I received these beautiful note books in the mail recently as a birthday present from my dear friend Jennifer. I was overjoyed. Apart from the fact that they are so gorgeous, it’s extra special to receive something handmade with love.

Jennifer is a talented surface designer and quilter. For as long as I have known her (nearly thirty years) she has been creating beautiful and inspiring things. These days she works from her studio on the Sunshine Coast, British Columbia, in Canada, where I would love to be hanging out. Why do my special friends live so far away?

Old stool + white paint + new cushion = joy

It’s yet another rainy day here in un-sunny Queensland,  but this beautiful recycled creation by artist Ida Overby  – found at Room and Serve – has brightened up my day.

Last weekend the teenager decided it was time for a new look and removed all traces of childhood from his bedroom. Fair enough, he’s a teenager. But how could he get rid of these precious things – his first shoes, a photo of him as a baby with his brothers, and a painting he did years ago when we were holidaying at the beach? In the blink of an eye as it turned out.

Actually I’m rather pleased about this turn of events. His loss is my gain. The lovely painting is now sitting on top of the white meat safe in the living room and I think it looks rather fabulous.

Don’t you?

photo from Where My Heart Is

A few weeks ago when son number two and his girlfriend Wei were visiting from China, Wei decided to treat us with a sumptuous Chinese feast, featuring homemade dumplings.  It was such a fun night.  God I love having my babies home, they sure liven up the joint.  I would show you my photos of the night, but seeing as my sister Jess is the photographer, I’m sure you’d much rather see hers over at Where My Heart Is.

image – An Indian Summer

May the year bring you joy, peace and enlightenment.

xxx

Christmas Eve dinner was at my house this year.  But first, did you notice the Chinese figures on the cabinet in the background?  Here’s a close up.

Aren’t they charming?  I just love them.  They make me happy.  And I especially love them because they were a gift from Son number two and his girlfriend, who are home from China for Christmas – and for my 50th.  I know, I can’t believe it either.  But I’m adjusting.  Lovely gifts have helped a lot.

Anyway, somewhere along the way our extended family started having two Christmas dinners – a hot one with all the trimmings on Christmas Eve and  a cold one with salads, seafood and other such deliciousness on Christmas day. It spreads the festivities out a bit, and makes sense because we cook enough turkey to last both days and the rest.   The turkey cooking is men’s business actually, apart from the stuffing which is my mother’s job (that and the pumpkin pie), and is cooked in the barbie.

Many hands make light work.   One benefit of your kids growing up is that they can be useful in the kitchen, talented even.  Niece number one made the most amazing cranberry sauce (with fresh/frozen berries) infused with cinnamon and star anise.  I can’t begin to tell you how well these flavours marry with turkey.  Niece number two made her signature dish of warm beetroot, pumpkin salad with goat’s cheese and walnuts, equally stunning with turkey and the glazed ham. Their mother did a mighty fine job with her pavlova.   We decided to mix it up a bit this year and went for a lighter dessert with the heavier meal and a heavier dessert for the day time meal.  I think we got it right.

Both the dog

and his boy were in fine spirits.

A happy time was had by all.

How was your weekend?  Mine was  very productive.   Among other things, I finished this painting.   I had to, we needed the living room back.  I didn’t think I would keep this one, but it actually looks perfect in the entrance hallway.  I was inspired by this phot0 which you may have seen a month ago.  A very loose representation …

Nothing beats being creative.  And it’s especially nice when you like the finished product.