Joyce Lives Here

b r e a t h e

2012-01-27T14:36:00.000+11:00

The butterfly counts not months,

but moments,

and has time enough.

- Rabindranath Tagore -

Happy Friday Friends!

Mr Allens Omelette

2012-01-24T23:31:00.000+11:00

A strange name for an Omelette you say?

No, not really I say.

You see, Mr Allen has a farm, and on that farm his chickens strut and fluff, and peck and nest and make eggs. Also on Mr Allen's farm grows corn, and crookneck summer squash, amongst lots and lots of other delish, sweet, fresh homegrown goodies that we like to buy from him at the Sunday Markets down under the trees, with the music playing, and the waves crashing upon the beach just across the way.

The carrots come from another market stall at the same markets, however, sadly, I do not know the name of the farmer of that stall, but their carrots are mega delish, let me tell you.

Sadly for the bacon, I am not quite sure just how local it is, however, it is part of the ingredients of this omelette that I am about to share with you.

You will need -

approx 10 x farm fresh eggs

2 x crookneck summer squash medium in size (if you hold the squash in the palm of your hand, and wrapping your fingers around it, takes up most of that space)

2 x medium carrots

2 x medium cobs of corn

5 x pieces of rindless bacon.

Cut the bacon into small pieces.

Place into a non stick pan and cook gently through.

In a large bowl lightly beat eggs with a fork.

Grate the squash (do not remove skin, this is where the goodness is)

Grate carrot.

Remove corn kernels from cob.

Combine veges with lightly whisked egg.

Add bacon.

Wipe pan out with paper towel.

Put heat to medium heat.

You can either pour larger spoonfuls, or pancake size spoonfuls into pan.

Wait for little bubbles to appear around the edges of the omelette, then turn over to cook the other side.

This is not an expert omelette at all, actually more like little egg cakes than an omelette, but I like the word omelette, and so omelette it is!

If your mixture looks too bulky and not enough liquid, add another egg.

If you are a chef, you should NOT be reading this post.

If you are hungry, then, ummmm, go make Mr Allens Omelettes.

If it's winter where you live, then, it's very doubtful that you will get fresh crookneck squash near your place at the moment, and so you will have to settle for something like a winter vege that grows near you instead.

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today, have a wonderful day at your place.

Todays post has been brought to you by the letter 'O' - 'O' is for Oops, my omelette didn't flip!

Yarn Bombing - A New Member.

2012-01-23T16:58:00.005+11:00

Grey skies are not always a bad thing.

It just means a change in activities.

From lazy sunny beachy days, sand castle-ing, long evening walks, reading books under the shade of a big tree, cooling off in the various shades of shimmering aqua through to deepest of blue waters.

To pulling out the lego, painting, playdoh, reading books flat out on our bellies on beds of cushions and pillows, puzzles and boardgames, and toasted sandwiches.

(Wet days at home are also good for catching up on orders, paperwork, housework, and well yeah, let's just not go there, let's just be happy that certain jobs are done for now.)

Wet days are also good for yarn bombing. Yup! Yarn bombing light poles. I had just finished another customer order and wanting to make something other than my coasties, whipped up this flower with leaves, thinking I would do some sample headband/halo pieces for my next market. It ended up on a light pole instead! I like it, I like it alot. (Headbands and halo pieces still coming.) I should have been making these and bombing along the way when we did our big trip last April/May. Oh golly, now THAT would have been fun. Well there is no time like the present, so the experts tell us! *giggle*

If you have any information about yarn bombing, or if you are an active 'bomber' in your area, I would LOVE to know.

If you have never heard of yarn bombing, but are now curious, then check out below.

Australia « Yarnbombing

Yarn bombing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

25 Amazing Yarn Bombs

Yarn Bombing Australia (Facebook Page)

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today.

Have a wonderful week at your place.

Today's post has been brought to you by the letter 'Y' - 'Y' is for Yarn.

b r e a t h e

2012-01-20T08:51:00.000+11:00

Don't grow up too quickly, lest you forget how much you love the beach.

- Michelle Held -

Seriously! It's Friday already!

Stop

Take a breath

Look around you

*aahhhhhh*

No stories, no adventures, just a moment.

Go on, take it, take your own moment

right here and right now. You deserve it.

Bless.

Library Montage and Another Book Read

2012-01-19T12:13:00.002+11:00

My local library shared this clip on their facebook page. I love it, and so thought I would share it with you too.

My favourite bit? Cookie Monster of course.

My second favourite bit? The beautiful filing systems with the little vanilla cream cards all neatly lined and written on and dated, oh how I miss those. Gosh the places those books went and the adventures they must have had. Part of my love of library books was seeing where the book I was reading had been, and wondering about the person that read before me, did they like the book as much as I did, or more? Who was their favourite character and why? Did they read this book snuggled under the covers or spread out under a huge shady tree? I wonder what happened to all those little cards with years of information recorded on them? Did they end up in landfill? I think they would make beautiful papers for bookmarks, scrapbooking, bookcoverings, cards and any other type of paper decorating that could be thought up. ohhhhh a little set of bunting to hang, or made into flowers, stars and cranes to decorate a table or Christmas tree. *sigh*

I have just finished 'The Joy Luck Club' by Amy Tan. Love it, absolutely loved it. Was sad to see I had read the last page, I wanted to know more about these amazing women. I can finally get a copy of the movie now, as I don't like to watch the movie before reading the book. Woo Hoo!

So what are you reading right now?

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today - have a wonderful day at your place.

b r e a t h e

2012-01-13T11:02:00.000+11:00

The only thing better than having you for my mother,

is my children have you for their Grandma.

- anon. -

(Photo taken November 2011, on a sunrise walk with my Mum, in Kiama, NSW.)

National Year of Reading 2012

2012-01-07T08:25:00.000+11:00

This is my first read for 2012. Yay!

It's been in my bookcase for about 18months now *ahem*. My neighbour borrowed it last year and when she gave it back to me, she told me I just HAD to read this book.

The reality of joining a bookclub and being consistent just doesn't fit into our family schedule right now, and I don't like committing to something that I am not able to fully throw myself into.

I was going to aim for 1 book each month, you know, aside from the kids reads, which I also love. Seriously, 1 book to read in 4 weeks, holy cow, I used to read a book in 48 hours, surely 1 book per month is do-able? Hmmmm, perhaps I shall leave out the goal setting and just settle down to read when I can.

No pressure, just pleasure.

Have you opened up the pages of a book lately? What are you reading in January?

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today, have a fabulous weekend at your place.

b r e a t h e

2012-01-06T11:00:00.000+11:00

This Friday is going to take more than 'a moment' I have decided.

It's the first Friday of 2012.

I have been very blog absent of late, and with all good intentions of getting back on here and recording stuff, it just hasn't been that way.

The usual discussion of resolutions and the like have been circulating this last week in various conversations. I don't think I have ever had a New Years Resolution, and I am not about to begin now.

2012 is a big year, celebrating some of the following, in no particular order,

The Year of the Dragon,

The National Year of Reading - information about it here (yippee)

The Year of the Farmer - information about it here (bless them, and let's make a conscious effort to support them through local markets where we can)

The United Nations Year of the Cooperatives - information about it here

On a personal note, 2012 is going to be -

The year of groovy.

Yup, it's really that simple. I did type out a whole heap of 'year of' stuff, but then when I typed groovy, well that pretty much sums it all up for me.

If you know of any that I have left out, or if you are celebrating a particular 'year of' at your place, and would like to share, I would love to know.

My regular breathe moments shall resume next Friday.

Have a wonderful very first Friday of 2012 at your place today.

Thanks so much for stopping by my place.

Make it Groovy!

b r e a t h e

2011-12-23T23:07:00.000+11:00

Joyce is. . . . . . . .

Taking a moment to join in the checking out of the removal of another handmade link each morning as the countdown to Christmas continues.

Taking a moment to remember when we made these decorations a few years ago now, and loving they

have withstood the test of little fingers that decorate our tree each year, my big boy can almost reach the top branches of our tree now.

Taking a moment to send our love to our family and friends that are close to our hearts, and remembering with love and a little sadness, those that are no longer with us in person.

Taking a moment to watch the breeze twirl the decorations, and sit and watch them spin.

Taking a moment to sit and rest.

Taking a moment to snuggle on the lounge.

Taking a moment to kiss little fingers.

Taking a moment to watch the clouds.

Take yourself a moment.

Take that breath. . . . .

. . . . and . . . . . .

. . . . . . let . . . . it . . . . go . . . .

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today.

Have you taken yourself a moment today?

What's yours?

Take care of you.

Make it Merry.

Snapshots of the making kind.

2011-12-20T00:19:00.002+11:00

Here is part of why Joyce has been rather blog absent of late.

Going to try my best to keep it short, well as short as things go for a Joyce.

Welcome to the making-ness.

A custom order for a little friend - crochet beanie being modelled by Russell.

Markers of the book kind.

Neck warmers (market stock)

Playing with fabrics, making brooches.

