tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19177653488154271492024-03-13T13:51:09.189+10:30Comfy & CosyCosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-52385442743253339232010-01-12T20:44:00.003+10:302010-01-13T09:08:09.766+10:30Eventful<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0qh9gKj6AI/AAAAAAAABBw/xAdpEq5mr7I/s1600-h/IMG_1927.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0qh9gKj6AI/AAAAAAAABBw/xAdpEq5mr7I/s400/IMG_1927.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><p>What a lovely time we had in Melbourne! Christmas was simple and quiet, just J, his sister and me. Don't you love our table setting? Nothing like a gold Holy Family and a reindeer with a bit of a feather boa!<br /></p><p>The rest of the stay was spent resting, walking about a bit, watching a movie or two, shopping just a little and visiting some places.<br /></p><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0qh-K31E9I/AAAAAAAABB4/UuL9T3oh6uA/s1600-h/IMG_1940.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0qh-K31E9I/AAAAAAAABB4/UuL9T3oh6uA/s400/IMG_1940.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><p></p><p>I really wanted to visit <a href="http://www.heide.com.au/">Heide</a> after reading three-and-a-half books about some of the significant players in it's history. The half a book was <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com.au/Books/Default.aspx?Page=Book&ID=9781740512237">Albert Tucker's</a> autobiography. I didn't take to it and/or him but I may try again later. But the other books were <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com.au/Books/Default.aspx?Page=Book&ID=9781740513302">The Heart Garden</a>, Sunday Reed's biography; <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com.au/Books/Default.aspx?Page=Book&ID=9781740511339">Joy Hester's</a> biography; and <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com.au/Books/Default.aspx?Page=Book&ID=9781740510967">Dear Sun</a>, letters between Sunday and Joy. It was interesting to read about the intense relationships between the Reeds, their friends and lovers.<br /><br /></p><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0qh-VwTCfI/AAAAAAAABCA/Psj6XUXFKjM/s1600-h/IMG_1948.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0qh-VwTCfI/AAAAAAAABCA/Psj6XUXFKjM/s400/IMG_1948.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><p>It was fascinating to see the original property Heide I, where <a href="http://nga.gov.au/nolan/index.cfm">Nolan</a> painted 25 of the Kelly paintings, which he left behind with Sunday when their affair ended. And the cow shed where the paintings were stored! I think Nolan's biography might be next on my reading list.<br /><br /></p><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0qh-zOcfVI/AAAAAAAABCI/4rhXvx2TQQA/s1600-h/IMG_1965.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0qh-zOcfVI/AAAAAAAABCI/4rhXvx2TQQA/s400/IMG_1965.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /></a></div><p><a href="http://www.heide.com.au/Exhibitions/Cubism_Australian_Art">Cubism & Australian Art</a> is being exhibited in Heide II and III. I love a bit of cubism, with some excellent cut-and-paste work. You should see my visual diary! When I don't feel like drawing I cut up all my collected brochures and postcards and do some pasting work.<br /></p><p>It turned out to an eventful day, well worth the visit and to walk around the grounds and see the sculpture park. We travelled there by bus, only 10 minutes from where we were staying but we missed the stop. I wasn't exactly sure where to get off so we winged it. We ended up walking in the wrong direction, under the bridge and along the Yarra and found ourselves on the <a href="http://www.artiststrail.com/index.php?page=the-trail">Artists' Trail</a>. So in fact we relived some of the Heidelberg boys favourite spots for painting.<br /></p><p>We made it to Heide, though I have to say signage from the main road was poor. And who knew the 'helmet' sculpture was what we were looking for? (Don't worry. I'm big on giving a bit of feedback to public institutions.) We were bemused to find the <a href="http://www.heide.com.au/heide_cafe">Heide cafe</a> was booked out (every day!) and the only sustenance we could buy was some 'freshly squeezed juice'. ($4 for a small bottle. Everything was a bit pricey.) We weren't impressed. We bought the bottles home for SA's 10c refund. Cheapskates!) So we didn't have anything to eat.<br /></p><p>As the day progressed, I suddenly felt very faint so laid down under a tree. In retrospect (or even at the time), I think it was many things: no breakfast (I know, I know...), no lunch, walking/lost on a warm day, a toothache being heavily controlled with supersonic analgesics, small juice but lots of water. You can see where this is going... I couldn't see myself walking and bussing home, so J called a taxi (champion!) and we got home in time for me to vomit up my empty stomach.<br /></p><p>I can highly recommend Heide as a great place to visit with families. It's free if you don't got into the exhibition. Lots of grounds and sculptures to explore. Information boards given some insight into the Reed's life at Heide. Just don't rely on the cafe. Bring your own picnic. The facilities, as we call them, were super-duper! Brand new toilets and there are <a href="http://www.aesop.net.au/shop/product.php?xProd=47">Aesop</a> products to wash and moisture your hands.<br /></p><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://localhost:52488/b6f5959edb3a94f096df7fbd95737687/image/ae5c4f28fc51978a.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:52488/b6f5959edb3a94f096df7fbd95737687/image/ae5c4f28fc51978a.jpg?size=400" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rZmbhIklI/AAAAAAAABCw/vJB9BAPJIH0/s1600-h/IMG_2045.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rZmbhIklI/AAAAAAAABCw/vJB9BAPJIH0/s400/IMG_2045.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><p>There was the requisite visit to the NGV, where everything we saw was free. Plus we had <a href="http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/ngvinternational/gallery.html">lunch</a> and <a href="http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/ngvinternational/tearoom.html">afternoon tea</a> there (with 10% discount for interstate gallery membership).<br /><br /></p><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0sPWCL7tuI/AAAAAAAABEQ/LkX2_4GA5A0/s1600-h/Image081.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0sPWCL7tuI/AAAAAAAABEQ/LkX2_4GA5A0/s400/Image081.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><p>J had the thickest and richest hot chocolate we'd ever seen. I finally got to taste a macaroon. Decadence.<br /><br /></p><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rZmhFtBzI/AAAAAAAABC4/6hqhiHd2Nis/s1600-h/IMG_2054.