Vesta

Second Month of the year

2012-02-03T08:57:00.000+10:00

2012 is flying by - we are already into February - could someone please tell me what happened to Janaury.

I guess when you take 2 weeks out of the month to go on holidays it certainly eats up time.

So where am I at?

I am not sure!

Our holiday in Disneyland was wonderful, although I think we are sort of Disney'd out - if that is possible - everyone agrees that we need a 2-3 year break before we return. But who doesn't enjoy an amazing holiday like this.

Mickey Morning Toontown madness

The planned treat of the holiday was to celebrate my birthday in Fiji - hmm well that one didn't quite work out at planned. Rain, rain and more rain, flooding and river crossings in 4-wheel drives, dilapdated run-down hotels and bed-bug bites all added to the adventure, but not in quite the way I expected.

I did have my hair braided on my birthday, loved that - and also did dip my toes into the swimming pool at the hotel, but most of the time, we spent in the rooms playing cards and sharing fun with the kids.

Feeling fantastic!

View from our room of the flooded pool area

Flooded pools

A dip in the pool - taking advantage of one of the few breaks from the rain (not bad for 48 years old?)

More rain

I did however, manage to take some time to write in my journal and keep up with the trip.

The biggest frustrationn of the trip is that I didn't have my camera out, when we headed to a hotel near the airport the day before our departure. High tide and the flooding had completely isolated Denarau Island where we were staying at the Sheraton and it was only at low-tide that we had a chance to get across. Thank goodness we took it, as a couple of days later the island was totally isolated. We crossed swollen rivers and chatted to locals on their balconies of the submerged homes. A couple of young men shouting out to us "What leaving already?" It was very sad to see the damage the flooding was causing to a country suffering already from poverty.

I did realise however, that I am very resilient - I didn't flinch and dealt with the situation without any great anxiety - but the children, most especially Sarah were very unsettled. I guess she has never experienced anything but 5 * Luxury in her life - something we should rectify - or maybe not.

So another installment to follow tomorrow: Getting out of Fiji

Character photos

2012-01-28T18:32:00.000+10:00

One of my favourite things to do in Disneyland is to have Character photos taken.

I love Disney characters and there is a magic that allows me to believe that these are the 'real thing'.

So here are a few great photos we had taken.

Tigger, Sarah and I - the wonderful thing about Tiggers is that there is only ONE!

Arial apologising to Sarah as she had to rush off to tea with the other Princesses.

Is it Chip or Dale?

Pooh Bear was so excited because I am wearing a Pooh Bear Fleece

Jesse and Woody a couple of favourites

And of course who can forget Eyore and Tigger

Another favourite Goofy

And Minnie Mouse - who on our last trip kissed Ivan - he was staying well away this time.

A little Magic

2012-01-27T14:28:00.001+10:00

A Magic Proposal.

Standing in front of the Disneyland Castle reminds all of us adults that magic does exist – and for me this happened when I was on my recent trip to Disneyland.

We were standing watching the fireworks display and I had my trusty camera clicking away, capturing the magic of the moment; when I noticed a couple leaving the reserved seating area. I am not sure why they caught my attention, but magic was working. I kept taking photos, while watching them as well, and there before me I saw him lean forward, whisper in her ear, and then get down on one knee. He was proposing! Her hands flew to her mouth and even from the distance I could sense the love. She nodded and he placed a ring on her finger and she threw herself into his arms.

Bottom right hand corner, he is whispering to her.

Down on one knee proposing - zoomed in photo

Later as we walked away from the show I noticed a couple standing together, wrapped in each other’s arms; what struck me was the distinctive hat, that the guy was wearing. I tapped them on the shoulder and asked if he had just proposed – he had! I congratulated them both and then he asked if I could take a photo of them with his phone. I tried, but it was too dark.

I knew then why I had witnessed this moment. I gave them my name and email address and offered to take some photos with my camera. I told them if they emailed me I would send them the photos on my return.

Yesterday as soon as I got home, an email was waiting. I downloaded the photos and the ones I had taken of them after the show had come out; but not only that – I had magically and unintentionally captured him proposing, while photographing the fireworks. So I sent the photos through to the USA to a couple who this very Saturday are celebrating their wedding. Here is Epi’s reply:

Thank you so much beverly!

what a blessing you've been to capture an amazing moment in both of our lives. Thank you so much!

epi

The magic of Disneyland, Tinkerbelle, a Castle and fireworks were all overwhelmed by the love between two special people and my joy at sharing a moment of their celebration.

We are back!

2012-01-27T05:55:00.000+10:00

So we are back from our 2012 Disneyland and Fiji holiday and I am very happy to have slept in my own bed last night.

We have had an amazing trip - lots of adventures, great days of fun and even some scary moments.

Our trip started with a very civilised flight down to Sydney - we were travelling a rather circuitous route as we had paid for the entire trip using 'frequent flyer points' - so to get to Los Angeles we flew from Brisbane to Sydney; Sydney to Honolulu and then Honolulu to LAX.

With Ivan's membership we had lunch in the First class Qantas club and relaxed before our connection to Hawai.

The Qantas plane however to Honolulu was horrible - it was older than Noah's Ark and was actually dirty, the toilets smelt even as we boarded and the seats were dirty and worn. The plane wasn't full, but we couldn't sit together. Matt and Elizabeth had seats together and Ivan, Sarah and I had three seats. The leg room was so squashed and I must admit that it was one of the worst flights I have been on. Not a good start to the holiday.

We arrived however, safely in Honolulu and disembarked with no major issues - we were directed to the American Airlines terminal only to discover that it was empty - no one arrives until 2 hours before the flight and we were there 4 hours before it. No facilities, no food, or drink available - so a hard stone bench and a wait - still we were in the fresh air and managed to get some water from a vending machine. By this stage Sarah was feeling very upset and wanted to go back home.

Waiting in Hawaii

The American Airlines staff were wonderful - they arranged for better seats (than those given to us by Qantas) and the airplane was clean and comfortable - what a relief. Elizabeth who had been suffering with a cold prior to departure was not at all well by now, so it was a long flight.

We arrived in LAX and our bags were off really early, our shuttle arrived within 10 mins and we were off to Disneyland - normally an hour journey which we achieved in 40 mins (little traffic). We arrived at the hotel and were all settled in our rooms by 11pm - It was just beautiful - 2 connecting rooms - 2 Queen beds.

A good night's sleep helped and the following day we hit Downtown Disney - after having woken only at 1pm - the body clocks were completely out of sync.

We spent the rest of the day shopping, exploring the hotel and had lunch at our favourite restaurant - Mimi's Cafe. The food was great.

So Day One was a complete day of relaxation - we were too tired to have a full day in the park and wanted to enjoy it when we did.

Next installment to follow.

Cases packed

2012-01-09T07:45:00.000+10:00

It is nearly time - only 2 sleeps to go and we are away on holiday.

We have managed to pack 3 cases for 5 of us for a 15 day holiday - I am so impressed with myself.
And . . . to make it even more impressive - one of the cases has a big dufflebag on wheels folded into the bottom of it.

Why?

Well, we are going to Disneyland of course and it is the best place to shop for souveniers. We always try very hard not to shop too much, but fail miserably, so this time we will have some space for those special friends who have to come home with us.

Lots of photos when I return and a story to share - so wishing you all a wonderful two weeks.

Family Fun

2012-01-05T16:31:00.000+10:00

We have had a great week with the Canberra Cousins - it has been wonderful to have two such amazing young people in our home.

Today we did a little shopping and then had a walk in the Kholo Park Gardens - we had planned a visit to the rainforest but time got away from us, so we ventured closer to home. It was just as much fun. Then we came home for a BBQ and a swim - it was lovely.

Dean hates having his photo taken so it was fun to snap a few shots of him.

Alana and Dean

Elizabeth and I

And Dean studiously ignoring the camera as I try to get him to smile for the camera.

2012 and a 12 month layout

2012-01-02T20:13:00.000+10:00

My 12 month layout - Tonight I felt drawn to do a 12 month reading for the year ahead. The first card that I drew as the over-arching theme for the year is the one below - Writing.

Okay Angels - I get the message.

It is an interesting mix of messages that I have drawn, but all appear to follow a theme of sharing, teaching, and fulfilling all the goals and dreams that I want in my life - what an affirmation. The cards also all appear to be mostly focused on Creative and Healing arts - my passions. I feel so positive about the layout and the year ahead.

So here they are - all drawn from Doreen Virtue's Life Purpose Oracle Card Deck

January - Options
February - Creative Expression
March - Counseling
April - Children
May - Career Change
June - Heart's Desire
July - Healer
August - Infinite Abundance
September - Crystals
October - Leadership
November - Nutrition
December - Music

So the message for January is: Consider the career possibilites that are open to you.

New Year's Eve

2012-01-01T15:27:00.000+10:00

The last night of 2011 - we celebrated with a family BBQ and some fun.

As part of our annual tradition - we have a height photo - it has always been a lovely way to record the children's growth over the years. Now I am way out in front.

A family photo at the end of 2011

Sarah teaching Granny to do the Nutbush dance

A photo with Mum and Dad

Then it was time for sparklers - the children enjoyed the lights and I got some great photos.

In this photo Sarah appears to have the most amazing wings

Farewell 2011

2011-12-31T21:58:00.000+10:00

What a year it has been:

A year that started in floods, then a trip to Disneyland to celebrate Elizabeth's 21st birthday. A year of renovations, house improvements and health issues.

A year where our youngest child became a teenager and our oldest became an adult.

This year has been strange - it feels as though it has been a bad year, but in fact it has been an amazing year.

I have published my second book of poetry, received an honourable mention in a photographic competition; learnt to lay floors, build and paint walls and have written my third novel.

I have a book contract to publish my first novel in 2012 and all of my family are alive and well. We all have our health, despite minor issues that have cropped up and been resolved, and I am blessed to have the amazing life that I live

So tonight as the year winds down - here are my blessings:

My beautiful husband Ivan - who I love more than I did 23 years ago (not that I thought that possible)
My three amazing children - Elizabeth, Matthew and Sarah - I love you all and am so proud of you.
My parents Dorothy and Brian - who are still young at heart and so full of energy that they amaze me every day - I love you Mom and Dad
The rest of my family - my brother and all my in-laws and nieces and nephew - I wish you all a wonderful 2012.

To my friends (you all know who you are) scattered around the country and the world - thank you for your friendship, for your time that you share with me and for the things we have shared together.

And as this year closes I thank God for my life.

2012 - here I come - watch out!

Rain Storms and Lost Dogs

2011-12-27T18:35:00.000+10:00

Ivan went out to empty the bins after a heavy rainstorm and was greeted by this lovely Staffie on our front verandah - she has a collar on and a phone number - which we phoned - no reply.

The kids and Ivan took her on the lead around the neighbourhood, without success, so we phoned the pound and got some advice.

Just before taking her to the pound for the evening we tried the number one more time and found that she is staying just up the road - the people have been out looking for her and were currently 30 minutes away at their daughter's house (number on the collar) hoping someone would call. They were so grateful and have just collected this sweet dog called Shenzie.

So our year has ended with a good Christmas and a dog rescue - good deed for the year.

Christmas Fun

2011-12-26T16:24:00.000+10:00

We had a wonderful Christmas Day yesterday with lots of great food, good company and some wonderful presents. Here are a few photos from our day.

