photo friday challenge {shoes}

These gorgeous vintage baby shoes came my way as a message.

On Friday, October 31st 2008, having dropped Tigs at creche, I popped by my quaint little Oppe Shoppe, I say 'my' as it is mostly filled with my off-casts! Out of the blue the rain came teeming down. Sideways. As I walked towards the shop I noticed the tables of 'specials' the ladies had set up outside were getting soaked. I dashed in, told them, and asked if they'd like me to move them. Having tucked them safely under cover one dear old lady looked at me kindly and wisely her eyes locking tightly on mine and said sincerely, "Thank you Dear, I hope something wonderful happens to you". "You're welcome," I sang out, as I delved into the boxes of notions looking for treasure. With that I spotted a small, pink box containing the precious blush pink leather baby shoes above and a tiny brush & comb. The box, sadly, defaced with a Sharpie written '$5' right over the top. Never mind about the box, I thought, these are too sweet to pass up.

At this stage I should mention that we were perilously close to removing our file from Taiwan and giving up on our dream of a second child. I was emotionally spent. I wasn't sure who these precious little shoes would be given to but I had to have them.

So, with the little box tucked under my arm I continued to sift through the zippers, crochet hooks, buttons, curtain rings & hooks (why are there always so many curtain hooks in every thrift shop?) and picked out a few little goodies. I mindlessly moved onto the patterns section, when suddenly my tummy lurched as I stared down at myself, only 20 years younger! "Ah!", I thought, "this is the 'something lovely' happening to me. Not much chop but, oh well, I was photographed in lots of knitting patterns in 'my youth' and I've never found one before". With that I gathered my bits and pieces, paid for them and left feeling strangely tickled at my finds.

It was only three days later on Monday, November 3rd, after a 13 month wait, that our phone rang with the glorious news that we had a baby girl in our world ...

Goosebumps, hey?

This post was originally posted here.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and that something magical comes your way too.

E x

photo friday challenge {pocket light}

Better late ... 

The old sewing table has taken up residence in the bedroom and was in danger of becoming covered in piles of clothes.  Instead I added a few of my favourite things which looks far prettier and acts as a psychological barrier to 'stuff'. 

Succulents gleaned from the side of the road and from my Mum's place, chosen for their longevity, and reliability, their structure and form and their simple, elegant beauty.

A little artwork - by moi. 

Vintage hymn sheet, hemp, organza and stitched in sea-glass

collected by Tigs for me - he knows I love the blue hues.

And my absolutely favourite beads made by my super talented friend. 

I wear them almost every day. 

 Love them. 

photo friday challenge {sparkle}

They have liquid eyes.

Deep, black pools.

These four eyes light up my life, fill my heart with joy, give me reason for being. 

And  yes, they sparkle.

10 on 10 [loch sport]

 heading out at the start of the day

 me and my boy

 me and my man!

 ours...

 ... alone!

 freedom

 summer toes and lazy days

 sand kissed

 safe - if Daddy's there

tired and happy - the end of the day

photo friday challenge {self-portrait}

This year I would love to improve my photography skills.

 At the end of last year I was mulling over in my mind (and with my gorgeous sister) as to whether I had the commitment required to undertake a 365 day photo challenge like lots of bloggers do.  An image posted each day, for the whole year.  Short answer. No!

 So when Carly shared the idea of a Photo Friday Challenge I was signed up in a heartbeat.  This one should be really do-able for commitment-phobes like me.  Each Friday (my Saturday) Carly will put up the theme. And then in the next week we participate.  At least I think that's how it goes :)

So without further ado (but with a little embarrassment) I give you ...

Me!

(header by Carly)

self-portrait of me (and a cut-off husband!) summer 2012

Ex

wrapping up

So this Christmas, as many before, came and went too, too quickly.  I feel like I practically blinked and it was gone.  Life became so busy in the lead up to Christmas with all the normal prep and then throwing in a series of Christmas craft markets too!  Fun and fast!  Of course that left no time for this little space sadly, which is I'm doing the Christmas wrap up now :)

This year in a bid to be more organised I set up a wrapping station on a sideboard next to the tree,  which made it so much easier to handle the mountains of presents that needed to be packaged up and placed temptingly under the tree.  I loved having ready access to all the ribbons, tapes, tags and tools.  So efficient, which was crucial given my crazy schedule in the lead up to the end of the year.

I have to confess though (especially as my Mum actually knows the truth) that although the wrapping tray looks lovely the rest of the house was completely upside-down! 

There was sewing on the machine, packaging all over the kitchen bench, products were hanging on clothes racks drying, the dining table was totally covered!  Even I was covered, in threads,  and nearly left the house to collect Tigs with my tiny scissors or a tape measure around my neck on more than one occasion.   Just keeping it real here, but not real enough to actually show you the creative chaos! 

We celebrated on the 24th with Greg's family and on the 25th with my family and some of Greg's.  And topped of at my Mum's for Boxing Day.  All three days were lovely and really captured what I love about Christmas.  Children, family fun and togetherness . 

And now it 's over for another year.  Time to tuck all the ornaments back into their tissue blankets and away in the trunk.  I did it today and the house feels a little bare, plain and still but at the same time calm, clear and fresh again, ready for the new year to unfold and reveal itself.

E x

the year that was

January = Cuddles

February = Sir Tigs

March = Cute Woo

April = Tigs +Woo cook

May = Succulent

June = Tigs 7 + new jammies

July = The Bush

August = Woo 3

September = Cozy Hot Water Bottles

October = Gracie

November = Vintage treasure

December = Frantic, Festive, Fun

And lots of fun to come in 2012!

May yours be wonderful too,

E x