We're still loving the new toy, thanks family! Also loving the new Chrissy day frocks my Mum made for the owlets. Its been a struggle to get them washed in between days and despite cherry stains and raspberry dribbles... We're keeping pretty quiet here, enjoying a holiday at home. We've spent an afternoon at the beach, de-cluttered the art cupboard, ambled our way through the left overs and treats and bounced in the moonlight as we watched the yachts roll in on their final Sydney to Hobart stretch. We're half way through the holiday and I'm holding to the days hoping they pass a little slower...
Hope its lovely and relaxing wherever you are too. x
30 December 2009
Still bouncing...
26 December 2009
Plenty to celebrate...
trampolines (that even grown ups can have fun on)...
Bubbles... and new mama made pyjamas from thrifted Mr. Men sheets...
Panettone and fruit salad for breakfast...
Mama made sushi and doughnuts and fried eggs...
A beautiful and much longed for collection of dolls from Huz to me...
A sister with brilliant taste in vintage fabrics...
Memories framed by me for Huz...
Pavlova dripping with berries and summery, sugary goodness...
Hope yours was brilliant too. x
21 December 2009
Summer...
Happy Solstice! xxxx
Day 19 :: Wear dress-ups to dinner
Day 20 :: Write a Christmas song
Day 21 :: Have a Summer Solstice banquet
Day 22 :: Act out a Christmas story
20 December 2009
Silly season...
Day 10 :: Read some Christmas stories
Day 11 :: Go for a walk along the beach
Day 12 :: Hunt for a Christmas tree
Day 13 :: Decorate the tree!!
Day 14 :: Make a Christmas wreath. In this house, its tradition to listen to Aretha while making the wreath. Oh yes, cheese-o-rama.
Day 15 :: Wear crazy hairstyles to dinner - also tradition, look goofy in photos.
Day 16 :: Make pancakes for dinner
Day 17 :: Make a Gingerbread house
Day 18 :: Make wrapping paper
Day 11 :: Go for a walk along the beach
Day 12 :: Hunt for a Christmas tree
Day 13 :: Decorate the tree!!
Day 14 :: Make a Christmas wreath. In this house, its tradition to listen to Aretha while making the wreath. Oh yes, cheese-o-rama.
Day 15 :: Wear crazy hairstyles to dinner - also tradition, look goofy in photos.
Day 16 :: Make pancakes for dinner
Day 17 :: Make a Gingerbread house
Day 18 :: Make wrapping paper
19 December 2009
"Life is what happens to you....
...while you're busy making other plans". John Lennon. Possibly my Dad's favourite quote and one I got to understand the full meaning of this year. Life threw the owlet nest a curve ball in 2009. At the start of the year we expected to have a grounding year, made plans to focus on the owlets learning and maybe dabble in a bit of sewing, maybe some markets, maybe have a holiday, maybe think about adding another owlet to the nest towards the end of the year...
Then we found out that some NYE shenanigans meant that the new owlet was on the way sooner than expected. Plans were re-made, shifted forward, things moved aside. Then, on the last day of Autumn, eighteen weeks in, I had a miscarriage. It was here, at home, peaceful and just us. Both girls were here to witness it and touched their tiny sleeping brother's hand. We named him Pippin and buried him under an orange tree in the garden. It was hard and horrible and sad and beautiful and amazing all at once. We grew closer and leant on each other and some brilliantly helpful friends and family. We started to get on with life slowly. I did a few markets and the big owlet was learning to do all sorts of amazing things...Then we became aware of the fact that we actually really did want another owlet, and if we wanted to birth it at home with our favourite midwife in attendance, we'd have to think a little faster before the government plans to stop homebirth with a midwife came into affect. So we did. Then, about nine weeks later, just as we travelled to Canberra to tell the pollies what we thought, I lost another little owlet. This was somehow harder to fathom. Shock, familiar sadness, utter disappointment. There has been much soul searching and waiting and sitting with it, hibernating a bit and waiting for my body to heal... I'm feeling older and wiser for it all. Quite changed. I've learned to not make big plans, to not think out every detail, but relish each moment as it comes and embrace the unknown. I've learned to wait and see and perhaps to view the world through the eyes of my owlets...
