Writing to-do lists

Justine, of Mixtapezine , reminded me of why I need a journal.
My life, is why.


I am guilty of having so many ripped bits of paper from zillion notebooks that I sticky tape to new books and try to keep them organised. Last year, I bought a vintage-look library stamp (couldn't find an old one, so a new-old one had to do).  Now, I will have a page a day. Tomorrow, I will buy a new book and get started.


Journaling made me start thinking of lists.
I love lists.


To do lists,
Shopping lists,
Idea lists,
Life plan lists,
Towns to visit lists,
Things to join lists,
Festivals to attend lists,
Shops to browse lists,
Blog lists-
You name it. I have it.


My idea list is a favourite, but there are SO many ideas that often I can't even get back to the list.


Hamish and Andy have a friend who also has a 'Idea list'. Actually, it is an excel program on his work computer. He is an invention man. It seems many of his 'great ideas' are not really that great! Inventive? Yes. Unusual? Yes. Practical? No.

Hamish and Andy spoke to Ricky Gervais in an interview. It seems he has a friend with similar ideas. Click here, if you want to listen to a really funny interview they had about lists and inventions....

Podcast of Ricky Gervais with Hamish and Andy

And another thing... Those Tupperware brochures of yesteryear. Here are the pics I promised. Classic.

The benefits of television for young children

Most of the time, I love NOT having a tv.
TV time is time away from life, and more importantly, from creating.

But occasionally, I hear of something intriguing and want to watch.
My soon-to-be brother-in-law hired out "Underbelly" and lent it to us.
I was hooked. My husband and I watched 7 episodes in 2 days. After Ned was in bed, of course.

Sometimes, (only sometimes), television is fun.

Television and children is another story altogether.  My first time round parenting, I rarely had a television in my house but that was due more to circumstance (having a little one and being a full-time uni student, or living in the bush, or travelling) than choice.  Until my daughter started school and I began to learn more about the effects of television on children. These things I was hearing, about television and behaviour, were not really in my sphere as I had nothing to compare our television-free life too.

Years later, when I went to work in this school, I saw first-hand the effects of television on young children and young minds.  This time I had an opportunity to study the children, as there was a control group (families who didn't own televisions at all), and two other groups of children for comparison. Those who watched television a little, and those who watched a lot.

But it was the children who didn't watch at all that taught me the most.

These were the children who knew how to play.  Who could make something from nothing.  Who were able to use their imaginations to build phenomenal plays and stories from scratch.  Who could manage and self-direct themselves for hours on end.  Whose language ability and skills and vocabulary was just leaps and bounds beyond their peers.

But the thing that impressed me the most?  Their kindness and general character.  Lovely, lovely children. All of them. Over many years of teaching.  NEVER a problem.

When our son Ned was born a few years ago, we made a CONSCIOUS decision to NOT let him see any television (at home or elsewhere) including random screens we are subjected to in daily life.  It wasn't that hard as we were already a tv-free household (yep, even the teen didn't mind) but it did open my eyes to how difficult it is to stay out of screen sight.  Almost impossible.  Doesn't matter where you go, there is a screen.

Now he is nearly four, I can say this commitment has been so worth it.

And now it is just normal life for him without tv or videos. It just doesn't go on.
He knows no different and CHOOSES to play even if he has an opportunity to watch something on a rare outing to a friend's or Grandma's place.   I love this!!

Our newest challenge is that Ned has found Bob the Builder dvd's in the library.  A friend of mine kindly gifted him a box of her son's old Bob toys and as a truck-driving worker man like him, Ned is becoming a little obsessed.  So, we set our limits.  He is allowed to choose ONE dvd to take to Grandma's house and when we visit, he can watch it there.  Not here. I'm not opening that bag of worms.  But that to me is a happy compromise.  Win. Win.  I like it.

I have too much proof in the pudding of what can happen when children watch too much television. Sacrificing Oprah (why is that show so addictive? I love it!) is well worth it to have a nice little boy who can play independently, be a creative thinker and imagine!!

What do you think?  How do you manage screen time with your children?

Maya-made's flower-peeps

If you are feeling the need for a little colour and laughter and play, please go and have a look at what Maya and her family are doing....

I love it! I love Maya made.
Maya's flower-peeps

Mother Earth lights the winter candle

Today, I am honoured to be Mother Earth. It is my 'farewell' at Silkwood, and although I won't be travelling far and wide, I leave my role as beloved Kindergarten teacher and this is the reason for this request.

Winter is my favourite festival at Silkwood. For many years, I have been a part of, and have made, many many winter festivals AND winter Solstice festivals. It is a time of inner activity, a time to turn away from the world and venture in, alone. It is a time of building up resources, preserving strength and living in the fallow.

I like to think of us all as big simmering pots of stew!! Let us all be pots of stew together.

