Monday, June 18, 2012
Daniel slammed down the brakes of the car a few weeks ago when I squealed at the sight of a dolls house sitting out the front of a garage sale. It was $20 and a dream come true.
Labels: corners of my home , decorating , handmade , thrifting
Sunday, March 11, 2012
because I knew you would ask...
"She doesn't understand what you're saying," says Daniel.
"I know, but it makes me feel better if I explain it to her."
Poet rips the hat off again and laughs.
She's all tongue-sticking-out (see last photo) blush-cheeked, fired-up cuteness this week. She's ready to rumble and, quite literally, tumble her way around. Daniel and I, we've parented before, but this time it's a completely different ride.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
When I started blogging, back when Che was a little bubba, I loved visiting The Story Hour - the blog of a Newcastle mum with three boys. It was one of those blogs that was beautiful for its simplicity and honesty - a peek into the world of gumboots, bugs and school paintings. A few recipes here and there and glimpses of a much-loved family home. I was a little sad when its creator, Tracie, decided to stop blogging. The Story Hour may have been small but it was definitely memorable.
Jodi: You are both mothers. How many children do you have?
T: I also have three children- all boys, Arki (8), Jude (6) and the youngest is Ezra (3). It’s nice that we have children of similar ages; we understand each other’s commitments and our need to have balance between work and home life.
T: I love it all..I’m so happy dropping them off there in the morning. The school is aesthetically beautiful but it’s not just that...there is a spirit about the place. The school is a beautiful community and I am so confident that their days will be filled with joy. I teach at the school casually and seeing how the days flow and watching the children be completely engaged in whatever activity they are doing makes me completely confident in our decision to send them there. I love how innocent the children are; how full of song. I love that I often have to tell my 8 year old at bedtime “Ok Arki...you can finish knitting that row then lights out”.
My original inspiration came from finding that there were so few places in Australia that you could find all these beautiful toys - so starting something online seemed an obvious solution.
T: I have only recently joined Linda with Dragonfly. I have been friend with Linda for a few years, having met her at the school’s market. It was an important meeting for me..it was Linda who inspired me to look into Steiner education, she was so confident and down to earth about it all. I was thrilled when she asked me to join her as a partner as I have always loved what she did and enjoyed working for her. It seemed like a great way for Dragonfly to build...having the energy and enthusiasm of the two of us. After teaching in public high schools for the past ten years going to our office for the day is such a blessing.
They must be made under fair work conditions - this certainly stops us from stocking a lot of things that we know people would like to buy, but we want our customers to know that they can trust our choices and that we are always putting ethics above sales.
They need to be beautiful or wonderful in some way... things that we truly love ourselves.
T: I love the flexibility of it all as well...I’m still home most of the week with Ezra and if I get called into work at the school I can go. Linda and I can swap days when we need to, leave early, do work from home at night; it’s perfect.
Labels: giveaway , handmade , inspiring creatives
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
pears wrapped in paper (& other wonderful things)
...and brown paper packages tied up with string. Just a few of my favourite things.
Labels: food for the soul , handmade , thrifting
Monday, May 24, 2010
Labels: corners of my home , giving , handmade , seasons
Thursday, October 29, 2009
it was so long ago that i held each ball of yarn in my hands, knowing that one day it would be finished. And it is, just in time for our spring-almost-summer. So my timing wasn't ideal but it was one of those projects that i longed to get back to almost every day. And as claerwen said recently, the beauty of knitting is that feeling you get when you cast-off that very last stitch. It's complete. And can't be undone. I think as Mumas we spend so much of our time doing little jobs that in a matter of hours need doing again. So it is nourishing me to look at ché's blanket and be reminded of the hours of knitting through winter...and the knowing that it will be wrapped round him for years to come...knowing it's complete. Handmade. Mama-made.
And now I'm left wondering...what shall I make next?
Labels: creating and making , handmade , knit one
Monday, July 13, 2009
One little thing always leads to another in this online world. And although I'm not a huge fan of technology I am grateful for the connection and the inspiration that can be discovered. It's special isn't it. To connect with people across oceans - those sweet ones you know you would love to sit down and share tea with. There have been a few parcels that have arrived on my doorstep that have truly made my day (or week). And when you buy handmade there is always the wonderful little extras that only affirm the package was sent with gratitude and love.
As I work on my knitting project, stitch by stitch, I am reminded of the time and energy imbued in each little handmade item I buy. Precious time, positive energy, kindness and love. Perfect for my home, sweet home.
Labels: creative community , handmade
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Colour and light and all things bright. We are finally crawling out from under the clouds - feeling better and ready to play. And today I watched my little one 'play' for the first time. He took his Che Che (choo choo) train and pushed it around the floor as he crawled. Around the basket and the table. Around and about. It was beautiful to watch. I could tell that he was actually thinking about what he was doing, he planned a little route and off he went. Che and his train.
