A New Chapter

We woke on a Tuesday morning before the sun had risen, with a circus of anticipation pelting through our bodies.

It was the day we has waited a month for.

Excuse after reason after many sleepless nights of scary uncertainty, wondering if our family including our furry and feathered loves would be forced to separate if this day didn't come soon.

Office opening hours came and went with no word.

We paced.

Checked our phones for any missed calls or messages.

Then news.. we will meet at 1 o'clock.

My stars, we couldn't wait!

But then more reasons and excuses.

So much heartache for something that should have been  one of our happiest days.

But the inevitable happened.

Just much later in the day and month than we were told to expect. 

At 5.20pm on the 28th of September we were given the keys to our new family home!

I am so, so smitten with our new nest.

I unpacked quite quickly, filling the spaces with our beloved possessions wondering how on Earth I managed to fit it all in my previous little house. 

We have been so blessed to have the wonderful friends that we do, that generously offered space for storage.

I had potted plants I couldn't bear to part with taking up too much space in one friends backyard, along with towers of boxes in her shed. Our furniture was in another friends storage shed and all of our yard tools, shed contents and garden and outdoor items were at another location.

The chookies and ducks were at one house, Pooch Girl, Kitty Puss and us humans at another.

Even my indoor plants were having a long sleepover at another friends house!

Initially we expected to only need the storage space and roof over our heads for a week at the very most.

But one week turned into two.

And another.

It was hard not to feel like we were abusing our friendships by wearing out our welcome but our friends really shone for us and we will never forget their unconditional tolerance and support, and will always be there to return the kindness.

So here we are, settling in.

This is home now. 

It doesn't quite have that homely feel yet but I will bring it in time.

14 years in my last house, who's to say it won't take that long to turn this into our comfortable little haven?

But I know it won't.

There are countless moths that fly around the house at night.

This moth-girl loves it!

We have a fruiting mulberry tree and passionfruit vines.

The fruit trees that moved with us are thriving in their pots for now.

Some vegie seedlings are in.

Hedges ripped out and roses and natives take their place.

The chookies and ducks have a nice pen to share and are giving us lots of happy eggs.

Kitty Puss settled in incredibly fast.

And Pooch Girl.

Oh, my beautiful sweet girl.

Her 13 years seem to have caught up to her overnight and we have been advised that she is just on quality of life now.

Her arthritis has become so severe she drags her feet, her lady legs get crossed up while she walks, hearing is almost completely gone.. 

She still smiles and thumps her tail when she sees us.

She cannot sit up so we lie with her and let her nuzzle her nose into the folds of our elbows, giving herself the good scratch she can't use her legs for.

I have been off work this week with back problems so Pooch Girl and I rest together watching movies and working on rainbow baby blankets for twins.

I managed to finish Son3's rainbow blanket before the move, photos to come.

 

I also created two 9x5 entries for an annual auction one of our local art centres hold.

So great to have a designated space to make a colourful mess in now. 

And nobody had a problem with me claiming the office as my art room - hooray!

Alas, the bookcase is proving problematic. 

Too many books, not enough shelves, not high enough on the list of priorities.

The rain is falling heavy on the tin roof making me drowsy.

Kitty Puss is balled up beside me, already chasing moths around the land of dreams.

Time for me to join the rest of my snoring family...

🤍🤍🤍

Ooh, You're My Best Friend!

Halloo, hello!

I wanted to stop by quickly to share some special photos.

I've been a bit hesitant to do this post but it signifies something very special and important to me, so I want to document it in my little way.

Warning! Mushy Post Alert!

The roses in my little slice of Earth have been blooming oodles.

Petals soft as silk. 

Colours that looks good enough to eat.

And what's that.. something special has popped into this one!

Oh my goodness..

Its here!

*deep excited inhale*

The bootiful ring that Boof bought for our engagement was completed and ready for collection!

Boof had to work so my good friend and I drove the 5 hours to collect it, did a bit of shopping, then turned around and drove the 5 hours home.

While I do love the whimsy of a bit of romance I can only take it in small doses, which is lucky because romance is not Boof's thing. 

(Thats not to say he doesn't melt my heart at times!)

But as we didnt do a traditional proposal I told Boof I wouldn't wear the ring until he put it on me.

That night, with Boof's order of a bucket of KFC wafting through the air, Shrek playing in the background, both of us utterly exhausted after a long day each, he unexceptionably slipped the ring onto my finger.

Perfect!

