* I can barely wait for this movie to come out...
The trailer of Les Mis even makes me cry!
* This afternoon: I had a lovely visit from mum. It was nice to just sit and chat a while, about books, movies and children. :)
* The last couple of days I've had some fun times with Audrey. I am realising she is a little girl now in many ways.
* I am loving blogs about French chic these days. One of the funniest books I have read was Almost French, a book an Australian wrote about living in Paris. I have also read (some of) French Women Don't Get Fat. I'd really like to apply some of the principals in this book to my life.
September 30, 2012
September 28, 2012
Friday
I feel very happy today as I can check off a couple of ufo's from my sewing cabinet. The Heather Bailey book bags I have had cut and ready to sew for just over 12 months are finished! Then I grabbed the heat pillow covers I had embroidered during winter 2011. I thought that after being embroidered I wouldn't want them to end up under the kids feet in bed at night, so have sewn a back piece and stuffed them. Now they are little pillows on Nicholas and Audrey's beds. So another tick off the list.
Of course this all means that I can now devote time to finishing my patchwork quilt. it is really the main thing (sewing) I would like to see completed before I return to work. And now I feel I can do it without feeling stressed about the other projects lying around the house.
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But first, a cup of tea and some reading of a different kind.
This afternoon Audrey and I are making fancy pants popcorn and watching Charlotte's Web. Can you tell my mind, body and spirit are thriving on this time off work??
September 26, 2012
Wednesday
This morning (after hanging some washing on the line) I sat in the sun to read a little.
At the moment I am ready The Road, by Cormac McCarthy. The cover of my edition reads "a work of such terrible beauty that you will struggle to look away". So true. For those who have either seen the wonderful movie adaptation, or read the book, will know it is the story of the journey of a father and son post Apocalypse. McCarthy's writing style lends itself beautifully to the sparse feeling of the book. The language is beautiful - there are times that my heart aches when reading about the love between the man and the boy. David was really affected when we watched the movie and afterwards just had to go and sit on Nicholas' bed and look at him, asleep.
There is a passage in the first pages of the novel that stayed with me for days:
The road was empty. Below in the little valley the still gray serpentine of a river. Motionless and precise. Along the shore a burden of dead reeds. Are you okay? he said. The boy nodded. Then they set out along the blacktop in the gunmetal light, shuffling through the ash, each the other's world entire.
I found those last words beautiful. Each the other's world entire. The feeling of being alone in the world and wanting to do whatever you had to to ensure your child was safe.
Another passage:
They slept huddled together in the rank quilts in the dark and the cold. He held the boy close to him. So thin. My heart, he said. My heart.
The Road is a novel I would recommend that everyone read, even just once in their lifetime. I am hoping that by the time Nicholas is in high school that it appears on the school reading list. McCarthy's writing is extraordinary. You would think he has lived the Apocalypse. While the topic sounds dreary, I cannot emphasis how simply beautiful this novel is. It is a pleasure to read and, although I am not yet finished, I know I will feel changed having done so.
I thought of adding the movie trailer to this post, but while the movie is outstanding, I felt the scenes in the trailer did not do justice to the movie if it was to be the first impression someone got of the story. So instead, I'll add Viggo Mortensen interview about the book. He played the father in the movie, and well, who didn't love his role of Aragorn in Lord of the Rings?? :)
On a lighter note, David and I watched a delightful French film last night, Delicacy.
It was a lovely story and beutifully filmed. Anything filmed in Paris always makes me want to go back! :)
At the moment I am ready The Road, by Cormac McCarthy. The cover of my edition reads "a work of such terrible beauty that you will struggle to look away". So true. For those who have either seen the wonderful movie adaptation, or read the book, will know it is the story of the journey of a father and son post Apocalypse. McCarthy's writing style lends itself beautifully to the sparse feeling of the book. The language is beautiful - there are times that my heart aches when reading about the love between the man and the boy. David was really affected when we watched the movie and afterwards just had to go and sit on Nicholas' bed and look at him, asleep.
There is a passage in the first pages of the novel that stayed with me for days:
The road was empty. Below in the little valley the still gray serpentine of a river. Motionless and precise. Along the shore a burden of dead reeds. Are you okay? he said. The boy nodded. Then they set out along the blacktop in the gunmetal light, shuffling through the ash, each the other's world entire.
