tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78908518025918709312024-03-05T08:30:44.746-08:00Tigs White CanvasA blog made with a good splash of acrylic or oil paints, sprinkled with pastel dust, drizzled in a light dash of decor desire and a good pinch of renovating lust - all the things that whet my creative appetite.Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-62987591755783383202011-08-29T20:34:00.000-07:002011-08-29T20:34:22.589-07:00Stre-etched! Stop. Coffee time.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hi everyone<br />
<br />
Where have I been? Not here, which is clearly obvious by my utter lack of a post for over a month.<br />
<br />
You see, I did a silly thing and stretched myself thin,...really thin.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(would be nice if it could transfer to my hips and thighs in readiness for Summer)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/8703907/" target="_blank"><img 640'="" border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/8703907_BZfh72dd_c.jpg" width="427 height =" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/land_camera/5514336376/in/faves-cindychae/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">flickr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/cindyr/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Cindy</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What have I been up to? Well,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- I am finalising our wandering travels and accommodation through the UK - very hard for someone who doesn't do well with so many <b>wonderful</b> choices;<br />
<br />
- In the excitement of our trip to Paris, I have been doing French Lessons;<br />
<br />
- These lessons are in addition to my foundation studies in Colour and Design via distance education;<br />
<br />
- I happily agreed to illustrate a girlfriends children's book. Thankfully she is not pressing a due date right now;<br />
<br />
- For fun, my Mum and I enjoyed a roadtrip (750+kms each way) to Melbourne to visit my brother, wife and my nephew. It was fantastic fun!<br />
<br />
- Mix all this activity with the usual working and raising three active wonderful children. Phew! Tired!<br />
<br />
....and you know what, in the background of all of this activity I heard this nagging whisper "blog....blog...blog". So to block it out, I just avoided even looking at blogs for fear that someone would "spring me" for looking, but not updating. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Naughty! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">True, it was my own little demon whispering guilty messages in my ear. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">To that end, I am going to pause on this blog, only updating it when I have the time...which really is what I am doing now, but I am letting you know...just in case you wonder. :-)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I will be trying to update my other blog with my creative activities when I get the chance too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Love and hugs for your understanding and patience,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Cath</div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-74137207628331715972011-07-25T23:02:00.000-07:002011-07-25T23:02:31.852-07:00Perfect paper wrapped pear muffins<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hi everyone<div><br />
</div><div>Today my gorgeous boys return home from their holidays, and that means returning to school tomorrow and all the craziness that comes with *that* particular schedule.</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yep, the holiday is over!</div><div><br />
</div><div>So, today the little Bella Boo and I got busy and baked some Perfect Pear Muffins. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Muffins are perfect for little princesses to make, because mixing for muffins doesn't require beating, blending or whisking within an inch of it's batter-mix life: just a nice gentle combine.</div><div><br />
</div><div><div>Each individually packed one will get popped into their lunch bags each day, along with the abundance of other food that I buy for my growing lads.</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Boys! They sure do eat alot!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Perhaps I should have stuck an embarrassing </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"mum loves you!" on each wrapper....hmmm, maybe next time.</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-VQzWiwhrpTVk6m4jeMUzIfFAG2HgqYBP1G_sCuYeKq67Wm9V0jGLdf_hpLb98E8iF6OdpTiq51RB-iXyBYvRUzQphO9VZgGCHpdoZVL7GDIQH9xfxIoAcy9rtYmMPzVuGqZ8wQn31U/s1600/muffin_wrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-VQzWiwhrpTVk6m4jeMUzIfFAG2HgqYBP1G_sCuYeKq67Wm9V0jGLdf_hpLb98E8iF6OdpTiq51RB-iXyBYvRUzQphO9VZgGCHpdoZVL7GDIQH9xfxIoAcy9rtYmMPzVuGqZ8wQn31U/s320/muffin_wrap.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3K-Rj7wH7YLSRqEqJQ6PvVb3SpMbl0g11T7yY26bnXvi8hfZkAQ2gt-MrTM1oMA-oJm1MNIGLcbtTQQLd_vratoptMrhFkvUvLaoijx7qXLg3qgrDALp0STtXx11GCvMyThASiCv9V0/s1600/Muffin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3K-Rj7wH7YLSRqEqJQ6PvVb3SpMbl0g11T7yY26bnXvi8hfZkAQ2gt-MrTM1oMA-oJm1MNIGLcbtTQQLd_vratoptMrhFkvUvLaoijx7qXLg3qgrDALp0STtXx11GCvMyThASiCv9V0/s320/Muffin2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsk8_oE30nWI5XvWK5F1hVeoMF_UqCnMAfdgT64DnJd1E6p3Lro8z6RvZbFSJ7Dr4nd7JJljBXq4u4-J_wInfeVt_kX4dYd3JmeUaMkCeabwI7ZCx7lXwNvZuA76asgUvzw7PyenYWOpQ/s1600/Muffin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsk8_oE30nWI5XvWK5F1hVeoMF_UqCnMAfdgT64DnJd1E6p3Lro8z6RvZbFSJ7Dr4nd7JJljBXq4u4-J_wInfeVt_kX4dYd3JmeUaMkCeabwI7ZCx7lXwNvZuA76asgUvzw7PyenYWOpQ/s320/Muffin1.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>And yep, I ate one with my coffee: delish!!!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Well, I had best go collect them from the airport now. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Til next time, </div><div><br />
</div><div>Hugs</div><div><br />
</div><div>Cath</div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-45697555027886253382011-07-22T06:16:00.000-07:002011-07-22T06:16:57.096-07:00Paint Party at Modern Country Style...bring nibblies!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hi all my lovely friends<br />
<br />
Have you heard that Sarah at <a href="http://moderncountrystyle.blogspot.com/2011/07/paint-please-link-partyoh-and-my-table.html">Modern Country Style</a> is having a party?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://moderncountrystyle.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/Sarplowman/paint16jpg_e_9c53654d7f7c9c72667efde1daba6b35-1.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<br />
And yes, it is not just any party...this is a <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">PAINT</span></b> party.<br />
<br />
Would you agree that this would have to be one of the best parties ever, because whether it be furniture, walls or canvas...you can link something up!<br />
<br />
Strangely enough, I mulled considerably over what to link up. I know...paintings everywhere and nothing to show. In the end, in keeping with Sarah's latest series on painting furniture, I have decided to link back to an old post about Bella Boo's bed. It really is a 2-for-1 link, because I painted the bed and the painting hanging above it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUvhYGRD0PZWLRotuWG4kiVAEv_ESpPq7RXXo80W9FboVaPvw51Ihj0vTCprJ7QAb2xzQm3vXOh9X1oR_9cj5_ZkyidepBHdmGCRlQ1MfyoLwEaKRuTZefVVO3IVuParvfabN9q7wBIM/s1600/Boos_bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUvhYGRD0PZWLRotuWG4kiVAEv_ESpPq7RXXo80W9FboVaPvw51Ihj0vTCprJ7QAb2xzQm3vXOh9X1oR_9cj5_ZkyidepBHdmGCRlQ1MfyoLwEaKRuTZefVVO3IVuParvfabN9q7wBIM/s640/Boos_bed.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I am not very good with the pillow smooshing and joo-jooing...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I think they call it styling ;-)</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Now, a little bit closer at my fine paint splashing, layering and sanding....</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13-SStZmNw0rAraWg2xbhxeYnaYCdutpOxNQfvicNG_CEsdNSR3k1dFh19jbOsoOIw6NmrZAYdNI0I94whZVO26w7LWW8q1t4yPTl1VahkbqoViwxfYNseLNsB7C6bn2h0klIKBtP8sQ/s1600/Boos+bed+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13-SStZmNw0rAraWg2xbhxeYnaYCdutpOxNQfvicNG_CEsdNSR3k1dFh19jbOsoOIw6NmrZAYdNI0I94whZVO26w7LWW8q1t4yPTl1VahkbqoViwxfYNseLNsB7C6bn2h0klIKBtP8sQ/s640/Boos+bed+close.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Now look away if you don't want a shock....this is the before...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbcWHnaCze35ttWYSEUVQJ5rGBozzD-18buVFaOEBf4T-HuQrNvc3hLtlJ5kyn89R4wiYEqIXmqK64fvMi-tbEZMSFdC5IBRkEFCRSM5yul_-bIluGGpwa16aTmWavGoT_XJlY6tVnp4/s1600/queen+anne+double.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbcWHnaCze35ttWYSEUVQJ5rGBozzD-18buVFaOEBf4T-HuQrNvc3hLtlJ5kyn89R4wiYEqIXmqK64fvMi-tbEZMSFdC5IBRkEFCRSM5yul_-bIluGGpwa16aTmWavGoT_XJlY6tVnp4/s320/queen+anne+double.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The full post about the transformation is <a href="http://tigswhitecanvas.blogspot.com/2010/11/sweet-dreamsthe-revamped-bed-reveal.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Enjoy the party!!<br />
<br />
Hugs<br />
<br />
Cath<br />
<br />
</div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-25345316450581546502011-07-19T19:16:00.000-07:002011-07-19T19:16:39.491-07:00The "man flu" and super Mum.Dear friends<br />
<br />
If you have not met the man flu, let me explain: this is when your other - sometimes better - half gets sick.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">He sighs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He sniffles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He sighs some more.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He is pitiful.</div><br />
Well,...truth be told, the "man flu" this year is pretty extreme. What gave it away as "real" man flu was the pile of many blankets, a wool jumper, a heat pack ALL in front of the fire. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">But never fear!! With his incapacitation, life went on.</div><br />
I took 3 children to the airport at 5am on Saturday so the boys could go to <a href="http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/">Queensland</a> for their holidays. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">The little Bella Boo enjoyed her early morning trip - I bet no one had heard a more excited 3 year old at 6:30am, than when the planes took off. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And yes, I mean "planes"...plural. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Because when the boys plane took off...</div><div style="text-align: center;">we had to stay for the next one as well.</div><br />
Thankfully Bella Boo also went back to bed once we got home, so I could also steal a few more winks before I got up and into....<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Prepping the ensuite!!</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">As a bit of background, our ensuite has had a change in vanity and loo, </div><div style="text-align: center;"> the walls were in desperate need of attention </div><div style="text-align: center;">with peeling white paint over</div><div style="text-align: center;">the dreaded 80's apricot.</div><br />
<br />
