So proud of you Mom!

If you remember a couple of days back (maybe a week or so), I posted a photo about my Mom's lovely new hobby and her beautiful Kookaburra.

The woodwork club (where her and Dad belong) encouraged her to enter the novice section at our local Brookfield show, (an arts and crafts/country show). She was very nervous about it, but succumbed to pressure. I have just had her on the phone, almost hysterical with excitement. She won FIRST PRIZE! Not only that but also received a $50 cash prize.

Isn't that amazing! Mom, well done!

Planning a holiday

On June 4th, my first semester of university will be all over (except for an exam and one assignment), however, before I even tackle those I am going to be heading away for 4 days with my best friend.

We are going to the centre of Australia (well almost) to a town called Alice Springs. When I was a fairly young girl (around 12) I read Neville Shutte's book called 'A town like Alice.' Living as I was at the time, I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would be heading to Alice Springs, but it was something that I really wanted to see. The book for those who have not read it, is not really about Alice Springs, but rather about the Japanese occupation of Malaya during the 2nd World War and the treatment of the 'white women' who they captured. It is a book about survival and the descriptions of Alice Springs, fired the imagination.

So Michelle and I are heading off together, just us two girls for a long weekend. We are planning a breakfast camel ride and probably a dinner one too, so that we can see the stars in the outback. We are also hoping to do a big day out exploring the mountains in the area. We will both have our cameras at the ready and lots of throat losenges, to ease the dry, sore throat after all the talking. It is going to be an adventure.

So today I am spending some time planning some of our activites and dreaming. Just think I will be in Alice in June - wow!

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to Me!

We celebrated Mother's Day in Matthew's room this year, as he is really sick the flu (no not swine flu) just the yucky ordinary flu. He has been really sick, running temperatures of plus 38 degrees since Friday and yesterday (Sunday) over 39 degrees. We finally called in the doctor, who prescribed antibiotics. This morning he still has a plus 38 degree temp, but is finally managing to eat a little.

Now onto Mother's day. I received a beautiful bunch of flowers, some chocolates and a box-set of 5 Nora Roberts books. Thank you children! I then spent the rest of the day doing ordinary - Mother things like cleaning, cooking and ironing. What's New!

I did have the joy however, of taking this beautiful photo of my Sarah playing the piano. She is so talented and plays really well. I had a few tears in my eyes as I listened to her play. I kept thinking how much my Grandad (whose piano it was) would have loved her to bits.

Mom and I shared a hug and I bought her a new pretty tea mug, but we lost the Sunday with Matthew being so sick. We are lucky however, in that we can share Mother/Daughter time anyday that we want, living so close.

Happy Mother's Day to all Mother's around the world!

What a talent!

This is my Mom! I can tell you that I am so proud of her. She is not only the best Mom in the world, an amazing wife and grandmother, but also amazingly talented.

I remember in 2000, I started scrap booking and she said "No I can't do that I am not at all artistic." Her whole life she had believed that she was ordinary, untalented (except for being a great secretary) and generally not very clever. It has taken her many years to trust in herself and slowly she is discovering what we have always known. That she is amazing and talented.

A few months ago, Mom decided to try a little 'pyrography' (wood burning). She started with a few leaves, a mouse on a door hanger for Sarah, a few odds and ends and did really well. This week, she finally got the courage to try her first major project. Dad found her a beautiful piece of wood, which he cleaned up, sanded and edged for her and she did this amazing Kookaburra!

What a fantastic first project!

Mom, you are amazing, congratulations!

A post for yesterday!

An excuse for not posting (and I need a few of these excuses!)

I have not been feeling too well.

Wednesday night I felt so dizzy, that I would have thought that I had been drinking for hours. I was experiencing all the nausea and dizziness and could hardly stand up.

This is after a few days of shooting pains in my ear, despite the Dr telling me that they were clear on Saturday.

So yesterday Thursday, I had a day in bed.

Matthew (my beautiful son) made me some hot baked bread rolls, cheese (artfully displayed) around the plate and a glass of cool lime juice with ice.

I am a very lucky lady.

I am feeling a lot better today, although now Matthew has a temperature of 38.5 degrees and I am taking him to the Dr at 2.15pm. What a bunch of useless people we are?

Me and my Dog!

Abby and I sharing a cuddle on the patio.

I very seldom sit and cuddle Abby. Most of the time, she is just the nuisance that I have to let out at 6am every morning and the nuisance that I have to feed.

I do love her and enjoy having her around, but the burden of caring for her has over the four years worn thin. The secret is that I was the one who chose her, I fell in love with her brown eyes and beautiful face and I am pleased we have her.

Last night, while sitting with Ivan while he did our BBQ, she came over and put her head in my lap. I got out a towel for her and the instant I walked towards the couch, she knew she was in for a treat. She is lovely and warm, and I really enjoyed having her next to me.

So here is a picture of 'Me and my Dog!'

Poor neglected Blog!

Sincere apologies to all readers, I have been totally neglectful of my blog and also emails and cleaning and cooking and all those things not totally related to my university work.

I am obsessed! There I have said it, I find myself thinking and breathing, dreaming and waking my academic life. Not because it is difficult or stressful, but because it is fascinating and enjoyable and totally consuming.
Books I have borrowed!

The library at uni and I have become amazing acquaintances and I love all the knowledge that is there just at my fingertips. These are the books I have borrowed for my next couple of assignments. I 'probably' wont read all of them, but will browse through everyone.

I have found a thirst for knowledge, that I never knew I had, or if I did, it was long lost!

So no excuses for the neglect, just a reason.

My other news is that I received another great mark for another assignment. I got a '7' for my world religions Blog post. I have also completed my second assignment for this course a 1500 word piece. It is due on May 21st, so am ahead of the game.

Now just a 2000 word essay for my other Religion course, a 300 word story pitch, due next week and then my 2300 word short story.

Yes, I have a story. I am writing about my Dad's life in London as a young boy, during the Blitz. Lets hope I can pull it off and do it justice.

Thats all my uni news for now. Will try and get a more balanced life and post again daily.