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rZmhFtBzI/AAAAAAAABC4/6hqhiHd2Nis/s400/IMG_2054.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br />Lot of walks around town, requisite visits to Melbourne lanes.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rZm6YnKyI/AAAAAAAABDA/JfJmZM0HFQM/s1600-h/IMG_2064.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rZm6YnKyI/AAAAAAAABDA/JfJmZM0HFQM/s400/IMG_2064.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><p>Two gorgeously cheeky buskers, playing livey, French, gypsy music (assumptions on my part).<br /><br /></p><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rZnHXyaDI/AAAAAAAABDI/w0AVLlHX5Qg/s1600-h/IMG_2073.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rZnHXyaDI/AAAAAAAABDI/w0AVLlHX5Qg/s400/IMG_2073.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /></a></div><p>It was a lovely, quiet holiday. I took lots of photos as reference material for this year's work. (Ha! My photography skills are crap but handy for other projects. My excuse for not doing any real work!)<br /></p><p>The only bad bit was the toothache. Well, I wasn't in pain every minute of the day, but off and on. But, boy, did I swallow a lot of analgesics. Strangely, once we got home the pain was less and less. Who knew!<br /></p><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rbJWlADKI/AAAAAAAABDQ/jy79fUiwsgg/s1600-h/IMG_2114.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rbJWlADKI/AAAAAAAABDQ/jy79fUiwsgg/s400/IMG_2114.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><p>All of a sudden we were flying back home on a half empty flight, which was good for us. We got ourselves seated way up the back with lots of empty seats (rows of them!). I can recommend it because we were served with drinks first, dinner plus offer of seconds, and the entertainment of the crew chit-chat.<br /><br /></p><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0xKaHB8HZI/AAAAAAAABEY/b9EM4xits2M/s1600-h/IMG_2109.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0xKaHB8HZI/AAAAAAAABEY/b9EM4xits2M/s400/IMG_2109.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0xKan39osI/AAAAAAAABEg/EB_ZL9Jb_Hw/s1600-h/IMG_2111.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0xKan39osI/AAAAAAAABEg/EB_ZL9Jb_Hw/s400/IMG_2111.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0xKaxTGnSI/AAAAAAAABEo/pS-iWNaN8gA/s1600-h/IMG_2122.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0xKaxTGnSI/AAAAAAAABEo/pS-iWNaN8gA/s400/IMG_2122.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0xKbN6pXvI/AAAAAAAABEw/-zS3DYoJRkg/s1600-h/IMG_2130.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0xKbN6pXvI/AAAAAAAABEw/-zS3DYoJRkg/s400/IMG_2130.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><p>My sky pics are pretty crap but I was interested in the patterns and textures in the landscapes.<br /><br /></p><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rbJgIhs_I/AAAAAAAABDY/jihfgW9_IoY/s1600-h/IMG_2137.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rbJgIhs_I/AAAAAAAABDY/jihfgW9_IoY/s400/IMG_2137.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><p>And then we were flying into Adelaide.<br /><br /></p><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rbJ2pCj6I/AAAAAAAABDg/qawA39LoQbc/s1600-h/IMG_2138.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rbJ2pCj6I/AAAAAAAABDg/qawA39LoQbc/s400/IMG_2138.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>Awww, look at that dear little town.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rbKTWX5VI/AAAAAAAABDo/b6aY8UH4WJo/s1600-h/IMG_2139.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rbKTWX5VI/AAAAAAAABDo/b6aY8UH4WJo/s400/IMG_2139.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /></a></div><p>Still looks a little bit green too.<br /><br /></p><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rcEBKw0YI/AAAAAAAABDw/vdxaX3p2MOg/s1600-h/IMG_2142.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rcEBKw0YI/AAAAAAAABDw/vdxaX3p2MOg/s400/IMG_2142.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><p>Landing in the middle of the suburbs.<br /><br /></p><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rcEeS_0EI/AAAAAAAABD4/FkkRH0dpo9E/s1600-h/IMG_2144.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rcEeS_0EI/AAAAAAAABD4/FkkRH0dpo9E/s400/IMG_2144.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><p>We didn't really go wonky, just my camera angle.<br /><br /></p><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rcE8qbi0I/AAAAAAAABEA/606xM1LB6gw/s1600-h/IMG_2146.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rcE8qbi0I/AAAAAAAABEA/606xM1LB6gw/s400/IMG_2146.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><p>There we go.<br /><br /></p><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rcFNbImYI/AAAAAAAABEI/Rwg63Q1In_8/s1600-h/IMG_2148.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/S0rcFNbImYI/AAAAAAAABEI/Rwg63Q1In_8/s400/IMG_2148.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><p>Ready to touch down. And home.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-45636173794530139532009-12-22T12:05:00.001+10:302009-12-22T12:05:43.903+10:30Christmas Greetings<style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div class="flickr-frame"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26653918@N02/4076301270/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2541/4076301270_6b39221595.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="" /></a><br /> <span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26653918@N02/4076301270/">christmas season</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/26653918@N02/">marqos</a>.</span></div> <p class="flickr-yourcomment"> Happy Christmas everyone! <br /><br />Be easy on yourself. Don't overextend yourself and make yourself miserable. Do something small to make yourself happy. Do something small to make other's happy. <br /><br />I hope your Christmas is better than expected. <br /><br />These are my little maxims for Christmas this year. <br /><br />We're in Melbourne until 6 January. (Tell me if I've said this before? We're so excited that I keep repeating myself! To everyone.)</p>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-61916722150042796982009-12-09T17:59:00.013+10:302009-12-09T18:27:12.698+10:30Something for Nothing<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DDG8xqz7BIk&hl=en_GB&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DDG8xqz7BIk&hl=en_GB&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br /><p>I've just received a free $10 music voucher from a Qantas Frequent Flyer membership. (I know, the frequent flyer tag is ironic but I have it from back in the day when it was free!) If you have a membership, go to the Frequent Flyer website to download a <a href="https://www.awardstore.com.au/pages/SOR/Browse.aspx?CategoryCode=BANDITFM">Bandit voucher</a>. It will take about 24 hours to be emailed to you. I have downloaded five tracks by <a href="http://www.bandit.fm/allartists/firstaidkit/store">First Aid Kit</a> because they are super cute!