...

PL 2011 - Be gone with you!

2012-01-29T06:25:00.008+10:00

After spending last night hastily trying to finish PL 2011 I became aware that this supposedly precious memory keeper had turned into a school assignment. One that I was trying to hastily finish for the next day. The Journalling was bland and scarce and ephemera was 'shoved' in wherever it would fit. My project life had become nothing more than an 'olden-day' photo album...sigh :(

Then I became disappointed; this is not what this project is suppose to be about - record keeping because you have to. Each year I say I'm not doing PL again, but there is something about those perfectly cut cards that I just can't resist. Darn my stationery addiction!

With the December pile of goodies sitting ready to be completed today, I'm trying to be less concerned with getting PL 2012 started. But, January is nearly over and I haven't even begun. The OCD is kicking in... This would be a good place to insert my 2012 phrase, 'let go'!

Where does time go? Or are we so busy with life that recording it becomes secondary? Should I really be worried, or should I worry more if I was up to date and my PL looked perfect? Would this be a reflection that I'm documenting more and living less?

4 people 12 times - July

2011-08-20T19:15:00.008+10:00

We are over half way for 2011 and the 4 people 12 times project is still going.

It's been a while but I thought I'd share July.

July - where did it go?

I know I remember getting my hair cut and coloured with Julie, I know that Tony went on his surf trip with the boys. I know the cats continued to drive me crazy at night with the hissing and fighting, I know that I ventured further with my art journal, I know that Joshua got a report card that we are very happy with, I know that Jillian is continuing to have some issues at school but she is working through these better than at her previous school.

I know that I'm not scrapbooking as much as I'd like to be and there is the 21 Secret online art course that I haven't had time to delve in to. I know this because I know the deadlines at work are continuing to bear down on us with all the weight of the end of the world (dramatic, I know).

I know that Tenielle and I met in a park and trained hard. I know that we will be sore. I know this is a good thing. I know that Jillian and I had brunch in a park and that I bought her some ankle high Hannah boots, silver glitter and Velcro included. I know that she LOVES them.

I know that Astra continues to grow, I know that she is very cute and has begun smiling.

I know I spent too much money and ordered some delicious art supplies from overseas. I know that these will bring me much joy and I know they will last over time. I know art therapy is good for my soul and nurturing my hard arse side.

I know that Tony had a disappointing football season. I know that this year, football for both Joshua and Tony has come to an end, I know that Jillian and I are happy about this, I know the boys are not. I know that Tony will return to football next year with more vengeance as a result of the disaster of the 2011 season. I know I wouldn't want to be playing against him. I know he is not ready to retire from football regardless of injury, age or cost of strapping tape each week.

I know that Dasha Cat is getting older as she becomes more possessive of her spaces, I know that she has decided the art room is her little spot when I'm in here - this is nice. I know she thinks the lamp over the art table is her personal heat lamp and the green cutting mat is just for her. I know I hope I have a nice, warm spot to relax when I am older.

I know our morning routine of hot drinks in thermos ready for the car is a little memory that we will all have and one of the many little threads of life that binds us together as a family.

I know that when I was home one day there was a big freakin lizard on the outside wall near my door and I know that it scared me half to death. I know I don't know where the lizard now is. I know I'm still freakin out about this. I know I'm driving everyone crazy with my incessant "shut the door!"

I know that Skyla left to go overseas for a very long time and this made Jillian very sad. I know there was little I could do to make her feel better.

I know that I spent a good hour and a half making rice paper rolls and I know these were devoured within 10 minutes. I know for certain they tasted great because the kids kept telling me that this is now a family food favourite and when will I be making them again. I know that this won't be happening again soon.

I now know that when I don't think much happens in our daily life I know that I am wrong.

I know the little things matter.

advice given should be advice taken

2011-06-24T20:37:00.010+10:00

I wanted 2011 to be a more settled year than previous years. The signs were there at the beginning of the year for this to be my rebuild, relax and refresh year. In fact all things 're' were appealing to me. Then things changed. Little events began to happen that threw me off my big- ship-in-calm-waters quest. I am still recording monthly the highlights and day to day occurrences in our household and I although I wanted to document them on this blog, I felt the pressure of 'over-sharing' and the public criticisms of not keeping things to yourself. Do you ever go through this? How much is too much, and why should anyone else care? Why does it bother me that others have an opinion on what I choose to share on the web?

Even though I had committed to being more committed to regular sharing of events on this blog I withheld and typed without real purpose or direction, without colour or public display in a word document that sat safely within the hard drive of my computer.

Then more "things" happened. I changed jobs, got a financial shake-up from the universe, I thought a lot about the past, re-connected with people from the past (very grateful for this) and tried to cut cords with the past.

I think my message is about honesty to myself about myself. This is hard. Does this mean not giving a shit what others think about what I say or do? Isn't this just another name for selfish and arrogant? So my dilemma begins again. What exactly does being honest with yourself mean, what does it look like? I know that I really don't need that almond Magnum or second helping of roast beef and gravy. I know that my lazy arse just needs to get out of bed in the morning and go for a walk, I know that the excuses I make for not going to the gym after work don't fool anyone, even though my husband lets me get away with it and pretends my excuses are valid. *sigh* *big sigh again*. I know that happiness is a by-product of just doing stuff that is good for me, us.

Then I read Alicia's blog and my perspective changes. Here a young teacher, a mother of two, I use to work with has breast cancer. I smile, tear-up and read with an ache in my heart about her breast cancer "journey" and feel guilty and ashamed for my whinging.

I gave good simple advice two weekends ago, "so what are you going to change for change to happen?" hmmm.... maybe I should take it hey?

Time to press 'publish post'.

January

2011-02-14T21:15:00.004+10:00

January is the month where as a family we really get to relax. The craziness of December is over as the kids begin to understand the meaning of holiday. January sees us potter around the house, go to the beach, play and just chill.

January is also our wedding anniversary. This one's for you Tony. I love how you never, never, ever complain or pass comment when I ask you to do something for me. There is never any eye rolling everytime I'd like the pictures around the house changed, no groaning when I ask you to hang something from the ceiling for me - no matter how obsure the request may seem. You clarify where I'd like the picture/candle/lantern/ladder/bamboo hung and away you go. I know this may seem like a small thing but to me it's huge. The fact that you never give me a hard time about any of by creative pursuits makes me love you even more. It is so easy being with you.

I love you.

January also marks 'back to school' for all of us. This year Joshua begins year 10 and Jillian enters year 5. Joshua is currently wearing size 12 shoes and 34 inch waisted shorts. He weights 73kgs and consumes this much weight in food with a daily regularity. Jillian is a slight 32kgs and her favourite foods are still gherkins, olives and watermelon, not that she would say no to lollies or chocolate either. As time has passed the differences in lifestyle habits between you two continue to increase. While you both love the outdoors and playing sport, down time is better spent with Joshua in front of the computer, TV or ipod while Jillian can be found escaping to some far away land as a pirate, castaway, rockstar, wizard or all of the above. Joshua can't go past a steak and chips while Jillian prefers Salmon and rice.

In January I learnt alot about metaphors. I learnt that there is no easy way to get out of a waterslide tube (literally and metaphorically) and I learnt that to get struck by lightning you have to go out in the rain.

In January I spent more time with my family and friends at the movies, markets, scrapbooking and hanging out. I missed that last year.

In January, QLD was devastated by floods. We lit some candles and said a prayer. We are grateful.

In January I committed to a better year, month, by month.

2011-01-30T17:52:00.002+10:00

After a particularly challenging week at work (Yes, I know it was only the first week of the school year!) to which I felt every emotional possible, to which left me in desperate need of another holiday, to which on Thursday evening when I felt I had resolved the issue personally and professionally, this is what was sitting in my inbox;

It wasn't ever supposed to hurt, Briohny. You weren't ever supposed to cry. And I never dreamed you'd sometimes feel so helpless.

Yet, as things have turned out, lots of folks have trouble getting out of bed on cold, dark mornings.

Anyhow, Briohny, should there also be the occasional pain, tear, or touch of sadness beyond that, please realise these were anticipated, bargained for, and even sought after. As each would illuminate your resiliency, prove your strength, and help you blast through every flimsy notion that would otherwise keep you from seeing that even now I hold you in the palm of my hand and that all things are possible.

Such a deal,
The Universe

So timely
So apt
So needed.

Reminders

2011-01-26T20:59:00.006+10:00

I can multi-task. In fact I prefer to multi-task. It's just at times all those spinning plates lose momentum and balance and crash to the ground. When this happens, my multi-tasking skills turn to moosh and I end up with half completed but ever growing to-do lists, incomplete jobs and a messy office.

In an attempt to avoid this ineffective 'multi-tasking' the new word on the canvas is 'one thing'. It's a pretty in-your-face reminder to focus on the one thing that I should be working on. Forget the moments of 'must remember to do that' that pop into your day - that's what post-it notes are for. Granted my office may end up looking like this

But, the goal is, by staying focused on the 'one thing' that is occuping my mind and my time in that moment I should be able to highlight more off the list to be done, be less stressed and 'nicer' to be around!

I am hoping that 'one thing' will lead to 'many things'.

Impromptuness Should Be Mandatory

2011-01-06T21:52:00.005+10:00

I want more nights like tonight.

Josh returned from visiting Kellie and Phill in Newcastle and Jillian had come back from a couple of nights sleep over at Nana and Grandad's. Don't get me wrong, Tony and I got very use to just the two of us in the house very quickly, now that I think of it, it was very easy to slip into having no kids around routine.

Jillian asked to play a game before bed, Smarty Pants on the Wii was selected and whilst these events were pretty non descript I thought this would be a great opportunity to get my one family photo for January.

I placed the self timer on the camera, set it up on the shelf and let it do it's thing. What I was expecting to be a brief 30 second photo while the family were distracted turned into an impromptu photo shoot with Jillian and Joshua being the stars.

I love simple moments like this. This is what we will remember.

I love how Jillian and Josh didn't fight.

I love how Tony sat on the outside pretending to not be part of it with the faintest little smile on his gorgeous face.

I love how Josh played up to the camera.

I love, love, love how Josh took the camera, zoomed in and set up three photos.

This never happens and I want more nights like tonight.

Blank Canvas

2011-01-01T20:44:00.009+10:00

I thought I knew what I wanted to create on my sparkling white new canvas; a series of handwritten and stamped words that relate to 'family'. Words like 'grow', 'time', 'joy' and so on would be graphically imprinted into a lovely geometrically designed canvas. My little shadow at the moment, a.k.a Jillian, created her own mini version. I got as far as my third word before I set the stamps down to help her complete her canvassed vision. Her idea is much cooler than mine and looks awesome.

Since painting over my words I now have a black canvas to start a fresh with.

Is it coincidental that today is New Year's Day and as the 1st January draws to a close I am staring at a clean slate (so to speak)? I though that maybe I could stamp a quote on it that beams at me, God like from above the computer. Now I'm thinking that I might leave it black and blank as a reminder that it is a new year and a clean slate. Maybe I might stamp a word on it as achievements and accomplishments are reached this year. Consider it a variation on Ali Edwards 'one word' for the year.

