Big Cat's Emporium

Are You Looking For Me?

2008-12-16T18:46:00.006+11:00

I'm over at Tinniegirl having a fabulous time. Come on over.

Psst! I'm over here

2008-12-11T20:17:00.007+11:00

Here I am. Well, sort of.

I've decided to spend more time over at Tinniegirl for a while . I hope you'll join me. Pop on over. The kettle's on.

Blogcation

2008-12-03T16:11:00.004+11:00

It's time to regoup. The end of the year is fast approaching and I don't seem to have left enough energy in the piggy bank to get me through.

Balance is such a tentative thing at best, and sometimes blogging really tips the scales.

I need some time to read, to craft, to hang out in the real world and connect with people. I need to think and plan and dream a little bit.

I'll be back soon I promise.

Love Fridays

2008-11-28T22:09:00.007+11:00

This weekend is all about the shopping. I'm getting on to my Christmas shopping and treating myself to a few goodies as well.

I'm starting my shopping with Handmaiden. Have you checked out her new Silver Soiree range? I'm getting a pair of earrings for me and a pair for our sister-in-law who's very hard to buy for. If you want to get yourself a little treat you should check out Sharon's giveaway.

I also plan to purchase some printable rainy day recipes for my other SIL.

You can get one of these packs from Little Brown Pen's shop. Her shop is full of gorgeous goodies. You buy them as a PDF and do the printing yourself. They make very economical gifts and you get to be part of the making. I really love the concept.

I'm also planning to buy some candles to give as gifts. Curlypops introduced me to Cupcake Candles. YUM!

Just to top it all off, on Sunday I'm going to the Bizarre Bazaar, the Melbourne Design Market at Fed Square and Nicole Mallaliue's open studio. You should come. It's going to be great fun.

Read All About It

2008-11-26T10:56:00.002+11:00

I've just done a Tinniegirl shop update. Read all about it over here.

I've Changed But I'm Still Me

2008-11-25T18:27:00.001+11:00

You might have noticed a few changes going on around here. Don’t be alarmed. I’m still my usual old self but I thought I’d have a spring spruce up. I really love the 3 column layout. More space for blog loveliness.

The other thing that you might notice is that I’ve changed my name. You’ll see me commenting around the place as TinnieGirl now instead of BigCat.

If you haven’t caught up with things around here for a while and are wondering why I’ve changed my name you should pop over and check out the new shop.

So what about the blogs you might be asking? BigCat’s Emporium and Tinniegirl? Well don’t worry. I love Big Cat’s Emporium with all my heart and soul so I’ll be keeping it going for a long, long time.

Tinniegirl is my new blog that goes hand in hand with the new shop and I’ll definitely be creating something special over there. At the moment you can check out all the things going on with the new business as well as a weekly “What Shall We Make Today” post to give you project ideas and inspiration. My vision for the Tinniegirl blog is to create a space that’s full of craft projects, ideas and tutorials, and a place to share your completed projects. If you haven’t been to visit, go and check it out.

You know, when I spoke to Handmaiden about starting a business she said something that has really resonated with me. She said that most people don’t think very far beyond opening their business. I found this to be very true. I was so busy and excited getting ready for the launch of Tinniegirl that I didn’t really think about what happens next.

The first weekend was so exciting and I was so delighted when I made some sales. The next week after that has been odd. I’ve been a bit lost really. Wondering what to do next? When do I update the shop? How often should I do it? How do I keep letting people know about it? What kind of marketing activities should I be doing? I have shifted constantly between joy at making a dream come true and the pervasive self-doubt and questioning that seems to be ever present in my creative life. What I know for sure is that I have so much to learn.

Another thing that has presented as a challenge over the last couple of weeks is finding places to fit all the different aspects of my life now that I am working, running a business, pursuing my own creative development, working on personal goals like exercise and healthy eating, blogging and trying to have a home life somewhere in there. I knew that it was going to be an adjustment and alluded to it in this post. I want to really enjoy this time of starting my creative business and take time to enjoy the fine details. I imagine at some stage that there won’t be as much time to take. I realise that there’s going to have to be time management strategies in place, that I’ll have to recognise some limitations in terms of not trying to do everything. I also think that priorities are going to have to be set and time out planned. It’s never easy to balance the many demands that life has for us, and I see how important it is to keep an eye on this. Again, the one thing I know for sure is that life-learning is a continuous journey.

So that’s what’s happening in my neck of the woods. That and some knitting.

What’s going on in your world?

Love Fridays

2008-11-21T18:26:00.003+11:00

Like CurlyPops and Badskirt I'm off to Spotlight with my VIP 40% off coupon. Craft shopping! My favourite.

Do you Love Fridays? Join the fun. Post on your blog about why you Love Fridays. If you'd like a button for your blog you can grab it here.

On My Desk Wednesday

2008-11-19T09:31:00.003+11:00

Lists and some more lists, the essential computer and a little bit of breakfast. Oh, and some packages getting ready to head off to new homes.

I love mornings in my studio. The light is so lovely and soft. Everything is quiet out in the world. It really is a magic time.

Visit Kootoyoo for more On My Desk.

Visit Tinniegirl if you haven't signed up for the giveaway yet. I'll be drawing it this afternoon.

You're In Business

2008-11-18T18:56:00.004+11:00

You definitely know you're in business when these arrive in the mail. No really, isn't that what makes it official?

Business Cards! I love them. I feel all fancy, and grown up and, and....business like. Stop me in the street if you see me. I'll give you one of my cards.

If you haven't caught up with things around here in a while pop over to my new blog Tinniegirl and you'll see what all the fuss is about. Hurry though if you want to be in the giveaway. You've got till midday tomorrow.

I Don't Usually Keep Things To Myself

2008-11-16T20:21:00.010+11:00

You know what? I've been keeping lots of secrets lately.

There was this gorgeous flossy-p brooch that I won. I absolutely love it and wear it all the time.
Have you been to her place lately and checked out her giveaway. It's a great one.

Then there were these beautiful bobby pins that arrived from A Little Bird Told Me last week. I can't wait to give these an outing some time this week.

They came so beautifully packaged too. I love great creative packaging. It's like getting an extra treat.

Many months ago I was the lucky recipient of a pay it forward gift of these fantastic bowls from Reenie-Su.

I also bought this sunnyboy from Quilting Mick months ago and kept meaning to share it with you. I keep it at work as a little toiletry bag.

Last but not least, I recently joined the Amitie VIP club. You get treats in the mail 4 times a year. How cool is that? Last week I received my first mailout. I love this fabric. It's definitely time to start planning some summer sewing projects.

So, there you go. I've really been keeping things to myself. It's not like me. I tend to be an over-sharer.

Then of course there was all the secret squirrel business that went on forever. If you haven't caught up on things pop over here. It's not a secret anymore. Thanks to everyone who has already visited for all the lovely feedback, ideas, wisdom and well wishes. It's much appreciated.

I'm In

2008-11-15T06:00:00.001+11:00

That Kootoyoo is a fun girl. The brains behind On My Desk, she's come up with a beauty this time.

My answer is Curlypops. I'm feeling pretty confident about my choice. Let's see if I'm right.

Down The Rabbit Hole

2008-11-14T16:23:00.004+11:00

Oh, how I love Fridays. No more secrets. Quick! Pop over here and you'll know everything you need to know.

On My Desk - Wednesday

2008-11-12T09:57:00.004+11:00

I'm very excited that these goodies are on my desk and about to head out the door. They're top secret so I can't tell you a thing about them. I'll let you know when they have arrived safely so you can pop over and check them out.

I'm on my way out the door too. I've got 5 days off work, a million things to do for the secret squirrel business, and a lunch date with Curlypops and Project Incomplete.

Help, I Need Your Help

2008-11-11T20:37:00.002+11:00

I want to do some jazzy things with my blog like put subscription buttons on it and keep track of some stats of who visits and and like. I need advice on what the options are and where to find information. Can you help me?

I've been playing a giant game of cat and mouse trying to find what I want. Now I give up and seek help from my trusty blogland possie.

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

2008-11-10T19:42:00.002+11:00

Thank you to everyone who joined in the giveaway. I'm yet to settle on the names I'm looking for but it was great to get lots of ideas and inspiration. Ms L assures me it will come but it's feeling like a watched pot just at the minute.

Anyway, a giveaway is no fun without a winner. I got Ms L to pick 2 random numbers seeing as there was no outright winner for a name. The lucky ladies are Comment 7 from Betty Jo, and Comment 13 from Potty Mouth Mama. I think you're going to like your surprises.

Don't forget to pop around on Friday if you want to learn all about my secret squirrel business. I know you're all hanging out. Me too.

I'll give you a little tidbit to keep you going through the week! There's going to be more giveaways.

Another Day, Another Box

2008-11-08T17:11:00.003+11:00

From the guy who brought you Little Box, Big Cat

Love Fridays

2008-11-07T21:39:00.005+11:00

I'm late posting cause I wasn't feeling the Friday love and was wondering what to post.

That was until I had the opportunity to spend an hour on the phone with Handmaiden learning tonnes of useful things about marketing. If you don't know her blog it's well worth a visit. It's full of fantastic posts about marketing, blogging, how to run a successful craft business as well as lots of interesting craft and day to day life. Sharon was so generous and giving of her time. It's another wonderful reminder of how incredibly lucky I feel to be part of this great blogging community.

Not long after that I received an email from Taccolina, whom I had the pleasure of meeting this week. Another blog friend transcends the internet boundary.