Nothing like a warming stew to nourish, give courage, warmth and love to each other.

Let's stew away in our winter havens and reappear in Spring, renewed, refreshed and with vigour!!

Tomorrow, after the sadness has gone, and the lull is over, I will post some photos of tonight's magical evening.

Thank you, my dear friends, for all your words of gratitude and love. I feel truly blessed to know you, to love your children and to share joy in this world.

Thank you to Valerie and Silkwood team, for the kind words of farewell, gifts and the moving 'Travellers Song', accompanied by Mel and Tanna on instruments.

And, a big thank you to Masako, for the yummy tray of Inari sushi pockets- there is no greater way to say thanks than sharing a delicious feast!

Japanese Gocco Screenprinting machine

Hello, Hello!  It is playtime.

My new fan-dangled gizmo toy has arrived. Yes, my Print Gocco. I feel so lucky!!

It was one of those co-incidental moments. I had been trying to purchase one on Ebay and USA sites for months, with no luck. Missing out at the last moment, with prices going up to $300 or more.

Then, one Saturday about a month ago, I was being constructive with a few hours 'spare time', wandering shops and thinking about how I might be able to find a Gocco, when I bumped into one of my old students and her mum. Masako is Japanese, so I thought she might know of some Japanese noticeboards/online messageboard etc where I could post my request, and/or maybe she might even know of someone who might have one in working order that they would sell....

Masako did better than that. She spoke with her husband, Tadashi, and he got online into the big wide shopping web and found a Japanese site, selling heaps of them!! 

What is a gocco?? It is a small homestyle screenprinting machine. I absolutely can't wait to make my chocolate party invitations and some Spring t-shirts for Ned.  Henri is waiting to print her groovy designs and perhaps sell them online.

The importance of input for creativity

It is difficult, if not impossible, to create in a vaccuum.

When one is removed from life, all the little quirks, moments, events, bits, stuff cease to flood the brain and one is left empty.  This is what happens when you have the flu, or a hangover, or recover from a wisdom tooth extraction.

The challenge is balance. It is always the challenge. To be involved, yet leave space.

The BIG quest: To fill up 'just enough' so that there are pixel images for one's brain to jiggle and juggle and move about and create that splendid, something new.

My only jiggle and jaggle and juggle after my wisdom tooth removal has been to help throw down a pain killer with a gulp of water.   It feels like my imagination left with my four teeth!  No wonder thay are called 'wisdom teeth'.  But, even my sleep world has been bereft of new pixels to jug about.

Tomorrow, I look forward to embracing the world outside my four walls again and gaining precious input for creativity!

Facing fear

Flower And Buds, originally uploaded by Jim-AR.

It is good to be alive.
I am so happy today, even with bloated face and sore mouth.
I have an absolute fear of a general anesthetic but I did it!!
Thank you, Dr Berry, for helping me through.

It is scary facing a big fear. My greatest fear was not returning to watch my children grow up. When it boils down to it, fear makes you hold the important things to you. They are precious.

I am so grateful for another day and more time to be on this earth. My song has not yet been sung....

Paper Cut art examples #3

Paper Cut-out Art, originally uploaded by thegreatgeekmanual.headers.

I love paper cutting art. This one blows me away!!
If you like this, try looking for work by Peter Callasen.

I love it when people take things from Kindergarten to the adult world. I'd like to become a paper cut artist and play with paper all day long.

Wouldn't you?

Paper cut art examples #2

parade, originally uploaded by lisa.loo77.

Elephants on parade.
Lisa.loo, we love you.

Paper cut art examples

Red Clover, originally uploaded by Hoshika.

Another beautiful paper cutting. This one by Hoshika. So much talent!!

There is an old man from Brisbane who has a talent for making paper cut silhouettes of people who request.  He is a regular at the Brisbane Ekka.  (Exhibition), held in August each year at the RNA showgrounds.   If you like paper cut art, and you live in Brisbane or surrounds, why not try to find him this year?

Amber Greene, Presenter "Bringing back the Magic Conference 2009"

I saw the brochure for the 'Bringing back the Magic' conference today and yes, my picture is in it.

I think I may need some airbrushing!!

I am just realising that I am 36 now, no longer one of the 'young ones' but more the 'middle group' ones. It seems everyone is getting younger. What is it with those model pictures in magazines? They look so young. I don't think I ever looked that young!

I am excited about the 'Magic' conference. I am doing a segment on MOVEMENT and everyone knows how much I love that, especially combined with ways to 'grow' the brain. A healthy brain gives everyone such a start when it comes to imagination and CREATIVITY!!

Hip Hooray for the Brain!

Lavendilly House Winter festival

The gathering was Lavendilly House winter festival. It was a cold day, leading into a brisk night. We gathered for a meal and a song.