I think my first word will be fresh. As in fresh coat of paint, fresh New Year, fresh, start at work, fresh to begin training again, fresh food and fresh ideas.

Time is a Master

2010-08-01T16:44:00.008+10:00

It took a week of long service leave for me to realise how much time controls my daily life. The balance needs to be, well, more balanced. The relationship between time and myself has to change.

For the first time in 10 years walks on the waterfront did not replicate a maths problem. The time was not spent looking at the watch trying to calculate how much time I had to walk, what time I had to leave to get the kids, how long it would take me to get home, was dinner to complicated for the time I had? Time, Time, Time. Why do we let it control our actions to the point of obsessiveness? It felt somewhat gluttoness to sit and watch TV or meander through websites without glancing at the watch. Dinner, well, that could go on anytime really.

Along with time comes the complicatedly simple things we tend to miss when Time is the master. The bay on this particular day could have been mistaken for a well protected lake, there was not a ripple on the water. The surface looked slightly metalic as it reflected the mercury coloured clouds bordering the horizon. As I stretched, enjoying the selfishness of being able to take my time, a dolphin breached the water, follwed by another and another and another. How grateful I was to witness this play between nature. I glanced around hoping that someone else was watching the dolphins play and we could share a moment. All I saw was a group of workmen fixing a path and families having morning tea. No-one else was observing what was now at least 15 dolphins having a grand old time. As I continued to watch them frolick it made me realise what elese do we take for granted when we are time poor, poor prioritisers of time or ignorant of how lucky we are to have time?

As I prepare to head back to work tomorrow the relationship between time and myself will change. Time will be my friend.

B x

I'm in Love

2010-07-04T21:55:00.004+10:00

Birds do it, Bees do it

Even educated fleas do it

Let's do it, let's fall in love.

I've signed up for a 12 week on-line art class and I'm in love!

Gesso and paint and etching and transfers all in week 1.

It is good, it is very good, my soul is starting to hum a happy tune.

In my dreams

2010-06-19T20:59:00.004+10:00

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.

Twyla Thorp

Spending the past hour or so trawling through Donna Downey's Inspiration Wednesday section on her blog has made me pine for a week at home to create and play.

Oh how I long for the time and the solitude to immerse myself elbow deep in paints and crayons and watercolours and inks and all sort of things deliciously artistic. To play, to sketch, to get some drippage with paint, to glue and cut and to texture all on one big divine canvas.

Before the Craziness Begins

2010-06-13T07:39:00.004+10:00

It's nearly 8 and

the house is quiet = bliss
we have visitors for a few days = nice
Tony's shoulder stayed where it's suppose to be playing football yesterday = relief
my stomach is grumbling = hungry
we're counting down to school holidays = joy
I'm in need of some creative respite = inspiration
everyone is asleep or quiet = stealing moments of peace = grateful

Out of Sorts

2010-04-24T19:35:00.006+10:00

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept it; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day, begin it well and serenly and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. Emerson

I took this from Ali's blog. Another universal nudge to hang in there.

Right now I need to remember this quote. Right now I need to get over inconvieniences and frustrations in my everyday life and shrug them off as temporary and for that day and as part of everyday life.

Right now I need to remember to breathe, stay calm and enjoy the simple things. Right now I miss the company of friends and wonder how they are. A phone call won't feel the need to sit, drink coffee, chat, laugh and bond a little more. Girls, if you're reading this I am thinking of you sending big hugs and love from you to me.

Right now blue is my favourite colour, I still love my coffee machine, the garden is looking healthy, the bathroom is nearly finished, nature is providing me with beautiful photo opportunities, we will be up early, very early for a dawn service, my children are healthy, my husband is by my side and I still love my job.

With all these wonderful things being part of my everyday life why will that knot in my stomach not go away?

The photo I never took

2010-03-14T22:15:00.006+10:00

Here's the photo I never took, you sitting on this stool ($4) playing this guitar (freebie) singing at Recycleland with a 'sold' sign behind you and this pot ($2) on the ground 'busking' for some money. Your hair out and unkempt, skinny black jeans, singlet and boots. You definitely had 'the look' going on. I had visions of you 10 years later singing your heart out to an audience with your guitar and your stool, minus the busking pot.

As I watched you 'perform' Miley Cyrus from a distance, amused by how comfortable you looked and how carefree you were, I noticed people stopping and watching you for a brief moment before they continued on their bargain hunt, leaving either with a smile on their face or having a little chuckle to themselves. Maybe they to saw a glimpse of the future. I only wish I had a camera to capture this moment.

My wish for you dear Jilly is to always have the courage to feel comfortable in your own skin and the confidence to sing wherever you may be and whatever you may be doing.

Love you, Mum.

Feeling a bit like this

2010-02-11T19:35:00.005+10:00

I remember when the whales had wings she said. Whatever happened? I said. It got to be too noisy with all the airplanes and other stuff, so they flew into the ocean and never came back. Some days, she added, I think about going too.

(Whales, story people)

A Real Tea Party

2010-01-17T22:16:00.009+10:00

Today was an unexpectedly delightful day. What started out to be a fairly innocuous family baby shower became a sisterhood session involving traditional tea sets, beautifully old English plates, a lace table cloth, home made sponge cake and fresh sandwiches. What was only attended by the girls of the family saw a gathering of grandparents, aunties, nieces, cousins, sisters and daughters. This was followed by a refresh in ma and pa's pool and a couple of glasses of bubbles.

Putting all this delightfulness aside, the best part of the day was without a doubt the trip home. Jilly and I soared, windows down with 'So What' blaring, singing our lungs out and my little Pink rock chick groovin away in the front seat. An absolute 20 minutes of pure, raw, freedom filled joy...priceless...truly priceless...

Musings on a Saturday

2010-01-09T19:36:00.004+10:00

Everday musings have become somewhat of a habit for my daily sanity. I find that they provide me with comfort, amusement or allow me to be retrospective. In particular, nature has provided the most stimulus. The abundance of flowers on a tree, the sound of the rain, the sunlight through branches, the rocks on the beach, the colour of the clouds all have caught my attention more so than normal and for that brief moment it feels like time is slowing down for me to imprint the image in my mind. I am grateful to myself for taking the time and the effort to bother noticing.

Recent musings and moments I am grateful for from all parts of life include;

Complete peace whilst painting a canvas with the rain in the background

Jillian saying that now she has a 'new' bedroom she thinks she will sleep in there every night.

Joshua commenting while Jillian was helping him sort his clean and dirty clothes from his clean clothes drawers that the way to tell whether his socks are dirty or not is how crusty they feel on the soles.

Joshua asking if I had mashed white broccoli to go with dinner (it was in fact mashed potato).

A three level high retaining wall covered with white flowers from a tree on the top level

Beautiful girlfriends who allow me to be honest and challenge my thinking as well as one who produced the most beautiful baby I have ever seen

The fact that we are not in North Scotland where currently it is -22 degrees.
The video shop has my favourite TV shows to hire, this makes me very happy.
A developing garden that I know in time will provide me with my own little piece of paradise to retreat to

A healthy family and holidays
The photo above of Tony surfing with dolphins

I look forward to 2010 providing our family with many more moments to remember and be grateful for.

B x

Anonymous and Afar

2009-12-29T20:58:00.008+10:00

Dear from afar

I think your letter was neither wrong, strange or surreal. At times, for reasons that we can not practically fathom we are guided towards closure or a new opening. However, I'm not sure which this is for you. People come into our lives for a season, reason or lifetime. You my friend I believe are around for a lifetime. Our contact may not be direct or regular but it will at times be present, as you say, in our mindset.

I am grateful that my life has been blessed thus far. I have a loving husband, children who are delightful if not challenging, a career that I enjoy going to work for nearly every day and girlfriends who I would be lost with out. Do you have the same, a life to be grateful for?

My passion for what I believe in has at times been a hinderence rather than a help. It is one of those characteristics that we have as individuals that defines us but needs to be kept in check. That along with my paranoia.

I am filled with a sense of warmth and nostalgia when I read your note. It cheers me to know that I have brought joy to at least one person in this life. If this is the person who I think it is, then you too have given me fond memories that will last.

I hope that 2010 brings you good fortune in all that you desire.

Briohny

Updates or Procrastination

2009-11-01T09:54:00.004+10:00

Actually, it probably maybe a little of both. Convincing aren't I?

the rennos are pretty much finished (big hooray here!) with our patio looking delightful and the gardens coming along nicely. The bathroom (aka termite heaven) is still yet to be done. We have resigned ourselves to the fact that we don't live/socialise/eat in the bathroom and therefore the exposed termite eaten beams/wall/window sill will just have to do for now...at least we aren't sharing this space with a colony of wood munching house destorying bugs. A friend raised an interesting question "With all the trees getting knocked down, where are the termites going?" ummmm, I think "our house" is the answer to that question.
I could spend far too much money on plants for the garden, question - is it possible to plant too many plants? Do plants feel invasion of personal space and suffer from anxiety due to over crowding?
6 days til my birthday (sigh)
very much enjoying the rain although the washing is not
a BIG pile of marking to do (this is where the procrastination part comes in)
report cards to be writing once the BIG pile of marking is done
Wondering if technology makes our life easier or does nothing to help those who are time poor. I have been negligent in checking my regular blogs, updating this one, touching base with people on Facebook (still not convinced about social networking), keeping up to date with emails, downloading online courses I am suppose to be doing and providing feedback on ebay
Emily Falconbridge is up to Q42 and I haven't finished Q1, this means the following; it's only 10 weeks until the end of the year (suggests I can still lose 10kgs in 10 weeks), a mother of 3 young children can move to another country, have a baby and be an earth woman and still find time to create, I have to get my butt into gear....hhhmmmm.... I do have a 7 hour train trip coming up.
30 school days left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joshua played his first ever game of Rugby League last week. I know this momentous occasion deserves its own blog entry and scrapbook page. It was with great reluctance that I signed the permission slip. For no formal coaching he did exceptionally well (scored a try and all). We were very, very, very proud.
Joshua also went on a bivouac to Straddie. We hope that he continues with the cadet program into the airforce.
Jillian is continuing to challenge us in many ways. She still refuses to sleep on her bed, with the floor being her current location (last week it was the couch). I have always maintained that as long as she is sleeping soundly, then I don't really care where she sleeps. She is falling behind in her school work and we are working at improving her understanding of the English language. Our little free spirit is feeling a little restrained, thank goodness for her fairy garden.
green is Jillian's and my current favourite colour
After spending some time over the past few weeks with various girlfriends I am grateful for their honesty, time and companionship that their friendship provides and acknowledge how very lucky I am to have them in my life.
everything is and will be okay

How is it in your part of the world?

Who Moved My Cheese?

2009-09-19T18:26:00.002+10:00

I love cheese, all kinds of cheese, vintage, chedder, creamed, camebert, dutch, smoked, grilled, it's all decedant and delightful and it goes with all sorts of other food and wine. It really is a perfect little package of goodness. I strongly belive in the good cheese can do so much that I eagerly read a book entitled Who Moved My Cheese? It really is a fabulous book about change.