I love books and Mum and Dad gave me this great set - 'The complete works of Banjo Patterson & Henry Lawson'

Fairy Magic happened in our house

My new fairy

Ivan, Elizabeth and I sharing a cuddle

Cleo enjoying the paper - we had as much fun watching her play as unwrapping the gifts

Matthew and I sharing a special moment as we gave him his Banjo

Brian with his gift from Elizabeth

Matthew bought Sarah a Chocolate Fountain which we all enjoyed

and I love this photo of Mum enjoying a strawberry dipped in chocolate - it was fun.

Christmas 2011 was a good one for our family - hope you had a good one as well.

Happy Boxing Day

2011-12-26T11:32:00.000+10:00

Today instead of sharing Christmas photos with you first - I am going to share something even more special - the talent of my amazing Dad.

My Dad Brian is a wonderful man - he is so amazingly talented and gifted. He has a wonderful sense of humour that is wicked and funny (he gave that to me); he has drive and determination beyond most people I know and a sense of humble grace that many in the world should share. He can also fix, make and do anything that he sets his mind to. He has built a 3-story garage, a sailing yacht, cupboards, fixed walls, doors, floors, plumbing etc., etc., etc. The list is too long to mention and then there is his carving. . .

Well that is something to behold - so here are just a few photos to share his amazing new achievements:

Toad, Ratty and Mole from 'The Wind in the Willows' by Kenneth Graham

Toad of Toad Hall

Mole

Ratty

So Dad, if you read this I want you to know that I love you and am so very proud of you - you are an inspiration to me - and your talent is amazing. Congratulations on your beautiful work.

Only 2 sleeps to go!

2011-12-23T06:58:00.000+10:00

All of my Christmas wrapping is completed and I am so excited to give the gifts that I have chosen for everyone - finding that special something is wonderful and the feeling of Joy on Christmas morning when you watch the face of your loved one as they open the gift - is beyond special.

There are gifts beneath the tree - some for the neighbours and some that we will open on Christmas Eve - it is our tradition to open gifts from friends at this time, so they can be appreciated.

And of course the Nativity scene is waiting for us to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus - 'Away in a Manger' is one of my favourite Christmas hymns and it reminds us that this is a celebration of a wonderful tradition passed down to us from the Three Wise Men who came bearing gifts.

My gift and wish for you all is a Joyful Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

On the 'whatever' day of Christmas . . .

2011-12-21T08:09:00.000+10:00

we went to the Ballet.

This has been a strange and wonderful week.

First of all Sunday I took the two girls to the youth ballet to see 'The Nutcracker' - just beautiful.

Then yesterday I spent a couple of hours in the city getting my root canal finished - at 2pm i didn't think I would make it to the ballet, but a couple of hours sleep meant that I felt better and I love drugs - just Nurofen but it sure helped.

Here are a couple of photos of us all dressed up to head to see 'Swan Lake'

Sarah, Elizabeth, Beverly, Dorothy & Brian all dressed up

The Girls

And a photo with Ivan, who didn't come to the ballet, but had his photo with his girls

Now in keeping with this strange week, we received the programme at the ballet, and discovered that it wasn't 'Swan Lake' well not as we know it. It was the story of a Russian ballet dancer in the time of the last Csar of Russia. She falls in love with Nicholas and it is based on their story. It did have scenes of Swan Lake in it; but I was furious - everyone had come along to see Swan Lake. Nothing in the advertising had hinted that it was anything but the traditional Swan Lake.

Well - I am so glad and blessed that we didn't know that it was an adaptation, otherwise we would have missed this amazing ballet performed by the Queensland Ballet. What a FANTASTIC evening of dance and theatre. The performances were outstanding, especially the dancer who performed the role of Rasputin. What an evening of pure bliss.

So on this 'whatever day of Christmas' my True Love gave to be . . . an amazing evening at the ballet.

And a tooth that's healing really well.

On the First day of Christmas

2011-12-20T07:17:00.000+10:00

On the First Day of Christmas my True Love gave to Me . . .

A King Parrot sitting in my Tree.

Dressed in Christmas Colours

This one is empty

And so is this one

Okay enough photos - I just want to eat!

Wishing you all a Christmas filled with Joy and Love and amazing gifts - as beautiful as this one that nature gave me this morning.

6 Days and counting

2011-12-19T07:56:00.000+10:00

I am getting really excited - it is only 6 days to Christmas morning.

Yesterday we started our Christmas week with a lovely day. Leslie and Frank(family friends) came up to pick up Margaret, who was staying with Mum and Dad. I haven't seen Leslie since I was in my teens and she hasn't changed. The lovely thing was that she said the same about Me! It was wonderful to talk to someone from my childhood and she remembered my beautiful doll Belinda - perhaps the only person in the whole world who would remember this doll.

The girls and I then went to see the Brisbane Youth Ballet's performance of 'The Nutcracker' - a truly magical way to start the Christmas week. The performance was excellent and the costumes out of this world.

Today we are all having our haircut - with our lovely friend Hayley. Matthew is then working this afternoon and I have some chores to do, including putting in the application for a new sewerage system - oh what a lot of S**t! Still we have hopefully found a good company that is going to fix the problem for once and for all, in late January.

I also need to call the Termite Man as we have discovered a huge nest on one of the wooden posts in the pool filter cover box. Just another chore for the day.

Tomorrow - Tuesday I am spending the morning in the city having my tooth fixed - then coming home, picking up the family and attending the ballet - Swan Lake.

On Wednesday I have a day at home and on Thursday I have to take Matt for his final orthodontic appointment of the year.

Friday is cleaning day and Saturday is my favourite day of the year - Christmas Eve. I love the anticipation of Christmas.

So my week is busy, but filled with lovely (and not so lovely) things to do. Counting down the days with Joy.

Root Canal Verdict

2011-12-17T16:04:00.000+10:00

Oh Well It is only Money!

Today I went and got a second opinion from a completely new dentist regarding my tooth - and he recommended that I see an Endodontist - specialist. This is because the root has calcified - whatever that it???

Anyway his recommendation was to the specialist who I was originally booked in to see - his words
"He is the best!" So I guess, I will be spending Tuesday morning in the city having my root canal completed.

I am now on 2 courses of antibiotics simultaneously and pain killers 3x per day - feeling groggy and frustrated - I hate toothache.

Luckily it should all be better before Christmas and then I can tuck into my roast Turkey dinner.

Sounds of Silence

2011-12-16T08:17:00.000+10:00

I have a sore throat and a very sore tooth.

For the past month I have had a tooth that has twinged when I bit on it, and although I had it checked out at my recent check-up, it hasn't improved. So Wednesday went back to the dentist who referred me to the Endodontist (specialist) - well yesterday he decided I needed a root canal. This first appointment has left me $600 out of pocket and with an even more painful tooth. Now he wants another $2100 on Tuesday to complete the work.

Now I have private medical insurance, so I phoned them to ask how much I would get back and discovered that they will generously give me a whole $466 of the $2100 - I wanted to sit down and cry. So I began phoning around. First of all I found a lovely dentist who is going to give me a second opinion on Saturday (as to whether I need all this done at all and if it has to be done by a specialist) and if I do, I have found another Endodontist who will do the whole thing for between $1600 & $1900 depending on the work required. Still a shocking amount of money; but a little better than before.

I am so annoyed and upset about the whole thing. Dental treatment is so expensive and is considered a luxury in this country. We have a wonderful medical insurance scheme that covers health costs, but dental is not covered. And as I have now discovered even if you pay the extra insurance premiums to have private health cover, you will still be out of pocket more that 60% of the costs.

So why the title - Sounds of Silence

That is because to add insult to injury I have a sore throat. Maybe, a leftover from the Whooping Cough, but possibly my reflux playing up or throat thrush - Yuck and boo hoo! Feeling really sorry for myself.

Am going to need a Gastroscopy in early 2012 to check on reflux and in the meantime have some tablets and painkillers.

I want to indulge in all things yummy and tasty and enjoy Christmas, but with a sore throat and a tooth and is 'broken' I am on a pre-Christmas diet - oh well that is a really good thing I guess.

So maybe, I will just follow the words "Silence is Golden - Shut up and get Rich."

Pressure Cleaning

2011-12-13T16:09:00.000+10:00

A few months back I bought a pressure cleaner to clean our patio. I have been so busy however, that I haven't had a chance to use it and with all the rain, it has also been too wet.

Today they predicted a hot, windy day, so I dragged out the cleaner.

Our patio is beautiful and big, but over seven years, it has got dirty, really dirty. Brushing and regular blowing have not been able to clean off the mould that began growing, but with my pressure cleaner today - it is now clean again.

If my arms are sore tomorrow, I am going to know why?

A great before and after shot

We even have a great patio attachement to do the floor, although I think we may have made it worse, cleaning off the worst, but leaving some areas a little stained.

Do you believe in magic?

2011-12-11T17:47:00.000+10:00

I believe in magic and today a miracle occurred; it was a gift given from the most magical place on earth - Disneyland.

Our family is very blessed to be travelling to Disneyland in January 2012 for a 10 day holiday - yes, we are spoilt - a whole 10 days.

We had booked into the Disneyland Hotel and fully paid for our accommodation in early November (taking advantage of a good exchange rate). Making some separate enquiries on Friday I emailed the Walt Disney Travel company regarding our booking.

Today I received an email back from them telling me, that since I had made our booking there had been a promotional special, and during the time we are going to be with them, our accommodation would cost $1175.00 less than they had originally charged us; and as a result a CREDIT of $1175.00 would be paid back into my credit card this coming week. They then sent me a new invoice, showing me the reduced amount and the credit.

Now, I have heard of companies, asking for more money, but who ever offers to refund you, if a special happens after you have paid for something.

I have always believed that Disneyland is the most magical place on earth and this amazing company has just proved that it is. Thank you Disneyland!

14 Days and Counting

2011-12-09T22:22:00.000+10:00

Tomorrow it will be 2 weeks until Christmas Eve - for me the official start of Christmas. I love the anticipation of Christmas Eve, knowing that the following day is Christmas Day, makes Christmas Eve even more special.

I have begun wrapping gifts and today even posted off my two parcels to friends in other parts of the country. All my baking is complete and I feel as though the festive season is in the air.

Ivan took the girls for a walk around the neighbourhood tonight to see the lights - we are one of about 5 houses that have lights up for Christmas and when they returned - they all agreed that ours look pretty good. What a lovely feeling!

The next two weeks are filled with special things - I have a dentist appointment - oh goodie! A sore tooth that is going to need a filling - so that I can enjoy my Christmas dinner and hopefully lots of chocolates. I also have a hair appointment, so that my Christmas photos will be pretty.

But, seriously I am also taking the girls to see 'The Nutcracker Ballet' on Sunday 18th and then on Tuesday 20th we are going to see 'Swan Lake' - the joy of the Theatre at Christmas.

I have two weeks of Joy ahead with nothing that I have to do, have to achieve, or have to buy. Everything is ready and I am going to relax and enjoy it all.

How are your plans for Christmas coming along? Are you counting down yet?

Away for so long!

2011-12-08T09:01:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

I have been away from my Blog for so long that it signed me out and I needed to remember my password to sign back in - now that was a challenge.

So here I am finally back blogging:

I can breathe - it is so exciting and such a blessing. In fact I am beginning to feel well again. Have woken this morning after a full night's sleep, well almost and feeling a lot more refreshed. Don't feel that every breath I take is accompanied by the need to cough.