'the boyfriend' scarf. (market stock)

Hairbands aplenty. (market stock)

wristies - to keep your wrists warm. (market stock)

monster birthday cake for my Mr Eggy-man.

ohhhhhh birthday party table making - soooo much fun!

cot/pram blankie. (market stock)

a variety of roses, hair clip and brooch backings. (market stock)

Paper bags for my customers' goodies they purchased at the markets. Even the customers that had a bag, when they saw these, they decided they needed a Joycie bag. It was so much fun, I never realised such a small bag would bring so many smiles.

Part of my table set up at my very first ever market day on the 4th December 2011.

I so love my little 'J' for Joyce. Thank you for all the lovely comments on my 'J'.

You can just see the moustachness in the background. I was so shocked they were selling.

What fun to see people totally enjoying themselves with a little bit of moustache love.

Denim hair elastics. (market stock)

Happy birthday my itty bitty minni. First time using marshmallow fondant.

Thank you to a very special lady - you know who you are my dear! xx

Funny face biscuits sent to school to celebrate the birthdays to share with the class. Using the pink marshmallows, just melted in the microwave. woo hoo!

Joycie's coasties adorn wine glasses all over the Coast this Christmas.

These are currently all sold out! How fabulous - spread the bling I say,

spread it far and wide. There are more coming in 2012 but not these colours. (market stock)

My most recently finished lacy loveliness, winter wonderland scarf. (market stock)

So that is what has kept Joyce busy lately.

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today.

May the creative-ness be flowing at your place.

b r e a t h e

2011-12-16T09:12:00.000+11:00

"I dreamed I stood in a studio

and watched two sculptors there.

The clay they used was a young childs mind

and they fashioned it with care.

One was a teacher, the tools she used were books and music and art,

One was a parent, with a guiding hand and a gentle loving heart.

Each agreed they would have failed if they had worked alone,

for behind the parents stood the school,

and behind the teacher, the home."

- unknown -

Dedicated to teachers everywhere.

Thank you for your support to our children in their learning journey for 2011.

Thank you for making learning so much fun.

Thanks for stopping by my place today.

Have a wonderful weekend at your place.

xx

b.r.e.a.t.h.e. . . .

2011-12-09T11:02:00.002+11:00

Today you are you, that is truer than true.

There is no one alive who is youer than you.

- Dr Seuss -

Joyce is back.

Joyce is sorry for her absent-ness.

Joyce missed her blog-buddies.

Joyce needs her breathe moment.

Joyce wishes everyone a wonderful weekend.

Joyce has moustach-ness at her front door, please take one.

Sometimes a little moustach-ness is what gets us through the day.

Thanks so much for sticking 'round, and stopping by my place today.

Take a little moment for you.

You deserve it.

You are YOU, don't let anyone tell you, you are not you.

It would be such a waste of a beautiful person if you become someone else.

Lest We Forget

2011-11-11T10:29:00.000+11:00

In Flanders fields the poppies grow
      Between the crosses, row on row,
   That mark our place; and in the sky
   The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
   Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
         In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
   The torch; be yours to hold it high.
   If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
         In Flanders fields.

Every Girl Should Have One.

2011-10-10T10:42:00.002+11:00

It doesn't need to be big.

It just has to be hers.

Her very own little nest egg.

Dedicated to my Grandma and Nanna.

Bring back Groovy

2011-10-06T11:54:00.000+11:00

Groovy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It's back, it's in fashion, it's now and it's happening. Wanna know why? Cause I said so!! Yup, that's why, Joyce said so.

She's feelin' groovy.

We are still school holiday-ing here, and it's now wind down mode. School and work goes back Monday, we are 4 lazy, groovy, chillin' days away from hectic.

It's only been 20 days since my last post and let's just say 'where did those 20 days go??'

I'll tell you where they went, they went fast, they went busy, and they went down the history line behind us. We left a little trail of bits of us along the way through work, school, and play. Bits of us that connected with bits of others that joined with others again, that form part of the fabric of what will become our memories and our past.

I am glad to be back in blogland, I have some most groovy news to share with you all too.

It's now official, I am now a qualified Teachers Aide (special) - yup, that is not a typo, it's true! I did it. Yeah, big deal it's only a TAFE certificate - BUT IT'S GOT MY NAME ALL OVER IT. School was tough for me, the whole way through, I just never 'got it'. So at age 42, I am pretty pleased and a little surprised to have completed my course 3.5 months ahead of schedule.

More news - I have booked and paid for my first ever market stall table - *shivers* - what am I getting myself into!! Be groovy Joyce, be groovy!!

I am excited and nervous and scared and giggly all at once about it. It's the Made with Love Markets which are on the 4th December 2011. I am currently making like a mad woman to prepare for the markets. I have also been getting orders here and there, that I have been making and sending as well. I will share pics of what I have made very soon, I also have a few items that I have sent out to some very trusted testers of which they are testing for me and will report back to me with their findings. (thank you ladies for your invaluable assistance, I owe you forever).

The last piece of news is, I am now a year older. I turned 42 this week and I love it. I am not a fan of odd numbers, don't ask me why, I have no idea. I was so happy to turn 42, and I just know it's going to be a magical year.

I have a little fan page on facebook if you would like to stop by and see a few of the bits and pieces that I have been making and selling lately. I haven't put much up lately, as I am currently donating a few dilly bags filled with hair ties for fundraising and working on them, plus I am trying to stock up on market items, and fill a few extra orders that have come in.

In a Joyce style nut-shell, that's me and mine for the last 20 days.

So how are you and yours? Are you feelin' groovy too?

Thanks so much for stopping by my place, enjoy the ride and have a wonderful rest of week at your place.

b.r.e.a.t.h.e. . . .

2011-09-16T19:24:00.000+10:00

No stories, no adventures.

Not even a quote for today.

Just a moment, a quiet moment.

Don't forget to treat yourself to a moment to breathe.

Joyce will be back soon.

Take care of you.

xx

Red, Grey and Navy Scarf

2011-09-04T18:40:00.000+10:00

An order placed by a friend.

She told me she likes red.

She said she wears lots of blue.

She is moving to a cooler climate.

I thought I would give it a shot.

I had her smiling face in my mind as I chose the colours.

She tried it on.

She loves it.

It warms her neck.

I love that she loves it.

She told me every time she wears it, she will think of me.

She made me feel all gooey inside.

I like feeling all gooey inside.

Hurrah for Spring

2011-09-01T17:02:00.000+10:00

May your days be sunny,

may your days be warm,

may your garden be bursting with colour.

Bring on Spring!

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today.

Today's post has been brought to you by the letter 'S'.

S is for Spring (in the Southern Hemisphere).

Now I just made it, I 'finished' you at last. . . . . . .

2011-08-29T21:42:00.004+10:00

Don't-chya just love when something works?

Don't-chya just love when it looks and feels better than you thought it would?

I do.

I do, I do, I do, I do, I do. . . . . . .

(yes, sung to Abba, notice the title of this post? - we are a little 'Abba-rish' tonight.) Actually I was a little bit MC Hammer earlier singing, not Hammer time, but choccie time - break it down. *giggling* like a crazy lady.

This was made using the exact pattern instructions from Ravelry made by Heidi Hirtle. Thanks again Heidi. I just made this one longer and joined the ends for a loop-a-liscious lushness in blue. I shall call you Jean.

Jean has been sold. I have a little page on facebook.

It's called Just Joyce and you can check me out too if you want to. I only started it up last night, so it's very brand new sort of new.

Have you made something lately that you just gotta share?

You just can't conceal it, don't you see, can't you feel it?

Don't you too? I do, I do, I do, I do, I do. . . . . . .

I would love to share another scarf in this pattern that I love. Go check it out here just scroll down the page. Don't you just love those colours!!

Come on, don't be shy, post it in my comments and I can come check you out too.

Would love to see what you are making, so come on now, let's try it.

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today.

Have a wonderful day at your place.

Book Week 2011 - Saturday

2011-08-27T16:03:00.000+10:00

Got a good book?

You know, as in a really good book, that is being used for book review/share

at school and needs protection?

Then make a dust cover.

We had a disposable paper tablecloth in the craft box. Yes, it was in the craft box because I would use them when my boys did craft. If you are lucky, op shops and garage sales have also had them, but like I said, if you are lucky. I am guessing this stuff gets snapped up very quickly, especially when it is still in its sealed packaging.

So you open out your tablecloth, grab a pencil and trace the real dustcover.

cut it out.

and wrap it around your good book.

If your book does not have a dust cover, then just measure your book and cut one out.

We are still reading The Key to Rondo by Emily Rodda. My voice is back now, so we can hopefully find out what happens next.

Thanks for stopping by my place today.

Today is Saturday, we like reading on Saturday.

Book Week Breather - Friday

2011-08-26T17:28:00.000+10:00

Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend.

Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read.

- Groucho Marx -

No stories, no adventures, just a book week breather.

Be gentle on you.

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today.

Book Week 2011 - Thursday

2011-08-25T19:53:00.004+10:00

Mummy's read.