I had bought myself a new power tool to help with the job: the all powerful sander, with multi speed, multi attachments, multi everything...I was excited!! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">When I bought the sander, the boys were still here on holidays. Knowing they were happily ensconced in front of the TV for hours of Wii Indiana Jones Lego fun, I adorned my safety costume of mask and goggles, primed the ensuite and attacked the walls with a fierce and noisy vibrating abandon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When I stopped to admire my first sweep of sanded art, I turned to find two bewildered sons staring at me. Wii controllers gripped still, their mouths slightly ajar!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"What are you doing", asked my eldest genius.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"I'm sanding" I said with glee!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Though perhaps that was muffled by the mask I still wore.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Again, my eldest stared at me as if an alien.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"You're building!" he said.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"No!" I reassured him, "I'm sanding".</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">They were a touch confused by my activities. But then again, I reasoned with myself, perhaps the combination of their holiday hang-time and my inspired behaviour with a power tool...perhaps, this was the first true opportunity for them to realise I am a woman of action AND many talents.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yeh, whatever.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, back to the "man flu".</div><br />
So I had already sanded the ensuite and had puttied.<br />
<br />
Once the boys flew away - a quiet relief as their concerned glances at me "building" was not doing much for my "I can do it all" confidence - I needed to perform further sanding...further puttying. Without watchful, concerned eyes, I took to my task like a seasoned pro - I had little idea what I was really doing, but it felt good. It felt right. And I was a little OCD about making sure everything puttied was smooth...that all previous signs of peeling paint were obliterated.<br />
<br />
By the end of the weekend I was ready to make the most of the extra holidays I had taken to paint our ensuite. Bring on the completed task!!<br />
<br />
Then guess what happened.<br />
<br />
I got "girl flu".<br />
<br />
Naturally, it is not as bad as "man flu".<br />
<br />
(seriously!!)<br />
<br />
But it has involved alot of this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPkvIx9RiwEwx2RzeEKlhA-t6FZeKgxrdj-Q8pTUXlXZ6cJpLZdHMAWJdILLzCNe1sxokM5oBQL_4QiJdvLy-hquMqL7xfZjTL4i0sZdHJ3TDVySNyo6NU9G-nML0tnQpsmq-6lapNQw/s1600/lying+on+the+couch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPkvIx9RiwEwx2RzeEKlhA-t6FZeKgxrdj-Q8pTUXlXZ6cJpLZdHMAWJdILLzCNe1sxokM5oBQL_4QiJdvLy-hquMqL7xfZjTL4i0sZdHJ3TDVySNyo6NU9G-nML0tnQpsmq-6lapNQw/s320/lying+on+the+couch.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shabbychicgirls.blogspot.com/2011/06/hello-everyone-im-alive-everyone-is-so.html">Simply Me</a></div><br />
I will finish the ensuite...it may not be as quick as I would like. I certainly hope though, it is before the boys return from holidays.<br />
<br />
big hugs<br />
<br />
Cath<br />
xxCatherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-30697343947472025292011-07-09T18:14:00.000-07:002011-07-09T18:15:44.289-07:00A further concrete consideration...in the bathroom?Hi all<br />
<br />
I think we were mostly in agreement that with the right elements concrete in the kitchen may just work.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">But what about in the bathroom?</div><br />
I don't know about you, but the bathroom is a "cold room" for me. In summer the bathroom is the space I find relief in, because it is cool and refreshing. <br />
<br />
Yet, come winter, the bathroom is the space I spend as little time as possible because it is cold! Even with heat lights, it is cold. In fact, I become a little manic in Winter about making sure all the wet area doors are closed, because they create an arctic breeze all the way down the other end of the house.<br />
<br />
Well, that's my opinion - but I do get a little bit "<i>princess and the pea</i>" about it all.<br />
<br />
So how would concrete work in the bathroom for me? It would be necessary to have underfloor heating for starters. Perhaps a concrete that is warmer in tone...? I think it can look visually lovely, but I am in the middle of Winter right now, so perhaps I should ponder this question in Summer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Green and organic</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonAkVTbZYbyPR7hM44JtIo2LjmRosp5qxMMrnv1Ym_aucfRRDjyBySNsatQr4lbb5IRB58KOialL1-OO4WnK2ZL4ohCh76jLLCxViE266Q2k8cr7jXtK_keagcb5Q97ds55USlq00zyo/s1600/decor_pad+concrete+bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonAkVTbZYbyPR7hM44JtIo2LjmRosp5qxMMrnv1Ym_aucfRRDjyBySNsatQr4lbb5IRB58KOialL1-OO4WnK2ZL4ohCh76jLLCxViE266Q2k8cr7jXtK_keagcb5Q97ds55USlq00zyo/s320/decor_pad+concrete+bathroom.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.decorpad.com/index.htm">Decor Pad</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Svelte and chic</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNaPuPZKiR5OueUMvv_RmWuWHMTxKGj1Eq4cQz03b4LXBQvCwTC79DUu-hfpIInGfw8QO07FXTzlXFgaAxvTKgCYcy9xQdAQVfQ37Sb5v4jn0cNE237aUszjEL7F_LiugclC7k85beBw/s1600/concrete_bathroom+murdock+young.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNaPuPZKiR5OueUMvv_RmWuWHMTxKGj1Eq4cQz03b4LXBQvCwTC79DUu-hfpIInGfw8QO07FXTzlXFgaAxvTKgCYcy9xQdAQVfQ37Sb5v4jn0cNE237aUszjEL7F_LiugclC7k85beBw/s320/concrete_bathroom+murdock+young.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.murdockyoung.com/projects/further-lane-bathrooms">Murdoch Young</a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Just plain pretty!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQb0IprKBh4NB-wAXBPuedTBaiVaWv3whwZIu3pyuQNSd7vVH8R0TOW-CV9PIkFy-YY4Kx88JanWvPX7ZucT1X4oNJW-XPdk4dE1iCxt-SDNs1HiqCjQH9uahONveMYKFRkc_En2Mkqo/s1600/concrete+bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQb0IprKBh4NB-wAXBPuedTBaiVaWv3whwZIu3pyuQNSd7vVH8R0TOW-CV9PIkFy-YY4Kx88JanWvPX7ZucT1X4oNJW-XPdk4dE1iCxt-SDNs1HiqCjQH9uahONveMYKFRkc_En2Mkqo/s320/concrete+bathroom.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://Once.daily.chic/">Once.daily.chic</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What do you think? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Is it too cold for you to consider the option, or does it feel just right? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Is concrete better suited to warmer climates than the cooler ones? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It does make me wonder how much our habitat plays</div><div style="text-align: center;"> in our decisions of home textiles and surfaces.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy weekend everyone!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hugs</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Cath</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-81318148359945608722011-07-03T21:36:00.000-07:002011-07-05T19:54:18.616-07:00Concrete...is it too hard?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">Hi lovelies</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have a quick question.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Is concrete too hard...harsh...cold or cool for the kitchen?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or does it add that little something extra?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_v7QFhyVgxpIofhhyonZ9RpTtJSNtTvQymgZ6E3XTfK5d21TXDpg70EE5vulqOaFz-SPsjUKwTagql3EkuY4laDZ3BFGcHZaKFcJpUD5HbdoZH8191aQpeJUJ1q9bGY8R4_jyVaml42Q/s1600/concrete+ktichen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_v7QFhyVgxpIofhhyonZ9RpTtJSNtTvQymgZ6E3XTfK5d21TXDpg70EE5vulqOaFz-SPsjUKwTagql3EkuY4laDZ3BFGcHZaKFcJpUD5HbdoZH8191aQpeJUJ1q9bGY8R4_jyVaml42Q/s320/concrete+ktichen.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_v7QFhyVgxpIofhhyonZ9RpTtJSNtTvQymgZ6E3XTfK5d21TXDpg70EE5vulqOaFz-SPsjUKwTagql3EkuY4laDZ3BFGcHZaKFcJpUD5HbdoZH8191aQpeJUJ1q9bGY8R4_jyVaml42Q/s1600/concrete+ktichen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">source: Nancy Fishelson</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Gorgeous Jami at <a href="http://www.freckledlaundry.com/2010/07/peeking-in-nancy-fishelsons-windows.html">Freckled Laundry</a> helped me remember the source for this image</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">because she has done a WHOLE post on Nancy Fishelson.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Be sure to check out Jami's whole post <a href="http://www.freckledlaundry.com/2010/07/peeking-in-nancy-fishelsons-windows.html">here</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIyJMGlf3-n8FMWfL4IWedjaTqFqdNtammr8ep4QpIoE5Ulxdi6b1yKHuav0cCWAzdJ3JFXjmQmPt43W4hX9iJmtIP4SMJw5m30KiWpJO2nOPP0WFznpemvjU2V3Y_tnxkSYl020CC1k/s1600/concrete+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIyJMGlf3-n8FMWfL4IWedjaTqFqdNtammr8ep4QpIoE5Ulxdi6b1yKHuav0cCWAzdJ3JFXjmQmPt43W4hX9iJmtIP4SMJw5m30KiWpJO2nOPP0WFznpemvjU2V3Y_tnxkSYl020CC1k/s320/concrete+kitchen.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">image via </span><a href="http://nestegg.typepad.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Nestegg</span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2PRRH8ALxkdiRJ6ZZG43-ysTtzZGQsCLpeVBoN0n1GpbJxjwX4tV_g4xz0W7unjEP98TGDMFgOhkSTnBAnvAw1hR65qNbu2NqYPR3hnakVYOBMybb_NiUPR66t44NAx3F5c6mLo68Tw/s1600/concrete+kitchen_apartment+therapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2PRRH8ALxkdiRJ6ZZG43-ysTtzZGQsCLpeVBoN0n1GpbJxjwX4tV_g4xz0W7unjEP98TGDMFgOhkSTnBAnvAw1hR65qNbu2NqYPR3hnakVYOBMybb_NiUPR66t44NAx3F5c6mLo68Tw/s320/concrete+kitchen_apartment+therapy.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">image via </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/kitchen/roundup-concrete-in-the-kitchen--079662">Apartment Therapy</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think with the right elements such as some warming timber,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and plenty of natural light, </div><div style="text-align: center;">it could be quite lovely.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What do you think?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hugs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cath</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-23764669865123654052011-06-30T05:43:00.000-07:002011-06-30T05:43:06.016-07:00I am having a blast!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hey lovelies</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Look at this! I am posting twice in one week?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sorry, did that feather just knock you over?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just wanted to share a couple of things with you;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the first is that I finally had my Dahlia painting framed!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let me hear a big Wooo hoooo!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcKsHJR-C2YKAZs3JDyUbNKoAutMi6ej0ucw9YQylMNTg8S7xZx5401a-YjXZwxN2v1dITkUIhUGBXFVDpR9Ui5DMVpsdn1jL11zg82i7rfMXES13t3z5sA1sEd3V7uCjSL3KEaVeqQI/s1600/painting_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcKsHJR-C2YKAZs3JDyUbNKoAutMi6ej0ucw9YQylMNTg8S7xZx5401a-YjXZwxN2v1dITkUIhUGBXFVDpR9Ui5DMVpsdn1jL11zg82i7rfMXES13t3z5sA1sEd3V7uCjSL3KEaVeqQI/s320/painting_small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was so chuffed with the gorgeous aged silver frame that I was instantly inspired.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">You have to love when you inspire yourself...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our bedroom is the haven of the house. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No, not the haven for us, but the haven for where;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> the washing goes if we haven't folded it yet, or</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">our three year old stashes her toys, or</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">our dog hides when the three year old is chasing him with her toys...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You get the picture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I bought a gorgeous silver fabric with a pale silver sewn pattern</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and mocked up a bed head.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I then changed the sheets</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(domestic duty made this necessary) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">to all our white sheets/ doona cover, etc,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and hung the painting above the bed head.