Where I create

A behind the scenes look at where I create.



4 cups of SR flour and a generous amount of love

One of my favourite activities to do with my kids is cooking. So, when Sarah suggested we cook yesterday I jumped at the chance. She had decided she wanted to cook scones and cupcakes. Making scones was a new skill for Sarah so it was a teaching opportunity as well.

A little browner than intended but still yummy with jam and cream.



Of course they were delicious.

And what better compliment can a sister have, than the thumbs up from her 3 brothers.



Sarah gave the thumbs up too. Not only for the taste but the process of making the scones.



Cooking with kids can be time consuming and messy. But it is so worth it. Sarah learnt new skills but more importantly we had fun together and she was loved and that is what will be treasured in her heart.



Cow pat!

Yesterday we went for a walk on a friends property. Here are just some of the hearts I saw.

I also saw a heart shaped cow pat. I am serious. Regrettably I didn't take a photo. It really did give me a good laugh though. God has an awesome sense of humor. 

Sharing

Everyday Love

Earlier this year I asked God to show me His heart in the everyday. And this is what He has been sharing with me so far:


Found along a creek bed at Carnarvon Gorge.



The kids made cookie dough and placed some in the fridge. They did not intentioanlly make it this heart shape.



Found in a packet of chips at Timothy's birthday party.





Found in the driveway on the way to school with Timothy.

God's sense of humor really crackes me up. He really is showing me His heart in the everyday.

In the Studio

Life is never dull at our place. With 6 people to love and share life with, there is always a lot going on. Places to go, things to learn, experiences to share, books to read, games to play, food to cook and definitely hugs and kisses to give and receive.

Amongst the busyness of life I like to make time to be creative. Spending time in the craft room/art studio/sewing room is a favourite past time in our home. It is a place to play, experiement, learn, laugh and just enjoy. Even Steve/Dad has been know to have some creative play time. 

Here is what has been going on in the studio this past week:

Fabric scrapbook page. This was fun.



Kids are doing an image transfer onto sticky back canvas.



The following cards weren't made in my studio but at a Stampin Up workshop. I have a good friend who is a Stampin Up Demonstrator and I wanted to go along to her workshops even though I have been making cards for years. I figure you can always learn something new. It was a lot of fun.





Vintage Goodness

I have always loved old things. Our house is filled with rustic, antique, second-hand stuff. Even our house is old.
A fantastic day for me is rummaging through antique and second-hand stores looking for treasures and bargins. Or heading to an auction or garage sale. We've had great success at those. I have even rummaged through Ebay looking for old and rustic wares. Timber boxes, glass jars, lace dollies, old sheet music, clothing patterns, fabric, books (love second-hand books), tea cups, photo frames, old suitcases, kitchen wares, furniture, etc etc.

Here are a few photos of some recent finds:

Can't wait to play with this last one. Clean them up, put photos, patterned paper, fabric, other special things into each section then hang them on the wall.  Vintage goodness.



Life is...

Tonight I have a heavy heart. A friend's marriage has broken up. Another dear friend is moving interstate. These things amongst others are making life just a little bit blah. Just a little less cheery. A little less happy.

I am being reminded daily that life is not always rosy. Not always easy. Not always just how we like it to be. People break up, move away, get sick, die, act unjustly, refuse to be gracious, etc, etc, etc.

I am also being reminded daily to enjoy the small moments. Delight in the unexpected. Take the opportunities when they present. See what is right there. Say yes to the things that deserve a yes and no to those that don't.

And so I endeavour to snuggle with Timothy and Sarah for just a bit longer at bedtime even though sometimes I just want some 'me' time.  I read that extra bedtime story even though it means bedtime will be later. We have 2 marshmallows instead of 1 in our warm milo on a cold afternoon. I sit in the garden and soak up the warm sun while doing study instead of in the office. I ask the visitor who just popped in to stay for a cuppa even though I have a million things to do and really shouldn't sit by idly and chatter.

Life will keep on going whether we are paying attention or not. It will keep churning away even if we are too busy to notice that the pretty little pink flowers in the front garden have never bloomed on that bush before and are delicate and beautiful. Life will push on even if we are busy and hurried and rushed.

Sometimes life is to be endured and something to struggle through. However life can also be savoured, noticed, enjoyed, experienced and explored. Life is to be lived.

Life is............?

Today I am....

Enjoying: the cold weather we are having in my part of the world

Listening: to the wind and grateful that I am warm and cosy inside my home.

Marvelling: at how athletic my boy Tom is. Two firsts, a second and a third at the district athletics and now onto regionals.

Appreciating:  the creative time in my space.

Loving:  my husband and so grateful for his fathering of our children.

Doing: a lot of baking and cooking of soups and casseroles. Yum.

Knowing:  I am so blessed to be free and loved.

Anticipating:  all that this weekend will bring to our little family.

Space

After a busy few months of study, prac and life I am now enjoying some creative time. It has been so good getting back into my creative space and playing.  I spent some of today working on one of my canvases. It is starting to resemble what I can see in my head.

This piece is called beauty and freedom. Both of which I have recently discovered.