Friday, March 31, 2006

Looking inwards for Peace...

Peace is not something you wish for; it's something you make, something you do, something you are, something you give away. Robert Fulghum

Inner peace is not something someone else can give you. You can not take it from another person, have some of theirs. You need to work it out for yourself... to do it for yourself. And once you have, no one can take it from you. Once you have all areas of your life are forever improved... blessed even. That is how I am feeling today. I will never stop looking inwards ... to myself for the answers, for that is the only place to find them.

Let go and breathe... just breathe. Meditate. Treat others as you would like to be treated {in the very least} ... look inwards for the answers, you have them in abundance if you can be honest with yourself and do so in a loving manner.

I wish you all a happy Friday... and a terrific, peaceful weekend.
Bx

Thursday, March 30, 2006

Stop and Smell the Roses....


Nath says this to me all the time. I am always go-go-going! And for the first time in a long time... I am! Smelling Roses. And it feels so good.

Today I feel cleansed, totally wrapped in love by those I choose {and who choose me} in our lifes. What a blessing.

We either make ourselves happy or miserable. The amount of work is the same. Carlos Castaneda

Oh... and my teeth are SO white (I bleached 'em) and I am sleeping so much better since I stopped smoking, bouncing outta bed in the mornings. JOY.

Still laughing about last night. Still.

btw...Nath took this photo of me in his parents backyard in Adelaide when we {and Kaela} went to visit in December 2005. He so cute!

Bx

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

I laughed SO HARD...

Tonight, I really laughed... you know when you are doubled over and you can't breathe? Well that was me tonight. More about that shortly.

Firstly we took Paris to her first visit to the vet... she did really well and apparently Nath and I are good "cat" parents {as Nath puts it}. As Paris is healthy, happy and doing really well. Mikaela was excited about the excursion too and kept telling the vet that Paris is her cat. Sweet.

So then we returned Paris home and Kaela, Nath & I walked into Manuka for dinner @ Ginseng. After dinner Nath goes to do some groceries, Kaela and I get a headstart... as she is on her scooter. Kaela and I hide behind a tree and pounce on Nath as he comes by. All three of us are laughing and carrying on. We take turns on the scooter. Kaela is running, kakking herself, she still has her helmet on which is a bit squewif and one of her ponytails is sticking out oddly... I am laughing so hard. Nath is chasing her and I am trying to keep up, running along with the grocery bag. THEN Kaela puts her helmet {BIG pink Barbie one, no less} on top of Nath's head & he just keeps scooting along... I almost fall over I am laughing so hard. We were all laughing so hard...It was a great evening... imagine laughing like that every day {I am laughing again now just thinking about it}!
Bx

I try to be this kinda friend...


Love is blind; friendship closes its eyes. unknown

I found this list of qualities a friend has to offer. And I love it... so I post the link for you to ponder. There are many qualities of a good friend, a friend for life... and I agree that these are some of the most important.

I am so fortunate to have a number of people in my life who have these qualities and who offer them to me {for which I am so thankful}.... To have friends like this... you gotta be a friend like this. I try to always remember this .... to check myself and I make the effort...do you? That very question is something I am pondering at the moment...

This here is one of my very beautiful besties... Naomi, we have known each other for 18 years now... and she is a pure gem. A rare diamond and I love her to bits. We have an Easter traddition to spend it together... this time we are going to Kiama, and Nath is coming too....joy. Five nights at the beach. Much joy.

Bx

Day Three...

The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination. Tommy Lasorda

And I agree... I am onto Day Three of MyQuit for life campaign. And feeling good. But I am not going to give a blow-by-blow account of quitting this addiction on a daily basis... Lets just say from now on if you read my blog, unless I have stated otherwise, I have kicked the habit for good. I will however provide updates on my "Get Fit" efforts....argh!

On this subject - Monday arvo me and my girl climb Red Hill... it was a beautiful trek. As soon as we passed into the nature reserve I felt peace wash over me. I real sense of letting the days stresses ease away.

So on we trek. Mikaela has her doll (Xavier..."xavi") in her back pack and is feeling fine at the start. Quickly she is tired and insists on me holding her hand... I do a little, but encourage her to: "swing her arms, walk alone, power up ahead, keep her eyes on the path, and to keep putting one foot in front of the other". Tough love. Nah really I am saying these things to myself as much as to encourage her.