</p><p>I was also lucky to win a giveaway on Georgia's <a href="http://pukingpastilles.com/">Puking Pastilles</a> blog where I received an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36306036&ref=em">Ankle Biters</a> pattern. Georgia also has a great <a href="http://pukingpastilles.com/?cat=5">tutorial</a> for superhero capes. Far too cute!</p>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-43056161885734349092009-12-06T20:53:00.004+10:302009-12-06T21:13:48.187+10:30Giveaway Winner!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SxuH5YGEyTI/AAAAAAAABBo/p49aogd9hvs/s1600-h/decgiveaway.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 190px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SxuH5YGEyTI/AAAAAAAABBo/p49aogd9hvs/s400/decgiveaway.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412068797006006578" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://katcreativeadventures.blogspot.com/">Kat</a>, you're a winner! <span style="font-style: italic;">I've sent you an email.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><p>Thanks to everyone who dropped in and joined my giveaway.<br /></p><p>It was lovely hearing from you.<br /></p><p>Yay!<br /></p></div>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-50356866264181890622009-12-02T14:28:00.013+10:302009-12-04T14:52:43.571+10:30Giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SxXmNv0zPEI/AAAAAAAABBQ/iVuJkt3H_Bc/s1600-h/IMG_1921.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SxXmNv0zPEI/AAAAAAAABBQ/iVuJkt3H_Bc/s400/IMG_1921.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><p>In the spirit of Decemberism, I'm having a little giveaway!<br /></p><p>Actually, the visit to the market got me into the spirit so Morning Glory notebooks form the basis.<br /></p><p>There are four notebooks, some fabric, little tiny chocolates from Haighs and a coupla carry bags (or dilly bags).</p><p>One of the bags is made from vintage children's decorator fabric and the other is a funny Buckingham Palace fabric. Both were purchased from a craft stall. Maybe a library bag or shoe bag? (Do people still use shoe bags?)<br /></p><p>I chose some nice notebooks, not too twee and cutesy, I hope. They are small, a bit bigger than A5 and compact. Maybe a list book for Christmas or the holidays?<br /><br /></p><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SxXmNyWSHgI/AAAAAAAABBY/QdgLJaYINyw/s1600-h/IMG_1925-1.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SxXmNyWSHgI/AAAAAAAABBY/QdgLJaYINyw/s400/IMG_1925-1.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><p>Anyhoo, if you'd like to win this little pack, leave me a comment by Sunday (6 Dec) and I'll randomly draw someone's name. Then I can post it off to you to arrive by Christmas and the Christmas rush.<br /></p><p>(Do you get the double post delivery leading up to Christmas? I think it's very exciting!)</p><p>I think I've got this burst of energy because we are going to Melbourne on 22 December to spend Christmas with J's sister. (Melbourne twice in a year! Excitement plus!). Sometimes, I get bogged down in Christmas but we are both really, really, really looking forward to it. I'll be cooking for three!</p><p>Leave me a message and win (possibly!). Any old message will do.</p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Edited to add: International visitors welcome. I'll draw on Sunday evening.</span><br /></p>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-49829754308573881852009-12-01T21:35:00.007+10:302009-12-02T14:25:01.808+10:30Bubble Tea<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SxMtnZ5AyaI/AAAAAAAABBA/GumFl630FQE/s1600/Image072.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SxMtnZ5AyaI/AAAAAAAABBA/GumFl630FQE/s400/Image072.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><p>On impulse, I swung past the Central Market. I had a Bubble Tea! My favourite.<br /><p>I went to the Central Market <span style="font-style: italic;">specifically </span>for Bubble Tea. I even accosted a woman drinking one and asked where she bought it.<br /></p><p>So this is my iced chocolate with mini pearl. Probably a bit short on pearl though.<br /></p><p>I love a milky drink with ice that's not creamy. I think it's my age.</p><p>And I bought some notebooks from Morning Glory (am I a teenage girl?).<br /></p></div></div>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-41559739865777643752009-11-20T10:33:00.019+10:302009-11-20T15:23:55.861+10:30Year's End<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SwXdCFsBYPI/AAAAAAAABAo/nx8Ce5QHVxw/s1600/IMG_1885.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SwXdCFsBYPI/AAAAAAAABAo/nx8Ce5QHVxw/s400/IMG_1885.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><p>I made it. I finished all my work and have completed the first year of my course. It has been the best year. The Best!<br /></p><p>It was actually one of the worst years in other ways with family stresses. However, the course and the people I have met have helped make it the best year.<br /></p><p>We had our exhibition night yesterday. It took all day to set up and five minutes to take down. Always the way. Even in 43 degree heat, we were all enthused. We have lovely teachers and my class is so supportive towards each other and encouraging. It has been a fantastic introduction to painting, drawing and printmaking. (Ah, printmaking! My favourite!)<br /></p><p>The painting above is my first acrylic painting based on a beautiful photograph by <a href="http://violetandroseblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/winter-whine.html">Jo</a>. (Jo, you didn't know you had a red chair, did you?)<br /><br /></p></div> </div> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SwXdBWTG-dI/AAAAAAAABAg/RzbQogBh5bI/s1600/IMG_1883.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SwXdBWTG-dI/AAAAAAAABAg/RzbQogBh5bI/s400/IMG_1883.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><p>The second is a an exercise in layers and textures, based on the first painting. I took a small section of the first and made a new painting. Then took another tiny section from the second and made a third painting, above.<br /></p></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SwXdCjmkqqI/AAAAAAAABAw/ag1wsVI69Io/s1600/IMG_1888.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SwXdCjmkqqI/AAAAAAAABAw/ag1wsVI69Io/s400/IMG_1888.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Ah round bald heads. An early line drawing exercise.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SwYTb4tjT7I/AAAAAAAABA4/Rn1ehsF4Uk0/s1600/IMG_1889.