"!

My, what the sunshine does to my brain. I may even look a bit further into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If not for anything else but a bit of interesting reading.

I love picnics and I love trees. We are blessed that less than five minutes away is one of Melbourne's most magical, beautiful and exquisite parks. Emerald Lake Park reminds me of Heaven for some reason. The children just love their new park - having needed to find a new one to take ownership of with our move. Our previous park was The Briars. Come warmer weather; we love meeting up with family or friends for hours of fellowship, eating, tree climbing, kite flying fun. We had a taste on the weekend, the kidlets are so excited to get back again!

I am thinking this coming Spring and Summer our new park will be a great place to do this, I love the idea of researching, being still and enjoying a simple delight of this world.

As I drifted off to sleep last night I had an image of a huge fig tree - it reminded me of a dream I had when Miss G was about 3. I dreamt of a huge fig tree with some old fashioned weigh scales sitting under neath the arbor of branches, resting on the grass.

I am not quite sure what those scales mean. But as I drifted off to sleep last night, praying for my husband and children, for our families future to be different to the past of our families. I saw this tree. From a small seed it had grown. A seed of truth grown in good soil. A tree that will stand tall and strong and have the most magnificent arbor and life. What do these scales mean I wonder?

Much Love to you Rach xo

Moss

2011-08-15T20:53:00.002+10:00

It is still winter here. Rain today. The sunshine of yesterday, a picnic, church and an afternoon watching my kidlets play pirates in the yard, while I planted and pulled out azaleas, was enough to get me back on track.

Coffee with an dear friend today added to the feeling of relaxation.

Then I check out Pinterest tonight - all I can say is the pictures speak for themselves and I am motivated to at least work on the areas of this home that I can do something about! (Not to say I don't want my bathroom finished and the clutter gone.)

Not sure what I will work on first, but here are some of the ideas, care of Pinterest!

Build a tree house with vines.

Collect heart shape rocks and pebbles and arrange in moss or grass.

This is not me.... but this is my absolute favorite! Found here. Instructions are:

One can of cheap beer or 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

A few handfuls of moss

One teaspoon of sugar.

In your blender, blend until the mixture is smooth, and you’re ready to get painting!

You can use a brush to paint your moss onto concrete walls, rocks, or brick. Mist the moss once a day to help it thrive, and soon your green graffiti will take hold!

I have been working on the next Squiggly Sunday post - it is taking a while to put together and gather all the photo's - it will be Part II of the Master S story!

Hope all is great

Much Love Rach xx

hope brings life -- loving it

2011-08-12T19:23:00.003+10:00

Today I went on a school excursion with my kidlets to see the Victorian State Opera perform a snippet of Hansel and Gretel at Horti Hall (previously the Victorian Horticultural Society building). Indeed is was wonderful - how can opera singers merely open their mouth and appear to be putting no effort at all into their singing (when clearly we know it is a gift and lots of hard work) - it amazed me!

Yesterday and my previous post about our mouldy bathroom versus our previous lovely bathroom obviously shouted out my gloom.

Today I ~~painted~~ applied a little make-up, popped on a my favorite polka-dot scarf, a gingham ribbon in my hair, my red boots, striped red top, a powder-blue pullover with a crinkled neckline, jeans and Op-shopped Green patchwork jacket and I felt a million dollars. Okay, not quite - but almost.

I wonder why it was that I felt so much better? Yesterday I scoured the local and beyond Op-Shops for treasures wearing my trackies. Many a treasure was found, but I felt lonely. Maybe I just like to talk to people. Maybe I have empty nest syndrome? Maybe I am just discovering what my role is now, while being a full-time Mum when all your children are at school. What does this really mean? (Thanks for that advice Mrs W).

Today I had a bit of hope, and a bit of make-up. I felt better. The excursion to the city was lovely. Miss G hopped around with two loyal friends all day (they did not leave her side). We even bumped into her teacher from last year as her old school was also on an excursion! It was lovely to get to know the other children my kidlets go to school with.

Today I let people know I am lonely, the honeymoon period of the move is over. Do you know what - I have finally realised that their is no point pretending that I have it all together. Today I voiced how I feel. It is okay to be real. For the first time in I don't know how long, I am pushing through my shyness and trying to connect with people. We all need to connect don't we? It is bringing me hope, which makes me feel worthy. Worthy of life.

The treasures I found yesterday were gorgeous - I even picked up a pair of 1950's woolen army pants. Next week I will allocate another full day to checking out a new unknown to me area of the thrifting world! Don't you just love all these red buttons!