As we are nearing the top we take a quick break and have some water. Kaela finds a "comfy" spot atop a rock. I go for a run, while she sits there watching me and clapping. So sweet. My own little cheer squad of one.

As we are coming down, Kaela wants to run... it is quite steep and she falls over twice but doesnt really hurt herself. I ask if she realises why it is called "Red" Hill... she has red dust all over her. She laughes, we laugh, she looks so funny!

We pass a few groups of teenage girls out for a run. I say to her "that will be you... out running with your friends one day" and she responded "no... I will be running with you" {huge proud grin}

Yesterday as we drive home I ask if she would like to climb the mountain again with me. She replies an emphatic "NO"... she will stay home with Nath. But Nath got home around 7pm so I didnt go either.

Maybe tonight.

Bx

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Day Two...

...to no smoking... I know it is tragic. I am still one of those peeps who chooses to ignore all the {now VERY MUCH known} health risks....to have a "durry". Well no more I say. I am gonna give it up once and for all this time. Already one day down...

First we form habits, then they form us. Conquer your bad habits or they will conquer you. Rob Gilbert
Thankfully I only smoke in the evening which makes it easier, as I just need to keep myself busy during that time!! Last night I got out the old sewing machine...mended a few items. Hemmed and took in the waist of Mikaela's school pants {she was MOST excited this morning} and finally hemmed Nath's diesels (only been 3 months).

I have many, many things to keep me occupied. Making handbags (pulled one out last night that I had already pinned together, Nath thought it was "really funky"...cute). Make a few scalves - a good time of year now to get that little project started... certainly going to need them soon! Put together some Jewellery (more stuff I found last night). Then I have a pottery class starting soon, plus my Digi Photography and lab work... Plus: There is always scrapping... wish # 3 looms.

So within a few weeks I should be feeling much healthier, sleeping better, tasting my food better :-) So many other things too...
It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell. Buddha
Happy Tuesday all...
Bx

Monday, March 27, 2006

Its a beautiful day...

I am not sure who suffers Mondayitis the most... me, my gal (or Nath!). Nath finds his two grumpy gals very amusing {for the most part}... we SO need our sleep (10 hours is ideal) but I usually operate on 7 (6 some days) ... and it takes its toll. Its not pretty. But there is just so much to do... {grin} Maybe I will go to bed early tonight? (Hah)...

Ah Tuesday will be here soon enough. In the meantime here are a few things to brighten my Monday:

  • Kim is here {yah... some girly company in my work place.... kewl}.
  • I have booked our Easter break accomodation..... yipee.
  • I got to scrap over the weekend with Kimmy ~much joy~
  • Kyle, Jas and their clan came over for a BBQ on Saturday... we had such a good time ~needs to be more of 'em~
  • These beautiful flowers Kyle gave me ..... love 'em.
  • I have MORE scrapping planned this weekend.... infact TWO occassions (fantastico)
  • I have done MOST of my ironing (that is HUGE I tells ya... I had so much) whilst watching 2.5 episodes of the Sopranos 4th season.
  • MY GUY.... he totally brightens my everyday... and he makes me kak.
  • I have been avoiding speaking of wish No. 3 as I have not made it so (yet)...but I am progressing today and will be able to reveal details very soon...{really only exciting for me, but hey}...
  • Got a beautiful email from Denise... so beautiful.
  • My hair is all curly today (alla natural) and I like it.
  • In October we are going here... Nath's apartment in Palm Cove {pure paradise}. Love it so much. The photos from this blog entry are from our last mini-break there (last October)...
  • Coffee is (as always) good...

I hope you have a brilliant Monday... that there are a few things to brighten your day. And that the sun is shining....FOR its a beautiful day {grin}.

Gonna go grap my sister for a coffee break !!

B x

Friday, March 24, 2006

One day I will meet this Goddess....

