Some days are forward thinking..imagining the future and making plans. Pondering an anticipated event or picturing how tomorrow looks.

Today is not one of those days. Today is a backward thinking day. For whatever reason, much of this day I’ve spent remembering the boys many moons ago. Thinking of a time when they were barely past toddler and able to outsmart and overwhelm me on an hourly basis. They could reduced me to tears with their devilish antics..in fact for a while I referred to Luca as Lucifer. Apart, they were adorable but together in the same room, a recipe for disaster.

Once I had a man visit to inspect our newish lounge that was becoming faulty. As I stood in the doorway saying goodbye, I commented that I had no idea why the frame should be falling apart seeing as I never let my children jump on it. As I finished speaking, the bemused salesman leaned to one side to look over my shoudler, prompting me to turn around where I saw both of them doing just that, leaping with much gusto and delight from one lounge to the other.

Another memorable day after they turned against me, I put both of them in time out. In the same room. Yes, I know. I was still in training myself, remember. When I arrived to escort them out, they’d exacted their revenge by removing Mason’s freshly used diaper and decorating the entire room with the contents. Probably rates as No 1 disaster, even before the 12 broken eggs over the carpet and the pen stuck in the floor fan in my room, spraying black ink all over my brand new white Country Road quilt. (It’s still there).

Not a whole lot has changed except that I’ve got a degree in parenting Team Luca and Mason. I’m proud to say I’ve never muttered “wait till your father gets home” and I’ve actually figured out that bribes and threats work way better than pleading.

Those early years of parenting two spirited boys were trying at best. Even still, today I miss the hi-jinx of their younger years and their smaller arms wrapped around my smaller waist.

2003:

and 2008:Couldn’t help remembering earlier versions of playing under the hose type photos… Different time, place and life..still, happy memories. And not just about Luca, for me too..Who doesn’t love thinking back to childhoods spent running around the sprinkler in undies, or racing down the Slip and Slide? Forget your lap pool, we had it GOOD!
* New song Miss Halfway by Anya Marina.
(I always have song info at the bottom of my page, for all those people who email wondering !!)
Another great track, thanks to Susannah. This could so be my anthem! But then, I’m quite sure I’m not alone there :) x

See she’s not always tizzied up ready to impress. Sometimes she’s just hanging out in the garden, looking for trouble.

Re: Flickr requests! I really do want you to ask to be added, just know that I might not get to it right away, I have literally hundreds of requests. I feel awful that so many of you write beautiful little emails to go with your request and then I can’t possibly get to reply to everyone..I’m so sorry!!! If you have an existing profile at Flickr I’m very happy to just add you, no need to convince me! If you don’t have a profile, please just drop me a quick line to tell me you’re normal(ish). :p

I still stick by my admission that I am NOT a finger-painting, cookie-baking Mother. It’s only at Luca’s insistence after finding packet mix in the cupboard that this little event even took place. They obviously had a ball. I just had a reminder why ordering from the Hyatt Bakery makes so much sense.

(And yes, that is my hideous pre-renovated kitchen. Just be thankful I’ve spared you from the coloured version in varnished orange pine. See why I don’t cook?)

Just wanted to say also, I’ve changed my profile at Flickr to Family and Friends for kids photos..If you want to be added as a contact, just let me know. I am working through a very long list so please don’t think I’ve forgotten you! I’ll get there xx
* Edited to say, if you want to be added, could you please send it to me through Flickrmail just to make it a bit faster and easier for this weary old woman. mwah x

A Few Of My Favourite Things…

1. Sarah Jane’s amazing illustrations…
So vintage, so pretty, so everything I love. (Plus she’s so lovely herself!)
2. This beautiful stationery by Saratams.
Can’t beat a pretty silhoutte.
Or her sweet prints.. 3. Chookleaf.
These childrens shoes are the best EVER! Carrie sent me the link a long while back and I finally found them in a store last week..They are just so beautiful and soft and seem to fit the feet of Ivish perfectly. Cheap, they’re not. (but since when did that matter?) I also love that they explain in their little info leaflet that chookleaves are another name for feathers. How cute! (Ivy’s are red). *image from chookleaf.com.au

4. This amazing and gorgeous and sublime and ridiculously expensive dress from Trelise Cooper Kids. It’s just so very Alice In Wonderland, no? Can someone please stop me from purchasing this? She doesn’t need it. Unfortunately, it seems I do. 5. Mark Ryden.
In keeping with my love of all things Alice, this artist I adore. He definitely borders the odd but how can you not love his beautifully detailed work? Not for the faint hearted.
6. And if we’re going to be talking art, here’s my No 1 fave.. Abbey McCulloch. She’s from my town, the Gold Coast but is gaining popularity all over Australia and overseas nowdays. Childlike, girlish, vulnerable..no matter how many times I try to find a new favourite artist, I come back to Abbey. We have two of her glorious works on our walls. If ever a fire, I need to be able to run with one under each arm. I’m Not Scared I liked the contrast of her very strong, almost intimidating appearance with her nervous pose…Abbey told me she wanted to convey how no matter how confident we try to appear, everyone is anxious walking into a crowded room.. and Hush... This sweet girl greets me every morning when I open my eyes. I love love love how fragile she appears and the word hush is one of my favourite. You cannot say it nor hear it without feeling just a little calmer. I know art is such a personal thing and what makes my heart flutter might not rate in someone elses World but both these paintings mean a lot to me.

7. Inke Wallpaper Tree.

Well really, all of their wallpaper flora and fauna. But especially the tree. And of course, it has to go with the birdhouse lamp. When I first started gathering ideas for our renovation, this was the very first thing I tore out and put in my scrapbook. If nothing else, this has to go in Ivy’s room.

8. A great day spa.

I’ve included this because I spent a decent amount of time at one today. And every single time I go, which is nowhere near as often as I used to, I vow to go more often. I truly do think that it should be mandatory…that women be allowed to attend dayspa at least once a week. In fact, the government should give out vouchers… It’s a community health issue – imagine how much saner us mothers would be? I floated home today and in a moment of post spa madness, announced to the boys that I’d be giving them a mini spa experience this evening! So while I type they’re getting the bath ready and preparing for their facials and foot massages! Here’s hoping a little bit of calm imparts to them! (Oh no, wait, they’re yelling that they can’t find the plug..looks like my 10 favourite things will be stopping at 8 for now!!!!)

xx

(Edited to add 9 & 10!)
9. Mid Century Architecture & Furniture

I studied this at college for a while, I just love all things from the 1950’s – particularly those amazing homes you see in old films set in California.. Huge glass windows overlooking the city skyline..flat roofs..white stone..You know the ones? I secretly yearn to greet my husband at the door wearing a pressed frock, heels and a martini in hand. This is my only piece of furniture that fits the era, I plan to incorporate more when we renovate..

10. And, predictably, Ivish. I would have had a photo of the three monsters except I couldn’t resist showing off Miss Madam at breakfast today.