If you are a Mumma that gets paid for the work you do - you would like this book.
If you are a Mumma that when she steps on those little lego headlight pieces and goes *$#%@@!!!!*^%#$ (!!!) *ahem* - you would like this book.

If you are a Mumma that doesn't get paid for the work you do - you would like this book.

If you are a Mumma to one child, or many children - you would like this book.
If you are a Mumma that likes watching clouds, but haven't done it for so long, you worry you may have forgotten how - you would like this book.

If you are a Mumma that travels, or a Mumma that stays home - you would like this book.
If you are a Mumma who can't remember the last time you visited the smallest room in the house without someone wanting you 'right now' or have someone in there with you - you would like this book.

If you are a Mumma to boys - you would like this book.

If you are a Mumma to girls - you would like this book.

If you are a Mumma that likes chocolate - you would like this book.

If you are a Mumma to messy children - you would like this book.
If you are a Mumma who looks at the bathtub and says to it, 'I will fill you with pretty scented bubbles, surrounded by candles, with a glass of wine and favourite book and have you all to myself ONE DAY SOON' - you would like this book.

If you are a Mumma to noisy children - you would like this book.
If you are a Mumma to little arms that circle around your neck and make you melt - you would like this book.

If you are a Mumma that doesn't know what to cook for dinner tonight - you would like this book.

If you are a Mumma that has the phone number for the furthest boarding school you can find in the phonebook on a post-it note next to the phone and use that threat - you would like this book.

If you are a Mumma to the perfect child - you need to see a Doctor - a very special Doctor and then you need to get this book.
If you are a Mumma that wouldn't have it any other way - you would like this book.

This book belongs to a friend of mine, she has lent it to me to read. I don't get alot of time to read for pleasure at the moment, but that will change very, very soon, and do I have lots of catching up to be done in the book reading for pleasure department!

I like this book so much that I am going to get my own copy of it.

Thanks for stopping by my place today.

Today is Thursday, we like reading on Thursday.

Book Week 2011 - Wednesday

2011-08-24T19:33:00.004+10:00

Do you like book parades?

We do.

It's a whole celebration of books at our place, there is a process we go through for character selection.

Here is how it goes.

The boys pull out a selection of their favourite books. We then go through them, reading them leading up to book week, talking about the characters they like and why they like them. They then select some possible characters they would like to be.

This year is different for us. This year Eggy is in Year 3. Years 3 to 6 do not participate in the parade, they do a book review instead. It's a bit sad, because dressing up in character brings the book alive! Eggy was a bit sad too, but he is ok now. I did tell him we can have our own parade here at home, but he said it's not the same. I do tend to agree with him. I was thinking today that next year, I might have a book parade party at our house, you know, just because, and do it on the weekend, because book week is a whole week you know! We can do book invites for the neighbours to come dressed as their favourite character - who knows, they might just like that idea. It could be lots of fun.

So back to this years book parade. . . . It's also different for Minnie this year too. Instead of going through his favourite books, he come home and knew straight away the character he wanted to be. There was no maybe about it baby. He was certain that he wanted to be Big and Bad and he wanted to do some Huffing and Puffing all about the place. Oh well, there will be no book culling pile this year. Minnie is onto it pronto! Go Minnie!

Pencil and paper for very important planning.

Cutting and measuring and making goes 'ahead'.

Stepping back to take a look at progress.

Hmmmm, looking rather hungry here. So far, so good.

Don't you just love the silver tooth fillings! Hmmmm Mr Wolf, a visit to the denist it seems. Perhaps he needs to brush his teeth a bit better in future!

In the lines of keeping it simple, simple it is!

If you look closely enough, you will see his tail which is the tail he wore last year here as Dingo in Wombat Stew. I do love a bit of a recycle. I am noticing a bit of a canine pattern emerging here too, hmmmm, yes, I certainly do.

Be afraid.

Be V.E.R.Y a.f.r.a.i.d.

What a wonderful book week parade was had at school today. The best part was, I am in Year 1 on Wednesdays, so I got to help the children get into character. It was so much fun. I spent the morning learning with Little Red Riding Hood, Ben 10, Mary Poppins, Harry Potter, Luke Skywalker, Pippi Longstocking, various princesses and fairies, Woody, pirates, The Saucepan Man, Sleeping Beauty, Where's Wally - that was soooo funny, the children kept saying 'Where's Wally - oh here he is!' and many more.

I would just also like to share the fact that I became Aunty for the 8th time at 10.37pm last night. Awwwwww a big welcome to the family to our newest little princess. (xx)

Thanks for stopping by my place today.

Have a wonderful book reading Wednesday at your place.

Today is Wednesday, we like reading on Wednesday.

Book week 2011 - Tuesday

2011-08-23T20:17:00.001+10:00

I wanted to pile them in size order with the spines showing, all neat and orderly.

Minnie said no.

Minnie is reading one of his dinosaur books with his little mate Jacky tucked under his arm.

Today is Tuesday, we like reading on Tuesday.

Book Week 2011 - Monday

2011-08-22T19:26:00.000+10:00

Happy Book Week 2011.

It's a Spot What book.

It's an oldie, but a goodie.

Two little boys, hangin' out together - reading.

Today is Monday, we like reading on Monday.

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today.

a little bit of outside, inside.

2011-08-21T18:21:00.002+10:00

The weekend has been wet,

the weekend has been blustery,

my little blooms were getting bashed outside,

so between drenchings, I raced about and cut some for inside.

I have little vases of freesia, lavender, and daisies sweetly

scenting our indoors.

I love flowers inside my house.

What are you loving at your place today?

Thanks so much for stopping by my place,

and have a wonderful book week at your place.

Yes, it's book week this week and we are going to share some of our favourites with you during the week. I would love for you to join in. I would love to know what you are reading at your place.

b.r.e.a.t.h.e. . . .

2011-08-19T09:26:00.000+10:00

Just living is not enough. . . . . .

one must have sunshine, freedom,

and a little flower.

- Hans Christian Anderson-

No stories, no adventures, just a quiet moment in a busy week.

Take one for yourself, don't forget to just 'be'.

Thanks for stopping by my place today.
Take care of you.
xx

Scrappy Tails Scarf

2011-08-15T10:16:00.000+10:00

Lots of odds and ends but not sure what to make with them?

Don't waste it.

Hook it.

This was made from lots of 5 ply scraps, blue ribbon and even kitchen twine features in this scrappy tails scarf.

I started by joining the ends of the scraps together, no matter how short/long, they got tied together and crocheted into the scarf. Once I had finished, I intended to weave in all my ends, however, fell in love with the scrappiness of the whole scarf, so left it.

I did make a scarf from the yarn my neighbour gave me which was donated to the hospital, however, didn't have enough to make another full scarf. The smaller oddments have been taking up space and I didn't want to waste them. When I finished this, I wasn't sure if it would be 'donatable' and not sure that your 'regular' person would enjoy wearing this, so decided to keep this one for me. I really love it and have been wearing it quite a lot as it goes with pretty much everything I own. Every single time I have worn it, I have been asked where did I get it, and how great it looks, which really surprised me, as it's not your average scarf type scarf.

I am going to make more of these now to donate for sure. Perhaps other people really would like to wear them too.

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today, and thank you for all the lovely well wishes. It's all systems go here this week at our place, just the way I like it.

Have a great week at your place.

b-r-e-a-t-h-e-

2011-08-12T12:27:00.001+10:00

Source

Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon.

-Winnie the Pooh-

Dear Pooh Bear - we love you.

Thanks for stopping by my place today.

Take care of your and yours.

Find some time to breathe.

Doctors are not funny!

2011-08-10T19:59:00.006+10:00

I hope to be back real soon. I cannot wait to catch up with you all at your places.

It's been a busy few weeks with work and then a horrid virus descended upon us and we have been rather ugg and yick, and bleugh. So many of my friends and their families have had it or are going through it now, it's really not very pleasant.

It seems rather wide spread too. The tummy bug is apparently rampaging its way through parts of Melbourne. Then parts of Sydney are hot spots for it, and up here on the Mid North Coast of NSW some classrooms are being halved in a day with kids in the office holding buckets with high temps, only to be fine in 3 hours time, but come crashing down again later that evening or the next day again. Congested coughs and total body exhaustion and aching and swelling of joints is what I am hearing from the Mums and Dads, and it's not just a week of it either. Some of the healthiest people I know have had it for 3 weeks.

I didn't go to the Doctors, I knew what I had and I knew what he was going to tell me, and I really needed to stay away from as many people as possible. Some of my friends had to go to the Doctors, because they needed certificates for work. I just reckon they should have coughed on their boss, that would then prove their requirement for time to rest and time away from the airconditioner.

Doctors orders, sleep and rest. Doctors are so funny aren't they, only problem is there is just no energy for laughing right now. Sleep and rest they say, right so which of you Doctors is going to collect my kids and take them for the week? huh? Can't quite hear you!! Hmmmm, thought so!