Jen sang her winter story. I have never seen her do this before. She was brave and sweet and accompanied by Dave on guitar. It was a lovely song of people giving up things for others, and sharing love.

There was a fire in a stockpot. It glowed blue and the children had open eyes in wonder.

Our lanterns were lit from the fire. These are the ones we had made at Playgroup this week. I loved the stars and the mini spirals. Craig had made special tins with nail punched patterns for Aedan, Zahlia and Jarrah. They were lovely too.

We walked the candlelit circle and ventured on.

It was Ned's first lantern festival and first spiral. I hope he has many more. I have loved the winter circle for many many years. It is a journey of rebirth each time, taking steps to honour our selves as individuals with light and dark sides and acknowledging there is a time for both.

Winter is the time for stillness and time to look deeply inside oneself. It is a time where I long to live in Melbourne or Canada, to experience winter in more fullness than on the sunny Gold Coast. But, when I feel the icyness for a few days, I'm reminded why I like home and the short duration of a true winter.

Thank you, Jen and David, for a special evening.

10 creative uses for a paper clip

I am collecting cute paper clips. Every little bit of life should have a bit of fun and quirky cute added to it. These definitely help. My next purchase are a set of 'dog bone' clips. Sweet.

Paper clips are such handy things.

(Did you know that in Germany, a mobile phone is called a 'handy?' Mighty clever idea actually.)

Here are 10 things you might like to do with a paper clip- especially cute ones like this.

1. Hang them from your ears. Star earrings in an instant.
2. Make a daisy chain necklace of clips. Inspiring fashion.
3. Use one as a guitar pick (rounded one would be best)
4. Keep socks in pairs
5. Attach money to inside of your bra. Especially handy on cold days when you don't want to be searching around your freezer handbag.
6. Unfold one and use it to reach things in hard-to-get-to spots
7. Make a pair of spectacles for a favourite teddy bear. (He is as old as you! He'd appreciate it!)
8. Glue one to a magnet and put on fridge to hold bitsandpieces
9. Start your old car with one (My blue station wagon started with a screwdriver)
10. Clip one to a birthday card and add money. Always appreciated.

Have you got any more???

How to organise your craft stash

Can you hear my song?

Hum along!

(to the tune of "White Christmas")

"I'm dreaming of my own creative space" 

An office/writing room/sewing space/craft hob.

This would do!

Sewing room, originally uploaded by wildolivekids.

I think we might all desire this ribbon rack. Wildolivekids... so cute and organised. 

Honestly, I am inspired. It is so cute and pink and scrumptious, I could eat it.

Creating a room of one's own- craft stash

My creative space, originally uploaded by *jenny b allsorts.

Jenny B, love the lollypop shop style here! I could walk right in!

The polkadot table is just divine!!

Creative office spaces

H

                                   I like this one. One you can pop behind a cupboard door.

What would your creative space look like?? White or colourful? Big or small? 

Tucked in a cupboard or a yurt with a view of the moon? I'd like to see them!!

Shoot for the Moon!

Today, I made a big decision come true. There is no looking back with longing, only fondness. There is to be no looking back. (I must remind myself!!)

Today, I step forward on the path to being a full time writer. It is the path I took first steps on almost 10 years ago, when I left an unfulfilling teacher job to take up a part time position that would give me time for writing. Instead, the job became my life and the writing became the 'part time'. Today, I handed in my resignation and so now, back to the original path.

As the quote goes, 'aim for the moon. If you fall, at least you'll land in the stars'

Today, I shoot for the moon!!!!

Accepting change

Life has a funny way of moving in cycles. Looking at, and learning about, the seven (magic seven) year cycles of life has been enlightening for me over the years and very telling of the universal truths that encompass all of us.

At 36, I am one year into a new cycle and big change has been the order of the day. More than at any time in my life.

There have been many things- a new baby, issues of trust and truthtelling, lessons of integrity, endings to friendships and new buddings beginning and career diversions.

Things that have laid dormant for many years were thrust into the open and dissected and my hand (and plans) were forced after I refused to make change myself.

I thank the universe for guidance because I know that big change and loss is ALWAYS the only way to be open to new goodness and light and love. I actually am feeling a wave of excitement when I feel the vaccuum and space that has presented itself. Good things are to come (and have come, in the form of my little boy especially!!)

It is not to say I haven't been sad or lost these past few months. I have had some pretty down moments, that is for sure. It is fair to say that at times like these, family play a big part. As have a few good, consistent friends who asked me questions or listened or made a phone call or two. But a corner has been turned, and life is looking rosy.

 Delving deeply into biography and life patterns can be so confronting but oh, so enlightening too.

Simple Embroidery on felt, & Treehouse dreaming

It's a wee little mushroom house. Well, this is the bottom half. Roof installation is yet to come.