This week I've managed to teach myself some new tricks. I finally worked out how to edit photos in I-Photo and now my blog header looks so much nicer all stretched out across the top. Thanks to the ever clever Leni and Rose I've been working out some other tricks for my blog that are making me very happy. Check out her weekly Tips and Tricks for lots of great ideas.

The best bit about today is that I'm only a week away from announcing big news. Next Friday I'll be ready to tell you all about the super serious secret squirrel business that I've been working on. Are you excited? I am. I can hardly wait I'm so excited. Don't forget that you still have till Sunday to join my giveaway.

Yes We Can

2008-11-06T08:01:00.000+11:00

Yes you did USA. YES YOU DID! Thank you.

Greetings November

2008-11-03T18:26:00.009+11:00

Now that BLOGTOBERFEST is behind us and we're all left wondering what to do with all the spare time not spent in front of the computer it's time for a fresh giveaway. You'll have to do some work for this one though.

I need your help with names. You know I'm working on some super serious secret squirrel business which I'm hoping to launch very soon. I need a group of names to categorise sizes of things from mini through to extra large (including small, medium and large). It has to be a group of words that most people can relate to and understand. I'm looking for something that has international appeal too.

Some words that you might like to keep in mind are tins, fabric, vintage, collage, paper, books, buttons and notions.

What's in it for you? Well, you get to be the first to learn about my secret squirrel business. Before anyone else has the chance to know about what I've been up to you'll have your very own crafty surprise in your possession.

I'm giving away two prizes. One for the person that comes up with the names and I'll also do a random prize draw for everyone who enters their ideas. You have till this Sunday to try your luck.

Farewell BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 31 - What A Long Strange Trip It's Been

2008-10-31T10:17:00.008+11:00

My goodness. We made it. 31 days of blogging and not a single slip. It really has been quite a journey. In fact, I had a little moment this morning on my way to work thinking about this past month and how important it has been to me.

I've made some wonderful new friends and spent hours in front of the computer, still not having enough time to visit all the festival goers. I've ridden the highs and lows of creative energy and confidence on a daily basis, lost my balance and seemingly found it again. I've questioned and rediscovered what's important in life. I feel like in some small way I've given myself a glimpse of what it will be if I truly embrace the life I talked about here.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. If I haven't had the chance to pop in and visit you I will be around some time soon. In the meantime I'm giving everyone a spirit award because you deserve it.

I don't think I'll be blogging every day from here on in. In fact I am really feeling a strong desire to spend less time sitting in front of a computer and more time painting and collaging, gardening, reading, dreaming and creating. I've also been working diligently on my secret squirrel business and hope to tell you all about it by mid November.

I received this gorgeous bunch of flowers from Two Pink Possums today. Thanks Linda. What a lovely thought.

Grand Purl Baa asked me to spread the word about a great giveaway happening over at her place. Knitter or not, you won't want to miss this one.

What's a festival wrap up without some thank yous. To my fabulous assistants Curlypops and flossy-p thanks for all your generous help. To Bellgirl for the wonderful Blogtoberfest Blog Crawls? She's done this tasty one to celebrate the end of the festival.

How appropriate that it’s Friday for the last day of Blogtoberfest. I’m Loving Friday as always. Today’s its for two very simple reasons. The bus driver waited for me when he saw me running to catch my bus and I’m reading the latest edition of Mix Tape. I feel pensive like Patsy and at peace with the world.

BLOGTOBERFEST will be back in 2009 and I'll hope you'll join me again.

See you soon. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon my friends.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 30 - Op Shoppers Anonymous

2008-10-30T14:24:00.010+11:00

Hello my name is BigCat and I'm an op-shopaholic.

It's been less than 24 hours since my last shopping spree.

I can't stop thinking about op-shopping. It's all I want to do.

I worry constantly about all the bargains out there that I'm missing out on.

I can't believe I left that gorgeous chair behind yesterday. It was only $10. I'm sure it will be gone by the time I am able to go back on Saturday.

Not to mention the set of Golden Hands craft books in mint condition.

I fear I'm about to go on a massive bender. Is there any hope for me?

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 29 - Winners, Fair and Square

2008-10-29T17:13:00.009+11:00

I was feeling a little overwhelmed by the thought of picking winners given the need to go through the comments and divide them into categories according to preference, yada yada yada. I briefly entertained the notion of just picking 3 people off this list.

However, the thought police rocked up to my place and said 'no fair' so I got out pens and paper, wrote a list of who wanted to win which collage, got my random number generator to pick a number off each list, AND we have some winners. Phew!

Bex will become the proud owner of Ernest

Curlypops is now the proud owner of Florence

and Patsy will hereby be know as Pensive and will be flying off to live with Cooking My Life.

Take good care of my Three Little Birds. I really do adore these particular collages. Oh, and email me with your details so I can tell these birds where to fly.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 29 - On My Desk

2008-10-29T09:55:00.008+11:00

I tend to apply a very liberal definition to the word "desk" when it comes to playing along with Kootoyoo's On My Desk Meme. I always have so many projects happening around the place (just ask Ms L who will be sure to tell you how effectively I have taken over our house with craft and blogging and ideas for this and that). There's lots of things on various flat surfaces around the house today.

Some finished pincushions which I will gift to unsuspecting crafty people.

Some outbound packages. If you've been expecting a BLOGTOBERFEST package from me it will be on its way today. How exciting. I love sending packages.

I'm also posting a fabric swap off to No Life Without Wife. We arranged to have a swap a while back and my package arrived yesterday full of tropical French sunshiny goodness including a fabulous zine that she made.

It also included the most adorable softie. She's only about 6cm or so tall and has so much lovely detail. I think I'm going to take her to work to hang out on my desk. She'll be a little totem to remind me of my crafty dreams and goals.

There is also this amazing piece of fabric that I think I'll have some fun with. I might make a tote bag like this groovy one I saw over at Button Beauty.

I'm expecting my copy of Mix Tape to arrive in the post today so I'll have more goodness on my desk later most likely.

The one thing missing from my desk is winners for the giveaway. I hope to draw it later today. If I don't make it today I'll be around tomorrow.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 28 - North Fitzroy, How Exotic

2008-10-28T17:32:00.004+11:00

I've gotta be quick. I'm off to the Moroccan Soup Bar for dinner. It really is one of my favourite places in Melbourne. If I had my way though I'd rather be off to see the the real thing. Don't worry, I'll get there one day.

You've still got about 6 hours to sign up for my giveaway if you'd like to.

3 days left. See you tomorrow.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 27 - I'd Rather Be Crafting

2008-10-27T20:54:00.003+11:00

So that's what I'm going to do tonight. A little bit of craft and a little bit of TV. Can you believe there are only 4 days left to go?

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 26 - Three Little Birds

2008-10-26T11:11:00.006+11:00

If Ernest is Bookish

and Florence is Wise

what does that make Patsy?

Leave a comment with an adjective to describe Patsy and say which of these Three Little Birds you would like to win. You have till midnight on Tuesday and then they'll all be flying off to new homes.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 25 - Been and Gone

2008-10-25T19:37:00.006+11:00

The crafty girls have been and gone. My we had a lovely day.

My first attempts at lino printing were a little disappointing. I couldn't quite get in the swing of drawing today which was a major barrier to designing a print. So after faffing about for a while and a very sad attempt at a practice print I gave up. I'll have another go some time and maybe I'll have something to show for myself then.

There was lots of eating and chatting, as well as faffing about.

I did do some lovely collages for this week's giveaway. They're not quite finished. If you pop back tomorrow you'll be able to see what I've made and put yourself in the draw.

If you want to check out more about our crafternoon then you should visit the other crafty girls.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 24 - Love Fridays

2008-10-24T20:48:00.004+11:00

It's a happy day today with so many reasons to Love Friday. Firstly I found the little friend above in my garden today. Just sitting quietly.

I've been doing house chores tonight. What you may ask would I love about doing house chores? I'm cleaning house because the Thornbury Craft Bonanza is coming to town tomorrow. I'll be hanging out with Curlypops, Drewzel, Reenie-Su and Flightless Boyds doing paper crafts and lino printing along with plenty of gossiping and snacking. It's worth cleaning the house for that.

I've found a new op shop just around the corner from work and rode there on my lunch break today. I didn't find any treasures but I'll be able to make a weekly visit with ease so I'm sure to stumble across some lovely goodies at some stage.

I got two emails today that made me very happy. The first one was to confirm my Amitie VIP membership and the second confirmed by subscription to Mix Tape. Yipee!

I'm saving the weekly giveaway for tomorrow so come back then to see what I'm giving away this week.

How's your Friday anyway? I gotta tell you. I'm feeling a little bit like Potty Mouth Mama when it comes to blogging today. Not long now though.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 23 - I Win, You Win, We All Win

2008-10-22T21:32:00.005+11:00

A huge thanks to everyone for your enthusiasm and creativity on the personalised collage giveaway. I was a little terrified of words like pumpernickel, carrose, and squoozshy but I decided that come what may I was going to have a go.

Anyway, my trusty and reliable random number generator, Ms L has considered the numbers and come up with comment number 24. Libby from A Round Tuit is the winner with the word "Wisdom".

The exciting news is that Ms L decided that there should be two winners for this prize and picked comment number 3 for a second prize. This means that Erin of Erin Kobie will also be getting a collage with the word "forest".

Email me at cathkirwan(at)optusnet(dot)com(dot)au with your postal details ladies so I can send your collages to you. I'll be sure to show everyone what I've come up with once they've made it to their new homes.