I know I have read that these sorts of viruses enter our bodies when we become run down, when we push and push and push ourselves way past the limit, but things just need to get done around the place, so we ignore the subtle signs and we keep going, that's just what we do. Then BANG! The downfall, our body tells us in no uncertain terms - ENOUGH JOYCE - ENOUGH. So yeah, just let me get these things done will you, then I can rest, oh and after I get that done, the other thing there waiting for my attention. . . . . . . NO JOYCE, STOP NOW. This is where the bleugh comes in, it's the tummy bug - you have no other choice but to stop, there is nothing left in your body to keep going, you are out!

While your body is low, along comes the cough and the earache, why not they say, looks like there's a party going on over here, let's join in. Great!

The human body is certainly an amazing piece of work. Bloody annoying at times, but still amazing.

We are on the up and up here this week, lots of ginger tea, gargling of gross stuff, olive leaf extract, Manuka honey on toast and probably the most important one, early to bed. What isn't done, will just have to sit tight til tomorrow.

So that is me and mine. How are you and yours??

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today. I do look forward to catching up with you all real soon.

b-r-e-a-t-h-e-

2011-07-28T21:29:00.000+10:00

Hullo cupcakes!

Don't that word just make you wanna smile!!

No stories, no adventures, just a cupcake moment.

Have a fan-tabulous weekend at your place.

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today.

P.s. taking a moment is early, but sometimes early is good.

Especially when it's cupcakes.

Go on say it with me, just once more. . . . . cupcakes.

See, made you smile just now huh!!

Feels good too huh!!

'round and 'round

2011-07-25T21:00:00.001+10:00

Another busy week ahead.

So busy.

This week will go fast.

I want to savour it.

I want to enjoy the kids I get to spend my time with.

I want to enjoy my own kids too.

I feel like I am going 'round in circles.

They are happy circles, but I still get dizzy.

Sometimes I like being dizzy.

But just for a little while.

I noticed there are lots of circles in my kitchen tonight.

Lots of circles.

They are round you know!

Yes, circles are round!

You just keep going, and going and going. . . . . . .

around.

Thanks so much for stopping by my place tonight.

Are you a little dizzy this week too?

map it out.

2011-07-24T20:05:00.001+10:00

With our little caravan, two travelling adventures behind us and two little boys that are now into how far and where they have been . . . . . . .

we decided to pin our stopovers onto our beautiful Map of Australia, which we purchased on the very last day of our most recent trip here.

Each trip will have its own colour, and we have pinned only at the places where we have stopped overnight. There are just not enough pins to do the day trips as well.

This is now hanging on the wall.

Such a fabulous reminder of the memories we have created together.

Such inspiration to plan the next one.

Thanks for stopping by our place today,

here's cheers to a great week.

*clink* *clink*

sock it to me baby!

2011-07-22T20:37:00.000+10:00

I know its my Friday b-r-e-a-t-h-e moment, however that was this morning.

and now is now (8.45pm Friday evening). It's a long time since my 'take a moment', and besides I am so excited I just HAVE to share.

Fingers cold and stiff, current gloves too cumbersome and slows down my typing big time, so frustrating I ended up just not bothering to try and keep my fingers warm whilst typing my assignment today.

Study break from the cold depths of the cold part of the house,

to the warm end of the house to thaw out and fold washing,

*sniff* a fave pair of my socks, almost on their 'last leg' - will be sad to say goodbye to these. . . . . . .

as I turned them in the right way, possibly for the last time, I stopped. . . . . .

I grabbed my scissors. . . . . . . .

I opened up my machine and set the stitch to zig zag and I stitched around where I had cut. . . . . . . . .

within about 2 minuties - *pffffft* cold hands - Not I says Joyce!

oh my wrists just loves these, they are so so soft and so so warm. I can type faster than the leaves scuttling up the street in the howling wind, I can roll them back when I hang the next lot of washing, I can look at the flowers that now adorn my wrist and I can smile.

Hello sock hands, how are you today?

b.r.e.a.t.h.e. . . .

2011-07-22T08:49:00.002+10:00

You can complain because roses have thorns,

or you can rejoice because thorns have roses.

-Ziggy-

No stories, no adventures, just a quiet moment.

It's a bit earlier today, I have to remind myself of my own advice.

b-r-e-a-t-h-e- Joyce, just b-r-e-a-t-h-e- - - - -

Thanks for stopping by my place today,

many blessings to your and yours this weekend.

p.s. all photos taken by me, unless stated otherwise.

This was taken in May 2011 at Cockington Green, Canberra.

Neck warmers

2011-07-21T22:07:00.001+10:00

Still loving this scarf pattern.

This is the scarf completed from this post. It was super quick to hook up, and I just love it, especially with this dark purple top.

This can be either a scarf or . . . . . .

one of my loop-a-liscious lushness' by stitching the ends together.

These are all for sale. I am not scared about taking the leap for these, cause if they don't sell, then they get to live with me. When I tried each one on to photograph, I was rather quite tempted to not put it up for sale, and the next one and the next one.

Please forgive the 'model' if you can call her that. It's scary hair day, as in washed it, and head banded it 'cause it was my day off and that's just how it is. Also my study books don't seem to mind if my hair is done or not.

Thanks for stopping by my place today.

I hope you are having a lovely week at your place.

School Holidays Wrap Up

2011-07-18T18:14:00.000+10:00

Trains. . . .

long lazy breakies. . . .

cupcakes. . . .

preparing to socialise with friends. . . .

puzzles. . . .

puzzle helpers. . . .

snuggling with new books. . . .

the very odd quiet beachy moment. . . .

living here. . . .

It's been a wonderful second week of the school holidays for us.

Caught up for lunches with friends, walks, play dates, snuggling, eating, games. What clocks, what schedules, who cares! It's the way we like it - kids just being kids, you gotta love that!

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today.

If you have been on holidays, we hope you had a wonderful time too.

you and me.

2011-07-16T14:54:00.000+10:00

How are you weekending?

Soccer is done for us for the weekend, we managed an early marathon of both boys playing at 9am seemingly at opposite ends of the earth. Hubbie collecting and dropping off of various friends and offspring, then picking them all back up and dropping/collecting them back to where they belonged. Thanks to wonderful friends, and an awesome Hubbie, all our kids and their mates got to their required games in record time. As for me, I was dropped off at our local sports store who very generously donated to our club to raffle, a treadmill and they offered us a table outside their store to sell the raffle tickets this morning.

*phew* all turned out rather quite well, we are all home and snug and warm out of the cold and wet and I am about to sink my teeth into one very cosy Saturday afternoon.

I am very aware that holidays are almost over, I gave myself one week off the study books, I thought that was fair. I am cramming in the crochet while I can.

This is a lovely little pattern from my 200 crochet blocks book. I love it.

This is a sample square, I am going to undo it and turn it into a scarf, using this lovely pale blue cotton yarn. It really is a very pretty pale blue, despite the cloudy, rainy shade of grey that is photographed here, which perfectly matches our weather today.

I am also loving, and finally starting, a granny stripes pram/cot rug.

Do you have a few crafty things going at once?

Yes?

That's ok then, 'cause I do too.

Let's multi craft together!

I like that!

You over there, me over here, together!

Thanks for stopping by my place today, and have a most wonderful weekend at your place.

b.r.e.a.t.h.e. . . .

2011-07-15T09:45:00.000+10:00

Focus on the journey, not the destination.

Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.

- Greg Anderson -

Thanks for stopping by my place today.

Have a wonderful weekend at your place.

nb. Joyce is wearing her hooked raspberry latte loop-a-liscious lushness.

A Blanket for Lumar

2011-07-12T15:53:00.000+10:00

The overseeing of the squares, apparently I am doing ok, and will not be blasted into outer space - yet.

As promised, Lumar can now be snuggly warm too.

Lumar likes the camera!

Thanks for stopping by my place today.

Have a wonderful day at your place.

Today's post has been brought to you by the letter 'L' - L is for Lumar.

Lumar comes from Dubbo Zoo, but lives with us now.

Granny Squares for Jacky

2011-07-11T18:57:00.001+10:00

'Mum, Jacky told me he gets cold at night, he needs a blanket.'

Minnie chose the colours and Joyce got busy.

Finished product - a blanket for Jacky.

Jacky loves it.

Minnie loves that Jacky loves it.

Joyce loves that Minnie loves that Jacky loves it.

Eggy has requested same for Lumar.

I promise to share when done.

What do you love right now?

Thanks for stopping by my place today.

Have a wonderful day at your place.

Tangy Canteen Slice

2011-07-09T15:18:00.057+10:00

Due to our soccer clinic last week, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen preparing goodies each afternoon for the next day for our kids and coaches. This particular slice is a heavily modified version of an old fruit slice that has been changed and changed again over the many years that I have been making it. It was an absolute hit and I ended up making three batches for the coaches as they loved it *that* much.

One of the Mum's commented to me that I obviously love being in the kitchen. I didn't answer her at the time, but thought about her comment and wondered if she was having a go at me. Anyways, the comment stuck in my head and I saw her the following day. I told her that I didn't answer her at the time, because I really hadn't thought about it until she said it.