I found those last words beautiful. Each the other's world entire. The feeling of being alone in the world and wanting to do whatever you had to to ensure your child was safe.
Another passage:
They slept huddled together in the rank quilts in the dark and the cold. He held the boy close to him. So thin. My heart, he said. My heart.
The Road is a novel I would recommend that everyone read, even just once in their lifetime. I am hoping that by the time Nicholas is in high school that it appears on the school reading list. McCarthy's writing is extraordinary. You would think he has lived the Apocalypse. While the topic sounds dreary, I cannot emphasis how simply beautiful this novel is. It is a pleasure to read and, although I am not yet finished, I know I will feel changed having done so.
I thought of adding the movie trailer to this post, but while the movie is outstanding, I felt the scenes in the trailer did not do justice to the movie if it was to be the first impression someone got of the story. So instead, I'll add Viggo Mortensen interview about the book. He played the father in the movie, and well, who didn't love his role of Aragorn in Lord of the Rings?? :)
On a lighter note, David and I watched a delightful French film last night, Delicacy.
It was a lovely story and beutifully filmed. Anything filmed in Paris always makes me want to go back! :)
September 25, 2012
Tuesday
Day # 2 and I spent some extra time at preschool.
Today Audrey's teacher said: "you are going to have quite a teenager on your hands in a few years time". I'm not quite sure how I feel about my greatest fears being articulated by someone else... Her teacher's explanation was that "Audrey is quite contrary at times". hmmmmm
I think I need to do a book post...
Today Audrey's teacher said: "you are going to have quite a teenager on your hands in a few years time". I'm not quite sure how I feel about my greatest fears being articulated by someone else... Her teacher's explanation was that "Audrey is quite contrary at times". hmmmmm
I think I need to do a book post...
September 24, 2012
Monday
Day #1
Breathe in the Spring air, feel the warmth of the sun on my face. :) It is day one of my leave today. I have plans to ensure that I don't waste any of it...
I spent yesterday cleaning the house and doing ironing so that it felt as though I was starting with a blank canvas.
This morning I walked Nicholas and Audrey to school. David is home from work on Mondays, so we hope to enjoy the luxury of brunch or coffee somewhere nice, taking it slow over the next couple of weeks.
Walking home from school I listened to a Book Club podcast with Michael Ondatje, so I feel like I am utilising that time well by immersing myself in discussion surrounding something I get real pleasure from. Some mornings (after the school holidays) I'll come a longer route home, in a half hearted attempt to exercises.
One thing I have been doing sporadically over the past couple of weeks is taking the kids to school, coming home and making a cup of tea before sitting in a sunny spot outside to read for half an hour. I think that is a ritual I'd like to keep and it should see me get through at least one book while on leave.
I even plan on making a time for blogging once a day, while having morning tea or lunch, or in the evening when the kids are asleep.
This morning just before lunch I cut back the raspberries (long overdue) and planted some seedlings in preparation for our Spring garden: sage, basil, flat leaf parsley, rocket and zucchini. The chickens have started laying again s everything feels new.
David washed down the walls, floors and ceiling of our bathroom this morning which is great as my one "job" during my time off is to start giving our bathroom a little makeover. I want to do it sooner rather than later so that it is not hanging over my head...
School holidays are around the corner, so those days I'll dedicate to activities with Nicholas and Audrey and then resume me time when school starts again.
I've scheduled Melanie in for a couple of crafty things because my biggest fear is getting to the end of eight weeks leave to find I haven't really done a thing (although I'll make sure there are a few of those days to make it feel truley like a luxurious holiday. :)
Breathe in the Spring air, feel the warmth of the sun on my face. :) It is day one of my leave today. I have plans to ensure that I don't waste any of it...
I spent yesterday cleaning the house and doing ironing so that it felt as though I was starting with a blank canvas.
This morning I walked Nicholas and Audrey to school. David is home from work on Mondays, so we hope to enjoy the luxury of brunch or coffee somewhere nice, taking it slow over the next couple of weeks.