I had a little win myself you know. I won a lovely brooch giveaway over at flossy-p.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 22 - On My Desk

2008-10-22T11:42:00.004+11:00

Hot out of the postie's mitts and straight onto the desk. If you're looking for me on April 16th 2009 you know where to find me!

You've still got 24 hours to join my giveaway if you'd like to.

There's lots more desks to check out over here.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 21 - Tagged Again

2008-10-21T16:07:00.000+11:00

When it came to sports and active games I was always one of the slow kids at school. The one you went for if you were in the moderate to slow group and had limited options once you got tagged yourself. I hated playing tag. It's scarred me for life.

However, blog tag isn't so bad. It's pretty easy to outrun the taggers should you want to. Today though I'm playing along. My friend Angelique has tagged me for 6 random things. She has a lovely blog No Life Without Wife and she lives in Noumea of all places. Who doesn't want to have a little internet holiday to Noumea?

I think she sometimes gets lonely hanging out in the middle of the pacific so why don't you pop on over and tell her I sent you. She happens to be celebrating her 200th post today and having a giveaway.

So 6 random things. Here goes:

I'm an ideas woman. I am full of fantastic ideas, but struggle with getting thing past ideas stage. People often treat me like I'm flaky as a result.
I have a goal to ride over the West Gate Bridge as part of Around The Bay in A Day in October 2009. At this stage I am thinking I will aim to do the 50km ride.
I've traveled considerably in every state and territory in Australia. For a couple of years I worked in a job that involved traveling all over Australia to cities, large and small towns and remote communities. It was an absolutely amazing experience and some of the more remote locations included Yuendumu, Groote Eylandt, Warakurna and Fitzroy Crossing.
I smoked for over 20 years before becoming a non-smoker 21 months ago. I'm extremely proud of this achievement.
I really enjoy going out for dinner alone. It's fantastic to take yourself out for a good meal and just enjoy your own company along with some people watching. I always seem to get excellent service when I eat alone too. If you've never tried it I highly recommend it. It feels very indulgent.
I only started Op Shopping this year. Prior to this year I just didn't get it. Now that I do I can't get enough.

I'm not going to pass on the tag. Like I said earlier I'm too slow to catch anyone. If you'd like to take up the challenge and share 6 random things about yourself then consider yourself tagged.

Here are the rules if you want to play by them

Link to the person that tagged you.
Post the rules on your blog.
Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website

Now off you go. Off to New Caledonia with you!

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 20 - BigCat Dreaming

2008-10-20T20:22:00.005+11:00

This wonderful bag was made by my lovely friend Curlypops. Have you been to her shop. She's a very clever craftswoman. I think she'll be making some more of these limited edition bags soon. You'll have to get in quick though. There's only so many letters in the Alphabet and I've got 3 of them.

I got to pick which letters I wanted and I picked these ones for BigCat. We couldn't work out what the D could stand for until it came to me. BigCat Dreaming.

I'm feeling dreamy today. Dreaming of my future. Dreaming up lists of things to do. Dreaming of making a living as a craftswoman. Dreaming about my secret squirrel business and how to make it happen. Lots of dreaming.

Don't forget my giveaway. You can sign up until Thursday noon. People have been coming up with some pretty fun words. I don't quite know how I'll manage to collage some of them if they win.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 19 - Birthday Loot

2008-10-19T17:26:00.009+11:00

These are all the goodies I found when I went on the excellent adventure with Curlypops. I couldn't show you because I was saving it all for Ms L for her birthday. I also bought her something to support her newly discovered love of baking.

I didn't miss out either. I got this Fowler's preserving set for $20 including about 40 bottles and all the lids and seals.

I think I could almost rival Potty Mouth Mama with this haul of delights.

We're having a very quiet night around here. How about you?

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 18 - We Interupt BLOGTOBERFEST for...

2008-10-18T00:06:00.001+11:00

Something much more important. Ms L is celebrating her birthday today. You're my very favourite Ms L. You know it's true.

This is the cake I organised for her 40th. You like?

Don't forget to sign up for the giveaway if you'd like you're very own collage made with lots of love by me.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 17 - Love Fridays

2008-10-17T22:22:00.001+11:00

I hope you didn't think I wasn't coming. Today I'm Loving Fridays in an everyday kind of way. The simple things in life are keeping me happy.

A cup of coffee or two.

Some gorgeous washing airing on the line.

Drewzel's declared it BLOGTOBERFEST Fav Friday. Tell everyone about one of your favourite songs ever. Mine would have to be 'Born To Be Alive' by Patrick Hernandez. I've loved it ever since I used to roller-skate to it when I was 12.

Now I think it's time for my weekly BLOGTOBERFEST giveaway. I've decided to so something a little different this week.

I'm going to do a personalised collage for someone. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and include a single word that you would like as the theme for your collage. If you are the winner then I'll make something for you based on your theme word. Make sense? I thought so.

Seeing as this is an extra special giveaway I'll run it for a little bit longer. You have until next Thursday at noon to leave your comment.

Something special is happening tomorrow in our house that I'm really looking forward to. You'll have to pop in and see what it is.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 16 - Humping Along

2008-10-16T20:55:00.007+11:00

It's hump day peeps. We're half way there. It hasn't been too bad now has it? In fact now that I've started pacing myself and getting a rhythm going I'm really enjoying BLOGTOBERFEST. I hope you are too.

Nomes over at Hanging With My Nomies is having the perfect celebration with a one day Meme. Something you look at every day that makes you smile. For me it's these folk.

My family. My Mum had the family portrait done for us for Christmas. I love it. A portrait of the cats. It makes me happy every time I look at it. Ms L gets a guernsey too but I decided not to flash her photo about.

Speaking of Nomes, she sent me a lovely package for hosting BLOGTOBERFEST. Isn't that a lovely thing to do?

This gorgeous little tea towel is now taking pride of place in the kitchen. Thanks Nomes.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 16 - By Popular Demand

2008-10-16T08:55:00.000+11:00

Ms L's Awesome Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup butter or margarine
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups plain flour
1 teaspoon bi-carb soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 175.c or 350.F and grease baking trays
In a large bowl cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy
BigCat tastes mixture to ensure it's not poison
Add eggs one at a time beating well each time then stir in vanilla
Combine flour, bi-carb and salt and gradually stir into creamed mixture
Have BigCat check mixture to ensure quantities are correct
Fold in chocolate chips
Tell BigCat it's time to stop tasting the mixture
Drop rounded spoonfuls onto cookie sheets
Get annoyed at BigCat when she won't stop eating mixture
Bake for 8-10 minutes until light brown
Tell BigCat there won't be enough biscuits if she keeps eating the mixture
Cool on baking trays for 5 minutes before moving to wire racks to cool completely

Store in your favourite cookie tin and eat liberally.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 15 - On My Desk

2008-10-15T10:14:00.010+11:00

I've been meaning to share these gorgeous goodies with you for ages. A few weeks ago I went to a vintage auction and scored myself this amazing swap card album.

It's is perfect condition and is full of beautiful 1960's swap cards.

It was such a great find.

For more On My Desk visit Kootoyoo. In fact, why don't you sign up and play along.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 14 - BigCat's Hierachy Of Needs

2008-10-14T20:36:00.010+11:00

Sleep - a good eight hours every night. Combined with healthy eating and exercise.

Family - quality time with people you love.

Community. Like-minded people to share the journey.

Stimulating work in an interesting environment.

Creative endeavours and inspiration.

I think that covers it. Am I forgetting anything?
(Hmm does shopping count as a creative endeavour?)

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 13 - Winners Are Grinners

2008-10-13T18:19:00.004+11:00

I hope Monday is treating you well. Let's get straight to the important business of the day. The random number generator and Blog hijacker, Ms L, has picked a winner. Comment number 18, Two Pink Possums.

Congrats Linda. Shoot me an email at cathkirwan(at)optusnet(dot)com(dot)au with your address so I can shoot you your prize.

Now, there's no need to be sad about missing out. There's a few awards to hand around the place to. Don't forget to give out awards to anyone you think is displaying lots of festival spirit.

I think that a very special award has to go to Bellgirl - the festival reporter with the mostest. Have you been over and checked out her Blog Crawls? She's been getting all over the place keeping up with all the news and latest events. She's also providing some great opportunities to expand your German vocabulary.

Curlypops continues to be a star and definitely gets a spirit award. If you're looking for a giveaway well drop by her place because she's got them all listed on her blog.

My other two awards are for A Rosy Outlook who's been busy setting goals and Belle Enchanted who's blog I'm really enjoying discovering as part of Blogtoberfest.

The lovely Bowerbirdz gave me an award which is so very kind. Thank you.

If you like vintage buttons (who doesn't) then you should go and sign up for her giveaway.

I'm practicing mindfulness this week. Trying to focus on doing one thing at a time and being present in the moment. It's a stark contrast to last week where I constantly had 10 things on the go at once, couldn't concentrate on any of them, finished hardly anything and stressed myself almost to the point of being unwell. Craziness. So this week I'm practising mindfulness, and a little bit of prioritising. Wish me luck!

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 12 - Mixing Together is So Much Fun

2008-10-12T16:22:00.007+11:00

We made pincushions. I want to make about 30,000 of these, they're so cute.

We gave gifts. Mine was from the very talented Kootoyoo . She made me a tonne of lovely accessories. I wish I'd remembered to take a picture before I ripped in to the wrapping as it was a gift in itself. If you want to see what I made you should pop over to Kootoyoo as she got my gift.

I bought fabric. I'd never visited Amitie before and I'm glad I was forewarned and saved a little pocket money for the visit. They have so many great fabrics. I was so very lucky and won a door prize which added another $10 to my spending money. Cool huh?

