Happy Birthday

Isla; Quirky, inquisitive, beautiful, intelligent, feisty, funny, kind.

Happy Birthday xx

Hi Luka

This van is for Luka, born last Tuesday.
Isn't it funny how you can love a baby so much, before you've even met them?

He's a lucky little man, his Mum is one of my favourite people.

I chose the African Animal print because his Mum and Dad lived in Africa for a while. A nerve-racking time for me as his Mum regaled me with stories of Malaria shots and spiders the size of dinner plates.

She's pretty tough, Lukas' Mum xx

Waitangi Weekend

This Waitangi Weekend, I've been sorting out Isla and Kyans' rooms. Have I been reading too Much NZ House and Garden recently? I feel the need to rearrange a lot. Luckily my children don't seem to mind. And my husband? Well after 5yrs of marriage he's pretty used to it.
The china Kombi van that was the inspiration for these, a Kookaburra toy from a friend across the ditch ,shoes to be grown into, and on the wall, embroidery by Nana.

The stripey quilt made by my Mum, on the feeding/rocking chair.

Shadow portrait of me pregnant with Kyan, done by my Dad and I.

I love Kyans' room, it's such a calming space.

Islas' room. Dolls quilt hand stitched by yours truly as I waited for her to arrive.

Some of Islas' treasures. Both of my children have a book which each month, I write a little spiel about what we've been up to, what they have learned, things that have happened in our family, and a photo. It's kind of like a life story for both children. Islas' one sits here on her pink shelf. I can't believe I've been doing it for nearly three years! The Bunnykins moneybox was mine.

Art Deco dressing table rescued from a garage sale and restored. Embroidered cloths by Nana

Thrifted vintage dress, the prototype castle and mouse

Crochet blanket made by Nana. What special handmade family treasures have you made or passed on to your children?

Walking on Sunshine

It's shaping up to be a fantastic Summer here in this hemisphere. These images were all taken from where I reclined in the morning sun at Ohiwa Beach, appreciating the small moments with my beautiful family. These are the types of hot, idyllic days that I can refer back to during the Winter when everything seems grey and unfriendly.

For nothing is fixed, forever and forever and forever, it is not fixed; the earth is always shifting, the light is always changing, the sea does not cease to grind down rock. Generations do not cease to be born, and we are responsible to them because we are the only witnesses they have. The sea rises, the light fails, lovers cling to each other, and children cling to us. The moment we cease to hold each other, the sea engulfs us and the light goes out.
James Baldwin