Monday, May 24, 2010
Labels: corners of my home , giving , handmade , seasons
Thursday, January 29, 2009
till he came back. I didn't want to sound like a love-sick puppy so I decided not to mention that he'd gone. He headed to Melbourne for 8 days to watch the tennis...it was the longest time we'd spent apart since we met. I sound utterly ridiculous don't I?! Slightly pathetic I know. But I'm so happy that he's back.
I wanted to have a little something waiting for him when he came home so I got this portrait framed. It was painted in New Zealand in 1981 when Daniel was three. So for 27 years it has been moved from house to house, across state borders, from cupboard to attic. For a little while we had it displayed on our easel but that all ended when Che was big enough to pull it down. I knew if I didn't get it framed soon it would get damaged and we'd be regretful. I'm so thrilled with the result. It's just so special to be able to look at it and see what he was like as a little boy - sweet I think. And even more special that I can catch glimpses of Che in D's young boy face.
I got sweet surprises too. This gorgeous teapot that sits ever so comfortably in the teacup. He found it here and I felt so proud when he said that he walked into the shop and it felt like our home. I try to make it that beautiful, I do.
Labels: corners of my home , giving , melbourne
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
doing nothing. After a busy and joyous Christmas we have spent our days just lazing about. Which only makes me realise how important it is to be still and quiet for a while - because it ultimately makes everything more enjoyable, doesn't it. Our summer has been sweltering and so we have only visited the beach in the early morning or evening - the sun is too hot and harsh for fair baby skin. Thankfully our house is cool and catches a subtle sea breeze...it is the perfect abode for these warm months. We've been puttering, playing, reading and basking in the shade...and I don't want it to end!
I feel I've been spolit too. My love found me this gorgeous old (new to me) bike which is currently awaiting attention (red paint, basket & bell). And the umbrella - stripes and fringing, everything I've always wanted in a beach umbrella.
Che was gifted some beautiful toys and books at Christmas time. I use 'some' in the best possible way - enough presents to excite and not to overwhelm. I especially loved the simple gifts - the homemade biscuits, tomatoes from the garden, our celebratory evening meal under the grapevine, the abundance of ribbon and the sweet messages on cards. Feasting, family, friends and a few snapshots...it's what I remember most and I remember it all fondly.
Most evenings after Che has fallen into slumber, Daniel and I eat dinner on our balcony. A casual dinner outside - summer in all its glory. Curries infused with kaffir lime leaves, easy salads, a simple tomato and zucchini pasta. Perhaps ice-cream and mango for dessert. Sure it's been hot, really hot, but it's been so good too. I really don't want it to end.
Labels: celebrations , day-to-day , food for the soul , giving , seasons , we live near the beach
Saturday, December 20, 2008
not a creature was stirring...
not even this mouse. In our house. I had to get him. Fell in love really. As soon as I looked up to those high out-of-reach shelves and saw him perched there all lonesome I just knew he needed to come home with us. A Christmas mouse, red scarf 'n all who will probably stay out to play all year round.
I have bought and I have baked, wrapped and tied ribbon, written greetings and well wishes on cards. All without too much fuss and not much stress. There's a few more batches of iced jumbles to make, a few more sweet spiced nuts to create. And then...?
We'll drop gifts and cards onto doorsteps, post parcels on their way, celebrate the Solstice and begin to slow down and chill a bit while we wait for the magic of Christmas Eve. I love the Eve, I do I do.
The "sweet spiced nuts" recipe came from the latest edition of Kindred magazine. It is so wonderfully easy to make (perfect to do with children) and so very yummy (with a little bit of this and a sip of tea you may just find yourself in bliss).
All you need is 200grams of raw nuts & seeds (I used cashews, almonds, pepitas and sunflower seeds), 2 heaped teaspoons of cinnamon, finely grated rind of one orange and 4 tablespoons of honey. Mix together, place on a tray (lined with baking paper) and bake at 180degrees for about 10-15mins.
I hope that you, wherever you are, enjoy the preparing and planning. Because if I've learnt anything this year it's that it's about the journey and not so much the 'big day'. x
Labels: celebrations , finding , giving