After some consideration, my answer was this to her. It's not so much that I love being in the kitchen, but that I love food. In our family, with my hubbie the main income earner, it is my duty to provide nutritious meals for our family - it's my job as wife and Mum, it's life. Whether it be a main meal or sweets or a savoury platter with a glass of wine and a bunch of friends, we all gotta eat, and there's nothing nicer than being surrounded by the ones you love feasting on all that is good.

I compared cooking to knitting and crochet and told her that if someone was to come into my house and tell me they were going to cook our food and sort out the whole kitchen department of our home, then I probably would introduce them to our kitchen. On the other hand, if someone was going to take over my kitchen, would I get to choose what I would like to eat, or will that person take over all of that as well, and then maybe I might not like it oh so much after all. . . . . . . and being able to make the odd cake or slice now and then if the fancy were to take me over. . . . . .

However, if someone was to come into our house and tell me they were going to do all my knitting and crochet, then I would make them a cup of tea, offer them a piece of slice, explain to them gently but firmly that this most certainly will not be happening, but welcome them back for more cups of tea and slice, and for them to bring their own knitting and crochet and we can create together.

So no, not overly do I love being in the kitchen, but I do prefer the kitchen to cleaning the bathrooms (der Joyce!), just not so much as I love knitting and crochet and reading a good book, and jigsaw puzzles, and cuddles and gatherings of family and friends.

In the end, it wasn't really a 'yes' / 'no' answer, *giggle* it never is with this Libran. Sometimes people can easily confuse me, I know, perhaps I am being too honest here, but she really did, it was more her tone of voice than her actual comment that confused me. I did consider her comment and did not wish for her to be misled in her assumptions of me. I just wanted her to know that I am probably your regular Mum, who loves her family and likes to provide good food for them, but in my round-a-bout explanation way.

So how would you feel if someone were to come into your home and offer to take over your grocery shop, pantry sorting, weekly cooking and all things kitchen related at your place? Would you hand over your spare bedroom to them and welcome them in, or would you pour them a cuppa, share your slice, and after a chat, send them on their way? I would love to know your thoughts and why. If you post on your own blog, please share your link and let me know in the comments, or just post in the comments.

I am calling it 'Tangy Canteen Slice'. I think I like that name.

1 cup s.r. flour

3/4 cup castor sugar

1 tsp mixed spice (optional)

1/2 cup coconut

3/4 cup sultanas

1/4 cup craisins (dried cranberries)

1/2 cup dark choc bits

2 eggs lightly beaten

90g butter, melted

ICING

2 cups icing sugar, sifted

1 Tbsp fresh lime juice, approximately

1tsp milk, approximately (optional)

Grease and line lamington/slice tin.

Combine first seven ingredients.

Stir in eggs and butter.

Press mixture evenly into prepared tin.

Bake in moderate oven for about 24 minutes.

Insert skewer to check slice is cooked through.

Stand approximately 10 minutes before spreading with icing.

Cool in tin before cutting.

ICING

Sift icing sugar into bowl.

Depending on level of tanginess you desire, you can leave the milk out altogether and just use the lime juice, or you can soften the tang by using milk. It's up to you and your taste buds.

You can use lemon instead of lime if you prefer too.

Again depending on your level of tang, you can swap the quantities of sultanas and craisins around as well, or do half of each. It's totally up to you, the slice is yours, make it your way.

Let me know how you like your tang and if you made this one and was it a hit at your place.

Thanks for stopping by my place today, enjoy weekending at your place.

b.r.e.a.t.h.e. . . .

2011-07-08T16:00:00.002+10:00

Set your goals high enough to inspire you and low enough to encourage you.

- Anon -

We are still in soccer mode here, but winding down. . . . .

ever so gently. . . . . .

winding d.o.w.n. . . . . . .

No stories, no adventures, just a gentle moment. . . . just 'be'.

Thanks for stopping by my place today.

Have a wonderful weekend at your place.

Soccer Mum

2011-07-07T16:25:00.001+10:00

140 cup cakes,

3 slabs of fruit slice,

95 face biscuits,

4 banana cakes,

2 batches of rocky road,

62 chocolate crackles,

36 loaves of bread,

580 sausages,

3 boxes of apples,

2 boxes of bananas,

1 box of oranges,

6 watermelons,

3 pineapples,

9 coaches,

2 bbq-ers,

3 on canteen

1 bowl-licker

and dry socks.

All adds up to soccer clinic week for 62 odd little champions.

I have been pumped and motivated all week, madly cooking each afternoon in readiness for the next day. Tomorrow is world cup clash, currently New Zealand and Antarctica are at the top of the table. (The team names were all chosen by the kids.) It's close, the cup is anyones at this stage, the pressure is on. I am nervous. I am excited. I am a little bit sad that I am going to miss these kids after tomorrow. I am a little bit concerned that perhaps I really do have a very small head because I am going to miss these kids after tomorrow. I am happy that the Mum's and Dad's that come to collect their kids each day are so happy for us to have them for the week and are telling us how early they are going to bed at night because their kids are just *pooped*. I am so proud of these kids, their manners, their enthusiasm for the game they love so much, the friendships they have made.

I am going to miss these kids next week, but then I am so looking forward to a holiday. A holiday at home with my own little boys before they head back to school for term 3. I will put the study books away for next week. I don't feel bad doing that. I have managed to complete another unit, working on it at night. The end is near, I can almost feel it. But not for next week, there is time enough, there just has to be.

Next week I am going to be Mum.

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today.

I hope you have had a good week at your place. I hope you see lots of smiling faces around you this week. I hope you get to hear the sweet laughter and joy of children this week.

b.r.e.a.t.h.e. . . .

2011-07-01T08:59:00.002+10:00

A rose

is a rose

is a rose.

- Gertrude Stein -

Thanks Gertrude, it's been a busy week at our place, and it's so nice to be reminded of the important things in life.

Photos taken by me in Canberra, May 2011.

No stories today, no adventures. Just a moment to take time to smell the roses at your place, suck it in, take that breath, drop the shoulders and b-r-e-a-t-h-e. . . . . . . . . .

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today. Take care of you, and have a wonderful weekend at your place.

Bless. xx

at what cost?

2011-06-28T22:32:00.002+10:00

I have never been known to be fashionable, or have the latest, the greatest, in anything. I don't want to follow the trend, I like what I like, I know what I like and I wear what I like - it really is that simple for me. I know, I am special, what can I say.

First and foremost I love op-shopping, no matter what town we are in, op-shops rule. I love old stuff, I love stuff that has been loved and looked after so well that it still looks new. I love that it's not in landfill, I love the price tag and I love that through most of my op-shopping, my purchase is going towards helping a particular charity.

I am trying to be more aware of what I purchase, and where it comes from. This is fairly easy when it comes to food, thanks to people power, we are now getting items labelled correctly and honestly (some of the time), and for me, I have the power to make informed choices, because there are people out there that are willing to search the truth, willing to put themselves forward and share their knowledge to inform me, the shopper, on what I am buying and where my money is going when I purchase certain items. I like that.

So what about my clothes then? Where are they coming from, who is making them and how do I know my money isn't being used for evil?

I don't know.

I really would like to know.

I have seen the odd documentary on sweat-shops over the years and each time I am horrified at the abuse that is wrought on those that ~~slave~~ 'work' there. Oh and I am guilty, most certainly 100% guilty, because I am a purchaser of clothing.

I recently read one of my absolute favourite blogs, notions. Here's the nail, and here's the head, thanks Rosie for putting it out there.

Then, I was out shopping on the weekend, stores screaming 'sale' from every window, with cheap posters and flashy signs - such a waste of beautiful trees - each store with prices lower than the one next to them. I did stop, I did look through the racks, I was taken in by the hugely discounted price tags, sheesh, I am a girl after all. But then I stopped. . . . . . I put the items back on the racks and I walked away. I don't need these items, not at all, I don't need any of them.

So how does it work? Is there a little family starving tonight because I didn't purchase those items on the weekend? Is there a Mum selling her body on the street just so that she can put a mouthful of dry rice into the mouth of her child because she has lost her job at the clothing factory? Will I ever, in my lifetime, know where my clothing comes from or the fabric that I sew with? Don't I have a right to know these things, to be in control of where I choose my money to go? Would I allow my children to become slaves all day and all night? So why do I so easily accept the fact that another Mothers children are? Just because I cannot see something happening, does not mean it isn't.

I do say a huge thank you to those that are fashionistas and turn their entire wardrobe over with every season. Without these people, I would not have the pleasure of op-shopping. The op-shops would not have the pleasure of making a bit of money to give grocery vouchers to those that need it. But does that give me the right to feel at ease with myself because I op-shop? The clothing was still made by the same hands no matter how many times the item has been donated. I am just keeping it out of landfill, and giving money to a charity.

So where does that leave me now? Is there a nudie run in this at all? Then of course if we all go back to birthday suits, what happens to all those mammoth shopping plazas, and job losses. Don't even go near the gazillion lightbulbs being used, or the electricity that is used to even open the store doors. . . . . . . . . I know, how far does one take it? I am not even touching the subject of the toy sales. I am just hoping right now in every major chain store that none of them have a fire over the next 3 weeks. We will all choke on the fumes of melted plastic.