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It wasn't "photo perfect", but it was enough to give an idea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHTqTwLO2yAmLKuR2LOqCBsuRQlQwGIIjfChO8IaHp3H0UqO5wYxJ1Yu8B44tofOYtZRHa9di1DzOchrhoiZwpljvHzbn-b4YUtWfx3QYRWeVZp7Oyyk4ypX9tojlh3jEkVTHjwenq9U/s1600/dahlia+bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHTqTwLO2yAmLKuR2LOqCBsuRQlQwGIIjfChO8IaHp3H0UqO5wYxJ1Yu8B44tofOYtZRHa9di1DzOchrhoiZwpljvHzbn-b4YUtWfx3QYRWeVZp7Oyyk4ypX9tojlh3jEkVTHjwenq9U/s320/dahlia+bedroom.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you know what the hubs said when he walked in?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Oh WOW!!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1p9zVY1DcaWt1WuYazEeZlGHvO8n6ri7dO9YxAU6vlxU0ZZ7fxxX8aRULyFVNOqOydMf30XV58bHpk74y50C5vKpxTWap-cwbNoCNpRDV1xTjmSBv75l71h_JPhQ2MmtFsv-x9Z_2mwQ/s1600/dahlia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1p9zVY1DcaWt1WuYazEeZlGHvO8n6ri7dO9YxAU6vlxU0ZZ7fxxX8aRULyFVNOqOydMf30XV58bHpk74y50C5vKpxTWap-cwbNoCNpRDV1xTjmSBv75l71h_JPhQ2MmtFsv-x9Z_2mwQ/s320/dahlia2.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That was all I needed to know it was a plan that could be developed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's a work in progress - like most things in our house - </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but you know, that's okay because I am</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">happy,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">healthy and</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">having fun!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Despite the washing not being folded.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a great weekend!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hugs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cath</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
</div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-77937859186706625052011-06-27T21:53:00.000-07:002011-06-27T23:35:24.441-07:00Let's celebrate the little rays of sunshine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Wow!!<br />
<br />
It has been so long since I have been here that I almost forgot what you look like!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I must say though, </div><div style="text-align: center;">you are looking rather lovely today</div><div style="text-align: center;">...have you done something new with your hair?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">No? Well, let me tell you then that you look WoNDerful today!!</div><br />
At this time of year we are smack in the middle of winter...smack cold, frozen, iced over, winter. But let's be honest, we are in Australia... <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">So how cold can it get?</span></div><br />
Well, where I live we have cars frosted over that need de-icing. My boys like to do this by using the warmth of their hands so I end up with little warm hand prints all over the frosted windows. That's about as bad as it gets.<br />
<br />
If it snows, which has happened here in the last 2 years, we get really excited and stand around in the yard with our mouths open trying to catch flakes on our tongues. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Well, the kids and I do at least - the lovely just looks on fondly.</div><br />
The truth is I love winter!! Mostly for the special days where the wind is still, the sun shines and the freshness of the cold morning is invigorating and makes you feel alive.<br />
<br />
So in celebration of the winter rays of sunshine, let's have a wee peek at some beautiful inspiration.<br />
<br />
I don't know about you, but I have noticed lots of yellow with black, white and grey lately. I am not talking the yellow walls that we injected into happy homes in the 90s, but rather the pops of sunny cheery yellow.<br />
<div><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6erUX4ZEjl1cr9yX4cFzzxJsGgSAdlB4FOMW4Uq1CrjUw70vrj-JbTwOEk4M-Qf6JJRNxUS8m_zsYS_2tRUOlVQsS9spH8vsCn2_EQMxxlZqiZ_tPLTiu6fcz2PierkdG9F7kqE-ghI/s1600/little+ray+of+sunshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6erUX4ZEjl1cr9yX4cFzzxJsGgSAdlB4FOMW4Uq1CrjUw70vrj-JbTwOEk4M-Qf6JJRNxUS8m_zsYS_2tRUOlVQsS9spH8vsCn2_EQMxxlZqiZ_tPLTiu6fcz2PierkdG9F7kqE-ghI/s320/little+ray+of+sunshine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't you think that the yellow really sparkles</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in the calming neutrals we love right now?</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJP69uab5DEbL264eDdyW4LIHUMHWjhHeqvouyJouvkqSF7xa_-XcMyvMlRXarbPNijuVSZAd1rAz2Awd1vAA_uH1g6j-FtTBz1Vw_BjZXLr8R_ePNljKxCgRFxDc0qnLYET7vf_FpFs/s1600/little+ray+of+sunshine4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJP69uab5DEbL264eDdyW4LIHUMHWjhHeqvouyJouvkqSF7xa_-XcMyvMlRXarbPNijuVSZAd1rAz2Awd1vAA_uH1g6j-FtTBz1Vw_BjZXLr8R_ePNljKxCgRFxDc0qnLYET7vf_FpFs/s320/little+ray+of+sunshine4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am loving this gorgeous abstract, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">set behind the crisp white vase and the bare branches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seriously, who needs flowers?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Actually, I do...so lets just forget that last question.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mU-Hsi94jZacGjUG15qQNOX7BRbNI9ydiSHMbJqqIU3D2rRNH_tFh3ePl1_y6SrlSagU5uy4Oh6Nx18BEtpLueG4-i-UoNQdr8U1PrPOEXMU5t7FRxf9s23IcgBrcd-nw9kPZrdnyhw/s1600/little+ray+of+sunshine+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mU-Hsi94jZacGjUG15qQNOX7BRbNI9ydiSHMbJqqIU3D2rRNH_tFh3ePl1_y6SrlSagU5uy4Oh6Nx18BEtpLueG4-i-UoNQdr8U1PrPOEXMU5t7FRxf9s23IcgBrcd-nw9kPZrdnyhw/s320/little+ray+of+sunshine+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">all images from </span></span></span><a href="http://www.decorpad.com/index.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">decorpad</span></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For me it is the artwork that makes this scheme work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Being a large piece, it helps to break the wallpaper </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and bring together the striking combination</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">of contrasting colour and pattern.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Would you have picked yellow, turquoise and grey together?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't truly know if I could live in this 24/7, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but I do love the colour adventure...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> the solid turquoise and grey chairs, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the yellow curtains, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">all set against the patterned grey rug and happy yellow wallpaper...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you all know, I love colour and for me yellow is happy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Plain and simple.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Sunshine!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hugs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cath</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">x</div><br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=304c724d-68af-4c3d-afee-0c201b99f303" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-13358439003576052452011-06-07T04:06:00.000-07:002011-06-07T04:06:33.197-07:00Please be kind...phone blogging is not easy....Hi friends!!<br />
<br />
I'm terrible, yes? I know, I know; it is too long between posts and standard excuses of family, work and other commitments all start to sound thin when EVERYONE has the same hectic lifestyle.<br />
<br />
Add to that, I've returned to blog and now, for some odd reason, blogger is not loading. I am hoping it is a temporary issue that will miraculously resolve itself.<br />
<br />
However, for now, I am typing one fingered on my phone. Fun!!<br />
<br />
I spent a lovely winter Sunday with my folks down the coast, and what I wanted to share today was my Dad and his photography. Just quietly, he rocks photography! And since Dad has followed me since the beginning, I know he will be reading. <br />
<br />
Hey Dad! Yes; permission is granted to glow ;)<br />
<br />
While we were at the coast Dad entered the 'weekly shooter' comp at <a href="http://photoartgallery.com">Photo Art</a>. Dad came second in one of the previous BIG international competitions. This week Dad won the weekly 'shoot out' theme of movement...with a photo of our little Boo riding a tricycle.<br />
<br />
Very proud!!<br />
<br />
So please check out my Dadda, here : http://www.photoartgallery.com/artist/tiabunna<br />
<br />
I am sooo disappointed I can't post a photo to show you all the super photo he took on the weekend when I demonstrated to my middle little-man (after we ate) why you don't feed seagulls while you are eating...they swarm! He thought it was a hoot!!<br />
<br />
Anyway, again forgive me. Hopefully I will be back to normal soon.<br />
<br />
Hugs, <br />
<br />
CathCatherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-62384696267687993052011-05-16T17:02:00.000-07:002011-05-16T17:09:36.955-07:00Family history<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hi all my beautiful, and patient, friends<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;">Can you guess what this is?</span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiL8oMXTAikqTLqssw82E2UEwOYuo8Cm0GKDVfiX0jsRMIpwwSLsjsxmZB88bTW5ZfB6-PPMRRYcp9M2NAhiNjRbVw4vkirCZ3BhM76j8bHeEqB7w7LeaEt0-opXmIH9Vb3wOJnQqzH8/s1600/april11-prestatyn-sampler12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiL8oMXTAikqTLqssw82E2UEwOYuo8Cm0GKDVfiX0jsRMIpwwSLsjsxmZB88bTW5ZfB6-PPMRRYcp9M2NAhiNjRbVw4vkirCZ3BhM76j8bHeEqB7w7LeaEt0-opXmIH9Vb3wOJnQqzH8/s320/april11-prestatyn-sampler12.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8;">Or, perhaps the question should be: who did this?</span></span></div><br />
Before I tell you, I do need to apologise for my absence. Short and sweet: work is busy. So please stick with me; you aren't forgotten.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now, on to the exciting news.... </span></div><br />
Recently my lovely Dad sent an email to family members with a link to this beautiful sampler.<br />
<br />
On the reverse it reads:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 0.95em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Phillis Dixon 1873, Prestatyn, born 1863 Melide Flint North Wales. In 1881 listed as unmarried & living with her parents Thomas & Catherine on their 250 acre farm, with two sisters Catherine Jessie & Emily Jane & 4 servants, her father born in Scotland.</span></i></div><br />
<br />
What is so fabulous is that it was done by my great, great Aunt! Another way to look at it is, Phillis (Phyllis) Dixon's niece, Katherine Dixon, married my paternal Great Grandfather.<br />
<br />
I don't know how Dad found this trawling for family historical information, but somehow a search popped this sampler up for sale <a href="http://www.tim-bowen-antiques.com/home.asp?ID=759">here</a>! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Hmmmmm, maybe if it is still for sale when I do my holiday later this year I can go and take a look. :-)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I think it is so wonderful that technology allows to take a glimpse like this into the past.<br />
<br />
Looking at it I can't help but wonder:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Where did Phillis choose to do her work? Did she do this on a beautiful Spring day in the garden, or by the light of a window on a cold Winters day. </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Did her mother Catherine sit patiently by her side guiding her with each stitch?</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>How long did it take, I wonder, for a 10 year old to do this?</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Can you picture the happy face when she had finally completed it? I can; a smile big and proud.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The mind but can't help but imagine and it is such a lovely step back in time.<br />
