Friday, April 30, 2010

The Ten Commandments

1. Thou shalt not be perfect or even try to be.
Realistic expectations only

2. Thou shalt not try to be all things to all people.
Save some time for yourself.

3. Thou shalt leave leave things undone sometimes.

4. Thou shalt not spread yourself too thin.

5. Thou shalt learn to say "no".
You can say "no" gently and with respect.

6. Thou shalt make time for yourself and your support network.
Supported people live longer and happier lives.

7. Thou shalt switch off and do nothing.
Yes, nothing! - regularly.

8. Thou shalt be boring, untidy, inelegant and unattractive at times - it is okay.

9. Thou shalt not feel guilty.

10. Thou shalt not be thine own worst enemy - be gentle, kind and loving to yourself.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Our Possum Family

Last night we discovered that our resident Brush-tailed possum, had a family. We now have a Daddy, Mummy and a baby possum living in the large palm trees behind our pool. The baby is barely visible in the right hand photo just under the mother's front paw. Tonight it was clambering all over her back, unfortunately, I didn't have my camera.
The photo on the left is Daddy Possum.
Every night Ivan leaves out a couple of pieces of fruit for them and we watched them climb out of the palm trees and into the Jacarranda tree before heading off down the garden for a feed.
What a priveledge to live in Australia.


Apologies for the quality of the photos. These are not the best photos, but they were taken in the dark, with a hand-held camera and a tiny flash, so am quite proud that I even got them at all. Will try again tomorrow night with the tripod.

Monday, April 19, 2010

An indulgent day!

The marquee in front of the art museum where all the English/Writing talks were held.

The University of Queensland celebrated its 100th birthday this weekend and on Sunday I had the pleasure of attending 'The Writer's Hub'

The Keynote Speaker was David Malouf author of many Australian novels and one of the authors I am studying in my Australian Literature course. He spoke really well in his Keynote address and on the discussion panel.


John Hay welcoming David Malouf (seated) to the celebrations.



The most entertaining and enlightening talks were Kim Wilkins and Kate Moreton (Australian fantasy writers) both graduates of the UQ English Literature dept and course.

I also enjoyed listening to my Poetry tutor Ross Clark, present some of his poetry. (He is the scary looking man on the right) He was so lovely and came over to chat to me before his presentation; asking me if I was still writing poetry.

All day I kept bumping into authors/writers and lecturers who I knew, but who also seemed to know me (well the lecturers - anyway). A wonderful day.

















Thursday, April 15, 2010

Life is looking a little clearer!

Life has been really busy for days, weeks and months and just staying on top of daily chores is almost impossible. So getting to the larger chores like 'window washing' just hasn't been happening.
Today Elizabeth and I were inspired. We ignored the 'daily' chores and decided to take down all the net curtains - what a shock - they were disgusting! And then we couldn't see through the windows. so with her on the outside and me on the inside we began washing. We had the music playing and could chat through the open windows. Time passed and we enjoyed the warm sun, the hard work and the good company. No time to worry about life, no time to feel sad, unwell or stressed. Just steady work together.


Two hours later we finished the front of the house. Six rooms and lots and lots of windows.
Next week we might tackle the sides and back of the house - well at least we will think about it.
Life is now looking a little clearer, well at least the windows are!







Sunday, April 11, 2010

Childhood Joy


This is 'Belinda' - Well not really my Belinda, but she looks just like her.
As a young girl I ownded the most beautiful baby doll in the world. Her name was Belinda. Belinda was my child. I spent all my pocket money on real baby clothes for her and she was the love of my life.
What happened to Belinda? I don't know!


Today Sarah invited me to join Granny and her in visitng the Ipswich Doll & Bear show. There were so many dolls, it was lovely. And then I spotted her. I was transfixed. It was Belinda. The lady offered her to me to hold and she felt just like her. I have no photos of Belinda, only my memories, but I once more held in my arms my perfect baby doll.

Before I could get out my purse, Mum paid for her and I just burst into tears. (I am a little emotional at the moment), but some special magic, special joy of my childhood, was back in my arms. I cried, Mum cried and the lovely couple at the craft table smiled. Belinda is a Berenguer Collectors Doll and is very beautiful.

Sarah also found a Berenguer doll that she fell in love with, so we walked out of the show, with two special treasures.

Mine the most special of all.






Friday, April 9, 2010

GET OFF THE ROAD!


CONGRATULATIONS MATTHEW!
Today our son took another step toward adulthood. He passed his Learner's permit with a score of 29/30 (excellent result) on his first attempt.
It was a bit of a challenge to provide the documentation, but with the help of the wonderful staff at QLD Transport, we achieved it all.
It was then a nervous wait for me as he did the questions and then the thrill of being granted his learner's permit. Now the fun and practice begins.
He also opened his first personal bank savings cashcard in his own name, without Mum as a Trustee, so another big step.
Watching your children grow up one by one is both exciting and daunting and with Matthew I feel he is well on the way. It is a little sad, but I am so proud.
Well done Matthew!


Friday, April 2, 2010

Irish gardening


My wonderful husband and son had me laughing so hard I could barely keep the camera still to capture these photos.
Ivan has been gardening and decided to hand mow. I heard the rain start and the next thing I noticed was Matthew rushing outside with an umbrella to cover his Dad. The two of them walked up and down together grinning like idiots while Ivan sang his Garden song from the 'Makem & Clancy collection.