Tuesday 28 June 2016

Nostalgic

a sweet walk down memory lane...

I have some very distinct memories from my toddler years and working through some of those memories with images and hearing stories was so wonderfully nostalgic.   There weren't many images of me as a baby because they couldn't get film stock at the time.
Living in Middle Africa wasn't an easy time. That makes me terribly sad.

I would have loved my girls to see that.
It is a moment in time gone and lost to the world forever.
That kind of breaks my heart a little.  I'm so grateful for the ones I did find.

 

I always knew my Momma was beautiful but finding these images of her has given me a new appreciation and love for her. She made all her own clothes and ours, worked and had 4 babies.  She was stunning and stylish and trendy. The image of her with the baby with the Purdy cut was with my baby brother...  after 4 babies to look so incredible and stylish... I'm blown away.

She has always been remarkable woman to me but now I know, she's always been that way.

What a legacy so share with my girls.

Here Kitty Kitty...


So on the farm one of the pregnant sheep died during the night.
It was horrible to see her pregnant belly but no life left there.  No one said farm life is easy.
My dad loaded her up and we headed down to the sanctuary across the road.
Nothing goes to waste.  This sheep will feed these guys for the week.

I have never stood so close to a Lion before.  The big guy was literally yawning in my face.
The roar is something special... the earth literally vibrates.

The babies were particularly amazing.  So soft and desperate for cuddles.
So playful too.  It's incredible how that will change for them in the coming year.

Monday 27 June 2016

Organic Matter...

I loved doing this...

Finding sweet organic elements to spell out my name for Camera Craft.
Class starts today and it's so exciting.  It's still not too late to sign up.

I'm so excited to start... I'll be late to class this week because I'm away.
But I will be playing catch up for sure.

To the lovely people who signed up through my button, I just want to say a huge thank you!
I appreciate your love and support.

See you in class - can't wait.  Yay!

Sunday 26 June 2016

Say Cheese....


We popped over to my folks farm and cheesery for a few days.  It's been almost 5 years since Kitty has been here. Plus we felt while Corks was away it would be nice for Kitty to do something different during the holidays.  Plus with all the flu in the house and the cold weather, we felt it would be good to have some milder days. The days are much warmer here and they have beautiful winter sun.
I'm still not 100% better but definitely getting there.

The chats and connection, stunning, every meal together, sacred.  I know that's a particular highlight for my Dad, for me too.  We live about 14 hours away from each other (traveling by road).  So whenever we meet up, it's special.  My brother and his family have been visiting too.  We nostalgically went through old childhood pics. I discovered new things.

We took a tour of the property (it's large).  The dairy, the factory and the cheesery.  I marvel at all my parents have done.  They are truly remarkable human beings.  Every single thing they have done, they have done with their own hands, own hearts and true grit.  Seeing that in action is precious.  I hope I will be able to be such an example to my girls.

My heart is bursting with admiration today.

Friday 24 June 2016

Tender excited farewells

And we have lift-off...

Lots of hoping, lots of planning, lots of dreaming and lots of saving.  And today the day arrived.
I have never been prouder and more stoked for my girl.
I couldn't think of a more deserving one.  She's worked her butt off to be here.
She's growing up!  Seeing her heart on fire has blown me away.

Wednesday 22 June 2016

#InMyStudio.... At last


So I've noticed when I'm nervous about painting.  I keep myself busy with life, extra blogging and anything really, to avoid being where I need to be. I'm the queen of procrastination. I don't know exactly why my brain works like this because once I start... 
It's always such a joy!

And today was a pure joy time #inmystudio.  I started off filming a little for TinyBagsofLove, made two miniature teacups with paperclay and then I started painting... It's been a while... So it was good to be back!

I'm pleased to say I'm feeling much better today, definitely more capacity!  I had a full afternoon and I was pretty exhausted this evening... But tomorrow is another day.  As far as today is concerned, it was a good day!


I loved painting that hand today...
They are getting easier each time I try

10Day PhotoChallenge - that's a wrap



That's a wrap!  The 10Day PhotoChallenge.

I loved every moment of it!
I learnt so much and tried new things.
But most of all I loved the words... So deeply personal.
Touching and resonating - I feel a little altered after working through them.

I can't wait to head into class and dig a little deeper!

Tuesday 21 June 2016

Finding my voice...

So I know I have a large capacity and I usually operate maxed out and I guess when I don't feel like I have "get up and go" - I'm completely miserable.  So being ill the past 10 days or so has knocked me off my feet and landed me squarely on my back.  I thought I had a minor head cold but instead of getting progressively better, I seemed to be getting progressively worse.  With no voice for 5 days running and chest so tight that breathing was a challenge - I was officially freaked out.  So I finally carried myself off to the doctor yesterday not only to discover that my ears, throat and lungs are infected but it seems I've been having an allergic reaction to my BarleyBeanBag.