Boof and I spent a few years of our childhood as neighbours in a small town. Our dads worked together and were friends outside of work too. Boof and I were regulars at each other's houses or more often than not we were out in the bush making cubby houses in the trees. His family moved away and we lost touch. After many years we bumped into each other on social media and our friendship was right where it left off. He was a rock and a safe place for me as I went through the separation with the boy's dad. When everyone else was gone it was Boof who would ring me to make sure I was ok. If I got upset on the phone he would come over and just sit in the house so I wasnt alone. We didnt talk. It was just company. After some time we realised we felt strongly for each other and here we are today, 4 years together! He is still my rock and safe place, especially during the time when I lost my Dad. We are building our lives together, our house is our home where we are both most comfortable. He treats the boys as his own, they crack each other up but he has also taught them naughty words. We drive each other nuts but we also make each other laugh so hard it hurts. Every day we learn new things from each other. I cant imagine my life without him. 

Best friends forever 🤍🤍🤍

(P.S. in case you noticed the new watermark on my pics, its the name I used to use for my market stalls and I will be making some changes here on my blog with it, keep your peepers peeled)

Me Time

This is the beautiful sky that the plane carrying my boys flew into this week. 

I waited by the fence as I do every time they leave.

The breeze was icy and chilled my bones.

Luckily the rain and gusty wind had passed about half an hour before.

I waved at the plane as it left, trying my hardest to catch a glimpse of the boys waving back but I can never see for the dark tinted glass.

Only once they were in the air after a safe takeoff I walked away.

I reached my car.

Got in.

And cried, hard.

Took some breaths and got myself together, started the car and drove home.

My goodness, those boys drive me bonkers but it breaks me to not have them with me.

It is only a week and they will be back and my heart can be at peace, so I try to make the most of the quiet.

I watch the moonset in the morning over tea.

Acai bowls for breakfast with the tastiest bananas I've ever had in my life!

I had my hair cut.

Its actually a big deal.

To me anyhoo..

It was down to the small of my back, falling out all over the place, going ratty at the ends and just being a plain nuisance. 

I am loving this shorter length.

And french tip shellac.

Im feeling much fresher.

Ive been soaking up the sunshine.. when it comes out.

Not today though.

Its chilly chilly out today and raining so I am curled up inside keeping warm and working hard to finish a crochet project.

Being winter and less food being available to the wild birds, we've been putting seed treats out for them. 

We have 2 pairs of 28's (parrots) visit us daily.

The sun starts to set and I know I'm another day closer to my babies being home.

I had many plans for this first week of holidays.

I wanted to push myself back into my art, go for walks, make creative meals, maybe take some naps...

I havent done any of that, have been super busy but Im not actually sure what doing.

Ah well.

The holidays arent over yet.

I am grateful for..

1. Holidays. I am so blessed to have this time off and just being able to slow down a bit and switch off to things.

2. Rain. Naturally keeping my garden green, filling the duck pond and helping the farmers to grow our food.

3. The movie, Forrest Gump. Currently playing the dvd and absorbing the inspiring story. This one never gets old or loses its message.

Day by Day

The first few weeks of winter have been nice.

The mornings are pretty darn cold and hard to get out of bed but the sun has been shining so if you can find a place out of the wind, it's not bad at all.

I haven't been doing much at all lately and am fed up with the slump I am in. 

The boys have been scrapping a fair bit lately and Son 1 has amped up his attitude and behaviour.

I feel so run down, so I took the day off work to breathe, rest my ears and voice box, and do a little housework I've been putting off for too long.

I need to do some baking too, so hopefully I can push myself to do that as well.

Our oven had more problems a month ago so we decided to get a new one installed.

You'd think I'd be baking up a storm of cakes and pies.

Our chookens have slowed up on the egg laying, I wouldnt/dont want to work in this chilly weather either!

This is a pic of our summer eggs.

I love the range of colours and was ridiculously excited when I found Ore was to be an olive-egger!

I've been growing sprouts on the kitchen bench.

Just 1 or 2 tablespoons of alfalfa seeds in a jar with some lace cloth over the top.

Rinse with water each day.

Lean the jar up in a bowl like this to drain excess water.

By day 2 they will begin to sprout.

In a few days, depending on your growth preference, you will have a nice full jar of nyummy sprouts to have on sandwiches and salads.

Our garden has been fairly neglected of late.

Boof and I stood in the sunshine yesterday discussing plans for a new vege garden layout but are torn whether to do it or not as we plan on moving in upcoming years.

When nursery stocks are back up we'll be planting 6 mixed colour bougainvilleas along the front picket fence for added privacy. 

Flower bulbs are starting to emerge and I pruned the roses. My first time - hopefully I did it right and the bounce back strong.

What is happening in your garden?

What deliciousness is cooking in your oven?

Inspire me!