Yep, Mixtogether was unreal. I can't wait to go again. It's run by the amazing women who produce Mix Tape. If you can't get to a Mixtogether then get yourself a Mix Tape to keep you happy.

BLOGTOBERFEST - DAY 11 - BigCat is M.I.A. WHO AM I?

2008-10-11T14:56:00.007+11:00

I am here today to give BigCat one of her own spirit awards for cunning ways to avoid posting! (She doesn't know that I am doing this!)

Well, BigCat is making quite a day of it on this spectacular Melbourne Spring day! She had to help out at work this morning, but that provided opportunities for shopping at the farmers market afterwards, at the Collingwood Children's Farm, where we met this fine specimen of a rooster! (that was a long sentence, sorry)

The shopping included delicious goat's cheese, organic muesli, fresh rhubarb, lovely apples, and some fresh juice. YUM YUM.

The market really is quite a treat for the senses, with a farmers breakfast cooking, and other delights available - apart from all the fresh veggies, herbs and fruit - like meat, organic chocolate, lots and lots of different cheeses (BigCat's favourite food), cordials, iced juices, and so many other lovely things I cannot recall.

Anyway, BigCat is currently at Mixtogether, and I thought I would surprise you all and post on her behalf today. So WHO AM I?

I am a skilled baker and skilled couch potato.
I am an excellent classical guitarist and excellent embellisher.
I love reading and love BigCat.
I hang out with friends and hang washing.
I hate inequity and hate eggplant.
I really enjoy travel and coffee.

I AM ... Well I think you know.

So enough about me, what do you think of me?
Oh no, I can hear BigCat groaning - I do think I am quite funny sometimes!

As for Blogtoberfest, from my occasional visits, and BigCat's reports, it has been well received by y'all. For me, it is a roller coaster of fun and stress. I say more fun, fun, fun.

I must away. Keep on keeping on you festies!!! (Couldn't resist)

Hmm, that Ms L is a cheeky one huh? I had no idea. I arrived home to do a post and found it was already taken care of. That's me for the day then. Don't forget the giveaway if you're looking to collect some loot.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 10 - The Real Stuff

2008-10-10T21:13:00.010+11:00

That's right. I'm coming clean. I wasn't Loving Friday at all this morning. I was feeling frazzled, stressed about all sorts of things, short of time and totally stuck in wanting it to be different.

I have another confession to make. I'm struggling to blog everyday. It's not that I don't have anything to say. I have plenty of things to say. In fact I can hardly get to sleep at night my head is so full of things I want to share. The problem is time! I don't have enough time. I can hear your empathetic sighs my fellow bloggers. How does one find the time to say the things one has to say? Not only that, where does one find the time to catch up on all one's favourite blogs and connect with others?

BLOGTOBERFEST has brought so many new bloggers in to my life and I want to connect with every single one of you. I also want to stay connected to a the lovely friends I've already made. As well as connecting I really want to stay true to my own intentions of putting myself out there and telling my story as it unfolds. BLOGTOBERFEST has proved to be a much greater challenge than I thought it was going to be, and a totally different type of challenge too.

The ripple effect has been quite significant too. Every aspect of my life seems to have suddenly become busy. In a funny way it makes a lot of sense. If I get my super serious secret squirrel business happening I imagine that life is going to be pretty busy for a while. I'm going to need to have good routines in place, life will need to be compartmentalised a little and I'm going to have to take good care of my health. BLOGTOBERFEST has provided an opportunity to explore the impact of adding another major commitment to my life. So far, I'm not doing so good with the compartmentalising, the taking good care of myself or the routines. I'm glad to have realised this as hopefully I can now think about how to manage it a little differently perhaps.

Now, I know that you are probably saying to yourself "Hey BigCat, I came for a giveaway not for philosophy". So we'd better have ourselves a giveaway.

This is a little mini collage I made. It's my own version of Starry Starry Night.

How about some Pretty Little Patchwork? This one is a goodie for all you crafty girls.

Lastly, Curlypops and I found this little beauty on our excellent adventure. What's BLOGTOBERFEST without a German recipe book giveaway?

If you'd like to get your hands on this little package leave a comment by midnight on Sunday and I'll get my fabulous random number generator to draw a winner on Monday. Everyone needs a win on Monday.

So how about you? Are you struggling with the daily post? I suppose you could try getting out of it with a note from your mum or maybe this get out of jail card. I loved them both. I think both of you lovely ladies deserve a spirit award for your cunning ways. You just have to pop over to flossy-p to pick it up.

I have millions of other things I'd love to share with you but that's all the time I've got for tonight. Has anyone got some pockets of time I can borrow? I need about an extra 6 hours per day at the moment! Until tomorrow...

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 10 - Love Fridays

2008-10-10T07:49:00.003+11:00

This is where my ride to work this morning is going to take me. What an absolute luxury to live in a major city and still have this in the heart of it. I heart Melbourne.

I'm looking forward to the weekend. I'll be catching up on BLOGTOBERFEST and visiting more festival goers, I'm planting my summer garden and going to Mixtogether for the first time with my friend Reenie-Su.

I'll be back tonight with the weekly BLOGTOBERFEST giveaway and a festival round up. See you then.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 9 - BigCat and Curlypops Excellent Adventure

2008-10-09T08:05:00.002+11:00

Yesterday I set off on an adventure to visit Curlypops. I packed up all my goodies and loaded the bike, put sensible shoes on and headed off to catch the train.

I had to take a train in to the city and swap on to another train. I was nervous about how I would handle the bike on the train especially in the busier city areas but I managed it just fine and got more confident as the day went on.

Look at what happened when I took photos of the bike in the subway. It turned all magical and sparkly. I love it.

I arrived out in Curlypops land in time for a late morning tea. Banana Bread and coffee hit the spot.

We thought some op/thrift shopping was the order of the day so off we went. OMG. We hit the mother load. I don't have photos to show the full extent of my purchasing. I had to leave it all at Curlypops house cause there was no way 4 boxes full of goods and an antique cupboard were going to fit in Betsy's little basket.

Here's a tiny preview of some of the fabric we managed to find. I'll post the rest of the photos when I manage to get it all back to my place. I do have one little treat for the giveaway tomorrow so pop back then to check it out.

It was such a lovely day filled with good talking about real things, lots of laughter, plenty of refreshements and shopping to die for. Isn't it lovely when blog friends become good blog friends who then become real life friends and then great real life friends.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 8 - On My Desk

2008-10-08T09:04:00.003+11:00

Seriously top secret squirrel business. It's so secret I can't even tell you about it, yet! I will though, don't worry. Soon, OK, soon!

Check out more desks here.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 7 - Little Box, Big Cat

2008-10-07T09:29:00.000+11:00

Who needs words. I know how he feels some days.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 6 - Everyone's A Winner Baby, That's No Lie

2008-10-06T17:04:00.003+11:00

I turned Ms L into a random number generator (got her to pick a number between 1 and 53) and she came up with (drumroll).... commenter number 6, The Sum of Mum. You've won the book and collage. Email your details to me at cathkirwan(at)optusnet(dot)com(dot)au and I will get these goodies in the mail to you. Congratulations Karin. I hope you enjoy them.

Don't worry if you missed out this time cause there'll be a giveaway happening here every Friday. Not only that, the fabulous Ms Curlypops, queen of daily blogging, has agreed to become the festival giveaways correspondent. Visit her regularly to find out all the giveaway goss. If you're having a giveaway yourself you might want to let her know too so that she can spread the happy word. Thanks Curlypops. You rock!

Now if that isn't enough to satisfy your giveaway cravings I have another little treat for some festival goers. flossy-p and I have been working on some top secret festival business. May I present to you....the BLOGTOBERFEST spirit award.

BLOGTOBERFEST is all about putting ourselves out there, and letting our creative selves and dreams take flight. It's also about setting some goals or taking some steps that will help those dreams become a reality. Finally, it's about building a community of supportive people to share the journey.

So, I'm handing out some awards to a few lovely bloggers who I think have totally embraced the spirit of BLOGTOBERFEST.

Firstly, Button Beauty, Two Peas In A Pod, Hoppo Bumpo, Anastiasia Drawing and Dreaming, Trivit and Poppy Lane. All of these fabulous ladies have put their secret creative dreams out there in the world (or in my comments box). Good for you girls.
Drewzel at Blog Portion for writing up a list of goals for Blogtober. We should all follow your excellent lead.
Hollie for posting daily on both her blogs - Hokey and Vegan and Vintage. What an impressive effort.

I've asked my lovely new friend flossy-p to post another tutorial over at her place with the award button and code when she gets a chance. Pop over there ladies and pick up your award.

If you see someone who you think is full of festival spirit feel free to give them the award. Yes, that's right, anyone can hand out the award. I think that's the best way don't you?

Now don't worry if you don't see your name on the festival goers list on my side bar yet. I'll have it updated soon.

EDIT: I've updated the list now. So if you're names not on the list and you're festering you had better let me know.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 5 - This Is...

2008-10-05T13:47:00.006+11:00

I haven't joined in This Is... for many, many months. However, Handmaiden's theme this week is a goodie so I decided to post.

This Is...My Favourite Kitchen Tool...

I love Moroccan food and cooking in a tagine is an absolute pleasure. However, if you don't have a tagine don't be scared to give Moroccan food a go. I've found it easy to prepare, easy to cook and very easy to eat.

Ms L also gets a mention as a favourite kitchen tool (well not a tool, she wouldn't like that). She bakes means treats. Can't go past her chocolate chip cookies.

Thanks to Three Buttons for hosting This Is. Pop over there if you want to join the fun.