Walking home from school I listened to a Book Club podcast with Michael Ondatje, so I feel like I am utilising that time well by immersing myself in discussion surrounding something I get real pleasure from. Some mornings (after the school holidays) I'll come a longer route home, in a half hearted attempt to exercises.
One thing I have been doing sporadically over the past couple of weeks is taking the kids to school, coming home and making a cup of tea before sitting in a sunny spot outside to read for half an hour. I think that is a ritual I'd like to keep and it should see me get through at least one book while on leave.
I even plan on making a time for blogging once a day, while having morning tea or lunch, or in the evening when the kids are asleep.
This morning just before lunch I cut back the raspberries (long overdue) and planted some seedlings in preparation for our Spring garden: sage, basil, flat leaf parsley, rocket and zucchini. The chickens have started laying again s everything feels new.
David washed down the walls, floors and ceiling of our bathroom this morning which is great as my one "job" during my time off is to start giving our bathroom a little makeover. I want to do it sooner rather than later so that it is not hanging over my head...
School holidays are around the corner, so those days I'll dedicate to activities with Nicholas and Audrey and then resume me time when school starts again.
I've scheduled Melanie in for a couple of crafty things because my biggest fear is getting to the end of eight weeks leave to find I haven't really done a thing (although I'll make sure there are a few of those days to make it feel truley like a luxurious holiday. :)
September 23, 2012
September 22, 2012
Saturday
I am grateful for a husband who enjoys being adventurous with his cooking, and for children who are always willing to try the results (even if I am a little reticent at times). The other night we had David's Coq au vin. I love French provincial, so am glad I tried it... ;)
Sadly my photography doesn't match the meal... I enjoy looking at photographs of food and look forward to the release of this cook book. I've looked at the Cannelle et Vanille website regularly over the past year and eagerly await the final results! Her photographs are sublime!
September 20, 2012
Thursday
I don't know whether to cry, scream or laugh. Last week when Nicholas had his hair cut I asked the hairdresser to tidy up Audrey's hair. Ever since Nicholas took to her hair over 12 months ago and I had to have it cut ultra short I have been letting it grow to a reasonable length. It had been all uneven and now it was finally looking perfect. I have always liked pulling her hair to the side with a clip.
Then she came home tonight and today had been apparently playing with scissors...
Then she came home tonight and today had been apparently playing with scissors...
September 18, 2012
Tuesday
My favourite female Christian artist is Sara Groves. I have posted a couple of her songs before here, here and elsewhere. At the moment I'm playing the following two songs a lot. When I first heard the lyrics to Finite I identified with the song immediately!
And When The Saints is a glorious declaration of people of faith - both past and present. She does some great advocacy work for issues that have for a long time challenged me...
And When The Saints is a glorious declaration of people of faith - both past and present. She does some great advocacy work for issues that have for a long time challenged me...
September 15, 2012
Saturday
Although there is still a coolness in the air I couldn't help but dress Audrey in something more akin to Spring!
September 12, 2012
Wednesday
Random things today -
The other day I said my kids were starting to express their faith a little...
Yesterday Nicholas had a friend over from school and he stayed for dinner. part way through the meal Nicolas got his bible and gave it to me, asking me to read a story for his friend, as he "doesn't believe in God". So I figured David and Goliath would be a nice boy kills giant story that would appeal to a 7 year old. The Jesus Storybook Bible tells it really well for that reason...
When I finished Nicholas said "now do you believe in God?" "No" was the reply. But he liked the story! Nicholas then asked me if we could ask the kids mum if she believed in God when she came to collect her son... I love his faith.
I am LOVING this Sarah McLachlan/Cyndi Lauper duet. Sarah McLachlan has long been my favourite female artist. I have great memories of my first year at uni - studying my dream field of anthropology, archaeology and museum curatorship. I'd listen to her all the time.
Later she came to Canberra on tour and Dave and I went with another friend. I was heavily pregnant with Nicholas and I am sure he was dancing. He rolled and kicked inside me like never before. Cyndi Lauper? Well, with a 25 year school reunion coming up revisiting some of my 80's music is a prerequisite! Girls Just Wanna Have Fun anyone? :)
And while we are onto the '80's these are brilliant! I can see a kitsch little corner of our hallway with these framed on it...