She is SO totally beautiful..... Denise. Her blog is so REAL, so mother-earth, so inspiring. And I feel as though I KNOW her, like I really know her... as though she is my sister. Well it just so happens that Denise has a true and deep belief in the sisterhood and... we've emailed each other (she says womyn.... I like that). She makes me feel braver, courageous.... that whatever I have to say {or think} is okay. And that to be sad, happy or in-between is okay too...tis life {embrace it all}. What an amazing gift you have Denise. Thank YOu.
Bx

New Hairdo...


I love my hairdresser, I really do - James is such a cool guy. I first met him when I was about 18 and he is a fabulous artist. This year he is running for L'Oreal Hairdresser of the Year, and I hope he gets it. Last year he went to Paris representing Intercoiffure Australia at the Lifestyles Collection in Paris event... and it seems this year he has hardly stopped either.

Francos is a Canberra icon... it has been around forever. Saturday mornings are pumpin' in there {I avoid these days, grin}... it has a great atmosphere and wonderful staff. James works with his Dad, brother and two sisters... its a real family affair.

So with my new do.... and the weekend fast approaching ~I am one happy chicky~ and looking forward to some relaxation and catching up with friends over the next two days.
Enjoy.
Bx

Thursday, March 23, 2006

Scrap diddily issious .....

Am I a groupie ?..... oh dear. What have I become? It is official. I am Ali M.A.D .... she has a clothing line (and other kewl stuff). Wowsers, she is incredible. Totally inspiring. So naturally {I just HAD to buy a top}. Well....

And I can NOT wait to meet her in August. So totally excited about meeting her (WISH #1). I show all her stuff to Nath... he is actually not quite as excited as I am. But he loves my passion for my craft.

As Ali says: the title is "LIFE Artist"... and she is spot on ... I am a life artist, all scrappers are. It is a perfect fusion of photos, papers, ribbons, paints, pastels, chalks- all sorts of mediums - and most importantly accompanied by a story {my story}.... life artist, yep I like that title. Thats what I am. For me, and my guy and my gal.... and others to join us. AND I LOVE IT.

I am totally in love with my craft, with what I do .... and I love all the positive energy that it creates and generates... my beautiful friends I scrap with and other fabulous people I have met, the support, encouragement and love I receive from my loved ones... {SO much from Nath}

AND I will not tolerate any further negativity towards my passion, happiness or success. Its basically like being slapped in the face. NO MORE> will I feel guilty about loving the life I have chosen... and why would I? That is absurd ! Just ridiculous! Sometimes tis difficult to ignore bad learned habits of feeling responsible for others. Life is constantly striving to be a better person, to ALWAYS treat people with love and respect..... firstly ourselves.
PEACE, LOVE, JOY, HAPPINESS, HEALTH, BLISS to one and all {mwah... big kiss}
Bx

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Walking the streets of Sydney....

Oh and my blog about Sydney beaches.... reminds me of an extrodinary 91 year old man.... check out his site Walk Sydney Streets. Coincidently on our last road trip to Sydney Nath and I heard him being interviewed on the Js upon our drive home.

Taken from his site:

Alan Waddell was encouraged by his doctor to take up walking. After a while, repeating the same route every day became boring. So Alan Waddell decided to walk every street in his own suburb. In December 2002, this idea of walking every street was expanded to include neighbouring suburbs and so his odyssey began. This site is primarily about an unusual collection of 479 photos of Sydney taken whilst walking every street, lane, bush track etc in 192 suburbs (so far) of Sydney.

Amazing man hey...wow. And these photos are just superb...a birds eye view of an amazing city... in a way that most people would never get to see, even if they have lived there all their lives (even if they walk there every day?.... probably) . That is what Alan said in his radio interview we listened to - there were so many things he had seen that he never knew existed, right there in his city. What a guy... with a good eye and great legs...

Now I feel a teeny-tiny bit bad about skipping Boot Camp {grin}.
Have a fabulous week.
Bx

I just ate a Hundreds & Thousands cupcake....

...yep, sure did. And I didnt go to Boot Camp this morning....very naughty I know! btw... this statement would be SO much more meaningful with an accompanying photo... I mean they looked splendid. How could I have possibly resisted {grin}!