Speaking of fun, I am still completely amazed by the response to Blogtoberfest. It's incredible. It feels a little bit like 'if you build it, they will come'. Each time I turn on the computer there are more fine folk wanting to join the festivities. I'll keep adding your names to the list. Somehow though I don't think I'm going to get around to everyone's place for a cup of coffee this weekend. I'm feeling a bit cross eyed today after hours on the computer Friday and Saturday night and in the interests of maintaining some semblance of balance and order in my life I think I have to approach this festival as a marathon rather than a sprint.

So sign up for the giveaway by the end of the day if you haven't already. Oh, and if you need the BLOGTOBERFEST button for a black background or some other non-white background flossy-p has done an update here. I'll see you tomorrow.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 4 - 28 Cups of Tea and I'm Out

2008-10-04T22:29:00.003+10:00

Yep, if I visit any more blogs, have any more cups of tea or coffee or stare at the computer any longer I'm going to pass out. I'm having a ball though. There are so many fascinating, creative, funny, heartwarming, passionate and interesting people out there in Blogland. It's a pleasure to discover every one of your blogs.

If you haven't seen me at your place today then I'm sure to be round tomorrow.

I'm still adding people to the list too so feel free to let me know if you want to join the Blogtoberfest fun. (Jan, if you're reading this I can't get through to your blog from my comments. Leave me a comment with your blog address and I'll add you to the festival list.)

Last chance to sign up for the giveaway tomorrow. I'll be drawing a winner on Monday.

That's me over and out for Day 4.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 4 - When The Big Girls Say You're Grouse

2008-10-04T13:42:00.004+10:00

You know those bloggers out there that you think of as the big kids in the playground. The ones that you want to be like when you grow up. Stylish, groovy, trendsetting and uber cool. Too cool for the little kids. All you can do is hope that every now and then they might walk by and accidentally bump into you so that you get to speak to them.

So when you find out that one of the big gals has given you an Everyday Superstar Award well it just makes you warm all over. Who, you ask gave me such a thrill? Well none other than one of the coolest of them all, Meet Me at Mikes. Then just to top it all off Hanging With My Nomies went and said this. Thanks ladies. I'm chuffed.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 3 - I Think We Have Ourselves A Festival

2008-10-03T22:01:00.004+10:00

Pop over to the sidebar to visit any and all of the fabulous festival goers. Ms L wants to know if you want to be called "festies"? Silly Gilly suggested we might be a bunch of "Blogtoberfesters". Call us what you will, we've sure got ourselves a festival.

You know something else. I'm feeling pretty damn proud of Blogtoberfest, and of me for creating it. I wouldn't usually be so bold and just say so but this festival is all about putting it out there and letting mine and your best creative selves out of the closet.

Don't forget to pop the kettle on. I'll be round on the weekend to say Hi.

Oh, and if you're playing along and I haven't got you listed in the side bar, be sure to let me know. No such thing as a tall poppy around here.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 3 - Love Fridays

2008-10-03T16:20:00.005+10:00

One of the reasons that I Love Fridays is because I get to spend quality time with my partner in crime, Ms L. I love knowing that we have the whole weekend ahead of us without the pressures of every day living. The dishes don't have to be done, early nights aren't as critical and there's generally a more relaxed approach to things. When you take away those daily priorities and pressures there seems to be more space for laughter, talking, connecting and being truly present in each other's life. You know, the stuff that really matters. Ms L and I have had a pretty complex and sometimes tough past year so I'm particularly grateful for the good times and the spaces in between the busy-ness.

Generally I'm just grateful for Ms L. She's funny, creative, smart, kind and thoughtful. When I first started blogging and noone visited my blog she used to leave me anonymous messages so I didn't feel like I was talking to noone. Isn't that the nicest thing?

Seeing as we're talking about Ms L I should also tell you that she's quite opinionated. Even about my blogging. I keep telling her that she should start a blog of her own as I know lots of people would love to read it. However, she seems far more contented telling me what I should be doing with mine. The only thing for it was to make her my editor-in-chief. It spares me from all those embarrassing and lazy spelling errors and the like too.

Lucky for you Ms L has a very strong opinion that a festival should have lots of giveaways. She considers it only appropriate that there be at least one per week to coincide with Love Fridays. So, that is how it's going to have to be. You can't argue with your editor can you? Seeing as we already have a giveaway happening, today I'm just going to remind you to sign up if you haven't already. But from here on in there will be a giveaway announced every Friday.

Feel free to join the Love Fridays fun as well. You can grab the code here if you want a button for your blog. As always, feel free to participate in any way that suits you. You know, obligation free is the only way for me!

BLOGTOBERFEST - Festival Highlights - Day 2

2008-10-02T22:22:00.005+10:00

The amazingly talented flossy-p went and made us the most fabulous button. Check it out.

Head straight over there if you want to pick yourself up a copy of this little beaut. I'm gobsmacked and honoured by your kindness flossy-p.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 2 - It's One Thing To Say It, It's Another To Live It

2008-10-02T14:04:00.000+10:00

I wrote that heading with the very familiar "same old, same old" feeling weighing heavily on my conscious. You know what I'm talking about. That feeling of "gee I wish I could follow through with my good intentions".

As I started writing I thought a little more about the heading. Meditated on it. "It's one thing to say it, it's another to live it". It's completely true. They are two different things. Intent and action. However, they are not conflicting notions. In fact, a great deal of universal wisdom suggests that intent is where it all begins.

So why can't I live it as well as saying it? There's no reason and nothing stopping me. Only my own fears and self-doubt. But if I stop for a moment, give those pesky fears and negativity a good walloping and listen to what's left it's fascinating. There's no reason and nothing stopping me. I can be everything I want to be. I can achieve everything I want for myself. Who would have thought?

You know what else? You can too. So get out there and say it. Whatever it is. Put your intent out there in the universe and see what happens.

I have been absolutely bowled over and tickled pink by the response to Blogtoberfest. Where did all you crafty peeps come from? See what I mean about intent? I put myself out there and it came flooding back. It's chaotic here at Festival HQ just now. So, I'll be popping around on the weekend to visit each and every one of you. I'm serious. Pop the kettle on and dig out the good china. I'll be round for a cup of tea on Saturday or Sunday.

As for tomorrow, I'll be Loving Friday. See you then.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Festival Highlights - Day 1

2008-10-01T21:12:00.004+10:00

This post definitely takes the title today. Seriously, get yourself over there and have a look. Thanks so much Kate. You have warmed the cockles of my heart and caused me a great big belly laugh.

I'm not sure that I'll manage a daily highlights post but I'm going to try and round up some highlights every now and then. Don't forget to let me know if you're joining BLOGTOBERFEST and sign up for the giveaway if you want to. See you tomorrow.

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 1 - On My Desk and a Launch

2008-10-01T12:36:00.001+10:00

Woo Hoo! Here we are. BLOGTOBERFEST begins. I'm so glad to have some friends already joining the fun. It's very simple. All you need to do to join in is post on your blog every day in October. Don't worry though. If you can't make it every day the blog police won't be around to trouble you. Don't be shy either. You can join in any time you want.

I've got lots of other fun plans for BLOGTOBERFEST but I'm not giving everything away yet. Like I said you'll have to visit HQ for regular updates and the latest happenings. If you can't or don't want to post every day you might like to join in some of the other things that I have planned.

So, without further ado I officially declare BLOGTOBERFEST underway. To celebrate I promised a giveaway. There's a couple of goodies On My Desk that I would like to pass on to some creative superstars out there.

This is a collage I did when I first started crafting again last year. It's called 'every pear has a silver lining'.

This is a book that I'm not getting much use out of. I'd love to pass it on.

If you'd like to be in the draw leave me a comment by Sunday evening eastern Australian time and I'll announce a winner on Monday.

BLOGTOBERFEST

2008-09-30T16:46:00.002+10:00

It's time for a challenge. I'm going to post every day in October. I haven't attempted anything so ambitious as a blogger yet. I'm a little bit excited to tell the truth. Will you join me?

We can't have a festival without a variety of events. Highlights on the BLOGTOBERFEST calendar include an art swap, and a giveaway or two. Make sure you visit the festival headquarters here at BigCat's Emporium for regular updates.

There'll be lots of opportunities for audience participation too. This creative journey won't happen by itself so we'll need to set ourself some goals and take on some personal challenges. Don't be afraid. Remember we're in this together. We're already amazingly creative superstars.

Now what's a festival without a launch. Let's kick off the fun with a giveaway. Come see what's On My Desk tomorrow. It could be yours for the taking.

Easy Rider...I wish

2008-09-29T20:21:00.004+10:00

There's nothing fun about riding home at an average speed of 6 km/hour. My goodness it's hard work trying to get the body moving again after years of physical inactivity. I do love it though. I love the feeling you get when you are powering along and feeling full of strength and determination.

Perhaps bike riding is the perfect metaphor for life. Sometimes I'm freewheeling down hill through life at 32 kms/hr, the wind in my hair, unstoppable. Other days I'm struggling up the hills overwhelmed by the intensity and difficulty. I think somehow though the trick is to harness the downhill momentum to get you up and over the hills. Maintaining momentum is definitely something I need to work on. Both metaphorically speaking, and practically.

I am buoyed by my feelings of yesterday and the lovely and amazing comments that you all left me. Thank you. It's the community I've found in blogging that makes me feel that all things are possible. I was so scared. Part of me wanted to turn the computer back on and delete the post. The fears are so pervasive and seem so real.