Breakfast Club, Princess Bride and Labyrinth... there is also Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Pretty in Pink!
Not to mention various Star Wars and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle ones Nicholas would like... enough of that though. I have to get on top of other UFOs before I start anymore.
The other day I said my kids were starting to express their faith a little...
Yesterday Nicholas had a friend over from school and he stayed for dinner. part way through the meal Nicolas got his bible and gave it to me, asking me to read a story for his friend, as he "doesn't believe in God". So I figured David and Goliath would be a nice boy kills giant story that would appeal to a 7 year old. The Jesus Storybook Bible tells it really well for that reason...
When I finished Nicholas said "now do you believe in God?" "No" was the reply. But he liked the story! Nicholas then asked me if we could ask the kids mum if she believed in God when she came to collect her son... I love his faith.
I am LOVING this Sarah McLachlan/Cyndi Lauper duet. Sarah McLachlan has long been my favourite female artist. I have great memories of my first year at uni - studying my dream field of anthropology, archaeology and museum curatorship. I'd listen to her all the time.
Later she came to Canberra on tour and Dave and I went with another friend. I was heavily pregnant with Nicholas and I am sure he was dancing. He rolled and kicked inside me like never before. Cyndi Lauper? Well, with a 25 year school reunion coming up revisiting some of my 80's music is a prerequisite! Girls Just Wanna Have Fun anyone? :)
And while we are onto the '80's these are brilliant! I can see a kitsch little corner of our hallway with these framed on it...
Breakfast Club, Princess Bride and Labyrinth... there is also Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Pretty in Pink!
Not to mention various Star Wars and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle ones Nicholas would like... enough of that though. I have to get on top of other UFOs before I start anymore.
September 11, 2012
Tuesday
I am LOVING this weather right now! (really, who isn't) When I came home from taking Nicholas and Audrey to school this morning I sat in our sunny morning spot with a cup of tea, a slice of David's bread toasted and read. It was divine... I can hear the breeze blowing through the huge gumtree in our neighbours yard and the hum of traffic along the road behind us.
I am hoping this can be the beginning of a joyful ritual I endeavour to undertake when I am on leave. 5 working days to go, but who is counting? Certainly not me when I think of the reports I need to have written and finalised before I finish...
At the moment I am reading Romulus, My Father by Raimond Gaita. I had seen the movie, but particularly wanted to read the book after David and I spent a little time in the area the book is set in. I love the way it is wrtitten as I think we all come from families with everyday stories that have contribued to making us who we are. I love social and personal histories.
Then with Nicholas I am reading the Borrowers by Mary Norton. I read these when I was younger. And Audrey is reading the Princess and the Pea by Hans Christian Anderson. When she likes a story she likes to read it every night. For days.
September 8, 2012
September 7, 2012
Friday
The Lord has been using my kids to speak to me lately without them even really knowing it. Last week I went with Audrey to the National Museum of Australia. As we walked through the exhibitions Audrey saw something and ran ahead. It was the word 'Eternity' displayed in a light shining onto the floor. She stood under the light and immediately folded her hands beneath her chin, closed her eyes and began to pray. The guide who was near me said "well, that is appropriate!"
I looked at Audrey and then looked above her, wondering if she had had some kind of Joan of Arc experience!
But really, it meant something more to me. The story of Mr Eternity can be read here.
Nicholas and I walk to school together on Thursday and Friday. Lately he has been asking quite a few questions that require a more considered response, and require me to search my heart...
Nicholas and I walk to school together on Thursday and Friday. Lately he has been asking quite a few questions that require a more considered response, and require me to search my heart...
September 4, 2012
September 1, 2012
Saturday
I don't have an extensive wardrobe (the season of a mortgage!) and I've never been very good at shopping for clothes. If I had money to clothes shop I'm more likely to see an outfit I like and buy the exact peices - I'm no good at putting peices together myself. Maybe that's why I like black, grey and white. At least I know I can accessorise with coloured scraves, bags or jewellry. This is such a cute clip! It is for a Finnish clothing company called Samuji. I think I'd wear everything in it!
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