Monday, August 30, 2010

Spring things

Girlie can roll now, and spread the dribbly goodness all over the place - methinks teeth are not far away. She is a funny gal, keeping me rather busy and ensuring that I get to bed early.

We have been baking up a storm, including this black sticky gingerbread cake. Oh yeah - full of molasses and spices.


In a rare moment Hazel slept for three hours the other day, which was so lovely, as Leo and I got to really hang out together. We participated in some tea drinking, got out the paint with water books and I wielded my glue stick and stamp collection for a new project.

Did you used to have paint with water books? I loved them , in fact I still do, just remember not to dip your brush in the tea cup!

So that's us for another couple of weeks, still no government, but it's nice and quiet not hearing the pollies' annoying voices so much. Enjoy your early spring, we are loving the blossoms and bees, longer daylight hours and sun-dried laundry.

Monday, August 9, 2010

More Art Fair Faves

Proud of Daddy's efforts.


Lace-up madness.



I wonder who liked this Lego piece? Maybe the gents at the bottom of this pic.


$44 000 worth.


Subversive ceramics.


Oooh flocking, I wanna touch it!

Better late than never!

Finally finished Leo's boots on the weekend, a triumph for me, followed by a quick deflation, after he announced that he wouldn't wear them. Apparently they are 'winching up' his ankles, which I take to meant that they are uncomfortable.

I remember getting new shoes as a kid, some that I really hated, they were so stiff and there was no way I wanted to put them on, but the parents made it abundantly clear that they were to be worn.

I don't feel that I can be an ogre about this pair, even though I'm taking it a tad personally, maybe I'll suggest that he wear them for 10 mins per day, and see if the 'winching up' issue subsides.

No doubt they are a bit more challenging than the elastic sided boots he's been wearing all winter, these require lace savvy fingers, but there's no time like the present to learn how to tie laces. That's another lesson I recall learning about the age of 6, I remember procrastinating about tying my shoes, Mum getting exasperated and saying 'for God's sake Emma, I've shown you how, just bloody tie them!'. Bloody was a big swear word at our place, so I knew she was serious.

Meanwhile the small girl screams in protest at being put to bed, I'm amazed how babies resist sleep so defiantly, even when it's darn obvious that they're completely exhausted. Another lesson to be learned!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Still here

Hello all, so glad to see you again, it's been a busy time here. I have missed le blog, but some days there is just no time to do it justice, I like a bit of quality not quantity.

Obviously we have been to the Art Fair, indeed we have been held hostage by art recently, but are now breaking free and having more time in the schedule for other things - it's all about balance, y'know?

Hazie Dazie is nearly 4 months, and is a sweetheart, at her last weigh in she had grown 7 cm longer, damn, no wonder those grow suits have been stretched to the max! I have managed (post Masterchef) to get her into bed in the evenings, and am ekeing out a tiny but oh-so-delicious bit of me time, how I have missed it.

So during this winter spent so close to home we have been eating and eating, sourdough by the tonne, Family Assorted biscuits, apple and rhubarb crumble, but I have decided to take the plunge and learn to bake my own bread.

My first couple of forays have been a bit dense, methinks the yeast really does prefer a warm spot to rise best, I am determined to persevere, and am thinking of doing some classes at the Abbotsford Convent bakery.


Have also been consuming yoghurt in vast quantities, and am making that in my EasiYo thermos, anything with Yo in the name has got to be good.

To balance all the eating I have entered into my first run since before Hazel, it's only 4km, but I am really looking forward to it, spending that time on my own and listening to the old iShuffle.

Reading the 6th book in the 44 Scotland Street series by the extra-prolific Alexander McCall Smith, also devouring the latest Dumbo Feather of course.

Listening to A Tribe Called Quest and getting excited about seeing them next Thursday at Festy Hall.


Drinking cups and cups of Lady Grey, walking around the wintry streets spying magnolias, daphne, hebe, prunus, hellebore, spring is not far away.

Great to give you the update, now the Little Miss is awake and demanding attention, see you again soon! xxx

Random Art Fair Faves

Beautifully blue with Swarovski crystals as buttons


Laser cut ply - yes, again, but with spikes/scalectrix theme


Hanging basket in a stack of encyclopedias (encyclopediae?)


Hose clamps as embroidery hoops

Supremely matte felt-covered frames


Lattice woven figure


Two bags full o' treats

Melbourne Art Fair - so much creativity and inspiration - it finishes Sunday, so go and visit!

Art Fair - Mr Chuck Close

Close
Closer
Closest


Gotta love a Chuck Close in the flesh, those colourful lozenges are just too good! How does he do it? Methinks he's a genius.

I spy....

Clifton Hill......



Luscious bike.....



Upon closer inspection.....


Oh boy! Philatelic bicicletta - I am loving it!

Due to the mauve Oury grips and the polka dot seat, I thought the owner was a gal, but when I asked at the shop where it was locked up, apparently it is owned by a boy, one who obviously has great taste!

'Scuse the liberal use of exclamation points, I feel that this one deserves it.