I'm not stopping now. 6km or 32km an hour, I'm going all the way. I hope you will join me on the journey. What are your secret creative dreams? You know those ones that seem too scary to say out loud. The ones that fill you with possibility and carry you to a happy place. If I can do it, you can too. We'll do it together.

BLOGTOBERFEST is coming. Come back tomorrow. I'll tell you all about it.

Taking Flight

2008-09-28T17:27:00.006+10:00

Phew! I feel like I have so much to say but I don't quite know where to begin. It's been a really interesting time however I'm not sure when I say that whether I mean this past week, month or year! All of them for their own reasons and to varying degrees and meanings.

Most significantly something stirred this weekend. I lay awake in bed till around 3.30am on Saturday morning thinking about my life, my health, my dreams, my past. I realised that I can make things different and that I can achieve things if I set my mind and my heart to it.

So that is exactly what I have decided to do. To get out there and achieve my goals and dreams. To work towards things I know that I want such as living a healthy lifestyle, becoming fit and active, becoming a bike rider and getting my body back into the state of being that I want it to be in.

More than that though, I'm going to start listening to the secret desires of my heart and I'm going to let them become loud and visible, tangible and possible. How am I going to do it? Well first of all I'm going to give them voice.

I want to be an artist, and a writer.

Wow, it feels frightening to see that on the screen in front of me, to think about pushing the 'publish post' button. So many thoughts of being an impostor, of not being good enough, of not being allowed to wish for such flights of fancy. I can't help but worry that everyone is just going to laugh at me either overtly or behind my back.

Somewhere deep inside though is a tiny flame that won't be extinguished. It's been there for as long as I can remember. There's a energy and lightness to my being when I am being creative. When I dream of a life as a creative soul and when I am being creative I feel energised and at peace with my place in the universe.

I've just started reading Kelly Rae Roberts new book 'Taking Flight'. It's absolutely magic. It has reawakened my passion and desire. Interestingly it was an article by her that I first read in Cloth, Paper, Scissors that first reawakened my creative dreaming. A second article by her was the impetus to start blogging back in February. Now only a few pages into her book and again I'm alive with possibility. It's fascinating to me that I am so inspired and influenced by this single individual and that she keeps having such an impact on my life. If you haven't read her blog at all I highly recommend a visit.

There's lots more to come. Stay tuned...

Love Fridays

2008-09-26T18:22:00.002+10:00

Home Sweet Home. It was a lovely break with lots of nice relaxing treats, but it's lovely to be home. Cats to cuddle, happy mail from Amazon to open, and stunning Spring weather that had me straight out in the garden doing some preparations for Summer planting.

There's lots of catching up to do and some photos to post. For today, though, you just get a quick Hello from me.

Going, Going...

2008-09-20T22:31:00.004+10:00

GONE! See you in a few days shy of a week. Have a lovely one.

Love Fridays

2008-09-19T15:17:00.002+10:00

As of 5.30pm today I am on holidays for a blissful week. And I'm off to Daylesford for a week of R+R, second hand book shopping, treasure hunting, country day trips and spa indulgences. I'm ready for it. That's for sure.

Sorry I haven't been around so much. I'm struggling with my man cold which turned into a fully blown virus and has me completely down and out. I'm hoping it will magically disappear by Sunday in time for holiday departure.

Apart from that, there's been very little happening. I have a few plans and schemes going on in my head but those are for another time. Secret squirrel business, as they say. Sometimes these things never make it beyond idea forming stage anyway. I've learnt to embrace it as another form of creativity, ideas generation. It's good exercise for the brain I figure.

You won't hear anything from me for the next week or so. I'll be back with tales of my adventures next weekend. Happy times fair friends.

Come To The Carnival

2008-09-14T11:17:00.000+10:00

Remember I was telling you yesterday about discovering penguin and fish's fabulous blog. Alyssa has so many lovely things on her blog. One of the discoveries I made is Elle Moss Photography. I love, love, love her Carnival series. I've been doing so much Etsy window shopping lately. I wish I had more money to buy art and craft from the multitude of amazing and creative people out there in the world. One day. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps....

Oh Kitty

2008-09-13T09:45:00.000+10:00

You're so fine. You're so fine, you blow my mind. Hey kitty. Hey Kitty.

These beauties are made by penguin and fish. You can shop at her Etsy store or visit her blog which is full of so much goodness. Hokey introduced me. Now I can begin to realise my dream of being a crazy cat women with tonnes of cats.

Love Fridays

2008-09-12T18:36:00.003+10:00

I have been a passionate crafter for as long as I can remember. Some years ago however I lost interest in crafting. As you all know my passion has been thankfully reignited with gusto.

At lunch a couple of months ago one of my friends reminded me that years ago I gave her all my gran's old knitting stuff. She agreed to return them to me now that I am knitting and crocheting again.

Today I arrived home to a package. Knitting needles, a crochet hook and an old knitting gauge all belonging to my Grandma. My Gran was a huge part of my life and along with my Mum taught me everything I know about crafting. It is so lovely to have these things to connect me to my past.

Hope your Friday is fabulous and that you are gearing up for a great weekend. Love Fridays.

On My Desk - So Much Joy

2008-09-10T17:46:00.003+10:00

Today was a magnificent day and the City became my desk. The day started at lunch time with dumplings at Shanghai Village with a good friend. Following this there was a little bit of gluttony (does 3 magazines constitute over indulging?) at Magnation, followed by a brief stop at Haigs for a little something for Ms L. I also popped in to Sticky and picked up my first ever copy of Mix Tape. Lastly coffee, a crepe and a little bit of reading.

It was such a lovely day. It's quite possible I could start loving Wednesdays more than Friday if things keep going like this. I finished the afternoon off with a bike ride. I cannot express how much I love my new bike and what a pleasure it is to ride. Oh my!!!

Sunday Night Out

2008-09-07T22:23:00.005+10:00

I'm usually a boring gal and never go out on a Sunday night. Tonight though Ms L and I had tickets. Not on ourselves silly!

We had a fabulous night out. Dinner, some wandering in town and of course Wicked. Ms L loves a musical more than me so you should probably ask her for a review. I enjoyed it, some parts more than others and particularly the last few songs of the first half and then the second half. Costumes were great and I always love the atmosphere and the experience of being at the theatre.

No question about enjoying dinner. We had a leisurely couple of hours at my favourite restaurant and some fabulous food. A couple of Spanish ciders seems to have cured my man cold too. Anyway, if you live in Melbourne and haven't been to Movida, you should get yourself there post haste. If you live outside Melbourne then consider yourself to have one great excuse to visit. If it's a real impossibility then visit Movida for some vicarious living.

We saw some cool craft in Hosier Lane too. Has anyone else seen this guerilla craft or know anything about it?

So, I'm thankfully cured of my man cold and ready to face the working week.

Well, perhaps resigned rather than ready at this point...

We Interupt This Broadcast...

2008-09-06T18:09:00.002+10:00

Yep, I've got a man cold. I'm sooky and miserable and can't ride my bike. Boo hoo! It's movies and comfort snacks to make me feel better.

Hope you're having a lovely weekend.

Love Fridays

2008-09-05T18:35:00.002+10:00

Two days to ride my new bike as much as I want. I hope the weather is fine, just fine.

How about you? Are you Loving Fridays? Don't forget to tell us why?

Green

2008-09-04T17:50:00.009+10:00

It seems to be a theme for me at the moment. Green everywhere I look. I'm certainly not complaining about this lot.

On My Desk - Are You Kidding?

2008-09-03T17:18:00.004+10:00

On a day like today, with a brand new bike, and my first real Wednesday off since I started working part time, do you think I spent much time at the desk?

Nope, none at all. I'm just dropping in to leave this little post and I'm off to do other things. My trusty friend came along to help me.

Hope that your day is as lovely as mine has been. Welcome Spring!

Mine, All Mine

2008-08-31T16:44:00.003+10:00

As of Wednesday this baby is all mine. Oh yeah!

Spring Cleaning

2008-08-30T22:49:00.004+10:00

I thought I'd give my blog a little freshen up in preparation and celebration of the coming Spring. I'm not usually much of a green gal but I thought it was appropriate to go for some Springtime colours. Anyway, I'll sit with it for a minute and see how it works out.

Funnily enough I was doing some sewing today and green was a prominent colour again. No photos to show for myself yet. Maybe tomorrow.

Anyway, it's been a lovely weekend so far. Sewing, relaxing and catching up on all my favourite blogs for the first time in so long. It's lovely to visit all my bloggy friends and see what everyone's been up to.

Edit: I've just been visiting Kootoyoo and after seeing what she has done with her Pool Room I think I am going to have to add a craft room Spring Clean to the agenda also. I've been thinking about it but am feeling totally inspired and full of possibilities now.

Love Fridays

2008-08-29T11:15:00.002+10:00

The sun is shining. Spring is nearly here. It just brightens my day when I see sunshine. Everything seems ready for renewal, including me.

Everybody Play The Game

2008-08-28T20:10:00.002+10:00

That's what you're supposed to do right? At work that is. I think you're supposed to be a little savvy, work out when to just say yes, choose your battles, play nice with everyone in your particular sandpit, and, at the end of the day, leave it all behind you.

I seem to have been born without the "work" gene that enables you to do all those things. I'm definitely going to need to work on developing my teflon coating for the difficult days. All advice and tips gratefully received good people.

Anyway, nothing too tragic but I'll be Loving Friday tomorrow. For sure.

Right now, a bath, a book and some dark chocolate are the only thing for it.