So what to do today - well I could just rush back into my life full speed or I could be sensible and enjoy the lessons I have learnt from the last couple of weeks and that is to take life slowly, enjoying the experience.

I have really taken this lesson on board and am loving the slower pace of this December - spending real time with the children, playing games, doing baking together and loving life.

So I have scattered lawn fertiliser over the back garden in the gentle soft-soaking rain - what bliss - and I didn't cough. Dressed up in a warm tracksuit afterwards - yes it is summer, but yesterday was our coldest December day since 1888, so track pants and top it is, and am now contemplating some serious digital scrapbooking and relaxation.

What a blessed life I lead.

Breathing

2011-12-02T15:37:00.000+10:00

I have discovered that 'breathing' (without coughing) is something to really be treasured.

I have 'Whooping Cough' and no I am not whooping - but coughing - yes I am. Adult whooping cough is horrible and how young children survive or cope with it is beyond me.

Saturday night I developed a sore throat, Tuesday a visit to the doctor - 'just a virus' - Thursday another visit to the doctor and finally antibiotics to treat 'whooping cough'.

I am in bed for the second day and feel 'crap' - I can't rest, am coughing until I throw up and am exhausted. Someone told me this is the 100 day cough - I hope not.

So this post is about Me, feeling sorry for myself.

I guess I will appreciate breathing freely, when this passes - as I know it will.

Baking Day

2011-11-30T19:30:00.000+10:00

Although I am still struggling with my sore throat; today was Christmas Baking Day.

It was a very, very hot day and I struggled with the pastry today, even working with it straight from the fridge - it was so soft; but we had lots of fun and managed to make around ten dozen Christmas Mince pies.

Olivia joined Elizabeth, Sarah and I in our Christmas Baking

Sarah in her new glasses and Christmas Apron

Pastry rolling in the heat - a challenge

Yummy fudge and Christmas Mince pies

Book Three - complete!

2011-11-29T10:19:00.000+10:00

10am - 145 pages; 64 706 words and 29 days.

Despite a few days of true writer's block this morning I managed to finish Book Three - I am so happy. Now I can get this copy bound and hand it to my beautiful daughter Elizabeth who will be the first person to read it and let me know what she thinks. I hope she is kind.

Three years and three novels - a trilogy - The Guild Chronicles.

Do you know I didn't have a clue how to write, or even if I could write; when I embarked on this journey. Now I am going to be a published writer next year.

Thank you everyone for your love and support.

Winner

2011-11-28T20:41:00.000+10:00

Okay first of all to answer Darlene's question - NaNoWriMo - is National Novel Writing Month and is held every November - it is a non-profit organisation that encourages people to write. Check out this link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Novel_Writing_Month

This is now my 3rd year and I have just successfully submitted my novel for verification - (50 000 words +) in their word count verifier - that is all you have to do to win.

This year I am well over with over 60 000 words, but sadly no ending :(

I have put out a plea on Facebook - for help. I need an ending - so post a comment here and give me an ending - nevermind if you haven't read my book (or even book 1 & 2), just give me an idea; any idea for an ending - who knows it just might spark a really creative idea for me.

As not only do I have a sore throat and laryngits, but also writer's block - Grrr!

So all help and ideas are welcome.

But, the good news is that "I am a Winner" and the novel will be finished.
Thank you everyone for your support through another fun November.

Remember NaNoWriMo is open to everyone, so come and join me next November.

2,489,540,790

2011-11-27T20:15:00.000+10:00

Do you know how many words that is?

An awful lot - it is the collective total of all NaNoWriMo writers in the world to date, for this year alone. I have contributed over 60 000 of those words.

I have laryngits and have spent the day in bed. I don't feel really well but have worked on my book for most of the day. At least I don't have to talk to write and so the story is now nearly finished.

Tomorrow the final battle and challenge begins, hopefully I will finish it before the end of the month. It is really close.

Thank you everyone for your support,

I have done it!

2011-11-26T20:30:00.000+10:00

50 566 words

I have done it - three years in a row I have completed NaNoWriMo.

My novel is not complete yet, it is going to require another few, maybe as many as another 10 or so chapters, but the word count goal is completed.

What an experience. I love the rush and the challenge. To sit down on November 1st and face 50 000 words and a blank word document and just 26 short days later, to have a 50 000+ novel is amazing.

I am grateful to all my family and friends for your support. Thank you today to my darling husband, who knowing that I just wanted to get close, told me to go and write.

So today after over 6700 words, I have achieved my goal. Book Three is nearly finished.

I am a writer and you know what? I can write!

Christmas and Kittens

2011-11-25T06:00:00.000+10:00

Cleo loves Christmas as much as the rest of us, in fact I am beginning to think it is going to be as exciting as having a young baby. When my children were just crawling I would block their access to the tree, but with a kitten it is proving more difficult, although just as much fun.

See Mummy - my claws and paws are hidden - I am just looking.

And if I can't see you - then maybe you won't see me.

She is so cute it is hard to stay mad at her and when I catch her and talk to her, she lies on her back and meows sorry, but then runs straight back to play.

Oh well the joys of Christmas and Kittens

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2011-11-24T19:50:00.000+10:00

Today we started the magic of Christmas.

Sarah, Elizabeth and I spent the most wonderful morning putting up the Christmas Tree. Last week we had a family discussion about how magical our house is now feeling since we de-cluttered and renovated and part of me was reluctant to put up the decorations, because the house usually feels very cluttered.

So we made a decision to aim for a more streamlined decorating style - not sure we achieved that; but we did assess every decoration. Instead of putting it up and out because we own it, we put things up that felt right and perfect and the result is just wonderful.

Here are some photos:

Our tree

Light up my life

Feeling Christmassy

Girls just wanna have fun

Of course the Nutcrackers are ready and waiting

And when Ivan came home from work he put the Angel on top

We have a few special decorations that we do together

And the Boys have theirs

So with the Blessings of our Christmas Angel and the Spirit of Christmas - I wish you all a Joyful and Blessed Christmas Season

We have Rain

2011-11-24T07:02:00.000+10:00

Arms open wide to accept the blessing of rain

Sarah, Elizabeth and I were out at the shops when the heavens opened and the rain started. We ran for the car, I locked it instead of opening it; so the alarm went off and we got soaked. It was so funny. By the time we got home and got the groceries into the house - we were wetter than dry.
So Sarah decided to stay out and enjoy the rain.

This morning we still have a soft, soaking gentle rain. Thank you, it is just what the gardens ordered.

I remembered to play today

2011-11-22T20:49:00.000+10:00

I had forgotten to play. Work has been the top priority for a while; renovating, writing a novel, preparing for Christmas and everything else has been really serious.

After a gentle reminder (Thank you Michelle) I decided it was time to play.
So I phoned Ivan and work and told him I was picking up Pizza and we would meet him at the river - Colleges Crossing (which is on his way home from work and only 10 minutes from us) for a picnic.

We sat in the windy cool breeze and then we skipped stones, well threw rocks would be more appropriate. Ivan held the record with over 10 skips; Matt was next with at least 5 and I managed a respectable 3 - the girls well - watch out! I feel refreshed and revivied.

Here are some photos:

Daddy arrived after us, so the kids went to meet him

Tired but relaxed

Matthew with the action

If it won't skip - it will splash

Here goes, my turn!

READY . . .

THROW

LOOK AT THAT SPLASH

Forty-five minutes of refreshing Spirit-reviving fun.

This is my beautiful 'Renovated' Home

2011-11-22T16:24:00.000+10:00

Sorry that I 'forgot' to post the photos of my finished renovations - oops - I think that I was so relieved it was done that I just forgot!

So here they are - all 'Oohs and Aahs' welcome in the comments section :)

Standing at the front door looking into the lounge

Standing looking toward the front door

Looking into the dining room, from the lounge

Looking into study from the lounge

Looking into the dining room from the kitchen

And my bedroom - from the door

And the view from my bed

It is so difficult to photograph a room - thank you Mum for the use of your camera and wide-angle lens - otherwise even these photos would not be possible.

I love my new home.

Only 32 Days to Christmas

2011-11-22T08:46:00.000+10:00

This year I am struggling to get into the Christmas Spirit - very, very unusual for me.

Working so hard on the renovations, getting everything ready for Ivan's return from his trip, writing my book and all other things have stepped in the way and I am FRUSTRATED!

I love Christmas, I love the preparation, the decorations, the shopping, the baking and everything else; but I can't seem to connect this year.

So, this morning I put on a Christmas CD (Celtic Woman - lovely) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDnZyVMhzUk&feature=related and I sorted out my Christmas purchases - Hmm need to do a little extra shopping for one or two special people. Sang along to the music and got in the groove.

I am also going to get out the decorations today - bring them up from the garage, so tomorrow on a full day at home, I can begin to transform my house into a magical Christmas Wonderland.

Look out for some photos.

How are your Christmas preparations going?

Another Great Birthday

2011-11-17T15:45:00.000+10:00

Happy Birthday Mum - I love both you and Dad so much

Today for Mum's birthday her and Dad took us to a lovely restaurant in Toowoomba about an hour's drive away - I drove so Mum and Dad could relax.

The restaurant was called the Stone Grill and serves up the most amazing meals. The stone platters are heated up to 400 degrees and your steak, chicken or fish arrives on it raw. You then slice up pieces and cook it to your own desired taste - oh my goodness what a treat! I haven't had such a beautiful meal in ages and I know that I will not need to eat for another month.

My food cooking in front of me.

Sarah wanted the dessert - it was a 'Chocolate Strawberry Tower'

The strawberries were placed on a spike and covered with chocolate sauce, with a jug of spare sauce - needless to say she was in heaven. Elizabeth had divine chocolate mousse and I had chocolate baskets with ice-cream and berry compote - Just YUM!

I had to add this last photo for everyone, Elizabeth has not eaten much meat for ages - but decided to try Mum's steak - I love the look on Mum's face - wonder what she is thinking? My caption is:

Hope she doesn't like this too much?

Happy Birthday Mum - have a wonderful year.

Birthday Celebrations

2011-11-17T07:03:00.000+10:00

November 16th & 17th are very special days in our house.
First Ivan celebrates his birthday on the 16th and then Mum celebrates hers on the 17th - so it is a double treat.

Yesterday Ivan came home from his 4 week trip - very tired, but glad to be home.

For those who have been following the renovations - his reaction was HOLY S**T! (repeated a number of times as he took in the work we had done). It was wonderful - even this morning when he woke up he was still talking about how beautiful it all looks. So the effort, work and secret was worth it all.

We also decided to decorate the front of the hosue for Ivan for his birthday - so often he is away and to have him come home on the day was special. So here are a couple of family photos.

I think he is loved!

Happy Birthday love, stay awake for another few minutes!

A very tired and jet-lagged Ivan enjoyed his presents with the family and a piece of cake and then it was an early night.

Writing Update

2011-11-14T21:06:00.000+10:00

Thirty-four chapters - 31 683 words and 14 days of writing.

My characters are alive and well - they are thriving and living inside my head. It is such a good thing that Ivan has been away for these first 14 days of November, as I know that I would have driven him crazy popping on the light in the middle of the night to write down another idea/plot/character. He is coming home on Wednesday at last after a month away, so I am really happy, may need to take a couple of days off from writing - or maybe not? I know he will understand the obsession!

