And of course she’s learning from the best, isn’t she?
Ivy loves to get the baby wipes and wipe down the house. And I love to let her.



How could one look so positively scrumptious cleaning in nothing other than a ruffle-bum bloomer? I’m pretty sure it’d be a different vision with me.

This week I’ve shot and proofed for me, and me alone. I find sometimes it’s so easy to get caught up in what’s “technically acceptable” that you start to lose sight of what’s artistically creative. I then get bored and have to force myself to work around “the rules”. My favourite images are often out of focus and super grainy..I just love the intrigue of a hazy, distored image. Holga, Polaroid, Lomo..they all hugely inspire me and make me want to ditch my digicam and get my hands on some scratchy old film.
As much as Photoshop feels like a poor cousin to me when I’m feeling inspired, I like these of Ivy.
S xx

I’m suprised that I’m still okay with being here, that I haven’t had any major breakdowns about leaving the Coast, yet. I generally try not to think about the things I’ve left behind, I fear I’d fall in a heap if I let myself but there is something.. I’m finding that I’m missing kindy. Not just because I have a house full of children with cabin fever due to the constant drizzle – it’s more than that.

I miss how much the staff loved our kids..even before February.
I miss walking Ivy up the ramp into the centre – it would always remind me of Ava doing the same and let me “see” her for a moment.

I miss driving past and trying to see how much Ava’s gardenia’s had grown. “Missa Jema” planted them into a heart in the garden where Ava played each afternoon.

I just miss that part of Ava’s life not being part of ours now.

I will never forget Miss Lisa ringing me at the hospital that Sunday morning…having to explain what had happened…One day I’m talking to her about kindy lunch and the next…well..It was just a horrendous moment in the nightmare of those two days. It felt like breaking news to a family member.

Since that day, we have been so lucky to have had such support from the kindy community in so many forms. One of the most special things done for us this year was the creation of Ava’s memorial seat. It really is the most gorgeous bench, one of Superprincess standards. When it was installed, the centre held a beautiful service, full of reflection and peace..a day I will always cherish.
Here is a snap of the bench, it doesn’t remotely do it justice. I regret not taking more time to capture it properly but I will visit it often, I’m sure. The amazing background you see was painted by a very talented Mum at the centre to make Ava’s spot even more magical. Isn’t it lovely?

And Missa Jema saying goodbye to Ivy the day we left..

My last image of Ava, taken 02 Feb at kindy on Ivy’s first day there.

Lisa, Tracy, Gloria and everyone at YDCCC, I could never have known that day in 2003 when I walked through the door with Mason just what an impact we would have on one another. Thankyou for being part of our family and making us feel part of yours, you have helped us through some dark days and truly made a difference this past year.
S xx

came to me today when I went into the newsagent to get my favourite magazine, Frankie. As I quickly checked this months art poster, I was shocked and amazed to see “Found” by none other than the beautiful Mandy from Belle and Boo! It was just such a suprise to see something so familiar there…I actually own the Lost and Found prints, they’re my favourites – after Ava’s of course. I had to ring Mandy all the way in London just to squeal down the phone! I loved that magazine from the first edition because it included an Abbey McCulloch poster – she’s my favourite artist and we own two of her paintings but now to add in a Mandy…what can I say? Happy happy joy joy.

We often say Luca is an old soul. He just knows stuff. I think he’s been around more than once but his most recent previous life has to have had him hanging out in the mid seventies. He’s just so, well..hippy. As I’m typing this out, he’s telling me we’re not to cut down any trees when we landscape. As I paused to look at him, he casually gave me the peace sign, oblivious to the subject of my post here.

Seeing as I’m so into the whole retro vibe with my photography lately, we make a good match, when he’s up for posing that is. These images are more your panel van/chicco roll flavour (sorry to my overseas readers!) rather than a tree hugging/peace rally feel but still, I’m digging it.

Peace Out.