Incoming and Outgoing, Mail That Is

2008-08-25T20:56:00.008+10:00

I came home to one of my favourite experiences. Mail on the doorstep. I signed up for a Pay It Forward with Anastasia Drawing and Dreaming and my package of loveliness arrived today.

So many lovely things. Vintage magazines, stunning fabric, buttons and ribbon,

hot chocolate and Bopeep lollies. I haven't had them since I was a kid and my Mum used to buy them for me on special trips in to town. Seeing them tonight brought back lovely memories.

My favourite things were the handmade goodies. I love Anastasia's beautiful vintage collage work and now I have some of my own. I'm taking this little one to put on my wall at work.

And these gift tags aren't likely to be passed on. They are just too lovely to share.

Receiving my package got me all motivated to get some packages of my own ready for flight. The pink one is my long overdue Cupcake and Tea Swap for Molly Cupcakes. The others are a couple of little goodies for some nice bloggers. It must be time to start getting my Pay It Forward goodies ready to go too.

Spring is in the air and I am feeling like playing with the world again. Yippee!!!

It's More Fun With Friends

2008-08-23T21:55:00.011+10:00

I'm pretty tired after a fabulously fun day of sewing, laughing, eating, talking, learning and hanging out with Cam, Juddie, Serena and Sherrin.

Yes, it was a lovely day. We all missed Belinda though.

Love Fridays, A Picture To Match

2008-08-22T23:02:00.003+10:00

As I was walking to work today I was thinking about my Love Fridays post. Planning it out in my head as you do. I looked down at the ground and saw this.

Love Fridays.

Love Fridays

2008-08-22T09:57:00.004+10:00

Sometimes the universe delivers just what you need when you need it. Today it was this post and this one. There was also this gorgeous link via Anastasia Drawing and Dreaming. Little messages and treats from the universe. I love it when that happens.

Feel free to join in and post about why you Love Fridays on your blog. If you would like a button for your blog you can grab the code here.

On My Desk - Awards

2008-08-20T09:58:00.008+10:00

The lovely Curlypops recently bestowed 2 awards on me. It is very exciting as I have never had a blog award before and now I have 2. The most recent was this:

I'm passing it on to some blogs that I love to visit.

Project Incomplete
Two Peas in a Pod
Georgie Love
The Sum of Mum

These women are all funny, passionate and thought-provoking and make me feel like I'm part of the "sisterhood". Thanks ladies.

I also want to pass The Brilliant Blog Award on to The Toy Society It is one of my very favourite craft projects ever. Innovative and renegade. I just love it.

The second award that I received was the Tree of Happiness, so I'm going to tell you 6 things that are making me happy at the moment.

The idea of Spring coming soon fills me with anticipation and hope.
The second Thornbury Sewing Bonanza is happening this Saturday so I have a day of stitching, snacking and chatting to look forward to with some lovely women.
Ms L seems to be on the mend after being sick for almost 20 months.
Reconnecting with some girlfriends who I haven't spent much time with lately has been lots of fun and good for the soul.
Reconnecting with myself and learning to look after myself more is happening slowly but surely. I am well on the way back to being healthy, hearty and happy.
My creativity is starting to stir again after the usual winter hiatus.

So there you have it. A little bit of happiness and love to share.

Love Fridays

2008-08-15T20:55:00.002+10:00

It has to be a quick one today. I've got a date with some magazines. I have the latest copy of Frankie and Australian Vogue sitting beside me after a trip to Borders tonight. Tomorrow I've got a date with my hairdresser. Sunday I've got a date with some fabulous friends. A weekend full of lovely dates.

Don't forget to visit these lovely folk who also Love Fridays.

On My Desk - Wednesday

2008-08-13T13:05:00.009+10:00

Well it's a good day when you have a package with one of these on your desk.

My Cupcake and Tea Swap arrived yesterday from The World of Twiggy Peasticks.

It's full of lovely cupcake goodness and some delicious Yorkshire Gold tea.

Just 2 weeks ago I was looking for a spare pincushion in Spotlight and didn't see anything to my liking. Now I have 2 beautiful hand made spares. So much better. I think Willow is trying to claim the orange one though. She knocked it off the table earlier and had a bit of a play with it. Not sure that I'm willing to share these beauties.

I'm ashamed to say that my swap package is now nearly 3 or 4 weeks overdue. I hope Molly Cupcakes will like it when it finally arrives. Hopefully it's going to be on its way by the end of the week.

This winter has me beat. I'll be glad to see Spring when it arrives.

Love Fridays

2008-08-08T09:50:00.007+10:00

Loving Fridays for lots of reasons today. It's pay day for one. Yep, every second Friday I get to head into the weekend cashed up. Love it.

The most exciting reason for loving this Friday is that I've figured out how to make a blog button for the Love Fridays Meme. What do you think?

Now just give me another day or so and I'll have the code for you so you can put the button on your blog if you want to. If fact I have the code. I just can't work out how to post it without it turning into the picture above. I'll get there though.

I must say a big thanks to Leni and Rose as it was her fabulous tips and tricks that helped me. I can't believe I worked out how to do it. It feels like such an achievement. I'm constantly amazed at the things I've learned since I took up blogging.

Update! Update! Update! Thanks to more help from the fantastic Leni and Rose and a great tutorial from Kootooyo I've done it. If you are playing along with Love Fridays and want a button for your blog, copy and paste the code (in Blogger this is done by adding Third Party HTML via Layout & Add a Page Element).

<a href="http://bigcatsemporium.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/2736622827_68504e8822_t.jpg" /></a>

On My Desk Wednesday - Nothing To See Here

2008-08-06T17:52:00.002+10:00

Nothing to show this week. I am however planning and scheming away. I'll have show and tell real soon. A button for Love Fridays perhaps? A new swap to join in? Maybe a new blog that I've been thinking of starting?

This week though I am a taking a mini-break from blogging while I catch up on other bits and peices of my life. Don't worry though, I'll see you all for Love Fridays.

The Weekend That Was

2008-08-03T17:36:00.008+10:00

This weekend was completely free. No plans, no work, no chores. It was just what I needed to restore some balance.

The weekend started on Friday night with a trip to Spotlight. I bought a few different fabrics for projects I have in mind. And these...

For a grand total of $5/roll. I don't know what I'm going to do with 60 odd metres (at a guess) of green and yellow spots but I'm sure I'll come up with something.

The weather on Saturday was perfect for sewing.

I made myself a work tote to carry my lunch and bits and peices.

Today I got out the glue and the art goodies for some collaging. It's the first time since around April. It felt great to feel the creativity stirring again.

It didn't stop there. I also made these.

Now, I'm off to make Quesadillas with Guacamole for dinner and then hopefully spend a little time on my crochet that's also been neglected for a while.

What a wonderful weekend. Hope you had a fabulous weekend. What did you get up to?

Love Fridays

2008-08-01T12:24:00.002+10:00

Today I'm loving Friday because things just seem a whole lot better today. Perhaps it's the thought of a free weekend ahead , it might be all the lovely comments left on my last post and it could just be the Yoga (gee, did I sleep well last night). Anyway, the world feels a little bit brighter and I've been able to put the worries of yesterday behind me.

Oh, how I Love Fridays. Don't forget to join in.

Some time soon I'll get organised and make a little list of players for my side bar. Maybe I'll even get really fancy and make a button. I'd have to learn how to do that somehow.

Two Steps Forward, You Know The Drill

2008-07-31T20:04:00.003+10:00

Is it the law of the universe that as soon as you say things are going well that they go a bit pear shaped? It seems to be the way of things at the moment. Skip this post if you can't be bothered with my trivial worries today.

Today at work I had one of those uncomfortable settling in moments with someone else in the office. Stupid. Nothing major, but uncomfortable all the same. I overreacted to a situation and they let me know it. I spent the rest of the afternoon feeling uncomfortable and worrying about what they thought of me. So stupid. Seriously, it was a tiny, tiny little thing.

I wish I could just let things go. I have so much trouble letting things go. I'm also have so much difficulty forgiving myself for not being perfect, for overreacting, for just being human. How I want to find my way with this. I crave some respite from overthinking and worry. I want a break from constantly worry about what people think about me. I want to be able to live a messy, happy human existence without constantly feeling embarrassed about things I say or do that are so small in the scheme of things.

If I had joined in This Is... last Sunday when you got to choose your own theme I would have posted This Is...What I Really, Really Want. I want to be healthy. I want my physical and emotional health back. I'm on the way. I'm doing all the right things. Chinese medicine, walking, being creative, listening to lots of music and getting back to healthy eating. This evening I added a nice gentle Hatha Yoga into the mix. In fact, I doubt I could be doing a better job than what I'm doing.

Days like today it just won't happen fast enough. Days like today I want to be untouchable. I want to be free of the self-doubt and self-consciousness. Days like today I can see all the things that I haven't managed to incorporate yet. I'm not reading and I want to be. I spend to much time blogging and don't dedicate time to other interests. I still eat too much chocolate. I'm sure you know how it goes.

One step back. It was only yesterday I was saying how cruisy everything was feeling.

That Curlypops!!!

2008-07-31T19:43:00.003+10:00

She's a beauty. A little package of goodness arrived this morning.

Some flannel and a patterns for bibs. I have a couple of friends having babies soon. She also sent me the lovely green floral to match a blue floral she gave me when she came to visit. Most of my fabric stash is thanks to Ms Curlypops.

Ms L was most upset when the package arrived early this morning. She's expecting goodies from Amazon and is envious of all the lovely packages arriving for me.