Very timely for me to read. At a time where I am unsure about the direction I would like my career to head in and at a time where I need to support my knowledges about health with a little (well a large) bit of practical action, this book provided great insight into getting up and doing.

Does change scare or excite you? Have you ever said that "change is as good as a holiday"? but never really believed it? Or are holidays stressful and expensive for you and therefore, change is very much like a holiday? Me? I like change when it is convienient for me, othertimes, it is easier to make excuses as to why not to change, much like one of the characters in the book.

Essentially cheese is the 'thing' you want to achieve, the 'thing' that requires you to leave old things behind and seek out the challenges of the new. For me, I need to let go of the old cheese, of the way things were once before... a long, long time ago, and move forward to new cheeses. As Hem writes on the wall in the hope that Haw will leave his cheeseless environment and find his message, "It is safer to search in the maze, than remain in a cheeseless situation".

B x

Bucket List

2009-07-05T23:08:00.004+10:00

There are people in your life who never cease to amaze you. My grandmother, Nana Dot, as she is affectionally known, is one of these people. She has a 'bucket list'. Today she marked off one of those items when we went to Yum Cha with her. You know what I love most about her list? It is realistic and achievable. A helicopter flight - done. High Tea in Government House - done. Using the self serve photo order machines - done. A walk through the Governer's residence - doing very soon. When asked what wasn't on the list - bungy jumping or tandem skydiving, why? Despite the fear factor, the dentures may fall out.

Got me thinking about my bucket list. Do you have one?

2009-06-04T19:48:00.003+10:00

Marvellous May...

Henry Jones Junior

2009-05-31T20:57:00.004+10:00

Hello, my name is Henry Jones Junior, or Indianna for short. I became a Cuskelly-Lester a little under 2 weeks ago. I came from a loving family who just couldn't have any more animals. I have a bit of a sad story as I didn't know my mum but that's okay because where I'm living now I have a mother and an uncle. They don't seem to want to play with me though. Even when I chase them around the house and nip at their legs! All they seem to do is hiss at me and swat me with their paws. They aren't very fun at the moment, but I can't wait til they want to play hide and seek with me.

I like my name Indianna, it suits me. I'm named after that awesome adventurer, Indianna Jones. Yep, that's me. King adventurer cat! I go climbing, jumping, chasing, hiding, running, playing, exploring just like Indianna Jones. Briohny wanted to call me Stitch because I like to tear things apart, bite and I go really, really fast all of the time. Tony thought Scrappy Doo would be good for me because just like Scooby Doo, I like to follow my uncle around, but Jillian and Joshua decided Indianna Jones was best.

They keep trying to take photos of me but I'm too fast for them....

Teenagers and Toddlers: Is There a Difference?

2009-05-20T17:31:00.002+10:00

This came from Emily's blog.
I can't help but notice the similarities between the rules of a toddler and the rules of a teenager.

I've added to the rules how they relate to a teenager

The Seven Rules of a Toddler (and Teenager...added by me)

1. If I like it, it is mine. - this includes, the ipod, laptop, dvd's, socks (because you can't find your own), the favourite spot on the couch...

2. If it is in my hands, it is mine. - see above and add remote control to this

3. If I can take it from you, it is mine. - again, see above

4. If I had it a little while ago, it is mine. - hhmmm...again, see above

5. If it is mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way. - unless of course I like it, take it and then it becomes mine and never was yours to begin with because I liked it...and so the cycle goes.

6. If I am doing or building something, all of the pieces are mine. - I'm going on out on a limb here and grouping this under the heading of 'technology'. Something along the lines of 'I was watching a DVD so the TV is mine, I'm checking my emails while I have paused the DVD so the computer is also mine, as I am watching a DVD, the remote is mine, the ipod has songs to listen to while the emails are downloading, so, yep mine! Meaning nothing that I am using/holding/pausing is yours.

7. If it looks just like mine, it is mine - Summing this up in one question - 'How many pairs of headphones have been 'lost' because they look like mine?'

I'd like to add a few more to the list, those that particularly pertain to that of a teenager.

1. If I have money, I will spend it

2. If you have money, it is mine to spend

3. If it's in the cupboard or fridge or on the stove it is mine to eat

4. It is my mess in my room therefore, my choice to clean it or not

5. Leaving school shirts buttoned is called time effeciency.

Does anyone else feel like this? Feel free to add your own 'teenage rules'.

B x

Just Plain Nice

2009-05-10T20:40:00.004+10:00

Rise up this morning'

Smiled with the risin' sun

Three little birds

Pitch by my doorstep

Singin' sweet songs

of melodies pure and true...

Do you remember the old photo booth shots? The last time I was in one of these I was 17 and with a girlfriend after a shopping spree in the City.

I forgot my camera for our Mothers Day breakfast and took the opportunity when we saw this photo booth to get some snaps for the day. I think they are far better than anything I could've captured.

This was the first year that the kids really became involved in Mothers Day. Tony took them shopping and they knew exactly what they wanted to get. In and out within an hour. (hmmm... maybe he could do the Christmas shopping too). Josh picked me a new charm for my necklace, Jilly got me the Art of Graham Base book, some jewellery and Tony picked two very cute shirts.

I hope your mothers day was as divinely simple as mine was.

Peace and Love
Briohny xxx

ANZAC Day

2009-04-26T15:12:00.003+10:00

If I was any prouder, my heart would burst.

Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid, one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.

Douglas MacArthur

Right Now

2009-04-13T23:05:00.001+10:00

Right Now I am

sore from playing the Wii

wondering how my glasses are getting dirty when they stay on my face

thankful for our cleaning lady

wondering how our house gets so dirty even when we have a cleaning lady

listening to the rain

anticipating the visit to IKEA tomorrow to re-do the kids' rooms

wondering what my chances are of getting the kids to swap rooms

watching lots of goodies on ebay

editing photos

in a happy place.

Care to share your 'right now'?

2009-04-02T11:59:00.002+10:00

I am super excited about completing the 12 Months 12 Moments class with this person at Flourish. If you haven't been there you simply must go and boost our economy and invest in yourself. What better reasons do you have to spend some money?

Whilst trying to organise my photos for this class I realised how little I have taken my camera out this year and captured life as it is happening. A not so gentle reminder to get out there and get clicking.

B x

To Do: Blog Entry - Lists

2009-03-02T17:29:00.005+10:00

I love lists. I love how they allow me to organise my thoughts and help clear my head. I like being able to break my lists down into what ever categories I want; work / home / days of the week / Saturday mornings.

Inspired by Kath and her 43 things before 44 I've created my own 32 things before I turn 33. Some things may be ambitious. Some things depend on something else in the list happening, some things will allow me to give a little cheer, but most of all, this list will be for me.

1. Attend Kath's tea party. The grown up one. The one with pretty frocks, champagne, lush green grass, whimsical decor and 1940's music playing in the background.

2. Sew a skirt. From scratch. A long one, made in delightful material that can be worn on weekends.

3. Get the termite damage fixed, house painted, gardens landscaped and turn the backyard into a haven complete with Bali hut, rainforest plants and a flowering Frangapani tree. Is it too much to ask for the Green Tree Frogs and running stream?

4. Lose 15 kilograms.... and not find them again.... ever!

5. As a result of losing 15 kilograms, run 15 kilometres, comfortably.

6. Get a tattoo. Only when I lose those 15 kilograms and can run 15 kilometers.

7. Re-organise my cook book into recipes I actually cook, not one's that look gloriously scrumptious in the cook books. These recipes should end up a 'to cook' pile.

8. Fly to Newcastle to reconnect with the friends we haven't seen in a very long time.

9. Re-read the 'Troy Game' series by Sara Douglass.

10. Finish the 'Chronicles of Narnia'

This list, much like life, will evolve, stall, test and hopefully reward.

Love and Laughter to you all

B xxx

Squashed Bread Roll Speaks

2009-02-14T21:31:00.002+10:00

"Aaargh!", "Oww", "EEEE", "STOP IT!" "AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!" was the noise Josh (aka 13 yr old son) was making as I was flattening my bread roll to fit into the toaster.

Yes, he was being the bread roll.

2009-02-13T21:14:00.002+10:00

Had a meeting in the city today....

Walked over the Goodwill Bridge in my 'sensible' shoes and a cardi and felt old....

Just what the doctor ordered

2009-02-09T22:11:00.005+10:00

The creative part of my being has been sadly neglected of late, particularly that pertaining to photography. I'm not sure whether it is a lack of interest, couldn't be bothered or no inspiration. Enter Rachel. We 'posed' our way through a glorious afternoon outside, surrounded by greenery and country air. Thanks also to the other lovely ladies who have since posted photos from the day.

It was a happy, happy day, and for this I am eternally grateful to those that allowed it to be this way.

Love to you all

Briohny x

Chicness on Kenrose

2009-02-01T22:01:00.003+10:00

Friday night's opening of the stunning new Fourish ScrapArte Studio was truly grand. Great products, great women, great times ahead.

Congratulations to Jan, Ruth and their devoted families for the unfaltering support that has been shown through these past 5 weeks.

We can not wait to see and be part of the Flourish journey.

B xxx

A Day He'll Never Forget

2009-01-27T18:52:00.002+10:00

I think spewing at your new high school on the first day of school is something you won't forget quickly.

So began Joshua's first day of year 8.

He was mortified that that could happen before morning tea. I told him it could be worse, he could've spewed in front of everyone on a whole school assembly and be known as 'spew boy' for a very very long time, but instead he saved it for the sick bay ladies.

As if being a 13 year old boy isn't awkward enough.

Aussie Talent

2009-01-08T21:30:00.002+10:00

You may have to look at the items contained in this link a few times - just to be sure.

For me it's Hugh Jackman all the way. After seeing him in Swordfish he became my secret boyfriend. (note - if you haven't seen Swordfish go do it NOW! John Travolta, Halle Berry, Hugh baby. Hot hot hot cast)

Happy dreams

B x

More Than Words

2009-01-03T16:04:00.004+10:00

Yr 7 Camp - Great Keppel Island 2008

Picking a word for 2009 is not an easy task. It takes thought and discussion with a trusted few to be satisfied with a word that has to last a whole 12 months.

I have to pick a word that is not too conceited, needs explaining, is vague or too easy to change the definition of.

Why is it that a word that is suppose to define us is defined by what others may think or suggest?

My husband had no trouble. With minimal thought he promptly responed to my question with, "Done". To finish those unfinished jobs and be able to say "Done". He thinks me asking him has something been achieved to which he can proudly respond "Done" to is going to be a good thing. Great thing I say!

Me, well I toyed with a few words, 'calm', too meditative, 'control', too bossy, 'just do it', too cliche. In the end it took a clairvoyant girlfriend of mine to say "No, Briohny, your word for 2009 is going to be strength". So strength it is. I like it. Strength to say and do what my heart is guiding me to do. To be bold and resolute in my actions, to be strong in character and will, to be physically and mentally able.