<br />
Til next time, big hugs!!<br />
<br />
Cath<br />
xx<br />
<br />
</div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-88796757730934931672011-05-01T20:38:00.000-07:002011-05-02T03:48:58.904-07:00Australian Linen love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hi my lovelies</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Don't you just love this glorious bed!</span></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have spent a little </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">bit of time in bed lately </span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">recouping after my inconveniently timed trip to the hospital,</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(yep, all good now thanks!)</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and I suspect had this bed been mine...</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjm86G6fvhWSdzqC89pLKCD3feTBzFtjirhCPujbNelNJkjDk4-1__X7MDvDz8usymTmwErY7c5C8XRU0-sI3fJxWtCi2qcKfzABYXZqXG2CowTLtqYq8z3MjSOc2kmSIvibDvsAKrNk/s1600/lyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjm86G6fvhWSdzqC89pLKCD3feTBzFtjirhCPujbNelNJkjDk4-1__X7MDvDz8usymTmwErY7c5C8XRU0-sI3fJxWtCi2qcKfzABYXZqXG2CowTLtqYq8z3MjSOc2kmSIvibDvsAKrNk/s320/lyon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">...I may have been tempted to stay in bed a little longer.</span></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Cheeky, I know...but who could blame me!)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Take a look at more of the beautiful </span><a href="http://www.kasaustralia.com.au/online-catalogue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">KAS</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> linens; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I love how Australia is beautifully captured in the images.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Devine!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Have a super Monday!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Hugs</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Cath</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">x</span></div><br />
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=219a2522-2ec5-4957-a462-e470cc9bb1ee" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-91219119107336052552011-05-01T03:33:00.000-07:002011-05-01T03:33:22.162-07:00Our wedding anniversary!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Today is our first wedding anniversary.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3y4FA0BDleSAsr5eYXiA0JH4gAGcK1rwRwSVMxXBSbBEAccob0AQgUzy_hHmAT87VmhdcEmJUJY4lcpM-Et3CBrTXu-0dam9n2qL7Vi31qZ0IeXfqDpVIwcKXearO2um-6_jr48C8WbM/s1600/CatherineMark-408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3y4FA0BDleSAsr5eYXiA0JH4gAGcK1rwRwSVMxXBSbBEAccob0AQgUzy_hHmAT87VmhdcEmJUJY4lcpM-Et3CBrTXu-0dam9n2qL7Vi31qZ0IeXfqDpVIwcKXearO2um-6_jr48C8WbM/s320/CatherineMark-408.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
We were married in the beautiful gardens of Mona Estate in Braidwood, New South Wales.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXX5D5swDJvgmFp94YPBM_V6tq7svKvR_YiThUfigqwIVbZq7U-GXn2J3AR88H1jNL4-TAOz3UDM017E4SE3nwItHDjCerTtw1lEQveAbOBS2QSk04spPu9l6cBQFbTUTO1PTu9MjmTM/s1600/CatherineMark-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXX5D5swDJvgmFp94YPBM_V6tq7svKvR_YiThUfigqwIVbZq7U-GXn2J3AR88H1jNL4-TAOz3UDM017E4SE3nwItHDjCerTtw1lEQveAbOBS2QSk04spPu9l6cBQFbTUTO1PTu9MjmTM/s320/CatherineMark-7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was the most beautiful Autumn day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My beautiful sons walked me down the "garden aisle" </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Our gorgeous daughter ran across the lawns to meet me,<br />
then walked with us the rest of the way<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(that wasn't planned, but oh my, it brought a tear to many!)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7behxyMUiZ3-MmVIOOVuEEzB9la7svG-uZm41-8d75v3KcqCXPK_TyQJUm4A4z8HQyDbUPiHIFhVq6H8hGA3Nvi6bzKdqTFM9TeVkxwnmsrh0W3sLZ_3_doKv-msegeFwqGHMw09ECZE/s1600/CatherineMark-163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7behxyMUiZ3-MmVIOOVuEEzB9la7svG-uZm41-8d75v3KcqCXPK_TyQJUm4A4z8HQyDbUPiHIFhVq6H8hGA3Nvi6bzKdqTFM9TeVkxwnmsrh0W3sLZ_3_doKv-msegeFwqGHMw09ECZE/s320/CatherineMark-163.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The light was perfect for some most beautiful photos</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXnJix__hjHFxO7lVe1wbGsY9o4MUrfxuYWI8Fz9aXwTIpLrXu22gPp_H7h6-A3xsLt0Lcv4Rx_uRYbSTurxWedDA6wr6FbK6_C46EQFdVIFreewfD3Ngh9n4F-Ld7RyeH0qSSmYxSqk/s1600/CatherineMark-396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXnJix__hjHFxO7lVe1wbGsY9o4MUrfxuYWI8Fz9aXwTIpLrXu22gPp_H7h6-A3xsLt0Lcv4Rx_uRYbSTurxWedDA6wr6FbK6_C46EQFdVIFreewfD3Ngh9n4F-Ld7RyeH0qSSmYxSqk/s320/CatherineMark-396.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We then celebrated our wedding with a bush dance in a renovated wool shed </div><div style="text-align: center;">with our family and a small group of friends;</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tA5cV2VlTtGeiausome8eAhDEyRssjIaqgVXSA_rP4AlVLII1SKFd_6hCctZG3pKhwOxwXrPqfRhIqztuEaWy8KgnbtD9CH4IUQDVX6SdvLhLIVuIjGmmCPy0e2ux5iFRuUBIDmIZwc/s1600/CatherineMark-666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tA5cV2VlTtGeiausome8eAhDEyRssjIaqgVXSA_rP4AlVLII1SKFd_6hCctZG3pKhwOxwXrPqfRhIqztuEaWy8KgnbtD9CH4IUQDVX6SdvLhLIVuIjGmmCPy0e2ux5iFRuUBIDmIZwc/s320/CatherineMark-666.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">It was fabulous fun! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone danced, everyone laughed; </div><div style="text-align: center;">it was everything we had wanted in a celebration.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dSk2G27KxBickYrc2em_hHhWPxzf-iG_PfHTzQm2KhKy2k9VNmsZ1vGgP1ArTQTJe2GO912lB49b0eo71EU6C8Gw_aAjfq-L-KUNyn_WTmmckw8QnRNQ05A8lWI4aNP3pAhPi86CCzE/s1600/CatherineMark-669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dSk2G27KxBickYrc2em_hHhWPxzf-iG_PfHTzQm2KhKy2k9VNmsZ1vGgP1ArTQTJe2GO912lB49b0eo71EU6C8Gw_aAjfq-L-KUNyn_WTmmckw8QnRNQ05A8lWI4aNP3pAhPi86CCzE/s320/CatherineMark-669.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How did we celebrate?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not how we planned. <br />
We spent it here...<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.6667px;"><img alt="r165477_613185.jpg" height="184" src="webkit-fake-url://798D14D3-DBDE-4909-8FED-A84532335C73/r165477_613185.jpg" width="320" /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.6667px;"></span>In the theme of "in sickness and in health" </div><div style="text-align: center;">we spent the night of our anniversary eve</div><div style="text-align: center;">in the emergency department</div><div style="text-align: center;"> with suspected appendicitis...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I even got to spend the night!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">But you know what, it doesn't matter where we celebrate; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">we were together;</div><div style="text-align: center;">we are as in love today, </div><div style="text-align: center;">if not more so,</div><div style="text-align: center;">than we were this time last year.</div><br />
Love you babe! It just keeps getting better.<br />
<br />
Hugs<br />
<br />
Cath<br />
x<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=a6fc2a6a-3146-44da-9b82-09cd046ca87b" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-73799064516163076662011-04-18T05:53:00.000-07:002011-04-18T05:53:04.788-07:00Party time...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">How do I define my blog?</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVqoi-4GRzOeNbqy1l3kuYI8q9tulQ1h2_e6OhyspipE_0j3xh_RLOMa0Eb5SVkX5ar0sNjIHfNgMpNIRDsA1vMis-s2UGEJf8fDl69TVBydJDVlCCtTeujrJ-EbM6x8WJuRsc2ohnFI/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVqoi-4GRzOeNbqy1l3kuYI8q9tulQ1h2_e6OhyspipE_0j3xh_RLOMa0Eb5SVkX5ar0sNjIHfNgMpNIRDsA1vMis-s2UGEJf8fDl69TVBydJDVlCCtTeujrJ-EbM6x8WJuRsc2ohnFI/s320/photo.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Vv-oA34eQUjTiFFJqUEt0lrwjJ-qireI4YZuSTzsGdgf2Woa6BqCrvXe1SrIxsWrGBeAUBWqZSIqNOD92pQGPVAsQgeI5YvU7lFcMn6CZq7wY0nr69us5IdugwwXaiRISPNWoU0LyI8/s1600/banner_pouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Vv-oA34eQUjTiFFJqUEt0lrwjJ-qireI4YZuSTzsGdgf2Woa6BqCrvXe1SrIxsWrGBeAUBWqZSIqNOD92pQGPVAsQgeI5YvU7lFcMn6CZq7wY0nr69us5IdugwwXaiRISPNWoU0LyI8/s320/banner_pouch.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4pLbhy1SWYzGhz2G2_gC5enp9T0ctfJcB_L672I37o18dVBSllkUOLjqwRodXAhbSf5lj7ZP1Dplxfm_2o0ARHXiior3NeZSRayAJIXqkJAwShkiDqpAZESE8A2s8aAC-LWqsLz2PBE/s1600/Banner_ornament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4pLbhy1SWYzGhz2G2_gC5enp9T0ctfJcB_L672I37o18dVBSllkUOLjqwRodXAhbSf5lj7ZP1Dplxfm_2o0ARHXiior3NeZSRayAJIXqkJAwShkiDqpAZESE8A2s8aAC-LWqsLz2PBE/s320/Banner_ornament.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A smidge of crafty creativity</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYKBfH0oIJDQWWBo_2VGj8dELSuENQRcHnTjL3rFceR07R_3Sim2Hee4-wyOc_SwllMQnXq2Z6RIZocwk-xLpXv9DHzqb_SL3rFc7Gcos8gQMDTw2X-6MLRyeICnF9qo3xA2XPLWUftI/s1600/30s_chair5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYKBfH0oIJDQWWBo_2VGj8dELSuENQRcHnTjL3rFceR07R_3Sim2Hee4-wyOc_SwllMQnXq2Z6RIZocwk-xLpXv9DHzqb_SL3rFc7Gcos8gQMDTw2X-6MLRyeICnF9qo3xA2XPLWUftI/s320/30s_chair5.JPG" width="259" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhB_4V50n-q7ylwwJwRvu3BKht2ZvCD2ywxuvXRbQ25MyMYVkzE3JIeN1u5qb0nUPzD84eFPZXBMaFxr8Sh5eL1-ufPBnzEd1HNLcqiUSoOWthw2nAKO7gYqqVR3F4pnRnXWk8TujgRQ/s1600/IMG_0495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhB_4V50n-q7ylwwJwRvu3BKht2ZvCD2ywxuvXRbQ25MyMYVkzE3JIeN1u5qb0nUPzD84eFPZXBMaFxr8Sh5eL1-ufPBnzEd1HNLcqiUSoOWthw2nAKO7gYqqVR3F4pnRnXWk8TujgRQ/s320/IMG_0495.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFH7RLDhcRwZScdDM3Yvc6jhkFP-GDmukI8edh3zgrKMgcYwJQMxHl-vA-ZRjChI1JAEVC49oyIsglWLQ4gVk27uu9mFJCO_Ue28-J4fwe60t186QpQzPvZLbio7l-eTsHMHhpeKYxrnA/s1600/cupboard_hooks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFH7RLDhcRwZScdDM3Yvc6jhkFP-GDmukI8edh3zgrKMgcYwJQMxHl-vA-ZRjChI1JAEVC49oyIsglWLQ4gVk27uu9mFJCO_Ue28-J4fwe60t186QpQzPvZLbio7l-eTsHMHhpeKYxrnA/s320/cupboard_hooks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few fab furniture finds</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEJvU5gbKhky3xtNcL0L0ZjUD7jX9aD0R5z9-ED-YCIwuVW_84eTHH2N7_IhwpazGy2-fGt20EUhbdbv-c8PHhgHyB7-Ff5VNu4wZZh7dobIiugfMcrmJOJgKVOGfyQSGJgxUAKLn2LE/s1600/ballalba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEJvU5gbKhky3xtNcL0L0ZjUD7jX9aD0R5z9-ED-YCIwuVW_84eTHH2N7_IhwpazGy2-fGt20EUhbdbv-c8PHhgHyB7-Ff5VNu4wZZh7dobIiugfMcrmJOJgKVOGfyQSGJgxUAKLn2LE/s320/ballalba.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMFK_1QQR71a1Lkz14LtlC4PbGqx6Ol2Uh8_o0LwiOLuo2u3bqhfzSyJ5LR43tQ-IvPcIXqcQY15YOJAQWpnAxd5DqSL_yVF3d_RBVaCaK1xFVVXEdV7uqNTeXk740scjbgmGeaEFohQ/s1600/Winner_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMFK_1QQR71a1Lkz14LtlC4PbGqx6Ol2Uh8_o0LwiOLuo2u3bqhfzSyJ5LR43tQ-IvPcIXqcQY15YOJAQWpnAxd5DqSL_yVF3d_RBVaCaK1xFVVXEdV7uqNTeXk740scjbgmGeaEFohQ/s320/Winner_large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some painting creativity</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-awaUoNAzgTx8bGMkaPc_DFUvZOdma3EgWtVVMoUt3qAslcTDhQsjIXIJQJNYKS-PCAA-DbMJ9skpSJsMNRtov55iypbq1CvqyVZLM6MGPdZkWE60bZUjUtTNbrzMBj9RzvYMn-z7EeE/s1600/bread_jam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-awaUoNAzgTx8bGMkaPc_DFUvZOdma3EgWtVVMoUt3qAslcTDhQsjIXIJQJNYKS-PCAA-DbMJ9skpSJsMNRtov55iypbq1CvqyVZLM6MGPdZkWE60bZUjUtTNbrzMBj9RzvYMn-z7EeE/s320/bread_jam.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">fed well with food and coffee....mmmm</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOmvRBW6aZ3oNovMKlxUramsbCJNikMyRwVrybN9NGZiDPQVnW5amXcMBdNbKAhwZSAkrq8ktZ914hC2JQmiKdss7OXkBsJQB-tn2oKC4RqxnIKPpFnSIAq0AQFDmD8YqtWEVKFLpvjA/s1600/Autumn1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOmvRBW6aZ3oNovMKlxUramsbCJNikMyRwVrybN9NGZiDPQVnW5amXcMBdNbKAhwZSAkrq8ktZ914hC2JQmiKdss7OXkBsJQB-tn2oKC4RqxnIKPpFnSIAq0AQFDmD8YqtWEVKFLpvjA/s320/Autumn1.JPG" width="257" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRqk1oXiilzr5UMSfCcR3bqTbE-XOuiQRxfuI3OkBirVLDi36ygC0CIaeFFcd2GsrQlrOmPqnDFDhoMBUeKehyphenhyphenUD8UVvoJz_bPaLHq_vuUnv1HLeVsJBwMu7d9dNnFhTPYtaET4rnLB0/s1600/bathroom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRqk1oXiilzr5UMSfCcR3bqTbE-XOuiQRxfuI3OkBirVLDi36ygC0CIaeFFcd2GsrQlrOmPqnDFDhoMBUeKehyphenhyphenUD8UVvoJz_bPaLHq_vuUnv1HLeVsJBwMu7d9dNnFhTPYtaET4rnLB0/s320/bathroom1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">tossed wtih some home musings and renovating</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkOudYifis6cYhCxsafhJyJ-uXduXmTVxIKM0NRtqE6D-8I0bog7148xrWEC2CzkvD3NbF1dbMn5Y5QP6HbQfJ6HpYZl9rXTtrKCIY76eOLCbnA6FdcHdje35mmc7DaapyLtv2HxEo_8/s1600/shredder+two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkOudYifis6cYhCxsafhJyJ-uXduXmTVxIKM0NRtqE6D-8I0bog7148xrWEC2CzkvD3NbF1dbMn5Y5QP6HbQfJ6HpYZl9rXTtrKCIY76eOLCbnA6FdcHdje35mmc7DaapyLtv2HxEo_8/s320/shredder+two.jpg" width="172" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKQ9E2m9uwRAg08OIjUHlw8Oy4ifyVnA0t_3dv-MGYh6mQfAkW-s5G9qSvQClKJTGNEGav9U-0HHa95JB7xO30ZnyRO1a_khvQF46Hd80JygFNh49gruyJNV5nSRrnC_PTOseSVHz2qs/s1600/P1100812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKQ9E2m9uwRAg08OIjUHlw8Oy4ifyVnA0t_3dv-MGYh6mQfAkW-s5G9qSvQClKJTGNEGav9U-0HHa95JB7xO30ZnyRO1a_khvQF46Hd80JygFNh49gruyJNV5nSRrnC_PTOseSVHz2qs/s320/P1100812.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