The only problem that has arisen is that Book Three is so much stronger than Book One. I knew that Book Two was stronger than Book One, but I think that Book Three will be even stronger, maybe not better, but stronger and more powerful.

So . . . that is going to mean some rewriting and re-editing. Hmm - more work. I need to leave it alone however, until this one is finished. I almost want to publish Book Three first, but that wouldn't make much sense, so it will be onto some serious editing and re-writing as soon as this one is finished.

I have also discoverd I am becoming a true novelist, as I now have character lists, plot lists, place lists, name meanings, maps, songs, story-lines etc. all on different documents on my computer and in my notebook. It was so simple and easy in the beginning, but three books later, I need to keep checking up that I have not repeated myself, corrected myself or just plain 'stuffed it up.'

So with 16 days to go, and under 20 000 words minimum to write; Book Three is well on the way - I love being a writer, I love reading and I love writing. What a way to live!

In response to a request

2011-11-12T11:46:00.000+10:00

Michelle, this is for you; a teaser from my current writings. I had started this chapter and realised it was going nowhere, so set it aside for a night and then came back to write it. So here it is:

This is Chapter Nineteen of the third book of The Guild Chronicles - I am not sure it will make sense out of context, but hopefully it will inspire you to read the rest of the book when it is finally finished and published.

Chapter Nineteen

My name is Judith Dallamoor and I am 16 years old. I am gifted – I can create things and my Father is going to destroy me.

The opening lines of Judith’s journal sent shivers down my spine. I began typing, pouring the purified Ether into her words. Looking up, to a startled sound; I saw her standing in front of us; a beautiful young woman – her face peaceful and yet filled with pain and sorrow.

“Hello Mother.” She smiled at Marta, who reached for her. “No, you cannot touch me; remember that is one of the rules. I am sorry that I stopped visiting you; but he found out and he had his people watching the Sanctuary. I had to keep Arianna a secret.”

“Judith, is that really you? But, I don’t understand. I buried you, I saw your body. How? I mean, I know that you are not with us now, but you said that you have been visiting Marta – I just don’t understand.” Edward stammered.

“It is okay Father, all will be revealed.”

Edward Dallamoor slipped to the ground, his face ashen. “Father, you called me Father?”

“I have known since the day you came to bring me home to this place, that you were my Father. I wish I had known in life that you were mine. I always loved you, felt that we belonged together, but ‘He’ held us all in his power; we were all helpless.” Judith smiled at Edward.

“Now I must tell you my story. Make yourselves comfortable.” She waited as we all settled down on the ground. I realised that I was not longer typing; Judith had taken over and her power and control had brought her here to us.

“Larron held us all in his power. He did not have the power of creation or control of the Ether, but rather something far more evil. He held the power of destruction and punishment; he recognised what I had within me and his research over the years, allowed him to manipulate and train me. At first I found it so exciting; I made him happy and he showered me with love and attention. I knew that his disappointment that I wasn’t a son could be overcome if I created things for him. I wanted his love and his approval. I wanted him to tell the world that he was proud of me.

He kept me a secret however, I was forbidden to create for anyone but him. And then, it began. The punishment for creating only beauty; I hated being forced to create ugliness, hatred, manipulation. He had me study the stock market sheets and create paths of success for some companies, while creating crash and disaster for others. He gloated over competitors whose lives were destroyed and even shared with me the glee that he felt when his greatest rival, shot himself rather than face ruin.”

Judith shuddered and shimmered, fading in and out of existence with the emotion she was experiencing. We could feel the sorrow and the pain; we too existed within her world.

“Father, sorry Larron, pushed me hard. Some days I would bleed with the pain of it. Using the power of creation for destruction takes its toll. For every action in the Ether you experience the physical reaction. I became anaemic, lost my appetite and stopped sleeping; my dreams when I did fall asleep, were full of condemnation. The visitors from the dead, the damaged – all calling my name, all cursing me, all begging for redemption. I tried to fight him. I stopped creating. He threatened to kill me. I told him it no longer mattered. And then he threatened to kill you Mama. He said I would do his bidding or you would suffer. I had no choice then; I couldn’t let him harm you. I had to leave.

Yes, I used my powers to create an illusion – I created the Judith you buried. Uncle Edward, sorry Father, you were right, you did bury me. But, it wasn’t the real me; it was my illusion. I was however, bound into the illusion, gone from the real world, yet still here. I had not realised that the power of creating a replica of oneself would take part of my soul and bind it to the replica. Judith Dallamoor died that day, she swam out to sea. I floated with her on the waves, peaceful and serene. I floated and waited; we did not sink, we did not swim, we did not die; we just waited. Finally, the tide washed us back to shore and we waited. You found us Father; I watched your grief, I heard your words and I felt your tears wash my face, wash away the salt water of the sea and replace it with the salt water of your wounds. I knew then that you were my Father and that Larron Dallamoor was the imposter, the cruel monster who had control of our lives. You buried me, here under this tree, but you kept me alive with your love. I have sat by your side in the garden, watched you tear out the daisy bushes with your bare hands and watch them bleed as you ripped them to pieces.

Mother, he won. He won when he brought Este to stay. I tried to help her, to warn her, but I was so weakened I couldn’t protect her. My action to save you and to save myself meant that she was sacrificed. He bound her with love and admiration, he used her. He had learnt well from me; his failure. This time he didn’t force her to do anything; instead he isolated her from all who loved her. He became her world.

Justin, he isolated her from you as well. Every action that you performed he highlighted your anger, your envy and used them against her. Yet, while doing so he also isolated you from her. By taking you into his service, he could control you both. And then the only thing left to do was to get rid of your parents. His Destructors created the car crash that killed them both. Larron Dallamoor is evil, nothing but pure evil.”

The sadness and tears overwhelmed me; I leant into the ground and cried; I cried for my missing friend, cried for Judith and for Edward and Marta. I knew that wonderful holiday of Este’s taken all those years ago had been the beginning of her ruin. I was not sure if we could save her, but I knew now what had happened. I knew from the depths of my soul, the manipulation that she had endured and suffered. My isolation at school had been difficult, but hers had been worse, because she had suffered it in joy and reward; false happiness had been created for her. His praise and love, handed out to her in compensation, reward for her success, not given freely and without a price. Este I am so sorry. I cried.

Sarah, don’t cry for me. I am free of him as well now. Judith has freed me. I have listened to her story as well. I remember. I am coming home.

Judith smiled at us all. “Yes, Sarah, she remembers. She has felt and heard your grief and your love. She is on her way home.

There is more that you need to know. There is another; a gifted one – she has named herself Arianna. Be careful of her. She is but a child, and powerful with the richness of song – she can easily be influenced as she is wilful, without the boundaries of mortality. Arianna is my child. Born of the Ether and born of the realm of Creation. I was lonely, isolated half-way between worlds and I sought to create love. I succeeded but the price I paid was to move further away from you all. Mother you were right – we did visit you. No you are not crazy – you never were. You just needed time to deal with your loss and your grief; but it is now time to take up the fight with the others. You can no longer hide. I heard your words last night to Larron, I am so proud of you. Edward needs you Mother, Arianna will need you.

Sarah, you will need to birth Arianna into full creation. Beware! Larron Dallamoor will seek to control her. Without you, she will join the Destructors and her powers will be all that he needs to take over our world. Lucas, you will need to support Sarah. Arianna will love you both; she will be the child of love, if you right the wrongs of the past.

For too long there has been a power imbalance. For too long The Creators have ruled all and decided all. It is time for change. Melissa, you are part of the old; but I sense in you a chance for change. I sense that you can begin anew with these young people. Stand up for equality, stand up for balance. Find the change within and invite the outsiders to join the table. Creation is not only the gift of the writers; creation is the gift of all – the gift of the artist within us all. The gift of our Creator, nurture that gift in each of us and our world will survive. Destroy it with rules and designations of selection and our world will die. The choice is yours.”

Judith had finished, she smiled at us – reached out of the Ether and touched her Mother and Father. They reached up and embraced her; the sun’s fading glow lit them all up in gold and shimmers of Ether. We could see her absorbing their love and returning it a hundred-fold. Then slowly she began to fade, slipping slowly towards the ground. Her grave stone changed from white to red, a single red rose appeared next to her name and the date of her death shifted once more. The date was today. Judith had come home to rest; she was no longer lost. She was at peace.

Nothing Has to be Done!

2011-11-12T11:33:00.000+10:00

I woke up this morning and realised that I don't HAVE to do anything!

I am not sure when last I woke up and realised that I don't have to do a single thing; I didn't even have to get out of bed, as Mom was taking Matt to work.

I read, dozed and then finally slept and at 10.30am woke up refreshed and still thought "I don't have to do anything" - there are quite a few things that I could do if I wanted. A few that might even be as important as 'should' do, but none that I have to do.

I feel rejuvinated for that reason - completely rejuvinated and refreshed.

So today I am not going to do a single thing that I should or could do and may not even do anything that I want to do, I might just BE! I might just exist in the moment and live.

How wonderful!

25 248 Words

2011-11-11T07:21:00.000+10:00

Half-way there! Nineteen chapters and halfway to my 50 000 word goal for book three. Last night I wrote 800 words and I hated them - the first time ever - they felt forced and wrong. Still I walked away and left them. This morning, I cut and pasted them to a separate document and began again.

So glad I did - it is just wonderful - a powerful chapter, that says what it should.

Can't wait to see how this ends and get some feedback from someone. I hope it turns out as well as I think it has.

NaNoWriMo Novel Word Count

2011-11-09T09:19:00.000+10:00

I have passed the 20 000 word count level - that means I am nearly half way to my goal of 50 000 words - I think this book however, is going to be a little longer than that.

The characters are going well, the plot line beginng to fall into place, now I just have to bring them all together - hmm how to do that?

There are twists and turns that I didn't expect beginning to appear. Also am having trouble trying to stay focussed on one timeline and character group. Oh well, may have to write another series written from another perspective. That is for next year's challenge - at the moment I just have to bring this one together.

Wish me luck,

Thank you to all

2011-11-06T20:01:00.000+10:00

Thank you to everyone for your support, interest and comments over the last 2 weeks as I have progressed throught the renovations. I hoped you have enjoyed the photos - as I get the furniture back in place and the photos hung, I will post a few more pictures.

A very big thank you to Elizabeth my apprentice, my helper and my beautiful girl - without your daily help I would not have been able to complete even half of what I did. We achieved miracles together and you deserve a good rest now.

To my Sarah, who has become the washer upper, the cleaner, the drink and food provider and the general dogsbody, I really appreciate all your efforts - you had the least glamorous chore, but the one that allowed us all to achieve what we did.

To Matthew, for helping move big furniture and heavy stuff, and getting on with your assignments and getting better without much help from Mom - thank you.

To my Mom, Thank you for becoming the driver for all appointments, the driver to & from school (gave me at least 2 hours extra per day), the shopper, the encourager and the wonderful person who did my ironing today - I love you

And now Thank you to my Dad - sometimes Dad I forget that I am nearly 50 and more importantly I forget that you are 73 - your stamina, energy and drive are more than most 20 year olds. Thank you for your skills, for your patience, for your hard work and for teaching me; teaching me that I can do anything. Showing me that I can learn and achieve the most amazing things in life. I love you Daddy, you are incredible. And now you can go back to your carving - I will try not ask you to do anything more around the house - for a while at least. :)

Renovations are complete - the floorboards are laid; the walls are painted and the house is decluttered (well it will be in the next few days) - it is now time to focus on writing my novel and begin preparing for Christmas.