We had a great long weekend... all the gals went to Clovelly Beach Sunday afternoon. I had not been here before - been to Bondi, Coogee and Bronte loads of times, but never this one. It was so gorgeous, on one side it was family heaven, beach inlet and pool. And the other side are these fabulous rocks, great for climbing and lounging upon - huge - could take some really beautiful photos there....the rocks are magnificent... here are a couple of great aerial shots. We had a lovely day there and Kaela enjoyed frolicking in the water with Meeges and Sam.

Anyways onto Bondi for dinner...WAY over priced but enjoyable all the same. Mikaela was trying to speak French to the Italian waitress... cute... Lots of people watching and just sitting back enjoying the surrounds. Back to Lee (and Meeges) place to hang out, watch the teev and chill out... much needed and very nice {wish I'd taken my nail stuff}.

Yesterday Kaela and I had breaky with Katie ... it was lovely {except Kaela's scorching porridge}. Then we hit the shops ... we found the most beautiful dress for Katie, it was made for her. She looked stunning. Then onto IKEA... Kaela played in the KiddyZone {joy for all} and Kate and I shopped. I bought the storage boxes and thanks to the help of my guy... they are now set up and in place at home {yah}!

AND whilst away... Nath set up another shelf unit in the garage... and tidied up just a little more. I love the order of our house. So very much! It is definitely HOME. Our home and it is just the way we want it ... {contented sigh} WOW.

As exciting as I find Sydney and I LOVE visiting my sisters... SO much ... I was very happy to be home with my guy and gal last night, all warm and cosy... with everything in its place {well almost everything}...

Feeling a bit blue about saga's with Mikaela's Dad. Most of the time things are great, but every now and then there are issues! Ahhhh... the ongoing joys of both a separated and blended family. We are all good people and try to do our best ... that is all we can do. Sometimes I wish things were easier. Especially for Papy because he remains a man I admire and respect, whom I am proud of. And he is Mikaela's father and for that reason alone {aside from all the great things he has overcome and done} I will always have some kind of great affection for him, for she is part of him, without him, without us, there would be no she. Apparently I am at fault for [Nath and I] spoiling her... And I think I am. Its a sticky, yukky situation that breaks my heart. And for Nath too, for the family we have created. It is not easy. I have a lot of work to do here.

{edit: I just spoke to MY Dad... had a cry, he made me laugh and he made me feel MUCH BETTER, thanks Dad, I love you..always Bx}

Anyways... its the tough stuff that makes us appreciate the good, yeah ? Yeah! {a little smile}...
Bx

Friday, March 17, 2006

Anticipation....


We have a long weekend in Canberra ... a three day weekend. Yipee. It was planned that we head down to Melbourne to see Stella, Jer and the boys... but Stella and I got our wires crossed :-(

So our plan now is for a weekend of relaxation (and indulgence) .... On Sunday me and my gal are leaving our guy behind (just for one night). Hitting the highway, driving up to Sydney to see my sisters for some girly time, shopping and eating out. Just hangin with the sister/auntie crew.

I MAY even catch up with the goregous Naomi - a friend of mine forever (since we were 15) now THAT would be so great...she is a rare diamond, one of my life's besties for sure. And we need to organise our easter break ritual...

IKEA....we are definately hitting ... a must. Storage boxes here I come...I am storage mad I tells ya! Everything in its place, thats my idea of heaven (sad I know)!!

I wish a safe and joyous weekend to ya all too. Travel safely everybodies......{big hugs and love}
Bx

Life's Daily Frustrations.....

I can handle big stuff....you know, life altering stuff - good or bad, we have no choice but to deal with it.

It is the little stuff that really annoys me...
Every afternoon when collecting Kaela from school... the contents of her school bag strewn down the corridor, the WHERE is your HAT, WHERE is your JACKET....searching all over (and not finding it). Then arriving late to ballet. These are the things that bug me.

Kim reminds me that my little Miss Mikaela is only my first child... I really need to take a deep breath. Wait until we have more... Agh!
And then she does this....cute little things like this. And all is forgotten and forgiven.
We are at BarBars in Woden, enjoying a quick catch up with Kim... with some chips, an iced chocolate for Kaela and a vino for mineself and Kimbo. It is a nice way to end the afternoon... a bit of down time {smile}.
Bx

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

I have been tagged.....