and embraced with a bit of family fun</div><br />
I hope that this answers the most important of questions being asked at the latest party held by the wonderful Sarah at <strong>Modern Country Style</strong>.<br />
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<center><a href="http://moderncountrystyle.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/Sarplowman/Searchresultsfordefinition.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<br />
I am late...as usual! And perhaps that perfectly illustrates my blogging style: I am a relaxed cruisy blogger with all the best intentions of being here more often. Instead, due to family, work and day-to-day life commitments, I am here maybe once a week. <br />
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I love colour - house paint, oils, pastels, acrylics, fabric, leaves, trees, sky...I just love it. It was my constant ramblings of creativity, met with glazed expressions and the "uh-huhs" of my husband (clearly thinking about something else), that led me to engaging with the blogging community.<br />
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My affinity for colour means I love to paint, draw and doodle; to dabble in mixing, blending, smoodging (yeh, surely that is an art term!). I love it so much, sometimes in my enthusiasm to get started, I don't change out of my "normal" day clothes - so I have lots of clothes with paint on them. Whoops!<br />
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So that's where my second blog comes in: Paint With Me! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOYR8BfWRMtvc4_U19XsxdHD5d8OTxr1p18Gh1dEEW9vXuI4g_cIQ6C6CYgXE4A5wNYa73bpLaW2r6c6ry56mJKB9QeMr0SkGGX44Mr1AjApnjFvSH8EeBrZcQZlx_zwLlJj2JGmPVfM/s1600/Paint+with+me_button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOYR8BfWRMtvc4_U19XsxdHD5d8OTxr1p18Gh1dEEW9vXuI4g_cIQ6C6CYgXE4A5wNYa73bpLaW2r6c6ry56mJKB9QeMr0SkGGX44Mr1AjApnjFvSH8EeBrZcQZlx_zwLlJj2JGmPVfM/s320/Paint+with+me_button.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxw_xUep9oW3wUZMXoJ65ILDsow7tf-DWBSG3QcPnRbTr42xB3YzhfiOQpmYL_KehQALK26YMQ7ZUWAzUdy2xsqt3XoB3mS7_E6VmFOkSUF2nYdKvahFG5Blq1FQfchno0NrAPBTcjmc/s1600/Mums+iris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxw_xUep9oW3wUZMXoJ65ILDsow7tf-DWBSG3QcPnRbTr42xB3YzhfiOQpmYL_KehQALK26YMQ7ZUWAzUdy2xsqt3XoB3mS7_E6VmFOkSUF2nYdKvahFG5Blq1FQfchno0NrAPBTcjmc/s320/Mums+iris.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><br />
The intention of that blog is to engage and inspire other people who *may* want to give painting a try, but find "learn to paint" or "pay to learn" either intimidating or more of a commitment than they really want. <br />
<br />
I figure I love painting and sharing...I love talking!...so why not combine the two and if just one person gets something from it, then that makes me happy.<br />
<br />
And, that's me!!<br />
<br />
I really am enjoying Sarah's party, because there are some truly wonderful blogs and I feel a little sad that there is just not enough time in the day to pay credit to all the talent that there is out there!<br />
<br />
Thank you Sarah for organising a super party!!<br />
<br />
Hugs<br />
<br />
Cath<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-27455487730308076292011-04-12T06:16:00.000-07:002011-04-12T06:16:51.677-07:00It's my birthday!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class=separator><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQY_tHeyiKHrcB57DH2uZRFJGEf0WvMDFFVazoem8sc_iQMfJ-mTbhaVf5DldeeaoiYK_jdQyCTTVokW7PtO4JfTiMsCwyeuwrF4VoELKk_kJ7tNEqMogFY564DtskoyZ1__Mn6X71fOY/s1600/parisinautumn.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border=0 src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQY_tHeyiKHrcB57DH2uZRFJGEf0WvMDFFVazoem8sc_iQMfJ-mTbhaVf5DldeeaoiYK_jdQyCTTVokW7PtO4JfTiMsCwyeuwrF4VoELKk_kJ7tNEqMogFY564DtskoyZ1__Mn6X71fOY/s320/parisinautumn.jpg" width=253 height=320></A></DIV>Hello my lovely friends<br />
<br />
Today it was my birthday. <br />
<br />
Normally this is the one day of the year that I can indulge myself by staying put in bed and have my family wait on me. What's not to love!<br />
<br />
This morning was particularly special, because my lovely children are old enough now to make me breakfast in bed without guidance from an adult.<br />
<br />
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="COLOR: #e06666; FONT-SIZE: large">Spoilt!!</SPAN></DIV><br />
Normally I am not <strong>*all about the presents*:</STRONG> I'm more of an attention hound, soaking up lots of love. <br />
<br />
Well today, I admit, I was all about the present. But I think after I tell you about it, you will see why. <br />
<br />
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><em><span style="COLOR: blue">(insert melodic "earlier that day" harp music)</SPAN></EM></DIV><br />
There I was, propped up in our bed with my lovely husband Mark next to me, the children were all excited about giving me my presents. <br />
<br />
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><em><span>I should mention, Mark spent all last night giggling to himself about his present, so I knew he was pretty chuffed with his efforts this year.</SPAN></EM></DIV><br />
First up, Boo hands me a beautifully wrapped present; being three, she took it straight back instructing that she must open it for me!<br />
<br />
What do you know, a book!<br />
<br />
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnrQbbFkUTjbx5vTn3mZbJANcqvPGVwR6w2Q1wF5fSYzgMXaUtPPLKSWsCaNFyfu8-T2gOE-zZZqRWi37plnAjYQoz9OQtc8SS94GNgY5VtvZZ5790v66YSbVM9PgxQzLeSPCgc9QqlU/s1600/Almost+French.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border=0 src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnrQbbFkUTjbx5vTn3mZbJANcqvPGVwR6w2Q1wF5fSYzgMXaUtPPLKSWsCaNFyfu8-T2gOE-zZZqRWi37plnAjYQoz9OQtc8SS94GNgY5VtvZZ5790v66YSbVM9PgxQzLeSPCgc9QqlU/s320/Almost+French.jpg" width=170 height=263></A></DIV><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><em>Woo hoo!! <br />
<br />
I love books. <br />
<br />
I love French stuff. <br />
<br />
Happy days!<br />
<br />
</EM></DIV>Next, my two little men gave me a hand made card with a beautifully drawn Eiffel Tower on the front.<br />
<br />
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><em>My eldest little man and I had been printing Paris maps on fabric together over the weekend, so I was proud he was paying attention to what I like. </EM></DIV><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br />
</DIV><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><em>You know. </EM></DIV><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br />
</DIV><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><em>French stuff. </EM></DIV><br />
My present was a new scarf and beanie. Beautiful! We are coming into cooler weather, so this is perfect for watching them play their outdoor weekend sports. A beautiful, logical and thoughtful gift.<br />
<br />
Finally, my lovely husband handed me a gorgeous card with some cryptic message that the squirrel with nuts on the front <em>(the card itself says "that's nuts, your not that old". Bless him.)</EM> is a distant hint to the present. Okay....? <br />
<br />
He hands me my present. It's another wrapped book.<br />
<br />
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98IJ4O_2N0qMUF2R1Ank6M46r6F5HYlUAF70yyAEFIWLRQqBI3oOMygG0DNP2YCKnEBjYh1C-gnrD0oYh3gwy8NE7RifOkmfq4HcvYflAU54zdwdcR1iHUzMVjY4ISkn6Byr0d44DnLA/s1600/Top10paris.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border=0 src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98IJ4O_2N0qMUF2R1Ank6M46r6F5HYlUAF70yyAEFIWLRQqBI3oOMygG0DNP2YCKnEBjYh1C-gnrD0oYh3gwy8NE7RifOkmfq4HcvYflAU54zdwdcR1iHUzMVjY4ISkn6Byr0d44DnLA/s320/Top10paris.jpg" width=172 height=320></A></DIV><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br />
<span style="COLOR: #e06666; FONT-SIZE: large">What?!</SPAN></DIV><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br />
<em>Eloquent, I know.</EM></DIV><br />
Now I have to explain that Mark has this way about him, that when he knows that he has me completely speechless, he just blinks at me. <br />
<br />
I kid you not. <br />
<br />
He has these big blue peepers; he gets this look on his face and he blinks.<br />
<br />
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><em>The truth is, behind those big blue eyes is a man performing a happy dance, giving himself a hi-five and yelling out "score!". </EM></DIV><br />
I finally managed to squeak out a few incoherent questions which enabled me to properly put the puzzle together.<br />
<br />
The scarf and beanie are actually (if I looked closer), a scarf and BERET.<br />
There are squirrels in Paris.<br />
<br />
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><em>There may have been a little grinding sound as my caffeine deprived brain finally moved into gear. </EM></DIV><br />
It turns out, we are going to enjoy Paris in Autumn this September as a combined birthday and anniversary present.<br />
<br />
Yup!!<br />
<br />
Now, I won't lie, I spent my birthday a little bit dazed and stunned. Mark on the other hand; well, the little dancing man in his head had finally escaped, so he was proudly strutting around, proud as punch!<br />
<br />
I love Autumn. I was born in Autumn. We got married in Autum. What's not to love about Autumn!! Forget Spring; for me, Autumn is the season of love.<br />
<br />
And I am in love with my husband who is,...well, he is the bees knees!!<br />
<br />
Love you baby!!<br />
<br />
Have a thoroughly happy day everyone,<br />
<br />
Hugs<br />
<br />
Cath<br />
x<br />
<br />