And, to finally lose, and not find, those 20 kilos that have decided to be an unwanted companion.

What word is going to define you for 2009?

Happy 2009!

2009-01-01T19:08:00.003+10:00

I did have some very crappy photos to attach to this post, however, I decided not to question your thoughts about whether you need glasses or not - blurry fireworks and blurry night city scapes are not a good thing to be looking at.

We went to Narrowneck, walked on the beach, went for a dusk swim (SCARY STUFF!!!!) and watched fireworks. I hope your new years was as peaceful and content as ours was.

We wish for you that your days are filled with good fortune, love and happiness.

Love to you all
Briohny, Tony, Joshua and Jillian

Forgotten Camera

2008-12-15T21:04:00.006+10:00

How would you describe a picture on a day when you forgot your camera?

The wind blew gently enough to take the sting out of the midday sun. There was a faint white line through the sky, evidence of a light breath of cloud that had since passed by. The tide was in, so much so, that sitting on the edge of the sand and rock line allowed the waves to tickle at your feet enticing you to bathe in their waters.

A perfect Summer day on the beach has no measure of comparison.

The turquoise waters, made a deeper green in areas by the submerged rocks, complemented the faultless rich blue sky. Fish and chips, family on a picnic rug and the sea gulls tempting fate for a stray chip completed the scene. A spirited 7 year old running through the gulls laughing as she spun her arms around her, face pointed at the sun, is a picture of the simple joys in life.

A glance to the horizon, I think I see a whale's tale breaking the surface. A sense of magic fills me as I witness not a whale's tale but a pod of dolphins playing in the water. They break the surface, putting on a performance with spirit that yells, "Freedom". These are the things that I am grateful for. For living in a beautiful part of our world where we can freely immerse ourselves in natures' gifts.

2008-11-15T20:17:00.003+10:00

It's been a sad week for us. We said an unexpected goodbye to one of our dogs. I've posted some recent happiness to remind of the simple joy around us.

Want to know something that makes me happy? There's 20 school days left this year. That is very good news.

Love and joy to you all

Briohny xxx

p.s.

2008-10-12T21:50:00.003+10:00

A happy 35th birthday to the one, who after 11 years, still makes my heart sing.

7 Deadly Sins

2008-10-12T21:24:00.003+10:00

7 Deadly Sins...

Number 1 being Gluttony! I spent ALL WEEKEND eating and now I'm paying for it. Good Food, Good Wine, Good Company.....yes, yes, I know, the simple pleasures of life, but I tell you

G-L-U-T-T-O-N!

To continue my poor form, I am revealing a little of my dark side and confessing to you my 7 deadly sins.

1. Glutton - See the opening to this blog... Food, Food and Food

2. Lust - after my husband, particularly in summer when he's all bronzed and yummy

3. Greed - 'me time'

4. Sloth - lying in bed watching old episodes of Ghost Whisperer on DVD

5. Wrath - when people disrespect our natural world and fellow man kind.

6. Envy - skinny people

7. Pride - in my ability to do my job well

Combining a pinch of all the above stirred together in one melting pot I'd like it if you'd leave a comment and share your 7 sins.

I'm off to sloth on the bed and feel sorry for my gluttonous self.

Balance is More Than a Set of Scales

2008-09-27T19:31:00.022+10:00

Life is all about balance. I’m not talking about the work-and-family-doing-everything-not-enough-time kind of balance. I’m talking about the universal balances of day and night, good and bad, earth and water; the Yin and Yang of life. The balance that when unbalanced makes you feel all jittery or impatient or agitated or snappy or out of sorts or all of them all at once in one big knotted ball of tangled wool and cotton and dry grass. The kind of imbalances that make you want to cry and yell at the same time but neither the tears or the noise will come.

I think we are all guilty at some stage of acknowledging but not addressing these inner balances that are such a necessity for long term functioning (and peace of mind).

After a little reminder, I went to a wonderfully intuitive girlfriend’s house who reminded me that the passionate, career, fire in my belly side needs balancing with the soft, sensitive side. That when one dominates the other great imbalances occur in all areas of our life... Energy flows where attention goes... hhhmmmm, I must remember that mantra.

I have had no desire to scrapbook, photograph, paint, sew or anything else that may stimulate that 'other side'. To be honest, the very thought of doing any of these things made my stomach nauseated, and too a degree inexplicably agitated. It was a case of finding every excuse to not balance my imbalances. Not enough time, what's the point, too much work to do, house is a mess, tellie is more interesting (sounding familiar to anyone else?).

I then became afraid, afraid of being creative.

I swallowed the growing ball of I don't know what that was continually ping ponging around inside and woke the creative goddess within from her slumber.

Here's what she produced....

An elephant painting for mum

A thank you present for Izzy

It is ok...

Art Journal

Ironic that the place that can make me harsh is the place where I find the trigger for my wake up call. On the last day of term we have something called ACE day. It's a time for kids, who have remained on a behaviour level of zero all term to be rewarded for their good behaviour. The teachers each decide on an activity ranging from music to sport to art, to anything they basically want. The kids then pick three activities. My favourite this time around was a teacher who decided to let the kids loose with boxes of coloured chalk on the school cement pathways.

It spoke to my slumbering unbalanced inner counterpart.

We had rainbows and robots, peace signs and love hearts, noughts and crosses and smiley faces. There were messages of love and friendship and lots of laughter and conversations.

Such simply simple joy.I think there should be more of it at school.

I have painted myself a little reminder that sits in the dining room near my work space. Next to my computer table is my art table covered with paints and stamps and brushes. A nice reminder about balance.

I believe I can be balanced, I believe I can work and play, I believe I have friends who care and a family who loves. I believe in love and the warm Spring sun on my face.

I also need to acknowledge this girl, who although is a complete stranger to me, keeps my artistic light shining.

Thank you for reading....
b xxx

It's All Good

2008-08-31T22:05:00.003+10:00

Love the fact that tomorrow is Spring.

Love the fact that life is good....

A word of advice

2008-07-17T20:23:00.003+10:00

Jillian's advice for grown ups...

" All you have to do is think with your heart that you can do it"

A picture speaks louder than words. Either that or I'm just being slack.

2008-06-18T22:04:00.004+10:00

Who says a dog is a man's best friend?
Top Quiz Kids

Mother's Day Breakfast
7 is a magical number

Backyard Blitz

Grandma Love

Briohny xxx

p.s Yes my husband still exists... 30 days til he can surf again.

Susannah, if you are reading this, email me at briohny76@hotmail.com

For No Reason in Particular... just because I like them.

2008-05-17T15:18:00.003+10:00

Are you partial to collecting something over the years for no reason other than you like them? Me, I've been collecting advertising postcards since year 12. You know those free postcards with the cool images on the front of them?

I don't do anything with them, in fact they've been sitting in the same box for years. I love it when I find one of these postcards with a truly cool image on the front.

I think I'll start a new series of blog entries dedicated to some of the favourite cards from the years.

Next time you're near a City Beach, duck in and grab a postcard. Trust me, it'll make you smile.

Layouts, Shoes and Bags

2008-05-04T20:17:00.003+10:00

The pizza boxes in the top of my cupboard had become full which meant I had to either a)

buy more pizza boxes, b) pile LO's ontop of pizza boxes c) ignore it and find somewhere else to begin piling or d) organise.

Option 'd' saw me empty my albums and the pizza boxes and decide on some sort of organisational / filing process. I ended up going by person and age, except for the family pile the christmas pile, the Tony and me pile and the my favourites pile.... The kids, for the first time, actually browsed the piles of memories.

Whilst on a role I thought I should organise my pile of shoes and bags. So we did something completely unrelated and went shopping at the Billabong factory (love that place)... stay with me, there is a connection.

I found myself another bag to which my lovely husband replied. "Great, why don't you get two and then you can put all your shoes in all your bags!". Got to love his way of thinking. I ignored the sarcasm and informed him that was an excellent idea.

Do you think this replaces the "Oh, this old thing, I've had it for ages" excuse?

Aim Straight

2008-04-19T18:20:00.004+10:00

This entry goes out to my lovely Aunty Chrissy. The goddess of 3 teenage boys and a DH.
I Spent all day in a spring clean. Without the 'spring' and the supposed joy that comes from such a clean... the worst job... the toilet! We have one nearly teenage boy who can't / won't / too lazy to aim straight. After gumption, bleach, spray and wipe and boiling water my toilet still doesn't look like one of those glamorous white bathroom tv ads.
How does the afore mentioned goddess manage it with three boys using the one loo?

Today is a Good Day

2008-04-11T12:35:00.003+10:00

"You can't stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes." ~ Winnie the Pooh

Sometimes all you need to put a new perspective on things is a bit of girlfriend time.

Once again feel all happy with the world and with my scrapbooking.

Thanks lovely ladies
B xxx

Why Do You Do It?

2008-04-09T13:37:00.008+10:00

Scrapbooking for me has become somewhat of a 'sigh' event. You know those things in your life that you sigh when you are doing them? Dishes, dinners, cleaning the house... scrapbooking has become that for me. Don't get me wrong I still LOVE LOVE LOVE scrapbooking but I'm not lovin so much doing the scrapbooking. Make sense to anyone else but me?

Maybe I analyse the process to much, maybe I've lost my mojo, maybe time is a factor. Tell me, why do you scrapbook? Do your kids look at the pages you have done? I read the articles and blogs that talk about creating family heirlooms and wonder if that is what I am really doing. My kids show a vague interest in the pages.

Maybe I scrapbook knowing that it will be my great, great, great grandchildren that will look at the pages and reminisce what life was like 'way back then'. Is that what it is? Do we scrapbook not for our immediate families but those that are to come?

So in an attempt to not be so analytical or critical I am exploring other crafts. I've got the trusty sewing machine out all inspired to create something all Etsy. Here and Here are my sources of inspiration and the multitude of links attached.

I'm hoping from here, that my love of 'doing' the scrapbooking will once again be rekindled. I'm off to refamiliarise myself with my grass roots, a bit of Ali and Elsie love I'm thinkin....

Bridges to Cross

2008-03-16T21:19:00.003+10:00

One of our family traditions began at the beginning of 2006...and stopped at the end of 2006... only to be re-ignited again in 2008. Kangaroo Point was a place, where at least once a week, our family (mum and dad incuded) would make our way to the river level, exercise and follow it up with a BBQ. In those days I would do the 8k city loop run with a dear friend of mine, hubby and dad would run 12k+ wherever the path would take them and mum would sit and read a book, mind the table and watch the kids, the result was obvious, great fitness, weight loss and happy times.

Today, in an attempt for everyone to 'get back into it', we made our first trek back in. Needless the say things have changed. Mum is 25 kilos lighter (I KNOW! SHE ROCKS!), Dad is still running half marathons (yes, yes he rocks too) and well Tony and I are 10 kilos heavier and substancally less fit.

Do you like how my 50 something year old parents are thinner and fitter than us 30 somethings?

The result was I still held my head up when the Lorna Jane clothed running bunnies 'jogged' passed, I was insipired by the sweaty, well toned men when they ran by and I was proud when my husband met me at the bottom of the Goodwill Bridge.