The renovations are complete - this stage at least!

2011-11-06T18:48:00.000+10:00

Today we finished it!

Despite Elizbeth being really unwell with a sore throat, and my energy leves way down - we pushed on and finished all the painting. And then we put all the big furniture back in place. So here are some morning/evening photos.

8.12am - the ceiling needs painting, the curtain rail needs to be hung and the border repainted.

6.30pm - room back together - well almost - a happy cat asleep on my bed again.

8am the lounge with my bed and furniture all in it

The entrance all - all a mess this morning.

6.30pm - my lounge back in place - no picutres on the wall yet . .

But looking really good so far.

It has a very long 16 days of hardword - but the results are wonderful - I am so happy with the changes we have made. The house feels rejuvinated, blessed and healthy.

Almost finished

2011-11-05T21:23:00.000+10:00

I keep saying this and thinking this and hoping that this is true, but at last we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel or should I say the bottom of the paint tin. Today after a 10 hour day - my bedroom, entrance hall and bathroom are painted. I still need to do the ceilings tomorrow, but all the horrible hard wall painting is finished - well almost.

Sarah helped Elizabeth and I in the bathroom, by cleaning the walls and taping up the edges

Painting my bedroom wall - note the carefully taped wallpaper border!

Red in the face from bending

And now the sad story about the wallpaper

The only piece of wallpaper in the entire house that I liked was the border in my bedroom - so I carefully taped it - BUT - it didn't work. As we tried to carefully ease the tape off the border, it just ripped of the pattern and even 'easily' pulled the border off the wall. I wanted to scream and cry and rage, instead just pulled it off and threw it away - new plan tomorrow - maybe a colour strip or just paint it the same as the rest of the wall.

End of a long 10 hour day - the roller, plastic and tray - all ready for the bin.

One more day to go and then I can get the house back in place - it will be lovely to be able to find everything and have the furniture back in place to appreciate all our hard work.

Book Three Word Count & NaNoWriMo

2011-11-04T21:43:00.000+10:00

Things were going really slow - struggling to find the balance and words; the renovation is now energy sapping and I am tired. And then the energy flow blew the roof off - and I have just written three chapters and 3861 words - total for the month so far is just over 8000 (NaNoWriMo count) and over 16 000 words in total for book three.

Yippeeeee!

Up to chapter fourteen and action is moving ahead - loving the story as it unfolds for me - almost as good (no better) than reading a book written by someone else. Can't wait to type the next chapter to find out what happens.

Two days of hard work

2011-11-04T17:18:00.000+10:00

Yesterday morning, I started early and began painting the children's bathroom, I had spent the day before on my back in my toilet trying to get the wallpaper off the walls, I hate the idiots who put wallpaper up in this house.

Back to yesterday, by lunchtime, with Elizabeth's help, both bathroom and toilet were painted - now no longer a horrible pink, but a lovely fresh creamy/white. The electrician had also been and removed the 'stupid' wall lights from my bedroom and installed downlights, so I began patching the walls.

Our room is going to be lovely, with downlights that have a dimmer switch for the 'romantic' moments, or even watching TV.

Today was a day of hell - we could not shift the wallpaper glue, so we called in the 'big guns' - Dad brought his sanding machine up and between the two of us, we managed to sand it almost clean.

A few hours later Dad was snow- white with dust - I managed to stay behind the camera today, so sorry no photos of me covered in dust.

Bathroom almost ready - a light sanding required tomorrow and then we can paint - thank goodness.

The Writer

2011-11-02T18:00:00.000+10:00

My official photographer 'Sarah' took these photos of me working on 'The Guild Chronicles' - Book Three - today.

This morning I tried to write and the 700+ words were sluggish and horrible, so I went out with the girls for some retail therapy. On my return instead of deleting the 700 words, I just finished the chapter and then flowed into a second chapter a total of 2810 words for today - A total of 4810 in two days - so am on track, needing just 1667 per day. Hopefully, I will get another chapter written tonight, but at the moment, Sarah is singing - "I am so lonely" and Elizabeth is sitting here chatting to me, so I guess mother duties call.

Writing Month

2011-11-02T06:20:00.000+10:00

Okay - October was renovation month and some of November is going to be impacted - with some painting still to be achieved.

BUT - November is Writing month and that is what I am hoping to achieve.

Yesterday I wrote 1340 words - not a great start, but with a 10 hour work day, it wasn't too bad. Today, am thinking of heading out with the girls for a few hours R&R and then will write tonight. No removations today.

All the floors are done!

2011-11-01T19:53:00.000+10:00

It has been a long day - we started around 7.30am and only finished around 5pm - what a day. We whizzed through the floorboards until the last couple of small pieces and then the quadrant - this is the side that holds the floorboards down against the skirting boards. Well this was so awkward and the angles not 45 degrees, so had spent ages figuring them out.

Measure twice - cut once

The last piece of board

And so it slots all in together.

This was 4pm - after a very long day - finally fitting the spacer between the tiles and floorboards

One last piece to go!

The day also involved Mom, taking Matt to school, fetching Matt from school and taking him to the doctor and then taking him back to school. Doing the shopping, and then fetching him at 3pm. In between that I also took Sarah to the doctor and brought home lunch.

Elizabeth spent the day stripping the wallpaper from my bathroom - it is a job from Hell. What idiot puts wallpaper in a bathroom. It has taken over 20 hours of work, and we are not anywhere near finished. In fact we are going to have to sand the walls to try and get all the glue off - what a job.

A 'Shitty task' - Here I am underneath the toilet bowl, trying to scrape the wallpaper and glue off the walls.

No Space

Elizabeth leaning over the shower, even wallpaper up here.

The Mess

Another one of us trying to clear the wallpaper.

So ends another long day. Nearly finished all the tasks for this stage - we have now been working on the house since February - so I guess 2011 is going down as the year of the new house.

Running out of energy

2011-10-31T18:15:00.000+10:00

My energy levels have plummeted today - I think a week of solid work and little sleep has finally caught up.

So today, we were defeated by the floorboards - the final rows, were just too short and need some fiddling and I have a bay-window in my room, which requires, some awkward cutting - so we called it a day and will finish it off tomorrow.

I am so frustrated with myself - just wanted to get the floors finished today and then the painting tomorrow - never mind we have achieved miracles in a week.

Going great guns - on a roll

Nearly there

Defeated by this small strip . . .

. . . and the Bay window

Cleo enjoyed the company in the bathroom as we stripped wallpaper

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T17:40:00.000+10:00

Today is the last day of October 'Happy Hallow's Eve' or for the non-pagans "Happy Halloween"

Sarah (sick as she is - was determined to decorate the front even just a little and hand out some candy to our very small group of local 'Trick or Treaters" - Here are a few photos.

A 'sexy-little Vampire' - Dad get out the shotgun

Come and let me give you a bite!

Handing out the candy

They all looked so cute

I have the biggest bedroom in the house

2011-10-30T18:33:00.001+10:00

Tonight I am sleeping in the lounge - in the biggest room of the house.

This morning after 'another' early wake-up call from Cleo (3.45am) - I didn't get up then. I was still up by 5am and by 5.40am had stripped most of the wallpaper from my bathroom - who puts wallpaper in a bathroom????

With wallper

Without wallpaper - needs cleaning and then painting

So by 8am I woke Elizabeth and suggested we have the morning off - maybe a movie or some shopping. I knew if I continued, I would work all day - so we headed out for a few hours and a rest. Well - it was lovely - although instead of working for a full day - we worked for half a day and achieved a full day's work.

When we got home at noon - we decided to put all the furniture back into the correct rooms. First of all my study, then the dining room and finally the lounge - but the lounge ended up in the dining room; so that my bedroom could move into the lounge.

Putting back the glasseware

Study almost back in place - bedroom furniture moved to the lounge - so let's leave the carpet until tomorrow.

No of course NOT! So up came the carpet . . .

Pull - tug - fold - push . . .

Now Matthew - don't lift until I tell you to - do you understand????

So let's leave the wooden nail beds until tomorrow . . . No let's do it now!

And finally my bedroom in the lounge

And at 5.40pm I am in bed - exhausted, tired, finished and ready for sleep - well blogging first and then to bed.

Tomorrow we do the floorboards in my bedroom and the rest of this week - it will all be painted.

Another day - 2 rooms this time!

2011-10-29T20:34:00.000+10:00

Last night, although Elizabeth and I were tired - we decided to push on and prepare the dining room for painting this morning. After a restless night and an early wake-up from Cleo - 4.30am - I fell back asleep and had horrible dreams, so at 7am when I awoke I wasn't in the best of moods.

Still it was a fresh day and a fresh start.

Today's achievements have been nothing but remarkable - Elizabeth and I began in the Dining room and powered through it, and while the first coat of paint dried in the dining room - we emptied the study - which I had only put back a couple of days ago. When the dining room was finished - it was on to the study and by 6pm both rooms had the ceilings painted and two coats of paint on all the walls.

I also want to acknowledge my family - to my Sarah who has kept Elizabeth and I watered - cold drinks on tap, today she made us a fresh beautiful cake and tidied up with Granny. To my Dad - thank you for working on the floorboards in Elizabeth and Sarah's cupboards - a left over chore from the last lot of laying. And to my Mom - thank you for supper - yummy mash potato and sausages - for the shopping, for the encouragement, for the tidying up and just for being you. To Matthew, please get better sweetheart - I am worried about you. (Matt is sick with the flu & has been for over a week).

So here are some photos of the day's progress.

Matthew out of bed for the first time in a week - pretending to help - a few hours later - he was back asleep

Oh my goodness - wish I was getting ready for the Opera - at least I looked a little smarter!

I think Elizabeth feels the same

Our beautiful girl - baking a 'perfect' cake for morning tea

Preparing the study for painting

Stripping off the border in the study

The lounge filled with furniture

What - huh! - Not a great look - Sarah took this surprise photo of me - I love it

Half way painted

Looking like a skunk - smelling like one as well, after working in high humidity all day - great to be posting from bed - fresh and clean

Final act for the day - sitting in the driveway washing the brushes and rollers - it will be a few days before we paint our bedroom.

Thank you Elizabeth for your help: for the fun that we have had together: for the laughter we have shared: and for your hard work. You are an amazing young lady and I love you - you have a work ethic to be proud of, and you can achieve anything you dream or want - if these few days work are any indication of how you live your life.

Tomorrow we will put the house back together and then Elizabeth and I are heading to the movies. A deserved day of rest.

Sorry it is late

2011-10-28T20:49:00.000+10:00

Today's post has turned into tonight's post and you will all soon see why - I have been a little BUSY!

Yesterday I was looking around my beautiful home - preparing to pick up the floorboards to finish my bedroom this weekend and then I noticed 'another' mark on the wall - I tried wiping it, washing it - to no avail.
"Hmm - maybe if after I have finished laying the floorboards, while the house is all a mess - I could paint?"
Now I immediately, hit myself over the head, and dropped the thought, but it kept bugging me, so I put it out to Elizabeth - she said NO, NO, NO! And then she said - Yes, I will help you Mom. So we went and bought the paint yesterday afternoon, came home and moved all the furniture out of the lounge and this morning we began.