{Just on that note I feel I should say... I am totally besotted about my BarleyBag.  My family tease me about it all the time but I love the smell of the barley and of course, adore the warmth}.

With it being so cold I've been heating it up, wrapping my hands in it and keeping it close to my chest and face and going to sleep like that.  I have been inadvertently breathing in the poisonous fumes.  With strict instructions from my Doctor, I've had to throw that poisonous sack of warmth away, which I've done and I've been put on a cortisone inhaler for the next two weeks amongst other meds to help clear my chest.  I am now hopefully heading in the right direction.

As for Riley boy here - over the years we have noticed if anyone in the family is sick, he usually goes and lies right on top of the infected area, it's like he knows what's going on inside.  Sweet boy.

"Dr Riley is on call today"

Friday 17 June 2016

Beautiful Photography Play....

#1. The Art of Seeing                                                                       #2. Into the Light

#3. Shadow Dancing                                                                       #4. WabiSabi

Beautiful creative photography play this week.
Galia's 10 free countdown prompts to CameraCraft.

Can you tell how excited I am to get into class?  If the depth of the prompts are anything to go by,
then I know the class is going to be beautifully resonating.

There are already a bunch of us doing the daily prompts.
So loving it.

Wednesday 15 June 2016

CameraCraft... 1 free space...



With about 1 week left to go before CameraCraft starts... I have some exciting news to share.

I have one free space to give away for this class, a perk for being a contributor.

So if you comment on this post and/or blog post and/or share this message - your name goes into the draw.

I love the generosity of this so much.

I hope you will join in and be part of this wonderful group of contributors.  I, for one am pretty excited not only about the content and the contributors but also about the people who have already signed up.

It's a beautiful bunch already!

I am so excited.

Tuesday 14 June 2016

Finally painting her...

I don't know why I've been delaying painting this.
Maybe because I knew it would be a challenge and it was.
It took me all day to get through this layer and I'm not done yet.

I still have more layers to go and would love to do more work on her face.

But I am loving the journey...



I just want to sit and look at her all day.
She's sooo interesting and the most amazing thing is how ancient her buildings actually look.
I know we have a way to go still but I am so in love so far.

Class is almost full...

My Tiny Bags of Love class is almost filled.  I can't thank you enough.  The love and messages have been overwhelming.

We didn't want it to be too big for my first time class, as I will be interacting a lot in the Facebook classroom.  That was important to me.  I want to feel connected to everyone, who is taking part in this little class.

It's our journey... mine as much as yours and I am looking so forward to growing with you through this time.

So I am sure there are still a few spots left, if you are keen.  I can assure you, the class members are a beautiful bunch already.



Hello darkness....


On the coldest day of winter so far and bunch of us sick at home.
This was a brutal day to be without power.

With no sun and minimum light we sat in darkness for pretty much the whole day.
Only the glow of my head torch and the fire to help us see.

But the forced rest was good and probably necessary too.
I sat quietly painting next to the fire.
Corks was tinkering and Digz was reading... and lots of napping in between.

As for the street work that was underway - those poor chaps stood in the rain working until 6.30pm and were still in high spirits when they left.  They were so excited to share about the 100 year old electric poles in our street.  Amazing work guys!

#Appreciated

Monday 13 June 2016

Playing with clay...


I wanted to make another one of my figurines.
It's been a while.  Although they are always well received online.
My little Madre delle Cittae didn't sell this weekend at the auction.
I'm not too upset about it - I kind of want these 3 together for a series.
There is synergy between them.

Annie gave me this idea to make her based on my old painting - 
When the Swallows Fly Low, the rain will come.

Will share more once she's painted.

Saturday 11 June 2016

The Artist Gallery Nouveau... today.


My line up for the auction today...   click here if you keen to follow on Facebook.

I decided pretty last minute to do a variety... an original, a Giclee print and a sculpture.
I'm a tad bid nervous.  Okay, I'm not going to lie... I'm uber nervous.  My fear is "what if no one bids".  I think that's all of our fears all of the time but I guess nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Remember my hubby's motto - when you step out of the door - good things usually happen... this is me stepping.
It's never comfortable but it is courageous.

If they don't move this weekend, then I will use some of these pieces for other auctions that I have coming up in the year or they will simply go back into my shop or I get to keep them... you know like the figurine - I kind of adore her.

I have to tell myself that, right?  Otherwise I might hide under the covers until it's over.

But for now... my baby girl has friends coming over for a fondu and I have much to help her get ready.  A wonderful distraction.  Have a beautiful weekend and will see you on the other side.

#HappyWeekend

Friday 10 June 2016

MotherDaughterLove...


Sometimes being a mom to moody, emotional teenage girls...
aint for the fainthearted.  Same days are just hard.  We had a tough day this week.

This is dedicated to my girl - even on the hard days... 
It's always this love.