PS - all tips, hints and recommendations for where to go in Paris are *very* welcome. xCatherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-89344801361258180402011-04-11T00:24:00.000-07:002011-04-11T00:24:43.807-07:00Autumn food inspiration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The last couple of weeks has brought a real change in the weather;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the nights are cooler and </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the sun takes longer to rise in the morning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The early golden rays, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">peeking through the gum trees at the back of our home, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">highlight the russet display of colour </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">that creeps further into our yard with each passing day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So today, feeling inspired, my little Belle and I made bread,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hc5-b9iQzetf6otzYO2A2LYjr45bI35VAcqGox4_HXNZ7GAT9hwOe8H9qD41iakBkGDwGTgmULQQkyBWD8EFjnrjbNQPR_gkt3f0RPoI692cY90a-XGfOmFYK68xlVy4vQs5lSJzABk/s1600/bread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hc5-b9iQzetf6otzYO2A2LYjr45bI35VAcqGox4_HXNZ7GAT9hwOe8H9qD41iakBkGDwGTgmULQQkyBWD8EFjnrjbNQPR_gkt3f0RPoI692cY90a-XGfOmFYK68xlVy4vQs5lSJzABk/s320/bread.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">topped with the Blackberry Jam I made a month or so ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZJNLvB7XmFpgAXGi9n7Wf1hy44gQSXuqyz1xYYdfeTALjHP15z4mT9tRJf1JCefWCLg0Kk3z-pkx6zEUohjDPA_uQNBLeUkgC4lEcJALNKvZH3XpRBkYvfJDEWIHa7KLveQPW9cnsN8/s1600/bread_jam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZJNLvB7XmFpgAXGi9n7Wf1hy44gQSXuqyz1xYYdfeTALjHP15z4mT9tRJf1JCefWCLg0Kk3z-pkx6zEUohjDPA_uQNBLeUkgC4lEcJALNKvZH3XpRBkYvfJDEWIHa7KLveQPW9cnsN8/s320/bread_jam.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Lucky us!!<br />
<br />
I hope you are having an equally beautiful Monday.<br />
<br />
Big hugs<br />
<br />
Cath</div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-47705536249054077272011-03-27T19:55:00.000-07:002011-03-27T19:56:20.168-07:00Goodbye dear friend<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3d36tmmPOQMf9-z5kal51RJMSh8ZinoYhvhDUYZaHeveQl8748W4pB1IjafO7hfvXpUaxoCvKXSSySrN1wg_nsEhL_FDPTLr6P6_HpuI7wR7WsymtvVfKI-vrDHSd98aPliZVLPeyWIM/s1600/bronson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3d36tmmPOQMf9-z5kal51RJMSh8ZinoYhvhDUYZaHeveQl8748W4pB1IjafO7hfvXpUaxoCvKXSSySrN1wg_nsEhL_FDPTLr6P6_HpuI7wR7WsymtvVfKI-vrDHSd98aPliZVLPeyWIM/s320/bronson.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This is our gorgeous dog Bronson, who gently passed away to sleep this weekend.<br />
<br />
He was 16 years old and spent much of the past year asleep near the front door, during the day, or at the end of the bed at night time. Both these spaces are now very empty.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Bronnie had the most beautiful and patient nature;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He taught my eldest son that dogs can be gentle; </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He taught my middle son that a dog really is mans best friend; and </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">He taught our little angel that if she drops food she doesn't like on the floor, <br />
he will always be there to hoover it up; <br />
that if she lies on him, kisses him, smothers him or takes his chew balls...<br />
he will be willing to take such treatment, to a point, in exchange for all food shared.</div><br />
Bronson now has a beautiful resting place in our garden. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Rvp89vXekH9DiR6dsHewWeaM-0afKXVtIX_iU-po6b_rxIAZm1_3DgMl12h1xFCj6QSzxVkXDZj4d_AMkhqobWk4uy_fTfWrF-PXZiyfgOgB6WkcNSucf8zH6aworWkNlb0acgF4JOM/s1600/P1030916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Rvp89vXekH9DiR6dsHewWeaM-0afKXVtIX_iU-po6b_rxIAZm1_3DgMl12h1xFCj6QSzxVkXDZj4d_AMkhqobWk4uy_fTfWrF-PXZiyfgOgB6WkcNSucf8zH6aworWkNlb0acgF4JOM/s320/P1030916.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwssfZPLHJG8t3zAnO1cyjCgqTxeKqaF7uC_EDmu6HFHDMtrfFzBBZoh8zb_zKXRe1nHWmst6r1QvOpGolJltXoLL-26-ErEYeqVAQ7YSgm5YQfpMOX0y32HjljNC7WNOz8IfdrWBnuk/s1600/P1040019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwssfZPLHJG8t3zAnO1cyjCgqTxeKqaF7uC_EDmu6HFHDMtrfFzBBZoh8zb_zKXRe1nHWmst6r1QvOpGolJltXoLL-26-ErEYeqVAQ7YSgm5YQfpMOX0y32HjljNC7WNOz8IfdrWBnuk/s320/P1040019.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div><br />
<br />
Forever in our hearts.<br />
<br />
</div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-16161724928885839712011-03-20T04:11:00.000-07:002011-03-20T04:11:29.427-07:00My new inspiration addiction<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hi all<br />
<br />
Today I wanted to share a new blog and a great new inspiration party to join; <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ohmyyes2.blogspot.com/p/bird-inspired-design-board-monday.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Bird/Like</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Decor and Fashion inspired by birds and nature. </em></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wonderful!</span></div><br />
Anne from <a href="http://ohmyyes2.blogspot.com/p/bird-inspired-design-board-monday.html">Bird/Like</a> is hosting a <a href="http://ohmyyes2.blogspot.com/p/bird-inspired-design-board-monday.html">Bird Inspired Design Board Monday</a>, and in doing so introduced me to my new addiction: <a href="http://olioboard.com/pages/how_it_works">Olioboard</a>!! <br />
<br />
It is a fantastic interactive online tool that allows you to create multiple mood boards, from a wealth of decor items. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fun!! </span></div><br />
I have spent so much time just playing with my very first mood board, inspired by the Bower Bird.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiOhzpD6G2ydQkOseoo-SdCVCitEQ8_YVivKqnCNLN55woZHNHBR4HTxWykSPUxddnwQb7NW4v32pC9erhc9yoaKV2f8g5tjuGaIWfG9Ke_gBemDvgbf_kpUW-OkTXm5GE2UEOQ5vw2Q/s1600/Bower_bird+decor+inspired" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiOhzpD6G2ydQkOseoo-SdCVCitEQ8_YVivKqnCNLN55woZHNHBR4HTxWykSPUxddnwQb7NW4v32pC9erhc9yoaKV2f8g5tjuGaIWfG9Ke_gBemDvgbf_kpUW-OkTXm5GE2UEOQ5vw2Q/s320/Bower_bird+decor+inspired" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAl9-UWEO5yerQ_erYe3TseFQ8OO7kPpE0-DHOpdlw7YzZ7dctE-RsCwjCtC9JZ1RGaS6jv4a27cFYFGYZOPh_Aq2o_DDg4dcvhCGbCkarTpX5jTLtEHtzGp_PyEFcnbHCRzAfi-EtG0/s1600/bower+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAl9-UWEO5yerQ_erYe3TseFQ8OO7kPpE0-DHOpdlw7YzZ7dctE-RsCwjCtC9JZ1RGaS6jv4a27cFYFGYZOPh_Aq2o_DDg4dcvhCGbCkarTpX5jTLtEHtzGp_PyEFcnbHCRzAfi-EtG0/s320/bower+bird.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I have to admit this little chap totally inspired me, as did <a href="http://olioboard.com/pages/how_it_works">Olioboard</a>, because: </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">just like a bower bird, </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">off I went, </div><div style="text-align: center;">collecting items to store away:</div><div style="text-align: center;">for what?</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have no idea!</div><div style="text-align: center;">But they sure were pretty!!</div><br />
Please go and take a look at <a href="http://ohmyyes2.blogspot.com/p/bird-inspired-design-board-monday.html">Bird/Like</a> to hook up with Inspiration Monday!!<br />
<br />
It sure does promise to be LOTS of fun!!<br />
<br />
Hugs<br />
<br />
Cath</div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-13705321510722570382011-03-14T21:53:00.000-07:002011-03-15T03:59:14.661-07:00A quick addition for the wall<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hello dear friends<br />
<br />
First, thank you for your sweet comments and emails about my last post. I am glad to report that this last week has proved considerably quieter on many fronts, and on others the stresses are finally come to a close.<br />
<br />
I took some time for myself during this to whip up a couple of quick paintings for our family room walls.<br />
<br />
We are slowly decorating. In fact, I think it is so slow at times I have to wonder if we can call it "decorating" - is decorating an actual concerted effort towards change, or a gradual change that just seems to happen? Either way, change is the intent, and we are getting there :-)<br />
<br />
Anyway, enough rambling.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCW9Q48DV1DlFJLkHV_Fo95xnUOPiGIPT2d2zeXQQUj7WseTkrYYmQKSzxR5vYDFlnhatWE8vlb8CWEBOWYqUHhtuOM0_aDqEdOfuOk4noxqNyjeQPF-1nGCCR68UsFtYF-MahQWyaqXA/s1600/quick_painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCW9Q48DV1DlFJLkHV_Fo95xnUOPiGIPT2d2zeXQQUj7WseTkrYYmQKSzxR5vYDFlnhatWE8vlb8CWEBOWYqUHhtuOM0_aDqEdOfuOk4noxqNyjeQPF-1nGCCR68UsFtYF-MahQWyaqXA/s320/quick_painting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Believe me when I say this was quick and in context of the room, very effective.<br />
<br />
Do you want to learn how?<br />
<br />
I have used wall paint (yep, no fancy paints here!) that I have incorporated into my recent home changes;<br />
<br />
<center><br />
White<br />
Beige<br />
Aqua, and<br />
chocolate (<em>this sounds so much better than brown</em>)</center><center><br />
</center><br />
And you know, I can show you how to do the same!<br />
<br />
Keen? Pop on over to my other blog <span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Paint with Me <span style="color: black; font-size: small;">(see the button to the left...no, make that the right!), </span></span>where I will post a tutorial in the coming week.<br />
<br />
Again, you guys are the best!! Mwah!<br />
<br />
Big hugs<br />
<br />
Cath<br />
xx<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-46964990132279089222011-03-06T17:45:00.000-08:002011-03-06T17:45:13.280-08:00Having a moment...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hi all my lovelies</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"></div><div> </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I am sorry I have been missing in action; there is just too much on my plate at the moment and unfortunately this means I just want to flunk on the couch at the end of the day.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">In no particular order:</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>my husbands parents, who are in their 80s are in the early stages of dementia; they are only 2 minutes from us so my husband has spent the last year assisting with numerous health assesments, supporting the sale of their home, organising their move into a retirement village...only two more weeks and they will be settled in. Luckily his sister is near enough to also be helped this process along beautifully - but it all takes it's toll after a while;</li>
<li>Our dog of 16 years is, well...on his last legs. We have had the talk with the children and now it is just time to get the vet to come over; he has a lovely place ready in the garden.</li>
<li>my grandmother in QLD, who is 93, has had a fall recently and broke her collar bone. She has dementia which means she is in a heightened state of confusion - while she was in the hospital they found that she was terribly aenemic, which is most likely why she fell, and required two blood transfusions. The aenemia was due to massive ulceration of her esophogus (I have no idea if I am spelling any of these words correctly!)so she is getting treatment for that too;</li>
<li>I have had both my boys have massive crashes on their skooters in the last month - both involving facial and limb injury. The first was my youngest man who crashed on the way home from school; skidded along his nose and lip and battered up his elbow: I had a phone call at work from the side of the road for that one. The second crash was my eldest out the front out of our house - he timed this perfectly with our wee one jamming two of her fingers. He crashed off his home made ramp: as he later said it was a "three point landing" knee, head, shoulder. Let's not talk about the helmet he wasn't wearing, but he couldn't walk, so that included a trip the hospital. No breaks, but a severe amount of swelling, antibiotics to prevent infection in his wound (blergh!) and Mumma attention required constantly. Boys!!</li>
<li>I can't find my special doovie to download my photos off my camera...hence, no photos at the moment either.</li>
</ul></div>Sorry about the big blergh,... I am missing catching up on all my favourite blogs and telling you all the GOOD things that are happening here too. Because yes, there is good. <br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We have a new beautiful TV cabinet for our family room;</li>
<li>I recovered and painted my kids toy box for a "storage" box; </li>
<li>I have made cushion covers; </li>
<li>I have (as at now) undercoated another chest, ready for painting; </li>