So, I am loving and grateful for red buttons and finding some hope! How about you? Check out more Loving here too!

Much Love Rach xo

the thin red line

2011-08-10T20:49:00.001+10:00

Miss G fractured her foot today. The day was initially spent on a day time date with my Mister DCT - a phone call from the beautiful school receptionist was one of those calls that says it's time to pick up your child!

Miss G was so brave all day, albeit sad when the doctor refused to put a cast on. New shoes was his advice, so off to buy some not so Miss G style 'good' shoes (not mary-janes or something pretty).

As we sat in the waiting room of the hospital I was thinking of blogging. Taking photographs with my dinky camera does not look oh so professional - you know! Anyway, that didn't stop me, there was some red to capture. I refrained at the thin red line and my boots, but there was also a stunning RED telephone on the wall that could of been a blog photo prop!

I have been having a bit of a sook this week to my Mister DCT. Then this morning I read this blog. I think I was meant to read it. Funny how things are put in our path. The honeymoon period of moving across one side of Melbourne away from our home of 15 years, has ended. I have been feeling lonely, and wondering what have we done. It is easy to remember why we moved when we take the children to their great school. But when I look around at our house which I crazily thought would be renovated and finished in 3 months - I have been feeling a bit fragile and spoilt.

My Mister DCT posted something on my facebook page today - a little practical joke about our old house being back on the market. As I read Farm Girl Paints blog today, seeing her gorgeous home - as a friend said a few months back - I had house envy.

It is a bit tricky to remember what He does for us and His plan, when we live in this world. A world that strives for beauty and perfection materialistically. I know His plan was for our children to be at their new school. What is the rest of the plan?

While I often show you pictures of prettiness, I thought it was time today to show you why I am feeling just a tad fragile! I am trying, I really am to be thankful for what we have. I am thankful for all the pretty things, the trees, my huge window. But when you come from this bathroom....

To this one, which I ~~stupidly, naively and crazily~~ ignorantly thought would be renovated in our first month. I can't even show you the most horrible part of this bathroom.

From this space and airiness....

To absolute cosiness... (that we did choose - and I know this)....

I need one of the reality checks we often get. How we Westerner's can be so ungratful - I am behaving and feeling very 'fragile' at the moment. I need a reminder. I am grateful to have mould and a closed door with running water, compared to this...

Photographed from this blog, showing a personal account of slums in India. We wanted to simplify, we wanted to downsize, we wanted to follow the calling in our life. Why is it feeling a challenge right now? After reading the Farmgirl Paints blog, seeing gorgeous homes in the US, a bit of a google search found some darn good buys.... much better value for your dollar in the US than we get for our Australian house prices - we could have a mansion for what we pay here. Crazy. Vent, vent, vent.

Now, the second purpose of this post was to join in for Yarn Along with Ginny - who I just adore and wonder if lovely people like Ginny ever have these thoughts and anxious worries.

The Master J's jumper, ravelled here (never mind my mistakes and crazy use of 8 ply rather than chunky). It is coming along slowly.

It really is amazing how knitting brings a peace. I will keep clicking away as I ponder what we are meant to be doing. Another adoption story popped up today as we were on our date - only to be a wonderful account of a family from the US.

Reading the Tim Winton novel still, it's a bit slow going - but I cannot get myself into anything else.

Thanks for listening - sorry for rambling and venting. Do you ever feel this way? I feel like I am walking a thin red line.

Much love Rach xo

exciting news

2011-08-09T11:03:00.001+10:00

I feel very privileged to let you know I am now a contributor on a great Melbourne op-shopping blog! I know many of you would also love a heads up of places to shop and treasure hunt - as I do. Check out this gorgeous site I Op Therefore I Am.

On a Squiggly personal note, I have decided to defer my studies once again - this is going to be a long process! The relief is wonderful - I now do not feel like I have a grey cloud hanging over my head! The onset of the flu immediately after my teaching rounds, and then my text book being out of print were big deciding factors!

Mr DCT is pretty excited to have a wifey back, the kidlets are excited for some more home cooking. I am excited for more creating and thrifting! We are about to head out the door to discover some new Op-shops, so stay tuned!

Also, I have booked lunch with a dear old friend for next week. I find it easy to hibernate at times. I have realised if I feel lonely - mmmm, well - I need to push through some shyness and catch up with people. It is a new goal of mine (as of yesterday), to meet up at least once a fortnight with a friend. What do you think? My hibernating antics need to be overcome!

Hope your day is great.... Also, news on Terri-Lynn.... she has been rescued! That is blessed news!

Much Love to you and Yours

Rach xx