Ouch and oh dear!

Friday - Sarah had her stitches out - surgeon was very happy - salt water soaks and betadine when wrapped up; but other than that just a week of no closed-in shoes.

 Her toes looked a little 'yucky' but not too bad at all, especially the left one.  Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, we followed orders, but by Sunday afternoon - I was a little concerned about the right toe - it was looking infected and a bit red and stiff.  A call to the hospital resulted in a visit to the clinic and another course of antibiotics.  Nothing too serious, but an important decision to avoid any futher problems.  So another week at home for Sarah,

If you are queasy - skip the next photo and close the post - if not - here are her toes.

The most talented man in the world

Not many people can claim that their Dad is the most gifted, talented man in the world but I happily can.  My Dad is amazing - he can do anything, but most of all his woodwork and woodcraft is of a standard of any master craftsman.

A couple of years ago, he made me bookcases for my study - there were supposed to be three sets, but as I had a cupboard in the room, he only made two, leaving the middle one for later.  Since doing some tidying up - I now had space and 'need' for the middle one.

He had previously cut all the pieces and over the past couple of weeks has put it together.  Today Ivan and he carried it up and we separated the two bookcases and slid it inbetween perfectly. Now the whole wall is covered with book shelves and don't they look amazing?

Thank you Dad - I am so proud of you - you are brilliant.

The middle case is wider, but matches perfectly

The two ends were originally pushed together, now they have been separated and an extra set put in the middle.

Heart's Desire

In January I created my 12 month Medicine Wheel using Doreen Virtue's Life Purpose oracle cards.

As today is June 1st - I changed my card and I am so blessed.

 It is Heart's Desire.

The angels are supporting, guiding, and protecting you as your dreams become a reality.

"What does your heart desire?" This is the question that the angels ask of you. You're at an important juncture in your life when it's time to make decisions about what you want. No one - not even God and the angels - can make them for you. Spend time alone in quiet contemplation and consider your heart's desires, as many options are open to you now.

The great news is that once you've clearly pinpointed your deepest desires and know that you deserve them, the doors of opportunity all easily open for you. You'll dance in partnership with your intuition: first listening to the inner voice and next taking action upon that guidance. Although your path may involve some work and tenacity, it will be smooth and peaceful.

You, like everyone, deserves to be happy. This is God's will for us all. Your happiness uplifts the entire world and radiates healing energy wherever you go.


Last night I received an email from Balboa Press - my book has passed the 'Content Evaluation' and has been handed onto the editorial staff - all is progressing perfectly. My life is blessed - I am living My Heart's Desire - to become a published author.

Last day

Today is a special day for Elizabeth - it is her last day of lectures as an undergraduate student.   She will graduate on July 20th, but today is her last actual day.  She has one more 2000 word essay to write and submit, but otherwise it is all 'in the bag'.

A big photo smile for Mum - eating breakfast before Dad takes you to university - a time to chat together.

Then of course . . . she begins again . . . she has signed up to do her Honours degree in English Literature.

Well done Elizabeth - you are an amazing young woman and we are so proud of you.

On its way

Today I sent off my book to the publishers - I will get an initial response in 3-5 business days - confirming workability, plagarism etc. Then they will begin work on the book itself.

So excited - just 7 months since I signed the contract with Balboa Press and despite many moments of doubt - it is about to all be official.

It is Official

Our Sarah is going to be a Model.

Today I spoke to Bettina Modelling and they gave me the feedback on Sarah's interview - they were so impressed with her maturity and beautiful conversation and presentation skills. She also impressed them with her natural confidence.  They love her height (suggested cat-walk modelling); her stunning red-hair and blue eyes.  So it is official. She will be on their books.

We need to book a photo-shoot for her as soon as her toes are healed and then they will list her onto the books and we will wait, hope and pray for some work for her.

I am so proud of her. Not only for this, but also the amazing way she is handling the pain associated with her toe surgery.  Having had the operation myself (I know how painful it is), she is wonderful, coping with the discomfit and inactivity with such a strong sense of calm and purpose. Well done beautiful girl.

Flowers and Fur

Last year I bought Ivan and Mum some flowering Poinsettas - by mistake I gave Mum the white and pink one and she loved it - it was supposed to be Ivan's and he has made a joke about it ever since.  Yesterday Mum, bought two new plants for me to give Ivan - he was thrilled. So this afternoon he planted them in lovely pots outside the front door.

Elizabeth admiring the new plants

 Ivan also decided that the hanging violets needed re-potting and trimming, so we tackled those - hope they grow as well as this in their new pots.

 Our large red poinsetta has not flowered yet this year, as it was in too much shade, so a move to the front is hopefully going to help.

 And now for the fur bit - I love my cat - she is such great company. While I am working at the computer, she normally lies on my desk, but as I am sleeping in the single bed in the study, while Sarah occupies our King-size bed for a few days, she has decided to come and join me.