Henry Jones Junior

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?

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

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

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

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'?

Bx

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

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

"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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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

7 Deadly Sins

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

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