Moderation and awareness could well be the key to sorting out this mess. I am going to start with me. I am going to start asking more questions, finding out more information. I do hope to get a hold of this book. You can read a review about it here. (Thanks Rosie)

I typed this post out last week, however, I have not felt comfortable in hitting the 'publish' button. I am not sure why, possibly because I don't know enough on the subject, possibly because I cannot express myself quite so 'artfully' as others.

I had come to the conclusion that I would link the article but not comment on it, until, after a conversation (totally unrelated to this subject, but equally real) with my lovely and very intelligent neighbour, she made a comment to me that although each of us are 'one person', we should not fear wanting more information, we should not fear being able to express our concerns, and we really can make a difference if there is enough of us willing to do so. Now you have it, I have hit the publish button. It's out there, my mish-mash, shared with you.

Please read the article, and if you feel as strongly as I do and would like to, please pass it on to others. Please leave a comment of your own thoughts on this topic whether it be on your blog or in my comments. If you post and comment on your blog, please let me know, I would love to read your post. I would so love to hear from you, I would love to learn more if you have more to share.

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today.

trees. . . . are not always green.

2011-06-24T10:07:00.000+10:00

The beauty of the tree,

can never be duplicated,

between tree to tree,

nor season to season.

So take a look up sometime,

and see.

These photos were all taken by me between April and May 2011 while I was galivanting about the countryside in my flying by the seat of my gypsy pants, type pants. *sigh* I so miss those pants.

No stories, no adventures, just a moment, a quiet 'tree' moment.

Go outside, lay yourself down on the grass, and breathe. . . . . . just breathe. . . . . .

Thanks for stopping by my place today, have a wonderful weekend at your place.

xx

b r e a t h e

2011-06-17T19:21:00.000+10:00

A quiet moment of the experimental hooky kind.

It's Friday night down time before a busy weekend.

Thanks for stopping by my place.

Wishing you a quiet moment at your place too.

still raining

2011-06-15T22:18:00.002+10:00

Photo taken by Joyce at Cockington Green Gardens

After ~~four~~ five days of rain the locals were rather taken aback at the dizzying brightness of the dazzling ball that shone in the sky above them.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

It has been (and continues to be) rather damp and a little bit wild on the Mid North Coast of NSW - They say the sun is due to shine soon. We hope 'they' are right. Our thoughts to those sheltering in high schools and other evacuation centres the next few nights in various little towns in this region. There is going to be a bit of a mop up when this rain subsides, but we will all pitch in to help out in any way we can.

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today.

'T' is for Today.

2011-06-13T15:51:00.001+10:00

I was going to use this Monday of our long weekend for study, I was going to pull out the books and do a bit more and leave my boys to entertain themselves for the day.

Then I thought to myself - there is time enough for study.

Today is my gift. Today I will never get given back to me ever, never again.

If I were to die tomorrow, then at least for today I have lived.

At least, for today, I found time to enjoy the rain on my garden. . . .

at least, for today, I got to write letters with my boys. . . . . .

at least, for today, I will have coloured and drawn. . . . . .

If I die tomorrow, then, at least today, I will have seen my boys set up their rally racing indoor course. . . . . .

and watched as they taped and rolled the cardboard for their jumps and ramps. . . . . .

at least today, I will have tidied our wardrobes and have had a mini clean out, so then there will be less for hubbie to sort through . . . . . .

at least today, I would have snuggled with my darling boys and read a bit more of our current favourite book right now.

If tomorrow was the day that was marked for me to breathe no more, then at least today I would have had a chance to make a few more squares for charity. . . . . .

Today is your gift too, make the most of it, treasure it, hold it gently with both your hands, savour each particle of it, the low bits the high bits, the choccie chip bits and the bits in between. You will never get them back again, absolutely never.

I am out of here for today, it's happy hour at our place now, and I am thirsty. I hear the feint but persistent calling of a board game, it's getting louder. . . . .

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today.

Today's blog post has been brought to you by the letter T, the letter T for Today . . . . . . and for Thirsty.

Loop-a-liscious Lushness

2011-06-12T12:49:00.000+10:00

I have not been doing a lot of crochet since busting my hand here but this last week I have managed to get a few rows done, just enough to finish this loop-a-liscious lushness scowl? Well its not a scarf and nor is it a cowl, so I am guessing a cross between the two gives us a scowl, either that or it could be a carf, yeah, ok, maybe I will call it my loop-a-liscious lushness, cause that is just how it feels.

I would like to credit Heidi Hirtle who credits Jen on Ravelry for her version.

The scarves I make to donate to our local cancer ward can feel quite heavy, but I have been making them for warmth. The back of the neck can really feel the cold and I find myself that a heavy scarf although provides warmth, ends up giving me a dull head and neck ache.

I wanted a scarf, I wanted a chunky scarf, I wanted a light weight scarf. I had Heidi's scarf on my Ravelry faves for quite a while, but for some reason, I didn't think to use it at first. Before I went away, I played with all manner of stitches but while it sort of worked, it just really did look crap. And we don't want that.

Flicking through my fave pages on Ravelry, I come back to Heidi's Mesh Scarf and thought I would give it a go. I wanted longer, so I made some changes to suit and ended up with the pink scarf that I am wearing Here (keep scrolling, and scrolling). I love it, I totally love it, I wore it so much while away, dangling just like the photo then other times wrapped and wrapped about my neck, lovely and chunky and light and warm. Luckily I had enough of the grey from my beanie and scarf combo of which you can sort of see in the photo Here (again, scrolling, and scrolling some more) to begin on the mesh pattern.

It was going to be a scarf just like the pink one, however, now I am back home and into the classroom with my little students, a scarf can be a bit cumbersome, dangling down, hanging over the desk and generally just getting in the way. I have seen in the shops quite a lot of loop scarves or cowls and I am also seeing quite a few on ravelry popping up. I don't want a single cowl thing, some days I like chunky, some days I like drapey, some days I like loopy. I wanted something that would do all three.

I think I did it. (Just ignore the monster eyebrows and bad hair.)

Chunky.

Loopy.

Drapey.

Introducing my Loop-a-liscious Lushness

See, just one big loop.

I am going to make some of these for the local cancer ward and hopefully they like them just like I like mine.

I am going to post my pattern count to ravelry, when I work it out and I will let you know, in case you would like to make one too.

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today.

Have a wonderful weekend at your place.

Today's blogpost has been brought to you by the letter L.

L is for Loop-a-liscious Lushness.

Bingo - make your own

2011-06-10T18:58:00.000+10:00

As part of my studies, I am to put together a portfolio of activities suitable for the classroom. I can do that! Here is one that instead of just writing up the instructions, I escaped the computer desk and got hands on making. Much more fun than typing a whole bunch of words *yawn*.

Did you know that Bingo used to be called Beano? There you go, so now you know, oh and also did you know it is believed to have originated from Italy in the 14th Century, and they still play the same 'Lo Guiocu del Lotto D'Italia' every week? Now you know that too, just like me.

Then some dude by the name of Edwin Lowe saw Beano being played at a local county carnival in Georgia around 1930, he was astounded by the excitement of the players and so went home, made a few changes invited some friends over and watched the excitement of his guests as they got hooked on Beano.

Around this time some chic was playing Beano, so the story goes, and in her excitement of completing her full line on the card in front of her, she called 'Bingo'. Edwin must have really liked her, cause he then called the game Bingo. The game become so popular that Edwin needed help and so called a mate, Carl Leffler, a University Math Professor and so pretty ok with numbers and stuff, and offered to pay him a lot of money to make up original Bingo card combos. Poor Carl did it, but sheesh, he must have had a rotten headache by the time he finished around 6,000 original bingo cards.

So there you go, now you can impress your friends with some bingo history.

So, ok, here is how I made mine.

Cereal boxes.

Print out your number cards. If you don't want to print your own, in the comment box below this post, let me know with your email address and I can send you my 8 cards, however, you will have to print them out yourself, then adhere them to your own cereal boxes and you will have to trim them yourself, then laminate or contact cover yourself, but it's ok, cause that is the easy part. You can also print them on coloured cardstock of which I am going to do another set.

Then because I felt like it, I drew up 50 x 3cm squares and in black marker wrote the numbers from 1 to 50 on each of them with a black dot in the top left corner (to show orientation). You can type your numbers out or if you ask nicely, I can type them out and send them with the bingo sheets for you to print, cut and paste.

Once you have printed, pasted, and snipped, you will have 8 x bingo cards. Again if you ask nicely and need more, I am more than happy to supply a few more for you, or you could even make more of your own using mine as a template. I am nice like that you know. I like to share, cause I know so many others share with me.

Go find yourself some lego blocks, buttons, dried macaroni, bottle tops, counters, lollies, whiteboard markers (if laminated or contact covered) or whatever is on hand to start your game, invite your friends over, get cosy and bingo away.

Some little notes:

The game I have set up does not have 'BINGO' at the top of the card. I have made it for little ones, it needs to be easy, it needs to be fun, it needs to be quick-ish, it needs to not feel like learning stuff.