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SwYTb4tjT7I/AAAAAAAABA4/Rn1ehsF4Uk0/s400/IMG_1889.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><p>Then my first ever lino prints. The funny pale one is an embossed print, where the lino block is put through the press uninked.<br /></p><p>I loved the printmaking process so much. My prints weren't always great but the doing and thinking and making was the thing.<br /></p><p>I'm looking forward to next year so much. I have a different outlook on life, I think, because of this course, beginning to see in a different way. I'm just beginning the learning process and want to increase my technical knowledge and skill. And I want to loosen up and do more drawing and learn more.<br /></p></div><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SwXdBA9AYvI/AAAAAAAABAY/ffesagV5CrA/s1600/IMG_1882.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SwXdBA9AYvI/AAAAAAAABAY/ffesagV5CrA/s400/IMG_1882.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-27994593558996998892009-11-17T13:08:00.015+10:302009-11-17T21:46:29.786+10:30An Observation<style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div class="flickr-frame"><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/silviad/2249254715/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2037/2249254715_b59102e62f.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="" /></a><br /><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/silviad/2249254715/">*Loren Allison Blake Wedding Dresses / Allison Blake Wedding Gowns</a>,<br />by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/silviad/">silvia3773</a></span></div></div> <p class="flickr-yourcomment"> </p><br /><p>Last night J and I saw <a href="http://www.statetheatrecompany.com.au/component/k2/item/30-king-lear">King Lear</a> with John Gaden. Actually, not with John Gaden. He didn't sit with us or anything. He <span style="font-style: italic;">was </span>King Lear. However, we do feel a personal connection because we saw him at a shopping centre last week. In his car. Lucky for him, otherwise he would have been cornered by J for a chat. A looooonnng one.<br /><p></p><p>Anyway, the observation. At King Lear. We were walking through the foyer before the performance and saw a couple having a drink and they were dressed like they'd just got married. (*See above, though she wasn't standing on a small table.) I mentioned this to J. Isn't that lovely. Having a drink. Strolling the Fessie Centre. Just the two of them. Perhaps on their way to dinner to celebrate with friends.<br /></p><p>In we went, sat down. The couple walked past and took their seats. Mmm, I muttered to J. Are they actors who will emerge from the audience during the performance. There isn't a wedding in this, is there?<br /></p><p>It was the cause of great discussion with the ladies next to us. One offered me $100 to go and ask if they'd just got married. I was tempted. I suggested that maybe she was going to get every dollar's worth out of the dress and didn't care what anyone thought.<br /></p><p>We also mused that maybe it was the woman's work uniform. (Cruel but funny. We all laughed and snorted a lot.)<br /></p><p>I can't deny we were making judgements. Maybe they were just married and were celebrating by see Lear. I know, who am I to judge. </p><p><br /></p><p>Oh, and I'm officially addicted to icy poles. Lemonade and/or raspberry. Thanks.</p><p><br /></p>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-82659351365379493902009-11-16T12:48:00.009+10:302009-11-16T13:04:45.039+10:30Sconed<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SwC2nPalRII/AAAAAAAABAE/8SEVIN11svw/s1600/IMG_1869.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SwC2nPalRII/AAAAAAAABAE/8SEVIN11svw/s400/IMG_1869.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><p>I have just made scones.<br /></p><p>The best scones I've <span style="font-style: italic;">ever </span>made.<br /><br />No, really. The best EVA!<br /><br />I think I've tried every recipes.<br /><br />I've tried lemonade, cream. Rubbed in, cut in. Mixed. Prodded. Rested. Etc.<br /></p></div><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SwC2nkhz_CI/AAAAAAAABAM/Uvt9wmadOD8/s1600/IMG_1875.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SwC2nkhz_CI/AAAAAAAABAM/Uvt9wmadOD8/s400/IMG_1875.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p>This is the reason.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.laucke.com.au/Products.htm">Laucke's CWA scone mix</a>. Who knew!<br /><br /></p><p>Available in Foodland in South Australia.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Yes, one scone is missing from the photo. Now three missing.</span></p><br /><br />They taste great: light and moist inside, crisp outside, just a little sweetness, and none of the funny cloying doughyness I always get.<br /><br />Hopefully some will be left when J gets home. <br />Luckily there were two packs in the box!</div>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-6605662986080095262009-10-07T08:45:00.011+10:302009-10-07T09:02:02.950+10:30Hello Melbourne, Helsinki Calling<style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div class="flickr-frame"><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gemmajones/2654708975/" title="photo sharing"><img style="width: 384px; height: 245px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/2654708975_1c62e55f8e.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="" /></a><br /></div> <span class="flickr-caption"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="flickr-caption"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gemmajones/2654708975/">from 1950s vintage Home Beautiful Magazine</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/gemmajones/">painter girl</a>.</span></span></div></div> <p class="flickr-yourcomment"> </p><br /><p>We are off to Melbourne today. So excited! We'll be back next Wednesday.<br /></p><p>Unfort, we've missed the <a href="http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/dali/#id=Dali&num=01">Dali</a> exhibition. Nevermind. We are going to a couple of shows in the Fringe and Festival so pretty excited about that. And I'm sure we'll run across a trazillion exhibitions and stuff to see.<br /></p><p>Also I'm super excited that the <a href="http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/johnbrack/">John Brack</a> exhibition has opened in Adelaide. I'll go along when we get back.</p><p>See you next week!</p>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-52841652796960472522009-08-31T13:18:00.016+09:302009-08-31T16:41:11.267+09:30Life as FictionDear Internets, oh how I've missed you! <span style="font-style: italic;">*Sigh*</span><br /><br />I'm reading lots of books, and saving money, because I have rediscovered the library!