<li>I have whipped up a painting for the wall to compliment the new colour scheme - white, aqua and chocolate. It is abstract and very simple; </li>
<li>I've made blackberry jam; it was my first time and OH MY! I kept making scones, just so I could eat the jam...! Yep, a couple of extra kgs went on there! </li>
</ul><br />
I have also been working: it sort of straddles the good and bad category :-D<br />
<br />
<div> </div>So please forgive my absence - I will be back soon!<br />
<br />
<div> </div>Big hugs<br />
<br />
<div> </div>Cath<br />
xx</div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-64366616531723065542011-02-09T21:45:00.000-08:002011-02-09T21:45:25.822-08:00Garden party!!!Hello my sweet friends.<br />
<br />
Do you like my dress? I am going to the lovely Sarah's Garden Party over at <a href="http://moderncountrystyle.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-english-garden-linky-party.html">Modern Country Style</a>.<br />
<br />
You should come along! There is a beautiful display of flowers and some lovely frocks in attendance! Not only that but Sarah promised us a garden bath: perfect for washing our dirty feet if, like me, you plan to run through the grass with no shoes on!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1VNOy3vWLk2hRQARTMXv3z6Lyo_Srqcjzw0dKjFS9QwLwxCF74MjsV2xpAdwYD3sb2ictYgMQUnt6qhI6X7PHg-CZ0xFUTVIs_ZNumNXrgil-Q5kDxVro5_YWpsgaPU5yoEJGk-ZESw/s1600/Winner_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1VNOy3vWLk2hRQARTMXv3z6Lyo_Srqcjzw0dKjFS9QwLwxCF74MjsV2xpAdwYD3sb2ictYgMQUnt6qhI6X7PHg-CZ0xFUTVIs_ZNumNXrgil-Q5kDxVro5_YWpsgaPU5yoEJGk-ZESw/s320/Winner_large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is my garden in the spring - it was a painting I did in acrylics in about 3 hours non stop. It was a bit of a challenge, because while I was painitng in the grass, my little man who was 4 at the time was painting the sky brown!! Lucky acrylic dries fast! <br />
<br />
The painting was done with a palette knife and was primarily a study of the light.<br />
<br />
Over at <a href="http://twcpaintwithme.blogspot.com/">TWC - Paint with Me</a> we are working on our backgrounds for our paintings. We haven't long to go, so be sure to check back in a couple of weeks when we do our "before and after" virtual gallery showing. Better yet, there is still time to jump right in and join this session.<br />
<br />
Take care and enjoy the champers - it really is a gorgeous afternoon for a garden party.<br />
<br />
Hugs<br />
<br />
Cath<br />
<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=ea14d22b-2909-4c54-8479-551da24cb45c" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-50240944627804595312011-02-02T18:55:00.000-08:002011-02-02T18:55:22.972-08:00Garden party anyone?Hi all my lovelies!<br />
<br />
Where have I been...it seems I have been missing in action for a little bit. But, what a way to return with a garden party!!<br />
<br />
The lovely, gorgeous and funny Miss Sarah from Modern Country Style is hosting an English Garden party on the 9th February! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">You can read Sarah's lovely invitation <a href="http://moderncountrystyle.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-cushion.html">here</a>.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">or, use the button below that you can also find on my side bar. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://moderncountrystyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Modern Country Style" height="200" src="http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd436/Sarplowman/2010-10-201-1-1.jpg" width="186" /></a></div><br />
A gorgeous English Garden party is just the tonic to soothe our Australian Summer nerves right now - we may have had fluctuating heat, storms and humidity, but our hearts go out to our Queensland friends and family who have endured the recent floods and TC Yasi.<br />
<br />
Sarah's post also includes the most romantic pillow that she made her husband for Valentines day! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #45818e;">Yep, I am inspired to whip out my dusty sewing machine once more!</span></em></div><br />
Now, over in my alternate universe of the blogging world; <a href="http://twcpaintwithme.blogspot.com/2011/01/iris-part-2-introducing-acrylics-to-our.html">Tigs White Canvas - Paint with Me</a>, we are chuffing along quite nicely with our mixed media painting of an Iris. I have just introduced the use of white acrylic to our water colour painting and I talk about the movement and textures that can be created using these two together. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAze2Kv4y15hq3wHYCtIlC-HHnb-LCmhIoXvObYOc_5qE78BR7rmjcq7Oc1xt9fkyIR3pKD6qvs-uaB_m0ORDrPDBCdFibXjLmUMdab-Vm0DpqZCcC3nLVxVdR6NjLTc0MOKrAMRC3yB8/s1600/IMG_0769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAze2Kv4y15hq3wHYCtIlC-HHnb-LCmhIoXvObYOc_5qE78BR7rmjcq7Oc1xt9fkyIR3pKD6qvs-uaB_m0ORDrPDBCdFibXjLmUMdab-Vm0DpqZCcC3nLVxVdR6NjLTc0MOKrAMRC3yB8/s320/IMG_0769.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br />
Next I will talk about the background and how to make it exactly that - the background: we can't have our Iris become a wall flower and be overpowered by the dominance of a competing background, can we!<br />
<br />
So pop over if you haven't been following so far - there is always time to jump right in!<br />
<br />
Big hugs<br />
<br />
CathCatherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-89476594364900637462011-01-20T04:30:00.000-08:002011-01-20T04:30:14.715-08:00Bathroom reveal...Hi lovelies<br />
<br />
<div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaNKriLci_8v1EUp0y-Jc4qTVwZpHLZpdzfLspI_iq6tCN_CX4T0WKKbl-P1f8skT1O7UP8O-UWaWckhEWGpArefv6WyfYRcJUpEp4hlwPstTnYEvQFTD_-dD4xRyZs1Gfo4dx2KW-EM/s1600/bathroom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaNKriLci_8v1EUp0y-Jc4qTVwZpHLZpdzfLspI_iq6tCN_CX4T0WKKbl-P1f8skT1O7UP8O-UWaWckhEWGpArefv6WyfYRcJUpEp4hlwPstTnYEvQFTD_-dD4xRyZs1Gfo4dx2KW-EM/s320/bathroom1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div><br />
<div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br />
<div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div>This blog heading should read more like "sneaky peek" bathroom reveal!!<br />
<br />
<div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div>After months and months our bathroom is finally complete, except for the "prettyfying" that includes new pretty, coordinated, fluffy, towels.<br />
<br />
<div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rather than the course, stiff, mismatched collection the kids have been using up until now.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Due to this "naked" presentation, I just don't feel right showing you the whole kit and caboodle...and because it is a very small bathroom, I am limited for space to do anything too flash anyway.<br />
<br />
<div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div>Alrighty, enough (guilty) justification for my lack of appropriate decorating for the grand reveal....truth is, I just couldn't wait to share!!<br />
<br />
<div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">...drum roll please...</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">...try to not run screaming...</span><br />
<br />
<div></div><div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Please welcome to your screens, </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">BEFORE !!!!<br />
<br />
<div></div><div></div><div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghH87CyJwrK5VxHpuwRR01HLVYg5USSjN-keOfgCX-hZUJZbcpkHGcKj10p6vu7MugesTyCc8Hl699ulANcvkWyNvhRuBu5g5dmTh9uHUJ64xaccBg0z_GqBvV2IHbEeb3UZOhslnrdSY/s1600/P1100714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghH87CyJwrK5VxHpuwRR01HLVYg5USSjN-keOfgCX-hZUJZbcpkHGcKj10p6vu7MugesTyCc8Hl699ulANcvkWyNvhRuBu5g5dmTh9uHUJ64xaccBg0z_GqBvV2IHbEeb3UZOhslnrdSY/s320/P1100714.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, what do you say?</div><ul><li><div style="text-align: center;">lovely timber stained window framing beige yellow window - check</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: center;">nice beige tiles - check</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: center;">gold tapware - oops, already removed;</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: center;">apricot beige bath, sink and vanity - thrown with much enthusiasm into the trailer ready for the tip. (I'm sure you are sad you missed those babies!</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1YKkNK0ddT78iell_6bKAGkthbhyphenhyphenu9jx8YDXvfk1bXwlIfigEt7HMRrWLuK1DSjrDxBCCaDczMjb8g_vfYfwvI1lSmalIS7XCZNWoIrDxcIDFoF_GEHUCq8YtQYyNoSiQp4Xpceu-Fk/s1600/P1100713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1YKkNK0ddT78iell_6bKAGkthbhyphenhyphenu9jx8YDXvfk1bXwlIfigEt7HMRrWLuK1DSjrDxBCCaDczMjb8g_vfYfwvI1lSmalIS7XCZNWoIrDxcIDFoF_GEHUCq8YtQYyNoSiQp4Xpceu-Fk/s320/P1100713.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div></div><div></div><div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">...but wait, there's more!!</div><ul><li><div style="text-align: center;">lovely beige plastic trim shower screen</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: center;">gold detail tile running around the walls</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: center;">dirty-erck (yes, I am now officially making that a colour) floor tiles</div></li>
</ul><div></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSSAduptc40dWY12aM1NIUHoABIu9lbPJUVUCM4_Yy8H7bfKn0Qz9nqBS7NZi67seDKLDF0jGS1j2G7JSSlE1RY2o3xEIV5UPXZ2Oe6j1fj4T7fwDIUvxCV04P43LA6-kD-YccPqjAT8/s1600/P1100728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSSAduptc40dWY12aM1NIUHoABIu9lbPJUVUCM4_Yy8H7bfKn0Qz9nqBS7NZi67seDKLDF0jGS1j2G7JSSlE1RY2o3xEIV5UPXZ2Oe6j1fj4T7fwDIUvxCV04P43LA6-kD-YccPqjAT8/s320/P1100728.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ah, and the pièce de résistance...</div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">check out that light fitting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, that's them,...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">that row of bulbs mounted to a bit of wood on the wall!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The reason this all took so long:</div><div></div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The lovely was going to tackle this job himself, until he realised there was not a standard fitting in site.</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bath we bought was longer (the previous bath was for the vertically challenged).</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">The tiles did not want to come off neatly: we ended up cutting the tiles out, wall and all.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">There was no waterproofing.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">It wasn't as easy as it all first appeared.</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"></div> So by the time;<br />
<ul><li> we got a chap to come in and do the work, which didn't include fitting everything;</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">...the lovely DID do that...</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>I attacked the window with multiple coats of priming undercoat, undercoat, gloss top coat;</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">we changed the door from an 80's flat panel to a panelled door, including painting;</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">we changed the light fitting (naturally!)</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">the lovely painted the walls this past week while I removed all children from the house for some coast time!</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div></div><div style="text-align: left;">we are complete (minus nice towels etc etc)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">...drum roll please...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">...cue the applause...</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(or polite clapping if you prefer)</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I give you AFTER: </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br />