I need it.

Today I am grateful...

1. For sunsets in suburbia. While I dream every waking hour that I owned more land and had more space between neighbours, I feel very lucky to have what I do and that I can still glimpse the beauty of the suns daily journeys. 

2. That I forced myself to do something. Even though that something was just dusting cobwebs and mopping floors, I can say I achieved something today. Best advice that has stuck with me always 🤍

Autumn Gold

I love autumn.

The crisp air on my cheeks.

Chilly wind whipping my hair.

A thin blanket of smoke and cloud covering roof and tree tops.

The stillness.

I have started going for a walk on Saturday mornings.

A little bit of time for me.

Steps to restore some level of fitness, and also steps to rediscovering myself.

I walk for just under an hour.

I get inspiration from other people's gardens I pass.

I feel joy when I notice the view from the top of the hill.

I feel youthful and reminiscent when finding natural treasures, like tree sap/amber hanging from branches, the little sproutlings of new plants pushing up through the damp earth and moss has begun lining the paths again.

Autumn is such a quiet and peaceful time.

The world slows down after the summer buzz.

The sun is spending a little less time in the sky and has moved over just a smidge so golden hour bursts right in through my bedroom window.

I can soak up the last of the day's light sitting on my bed, reading.

The ambience of a crackling fire fills the front room.

The boys do puzzles, read books and play chess against each other.

Quiet. Slow. Still. 

The Gypsy Blanket has made its way back onto the bed.

Its heavy layer keeping us toasty and snug.

It is a safe feeling. 

I savour it all.

I am grateful for...

1. Realising I needed to find myself again.

I was so swept up in stress and didn't like what was becoming of me. Its taking some self discipline but I am trying to be grounded and let go of things that dont need to be controlled.

2. Quiet.

My world is constant noise. At work, at home, and the world in general. I am so grateful for this chilled out season that puts everyone into slow-mo.

3. Hot water.

That might seem silly or funny, but honest, a long, hot shower is a luxury i appreciate daily. 

Siggghhh.

🧡💛🧡

Anxiety Heart

After receiving word regarding work and the decision to return ultimately up to myself, I decided I will go back next week. 

I am so, so grateful to have my job, the flexibility, the hours to suit being a mum as well, and the opportunity to show my boys that to get what you want, you need to work for it.. but I am petrified of going back.

Anxiety hit me like a train, knocking the air out of my lungs and turning me into a useless, shaking mess.

My thoughts were dizzying. 

Its not that I dont want to go back to work, its not that I'm scared of the virus risk, there have been no cases in our town - reported...

Its that home is where my heart and soul feel most at peace.

I am my happiest when I'm caring for my family.

I dont like crowds, I have panic attacks just going to the supermarket.

At work I know these people, I know I'm safe, I accept all this.

So why am I so terrified of people?!

To ease the jitters I keep busy.

Simple chores to keep my hands busy and mind thinking of basic tasks rather than over thinking and questioning everything.

So washing is hung in the afternoon sun.

The smell of fresh laundry, grass, and sweet sea breeze wafting over my skin and through my hair.

My heartrate slows.

I breathe a little easier.

I go inside and bake.

Lemon Slice, Boof's favourite. 

Crush 400g of plain biscuits, I use my food processor.

Add 2 cups of shredded coconut and the finely grated rind of 1 lemon.

In a small saucepan gently heat a tin of condensed milk (just the contents, not the tin 🙃) and 200g of butter until the butter is melted. Stir often to avoid burning.

Pour into your bowl of dry ingredients and mix it all together.

Pour the mix into a tray lined with baking paper - leave enough baking paper overhanging the ends to use as handles when its time to lift it out of the tray.

Flatten it all out evenly, I use my masher but hands are just fine.

Pop in the fridge for an hour and a half to firm up.

To make the icing mix 2 cups of icing sugar, 20g of soft butter and the juice of your lemon (used for rind earlier).

If it is too funny add more icing sugar.

When the base is done in the fridge spread the icing over and let it stand for 30 mins to set.

It no longer needs refrigeration.

*I double the base recipe (not the icing) as I have hungry boys and like to use a full tin of condensed milk in one go. If you want a smaller slice please halve these measurements.

Lift out of the tray using your baking paper handles.

Cut yourself a yummy slice to go with a cup of tea, and find some sunshine to soak up.

Crocheting has helped me most, since I began having anxiety problems at 11 years old.

Nature is my other big healer.

I find the wind rushing through the trees very soothing.

I love the rain.

I adore thunder.

Sitting in the last of the afternoon sun calms me, reminding me that tomorrow the sun will rise again and so will I.

