Morning Walks

As often as I possibly can, I wake up in the morning, load up the trusty Mountain Buggy, and head to the beach for a morning walk. Zac is a bit fearful of his lead, so he rides too, until we get to the beach, just in case of cars.

However, at the rate he's growing, he's going to have to get used to that lead soon, because I'm not sure how much longer he'll fit up there! We are a bit of a spectacle but I don't mind.

Down the path, over the road, and there it is. My sanctuary. This morning we had the whole beach to ourselves.

There's Whale Island in the distance...

Aotearoa ataahua; Beautiful New Zealand. Also, I'd like to thank all the beautiful people who have commented on my blog recently. Lots of new personalities and new blogs to explore. Thanks for all your kind words, I really appreciate it. I'm nearly up to my 100th post so I think I have a bit of a giveaway approaching to celebrate!

Goodbye Winter

If I'm not mistaken, tomorrow is the last official day of winter 2009 (for this hemisphere). It will be nice to say goodbye to the constant battle to get things dry...

Goodbye to wearing coats and hats, and being able to see our breath in front of our faces when we're out walking...

Goodbye fireside talks and toasted marshmallows...

Goodbye white skies...

Goodbye slippery roads, frosty mornings, ug boots and woolly scarves. Hello Spring xx

Ho ho ho!

I've started work on my un-traditional Christmas stockings. I intend to make... A lot!

Each one will be unique, and they will be completely un-traditional with sequins, animal prints, retro recycled fabric and colour galore! This is going to be fun. I stopped at my local sewing shop yesterday afternoon for some supplies...

It reminds me of pirates' treasure.

I'll be sure to blog about it when I have some in the shop xx

So Far This Week...

Here's a Temari Ball which has rolled off to the shop

Nothing else to report really. I'm home taking care of poor Isla who had a nasty asthma attack on Monday and is still a bit shaky-although she's very pleased and keeps reminding me; "Mummy, I went in an Ambulance!". Not something I'm particularly keen to relive, but it's good to see her smiling.

And this made me smile; Look closely at the armpits... Oh the things we find to entertain ourselves with on these at-home days! Have a good one xx

Today

Well, I said I would, and therefore I had to-finish this train! It's a commission project for a lady here in town. It's to send back to her family in Canada. It's made from a New Zealand Map tea towel. I built it up making one section at a time, and piecing them together, and finally adding the wheels and nameplate.


There's little old Whakatane...


With that ticked off the list-it was off to the beach for us. Fabulous.

Zac's first time at the beach. He was so funny when he stepped on the sand for the first time.

A beautiful sunset to finish off a beautiful day.

Yay!

I'm feeling quite "Yay!" and here's a few reasons why...
1. It's Friday. 2. I finally managed to get a shot of Kyan in his hoodie from lovely Kristin, of squidgy widgy woo .Kristin and I did a swap a wee while ago now. The hoodie is fabulous quality, and adorably gorgeous. I think I want another one... (by the way-look at K walking-another Yay!)

Yay for having a fabulous book to read. If you haven't read "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini, then please do. I am in the process and I find myself snatching any moment possible-even just two minutes-to read a page because it's so beautiful.

Second to last yay; I AM GOING TO FINISH a commission project that is starting to drag a little. That's it. I've said it now and I will blog about it tomorrow. I don't care if it takes me all night. I WILL DO IT.

Final yay for the day; Jason Mraz. I bought the CD "We sing, we dance, we steal things" on Thursday and have listened to it continuously ever since. Genius. The song "A Beautiful Mess" actually made me cry, and that hasn't happened since Hollie Smith. Ok... just one more link xx

Book Sharing Monday

Whew! We moved house, we got the flu, we got better, we got a puppy (see below) and then a tummy bug. And he's gorgeous (see below). His name is Zac, he's a Border Collie and we are all very much in love with him.

Especially Isla, who showers him with kisses and wraps him in blankets and pushes him around in her dolls' pram. Luckily he doesn't seem to mind.

Hopefully I can start to get back on track now, so here is this weeks Book Sharing Monday. "Giraffes can't Dance" by Giles Andreae.

Poor Gerald. He's really good at munching shoots off trees, but not so flash at the dancing...

At the annual Jungle Dance, he tries his best but the other animals laugh at him...

Luckily he meets a friendly cricket who plays him a lovely song on his violin, and advises him to look inside himself and listen to the music all around him in the leaves and the trees.

And much to the other animals surprise, Gerald learns to dance better than he could have dreamed! And then he gives his friends some very good advice-see below xx