Thursday, July 24, 2008

A Stitch in Time.....



...Saves My Mind!!!
I went and got another piece of fabric to back Poppy's quilt after the other piece I bought was too small. To avoid my wonky sewing I went with two full length pieces in the hope that sewing along the selvedge would give me a nicer edge. It seems to have worked and as you can see by the photos, the fabric is a bit out there! I have to say, I think it really works - it takes the quilt from safe pastels/girly to a bit of fun and flight of fancy! I think so anyway.... *Quietly Prays it looks ok*....


I am just quilting in the ditch around the squares and then I was thinking of straight lines along the border? Any advice from expert quilters out there? I would love some input. I also have 2 nine patches leftover so they will make cushions. I am going to try piping around them.
I don't know why in the photo it looks so wrinkly - it's all ironed and pinned to within an inch of it's life. I hope it doesn't end up that wrinkly. The colours are a bit out too from the flash.
Anyway, time for calistenics! Later peeps!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Cutting Some Slack


I've been going through a rough patch recently. The fact of Steven basically being away since May, illness and some family issues have found me on a really low emotional ebb.

I find it so hard to be honest about my feelings, ever since Darcy I have somehow shut down a part of my personality that allows me to feel freely and share those feelings with others. The lower I feel, the more I smile. It's a double edged sword, I can go on with my daily life without others suspecting my crumbling insides but it makes it hard for people to believe how bad I am feeling when I do admit it. Even my GP looked suspicious when I told him as I was not a crying mess, my children were dressed and my hair was done. It does not negate my depth of despair inside.
Anyway, in light of that confession, this morning was starting off particularly badly - Cameron had pulled every piece of clothing he owned out of his drawers and strewn them around the house, Anna-Jayne had the runs and therefore had to stay home from school and Poppy just wasn't her happy self. I made pancakes for morning tea and had lost my patience as they had all wanted to 'help' which ended in a smashed plate, sticky maple syrup floor and even more mess to clean up!
I sent Jaynie to her room to watch a DVD on the laptop and while Poppy was in there with her, I sat down with Cameron and did some drawing. I consciously made myself sit on his little stool, getting right to his level and made myself interact even though all I wanted to do was be alone. We had discussions about Transformers and Daddy being at work. While he was reaching for a texta, his hand deviated to rest on mine and give me a little rub. A cheeky little smirk later and he was back to drawing.
Then when he decided it was time for a TV break, I took Poppy into the shower with me. Again, making a conscious effort, I sat on the floor and drew shapes with her on the steamy shower screens and filled cups with water, tipping them into the next one. She looked up at me, her big blue eyes fixed on me and I just felt so loved and okay. Her little skinny arms around my neck and her little bum working its way to find a space on my lap was better and more fulfilling than I could ever imagine feeling today when I woke up.
It dawned on me that my kids don't want a 24/7 entertainer Mum, with a hundred organised craft activites and constant interaction, they only want snippets of my 100% time. Snatches of 5-10 minute blocks, a small activity together, a little laugh and quick stolen cuddle.
Suddenly I felt a huge weight release off my shoulders. I always feel as if I'm not 'good enough'. The house is not spotless, there is washing to do, the kids fight, I don't take them to the park every five minutes or make playdough everyday. But I do try. And they love me for it. I need to let it go and cut myself some slack. I hear the niggling voice inside my head say "cutting yourself some slack is an excuse for being lazy" but today I will ignore it.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Writing From My Sick Bed...

Well, I am not literally in bed, I have just always wanted to say that! We have had rounds of illness going through the house, culminating in a weekend long crook-fest for the long suffering Mum. I haven't been sick in so long. I do get a lot of migraines but I normally don't count them on my sick list as they have been a regular part of my life.

Anyway, suffice to say, I am feeling rather worn thin today and plan to use my child-free day to recuperate and get the house tidy so I can spend some much needed time with the peeps for the rest of the week.

We did manage to do a Fairie Garden yesterday. This idea came from a great friend of mine, as a way to make each house we live in more like home - the thought that their Fairie friend will follow them no matter where they live is a comforting thought to our always moving children.

'Flutter' has decided to join our family, meaning Mum has spent quite a bit of time this morning sourcing Faririe glitter, stones and stickers!

I have been doing a little crafting - I have been crocheting some granny squares in the hope of one day having a lap quilt! I wanted something I could do while watching TV that didn't require much concentration but I still felt as if I was being a little crafty.
I hope you are having a peaceful day. x

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Where Have I Been?










Not figuring out better blog titles, that's for sure. ;)


I have my Mum here as hubby is away for seven whole weeks. We did an op shop run today and struck gold, literally! I have had a fascination with religious icons for a long time and never managed to find one I loved. I had bid for a couple on Ebay that ended up going for ridiculous prices. I found this little love and I am so happy! It's just perfect.


The kids are tired out from a long day of trekking the Op shops so I'll make this short and sweet. Catch you very soon...