<br /><br />And there are these great places like <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/">Goodreads</a> and <a href="http://www.librarything.com/">LibraryThing</a> where I find books and get recommendations.<br /><br />Then I search my local library's catalogue (online, from the comfort of my house *cough* bed *cough*!).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5715295.Everything_I_Knew?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book"><img style="width: 239px; height: 354px;" alt="Everything I Knew" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1232872943l/5715295.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br />I've just read <a href="http://www.penguin.com.au/lookinside/spotlight.cfm?SBN=9780143009634">Everything I Knew</a> by Peter Goldsworthy: fabulous story of adolescence that is far more complex than just a crush on the hot new schoolteacher.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/359410.Elsewhere?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book"><img style="width: 279px; height: 414px;" alt="Elsewhere" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1174079582l/359410.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><p>I'm also reading <a href="http://www.librarything.com/work/76114">Elsewhere</a> and <a href="http://www.librarything.com/work/204891">13 Little Blue Envelopes</a>. YA fiction rocks!<br /><br /><p>I'm lucky to have friends who are English teachers and Teacher-Librarians who know everything and make great recommendations.<br /><br /><p>So thank you Internets, bloggers and books, for keeping me sane.Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-25286420562336886062009-06-05T14:50:00.000+09:302009-06-05T14:52:36.493+09:30Lightest! Fastest! More Efficient!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SiTixMKXqpI/AAAAAAAAA_M/aas8QOz_zdE/s1600-h/sunbeamiron.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SiTixMKXqpI/AAAAAAAAA_M/aas8QOz_zdE/s400/sunbeamiron.jpg" /></a> </div><p align="center">I love ads for household appliances.<br /><br /></p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SiTixW3zWdI/AAAAAAAAA_U/9x-mbBA7Lfw/s1600-h/lighning.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SiTixW3zWdI/AAAAAAAAA_U/9x-mbBA7Lfw/s400/lighning.jpg" /></a> </div><p align="center">Isn't mother stylish?<br /><br /><br /></p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SiTixjlx8SI/AAAAAAAAA_c/oZ6I_XlFgCE/s1600-h/coats.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SiTixjlx8SI/AAAAAAAAA_c/oZ6I_XlFgCE/s400/coats.jpg" /></a> </div><p align="center">Gosh, she's a looker too!<br /><br /><br /></p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SiTixn6wvDI/AAAAAAAAA_k/Qmv4ucL9ATM/s1600-h/mccalls.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SiTixn6wvDI/AAAAAAAAA_k/Qmv4ucL9ATM/s400/mccalls.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><em>From a Women's Weekly dressmaking supplement, undated, 50c from Vinnies.</em><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"></a></div>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-10912910294052942082009-06-04T21:37:00.005+09:302009-06-04T22:08:43.895+09:30Oppy Tablecloths<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SiYvtzx00jI/AAAAAAAAA_0/JBMxuLUJSdc/s1600-h/IMG_1480.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SiYvtzx00jI/AAAAAAAAA_0/JBMxuLUJSdc/s400/IMG_1480.JPG" /></a> </div><p>Here's a lovely oppy tablecloth. Brand new. Made in West Germany. </p><p>I really like the green but not the middle panel. Nevermind, I'll cut it up anyway.<br /></p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SiYvtzL8XNI/AAAAAAAAA_s/X0W4PkuGAXg/s1600-h/IMG_1478.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SiYvtzL8XNI/AAAAAAAAA_s/X0W4PkuGAXg/s400/IMG_1478.JPG" /></a> </div><p></p><p>And look at this cute couple. A nicely hemmed piece, plus a runner and half a dozen small serviettes.<br /></p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SiYvuETePoI/AAAAAAAAA_8/x1qHlDtCD_k/s1600-h/IMG_1485.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SiYvuETePoI/AAAAAAAAA_8/x1qHlDtCD_k/s400/IMG_1485.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px" align="center"><br /></div><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px" align="left">A European theme.</p>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-23450416532872533072009-04-21T20:15:00.003+09:302009-04-21T20:20:40.488+09:30He's in the Mail<div class="flickr-frame" align="center"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/smithsonian/2584174182/"><img class="flickr-photo" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/2584174182_ffd5c24905.jpg" /></a></div><div class="flickr-frame" align="center"><br /><span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/smithsonian/2584174182/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Uniformed Letter Carrier with Child in Mailbag</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, originally uploaded by </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/smithsonian/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Smithsonian Institution</span></a></span></div><p class="flickr-yourcomment"><br /></p><p>Look at the face on this poor little tacker!<br /><p>The photo is one of many posted by the Smithsonian (and where I found some pictures for my post back <a href="http://comfycosy.blogspot.com/2009/02/blogoversary-2-years-1-month-giveaway.html">here</a>).<br /><p>The description of the photo is given:<br /><p>This city letter carrier posed for a humorous photograph with a young boy in his mailbag. After parcel post service was introduced in 1913, at least two children were sent by the service. With stamps attached to their clothing, the children rode with railway and city carriers to their destination. The Postmaster General quickly issued a regulation forbidding the sending of children in the mail after hearing of those examples.</p><br /><p>Thank goodness for that!</p>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-39284637745574488322009-04-17T16:12:00.015+09:302009-04-17T22:53:13.299+09:30Barossa Cookery Book<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SegmE_iN-4I/AAAAAAAAA-U/cDRNmvYiuhk/s1600-h/cook.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325548426581900162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SegmE_iN-4I/AAAAAAAAA-U/cDRNmvYiuhk/s400/cook.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p>This dear little book was found at the Port Adelaide market last weekend. I considered buying a $75 mixmaster but bought the Barossa Cookery Book instead. </p><p>When I got home J said 'Why didn't you buy the mixmaster?' Why indeed... space being the optimum question/answer.