I got through today, I can get through tomorrow. 

I just need to remind myself that.

No specific gratitudes today.

I like to think this post is one big gratitude tribute.

🖤🖤🖤

Homebound & Loving It

Here we are, week 5 (I think.. I've lost count) of being homebound. 

I am still loving it and the boys don't seem to be minding it either.

It is super nice to stay in our jammies that little bit longer - especially with the mornings getting chilly!

Theres no schedule to stick to, making our usual day to day routines and chores less stressful.

We get our jobs done (housework, making beds, tending pets) without the pressure of time running out and having so much to do like on a regular work/school day.

Movies are being watched, jigsaw puzzles completed, books read, games played.. 

It's so nice 💛

**I just wanted to edit this in.. I am in no way enjoying the reason we are at home and under such restrictions. I have cried watching the news, I am not heartless. I am just trying to focus on my little family and making the most of our time together.

I have discovered my new favourite comfort food ~ wonton soup!

I found the recipe my good friend had used to make it but i was unable to find the wonton pastry locally, and my mojo being a bit low that day, rather than making my own i just bought some pre-made seafood dumplings.

I ate so much I must be starting to look like a dumpling ;)

Boof has always refused to eat soup while he still has his teeth (he's hilarious!) But he tried this one and really enjoyed it. 

I made a comment about his teeth and soup, but he informed me that this wasnt soup and was actually broth with stuff in it.

He makes me laugh!

The garden is slowly coming back to life.

I planted out my broad bean seedlings a few days ago, and some radishes.

The celery, potatoes, spinach and garlic are doing really well.

Barbara is still jumping the vege fence and trying to scratch up the carrots - naughty!

There have been so many of these beautiful butterflies in the garden lately.

I watched this one chasing away cabbage moths for half an hour.

He/she is more than welcome to stay!

Apparently butterflies are a sign of change, I wonder what could be on the horizon..

Nothing wrong with believing in a bit of magic/folklore over coincidence ;)

I fiiiiinalllllyyyy finished my teal blanket!!

Its ribbed stitch gives it a really nice texture and is super chunky.

It is the perfect size for shnuggling under on the couch with a warm malt milo (my current fave comfort drink), and a book. 

I got halfway through Sleeping Beauties by Stephen and Owen King but decided it wasn't my type of book.

I moved on to The Lucky Galah by Tracy Sorenson. I love that is was based in Australia so was very relatable, and set in the 60's made me love it more. It took 2 nights to finish :)

I have just started A Ragged Schooling by Robert Roberts.

We were low on cleaning fizzies so I whipped up another batch.

Its quite satisfying to make your own cleaning products and know that they are eco friendly.

We drop one of these in the toilet, they fizz up for a couple of minutes, then we give it a scrub, flush and shazam! Sparkling clean!

To make your own you need to mix 300g of bi-carb soda with 130g of citric acid. Add 30g of a carrier oil, i use fractionated coconut oil, and mix it together. It should hold together when you squeeze it in your hand, if not, add a little more oil. I add a few drops of essential oil to the mix, lime and orange are my faves. Squish it into some moulds. I have an ice cube tray with a silicone base for easy extraction, and I also used a silicone chocolate mould. Leave them to set overnight, then pop them out of the moulds and store in an airtight container. Easy!

**This is not my own recipe!

It was passed on to me and I unfortunately cannot give credit to the original creator.**

A few weeks ago I sadly had 4 more trees removed from my little property.

They were growing right along a fence and had gotten so big that they were starting to push and buckle it.

It had to be done.

I love, love, love trees and it hurt my heart to have them removed.

Im trying to be positive though, they were super messy.. I mean crazy leaf mess everywhere!

In the house, the shed, in the window screens!

So yard work should be a little lighter now and the best thing, it has opened up our yard so much. 

I dont mean ground space, I mean we can see so much sky now! 

I forgot how much I love watching clouds.

And stars! 

My goodness!

I have sat outside most nights looking up, counting satellites.

I saw 3 satellites pass the same spot within seconds of each other, all in different directions. 

Ive never seen anything like it!

And I saw the most amazing shooting star a few nights back, so big, bright orange, long tail and it seemed to last for ages!

I have a few arty crafty projects on the go that I should be getting on with.

I'll share them when they are done.

Stay safe and keep happy 🖤🖤🖤

P.s. Today I am grateful for...

1. Having this extra time at home with my boys. They won't be this young forever.

2. Being re-inspired to find my true self again, the little piece of hippy~gypsy in my soul.

3. Patience. Not usually something I work well with, but hindsight has shown me the benefits of patience, and that waiting to make a decision can be for the best.