It's a 5 x 5 grid, made up of

1 − 10 in row 1,

11 − 20 in row 2,

21 − 30 in row 3,

31 − 40 in row 4, and

41 − 50 in row 5.

Nice and simple, all the numbers in order along each row.

We start the game by putting a block on the 'free' square. You can have a single person be the 'caller' or you can each take turns dipping into the container to pull a number and calling it.

You can call the rules of the game at the beginning of each game, for example the winner is the person that can cover all their corners, 5 in a row, or 'x' marks the spot across the middle. It's your game, it's your way.

You can pull out the monopoly money, collect your 5cent coins, or use fantales to purchase your bingo cards. You can wrap up little prizes for the winners, you can do a nudie bolt down the street if you so wish. Just let me know if you are coming down my street so I can give you a cheer and spotlight you as you go past with my torch. No point doing a nudie run if no one is there to see it now - you gotta share the love you know!

*ahem*

In a classroom situation, (nudie runs are not allowed) in a similar age/ability class group the teacher can be the 'caller' and when a number is pulled instead of saying '9', they can say '5 plus 4 equals. . . .' then let the students find their answer and cover it if they have it. It can be just the number, it can be subtraction, addition, multiplication it can be a combination of any or all.

The number can be written on the board for students that need to 'see' the number to match it.

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today.

Have a wonderful weekend at your place, and Happy Birthday to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We have a long weekend here in Australia. Shame about that really.

Take care of you.

B is for Bingo!

Monday, Monday. . . . . .

2011-06-06T11:12:00.000+10:00

*sniff* the house is too big, the house is too empty, the study books are too gross, I want my boys back. The caravan is singing this song in the garage. I am trying to ignore him, but I too feel his pain.

We got the blues, the caravan and me, we got the blues.

Today is my first day without any of my boys with me in 8 weeks, and I don't like it.

Thanks for stopping by my place today, *sniff* I gotta go find me the littlest violin and play me a tune.

Only 4 hours til my boys come home. . . . . .

Conclusions

2011-06-05T19:27:00.000+10:00

We haven't really had a chance to enjoy being home until today. It's not that I mind the chores, actually quite the opposite, it's down time for me, the methodical task of pulling everything out of the caravan, restocking shelf items that need restocking, cleaning and checking all is in order for the next adventure. It's just part of the journey really. It's a sort of closure to this chapter of our time together.

It's a little bit sad and a little bit happy for me. Time is passing, my boys are growing up, a holiday so longed for and counted down for is now behind us, but the memories we carry with us will always be there, there are so many more adventures ahead of us to count down to and plan and look forward to. Times to share together that will always be with us in years to come.

This has been our longest trip away in our caravan, and my feet itch, they itch so much more now we have been 'out there', to get back 'out there' and see more with my family. To create more memories together, to be together in our caravan. To hear my boys sleeping in their little bunks just down from me in the dark. To hear their breathe so close to me. To hear the odd sleeptalk from my Eggyman as he dreams his little dreams, I so miss that here back in our seemingly big house.

On our way home we went through Parramatta in Sydney. We drove past My Map Shop, and just had to find a side street to pull into. We did, and then we met Dianne and we bought a beautiful big map of Australia that was laminated and framed. It is perfect, just what we had wanted to get to put on our wall and track our travelling. We are going to pin all the places we have been to. Each trip we are going to use a different colour.

As for this trip, here are some stats that I have collected.

- klms travelled x 6,800
- stops x 16
- states x 3
- fuel x AUD$1,622.89
- bog experience x 1
- suicidal bird (RIP Larry) x 1
- photos taken x 1960 (approx.)
- turn back for fuel x 1
- quarantine fruit gobble quests x 2
- caravan sleeps x 40
- busted wrists x 1
- toilet/bathroom cleaning x 0
- new nicknames x 2 (please refer *)
- hours spent in the car travelling x 64 hours and 30 minutes.
to the next town. This does not
include day trips, getting bogged
or turning back for fuel.

* explanation for new nicknames. No matter where we go, it seems there is a new nickname for at least one of us.
This trip produced two new nicknames.
Eggy has a new nick name of 'Lunchpac'. Simply because at Dubbo zoo the beautiful cheetah was lazing in the sun as you do in the middle of a cool day and when we walked up to the enclosure to say hello, Mr Cheetah raised his head to our voices and just quietly watched us unmoving other than his long tail flicking invitingly friendly to us. ha ha ha ha, sorry Mr. Cheetah, we know you only want us for lunch! Well Eggy, walked along the fence line and Mr. Cheetahs head turned to follow Blake walking all the way along the fence. Eggy commented 'he is watching me!', Oh you bet we said, he likes the look of you for sure, what a nice little lunchpac he would make. So lunchpac it become.

The other nickname belongs to Minnie. 'Mr Apples' - when we got to our quarantine bin disposals we would cut up the fruit (mainly apples) and put them in a plate to munch on in the car as quickly as we could. One occasion Minnie had the plate and was dishing them out like an apple nazi and counting each piece and how many were left, you had to be there, it was just so funny, this little monkey of ours distributing pieces of apple from the back seat in the middle of nowhere. So Mr. Apples it became.

I do have more photos to share, but they are odds and ends that I will collage another day.

Thank you again for joining in on our journey. Thank you for allowing me to indulge in my family and our time together. I cannot begin to elaborate on how magical this time together was for us, how wonderful the landscape we encountered and how much fun we had feasting our way through the 40 days and nights of our adventure together. I cannot wait to do it again, I regret not a single stop, not a single moment, I am in absolute awe of the country we live in and I so want to support our awesome farmers and growers and owners for the produce they presented to us through local markets, restaurants and shops along the way.

Thank you so much for stopping by my place tonight and have a wonderful week at your place.

Joyce. xx

Dubbo, a surprise and journeys end.

2011-06-04T17:01:00.000+10:00

28 and 29 May 2011

Dubbo Zoo

There is lots to do and see in Dubbo, however, we ended up spending our two days visiting the zoo. We did not go to the Dubbo show that was on that weekend, we did not check out the Gaol, we did not visit the wineries, we did not visit the skate park, we did not go to the Dundullimal Homestead, we did not visit the Observatory, we did not go to Traintasia.

We spent two days at Dubbo Zoo, we love Dubbo Zoo, it's our favourite zoo.

Here are some of the reasons we love Dubbo Zoo.

Lunch time, part way up this trunk.

Meeting some of the residents, without bars on tiny enclosures.

Closeups.

Far aways.

Relaxation.

Family.

Time out.

Thirst quenching.

Sharing.

Making friends.

We had a lovely time in Dubbo.

Thanks Dubbo for looking after us.

Here our journey begins to end.

From Dubbo we head to Newcastle, or so I thought. Much to my surprise, it was to Sydney that hubbie drove, through Orange, Bathurst, Katoomba then into Sydney. . . . I said I would love to stop by and see my parents, just quickly you know, just for a hug and to see them, then back in the car on the road again, the weather was awful, the roads very slippery and it was windy. Hubbie said we couldn't do that.

Much to my surprise he pulls into a little caravan park not far from my parents place, it was a total shock, he had called my parents a few nights before to arrange a visit with them. All unknown to me - oh what joy, what a wonderful way to close our holiday to see my Mum and Dad. We quickly popped over to see them that night, then spent the whole of Tuesday with them. It was wonderful.

Tuesday night my little man wasn't well, but early hours of the morning, he got rid of his tummy bug and the colour returned to his little face and I knew he had got rid of it.

Wednesday to rain and more rain, we packed up our caravan for the last leg of our journey and headed up the highway to home.

It was then Minnie's turn to be unwell, but he is back to bouncing health once again this afternoon.

The reality of routine will surely smack us in the face rather very rudely Monday morning, but for now the weekend dangles seductively before us. . . . . mount washing pile has been diminished to a molehill - well it does if you stand far away enough. The caravan has been washed inside and out along with the car, most of the photos are sorted, the journalling of the pen kind was completed today, along with the sorting of collected business cards and other items of which are in a 'computer' pile ready to be sorted through and notes of things to 'look up' for further information.

Thank you so much for tagging along our little adventure, it has been such a pleasure to share this little bit of Australia with you all. It has been an amazing time with my family, the memories we have created together will always be our wonderful souvenirs to share and treasure.

Take care of you and yours at your place, and don't forget to get yourself some travelling by the seat of your gypsy pants, pants, you really must get out there.

Posted by Joyce.

Cobar

2011-06-03T22:17:00.000+10:00

26th May 2011 journalling.

Here is a link to Cobar Shire Council if you are interested in gaining a more professional insight into this middle of New South Wales town.

For a view from my eyes, here is what I found of Cobar in the middle of the New South Wales stunning outback.

The road that leads to Cobar from Broken Hill. The sky, as always the sky is just so beautiful out here.

One part dryness, one part wetness, the ever changing landscape.

Golden grasses by the roadside.

Twisted branches, dancing shadows, red underfoot, shimmering blue ceiling above.