Happy Running

Briohny

Happiness is....

2008-02-18T17:46:00.001+10:00

Taking the lid off a brand new tub of icecream after you have been shopping and eating the melted creamy bits around the side.

Gentle Reminders

2008-02-16T15:17:00.003+10:00

So last night hung out at a staff scrap with these girls. Trying to get class samples up and running. The ol' blog topic came up followed by "gees, it's about time for you to update your blog". I like these gentle reminders. It lets me know that my cyber ramblings are not falling on blind eyes. Speaking of blog readers.... Lorna, if you are reading this, post your blog link in the comments. We'd all love to read how our own 'Kath and Kim' are travelling.

Considering the boys have gone to the cricket and Jillian is with friends, I thought I'd create a to do list. Got the house to myself for a while....

Sleep in
Once again begin my 'lose weight get fit' resolution (doesn't help that I have a bag of pods beside me)
Finish Emily's challenge from last year
Begin Emily's challenge for this year
Finish class samples for the Princess
Sloth in front of Foxtel
browse ebay for I don't know what
update the songs on my ipod

Here's my not to do list

Eat the whole bag of pods that are beside me
vaccum the floor
complete none of the scrapbooking projects above
sit and watch repeats of friends/sex and the city/will and grace all afternoon

Happy Saturday to you all.

Appointment Reminder

2008-01-23T20:50:00.000+10:00

"Mummy! You're growing something!" Jillian exclaims a few centimeters from my face.

"Mummy! You're growing a Moustache!!!" Jillian exclaims while touching my 'upper lip'

"Mummy! You're turning into a man!" Jillian exclaims horrified.

Much more subdued now...

"Mummy? Does this mean I have to start calling you Daddy?"

Meet my verbal appointment maker reminder person.

Nothing Says "I Love You" Like Sharing Left Over Pizza

2008-01-19T22:46:00.000+10:00

When it's love you give, then in love you live.

All for Love, Bryan Adams, Sting and Rod Stewart

Today is Tony and my 6 year wedding anniversary. YAY for us, yes congratulations and all that jazz. The day was 'nice' and typically us; not making a big fuss with 'special days' just hanging out at home, enjoying the simple things like cricket on tellie, jigsaw puzzles, cordial, good company and left over pizza. Anything else would not be being true to ourselves.

Our wedding day was true to our sense of being and true to who we are as a couple. Hence, the above wedding photo. We had a 5pm wedding down in Coffs, ended up with 3 photos of the kids with us (my only regret), Tony had an eye infection that was made worse by the antibiotics he was allergic to, I forgot to change my earings and mixed gold and silver (Shock horror for some), I wore bright blue, Josh stood beside me for the ceremony, we wore no shoes, had no speeches or bridal waltz, guests took home lollipops from the centre of their table, my husband and his mates continued the party on the beach while I chatted with a girlfriend in our room, and we played in the pool/beach/sand for our wedding snaps and we would not have had it any other way.

I had to add this photo in, purely for Jillian's hair. Check out our little Mowgli, oh, and you can get a look at Tony's eye too.

I hope your memories are filled with the simple joys of cordial, left over pizza and great company.

Briohny xxx

What's Your Year?

2008-01-13T22:01:00.000+10:00

Love, Love, Love this book, this woman's work and reading her blog. Each year, this post gets me thinking. What's my word going to be? I wonder what direction other people would like their year to go in, Was I true to my word last year?

Peace was my focus for 2007 and I believe it to be a year that I learnt more about my inner peace and harmony than any other. So yes, I was true to my word last year.

At this moment in my life I feel a little like Luke Skywalker in Return of the Jedi (save for the crazy father and robot friend). Frustrated at Yoda for trying to teach strength, perseverance and self belief when the impatience and sense of defeat often overwhelms. Yoda's words of "Do or do not. There is no try" form my foundation for my 2008 focus; take control.

No more excuses, poor time management, excess 'playing' in front of the computer, obscenely late nights, buying that 'must have' item, no more of those little, but significant bad habits. It is time to take control.

Kath's blog had a quote which I love.... "There are years that ask questions and years that answer" What word will be your focus for 2008?

Peace and Love to you all

Briohny

xxx

Turn Your Head Sideways

2007-12-29T21:47:00.000+10:00

Tony here...

Check out little surfer girl. Not bad for only having ridden a skateboard on the road. Looks like santa will be bringing two surfboards next year...one for him and one for his little surfer girl.

My Slice of Heaven

2007-12-26T17:29:00.001+10:00

Every year we try to go to Emerald Beach for at least a week of camping. Unpowered sites, campfire cooking, gas lights for the table at night. L-O-V-E it!

I could live here...

Love This Gal

2007-12-26T17:20:00.000+10:00

Oh I do love this girl. Meet Miss Amy. Uni buddies we are. In what seemed like forever Amy and Steve finally got married. It was truly one of the bestest weddings I have ever been to. Her dress was gorgeous. All hand sewn beading on the bodice (can you see those flowers). The ceremony was low key and delightful. The reception was at Eves at Tennerieff (spelling, I know!) with finger food and no formal seating. The gifts for guests were help yourself lolly bags. You know old style when you use to go to the corner shop and ask for "$1 worth of mixed lollies please"? that's what we could do, fill a bag with mixed lollies. YUMMO!

Such a wonderful, happy, proud day.

xxx

Forward Planning

2007-12-05T22:14:00.000+10:00

"I can get my learners in five years mum"

"mmmm, that's good"

"Hey mum, who's going to take me for driving lessons when I get my learners?"

"That's six years away Josh!"

"Five mum, it's five years away"

Short Break and a Long Blog

2007-12-01T18:35:00.000+10:00

Spent a week with the year 7s up at Cool Waters (near Yepoon). Apart from the nightmare train ride up (note think vommitting and migraine with 60 kids) the rest of the time was a blast. The kids were super well behaved, lots of fun and we all came back feeling like we had had a mini break. For privacy reasons, I can't show you camp photos, but I can show you my feet at Great Keppel :)

I miss scrapbooking too. Sigh... I always look here and would love to have the time (and the skill) to be able to do something like this. I miss scrapbooking with these guys (separate link for each of them). I'm hoping we can all catch up soon for a good old crop and chat.

Completed this layout with NO PATTERNED PAPER!!!! All stamps and cardstock.

One thing I love about scrapbooking is the permission to get all arty with paint, ink, sandpaper and so on, had a good time with the Heidi Swapp mask. I really wanted to scrap this story.

Nearly up to date on Emily's card challenge. Challenge is an understatement. How's yours going? These are the moments that I wished I had a little desktop photo printer.

Did a little gratitude box for the Scrapbook Princess. Filled it with little quotes as to reasons why we should be grateful. It's a happy reminder.

Got this idea from here. I love her products. So bright and happy. So easy to use. This little book has a random selection of photos with a little bit of heart felt journalling. Great idea if you want to scrap photos and not the event.

On the countdown til holidays and then we are off camping to one of my favourite places in the whole world.

luv 2 u all

Art Therapy

2007-11-15T16:06:00.000+10:00

...That very night in Max's room, a forest grew...

We all need a space to go to play, retreat, read, drink wine... I'm fortunate enough that my husband lets me indulge in my 'art therapy' and doesn't mind if I paint a wall here or there.

Some of you may remember my journey of the yellow wall.

I've since painted another wall, well two actually. One wall inspired by Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Starry Night

The other wall, inspired by my spiritual values, is there to remind me of the balance and harmony that is so important to remember for our fast paced, technology driven, instant response lives that we lead.

The 'harmony wall' has recevied mixed responses, but that's what I like about it. It is art and as a result is up for critique. It's not so much that people don't like the painting, but more of the fact that I painted a wall in the dining area. My response is simply that it is paint and it can (and will) be painted over when the day comes.

It's interesting that 'my space' has become the central spot for the rest of the family to play.

What would you paint on your wall? p.s. Feature walls don't count :) p.p.s the yellow wall is still there.

love to you all xxx

How Old?

2007-11-07T20:53:00.000+10:00

If you didn't have a birthday how old would you be?

Today I am 30+1... and it has been a good day.

I love the quote above. Whenever I look at 'old' young people and 'young' old people it reminds me that your attitudinal age is determined by you.

Happy rainy day to you all

xxx

Thanks Miss Kath

2007-10-24T22:29:00.001+10:00

Sometimes you just need a friend to kick ya behind into gear.

It is truly a sad state of affairs when you look at your own blog and complain to yourself that it isn't updated!

I wish I could say that I have been leading some incredibly exotic / glamourous / hectic / insert-own-word here life, but 'busy' doesn't seem to cut it. You know those responses to people when they ask "what have you been up to?" and you generally reply with an "uummm.... the usual" or "lots" but can never seem to expand further? That's me.

But here are a few tidbits to keep you updated....

I had a decaf high last week. How sad is that? I haven't had a fix of caffiene since March so I've OD on decaf.

Woke up one morning, not so long ago, to this....

Miss Jillian is convinced she is a ballerina. Complete with a home made stage and a sing-it-yourself performance piece. Mind you, one minute we are an ever so graceful ballerina followed shortly by a damsal in distress who needs rescuing by a pirate... Fear not though, as this ballerina come damsal can also give a well place kick to her 11 year old brother when she feels like it too.

We got a new second hand car during the holidays. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new Holden's, particularly the Senators, but $80 000 is somewhat out of our price range. We 'compromised' on a 2006 executive. Nice, comfortable, we like it....

While deciding what cheese to buy tonight and being engrossed in the "mmm vintage, oh look camembert, why isn't there a low fat vintage? why does cheese have to taste so good?" a radient Miss Mandy appeared beside me. I do love this girl. She makes me laugh. In her hectic, hectic, hectic life she is always laughing. Oh, and she does tell the best story about being stung by a bee....

I hope you all have something wonderful planned for the weekend. Me... well... I think I hear the beach calling our name.

Love to you all
Briohny xxx

Holy Crap!

2007-09-30T21:43:00.000+10:00

So, I was reading Cathie's blog tonight and saw my name as one of the winners. The conversation in my head went something like this...

"hhmmmm don't think Tony Ferguson would be happy with my home made bread and butter pudding...I'll just scroll down here to see who won her give-away. Man, it's never me . Oh, look, someone with my name, spelt just like me. HOLY CRAP! THAT IS ME!!!! Yay for me, yay for me, yay for my music obsessed husband."

"Honey, come check this out"....

From Cathie's Blog....
Yes, I (Dan) did peruse each and every of the 169 posts. I had eight semi-finalists and then narrowed down to three finalists who I think are all deserving. Why are they all deserving? Because they each gave something to me or spoke to me. And when you live in a house with Cathy, Aidan and Cole, I don't think it's asking too much for it to occasionally be about ME.

Briohny for giving me a couple more ideas for another idea (Lisa Says, Candy's Room, Caroline, No) or two (the colour mix could be done with just blue).

Okay, now it's back to me, Cathy. And yes, Dan was being amiable to the Australian winner to spell the word 'colour.' Ah…he never ceases to be inclusive.

WOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!

2007-09-21T18:55:00.000+10:00

IT IS HOLIDAY TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Goals for these two weeks inlcude...

1. Gym everyday

2. Go to the beach whenever I can

3. Get up to date on the Emily cards

4. Find my mojo for scrapbooking

5. Catch up with some girlfriends

6. Find the 'bench crap' monster (do you have one of those, that no matter how clean the bench is more crap seems to find its way there?)

Shall keep you updated on the goal list....

Instincts

2007-09-03T19:14:00.000+10:00

The moment the pit bull ran over our towels and through our clothes I should of known this was just the beginning of a bad beach experience. After the third 'run through' I asked the owner, ever so politely in a make-no-mistake tone, could she please restrain her dog. Again, I should of known what the response would be, considering she had hot purple string bikinis and a full body tan. I think dog etiquitte was not high on her priority list.

This was followed by the two spoilt malteses who were being hand fed McDonalds by their owners. What is it abut Maltese owners??? (I think the dogs and their owners comparisons will be for another blog entry). One of these 'toilet brushes' trotted over to my camera bag, cocked its leg and promptly sprayed on it. An "ooopps, sorry" by the owners added to the fury.

Bellowed at the kids and husband and we all loaded ourselves up with the beach goods and stomped 50m further down the beach, me mumbling profanities about irresponsible dog owners the entire way.

The kids had a lesson from Tony on their new skim boards (and Tony's father's day present), and once again I proceeded to lecture Jillian that the skim board can't go in the waves, blah blah blah, it is too heavy, blah blah, blah, you'll hurt yourself blah, blah blah. Can you see where this is heading?

I resisted the urge to say "I told you so" to a 6 year old, feeling that my sarcasm would be wasted and highly inappropriate. This coupled with the guilt that I should be more empathetic to the blood gushing out of my daughter's lip became the 'third' thing of the day. My initial thought flashed to some Animal Planet documentary on sharks and how they can smell a drop of blood in so many million litres of water.

Tony, in all his surfing injury expertise pulled out the vasoline, blobbed it on the gash and sent me for a 'relaxing' walk. Are you kidding me?????? (The cut does look quite small above, let's just say, it's not!)

The mere mention of the word 'stitches', bought on another fresh round of hysterics, can't say I blame her really, so we drove to 8 different chemists looking for bandaid glue. Apparently, they "don't make it any more, but the spray adhesive is just as good". So I bought the spray, because spraying bandaid adhesive on my child's mouth is more appealing than sitting in a public hospital waiting room on the weekend.

Moral of the story? Trust your gut.

Hope you all had a lovely father's day.

Briohny

Out of the Mouth of Babes

2007-08-25T19:35:00.000+10:00

Josh - "Can I push the trolley down the escalator"
Me - "No mate, it's full of groceries"
Josh - "How am I suppose to help you if you won't let me?"
Me - "I know you want to help, but trollies and escalators are not the best things together"
Josh - "I learn by doing and by you not letting me do, I am not going to learn".

Anyone have a 'come back' for that one?

We defrosted the freezer today and ended up with a superbly large pile of shaved ice. Jillian proceeded to take it out the front and throw it up in the air whislt dancing around saying "It's snowing! Wooo Hooooo! It's snowing, it's snowing, it's snowing".

Boards and Bathers

2007-08-19T20:00:00.000+10:00

So someone got a new surfboard.... any ideas just who that may be????

It is an 8ft bright blue Mal. The one condition was that at Christmas when we go camping again that the boy teaches me how to surf. That is, if I can get the kids off it....

Which leads me to this picture of Jillian....

It was a particularly warm Sunday not too long ago so we ventured down the coast for a bask in the sunshine. The tide was out leaving a beach pool in its wake. How nice would it be to be so nonchalant about the world that you could lie on your belly gazing out over the waves, pondering all sorts of titbit's.

On a another tangent, I have been 'crafting' rather than scrapping. Nana has been commenting, quite regularly, how all we do is "send her photos on email and that she doesn't have any real photos to look at or show people". So, I scrapjacked this idea from Miss Debbie, at Scrapbook Princess, and made a photo tin for nana, filled it with photos from all the aunts, uncles, neices, nephews, kids, grandkids, family friends and what not.

Finally, finished editing all of Megan and Matt's wedding photos (that's Simon, her brother, by the way, not Matt)

and had them ready to send off. Me being a tad bit OCD, had to make something 'pretty' to send the photos and disc off in. So here's what I came up with.

It is a felt bag made specially for 5x7 photos. Rather cute I think....

And since I have more goodies I'd like to share with you, I'll just save 'em up for future posts.

Enjoy the beautiful rain

Briohny xxx

Kath is my motivation

2007-08-08T20:34:00.000+10:00

I think 'incredibly slack' does no justice for how neglectful of my blog I have actually been. I don't even have some great holiday story, family visiting or other misadventure to share. In fact I have been doing bugger all and therefore, have bugger all to share. Well, not completely true, I could ravel (according to 12 year olds that is a word) on about curriculum and all things school. Terribly riveting for you I know. This actually would show how lame I am in my passion for curriculum. Hey, I said it was lame.

So in an attempt to 'kick start' my post I am going to answer Kath's post about being tagged. Now, just to dictate to you how lazy I am being I'm going to steal her headings and not even come up with my own random facts.

1. Housework - LOATHE housework!!!!! All of it! There isn't even one teeny weeny thing that I can say I "don't mind" doing. This includes all those incidental jobs like making kids lunches, changing the toilet paper roll, getting petrol. Mind you I LOVE grocery shopping.... without anyone.

2. I have just finished reading "The Fall of Troy" by Colleen McCullough. Top book that one. I love the whole ancient Greek Roman history novels. A superb read for anyone else who likes this genre is the Sara Douglass 'Troy Game' series.

3. Okay so I'm not taking adult ballet lessons like Princess Kath, but I would like to take tennis and piano lessons.

4. I love my job that I got this year. Love it, love it, love it.

5. I love cooking. In fact I wish I had one of those divine inside / outside kitchens that would allow me to pour over glossy paged cook books and experiment to my heart's content

6. Christmas - take it or leave it. Love the holidays, can't get enough of the sun, beach, hanging out and all the fantastic outdoor things that you can do. But I'm not into the whole 'Christmas' thing. Take us camping for that break and that is all we need.

7. Turtles are my favourite animals and big dog puppies. You know the Labradors, shepherds, rottis all as babes.

8. Hair.... would like a magic wand where I could go between short and long hair. Like my new short do but miss the long hair.

Are you still with me? For those of you who have persisted through the meanderings, thank you. I will endeavour to get my slack behind into this blog more often.

Briohny

Reclaiming Monday Nights

2007-07-17T19:45:00.000+10:00

Sigh...... Tis a sad day when season finales come about. With no more Desperate Housewives and Brothers and Sisters to pour over / with / about on a Monday night what is one to do? Is anyone else empathising my self indulgent commercial television soapie sad moment?

Persistence is Futile

2007-07-13T20:14:00.000+10:00

Hello, my name is Dasha Cat and I am the pampered feline queen who insists on endless rubs, grated cheese and milk in the house-hold of the blog owner.

I have taken a particular liking to the new 'art studio' that she-who-thinks-she-is-queen included in the house over the holidays. In particular I like the laptop. There is nothing quite like sprawling myself across it or strategically placing myself on the keyboard in front of the screen. I mean, what could be more important than me?

At the present time the previously mentioned person thinks that closing the laptop and scrapbooking will deter my right for attention. When we she ever learn?

Even now I am perched just on the edge. Not enough so that she can't type, but enough that every time Queen-wanna-be types using the left hand side, I indirectly get a rub. Tactics I tell ya, tactics. The Shift key is proving to be particularly challenging for her to locate.

When will she learn that Persistence is Futile as I bask in the warmth of the desk lamp and the silent hum of the laptop?

Many Meows
Dasha Cat

Elsie Meets Loretta

2007-06-29T19:54:00.001+10:00

I dead set can't get enough of the new Elsie range. Not everyone's cup of tea I know,

but I just adore all of it. It is so divinely easy to use. Hence, I am once again back in my everything Elsie phase. You can't see it above, but the card that looks white above is actually lined grid paper.

The layout below is inspired by the lovely Loretta Grayson. Her work is truly inspirational.

I'm thinking I would like to do a combination of painting and Loretta's style on a big, big, big canvas.

Do you ever wish you could take a snap shot of the pictures in your mind and project them for later viewing? That's me right now.... with my canvas.

I hope you are all enjoying the flowers in your garden of life.
Briohny xxx

All Caught Up

2007-06-27T09:53:00.000+10:00

UNBELIEVABLE!!!! I am up to date with Emily's card. WOOO HOOOO. So they aren't in any particular order, that is one advantage of being behind with the cards....you get to pick which ones you want to do when.

So for your perusal there is # 23 Right Now, #24 Remember When, # 22 I would like to learn, #18 Nature , #25 Memorable Photo, #16 Others contribute. Actually they aren't too much out of order at all.

In other ramblings round here, Tony is off for his biannual surf trip. This time to Coffs.

Something about 10ft surf in storm swell in the middle of winter....

On that note, I'm off to find the heater and a hot chocolate.

Smiles xxx

Card Catch-up

2007-06-20T20:53:00.000+10:00

So playing catch-up hasn't been as bad as I anticpated it would be. Got stumped on the 'birds' week though.

Birds? What could Emily possibly be thinking? I can't stand birds! What am I going to do? Then in a moment of watching my boyfriend on screen it came to me.... A Sparrow. Captain Jack Sparrow to be exact. *giggle* he is so scrummy yummy!

Farwell me Hearties....

Supafabulitisticnudietastylushus

2007-06-17T18:40:00.000+10:00

Just wanted to share. Had a Nudie ice block and this was on the paddle pop stick. They always have cool messages. this one I just could not resist.

Full Time Work and the Pursuit of a Clean House

2007-06-13T19:24:00.000+10:00

Tell me, does the above heading ever actually occur? Feel free to insert your own beginning in there, i.e. Kids at home and the pursuit of a clean house, a husband who works long hours and the pursuit of a clean house, couldn't be bothered and the pursuit of a clean house.... see it all fits.

I relented and paid for a cleaner to come to the house today and well, clean. The floors and the bathroom in particular. Well we walked in the door and the response from delightful Miss 6 and charming Mr 10? "OH MY GOD! The floor is sparkly!", "Look Mum, no dust on the floor!", "Oh Mum! The front of the dishwasher is all nice", "Woo Hoo our house is clean!"

I think about then I felt like a piece of that dust that got so efficiently vacumed and mopped away. Crappy and invisible....

All I can say is PRAISE THOSE HOUSE CLEANERS!!!!!!! Love your work.

Convention Kisses and Scrapbooking Dreams

2007-06-09T18:21:00.000+10:00

Man talk about an awesome day! Saw all the Elsie range last night at Scrapbook Princess. I LOVE IT!!!!! The colours and papers are so very delicious. The ribbon is super divine. I - WANT - IT - ALL.