Come! Join in the fun

2008-07-30T22:42:00.005+10:00

The Abbotsford Convent has recently opened a contemporary art space called C3. Exhibitions change monthly and due to last minute hiccups an interesting exhibition is now going to take place in August and anyone can join in. It is happening quickly so read on and act fast if you want to join in.

The basis of the exhibition is founded in this idea:

"With digital cameras and the facebook/myspace/youtube phenomena, we are documenting our lives like never before. You can go online and see what your friends did last week, last night, last minute in any city or country in the world. Collections of photos on facebook are usually displayed in series, so you see an event unfolding in time and space. You can see someone's birthday party, a trip to the zoo or whatever. Generally people will take lots of images then whittle down the dodgy ones in-camera, until they have a set that tells the story. These sets can be portraits, landscapes, beautiful abstract blurry images or over-exposed nigh time flash pics... quick/instant/real... slow/considered/framed. Sometimes it is the unedited sets that contain the real story.

The gallery is looking for your Kodak moments in sets of 6 postcard sized photographs. The sets will be pinned to the wall in lines and sequences, following other peoples sets, and will be totally anonymous, in no kind of classified order. The beauty of this idea is that we really have no way of knowing the visual outcome of the work, or how people will view it, just that it will be a raw and curious collection."

You can submit us as many sets as you like. The gallery is asking that you either send/drop in your set(s) or email them to c3@abbotsfordconvent.com.au (hard copies are preferred as the gallery does not have a budget for this exhibition) A list of contributors will be displayed in the gallery, so you need to let them know if you want to be anonymous.

There is no restriction on what you submit, except for image size. Each image must be: Landscape format, 10cm x 15cm (4 x 6 inch). Here's an example of one set.

All images must be at the gallery by Tuesday August 5, or you can come down during the show and install on the spot.

Anyway, I thought I would share the love. Please feel free to join in and come down and check it out after August 6th when the exhibition begins. I'm going to contribute a set or two.

On My Desk - At Work

2008-07-30T16:46:00.003+10:00

I don't usually work on Wednesdays at The Convent. I did today though so thought a glimpse of my work desk was appropriate.

The flowers were courtesy of my boss. Left over from a festival but she put a vase on everyone's desk. Nice, huh?

I'm really enjoying work at the moment. What I'm mostly loving about it is being part of a team. I haven't felt like part of a team for at least 3 years. I've felt extremely isolated. In some jobs this has been due to being in a role that really isolated me such as a management position. In one of my recent roles it was because I was working with an absolute bunch of cows (and yes I do hope you're reading this and know who you are). It is so nice to be on the same level as everyone and just one of the gang. I feel accepted where I am now and settled.

A couple of months ago I asked myself the question - Will I ever find work that I enjoy in an environment that I like and that pays a wage that I am happy with. It seems the answer is yes. YIPPEE!!!

I'll be back later. I have a fun surprise for you all.

Evidence

2008-07-27T20:09:00.009+10:00

I'm not ready for the weekend to end tonight. I need more time. Some days more than others.

I have a lovely crafternoon with Curlypops. She came over for a crochet lesson, coffee and chatter. I wasn't feeling particularly crafty so don't have anything to show for myself except this.

A lesson in how to use a bias tape maker. I like it. It's on the shopping list.

A lonely Wagon Wheel. I'll get to you later my friend.

There's been a little bit of other crafting going on around here too. I joined in a Cupcake and Tea Swap over at Rachel Rabbit and my goodies are almost ready to go. My swap is for Molly Cupcakes who said she likes pink, pink and pink. I think I got it covered.

Then there's this little number which is going to be a gift for my friend's daughter. I think it's pretty cute.

I'm ready for a challenge beyond the simple tote now. Perhaps a pocket or a bag with a more interesting shape. First, shopping trip to Spotlight for some solid coloured fabrics to go with all the lovely prints that Curlypops has given me.

I'm definitely in need of a full day of crafting and sewing. In fact I'm probably in need of a few of them. I'm not very good at taking time out like that. It's something I want to practice over the next little while though. Booking time for myself and treating it like any other commitment. I had a date with myself recently and took myself out for shopping and dinner. It was wonderful. It's great to spend time alone. Now I need to learn how to do it at home.

Anyway, I finished off the evening with a little bit of cooking. Ms L made a roast last night so tonight I made lamb and mushroom pie with the left overs.

Delicious.

Back to work tomorrow. It's not a bad thought at all. Just a little too soon this weekend.

Love Fridays

2008-07-25T18:45:00.002+10:00

I've got my tracky pants and slippers on, the house to myself, the ingredients for home made pizza and the sewing machine ready to go. What's not to love?

Play along if you like. Put a post on your blog and tell us why you love Fridays. Go visit these bloggers - they said they were going to play along too. Curlypops, Reenie-Su, Kimono Reincarnate, Maybe it was Patches and My Super Tuesday.

The Family Who Blogs Together

2008-07-21T19:50:00.007+10:00

This Is... What Makes Me Happy Today

2008-07-20T20:46:00.003+10:00

My IPOD Shuffle is finally out of its box and loaded with music.
Happy travels for me!

On My Desk - Catching Up With Me

2008-07-19T22:59:00.006+10:00

I missed Wednesday's On My Desk. I didn't have much to show anyway.

Today is a different story. I have been cutting up a storm with my new rotary cutter, quilters ruler and my new found sewing skills. I have 3 tote bags and two crochet needle holders ready to sew.

I've set myself up with a little design book so I can keep my sewing notes and patterns together. It feels very serious and fancy.

It's a pity I have to work tomorrow and won't be able to spend the day sewing. However, I am thankfully starting to feel settled at work. I've been there about 7 weeks now and I feel like I've got to know people a little bit and them me. I'm also starting to get to know the job and take some ownership of it which feels really good. It's still very early days but I think it's going to be a good place to work and the role is going to suit me well. I feel like I have it in good perspective. I don't expect it to be good every minute of every day but more want it to be good overall. It's a different way of approaching work for me and feels much healthier.

While the intellectual/emotional settling in has required some attention, the physical environment has been an absolute joy. Every day it is a pleasure to be at work and experience what it has to offer. In the course of one day I can see, hear and feel art, animals, magnificent gardens, stunning architecture, the river, bluebirds, laughter and such an incredible variety of people. I am loving the diversity of the place and the way winter sits like a blanket over it all. It's a place that has a rhythm and a heart and getting to know it is like uncovering a treasure. I will try and post some more pictures for you all this week.

Life has been a challenge over the last couple of months. I've alluded to it in some posts but mostly I feel that I have reduced my blog to snippets and occasional craft. There's a part of me that has been missing. Some difficult experiences have led me to question so many things about myself and to spend a whole lot of time worrying way too much about what other people think of me. It's been a combination of feeling totally out of my comfort zone in a new work environment, along with the emotional pimple and some other stuff mostly created and perpetuated by me as a result of the main causes. Now that I am finally relaxing in to work I've been able to let go of the other crap and get back to being my more usual self. Happy.

On Friday night I took myself out on a date. It was the first time in a while that I've hung out with me out there in the world. Shopping and dinner. It was lovely. Today I went grocery shopping and filled the house with healthy food for the first time in a while. I had a lovely dinner and a wonderful afternoon and evening hanging out with Ms L.

The other thing that's happened this week is that I've become a PT Cruiser. No, I'm not a car. I'm a public transport user. It's good. I like it. You can enjoy the world a lot more when you aren't driving and have time to take it all in. It also slows you down as you have to go with the flow more and do a lot more waiting. And of course, heaps more walking which is great for both my body and soul.

Now I'm catching up on my blog. Real blogging. The kind I like. A bit of the real me - warts, fears, rambling thoughts and all. I was inspired by Project Incomplete and this post she wrote, and I'm always inspired by Two Cold Feet and her candour.

I'm eternally grateful to the blogging community for kind words, friendship, escape, inspiration and laughter. Thank you to you all.

Love Fridays

2008-07-18T12:09:00.004+10:00

I do. I truly do. The world is my oyster on a Friday.

Today I'm Loving Fridays because it means two days of staying up late for this.

How about you? Do you Love Fridays? Play along then. Post a Love Fridays post on your blog each Friday. Tell the world of your love. Let me know if you are going to join in. We'll get a bit of a Meme going.

Everybody's Doing It

2008-07-15T18:19:00.003+10:00

I'm doing it. Ms L is doing it. These girls are all doing it.

Crochet that is.

Everyone, everywhere seems to be crocheting.

I'm making good progress with my Mum's birthday present. These 4 squares below are the basis of the blanket I'm making.

Ms L has a stack of granny squares she's crocheted together ready to finish off.

Over at Flickr hundreds of people are doing it. Below is one of my favourite finds in the Flickr group.

Are you doing it?

I Made It Myself

2008-07-14T16:02:00.003+10:00

Yep, all by myself. Not even a pattern. A Spoonful of Sugar had one on their blog. I showed it to Serena when she was here giving me a lesson and she said I could manage it. So I decided to give it a go. Turned out pretty good I think.

I'm totally addicted now. Let me sew, let me sew, let me sew. I can't get enough. This week's task is to cut out lots of totes and other goodies ready for a sewing frenzy on the weekend.

I Can Sew

2008-07-12T20:04:00.005+10:00

Thanks to Serena for a lovely day of sewing and chatting. You're a great teacher. And now, I just want to sew up a storm. This won't be the last tote bag I assure you. I am raring to go.

The inaugural Thornbury sewing bonanza ended up being a quieter affair than originally planned, but a lovely one just the same. We missed Curlypops, Juddie and Starashan this time. However, I'll be planning another one very soon and hopefully everyone can make it. Let me know if you'd be interested in joining us.