</p><p>I love German cakes like struedel cake and Bienstich. I've been pouring through this cookbook since Sunday trying to determine the best (read: foolproof) German cake I could make.</p><br /><p><strong>German Coffee Cake</strong><br /><br />2 cups sugar<br />1 cup butter<br />3 cups SR Flour<br />4 eggs<br />1 cup milk<br /><br /><em>Streudal topping</em><br />1 cup flour<br />1 cup sugar<br />1 tsp cinnamon<br />1/4 lb (about 125gm) butter<br /><br /><p>Heat oven to 190C. Grease and line a springform tin. </p><p>Beat butter and sugar to cream, add eggs, then milk and lastly flour. Pour into tin.<br /><p>In another basin, mix the topping ingredients: flour, sugar and cinnamon. Rub in butter to crumbs. </p><p>Crumble on top of cake mixture and bake for 60-75 mins. This makes a <em>big</em> cake.</p><br /><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SegmEhew4zI/AAAAAAAAA-E/1yCMpY3FlhA/s1600-h/barossa.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325548418514346802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SegmEhew4zI/AAAAAAAAA-E/1yCMpY3FlhA/s400/barossa.jpg" border="0" /></a>Now, here's the<em> hil-ar-ious</em> bit. I misread the recipe. See that huge pile of butter in the red bowl. That's for the streudal topping. I thought the microscropic print said 1/2 lb butter.<br /><p>It's actually <strong>1/4 lb</strong> butter. <em>The print was so tiny!</em><br /><p>Small difference! So the topping is meant to be dryer and crumblier.<br /><p>Ahem.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SegmSf8mBlI/AAAAAAAAA-c/2yH132CVcyY/s1600-h/top.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325548658620761682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SegmSf8mBlI/AAAAAAAAA-c/2yH132CVcyY/s400/top.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p>Don't worry about mistakes, I say. </p><p>'cept I can't show you the result because it's too embarrassing. </p><p>It did taste quite yummy though.</p><p>Does not posting a picture of the final cake defeat the purpose of a cooking post?</p>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-6551974827625131282009-04-15T13:12:00.010+09:302009-04-15T14:54:34.151+09:30Am I ever gonna see your blog again?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SeVdSSGkz8I/AAAAAAAAA9s/-NBFbj8c2lk/s1600-h/gardens02.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324764703113924546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SeVdSSGkz8I/AAAAAAAAA9s/-NBFbj8c2lk/s400/gardens02.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p>I wonder how long it takes to be excluded from the blog club?</p><br /><p>You know, if you don't use your library card for years, they cancel it.</p><br /><p>I was just thinking that if I don't hurry up and post, my blog membership card might get cancelled.</p><br /><p>So much to say, so little time! </p><br /><p>No, not really. I have to say that since giving up work (last week) I've been as busy if not busier. I'll have to work on that.</p><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SeVdSQMJA9I/AAAAAAAAA90/coF4OP_PgoU/s1600-h/gardens01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324764702600397778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SeVdSQMJA9I/AAAAAAAAA90/coF4OP_PgoU/s400/gardens01.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p>I can highly recommend leaving work and especially giving lots of notice. I was inundated with presents. Really good ones too. Work gave me an iPod (I know!) and various people gave me wine, a handmade bag (I'll have to show that because it's right up my alley) plus a crochet monster, nectarine chutney, a great Maggie Beer cookbook.<br /><p>And other stuff. But really, really good stuff and nice cards and heartfelt hugs.</p><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Edited to add:</strong> Three bunches of flowers and an $80 beauty treatment vouchers (and that was from our printers! )<br /></span><p>'What are we going to do without you?' You'll move on, that's what you'll do.<br /><p>Really people, you'll miss me because I made your lives easier. End of story. I'll stay in touch with my close work friends but the rest. Nah.<br /><p>I have lots of homework to do for art, mostly because I make work for myself. I choose the longer complicated road rather than a quick fix.</p><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SeVd6rrENAI/AAAAAAAAA98/2NuGvesKVLU/s1600-h/nature.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324765397172630530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SeVd6rrENAI/AAAAAAAAA98/2NuGvesKVLU/s400/nature.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p>Yesterday I went to the Botanic Gardens to see a calligraphy exhibition. Beautiful!<br /><br />I didn't take any photos of it though but did of the gardens. Such a beautiful retreat in the middle of the city. </p><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SeVdCAEZf_I/AAAAAAAAA9k/D6U1XnI9FHg/s1600-h/gardens03.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324764423395049458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SeVdCAEZf_I/AAAAAAAAA9k/D6U1XnI9FHg/s400/gardens03.jpg" border="0" /></a>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-11090473997012561382009-03-19T20:09:00.008+10:302009-03-19T23:00:33.814+10:30Mon Amis<p class="flickr-frame" align="center"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/taffeta/3366915324/"><img class="flickr-photo" height="461" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/3366915324_919f497192.jpg" width="406" /></a></p><div class="flickr-frame" align="center"><span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/taffeta/3366915324/"><span style="font-size:85%;">entre amis p62</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, originally uploaded by </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/taffeta/"><span style="font-size:85%;">pilllpat (agence eureka)</span></a></span></div><p class="flickr-yourcomment"></p><br /><br /><p>Thanks for helping to celebrate my blogoversary. The winner is No 1, as selected by the Random Number Generator.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">True Random Number Generator </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Min: 1</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Max: 17</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Result: 1<br />Powered by RANDOM.ORG</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><p>And that's <a href="http://trashaloucan.blogspot.com/">Trashalou</a>!! How exciting! An overseas winner. <em>I have sent you an email, Trashie.</em></p><p>Strangely this is the second random selection that gave me number 1 as the winner. The early bird, etc, etc, I reckon!</p><p>Thanks for all the lovely comments everyone. Glad you could play.