39/52

 "A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

 Stella:

finally acquired a Venus Fly Trap. She's fascinated by the carnivorous nature of this delicate and very intriguing plant.

Ruby:

ink drawing on the deck. Not sure which book she got this idea from, but watching her draw in feathers and ink is transporting...

This old stained deck and these worn stairs are where much of our family living takes place. Many hours of art, gardening, relaxing, reading, napping, laughing, dancing, dress ups and meals with family and friends have taken place here. It's at the back of the house but somehow this outdoor space seems to be the beating heart of our home.

Joining in with Jodi, at che and fidel

38/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Stella:

 messy hair signifying the start of the school holidays. Here she is with one of the next round of foster kittens; three little ginger bundles blossoming under the girls' care...

Ruby:

reaching for the moon. Yes, she's in her PJ's (her dad's t-shirt is worn as a nightie). A late afternoon walk on the beach morphed into the most sublime evening; an almost-full moon and a game of catch for the four kids that came with me. We left after dark...

Joining in at che and fidel, with Jodi.

This is my 100th post! Thanks to my followers and all those who feed back messages of happiness and support, either on or off-line...blogging has become such an integral part of my life. I've gained friends, been inspired, laughed, cried and just felt privileged to be welcomed into the lives and worlds of so many beautiful souls.

Happy days...

37/52

 "A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

 Stella:

making pesto for Slow Food at the Biosphere Day. Slow Food supports our school garden, so when they need kids to help out, we're happy to oblige.

Ruby:

I can see the young woman she will become...

Smokey:

earned an inclusion this week, by greeting me on the doorstep. Such a perfect cat shape..

Joining in with Jodi, at che and fidel

rainbow bunting and a pom pom chicken

I have a project going on, inspired by Kate, at Fox's Lane. My project is a little less ambitious and will hopefully be completed in the next couple of days.

This one's for Ruby.

seven knitted squares, in rainbow shades, each a different pattern, will be sewn onto a ribbon to create a string of bunting for over her bed, or maybe her cubby house; she's not sure yet....

I've been sitting and knitting, at night after the girls are in bed and the house is quiet. It's been therapeutic after the emotional upheaval of the last couple of weeks...

today I darned in the ends and laid it out. It's kinda wonky but each piece is unique and I like that. Ruby likes it too. It's pretty and it's making me smile...

Also making me smile is this little craft project, by Ruby. A finger pom pom chicken will somehow be stuck onto this nature find. Something for us to figure out together, tomorrow...

What's making you smile this week?

I'd love to know...

36/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Stella:

is not well today. She's having some quiet time with our foster kitten, Ash. This little ball of fluff has spent the past ten days with us, after being dumped on the side of the road by some heartless miscreant. He was brought into the local RSPCA, skinny and scared. He's thrived in our house, gaining half a kilogram and developing into the nicest-natured purring machine I've ever seen. He goes to his new home tomorrow. There will be tears all round from this end...

Ruby:

in her new cubby house at the top of  her wardrobe. We had to remove a shelf in one of our precious few in-built storage cupboards to create this space (why do old Queenslanders have no storage whatsoever?), but it is giving her so much pleasure that we think it is worth it. She has piled books, pillows, water and food supplies so she can spend all day up here. What bliss...

Joining in with Jodi, at che and fidel

a fresh start

For the last three years, I've been juggling two part-time jobs along with family life.

One job I've loved. It's everything I like about my work, minus the stresses.

The other job has been hard work, mentally and physically. For the past 12 months my days there have involved ten hour shifts, working on a skeleton staff and just having to deal with all kinds of corporation issues.

I've been driving to work and dreading arriving. 

I've stopped frequently at the river, taking a few deep breaths and telling myself it will be alright, while my gut churns and my feet feel leaden.

I've stuck with it, partly because I hate giving up, and partly because my wage is crucial to our lifestyle (as simple as that may be) and also partly because I've been hoping things will turn around there. If I put in the effort, the blood, sweat and tears, this might, just might have evolved into a job which would have been more family friendly, more supportive and with a busy happy rewarding case load.

It's not going to happen.

This week, I finally accepted it, and handed in my notice.

It felt right.

I will take some deep breaths and take some time to focus on what I really want; what works for my family and most importantly, what makes me happy.

I still have my other job. The one I love. And I feel there is potential there, for me to build on what I already have, and to make it bigger, and better and brighter.

I feel ok. It'll be alright.

35/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

New earrings from Peregian markets. 

These lovely pieces of jewellery were handmade by a nine year-old entrepreneur.

Stella: pierced ears.

Ruby: clip-ons.

The first day of spring saw blue skies and light fresh winds. We bypassed the beach in order to meander through our local fortnightly markets at Peregian Beach. These lovely markets showcase a range of beautiful offerings, many handmade or ethically sourced. Second-hand stalls jostle for position with fresh fruit sorbet carts, gypsy caravans, seedling tables and cheerful buskers. Local fruit and veg is available in abundance. We know some of the stallholders and we always run into friends.

We love these markets because they're never too busy. Unlike some of the more famous markets in this region, Peregian is small, friendly and always has something that appeals. Today I bought some beautiful handmade buttons and some second-hand doilies, while Ruby bought a crocheted owl and those earrings, above. Stella purchased a wooden horse carving cover with enclosed notebook, earrings and a sunny yellow plant for her dad. We left with mango sorbets.

Joining in with Jodi, at Che and Fidel