My house smells of lavender, ylang ylang and patchouli - the 'hippie chic blend' made by a local scent and soap maker. Since we found our rhythm I have enjoyed playing house so much more. It's cleaner and more organised than it has been in months and I feel more inspired in my own space. Inspired to write, make, create and yes, play. It's a good feeling.
Che and I have found our little groove and we're so happy. I'm a better Muma because of it. I'm calmer and more engaged and I can easily say that I am more certain and more passionate about my role as parent - about the choices Daniel and I are making. After teaching a pre-natal yoga class last week a few of my students were talking about leaving work and the significant changes that would make to their family income. I suprised myself with what I said to them because it was the first time I had actually considered it myself. "Your life become simpler when you become a parent. You spend more time at home, you spend more time together. Your life-style doesn't cost as much."
Because...you clean, you feed, you bake, you wash, you play, you read, you cuddle - together.
After a phone call with a dear friend today I realised how important it is to be surrounded by like-minded parents. It's so good to know that Che's friends are being raised by parents as passionate as Daniel and I. We share the same values and beliefs, we're choosing an 'alternative' form of education and we're trusting in our natural instincts. I feel supported and understood in my parenting journey...it's so nice.
Enjoy the bright light of an approaching Summer ... or the cosy dim haze of a Winter just around the corner. Wherever you are I hope you find your seasonal rhythm.
Labels: corners of my home , daily rhythm , friends , handmade , parenting
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
I think I've realised how fun a one-year-old can be. How interested and engaged and excited my little boy is. Giddy in Spring sunshine we played and went exploring. He's so content to sit on my hip and wander with me. To point at flags and birds and wave goodbye to strangers who stop to chat. Today we ate peaches and strawberries and this evening we enjoyed roasted butternut pumpkin. And now I can see the remnants of peaches and strawberries and pumpkin on my cardigan.
Since becoming a mum I have become more grounded. I spend more time crawling around on the ground that I ever have before in my life. I don't get too bothered if my clothes get dirty or my hair gets messy. I spend so much time wandering on beaches, in parks and around gardens with Che. I love it and he loves it and I feel so much happier and healthier because of it.
For the last week or so I have been preparing our little balcony for the warmer weather - planting fresh herbs and spring blooms and clearing the clutter that had resided there over the winter months. We spend so much time here over summer - it's the best place to ponder, read and relax and because the ocean is at the bottom of the hill we often get a subtle sea breeze. Che has his own swing now too so he can suspend from the beams and watch the world go by.
I made cupcakes today and shared one with Che. Not quite as amazing as these, but still fun. He was recovering from his cold on his birthday and wasn't fussed with cake so I thought I would indulge him. He wasn't impressed with the icing (which secretly made me happy) but he loved the buttery cake. It was so yummy we decided to share some with friends. 
I am still smiling at the beautiful gifts we were given on his birthday. I am so enjoying flipping through the storybooks and building with the blocks. So many generous people. Including Miss HazyJane who sent Che a gorgeous pair of handmade pants (the best pants) and a homemade card, which, funnily enough, looks alot like he did on his birthday morning - it was definitely a red crown kinda birthday. I got spoilt too - a cloth bag perfect for books/shopping/anything really. She's clever that girl and one of the neatest sewers I have ever come across.
Such a pleasant day we had.
Labels: 30 days of gratitude , creative community , handmade , nature , seasons
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
I found these gorgeous little pillows and I decided that I must have them...soft little reminders that simplicity is definitely beautiful. Shanna Murray transfers her lovely sketches onto fabric and sends them across the oceans to people's homes. And the gorgeous little card she accompanies with the package comes as a nice surprise. I especially love the dandelion design...it's nice to wake up, roll over and read my on my pillow: anything is possible
Che loved the box too
Labels: corners of my home , creative community , finding , handmade
Thursday, June 05, 2008
I don't think I can describe the joy I have when dressing my baby boy in a cardigan knitted by my Mum. She spent every spare moment of the last two weeks knitting this gorgeous piece - navy with 4 little buttons that look a lot like pork pies (according to Dad...who loves pork pies). Handmade always translates to "made with love" and I actually believe that this cardi will keep Che extra warm. She was so meticulous with her work that she is now suffering from a bad shoulder. Who would have thought knitting could result in an injury? Tonight we are going to Mum & Dad's for dinner - a hearty winters meal of lamb casserole and mash. Just like handmade equals love, home-cooking warms the belly and the heart.
I have called the above photo "French schoolboy discovers maracas"