Still we travel, still the road stretches before us, still the shadows dance and grow longer as the sun again dips down behind us, still we feel like the only ones to witness this moment, right here and right now.

Hello Cobar. What another lovely place to visit.

Lucky me, my little big brother was passing through here on his truck route from Perth to Brisbane and he could only stop for a short time, but long enough for me to feast my eyes on him and give him a big bear hug. Ooohhhhhhh it was wonderful to see my brother. The boys loved his big truck too. Travel safe bro. xx

An open cut mine. T'was huge I tell you, h u g e type huge! Kinda makes one dizzy looking at it really!

Just look at the bluest of blue, wow, I know, I know, Joyce loves the sky, what can I say, I love the sky.

Cobar Town Hall Cinema. There is something magical about an old building, something regal, something secretive, almost like it is grinning at me and saying, 'oh if only you knew the secrets I knew.'

Do old buildings do that to you too?

Back to the caravan park, we spent a rare afternoon relaxing, feasting on cheeses, olives, and wine, chatting with the neighbours, chatting with ourselves, talking about the yesterdays, talking about today, but not talking about the tomorrow. Just loving our togetherness, loving our caravan, loving our travelling by the seat of our gypsy pantsness. There is such open space here, the boys wandered off playing, I sat and watched them, running and playing, the sun slowly winking away on another glorious day in paradise. I wanted to capture this moment, this afternoon of bliss, so I grabbed my camera.

I am so glad I grabbed my camera.

My two cheeky monkeys were playing a little game together, such imagination they have, and such lovely little mates.

Running free.

I lay down in the grass to take these shots, laying in the grass is so lovely, the warmth of the day still in the ground but just a hint of cool earth to remind of the recent wet.

What a stunning view from so close to the earth. I can almost feel it living and growing beneath me.

Four sun-kissed gypsy shadows.

Thank you Cobar, thank you.

Thank you once again for travelling with us to Cobar.

Posted by Joyce. xx

Broken Hill

2011-06-03T20:51:00.000+10:00

Hello, hello to all and welcome home to Pops, Eggy, Minnie and gypsy Joyce.

We are home, but in our minds, we are still travelling.

I will be updating my blog journal for the completion of our holiday. I do not want to let it slide, it's still fresh in my mind, and I so want to 'finish' the journal journey.

My notes will be taken from my photos, and my car journal, notes that I have scribbled along the way. As I read back on them, I remember so clearly the wonderful places and the wonderful souls we come across.

Bless the inventor of the pen and the paper, bless them.

Journal entry 24.5.11

Wet, cold and wet with cold, we snuggled in bed together this morning as it rained and howled around us, cocooned snugly and deliciously together. Rain pounding the roof over our heads, it didn't matter a hoot, we were together.

Eventually we braved the weather and visited the Pro Hart Gallery. Do you remember the pro hart carpet ad? Oh I loved this ad and my boys got to see it because Jan, who is possibly the Curator, had a dvd and put it on for them. They loved it. She told us much about this loving gentle and shy man who called Broken Hill home. I love his trees, they are everywhere in Broken Hill, yes, I call them Pro Hart trees, because he has captured them perfectly.

Pro loved cars and motorbikes, here is one he painted.

Part way through the day, the sky began to clear, so we headed outdoors as quick as we could.

We were getting a little hungry, so headed to Broken Earth for a brilliant view and something yummy for our tummies. We were not disappointed with the view or the food.

It was crazy windy up there, and we seemed to be the only ~~crazy~~ brave souls to hang around and take photos. The boys loved it. Here is Minnie, investigating a piece of machinery. I love how he has to inspect every little detail.

If it isn't dusty in Broken Hill then it's muddy. This is the experience we had, and I hope this does not put you off visiting this wonderful place. The people we met here are full of heart and soul, they are the salt of the earth sort of people, and we felt very welcomed here by all we met. Alot of the streets are named after metals, minerals of the earth. I thought this was rather cool. The trees are so pretty here, exactly like a Pro Hart tree, no wonder he loved this place.

On our way out to the The Living Desert & Sculptures we shared the road with kangaroos. There are no boundary fences out here, cows, horses, goats, and the occasional donkey live together.

It's so lovely to be outdoors between the rain downpours. I did not like to wish away the rain too much, it's such a precious element out here, I did not wish to chase it away. This is a great walk and so relaxing, the view is wonderful. I cannot get over the colour of the earth out here, so rich in colour more than just red, almost burgundy in places, then big jutting rocks rise up out of the ground all golden and jagged. The air is sharp and fresh, you can feel your lungs dancing for joy with the freshness.

Sturt's Desert Pea is the floral Emblem for South Australia. Apparently I am related to Captain Charles Sturt, on my Dad's side. Somewhere anyways. . . . . . you know, way back, like way, way, wwwaaaaayyyyyyy back. . . . . . Anyways, this is the first time I had encountered 'Uncle/Cousin Charlies' Pea in the real, and I must say, I was impressed. What a beauty! It's a very pretty ground cover and you can read more about it here.

Up to the sculptures. They are just beautiful and the view from here is awesome even with a cloudy sky that threatens to drop down on us. This above sculpture is called 'motherhood'. It's much better in the 'real' than this photo. I stood here for quite a while in front of this one, we have something in common this mother and I. You can see her emotions, you can 'feel' her love and protection for her child.

No stunning sunset photos for us, but oh look at those three cheeky happy holiday faces peeking through. This was a fun moment, it's usually the little things that become the most precious memories. We had so much fun here.

Here is the whole sculpture.

Darkening skies, we headed back to town and said g'day to a fellow traveller.

Back to Broken Earth Cafe for an evening sky photo. Here is our sunset, it was magic, and it was only us up here to see it this day.

Thank you Broken Hill for your heart and soul welcome to four little gypsy travellers.

We will be back.

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today, and for joining in the little journey of this wonderful country we live in.

Posted by Joyce. xx

Pitstop and Heartstrings

2011-05-29T21:20:00.000+10:00

It's a pitstop, a pitstop partway through our travelling by the seat of our gypsy-pants journey sort of pitstop.

There are no photos, and so there will be no travel stories until we get home. You see we have this 'unlimited' mobile internet thingy, which apparently really is unlimited, however when it reaches a certain number, then the whole operation s l o w s d o w n . . . . .

*ahem* and so putting photos up on here takes rather a very long time.

I have so much to share, so much to record, so much inside my head, but it will have to wait.

While we are waiting, I do just want to share this lovely blog. Jodie has a shop in Cobar and I found her shop and I went into her shop and I sighed with bliss, and I bought some yarn, after lunch I went back and I bought some more yarn. Although still unable to knit and crochet, that doesn't mean I can't buy yarn. Jelly Wares is the name of her little shop, and is also the name of her blog as I discovered when I popped in the address that was on her business card. You can also purchase yarn from her shop too. She sells Noro, Malabrigo and a heap of others, that I cannot remember right now, but go and check her out. . . . . now, . . . . quickly. . . . . you must!

She is also on Ravelry, so please make sure you pop over and check out her lovely creations.

I have also tried visiting alot of my fave blogs, however, the photos are not loading, and so I am unable to see what you are all making, buying, falling in love with until we return home. (insert sad face here.)

This trip of ours is so much more than I thought it would be. This time with my family so very special, the time my boys have with their Dad is irreplaceable, and I know they will remember this 6 weeks in years to come and treasure these 40 odd days and nights in our caravan, tripping around this beautiful country we live in.

I have to be honest, there has been a few occasions where I have longed for home. Just for a brief pitstop.

My family and friends. I want to talk to my Mum and Dad, to hear their voices over the phone, (we do not live in 'visiting' distance), and although times get busy, just to hear their voice sounds so wonderful to me. The people that pull at my heart stings and I so long to hear their voice again, I so long to see their beautiful faces with my own eyes. The words 'I miss you' are so very simple, but pull so much on me. We have been in contact through email and text messages and to hear them said, and the way they are said, these people make me feel so loved, so honoured, so blessed, to be part of their life, and to know that they feel as I feel toward them, only makes me miss them more. They take me as I am, they ask nothing of me than I have to offer to them, they laugh at me and they laugh with me, they see the whole package, and still they tell me they miss me. I am so very blessed.

My Oven. Home made, straight from the oven, my oven, chocolate cake and that top bit of cake that I slice off to make it flat for icing, that is still fresh and just a little bit warm, but mouthwateringly soft inside with that little bit of crusty outer that we all love to nibble on and a sure sign that the cake we are about to ice, is going to taste rather delish.

All good things must come to an end, but wait, it only opens the door to more good things ahead of me. Catching up with family and friends, getting back into the groove of our lives, planning the next adventure. Always there is an adventure waiting, just around the corner.

Thanks so much for stopping by my place today, thanks for being part of the journey, thanks for being my friend.

Take care of you, and bear hug those that love you with no conditions, no questions, no expectations just cause they can and just cause they do.

See you on the other side of my travelling gypsy-pants seat flying fling, where I will complete the rest of our adventure with photos and journalling.

Posted by Gypsy Joyce.