Friday, December 31, 2010

FAREWELL 2010

My last post of 2010 - it doesn't seem possible that the year is about to finish - I am not ready for 2011 yet!

2010 has been an amazing year, filled with success, troubles, problems, solutions and success, success, success!

I returned to university again this year and loved every moment of my studies. Although I only completed 3 courses this year, it finished off a full first year of my 3-year degree. I am still as passionate, if not more, about studying. I love the interaction, knowledge and satisfaction of being a student.

My family survived 2010 - we had our ups and downs - both Elizabeth and Sarah had tough years, but as we finish the year - I look at them both and know that they are beautiful, happy girls. They are stronger for their trials and with our love and support continue to grow and thrive. Our Matthew had a good year, rather more laid-back that 2009, but one in which he really began his journey into manhood - those broad shoulders, long legs and deep voice - tell the story.

Ivan did less travelling this year, although November & December were crazy - with 3 overseas trips. After 22 years together I can say that I love him more than ever - he has my soul and my heart - and I have his.

Writing has been my passion this year - I have written blogs, essays, poetry and finally my second novel. I managed to self-publish my book of poetry "An Angel's Anthology" and I am very proud of it.  My second novel has turned out so much better than I hoped and I have begun work on the third installment. I also found a new spiritual peace - I attended the "I can Do It" conference in Sydney with my lovely friend Michelle and it blew me away - I gained confidence in expressing my Spirituality in new ways.

At the end of 2010 I am healthy, a little too fat, but happy. I feel content and peaceful as an 'almost' 47 year old and am looking forward to the year ahead.

Tomorrow I will post my dreams and wishes for 2011, but for now I wish you all a safe New Year's Eve.

Beverly

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas to one and all.

Christams Eve in Australia and in one hour and 20 minutes Elizabeth will be finished work and our celebrations will begin.

Tonight we will enjoy a Christmas Game show/play written and produced by Sarah, Elizabeth and Matthew.

Then we will enjoy a light supper together and open the gifts from family and friends that have been appearing under the tree for the last few weeks.

Children and adults will then retire to bed to await a magical Christmas morning.

Wishing you all, a Merry Christmas and a safe and properous New Year.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Only three more sleeps until Christmas morning - how exciting.

All my shopping is done, all the presents are wrapped, all the baking completed and mostly eaten and starting to feel in the Christmas mood.

This morning Elizabeth and I opened No 22 on our advent calendar - only 2 days to go.

The house is clean (more or less), the ironing will be finished this morning and then only a few things to do each day and Ivan and Elizabeth have just 3 more days of work before they finish up for the holiday.

It feels wonderful.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, a Happy, Joyful New Year and 2011 filled with dreams that become reality.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

In honour of volunteers

I took this lovely photos of Mom and Dad wearing their new Hospice Volunteer shirts. They both look so happy and proud in them (yes, Dad your chest is puffed out :) )

About 6-9 months ago, they both began doing volunteer work in a local bookshop to support a local Hospice care house - where guests who are terminal can be cared for. This wonderful fortnightly activity has introduced them to another world of friends, company and people and they contribute with their wonderful joy and friendship as well as their time.

Through this Christmas period they are selling Christmas baubles and messages to hang on a Christmas tree, to remember those who have passed on, or just are not with us today. It is a lovely idea and helps bring in much needed funds.

So to my parents and to all volunteers, I dedicate this post. You do a wonderful job and I am so proud of you.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

So excited!

Today it arrived.

My first publication. Check out the sidebar - An Anthology of Angel's Verse.

And I can even sell copies of it online - Wow!

Thank you to my family for their patience as I transition from full-time Mum, to student, poet and writer.

I love you all.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Drying washing Queensland style

After weeks of rain, I decided to wash sheets and towels today and use my fan to help the drying process. We normally have such beautiful weather that I haven't bothered with a clothes dryer - but must admit that I am now beginning to re-think the idea.

Still after just 3 hours, a full load of towels and sheets were dry.