<div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RZIf3-6Y-yTCd38Tnq3q6-gXSmIVNe0PY6yvHM6hbMleGmyNTY8425_5-BrswgoA9WgBYA_MxasKM6i9E8Wja8X2tdARz2KrIzTJSqRCh1ThkdHuWInd_FWfJcOt9qUfUIcEkgsv0Xk/s1600/bathroom4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RZIf3-6Y-yTCd38Tnq3q6-gXSmIVNe0PY6yvHM6hbMleGmyNTY8425_5-BrswgoA9WgBYA_MxasKM6i9E8Wja8X2tdARz2KrIzTJSqRCh1ThkdHuWInd_FWfJcOt9qUfUIcEkgsv0Xk/s320/bathroom4.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had white everything installed:</div><ul><li>tiles on the wall</li>
<li>tiles on the floor</li>
<li>and the vanity with the seamless sink top - so wonderful and easy for the kids to keep clean.</li>
</ul><br />
We (well, the lovely) painted the walls in Dulux Hogsbristle half strength;<br />
<br />
We fitted a switch tap in the sink to make it easier for the kids to clean their hands after the loo - also easy to turn off again!<br />
<br />
All fixtures are in silver;<br />
<br />
We chose brushed nickle hooks for the kids towels - less hassle of trying to teach them to fold them to hang them, plus they will each have their own hook - and one for the guest.<br />
<br />
We included a brushed nickle three-bulb rail light - much nicer that bare bulbs on wood!<br />
<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFR_1HcO-tyFin0eJltBoRgrCGJRjIZe5Fi9dUfvvY2WOFyNhA48PqsRxRosHlNsFR_Km12sxaPEQbANJBtKzCPAAagcXZsURyv1C1bLkdu-hZI9Qx1rawMC4yJN64BSpunNnfKbEsrk/s1600/bathroom6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFR_1HcO-tyFin0eJltBoRgrCGJRjIZe5Fi9dUfvvY2WOFyNhA48PqsRxRosHlNsFR_Km12sxaPEQbANJBtKzCPAAagcXZsURyv1C1bLkdu-hZI9Qx1rawMC4yJN64BSpunNnfKbEsrk/s320/bathroom6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The vanity has four deep drawers - one each for the kids to store their things and one for guests.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4J0gR5Vk7wxnUExvDlpS064ezghRU3XHbnoPKjNGKE_2ehTG0epdKevhe_isoAtlvfKCYehXBe-oBRMa-M31JyrmF4YTpzAKXY9ijSEXAeMLn1WwUa8j7Rf9zzEsx_C1Ko6roqmeo1XY/s1600/bathroom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4J0gR5Vk7wxnUExvDlpS064ezghRU3XHbnoPKjNGKE_2ehTG0epdKevhe_isoAtlvfKCYehXBe-oBRMa-M31JyrmF4YTpzAKXY9ijSEXAeMLn1WwUa8j7Rf9zzEsx_C1Ko6roqmeo1XY/s320/bathroom2.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Can you see that little sneaky peek? There, on the floor of the shower?</div><br />
Those are my much coveted pebble tiles that are supposedly marble, squished flat. Surprisingly they are indeed comfortable under foot. My selling point to the lovely for these, other than I liked them, was they are rocks - and our wee one likes rocks...so if we stick them on the floor of the shower, perhaps she will be happy to shower in there, rather than with us!!<br />
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So there we have it; one last time!<br />
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Before:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1YKkNK0ddT78iell_6bKAGkthbhyphenhyphenu9jx8YDXvfk1bXwlIfigEt7HMRrWLuK1DSjrDxBCCaDczMjb8g_vfYfwvI1lSmalIS7XCZNWoIrDxcIDFoF_GEHUCq8YtQYyNoSiQp4Xpceu-Fk/s1600/P1100713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1YKkNK0ddT78iell_6bKAGkthbhyphenhyphenu9jx8YDXvfk1bXwlIfigEt7HMRrWLuK1DSjrDxBCCaDczMjb8g_vfYfwvI1lSmalIS7XCZNWoIrDxcIDFoF_GEHUCq8YtQYyNoSiQp4Xpceu-Fk/s320/P1100713.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
After:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4J0gR5Vk7wxnUExvDlpS064ezghRU3XHbnoPKjNGKE_2ehTG0epdKevhe_isoAtlvfKCYehXBe-oBRMa-M31JyrmF4YTpzAKXY9ijSEXAeMLn1WwUa8j7Rf9zzEsx_C1Ko6roqmeo1XY/s1600/bathroom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4J0gR5Vk7wxnUExvDlpS064ezghRU3XHbnoPKjNGKE_2ehTG0epdKevhe_isoAtlvfKCYehXBe-oBRMa-M31JyrmF4YTpzAKXY9ijSEXAeMLn1WwUa8j7Rf9zzEsx_C1Ko6roqmeo1XY/s320/bathroom2.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
I hope you have enjoyed this little venture into my main bathroom - past and present. I am so glad it is over, but learnt a <b>heap </b>of things in the process.<br />
<br />
Hugs<br />
<br />
Cath<br />
x <br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=75dd2cd3-bafa-4436-96b7-62c5e84ad0e8" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-46878563173622245872011-01-16T20:57:00.000-08:002011-01-16T21:01:17.935-08:00At the beach...Hello lovely friends<br />
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I hope life is treating you well, wherever you may be!<br />
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I have left the lovely boy at home (painting our bathroom) and headed to the beach with the kids.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFeK4GxYmdviZpcpbKkZkO4InSZGmnBSJbSv_YIKlogRcR87CBGE4fqpNHJ4ujSOcfLhsXJnjcFTQh505QewaDLmypX1GNt3h5pu4rwAUImKaJHpjK7o8uPlGIRjrfQTvaFgt0puJ2OE/s1600/beach_reduced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFeK4GxYmdviZpcpbKkZkO4InSZGmnBSJbSv_YIKlogRcR87CBGE4fqpNHJ4ujSOcfLhsXJnjcFTQh505QewaDLmypX1GNt3h5pu4rwAUImKaJHpjK7o8uPlGIRjrfQTvaFgt0puJ2OE/s320/beach_reduced.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo taken by my Dad one glorious afternoon. </i></div><br />
Mum and Dad are lucky enough to live a lazy two minute stroll from this beach, and we are lucky enough that they have plenty of room for us to come and stay. So far this stay we have enjoyed late nights, lazy mornings and some lovely swims: one afternoon the kids were lucky enough that the dolphins came for a swim past too. <br />
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Life really is tough!<br />
<br />
This coming Wednesday I will be posting at <a href="http://twcpaintwithme.blogspot.com/">Paint With Me</a>, from my idyllic location: plenty of time if you think you may be too late to start! <br />
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So stay tuned and chat on Wednesday.<br />
<br />
Hugs<br />
<br />
Cath<br />
xxxCatherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-34119869783057673562011-01-11T20:08:00.000-08:002011-01-11T20:08:33.787-08:00Get your brushes dirty...it's up and running!!Hello my lovelies<br />
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I decided following my last post that I would create a blog, dedicated to the painting together idea I had. I will keep this one to track my creative chaos with regards to all other things.<br />
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So here she is!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://twcpaintwithme.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfXxZosLYzQLrd2y6r2N0iWrKU8uzEsrTT75Tb2Ll0uzNqyVLMkwtbsrRolkLGmhR0C56RngpgIQWzox5L8ea6MnpZeRctwgrgkEdjnotmR-dbhjVoKA1FDmJ1cC4h_whVw1iQk_HlJI/s1600/Paint+with+me_button.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I hope you will join in!<br />
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<br />
Hugs<br />
<br />
Cath<br />
xCatherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7890851802591870931.post-8757754171756934402011-01-03T02:54:00.000-08:002011-01-03T02:54:08.302-08:00It's a New Year - are you ready to learn?Hello my dear friends and welcome to 2011!!<br />
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I hope you have all had a safe and wonderful festive period. We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas day with family and friends, as well as a wonderful holiday period enjoying bike riding, walking, relaxing and a trip to the coast for some absolutely stunning weather with my parents before New Years...it was the perfect end to 2010.<br />
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As always, the beginning of the year harks the time to make resolutions and to set personal goals. I have one resolution this year that will help me achieve my goals, one of which relates to an original intention for this blog: sharing "How to's" on painting. <br />
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For a variety of reasons I have always put it off and I came to realise that what I was doing was procrastinating: I had so many good reasons to NOT start. The truth is, one word held me back: FEAR.<br />
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So my New Years resolution is to put that little bad guy to bed. In order to do that I will question him, answer him, then sweep him out the door. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Please feel free to grab a cuppa while I set this little guy straight.</span></div><br />
<div></div>What do I fear...<br />
<ol><li>whether there is any value with what I have to share; </li>
<li>someone will say that it isn't true/correct/right; </li>
<li>failure; </li>
<li>lack of interest.</li>
</ol><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;"> Erghhhh, isn't Fear a nasty little grey mass of fluff sitting there on my floor like a giant dust bunny!</span></div><br />
Well, let me answer all those little taunts that Fear likes to throw at me, particularly in the wee hours of the morning:<br />
<br />
<b>Is there any value in what I have to share<i></i></b>:<br />
I have had plenty of affirmation over the years from people that what I can do is good. That where others need to work at it, I can do it easily. I have been told that art is my gift. Whilst I wish for the things I so admire in others, like; <br />
<ul><li>singing <strike>well</strike> at all; </li>
<li>being less gormless playing sports; </li>
<li>being <strike>extremely</strike> organised through a bit hard yakka (work) </li>
</ul>I CAN do this and I LOVE helping others enjoy painting: it is something I have done whenever I have had the chance, so why not extend it further. So is there value: yes! For me and for anyone who would like to participate. <br />
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<b>What if someone says something is wrong, etc etc etc<i></i></b>. Then I will embrace it as a learning exercise like all other times I have been redirected with art. I don't know everything and will never claim to know everything: so it will be as much a learning experience for me as for others.<br />
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<strong>What if I fail?</strong> I will fail only by NOT trying. Failure is Fear's favourite taunt: a big wall that I often throw down before myself; that 'voice of reason' that stops me doing something new, just in case I fail. Whilst I have no measure for this failure,...I can't quantify it; I know it stops me. So, in answer to that question: I will not fail, by just taking a step forward. Then another step...and onwards until that voice can't be heard anymore.<br />
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<strong>And what if no one is interested?</strong> Well, time can only tell. But I won't know unless I try, right?!<br />
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Alrighty, that's sorted: excuse me while I take the rubbish out.<br />
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And now I am back!!<br />
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So, the first lesson will be on painting with a mixture of water colours, acrylics and pencils similar to this painting that I did for my Mum for Christmas.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIbmRDR7BkSbD_6GXH9AqhPdntTArTNzTvWlaCb9WSwOwYKzP16FVY2chRXKdR2bZQFYXZrmGK_NW0sdBvvBfR3eBoQV1f5_KGjdPABuVgr3ET_l-ZiP0YTTl9YD-E7WIgagCdHdvZ_g/s1600/small_iris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIbmRDR7BkSbD_6GXH9AqhPdntTArTNzTvWlaCb9WSwOwYKzP16FVY2chRXKdR2bZQFYXZrmGK_NW0sdBvvBfR3eBoQV1f5_KGjdPABuVgr3ET_l-ZiP0YTTl9YD-E7WIgagCdHdvZ_g/s320/small_iris.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div></div><br />
I would like to get everything together and sorted here at the White Canvas before I go much further - I would like to do some "New Year" cleaning on my blog - then I should be ready to go in a week.<br />
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So stay tuned my lovelies - let me know if you have any particular questions, fears of your own or needs in preparation for taking on this exciting challenge. I love questions, so please ask away!!<br />
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Big hugs to you all - I am really excited about our year ahead together.<br />
<br />
Cath<br />
<strong>x</strong>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11615539027142785193noreply@blogger.com7