Spent the day in at the convention. P.S. Miss Richter looks fantastic! Andrea Thompson still looks super cute. I'm still feeling giddly silly because Loretta Grayson's (see layout above) class was full of 'lightbulb' moments. I am soooooooooooo envious of those ladies who are doing her other class and Ngaire's mini book class looked like heaps of fun too. I expect to see show and tell Kath.

And because Jan has inspired me to get my butt into gear to catch up on Emily's cards, I intend on spending the night carding myself away. Jan's cards are gorgeous. Mine are all slapped together with the whole 'i've-started-something-that-I-better-finish' mentality I'm feeling somewhat slack. I intend that this round of 'catch up' cards will be all Jan inspired.

Picked dad up from the city after the convention and found this cool wall while we were waiting. Kept the kids amused for 10 minutes, kept Tony happy while he was listening to the football and I got to take some photos. Happiness all round.

Have a fabulous long weekend

Thaks for reading

Briohny xxx

2007-06-03T20:15:00.000+10:00

The aardvark looking at the beautiful animals in the glossy magazine (ever felt like this?)

You may remember the book Jillian brought home from the library some time ago about the pig who was trying to lose weight but in the end decided that she was better the way she was and that the gym was for the bunnies and elephants. Anyway... Jillian brought home another book from the same series.

This one is about an Aardvark who does not like the way she looks so she goes to get plastic surgery to make herself beautiful, like all the other animals. But her plans are delayed when she discovers that the plastic surgeon is an aardvark too.

The pages above are an exerpt so you'd get the idea of the book.

I know to some they may be a little quetionable for children, but I got to tell you, I love them!

A Day in the Life of Rachel Richter

2007-05-26T18:52:00.000+10:00

Well, not exactly a day in Rach's life but wholy dooly a taste was enough. My cousin, Megan, got married today. She looked absolutely stunning in her Lisa Ho dress. Thing is, I was designate 'family' photographer for the day.

You know how it is, nana and the kids, nana and the grandkids, the cousins, the brothers and the sisters, all the girls, all the boys, the oldest boys from each group, the generation of women. All lovely memories I have no doubt, but after "move left", "stop talking", "stand here", "no you can't just duck over there", I was exhausted.

I was informed by my most helpful husband that perhaps it was more stressful than the professional photographer's job as it was my family who were the subjects not some random strangers.

Some smart cookie happened to suggest (noting the absence of one uncle and his family) that perhaps we get some photos at Christmas.... my reply? Sure, sounds great, I just happen to know this amazing photographer, her name is Rachel Richter....

Senses Overload

2007-05-21T19:53:00.000+10:00

Why do we love the sea? It is because it has some

potent power to make us

think things we like to think.

Robert Henri

A day that started out 'nice' turned into fabulous by lunch time. You know those places you're at where everything and everyone seems to fit perfectly right into that moment in time?

I finished my conference Saturday lunch time. Met Tony at Pacific Fair and had a divinely made cup of tea, not too hot, too strong not too milky, just perfect. Strolled across to Broadbeach and meandered along the beach to Surfers. Lots of people on the beach just hanging out, some swimming, some playing cricket, some just enjoying being outside, lots to see, feel and smell.

Strolled through Surfers, picked out a new toe ring, walked back along to beach to Broadbeach where there was a blues concert playing at the surf club. Just awesome music to be sitting on the beach at sunset listening to. The only thing missing was a glass of champagne and some candles for the sand.

It was just an all round great day. I love the beach, I love the colour of the water at sunset, the always happy people hanging out, the sand on my feet. Just wanted to sit, soak it all up and store it in my memory forever.

Anyway.... Miss Rach (thanks lovey) has tagged me

1. Four of my favourite jobs

I'm taking this one as four favourite jobs that I would love to have, considering, my previous employments either send me into a state of mild panic reaching for some dark corner to hide in. So my four favourite jobs would have to be working on Getaway, teaching in Fiji international school, Author and teaching (yes, my current job which I love).

2. Four of my favourite local places

Ok, so see introduction to this post.... the beach, Southbank (great minds hey Rach), my home, Wellington Point

3. Four of my favourite foods

Oh gawd! Just 4????? I LOVE food... A well cooked steak with beer battered chips and a Corona, Thai, Caesar Salad, Fresh Tropical Fruit Salad (all exquisite fruits, no apples or grapes please!)

4. Four of my favourite international places

This is places that one day i WILL go to. Bali, Tibet, Kruger National Park, Milford Sound, Canada, Thailand, Mexico, Bora Bora, Machu Picchu, Dubai, Too many amazing places to see....

5. Four name's of people I am tagging

Kath

Jan

oh and that's it.

Thanks Rach

Dirty Little Buggers

2007-05-04T19:01:00.000+10:00

I love the bright citrus colours that are around. Another photo taken by the very talented and wonderful Miss Rach.

One of those hugely huge weeks has come to a close. Got to love long weekends.

So as I am typing this I am looking through my new glasses. Yes, glasses. No longer feel like a turtle sticking my neck out trying to read the computer screen. Mind you I think the most amusing thing is how I have been deleting photos from the camera and the computer on the assumption that they were blurry! Nice one.

Putting shoes away last night, could hear this crinkling chattering sound coming from the wall.... TERMITES!!!!! So in answer to Miss M's question, YES WE STILL HAVE THEM!!!! Rudeness.... So I stuck my ear against the skirting boards feeling completely helpless as they happily filled their stomachs with our cupboard. GGRRRRRRR.....

Kath (love her) and I decided to scraplift a page from Ali's book. This is an old photo which I love. Taken at my birthday last year. P.S. I think my husband is lookin spunky. So Kath if you are reading this, time to share share your LO.

And the toothfairy has visited again...

Have a happy, sunny and lovely long weekend.

Bxxx

Autumn feels like spring

2007-04-14T18:51:00.000+10:00

Had one of those days that leave you smiling in the car on the way home. In my attempts to decerase the size of my stomach we loaded the car up with the kids bikes, our super comfy sneakers, the trusty camera and a bit of cash. Parked the car at the usual Kangaroo Point spot and began the treadling. Thank God Miss Jilly has learnt to ride without training wheels. Certainly makes a difference.

We battled the downhill sections with a yell of "Brake Jilly, Brake!!!" followed shortly by "Left Jilly Left". Arrived at Southbank, rode along the riverfront, turned around and diverged to the waterpark they have built.

Never ceases to amaze me that kids will play in water regardless of the temperature 'outside' or of the water itself. Nonetheless, they stripped off and happily splashed, ran and played...

Took the opportunity to 'play' with the Aperture on the camera. Far too much light, I know.

In an attempt to thaw the children and control the chattering of teeth had a hot chocolate at the Donut King they have there now. Watched them play on the grass and thought, "Some days just rock".

What now?

2007-04-12T19:32:00.001+10:00

Do you ever have those stages in your life where you feel like it is all going to the crapper?

This has been me for the past, shall we say month or so. Between migraines once a week and a variety of other unpleasant health concerns I have finally begun some form of 'treatment'. The blood tests, CT scan and other bits and pieces all came back negative only to leave two possible causes. 1. Stress and 2. an over production of insulin... so off to the dietician 'to rule out' blood sugar things. On an eating-every-two-hours plan. Still have the headaches, vommitting, tingling face and fatigue.... But, patience is apparently the key, along with no coffee or extra sugar, so in two weeks we will be able to determine whether I need to go to a general physician or continue on the current path of the dietician. Goodness knows I hope this ensures I lose the 6 kilos I have gained from stuffing my face with sugar to stop me from passing out or looking at people with no freakin idea what they are talking about. You know when you can hear the words but can't reply? Well, maybe you don't, but that's been me for some time. Now there is no Diet Coke, Coke Zero (apparently all very bad for you), Pepsi Max or any other caffenated drink. Oh, sorry, I am allowed 2 SMALL cups of coffee a day, I decided to go for none. I think two is just a tease. No extra sugar on anything, i.e. tea, porridge, biscuits all have to be plain...

On top of that we have termites! Those nasty wood eating critters. Why they can't stick to the acres of forest around us is beyond me, but no, our house is more appealing. Particularly the skirting boards of our bedroom and our cupboards and our bathroom....

There are various other things that are going on that make you wanna crawl under the desk and hide from the world, or those things where you just want to sit and howl but it just won't come...

I would like for Tony and me to feel like we have some control over our lives. That heading towards our 40's (ok I know I am only 31) we are financially stable and healthy, not worrying about whether our house is going to fall down around us before we can afford pest control, that we can start saving for family holidays or trips here and there, or that we don't have to phone these people and ask for an extension for our bill til next fortnight whilst trying to juggle another bill company.

...And then I go and feel all guilty, I have a lovely house (termiteless would make it beautiful), healthy and happy children, a husband who is my soul mate, a full time job which I love, fantastic friends who I just love and enough money to put food on the table and buy a few things 'here and there'.

I am told, that we all go through this, but tell me, what do we need to do to make it better????

One of Rachel Richter's photos

Pigs are Pigs... and there are chickens too

2007-03-31T18:58:00.000+10:00

Pigs are Pigs...

This is a book Jillian brought home from the library. Couldn't decide whether it was sending a good message or not. By the end of the book, I had to giggle as I empathised with the Pig. Basically the story follows a weight loss journey of a pig. He goes to a gym but gets scared off by all the fit gym bunnies and the overcrowded sweaty aerobics room. He then reflects and rationalises that some very important people aka Sumo Wrestlers are 'fat'. At that point he decides that he is going to stay just the way he is - see the bottom photo. Hilarious I tell ya!

And then there are chickens....

Jillian came home last weekend from a friends house with these!!!!!!

Between the two cats and two dogs that we currently have we had to say a firm "No". We are not becomming Noah's Ark. One of the teachers at school 'adopted' them. So tute, so fluffy, so tasty for the cats who continued to prowl the cage we had them in....

New traditions....

Every morning Tony and I have taken to having our morning coffee out the front sitting in the gutter. Watching people pass us by with their dogs, listening to the birds, watching the sky change as the sun says hello and then there is us, me in my nightie and hair a fright (giggle) and Tony in his grandpa pants and slippers!!!! It has become our quiet time before the chaos begins.

Randomness

2007-03-22T20:03:00.000+10:00

3 Weeks til the holidays YEAAAHHHHAAAAA!!!!! Oh, and for my little Miss M who is missing Miss NZ in gym crime, she will be back soon all loved up and ready to take on the tready. Special thanks to Rach Richter for another fabulous lot of photos. Want to share one here. The one above is by far one of my favourites. You girls are great.

Note to self and everyone else, make sure enough 'h's and 't's are supplied before buying 3 packs of Basic Grey Sticker letters!

How good would it be to be able to scrapbook all day whenever you wanted? I look at my ever growing pile of projects that I would love to be able to do and say a big fat "Doh!". So much wonderful inspiration and ideas around and I want to do every single one.