</p>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-81411308277006261042009-03-12T20:20:00.000+10:302009-03-12T20:21:42.375+10:30Blogoversary 2 years 1 Month: Giveaway<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SbjWu49mzuI/AAAAAAAAA9c/kXCYUTHGTvQ/s1600-h/profile.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312231861536607970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SbjWu49mzuI/AAAAAAAAA9c/kXCYUTHGTvQ/s400/profile.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p>Eeeep! That was another unexpected blog break.</p><br /><p>We've been without a phone line for most of last week. The poor telco guy's been sitting outside our place in the hot sun for a couple of days trying valiantly to fix it. Huzzah! And he has. We have the Internet back. Ahh, my life is complete!</p><p>In that little break, I should have dreamt up what I could give away to celebrate my <em>2nd blogoversary (now 2 years 1 month).</em> But I haven't so in the process of writing of this I shall think! </p><p>Hokay.</p><p>We have today some very lovely <em>fabric</em> from my chest of drawers (stash storer) which should be storing clothes but instead is filled with fabric! Of course, everyone will have the same taste as me but really some <em>fabric, some linen, buttons and chocolate! </em>(Gosh it seems only yesterday I was doing the something similar for my 'oversary last year!) And probably some ephemera (like library return cards and such like that always come in handy).</p><p>Is it OK to do a blind giveaway? That is, there's no photo. You just take me on trust?</p><p>Everyone welcome. Near or far.</p><p>The image from my previous post is not representative of my art making. It's just a photocopy of some of the textured and painted grounds I made in class ready to be drawn on. That was a fun day. We churned out 10 x A3 pages of collaged and painted sheets that will be used later in the course. </p><p>The picture above has a section removed through the middle that I had to redraw from the original. I chose an easy picture (lots of flat plain shapes) but with difficult bits (face and ear!).<br /><p>Don't forget the giveaway! I'll draw it next Thursday, 19 March.<br /><p>Oh, and it's my birthday week/month too! Another good reason for a giveaway.</p>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-69405876581694393332009-02-24T17:40:00.003+10:302009-02-24T17:44:18.853+10:30Caution to the wind<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SaOcfOHor3I/AAAAAAAAA9M/sIKohSarYHY/s1600-h/stripe.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306256846152576882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SaOcfOHor3I/AAAAAAAAA9M/sIKohSarYHY/s400/stripe.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p>Whew, that was an unexpected blog break.<br /><p>What's the news? I've starting a course in Visual Art and Contemporary Craft. I'm four weeks in, one day a week. And I love it <em>so much.</em> Mrs <a href="http://picklesticks.blogspot.com/">Picklesticks</a> gave me some great insights into the course; she did Textiles and I'm doing Painting and Drawing.<br /><p>It's such a joy to do art for a whole day a week. And there's homework too.<br /><p>We're concentrating on drawing at the moment: line drawing, mostly in pen. There is also painting (water colour, acrylics, oils), mixed media, printing and digital images.</p><br /><p>Did I say how much I <em>love</em> it?</p><br /><p>My other news is that I've resigned from work. Well, I've given notice that I'm leaving at the end of term. Gosh, was that ever a relief.<br /><p>I need a change and just want to do something else. So I'm going to do art for a while and then think about another job. I'm throwing caution to the wind!<br /><p>Gosh! And I missed my 2nd blogoversary! More later!</p>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-82279709615750624992009-02-09T14:16:00.007+10:302009-02-09T14:39:19.672+10:30ShockI think, like everyone, I am in complete shock over the Victoria <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bushfires</span>, the loss of life and property. Yesterday the death toll just kept rising, and then to wake this morning to 108 dead is so shocking. Now 126.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.redcross.org.au/default.asp">Red Cross</a> site <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">has been</span> busy all morning and I've been loath to ring when I can get online. I had luck this afternoon. I'm so glad that all the big banks, and Myers and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bunnings</span> amongst others, are receiving donations too.Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-14120554137170136622009-02-01T20:20:00.005+10:302009-02-01T20:38:36.205+10:30Paper Cut<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYVxL6bIALI/AAAAAAAAA88/iG8DPcMQuWk/s1600-h/papercut.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297764986146783410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYVxL6bIALI/AAAAAAAAA88/iG8DPcMQuWk/s400/papercut.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><p>I'm giving papercutting a go. This is from an image <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flamenconut/2298334516/">here</a>. </p><p>Don't look too closely. I used a scalpel but my curves are not very curvy. I'll try scissors as well as a blade next time. </p><p>There are some amazing papercut artists around. Have a look at their designs:</p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.skinnylaminx.com/2008/02/cut-tut.html">Heather Moore</a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.cindyferguson.com/pap_fau_birds1.html">Cynthia Ferguson</a></p><p></p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/planetelsita/3076772045/in/set-72157603222846615/">Elsa More</a></p><p align="center"><p>Oh my goodness. They are so wonderful.</p><p></p></div>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-56610037292487501742009-01-29T20:35:00.007+10:302009-01-29T20:56:46.825+10:30The Frozen North<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYGBHsDLyqI/AAAAAAAAA8U/Ph3owifAVnI/s1600-h/Pierre.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296656605847997090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYGBHsDLyqI/AAAAAAAAA8U/Ph3owifAVnI/s400/Pierre.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Have you met Pierre? He lives way up north were it's nice and frosty and cold.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYGBH3bYodI/AAAAAAAAA8c/GjVZsTvoRHY/s1600-h/Pierre+(2).JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYGBIBbi2vI/AAAAAAAAA8k/8QbP7UTYGNc/s1600-h/Pierre+(3).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296656611587316466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYGBIBbi2vI/AAAAAAAAA8k/8QbP7UTYGNc/s400/Pierre+(3).JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Pierre lives alone, just him and his gun. See his gun.