Shadows mean sunshine


It happened I awoke to full sunshine and the call of the 'Laughing Kookaburra' - I knew that I neede to get outside quickly and take a few photos and absorb some vitamin D - I was right!

The cloud cover is quickly returning, but it feels so much better having just a few hours reprieve from the rain yesterday and this morning.

Yesterday, we managed to cut the grass (Matthew and I) and I got 4 loads of washing dried.

Kookaburras who often call after a storm, woke me this morning.

   
The front garden in the sunshine.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Santa Paws


Santa Paws

Sarah decided that Bella would look very cute dressed up in a Santa outfit this year. Bella sat patiently waiting for Sarah to dress her up and then for me to take these photos.

What a wonderful little dog she is?

Sunny morning

    
This morning I woke to a golden shadow on my curtains, yes it was the sun trying valiantly to peek through the clouds. 
I opened my window to see clouds and a small golden ball.
It has managed to stay dry enough to mow, get some washing done - Yippee!!!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

What an Honour!

I am so excited!

I have just received a letter from my university and the School of English.

My lecturer has recommended me for the Honours programme when I complete my BA (in a few years time).  The best lines are the following:

"Dr HE has discussed with me your exceptional results this year. We wonder whether, as one of our best students, you have considered an honours year in the School of English, Media Studies, and Art History once you have completed your BA.

Warm congratulations from me, and from Dr Hilary Emmett, on your fine work. I do look forward to hearing from you."

Wow and how about that - I am thrilled.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Puppy Love

Our 'old lady' Abby - 6 years old; is so tolerant of 6 month old Bella. This afternoon, Bella decided that sleeping in Abby's basket was the best place to be.

They look so lovely together.

Sunshine

I woke up at 4.45am and wondered why it was so bright - then I realised that it was the sun.

After 2 weeks of rain and cloud; the sun is making a weak, brief appearance and it feels wonderful.

We are expecting another week at least of rain and more floods for inland towns - it is either drought or flood in this country.

Still for now I am enjoying the sunshine, although it is showing up all the dust on my computer screen - oops.

Wishing you all a happy day.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Inspirational Friends

I love this technology.

Through this Blog I have made an amazing new friend (well I met her over a year ago now), who inspires me with her life. Her commitment to posting a photo a day has been unbelievable. She is so upbeat and positive and if I am feeling a little low; I know that a quick visit to her site will inspire me.

Her name is Darlene and you can find a link to her site in the list of blogs that I follow - it is called "My life for a year".

Now Darlene and I have never met, she lives on the other side of the world in Canada; but sharing in her ups and downs, joys and sadness has given me so much pleasure over the last 12 months or so.

Darlene is one of the most giving friends that I could ever hope to have; she always posts a comment when I write something. She is always one of the first to send me a congratulations on one of my achievements and one day - more than anything I hope to meet her in person.

If you would like to live the day in the life of an inspirational person; I highly recommend that you sign up to reading her blog on a daily basis.

Thank you Darlene for sharing your life with us all.

Hugs
Beverly

Friday, December 3, 2010

Decorating & Baking





Christmas Decorating



Christmas Baking





Yummy food and a beautiful home










Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Christmas is coming

December 1st in Australia

Of course our Christmas Decorations are all up and this year we have gone all out - photos to follow!

We also did our Christmas baking yesterday - 12 dozen Christmas mince pies and 14 dozen savoury Curry mince pies. I am not getting on the scale until December 30th - I ate so much already yesterday and even for breakfast this morning. Yum!

Mum, made me a double batch of shortbread - another Yum!

Only 24 days - how exciting - my shopping is finished - thank goodness - now the wrapping to tackle.



Our other exciting news is that we are booked into Disneyland Paradise Pier Hotel for 8 nights to celebrate Elizabeth's 21st birthday next year. Our 2 week vacation in California is now all booked and we can start planning daily acitivities.

Book editing has started, it will be a little slow; sorry guys - but Christmas preparations and fun come first now.