Peace Across Generations

Miss Jilly decided that we should paint a canvas together. So we got all Peacey and painted little squares with peace signs and swirls. Next step is to paint our names on the peace sign somewhere. I love looking at how the she interpreted the same idea. Man, got to watch the kids watching you to make sure what they are copying is ok. No more hands on the hip feet tapping ranting and raving nut case lady. 'Specially when I hear Jillian and Joshua talking to each other using my words and attitude.

Nearly up to date on Emily's cards. These are so much fun. In the therapy sense. I get all artsy and 'who cares'. Top one is note to self - remember spiritual nurturing, I miss - being fit, Symbols you love - I love the sun and the peace symbol. Not for the concept of world peace and harmony but just that it is a reminder of the importance of peace within. The sun is constant warmth and brightness. The beach one was something you love, love, love and the bottom one is where you find inspiration.

I hope that you are all finding your love and inspiration.

Briohny xxx

It's back

2007-03-17T17:23:00.000+10:00

My computer is back! 6 Weeks later, a new hard drive (again), a new DVD Rom drive and two new USB ports. You think it would've been easier to replace the whole thing don't you????

Oh how much I have missed it.

Thank you to all your well wishes about Grandad. The funeral was Thursday and despite my misgivings about a full requiem mass, the ceremony truly was beautiful. The family went back to Nanas house for some afternoon tea and dinner. That, I think was the best part, the kids outside playing back yard cricket and us all inside drinking, reminicing, laughing, sharing and just hanging out together.

So around here things have been crazy as usual. The weekends are spent playing cricket across in the park, painting on whatever we can find or drawing hop skotch on the driveway...

Four weeks til Easter. Looking foward to catching up on some much needed scrapping time. Gawd! So far behind in Emily's cards!

Love to you all

Briohny

xxx

Contrasts

2007-03-11T19:05:00.000+10:00

This week has been all about contrasts. Things like the red wine that tastes so damn fine with the dark chocolate but is so bad for your waist line, the time you yell at your kids for yelling at each other and then you realise how modelled behaviour really does work, the fights you have with your partner about sharing the load but you don't know what load it is you want them to share.

I think my biggest contrast this week was the passing of my grandfather. Nana asked me to make a scrapbooking collage (think poster size) that has all the family in it so she could put it in grandad's room at the nursing home. I finished it last weekend, she was going to take it up there today and he dies yesterday.

I managed to find a photo on Tony's computer as mine still is in the Bermuda Triangle of Computer Repairs. This is of Nana and Grandad taken Christmas two years ago.

Love and Light to you all

Briohny

xxx

Computer Woes

2007-02-25T10:59:00.000+10:00

I miss my computer (sigh....) Materialistic I know. I'm way behind on my weekly challenge cards, there are no photos to play around with, no software to upload photos with, pictures to scan or documents to print. There is no school work that I can access quickly, no place to save any work, hence why there is a photo from google images pasted above. How nice would it be to be there....

On a what-i-do-have note. I must say that I am still immensily enjoying work. There are regular challenges and working with the little kids still proves to be very different from the teens. I had a year 6 class last week and got a tinge of i-miss-this.

Love to you all

Briohny

All Growing Up.

2007-02-15T19:37:00.000+10:00

It was with a tinge (well okay a great big giant gulp) of sadness that I swallowed my protective mother side and tried to be a supportive objective mum.

Josh came home today and asked for a 'private' conversation in his room. After he shut the door, I thought "oh God, we are going to have the penis-is-changing-pubic-hair talk". Instead
I got a "I got asked out by a girl today and I don't know what to say" problem.

Do you know what his response was? "I will get back to you tomorrow, after I check with mum" That a boy! After a discussion about what he wants to do and not do, and the no kissing or hand holding (hey, he is only 11) speal from me, he came to a well thought out decision and response. One that as mum I am very proud of and as a girl I think is a great answer.

Catch Up

2007-02-12T18:56:00.000+10:00

Yes, yes, yes, I know I have neglected the blog for sometime. Yet again, my computer is visiting Harvey Norman to be repaired (gggrrrr...). So I have managed to ascond a Tony's computer to update bits and pieces.

Firstly I love my new job and my new school. Despite being hugely busy I am having a great time being busy. So far I have taught year 3 and 4. I was petrified this morning as I now have a year 3 class three times a week and oh my gosh they are so small and jittery. Give me a room full of teenagers any day!!!! I did enjoy myself at the end of it however, my behaviour management does need reviewing.

Jillian has settled in like a dream, informing me that I don't need to walk her to her room any more. She has a wonderful teacher. Her favourite part of the day? "Lunch time where I chase the boys, but don't worry mum, it's only tiggy". (OMG!!!!!) Jillian's vocab has changed somewhat. She has discovered words like 'wonderful', 'gorgeous', 'fabulous'. So for the past week we have been hearing, "Today is going to be a wonderful day". "Mum, you look fabulous", "That top is just gorgeous". How wonderful to have such optimism.

Josh has had a little rougher beginning to the year. Always harder when you are a bit older. He has made some friends and is enjoying school thoroughly. As per Jilly, he has a great teacher who has certainly helped in classroom and playground ethics.

Haven't been doing anywhere near as much scrapping as I would like. The page above is another Aussie Dare challenge. I lifted it from an Elsie sketch that is on her blog.

Had a photo shoot with Rachey Richter (see links on right) on the weekend. I know she will work magic on our photos, despite the lack of cooperation from Jillian and Joshua. Tony said next time we have a family shoot, the kids can stay with mum and him and I will just go. Kind of defeats the purpose honey....

Inspired by Aussie Dares

2007-01-27T21:48:00.000+10:00

Journalling Reads...

The nerve of those Whos. Inviting me down there - and on such short notice. Even if I wanted to go my schedule wouldn't allow it. Four o'clock, wallow in self pity; 4:30, stare into the abyss; 5:30, jazzercize. 6:30, dinner with me. I can't cancel that again. 7:00, wrestle with my self-loathing; I'm booked. Of course, if I bump the loathing to 9 I could still be done in time to lay in bed, stare at the ceiling and slip slowly into madness. But what would I wear?

Practical Magic

I LOVED this challenge (dare #14) set out by aussie dares. So much so that I am going to create a mini book on the challenge. So many great quotes from so many great movies.

Awesomeness

2007-01-25T19:39:00.000+10:00

Today was a completely awesome day. Just wanted to share that.

Also want to say a huge thank you to those people who have taken the time to comment on the Em cards. It is has given me a 'kick' reading the comments.

Do you 52?

2007-01-24T00:44:00.000+10:00

Love this challenge set by the divine Emily A deck of cards, a few thought provoking comments, a whole 12 months and you got yourself a ready made year in review.

Week 1's challenge was Something you are proud of. I selected 'I am proud of the direction my life is taking'. Things are good. I have a new job which is just so very exciting, I adore my husband, and my kids add an element of humaness to our lives.

Week 2's challenge was What is Powerful to you. Answered this one fairly easily... My job. Not a day goes by when I am working that I am aware of the importance of my role as a teacher. I have the ability to determine what these children's educational lives will be like and what perceptions they may hold about the world and themselves. This is, indeed a very powerful role to me.

Week 3's challenge related to I am. Found this one a little tougher as I wanted it to be pertinant to the recent events of my life. I also did not want it to be a card of affirmation. You know the standard (yet not to be diminished) me, happy, loved.... So I chose the statement, 'I am learning to say no'. This holds particular significance to me. I am learning to say "no" to things I do not really want to do. I am learning to say "no" so I do not stretch myself again. I am learning to say "no" so I can say "yes" to my family and myself more. More importantly, I am learning to say "no" and not feel guilty.

Thanks Emily for sharing this great idea.

Been a While

2007-01-19T19:34:00.000+10:00

Yes, it has been a while and the blog has been neglected, actually, I have been intending to post but the whole 'couldn't be bothered' mentality has been rather prominent in my mind of late.

There is too much to do in just being lazy around the house. Who would of thought that being lazy actually requires more effort than being busy?

Photos are of a bit of what has been happening around here. Josh is with his dad camping for two weeks, the cats are hot and grumpy, jilly has been doing chalk drawings and 'camping' out the front. She even was rubbing sticks together to 'make fire' hhhmmmmmmm..... Went for a crop at Scrapbook Princess and had a fab time. Did the compulsory Christmas LO, a family one using the paper that Rach Richter gave me for my birthday (so delicious) and the one of Josh above.

Officially back to school next week and it certainly will be one that is full of new beginnings for all of us. New year level for Tony, new job and new school for me and new school for kids. How wonderfully exciting.

Changes

2007-01-05T09:53:00.000+10:00

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.

Edith Lovejoy Pierce

2006, was by far the most challenging year I have had so far. I am glad to say, that although I have learnt depths about myself and my family, I am not sorry to see it gone.

Change was the common theme of 2006, and alot of it. Always big, significant, challenging changes too. We ended renting and bought a house, I found new firm friends and lost a couple along the way. My relationship with Joshua's father became more accepting and less conflict loaded, I turned 30 and was happy with what I had accomplished with my life so far, I set some goals that are selfish and I don't care. I ended at one school and am beginning at another, I am not classroom teaching but beginning a new defining and exciting stage of my career. I went from long hair to short. Found the source of my 8 year struggle with calf injuries. My computer crashed, twice, and neither time I had backed up. I sorted true friends from true associates, understood and learnt to love my children in a different way, reached a different level of companionship and friendship with my husband, took alot of personal criticism and comfortably worked towards minimising these 'flaws', found new facets of me, and above all, through these challenges and blocks I came out on top with a satisfied mind.

Bright side of the road

2007-01-01T19:11:00.000+10:00

I love this photos of the kids. The page, I know it is very loud, I wanted to do something different. Scraplifted it from Kristina Contes. Man I love her work. It is a real cross between Ali and Elsie. I'm thinking that maybe she has become a new favourite! (Did you grab your chair Kath?).

What's your happy-bright-side-of-the-road page?

Goodnight 2006

2007-01-01T19:05:00.000+10:00

Tried to get a cheesy family shot, the last for 2006. Got some absolute crackers. Hope you all had a wonderful night, whatever it is you may be doing. Here's to a great year filled with lots of love, luck and happiness.

Love Briohny xxx

Today

2006-12-30T19:14:00.000+10:00

Have been feeling quite off for the past few days. Over tired, very sore, just generally feeling pretty ordinary. So this morning after waking up feeling like I was trapped between two cement pillars, Tony suggested getting some fresh air into my lungs.

So off we headed to Wellington Point. Took a leisurely stroll across to King Island, collected some 'shells' on the way. I feel somewhat better.

Came home, had a lovely salad roll and made a shell mobile with Jillian. But do you know what was really nice??? I cooked a nice dinner and we sat at the table, as a family, and ate and chatted and enjoyed a simple thing.

I like it when days like today happen.

Art Folder

2006-12-29T00:16:00.000+10:00

I did this cover for my art folder. Well it's not actually an art folder as such. It's going to contain bits and pieces of inspiration, LO's I like, photographs, sketches and well all things that inspire me. Currently I either have everything ripped out of mags and shoved somewhere or glued into sketch pads. I'm hoping that I can get everything in here.

Can't wait to start using it.