There is something compelling about bees... In Ned's favourite book by Mem Fox, 'Time for Bed', there is one page with bees on it and he has to stop and point at it every day. He loves to have a little chat about it.

"Zooma Zooma Zee, busy busy bee, 

sipping at the flowers in the springtime hours, 

zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom zoom. " 

( Author unknown, but a great ditty for zooming spoons into baby mouths)

As much as I like mushroom houses, I prefer treehouses.

Many years ago, I lived for a while in a house on Beechmont mountain with a loft and staircase. I had dreams of wrapping the entire staircase in plaster bandages and wire and creating my very own 'rainbow treehouse'. I didn't stay there long- the house was too spooky and something felt not quite right (and one definitely needs to trust one's instincts I have learned) so it never materialised but I have another plan for a rogue pole in the soon-to-be-built-in underneath part of our house.

I also have dreams for an indoor slide (as much for adults as for the kids- there is a great example of one in the book 'HOME" by Anita Kaushal-see side bar for details) and an indoor swing seat. The child inside never dies!!But for now, the huge cubby house and monsterous swing set outside should suffice. 

Thank goodness for husbands with a child-like heart as well!

The Bucket List

What would you do if "Today was your last day?"

I have a plan for my 'last supper' but no plan for my last day (if i could choose!). A recent song title though, has got me thinking.

What would I choose to do? Who would I spend it with? and WHY AM I NOT DOING MORE OF THIS EACH AND EVERY DAY??

In a nutshell,

*My day would be a nice sleep in to at least 6am
*Good morning cuddles with Ned and hubby
*A hot cup of tea with the top cream from raw milk stirred in, yum!
*A bowl of porridge and honey
*Time to sit on the verandah watching Ned explore and the sun to rise higher
*Time to laugh with Henrietta
*Time to watch Henrietta practice ballet steps and pointe, her favourite activity
*Time to chat with my mum, dad, sisters and cousins
*Writing time- sending my books off to the publisher finally- being less afraid!
*Blog bliss- checking out my faves once again- little red caboose, zakka life, mayamade, tiny happy, lavendilly house, the story of bee
*Laughs with Jen, Sellina, Juzz, Gabi, Georgie, Suzi, Tania and Meags
*Crafting something with my hands
*Making banoffee pie and eating a whole lot of it!
*A visit to my fave green flea market at west end or trawling the Bangalow shops to find that one perfect treasure
*Reading 'Body and Soul' magazine, 'Mixtape' zine and 'Frankie' (no time for a book of course)
*Having a big pot luck dinner with lots of friends and family
*Eating a whole 100 gram bar of Green and Blacks Organic milk chocolate. yum.

Did you notice that work doesnt rate a mention?

There is a saying that you should find what you like to do, then you never have to work a day in your life. I like writing. No, I love it and can happily spend hours and hours on my own writing and writing and rewriting.

From now on, I'm going to make each day count that little bit more.

Crafty mornings and community sharing

 Nikki and Mia are the lovely ladies who run the Heart and Hands group at a local creativity-focused school. These little gnomes were made by the hard working mums in the group a few weeks ago!

(Thanks for the lend of the photo, Nikki and Rob)

Hey ho and rick rack, these little gnomes carry treasures in their sacks!

 In 2008 and 2009, I presented a number of topics to parents and friends, interested in parenting creatively.

 One presentation was entitled "7 things you can do to help your child cope with home and school".

There was a lovely bunch of ladies nice and close to me who were sharing their stories, challenges and strategies and this was great! I love to have an opportunity for people to share their successes especially as well as their most difficult moments. We ALL have them. It is a relief to share and know that we are not alone.

For me, it is a huge ask and responsibility to share ideas and talk about anything to do with parenting WHEN YOU ARE STILL A PARENT of young ones!! Did you notice that most people who talk/write/hold workshops about "The parenting of young children", actually no longer have young children....

I sometimes feel so vulnerable and open but the need to share snippets that might help others along the journey somewhere (remembering I have been a parent for almost 15 -difficult- years) is what makes me step over my fear and come forward. I wish there had been someone or something to hold my hand and make the journey a tiny bit easier.

I hope with all my heart that some things I say and share do just that!

And the most wonderful thing of all is that the work I truly love, my soul's hunger, (namely, working with women to inspire the discovery and the sustained growth of their own creative flames) is most naturally conjoined with that of motherhood.    Discovering your inner artist is another way women 'give birth', and many women find the first type, that of having a child, is the precursor to the second kind-that of discovering one's own inner artistic talents. 

I find that the journey of motherhood is often the KEY moment when suddenly there is time and space and a void (removed from career/social outings/parties/time fillers) for mothers to find the creative heart of their souls.

I hope you might one day find yourself in my audience and be inspired too!

Just remember to pop up and say hi!