Well, it is now 8.26pm and I have a fully painted lounge room which is about 8m x 5m in size. It has 2 coats of paint on the walls, the ceiling is also painted and all the furniture that was out of the room is now back in it - as well as all the dining room furniture which is prepared for tomorrow's paint.
This includes stripping the border and emptying the buffet - again - preparing all the edges with painter's tape. So here are some photos of the day - don't look at the outfits.

This is what my lounge looked like this morning

7am - Cleo keeping me company while I stripped the wallpaper border - everyone else asleep

Floors covered and room prepared for painting

Shower cap to protect my hair and a really cool top - it was so hot & humid - the paint was drying before we got down the ladder

Come home Ivan - all is forgiven - this is usually your job

Not a great look - the wall & paint is lovely

The other member of the painting beauty team :)

5.50pm - furniture back in lounge

Including dining room furniture

Removing more of that bloody wallpaper

Look at that stunning ceiling - looks like magic

Tomorrow will be Day Eight since Ivan left - in that time I have stripped the carpets from 3 rooms, laid floorboards and painted one of them. Not too bad!
What did you do last week?

OK - So who needs sleep?

2011-10-27T18:35:00.001+10:00

With only the floors in my bedroom to go - I have decided that I am not busy enough - and am going to paint the walls & ceilings as well. Yes, I know should have done that first - but I wasn't even thinking about it until I tried washing the dirty marks off the walls as I put the furniture back.

So tomorrow morning, Elizabeth and I are going to begin in the lounge, which is still empty and then do the dining room & the study. At that point we will strip up the carpets in my room and paint the celings and walls and lay the floorboards - I have 19 full days before Ivan comes home - so it should be a breeze.

Oh yes, I also forgot that I have a 50 000 novel to write, a book to edit, children to feed, etc.

Oh well - as I said Who Needs Sleep?????

A few 'Honourable Mention' photos

2011-10-26T20:53:00.000+10:00

Waiting for the beginning of the Awards night . . .

This is a close-up of me - with my Honourable Mention Photo

Another couple of my photos - thanks Mom for taking your little 'point & shoot' camera - great photos.

The one above, shows a couple of my photos and Mom's lovely water dragon photo - D Weatherburn

And here we are again - Mom, pointing to her photo and me to mine

Sarah had a couple of great photos entered and these two are hers.

My Space

2011-10-26T19:59:00.000+10:00

Tonight I am sitting in My Space. Now, I do co-own with Ivan - a beautiful home on an acre of land and I love it all. But, I have a special space called my Study - it has been a craft room, a general computer room, a store-room, a scrapbooking room and even a writing room; but it has never really and truly felt like My Space.

I am however, blessed and spoilt enough to now have this amazing room for Me. Thank you Dad for helping me with the floors.
Here are some photos:

Floors laid and furniture back in the room . . .

Including this beautiful new addition - a wood & glass show cabinet to hold my treasures

My writing space - laptop, printer, scanner - all the tools needed for a writer

And a close-up of my special friends.

Day Three - Secret Renovations

2011-10-25T21:43:00.000+10:00

Starting the morning at the doorway - it is always tricky to figure out the cuts and angles, but Dad's genius sees us through - with everything fitting perfectly

Only a couple of more boards to cut and fit.

This is my special Dad - the most amazing man in the world - he can do anything. Build a Triple-story garage - he did that (with my Mum's help) when I was little; to laying these floorboards at age 73 - his knowledge and skills are beyond that of anyone I have ever met. And best of all - he is my Dad.

And here by 3pm is the finished room with the bookcases back inside - and just to share with you all - my Dad made these as well.

Tomorrow - I begin the task of returning the house to normal - it will be a great Spring clean along with tidying up - I am also de-cluttering 'again' so only the best will be going back.

Then on Friday, it will be time to strip my bedroom and do my floors - ooh my house is going to be beautiful, clean, elegant and inviting. Thank you Universe for these beautiful gifts.

Honourable Mention!

2011-10-25T20:32:00.000+10:00

Tonight was the Award's Night for our local Ipswich Enviromental Photographic competition. I had entered a number of photos as previously posted. Sarah and Granny also entered a couple and we all intended to attend. Sarah however, is really sick with the flu, so had to miss the evening.

Granny and her were not lucky enough to win anything - and nor was I - BUT! . . .

The above photo was given an Honourable Mention by the judges and I will receive a certificate in the mail to keep. I am so excited.

Thank you to Mom, for suggesting that we submit some photos - it was such a wonderful evening and has left me feeling very Honoured! :)

Day Two of the Secret Renovations

2011-10-24T18:46:00.000+10:00

Woke up early this morning, but just couldn't get motivated to get going - Matt & Sarah are really sick - so had to make a doctor's appointment for them both. Once I had made the calls I got stuck into room number two.

Under all the carpets are the nail strips - these need lifting and then the holes filling

Elizabeth insisted on getting out of her sick bed to keep helping Grandad while I took Matt & Sarah to the doctor

Mom, helping me strip the bookcases from the study

All my albums - standing on the floor

The dining room was finished by 2pm - what a great job Dad - thanks for your help

Cleo watching us work

Again as soon as we had finished this room - we moved the next lot of furniture back to clear the next room

Re-packing the dishes

This is the one carpet I am really glad to have gone - something was spilled a few months ago and it is so stained

Then before we stopped for the day, Elizabeth and I began stipping the ugly carpet from the study

So here are the photos of Day Two - it has been so successful - I cannot believe that in just 2 days we have emptied, cleared and laid the floorboards in 2 rooms - Day Three tomorrow and the study should be complete.

Look out for tomorrows successful day.

I think I need a 'macro' lens

2011-10-24T05:15:00.000+10:00

I love doing close-up photography, especially of spider webs and insects - using the macro setting on my digital I have managed some good photos, but it would be lovely to have a lens to help me take even better photos - Hmm Santa - what do you think?

Tomorrow night (Tuesday) is the photo awards night - I can't wait to see our pictures hanging up with all the others.

Shh it is a SECRET!

2011-10-23T16:02:00.000+10:00

Ivan is away for a month overseas and as I have done many times before - I have planned to work on a surprise for him - so if you read this and bump into him - please don't share any of the following.

We are renovating - We are stripping the carpets from the lounge, dining room, study and (hopefully my bedroom).

Here are a few photos of today's amazing progress.

The first photo was taken at 8.30am this morning. The underlay was down and the first row ready to go.

Working girl - a little different to the Opera Lady

Elizabeth and I - the tag team - working together so well

About 2pm, the room was almost finished

My Elizabeth - so sick with the flu - no voice, a sore throat and conjuctivits - but still helping

And by 3pm - all the furniture from the dining room was in the lounge on the new floor - we hadn't even paused to enjoy the fruits of our labour.

So tomorrow we will complete the floorboards in the dining room, and repack the dining room - so to all the renovator programmes - we could give every contestant a run for their money.

Remember, keep this a secret if you are talking to Ivan.

I love my Pets - I really do?

2011-10-22T05:19:00.000+10:00

Waking up when the clock says 4 something is really horrible - the day is just perfect at this time, sun peeking over the horizon; but looking at that clock and it says 4.56am - I want to cry.

Cleo is such a good cat, but as the sun rises, so she thinks it is time to get up. She used to sleep on the bed with us, but after too many restless nights, she now sleeps in the bathroom en-suite. The rest of the night she is fine - but her meows and scratching at the door in the morning are enough to drive me insane.

So, it is up to open the door, then out to feed the two dogs and let them out and feed them, bring Cleo's food to her and finally let the dogs back inside.

The joys of owning pets - hmm, let me think these are not my pets! And guess what, the children sleep through all of this.

Welcome to the world of Blogging

2011-10-21T14:07:00.000+10:00

My beautiful Sarah has started a new blog - this one is her own and not connected to my Vesta - it is called Fire Fairy. She invites you all to join her journey and read her poetry and thoughts.

Well done Sarah - it is going to be fun following your thoughts and ideas and great to read your writing, creativity and thoughts.

Congratulations

2011-10-20T19:41:00.002+10:00

My Darling Baby Girl - tonight left her childhood behind and entered the world of Womanhood - congratlations beautiful girl.

We Are Invited!

2011-10-20T13:47:00.000+10:00

Mum, Sarah, and I all entered photographs into the Ipswich annual photography competition - today we received our invites for Tuesday 25th - 6.30pm.

The competition has been judged and winners will be announced on the nights - all photographs submitted will be on display - so it should be a wonderful experience.

If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is to keep walking.

2011-10-20T06:49:00.000+10:00

I am not sure who wrote the above; but it is such powerful saying that resonates with me.

My life journey has taken many paths, planes, trains, cars and steps and as I continue to walk along each one of them - I am astounded at what I learn.

Often the hardest part is to find the right direction, but getting lost is not a fear that I carry with me. The children always comment about my 'inbuilt GPS' when I am driving; but this instinct for knowing where I am going, is related to knowing where I came from. If I get lost, I know where I was, so I can always turn around.

I love my life - my journey. Today I am running full-speed ahead. Walking happens, when I need to ponder the path to take, or have a rest and enjoy the destination - before I set off again.

Where will you walk today - do you have a direction in mind - does it matter?

Writing preparation

2011-10-19T18:02:00.000+10:00

Today I decided to follow the example of fellow writer Michelle who is also preparing for NaNoWriMo - she cleaned her windows near her writing area - giving herself more clarity - she found a character's name while doing this :)

My study has a beautiful view of my rose garden and amazing Coral Tree, but the windows needed cleaning. So I did them - oh my goodness - there is a whole world out there.

I also rearranged the items on my wall above my desk - treating myself to a beautiful Anne Stokes calendar and bought a crystal and amethyst star for above my desk.

Now I am ready for 50 000 words in just 12 days. Ready, Set . . .

It has arrived!

2011-10-17T14:56:00.000+10:00

My second book of poetry has arrived - I am so excited.

Wearing my Writer's Hat - I got Sarah to take my offical photo with my new book - I am thrilled with it.

A lot thinner and smaller than the first one - I have opted for a colour version, with photos and stories - so here it is Angel's Verse - Volume 2.

A wonderful weekend

2011-10-17T05:59:00.000+10:00

I had such a lovely weekend.

It started on Friday with a great exercise class - boxing, stretching and just fun.
Saturday had my nails done, then my hair (see photos in previous post) and finally attended the Opera with Ivan. It was so nice to dress-up. The Opera was lovely, but not my favourite. An enjoyable evening however, so that was wonderful.

Sunday morning Ivan and I headed out to get some soil, plants and other items and then gardened for a few hours. We transplanted quite a few plants that were root-bound and planted our 10 plants from the council. Clearing a garden bed that was overgrown - will try and get some photos today. Then had a lovely BBQ with Mum and Dad, relaxing afternoon.

Went Cane Toad (major Australian pest) hunting in the evening and managed to catch and freeze about 30 of them. Hopefully, with a few nights collecting we will reduce the population for a while.

Today, Monday, Matt has a pupil-free day - he is heading to the city with his friends and Elizabeth, Sarh and I are going to see the Albert Hall production (movie) of the Phantom of the Opera - celebrating 25 years.

The Luckiest Girl in the world

2011-10-15T17:39:00.000+10:00

Heading out to the Opera - Tosca - a chance to get all dressed up

Still in love after 23 years and isn't he so handsome in his Black-Tie

Posing for Sarah

My beautiful friend and hairdresser Hayley did my hair up for the evening - I feel like a princess.