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYGBIFFxAUI/AAAAAAAAA8s/5qn0NrcKaL8/s1600-h/Pierre+(4).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296656612569710914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYGBIFFxAUI/AAAAAAAAA8s/5qn0NrcKaL8/s400/Pierre+(4).JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Pierre meets a lovely lady bear, and they go on an outing. </div><div align="center">Or a wedding. With his gun.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYGBIExwcQI/AAAAAAAAA80/iCRhVpg_6ws/s1600-h/Pierre+(5).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296656612485787906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYGBIExwcQI/AAAAAAAAA80/iCRhVpg_6ws/s400/Pierre+(5).JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Soon there is a baby Bear.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYGAlccI_-I/AAAAAAAAA7s/0don37CB9EA/s1600-h/Pierre+(6).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296656017542152162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYGAlccI_-I/AAAAAAAAA7s/0don37CB9EA/s400/Pierre+(6).JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Who gets his own little gun. Just like Pierre Bear.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYGAlh5y0AI/AAAAAAAAA70/Apt76Ar6XWQ/s1600-h/Pierre+(7).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296656019008704514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYGAlh5y0AI/AAAAAAAAA70/Apt76Ar6XWQ/s400/Pierre+(7).JPG" border="0" /></a><br />One day Pierre and little bear go hunting<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYGAlh7JstI/AAAAAAAAA78/CoywkI6zsXU/s1600-h/Pierre+(8).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296656019014398674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYGAlh7JstI/AAAAAAAAA78/CoywkI6zsXU/s400/Pierre+(8).JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYGAlxvffHI/AAAAAAAAA8E/z6hUaamDNZU/s1600-h/Pierre+(9).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296656023260462194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYGAlxvffHI/AAAAAAAAA8E/z6hUaamDNZU/s400/Pierre+(9).JPG" border="0" /></a><br />What lovely coats those seals will make.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYGAl_UOnjI/AAAAAAAAA8M/sI48l1O18ZY/s1600-h/Pierre+(10).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296656026904206898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYGAl_UOnjI/AAAAAAAAA8M/sI48l1O18ZY/s400/Pierre+(10).JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Very handsome coats.<br /><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYF_6IYAALI/AAAAAAAAA7k/d9KBm0VRLT8/s1600-h/Pierre+(11).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296655273421701298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SYF_6IYAALI/AAAAAAAAA7k/d9KBm0VRLT8/s400/Pierre+(11).JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div><br /><br />Oh yes.<br /></div></div>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-47769943704756780582009-01-28T16:57:00.003+10:302009-01-28T17:04:01.406+10:30Silliness<div class="flickr-frame"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flamenconut/2326751440/"><img class="flickr-photo" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2360/2326751440_97c118e84a.jpg" /></a><br /><span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flamenconut/2326751440/">Carmen L. Browne</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/flamenconut/">flamenconut</a>.</span></div><p class="flickr-yourcomment"><br />This afternoon's temperatures were:<br /><br />04:30pm 44.9<br />04:00pm 44.9<br /><strong>03:30pm 45.1</strong><br />03:00pm 43.9<br />02:30pm 44.9<br />02:00pm 44.6<br />01:30pm 45.0<br />01:00pm 44.0<br />12:30pm 44.0<br />12:00pm 43.6<br />11:30am 42.6<br />11:00am 41.8<br />10:30am 40.7<br />10:00am 40.1<br /><br />The maximum (so far) was just in time for the kidlets to leave school.<br /><br />It's just getting silly now.</p><p class="flickr-yourcomment"><em>Edited to add:</em> The maximum was 45.7.</p>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-87042723670108814372009-01-27T22:13:00.001+10:302009-01-27T22:14:00.086+10:30January<style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div class="flickr-frame"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7413096@N02/3147561459/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/3147561459_3c96ceeab4.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="" /></a><br /> <span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7413096@N02/3147561459/">ironing for dollies</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/7413096@N02/">Lulu at Home</a>.</span></div> <p class="flickr-yourcomment"> Before January leaves me completely, a little post to say I'm not at all happy about the weather. <br /><br />43 degrees!<br /><br />Forty three degrees, people!<br /><br />It's beyond a joke, especially for the first day of school.<br /><br />Think of those little mights doing the trek to school, especially on country buses.<br /><br />I think my eyelids have melted.</p>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917765348815427149.post-85187096892743889352009-01-13T10:15:00.015+10:302009-01-14T14:32:21.406+10:30And more holidays<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SW0gyVAwpfI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/Wfc1yWAIkAY/s1600-h/paisley-bag.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290921186236081650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zs0JyDdQJOY/SW0gyVAwpfI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/Wfc1yWAIkAY/s400/paisley-bag.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p>This is one of my favourite bags of the minute. I bought it at an aged care fete. For four dollars! It's lined, made double of the same fabric. I think someone had that fabric in their cupboard for a long time and then decided to sew it up. (Thanks to Mr J for holding it up while I took a photo.)</p><p>The holidays are nearly at an end. I work in that crazy Education sector so I get a big Christmas holiday like the kids. Don't ask if I get paid for it because I don't. Just like teachers, I get defensive. So don't ask. <p>I've had so many posts rolling around my head lately. Holidays have been busy even though we've been holidaying at home. Busy in a lazy days kind of way.</p><p>My Paypal account was limited (ie frozen) last September, for unusual activity. That activity was me. Luckily that was about the time the Australian dollar took a dive but I was too annoyed to do anything about it until now. I jumped through the hoops and have just got it unlocked. And then promptly bought up big on Etsy. Buying crafting, paper supplies. Postage is the killer though. Eeek.</p>Cosyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08883112444414013778noreply@blogger.com7