Twas only a matter of time......before it reached Oz. I have been tagged my Miss Kim, so here are my responses....

4 jobs you have had in your life:
* bakery chick (with my sister too)...kewl job at 17 &15 ....
* Immigration Compliance field officer (not pretty, nor proud...but I thought I was kewl at the time at 19 years of age...such a young naive fool!)
* Croupier @ Canberra Casino (Involved 5 months intensive training....6pm-11pm Mon-Fri, plus a full-time job)....b4 I realised I didnt need two jobs !!!)
* Process Analyst & Senior Technical Writer - mainly Government Consultant (my current employ)

4 movies you would watch over and over:
* Shawshank Redemption
* Notebook
* Stealing Beauty
* Anything {almost} Nath or Kaela want (for snuggles on the couch)

4 places you have lived:
* Canberra, Australia
* Perugia, Italy (6 months)
* Canberra, Australia
* Foligno, Italy (6 months)

4 TV shows you love to watch:
* ShopGirls 2 (Italian Series), the best, best, best show ever !
* Sopranos (kewl intro song...for sure)
* Amazing Race
* Laverne and Shirley (Foxtel)

4 places I have visited:
* Thailand
* Palm Cove, FNQ...Far North QLD - perfect paradise in our own backyards!
* South of Italy.....Island Ischia - just gorgeous!
* Marble Bar, Western Australia...an oasis in the middle of the desert, very kewl.

4 websites you visit daily:

4 of my favourite foods:
* Salmon
* pesto pasta
* anything authentically italian (simple & flavoursome)
* coffee is a food !!! YES IT IS !! (moving onto Chai tea and original herbals rapidly though - obviously I need to!!)

4 places I would rather be right now:
* Italy with N & K
* Noosa catching up with my Dad
* Melbourne visiting Stella and her gorgeous family
* India with my three sisters.....and WHAT an experience that would be!! So kewl...

4 friends who I have tagged that I think will respond [all sans blogs :-( sorry to say]

  1. Jodie
  2. Vanessa
  3. Lee
  4. Shell

Enjoy ...Bx

Check out these kewl jeans....


I found on someone elses blog {Kelli Crowe, she has great style}. I am a thief !
I am going to make mineself some a them!
And I think I will add stamps to mine too... gorgee! Obviously feeling rather inspired today :-)
B x

Kimmy in da house....

I was walking out of my office to meet my guy for lunch {joy}.....
And who should be walking the corridor getting the "royal tour"???... non-other than my Kimmy. I can not hold onto this any longer.......THIS IS WISH NUMBER TWO....Kim has a new job. Here, with me {not actually working with me...but in the same branch of great techo nerds}.... so kewl.

I am so proud of her.... a whole new chapter is about to begin for her and Sime and the boyz. Most exciting for this fabulous family...MOST.

AND most exciting for moi {yep, me...me..me}.... cause I get to see one of my favourite people all the time [but not too much or we will drive each other mental]. AND, she will help me to get out of my {totally self obsessed} funkiness with this (actually very fabulous place I work). Kim's excitement is a great reminder of how pumped I used to be {and want to be again} to be here. And her just being here makes it better :-)

Did I already say how proud I was of this gal? ...oh yeah I did....SO PROUD. Her grin is massive...so happy to see that! And and nice new shoes and nails too (cute)...

Mes beaux amis toujours me rappellent la comment grande vie est. Merci. (My beautiful friends always remind me how great life is. Thanks.)
I love you Kimmy....have I told you how proud I am of you??????
Bx

Time to just Be....

.....is so precious. Kaela and I spent yesterday afternoon with Kyle and her darlin's. It was SO lovely...just hangin'... just being! They are so great to be with...life's simple pleasures!

Mikaela has been very vocal lately about wanting a sibling... very vocal {laugh}. Tells me all the time and kisses my belly and says "hello baby"!
I know I have put on a few kilos...but that is no reason for her obsession...in fact she has always had it. But now that Nath and I {and little Miss} are living together, I think she feels we should just hurry it up and deliver...literally!

And spending time with the gorgeous Kyles and her little ones only compounds those feelings, for Kaela (and for me too... but not as much as Kaela).