NaNoWriMo

2011-10-14T09:00:00.000+10:00

Here it is NaNoWriMo 2011 - Just 18 days away and counting.

Friday morning review

2011-10-14T06:44:00.000+10:00

A night visitor

This little fellow (yes he is real - a green tree frog) came to enjoy the insects that were at my lighted window.

Green Tree Frog

I enjoyed his company as I sat writing.

A week of writing - I have been part of a group called Motivational Magic for the week. Started by Michelle, it has been a week of 22 like-minded people sharing the magic of the universe, and hundreds of emails.

It has been mind-blowing to share thoughts, inspirations, fears and success with people from around the country and the world.

I have also been working on my writing. Did some editing, wrote a couple of new poems, and as you all know wrote a few thousand words on book three and last night registered for NaNoWriMo 2011, updating my profile and details about my novel.

I also did a little gardening yesterday, kept up with the washing, cleaning and ironing and worked on my diet. The good news is that I am managing to keep my calorie count under control and that my weight has started to drop - the interesting part is that for nearly 5 days - I have stabilised - no gain, but no loss. Oh well, I am sure I am in for a big loss soon.

Today it is off to my boxing/exercise class and then over to my neighbours for morning tea - will have to burn up the calories so that I can enjoy a treat.

I hope you all have a lovely day.

Writing Fever

2011-10-12T13:50:00.000+10:00

The bug has bitten again - I am writing feverishly and not just my blog posts.

For the past few weeks, my characters from Book One & Two of The Guild Chronicles have been in my dreams and thoughts and today they bubbled over onto paper. I have written 4398 words on top of the 1300+ yesterday. The story is great, but it has meant that Book One needs a serious re-write - oh well.

NaNoWriMo is just around the corner - 50 000 words in 30 days. It is going to be a wonderful journey again.

This week I have also connected with an amazing group of people via Michelle on a journey of Daily Oracle cards. It has been so much fun - heaps of emails every few hours and like-minded people to share experiences and inspiration with. And with this group, which contains a number of writers; I have been inspired to even write a few poems.

So who knows by the end of November, I might not only have Book Three written, but also a few more poems.

I never promised you a Rose Garden

2011-10-10T17:28:00.001+10:00

My darling Ivan always promised me a Rose Garden and he has made me one in every single house we have lived in. My Rose Garden in this house is just outside my study window and the scent and beauty of the roses often inspire me.

This morning, I couldn't resist taking some close-up photos of the roses, rather than the whole bed.

Then I noticed that there were a number of aphids - the famous rose pest on some of the buds - I went and got the Pest Oil and gave them a good spray. It was only when I began editing these pictures that I noticed the following - this is an adult female aphid, giving birth to live young. Luckily I gave her a good spray, so hopefully she and her babies won't be eating my roses anymore - but isn't this just a great photo - pity it is slightly out of focus - should have had the tripod.

For those of you who don't know the song - or who just want to hear it again - I have copied the Youtube link for you to enjoy - I never promised you a Rose Garden by Lynn Anderson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO4wcNVbYOQ

My Son - The Mad Hatter

2011-10-08T21:03:00.000+10:00

Matthew was invited to a fancy dress 'Disney' party tonight and we managed to get him this wonderful outfit - The Mad Hatter - he looked fantastic all dressed up. Here are some photos:

Anyone for Tea?

And here are my sisters!

Follow-up to yesterday's post - The Look

2011-10-07T11:38:00.000+10:00

Matt loves computers, in fact he lives computers.

Yesterday he got his new school IPad, so these photos reflect and show a side of Matthew that is special.
Another Rachel idea:

Teenagers and 'The Look!'

2011-10-06T19:44:00.001+10:00

I am reading a wonderful book called Click - How to take gorgeous photos of your kids by Rachel Devine.
It has some wonderful ideas and tips and one that resonated with me, was to take your kids when they are not posed, not perfectly happy - take their mood as well as their photo. As I was reading this Sarah stormed into the study. I am now, not even sure what it was all about - and the best part is that I know that neither is she (now).

Well, I grabbed my camera and started clicking - here are some of the results - I am going to call them 'The Look'

It says 'Mom if you don't get that camera out of my face - I am going to . . .

Then of course there is always the option of the total 'ignore'

When this didn't work it was the 'cold shoulder' . . .

And now for my favourite - the hand of frustration!

Of course the cat scratcher might improve the look - but finally I guess . . .

I caught that tiny little grin, that lights up the eyes - even when they are scrunched up and the mouth is hidden by the pillow.

Thank you Rachel for a great tip - I have captured not only my beautiful girl - but also some of her fiery, teenage personality.

Writing a book

2011-10-05T05:52:00.000+10:00

I have discovered that writing a book is very different to 'creating' or producing a book. The writing part is easy - well sort of easy. It takes dedication, determination and time. You have to dedicate time to write, each and every day. I have done this for two years running in November and have 2 manuscripts - I won't call them books yet!

Now to produce the book - is another story.

Today there are many online possibilities - you can convert your blog to a book - I have done that. You can create a book of poetry - I have done that. But, when it comes to turning your manuscript of 50 000 words into a fully-fledged book, well I am not there yet!

At the moment I am working on another book of poetry and short stories, it is time consuming to take each poem, story and photo and convert it into the right format - to allow it to flow, to correct spelling and grammar mistakes and get the layout right.

Quite and interesting process.

This is all in the lead up to NaNoWriMo in November - my writing month. So wish me luck for both endeavours and who knows I might have a book and a manuscript by Christmas.

Raindrops on flowers, webs and dewdrops

2011-10-04T06:53:00.000+10:00

A day of rain storms yesterday provided a beautiful morning of dewdrops and spider webs to photograph. School starts back today, so I was up at 5.30am to make Ivan's breakfast, pack the lunches and sneak out to take a few early morning photos. Here are a few for you to enjoy.

And this is my favourite - it looks like a rollercoaster for the fairies.

Running Water

2011-10-02T14:51:00.000+10:00

We went to the Ipswich nursery yesterday to get our free plants - as rate payers we are entitled to 15 free plants a year - this is wonderful as it encourages people to plant in their gardens. The nursery has mostly native plants, which in turn encourages the native bird and animal life.

On the way home, we stopped in at our local pot store and spotted this great fountain.

So today we turned this ordinary area on our patio from this . . .

to this . . .

The water sound is not too loud and is really soothing - another small improvement in our life. Then it was BBQ time, a game of snooker and good company - thanks family for a lovely day.

Windy Day

2011-10-02T10:14:00.000+10:00

I am not a fan of the wind - I find it gives me a headache and I feel stressed by it - yet it does have its advantages:

It dries washing really quickly.
It airs out the house and blows away the cobwebs.
It blows away the dusty air.

And other than that - I don't like it.

So wind please stop or at least lessen.

NaNoWriMo

2011-09-29T18:49:00.000+10:00

Counting down the days - 32 to go!

For the last two years I have participated in NaNoWriMo and written two 50 000 word novels - the first two books in my series 'The Creators'

This year I am planning to write book 3 the final instalment. It is going to be a challenge again, but I am really excited. I have started to dream about the characters, so it must be time. I am also going to spend the next month, creating a few xcel spread sheets to keep track of times, places and characters; so that I have a more cohesive pattern to work from.

The best part of all, is that I have no idea where the story is going and what is going to happen - it just develops a life of its own as I write.

So to friends who are participating in NaNoWriMo - good luck, and soon we will be mental writers for another month.

Catching up on cleaning and paperwork

2011-09-29T18:36:00.000+10:00

Today was cleaning day - it is wonderful to have children that are willing and able to help. We tidied up and then I sorted out paperwork - a chore I dislike, but that needs doing. I am a bit fussy and pedantic about it, but that is years of working in the bank - where I learnt to file and keep receipts.

My study is looking more and more special and today my new Creative Memories Everyday Display arrived. This is a great magnetic board in stylish black on which I can hang up photos, my oracle cards, or just special things. I am going to buy a few more magnets, but this is just lovely. I know I am going to make lots of use of it.

So my study is now tidy, the accounts sorted, but not filed. My bedroom dusted, tidied, rearranged and feeling fresh and filled with lovely yellow roses my beautiful children bought me yesterday. Life is good.

A-Muse-ing

2011-09-25T07:52:00.001+10:00

Muse

My muse has hair that’s gold and white. It is as soft as silk

Even though she loves it, I will not feed her milk

She purrs and watches as I type; her golden eyes they glow

Every time I stop and play, a game of catch and throw

Her name is Cleopatra, after the great Egyptian Queen

And I have to say that like her; Cleo loves to primp and preen

Her stately gait and manner, is distant and aloof

Even when she climbs the walls, to get up on the roof

My muse helps me write my books. Or maybe not at all

As she chases, my cursor, and the mouse across the wall

Typing fingers fascinate, my muse - who is my cat

Don’t eat the power cords! – Skat - Cat – Skat!

A short story - for those who don't follow Vesta-poetry

2011-09-24T14:27:00.000+10:00

HENRY AND JONES

(Written for my friend Julie, who inspired me with her beautiful photo)

Photo courtesy of Julie Brown

A story about days long past

“Henry, are you awake? That woman is looking at us. She is pointing at us with one of those modern things; Henry, you still there Henry?”

“Yes, Jones, I am still here. Only just, but still here. It has been a long time hasn’t it? A long time since a woman looked at us. Longer for you than for me, but I feel older than you. I wonder why I feel so old. I am tired Jones, so tired. . .”

“Hey, Henry, don’t go back to sleep, please – it is so lonely here. Since the old man died no-one even comes to the shed anymore. Henry – you awake?”

“I’m awake.”

“I think I figured out why you feel so old, you were made old – you were a stately, gentlemen’s car; while me, with my fancy spokes and wheels and open-top; I was made for the young ones; for racing the countryside, down the lanes and for laughter. It is why I stay awake longer than you, why I feel young and you feel old”

“Maybe, Jonesy, maybe. I do remember those days; I remember them well.”

“Please tell me Henry, please. I love the stories.”

“Look – she is leaving – the lady with the modern thing. She must be one of the poor folk – no car, always walking. I guess she was envious and that is why she stopped; probably off to work – maybe to work in the big house. She is probably a cleaner or maybe a house-keeper . . .”

“Don’t go to sleep Henry, please stay awake a little longer.”

“Do you remember the big house Jones? Do you remember the Master long ago, when he was a gentleman and we took rides to the big city?”

“Henry, the Master never rode in me, you were his favourite. It was young Mister James who drove me, we used to race along the countryside with Miss Charlotte. She used to squeal, as we bounced along, her hair falling out of her hat. It was sunny, racing days – them days.”

“Yes, Jones I remember. The Master used to despair about young Mister James – always scared that he would have an accident in you, but you kept him safe. It was the horses that killed him. His hunting with his horses; they used to race past here – him and Miss Charlotte, always laughing; the week of the wedding was when it happened.

All the guests were up from the city. Most had come up in carriages, but a few had cars; not as fancy as us, but we were kind of new back then – weren’t we?

Mister James decided to organise the hunt – he loosed the hounds early. Miss Charlotte and he were out in front as always; when that big Red Roo, bounded in front of the horses. Australia’s not a gentlemen’s place like England – hunting’s not so civilised, and they forgot about the kangaroos. It took out Miss Charlotte’s horse on its first bound and then Mister James with its hind legs. I didn’t see it, but I remember them telling the Master. He had just arrived back from the city – we were still idling in the driveway when they came running out to greet us. He just sat back in the seat, still-like, no breathing, just still. I could feel his heart slowing, I thought it would stop. But, he stood up, quiet-like and walked into the big house.”