So when Huz asked me what my New Years resolutions were, I replied "Sleep more and be awesome." Sounds do-able, right? "How are you going to be awesome?" he asked. "Dunno" I said. Thankfully when the new Frankie arrived in my letterbox yesterday I could see that they are all over it, so I'm taking my time, having a read and looking forward to what's to come...
Then we found out that some NYE shenanigans meant that the new owlet was on the way sooner than expected. Plans were re-made, shifted forward, things moved aside. Then, on the last day of Autumn, eighteen weeks in, I had a miscarriage. It was here, at home, peaceful and just us. Both girls were here to witness it and touched their tiny sleeping brother's hand. We named him Pippin and buried him under an orange tree in the garden. It was hard and horrible and sad and beautiful and amazing all at once. We grew closer and leant on each other and some brilliantly helpful friends and family. We started to get on with life slowly. I did a few markets and the big owlet was learning to do all sorts of amazing things...Then we became aware of the fact that we actually really did want another owlet, and if we wanted to birth it at home with our favourite midwife in attendance, we'd have to think a little faster before the government plans to stop homebirth with a midwife came into affect. So we did. Then, about nine weeks later, just as we travelled to Canberra to tell the pollies what we thought, I lost another little owlet. This was somehow harder to fathom. Shock, familiar sadness, utter disappointment. There has been much soul searching and waiting and sitting with it, hibernating a bit and waiting for my body to heal... I'm feeling older and wiser for it all. Quite changed. I've learned to not make big plans, to not think out every detail, but relish each moment as it comes and embrace the unknown. I've learned to wait and see and perhaps to view the world through the eyes of my owlets...
So when Huz asked me what my New Years resolutions were, I replied "Sleep more and be awesome." Sounds do-able, right? "How are you going to be awesome?" he asked. "Dunno" I said. Thankfully when the new Frankie arrived in my letterbox yesterday I could see that they are all over it, so I'm taking my time, having a read and looking forward to what's to come...
16 December 2009
The Seamstress of Salzburg
I've been busy for weeks, burning the candle at both ends and mysteriously tired at the same time... Days are long, nights are longer when there's a market to prepare for and although they are fun and rewarding, I wonder if they are worth it. Its these tired and stretched times where I find myself questioning why I do all this...
My sister gave me this beautiful vintage book by Anita Lobel for Christmas many years ago. She said the story reminded her of me. Its about a woman who makes beautiful things for other people, but doesn't necessarily find it fulfilling as more and more demands are placed on her...
She misses making beautiful things for her own family. It was when I was reading this book to the owlets the other night that it struck a chord and I realised that I'm in a similar predicament. Totally self inflicted, of course. I already attempt to do lots, home educating two owlets among other things, and without much regular support from extended family, having chosen to exile ourselves on this beautiful island. Its a full time job - and a half. So then add to it making things for markets and the rest and you have one busy, overworked mama. So much to do - so little ME!! Like the Seamstress of Salzburg, I miss making beautiful things for my loved ones. When my owlets see another pretty thing leave my sewing machine and ask if its for them and are met with "no, its for other children" and their faces drop... its shattering. I just need more time!!! I can't make more, so something has to give. So... I'm winding it back a bit. I'm cutting back the markets I do to about four in the next year. You may see some new things in the owlet shops from time to time, and other places out and about, but there will be more crafting for loved ones and in particular my owlets, because that's what gives my little family the most pleasure... Staying in the moment.
14 December 2009
Owlet last minute things
Just added to my madeit shop...
We've had a really busy, lovely market weekend. If it weren't such a busy time of year I could quite easily flump in a heap for a bit, but must press on - there are gifts to make!! I've popped these stocking stuffers and much more on madeit tonight and I'm hoping to add baby stuff tomorrow before popping it all on Etsy too. If there's something you'd like for Christmas, let me know and I can send it before the end of the week, or send express if you need!
We've had a really busy, lovely market weekend. If it weren't such a busy time of year I could quite easily flump in a heap for a bit, but must press on - there are gifts to make!! I've popped these stocking stuffers and much more on madeit tonight and I'm hoping to add baby stuff tomorrow before popping it all on Etsy too. If there's something you'd like for Christmas, let me know and I can send it before the end of the week, or send express if you need!
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