So I do what I have to do to get there....go to work, make some money. Tis boring but essential. As Lance Armstrong mentions in his book (Kyle put me onto...check out her husband's journal of their experience with Lachie....) "Every Second Counts" one descriptor of a hero is going to work day-in, day-out to provide for your family....I really needed that, tis true}. Oh ... and when I say "going to work" ... I am including my stay at home superheros!! THAT is WORK !

It will be a little while before we have another addition to our family unit....but not TOO long...

So many great things to look forward to :-)

And in case you were wondering what this photo has to do with this post ??? Well... it is just moment of just "being"...in Thailand with Nath...wow - that was 3 months ago now! *and I like the candid shot...it's just me being me!*
Bx

Monday, March 13, 2006

Attaining balance....

....I would find this so much harder without Nath. He is one of the only people on this planet who can read my mood and know how to respond to either make me kak myself laughing or realise I am taking myself way too seriously (and then kak myself laughing)...rarely does he offend me.
AND this man....he gets to see all of the worst of me {and all of the best too, thankfully}.

I am feeling a lot more balanced than I was a few weeks ago...I think this has EVERYTHING to do with boot camp and pilates....
Even has me back to some of my healthier habits without even trying....drinking much more water, my herb teas {which I do so adore almost as much as coffee}. Could still do some more work on making fresh juices in the morning...but I gotta tell ya, getting out of bed is hard at times.....I can only see 6am so many times in one week....not practically every morning...I just can not ! Does this make me a bad person? I hope not.

Jeez we expect a lot from ourselves....SO MUCH....I have my "family schedule"....I wish I could stick to it, but then I would be a robot. I like balance...yep I do. But not at the expense of my personality....of who I am.

Lovely things occuring lately get me into a state of excitement where I am giggling, and talking a million miles, and jumping from one subject to another and back again constantly {actually that is usual}.....but very high energy.

Nath told me yesterday that I am intense...and he meant it in a good way, called me his "little explosive woman like no other" ...he was grinning and laughing at the way that I:

  • have to have things done particularly (in my own special way...like us all I know - but we all have our own special way - and it takes that certain special person to appreicate them...and not find them annoying {and I found mine....*grin*})
  • fly off the handle for small things {such as half a bottle of vanilla coke spraying all over my just cleaned wooden floors....or exposing a roll of film and throwing it across the kitchen at Kaela's birthday celebrations...ranting and raving infront of our guests (much to Nath's horror at the time} but then just as quickly I am over it...laughing and enjoying myself again
  • am passionate about SO many things - sometimes I get so excited Nath (and Kim) have to remind me to breathe....

What do I think of these traits? Well I guess sometimes it is infuriating to me and those I love, but I put it down to my Italian heritage....even though I only have a very small portion of Italian in me {my grandmother is a Lazzarini...Milanese}.... I think my living in Italy for a year (in Perugia) certainly made me feel very much at home....and concreted for me that the very small portion of my Italian blood.....is a very large portion of my personality...
These thoughts are compounded by ShopGirls 2 showing again on SBS at the moment - and I LOVE IT....except it makes me {home} sick for Italy...for home is where the heart is and my heart is definately imbedded there. What I mean is....in Italy everyone is passionate...everyone is so full of life, and expression and well just living to the brink. In Australia....our society considers that kind of behaviour to be "hormonal" or "kooky"....tis sad, and I guess that is why I will always want to return to live my life in Italy..............aaahhhhhgggg {*huge sigh and grin*}
And Mikaela was conceived in Perugia (the city where Baci chocolates are made).........and that makes it all the more perfect to me.
Anyway I totally digress with this post, my intention was to share with you my thoughts on how I am attaining balance.........or maybe balance is just another term for acceptance which is more important. Embracing who we are and what makes us uniquely special in this great world of ours. High energy and all.

BTW...I have another belief that there are few special friends of mine...who may not have Italian blood, or have not been yet....but definately have lived there in a previous life...they too are SO Italian {big grin}.....
Bx

Thursday, March 09, 2006

She takes my breath away....