“I never saw the Master again Henry, they brought me out here and covered me up with the oil-cloth. No-one said anything. It was dark for a long time. The shed doors never opened. Not for a long time. I wondered what had happened, what I had done wrong.”

“You did nothing wrong Jonesy, it was just the Master’s way – he couldn’t look at you – you reminded him of young Mister James too much, of happier days. He still drove in me, to the city and back each day. It was silent times, his sadness seeped into my leather, but we kept each other company. Then one day they drove me here – I heard them talking; the Master had taken a turn – he couldn’t talk or move his left side anymore; he wasn’t going into the city. They were going to get him a nurse in to stay, so I came here to the shed.”

“I remember, Henry, I remember that day. The sun was so bright that I had to dim my headlights; they pulled back the oil-cloth when they opened the doors. Miss Tilly was weeping, she was weeping for the Master and for Mister James. They drove you in next to me, and shut the doors on us both. I was too scared to say anything to you at first Henry; you were so grand and serious. Then you started to tell me stories, do you remember our stories?”

“Yes Jones, I remember, but, time passes and people forget. Even that lady with the modern thing will forget. She will walk onto her life today and we will be a memory for a few hours and then she will forget. It is time to sleep Jones, time to sleep again, time to dream . . .”

“No Henry, please don’t go to sleep. It is so lonely here, only the birds and the mice. The spiders don’t even talk to me when they make webs in my spokes. Please Henry, stay awake.

Henry . . . Henry”

A short story

2011-09-24T07:14:00.000+10:00

My lovely friend Julie, shared a few of her photos that she has been inspired to take recently and this one sparked a story - check it out on Vesta poetry. I hope you enjoy it.

http://beverly-vesta-poetry.blogspot.com/

A Blessing on my Space

2011-09-23T10:55:00.000+10:00

As I have been setting up my new desk - I took a moment to ask for a 'blessing' on my space - my new Oracle card deck by Doreen Virtue "Life Purpose" cards drew me and so I drew a card. This is the one that appeared. I couldn't have wished for more confirmation that this is my path.

I am a writer. I will stop procrastinating with every excuse and I am going to write. First off is NaNoWriMo in just 38 days and that will be the time to finish book three. In the meantime, I am going to do some writing every second day - that way - I will have time to achieve other things.

But, this is my space - for writing

My Space & My View

2011-09-23T09:58:00.001+10:00

This is the view from my study window - outside is a full flowering Jasmine Creeper and Lavender, as well as a rose garden, which Ivan planted specially for me.

And Now Here is the reason for this post . . .

I have my space - a new desk, chosen by me; for me; and will be decorated by me. It was delivered just this morning and it is lovely. I still have lots of things to sort out in the study, but I am going to create my space. The space where I write my books, do my blog, photos and scrapbooking and have time for me. So I thought I would share it with you all.

My new desk

Raven - a guiding light who looks over me as I write

My technology side, closest to the door, but away from the window

Fairies hanging above me, to bless this space and Sarah's sign which she painted for me - it reads "You find true bliss by doing what you love"

Now how could a day be any more perfect than this.

So next time you read a blog post from Vesta you will be able to imagine me sitting at my 'new' desk typing to you.

What to say when you have nothing to say

2011-09-20T17:40:00.000+10:00

I have logged onto Vesta a couple of times this week and wondered what I should write about - and then logged off again. Why? Well, because I didn't know what to say.

So here I am talking about 'nothing'.

Our family is suffering from a virus - not sure what - we are all washed out, tired and feeling run down.
I have been busy taking children to appointments for doctors, dentists and other appointments.
I have been scrolling through photos for the Ipswich photo competition which closes on Friday and have finally submitted all Sarah and my entrants - here is a photo of my final entrant - and yes these colours are real.

I hope that we make the finals at least in some of our entrants - that way we will be invited to the Award night on Wed 26th October - and get to see the winners announced. It will be great, especially for Sarah, who has really taken the time to use Mom's camera and learn a little about photography.

Other than that - the days are warming up and we are enjoying the beginning of summer.
Sarah is already enjoying the pool - floating more than swimming, but has been brave enough to get wet a few times.

Don't splash me!

So that is my catch-up for today.

Here's looking at you!

2011-09-16T19:08:00.000+10:00

Brahminy Kite (Fish Eagle)

Crested Hawk

What do these birds see when they watch us taking their photograph - do they recognise us? We see the beauty of their colours, the beauty of the eyes, wings, feathers, beaks and claws or webbed-feet; but do we even register on their radar other than a predator or prey.

I have enjoyed focusing on birds for the past couple of weeks of photography and our local Mallard Ducks are friendly enough to come up close for a photo.

Experimental photography

2011-09-16T18:50:00.000+10:00

With the upcoming Ipswich photographic competition, I have been inspired to try my hand at various types of photography and one of the categories is Macro Flora - so here are some examples of some of the beautiful flowers in our garden - a little close up.

This is the full flower and the following two photos the Macro photographs

This is a pink Callistemon in our garden

and the flower of a Fire Sprite - looks like an insect

Again this seems almost insect like, rather than part of a plant - what do you think?

Sarah's venture into the world of photography

2011-09-13T07:37:00.000+10:00

Granny has been encouraging Sarah to do some photography with her. She has lent Sarah her Fuji Finepix and these are some of her results - well done Sarah.

Keep up the great work young lady - you have talent - like Grandmother, Mother and Daughter

I love my new Canon

2011-09-12T14:10:00.000+10:00

I love my new camera Canon 600D - I have been using point & shoot cameras for a while since my Konica Minolta started to age and I have become a lazy photographer. For about 12 months I have lost interest in my photography and just clicked away when the need arose. However, I decided to 'treat' myself a couple of weeks back and I just love my new camera.

This weekend away I had another chance to play - I must admit to still using the 'auto' settings - sorry Ian :) but, am going to try and be more adventurous over the next few weeks and months and move into manual mode - but for now here are some of my favourite shots.

Spotting something in the trees

Looking directly into the sunlight made bird spotting difficult

Ivan heard the noise and kept looking up

Our first clear view of a Crested Hawk

Then of course it flew

But, finally with some editing (zooming in only) - I managed to get this great photo

and another

of course this wasn't the only bird we spotted. These two little ones were also taken with my zoom lens and of course some zooming in on Photoshop Lightroom - not too bad at all...

This is Us!

2011-09-12T07:07:00.001+10:00

Ivan and I celebrated 23 years together last week - it is not our wedding anniversary, but 23 years since our first date - it is a special time for us.

We had a few wonderful days away (despite both getting the flu) on the Sunshine Coast and I thought I would share a few photos.

My beautiful new beret that Ivan bought me in Finland - I wore it all weekend.

My Man - Ivan I love you!

River walks

A peaceful pool on the Obi Obi Creek at Gardiner Falls

My photography assistant

Taken from the boardwalk in Maleny - Obi Obi Creek

Sunset View of the Glasshouse Mountains - taken from Maleny

And the New Me - or the old Me - just showing my true colours

The Angel sitting on the Moon is a beautiful piece of Body Art (paint - not a tattoo yet :) ) - it was created by an amazing artist at the Eumundi Market called Kat from Katz Tatz http://www.katzbodyart.com.au/ - I loved the experience of having the piece done and her creation is wonderful - it will last about a week or two. The best part was Sarah thinking it was permanent - what a giggle.

More photos of the birds and landscape to follow.

September 11th

2011-09-11T09:35:00.000+10:00

Ten years ago today I boarded a flight to Los Angeles International airport on my way to Salt Lake City. Ivan was over in the USA on business and I was joining him to assess whether we wanted to spend 12 months on secondment. I was due to fly out on Sept 12th, but a proposed strike by the airline meant that I brought my flight forward by one day - hence the hand of fate that saw me fly into Los Angeles on September 11th.

It was my very first time in the US and I was alone - we landed at what Ivan had said was one of the busiest airports in the world and I wondered what he was talking about as there were no planes, no activity - it was quiet. As we taxied in we were advised that we should remain seated - we would be towed in to the building.

Our Qantas plane was the last flight to land at LAX on that day - everyone else was already grounded or diverted. We were told nothing - it was only when we were in the terminal being directed out as quickly as possible that we began hearing what had happened on the East coast.

I was stranded in LA for 2 days - American Airlines were wonderful, putting me up in a hotel, providing me with food vouchers and keeping us informed.

I finally boarded a Greyhound bus for Las Vegas and Salt Lake City and 3 days after landing saw my beautiful husband waiting open arms for me.

So today 10 years later, I will once more acknowledge this fateful day. Along with many people my heart goes out to those who lost their lives and the families who are left behind.

Remeber September 11th today/tomorrow.

Happy Father's Day (in Australia)

2011-09-04T13:55:00.000+10:00

Australia celebrates Father's Day in September instead of June, so today the children enjoyed some time with Ivan.

Father and Son

Elizabeth and her Dad

And of course Sarah giving Daddy a cuddle

A family game of cards resulted in Daddy winning - which was perfect.

And to my own Dad - Happy Father's Day

Welcome Home

2011-09-03T16:03:00.000+10:00

It has been a long 3 weeks that my beautiful husband has been away. I have missed him.
This morning I dragged him along with me to my favourite river spot to show him my new camera in oepration. The weather was beautiful and I had a chance to take some great photos of both the White-Faced Heron & the Giant Egret, but these are my favourite photos.

My beautiful man

Great Photographer's assistant

Enjoying the sun & waiting patiently for me

And of course I had to have my photo taken

What else is a tripond for?

And here are a couple of the bird photos.

The White-Faced Heron spotted a fish . . .

If you zoom in you can see it - just before it got swallowed. Not great focus unfortunately, but still visible.

Living in paradise is so difficult :)

Happy First Day of Spring

2011-09-01T06:06:00.000+10:00

Our garden knows that it is Spring. September is the prettiest time for us - with all the native trees beginning to blossom and the birds visiting. Sunrise moves from 6am to 4am over the next few months and it is warming up.

Yesterday, I had the chance to work outdoors - cleaning the pool area and preparing the pool for swimming. Too, cold for me yet, but I bet Sarah will be swimming in a few weeks if not days.

So to everyone in the southern hemisphere - Happy First Day of Spring.

Another day!

2011-08-30T18:06:00.000+10:00

Today the tiredness set in - I woke to rain and thought about staying in bed. I have however made a commitment to a friend to participate in a personal training session each Tuesday - I didn't want to go.

I was lucky in that the weather eased for a few hours and we managed to have our group on the patio - there were 8 of us, including Elizabeth and me. I like this idea - we do a mixture of boxing and exercises. We have been concentrating on improving our stomach muscles. Well, what muscles are those? I lost mine about 21 years ago when Elizabeth was born. So when the trainer talks about pulling in the transverse of the oblique, I just laugh - I don't think I have those.

So at the end of week 2 - I am still doing well. I manage to keep up with the class (most of the ladies are a good 10 years younger than me & much fitter), so I hope it helps.

No photo I am afraid - maybe in a few weeks, when I begin to look good again - I will let Elizabeth take a photo of me in my workout clothes.