"Hush - oh hush!
My little wild one,
hear the stirring in the hollow,
with your restless little crying,
you will wake the small sea-swallow..
Sleep my wild karaba berry,
sleep my red-lipped blossom"
Eileen Duggan

TeaBagGirls inspired by Klimt


Look what's coming to live with me...

Kodak Vigilant Junior 620 made by Kodak Canada between 1940-48

My mom contacted me on Monday to say this Kodak 620 Vintage Folding Camera came available on an auction site that she's part of and would I be interested in it.  I was like "of course".  The box Brownies are a dime a dozen but I don't often see the concertina ones.

I got it for a steal.
Other than making me feel delighted about using it, they really aren't worth much anymore.  You can literally pick them up for $10 on eBay.  Not only is it a beautiful piece visually, I know how to get her working.  For me, it's the delight of working with such an old piece of equipment that is valuable.

I currently have 6 vintage camera with film in them - I need to take some pictures.
But I literally can't wait to get this sweet piece in my hands so I can play. 
I pick her up at the end of June.

#besotted

Thursday 9 June 2016

New printed cards...

Some of my new prints - I'm in love with them.

Yesterday was so exciting with the signup for TinyBagsofLove but today I'm coming into land.
I get a beautiful full day #inmystudio and I'm in my happy place.

I have teabags to finish because I have an appointment at the framers tomorrow.
To drop off my next 40.  I have to update my social media too.

Keeping it real.  Lots of hard work ahead of me.

Thank you for all the love and support and sign ups yesterday
My heart was on fire... so excited to journey with all of you.

Thank you!

Wednesday 8 June 2016

Synchronicity at it's best...


Oh my goodness - I'm sooo excited because today registration opened.
For my Tiny Bags of Love class.



I'm nervous excited and really blown away by the excitement about this class.
It has totally meant the world to me.  I know I now have a beautiful job ahead of me...
of sharing my love for these sweetest Tiny Bags of Love.

And to be honest I can't wait to share this with you!

She is the face of Tiny Bags of Love
and for my upcoming Exhibition.

And to top it all off, my framers and printers contacted me today to say my works were ready.
When I opened my box of frames and when I unwrapped my prints - guess who was looking back at me. 
I couldn't believe the synergy on two different moments today.

My heart almost stopped.

Tuesday 7 June 2016

I found another one...


Sooo this tiny Rex Camera has been an ornament on our shelf since we got married and we always presumed it didn't work.  After loading spools into my Brownies today I walked passed this camera wrapped in its leather pouch and opened it up and discovered it actually does work!

I now have two of our grandfather's old film cameras and my grandmother's Brownie.... I'm having the best nostalgic time!

Can you tell???

Monday 6 June 2016

Big week ahead....

I have a big creative week ahead of me and I'm pretty excited about it.

I am calling my Camera Craft class material done and I can't tell you how pleased I am to have finished that.  It was new ground for me... what an incredible journey and I loved every moment of it... especially the photoshoots with my girls.  What a beautiful month it was capturing life.


So grateful!

I have another auction this weekend, which makes me incredibly nervous and excited all rolled into one.  I'm going to be auctioning one of my prints, an original and one of clay pieces - which will be new for me.  It's either going to be received well or not so well... either way, it will be interesting.  It's never easy putting yourself out there - but I know when we find the courage to step out the door, something always happens.  Being brave.

 We have the time difference issue so I'm going to have to nap during the day so I can stay awake late.
But I will share more about that in a separate post.




My Tiny Bags of Love class opens for registration on Wednesday.  And we will be promoting that this week. 
I have been receiving so much love and support once we announced last week, that has so touched my heart.

Thank you for all the love.

I am so excited to start my journey putting my little class together.
Hope to share some of the journey with you as I go...


Now that my Camera Class material is behind me, it means my easel and studio are ready for me to get cracking.  There are some exciting new things happening in here over the next few months... I will hopefully be sharing that later this week.  I love setting projects up for myself that help keep me focused and showing up.

I've been doing quite a bit of research and loving that aspect very much.

Sunday 5 June 2016

Birthday boy...

Lucky Guy

Got to spend his birthday deep sea fishing.
It was cold and the swell, big but he had a good time.
And caught some fish!

We celebrated his birthday quietly together, just the four of us on Saturday evening.
Just another sweet birthday passing through and stealing quality time where we can.

Saturday 4 June 2016

Today we commune...

Today we find rest...

It was Digz birthday this week and we are celebrating today.
Exams are finally finished, it was an intense three weeks.
And there are plenty other things we are celebrating today.

I have been working like crazy this week to finish my class insert for Camera Craft.
I think I'm virtually done.  And now I hold my breath and hope that my content is good to go.

I'm feeling a little exhausted so I'm going to go gently today.
All I have planned for today is some sweet TeaBagLove...

I am hoping to regroup a little this weekend.
Ready for a new week on Monday.

Happy weekend.