Everyday this child of mine just floors me. She is perfect. Such an attitude {oh yeah}...
And so loving! Kisses and cuddles galore - or rather "baiser" as she says to me about 20 times a day. Gorgeous.
My gorgeous little french speaking girl. I am so inlove!
Actually Mikaela is speaking a lot of French to me now. I really need to get into some French lessons...pronto {that's Italian...I know that!}...
Nath and I went to the information night for Kindy recently....of course it was bilingual, but I found it was so amusing that when the French teachers were speaking we'd try to pick up familiar words, nodding away.... Then we'd exchange "who are we kidding" expressions....we had no idea what they were saying. Fuunnyyy....
BTW...I CAN NOT believe she is 5...where does the time go?
What an angel....I REALLY AM BLESSED.
And..and...and...Happy Birthday Mitch (le artist)...Kims second son turned 13 today, yep a teenager. A talented, imaginative young guy whom I am very lucky to know...he's kewl.
Bx

Make a wish....

....three wishes all came true for me and two of my dearest girlfriends today.
I am SO excited....can't share yet...but will soon.
I love it....make a wish and the universe provides...Simple.
Excellent.
Brave sisters.
Bx

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

Getting organised.....

For our scrap day on Saturday. I am doing our Thailand holiday album...I have culled it down to 700+ photos.....mmm TOO MANY !

Also trying to work out my approach. Did sketches whilst in Thailand, first instincts are usually the ones to go with. Then I got to thinking I would like to include more of my freehand stuff, more of my artistic ramblings on page....my visual diaries are all me. And sometimes a sketch looks much better than the finished product because I let my creativity spill onto the page of my visual diaries, bit too precious with my scrap albums.

I mean the whole intention is that Mikaela gets a part of me....of who I am. And she would get a better idea from my visual diaries than my scrapbooks at the moment. As much as I love my scrapbooks....I am not pouring MySelf into them as I do with my visual diaries, just let it flow onto the page. So....MORE freehand paint, pencils, pens ...let the creativity flow.Yeah!

On another matter...Boot Camp, can honestly say I enjoyed it this morning... However, Friday I forgot my towel and had to use paper towels. And TODAY....I am well, lets just say I forgot another kind of essential, and I am glad I am wearing pants {much laughter}. Such a goose! Ah well... hopefully that is the worst thing that happens to me today.

All good.
B x

Monday, March 06, 2006

In no particular order, a weekend of....

..Family, friends, tons of great food, beautiful babies, spectacular fireworks, great picnic, Thai take-away, flowers, horse riding lessons, shopping, Questacon (warning..link has audio), Kingston Markets (Cass and Matt), cuddles, love, tears, lollies, bickering, much laughter, new mascara, driving in the country to Goulbourn for Eliza's Baptism, Sunday papers, anchovy stuffed olives (big green ones...delicious), airport visits, a deep bubble bath, spilt chocolate milk in NV (ohmygawd!!), blowing bubbles and dandelions, baby wipes, beer, wine, sports on the teev....and even some scrapping !

A really great weekend, especially having Cass and Matt visiting...it was wonderful to spend some time together. Mikaela is totally inlove with them both. And we can not wait to see them again soon.

Such a shame....Nath made me remove the post of the cute baby photo of him and his Ma... tel est la vie !!
Bx

Friday, March 03, 2006

So many kewl things happening....

Cant really go into it, but this one is for Kim....SO KEWL....its all happening for her.
And when things become solid, I will be sure to let you know. I am just SO excited for her....Life is good and we are all connected and placed in positions to help each other. Fate...I love it!
Bx

I am in Pain....

..but a good type of pain, most pleased. This mornings boot camp was difficult. We ran around Parliament House and down to Yarralumla Bay...1 minute high intensity and alternate minute low. Okay there was not a lot of "intensive" running on my part....more convincing myself that to continue running is easier than stopping and then having to restart again....keep up the momentum. But I was out there and I did it and I am happy.
I am hobbling into civic at lunch to meet Jodes at Della {our most favourite restaurant}. Put some film in to be developed and put onto CD....some great photos I took of Kaela with her hair out..
And looking forward to Nath's sister, Cass and her hubby Matt arriving from Adelaide tonight.
We have another great weekend ahead....usual Friday night at the plaza with Miss Mikaela, SkyFire Saturday night and little Eliza's Christening on Sunday.
Somewhere in there I hope to get some scrapping done....just one or two pages even...{Smile}
I hope you have a beautiful weekend too.
Oh...and we won our semi in Touch Footy last night, which means we play in the finals next week {kewl}.
Bx

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Congratulations little sister....

I am SO PROUD....HAPPY and EXCITED for my little sister, ">Lee.
She has been back from London for a couple of months and was beginning to become despondent about not yet getting a job {she had a brilliant job in London}....
But TODAY....SHE has DONE it.
She has a permanent job with the CBA.... and its more $$$ than she hoped for......FANTASTICO.
You are a legend girl.
Its great what a Cue suit, new colour and cut can do ..... {huge grin}.
Brilliant.
I love you little sister, and I am SO PROUD OF YOU.
You are just beginning to bloom, enjoy every deserving moment of it - you so deserve it honey!!.
Bx

From Small things, big things Grow...

Supposed to be doing my Pilates class at lunchtime, but unfortunately it has been cancelled for today...and I could really use it. My thighs are heavy as bricks...gonna feel it tonight and tomorrow at 6.30am - ouch!

Last night I spent some time pouring over my inspiration folder...poems, quotes I have printed over the years for various reasons: scrapping, training manuals....Kaela's baptism. Lots of lovely pieces and it made me feel really good.

And then this morning I got this little something from Ali's blog:
Kobi Yamada : We can't take the little things for granted. They have built companies, friendships and just about everything of value. No act of generosity, kindness or service is ever wasted, no matter how small. Everything matters. Everything we do helps or hurts, adds up or takes away. We need to count on each other for the little things that make life so big. In the end, it is not the days or the years that we remember, but the moments.

And here are a few other quotes by Kobi that I really like too:
"Sometimes you just have to take the leap, and build your wings on the way down." {I feel like this at times :-)}
"A bad attitude is the only true handicap." {We KNOW this, but we still allow negative energies to seep into our happy worlds....no more I say}
" Embrace your uniqueness. Time is much too short to be living someone else's life." {Perfect}

I found these at Inspiring Quotes ...very nice.
Enjoy.
B x

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

A gorgeous family.....

I am so blessed to know these beautiful people...take a look at this talented woman's work.
We are booked in for our own session soon {naturally}....WOW ! **Actually (WHoa Nelly) I was a bit quick off the mark there.....usual spontaneous self. After discussing with my guy, he rightly pointed out that we have some pretty major things occuring at the moment {cant share yet, but promise I will when it all becomes official - and not it has nothing to do with babies}....so anyway that leaves us with putting this off for six months or so. I am okay with that - because this other stuff is very exciting and kewl....will tell soon :-)

I am so so sooooo happy after looking at those.
And honoured that Kyle sent them to me....
Thanks Kyle...you and Jas are golden and have the most lovely family.
Bx

I am a Goddess....

...And I deserve nothing but the very best. (To quote Kyle when she gives herself a compliment...can I say that?) Yeeeaaahhh.....of course.
It took me a long time to recongnise this. I wrote it down and stuck it on the inside of my pantry cupboard. Not for any diet reasons, just because that is one of the places I stuck things. Infact I put affirmations all over the place....in my wardrobe, bedside table, scrap room {naturally}, the trusted fridge and back of the toilet door in my old place....everywhere.

This is one of my favourite pieces and I have written it {with colourful chalks, pastels and pencils} onto one of my scrapbooking cupboard doors:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same
As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Marianne Williamson from her book, A Return to Love, p. 165
Nelson Mandela’s used this brilliant piece of work in his 1994 inaugural speech

I write A LOT. I keep diaries, lists, affirmations, notes of what I dream of, what inspires me...things I want to achieve.
I have done so for a long time, not just because of scrapping (though it has helped me immensely), but always. And I love looking over these lists and seeing how many things have come into fruition....SO MANY things.
Kim tells me lists are my magic....I believe they are....I believe there is magic in all of us.
To all you Gorgeous Goddess out there....enjoy this beautiful day and enjoy being the spectacular Goddess that you are.
Bx