Gifts Of Serendipity

Introspection & Reflection...

2012-05-25T11:03:00.002+10:00

I've surfaced today after a week in bed battling a nasty chest infection - blah!

During my time under the doona I've had plenty of time to reflect upon all sorts of things including the multiple balls that I'm trying to keep in the air that I mentioned in the last post.

I've made some rather large decisions, which may not be the best idea when you're under the influence of strong antibiotics and feeling like a giant slug, but decisions have been made....

#1 I'm extending my bloggy break indefinitely - although I know I'll miss my interactions with you tremendously, I really need to do this - thank you for understanding

#2 I'll be handing 'Post Of The Month' Club back to Laura from 'Happy Homemaker' as this is a truly fabulous feature and I'd hate to see it fizzle just because I'm having a bit of a blip

#3 I'm expecting to come back to this space at some point in the future so I'll keep my other regular posts, 'Word Of The Week', 'Vive Le Livre' and the sporadic but fabulous 'Six Senses Tours' on the shelf for now....apologies to those of you who look forward to these treasures

#4 I may pop in to visit you at your space but it will be sporadic at best

#5 I hope to be able to take more glorious photos like the one above of sunrise on our beach - true moments of serendipity are always to be treasured

To all of my longtime and loyal followers and those of you who have recently subscribed to 'Gifts Of Serendipity', I hope you'll stick around as I'm looking forward to returning filled to the brim with sparkle and verve but at the moment all of my energies must be directed towards my health, my family and of course Captain V.

Blessings to all,

And the winner is....

2012-05-11T10:40:00.001+10:00

It's a sparkling, sunshiney Autumn day in my pocket of the world and I wish you could be here to share it!
Instead I'll send a burst of brightness your way, thanking you enthusiastically if you were one of the many wonderfully creative types who played along in my recent 'Say What?' giveaway.
You brought lots of brightness into my world with your fabulous words and writing - treasures all.

As you may be aware I'm not one for the electronic dodads when it comes to prize drawing, instead I meticulously wrote everyone's names [multiple times for some of you] onto two pages and then painstakingly cutting them out. They went into a lovely coral coloured dish that my brother gave me for my birthday and then a name was drawn out....

...I'm so thrilled that a true lover of words and writing is going to be receiving my personalised pressie.

I can't show you what it is as I'm now in the process of making it, but perhaps Ms Lizzie will post about it on her truly sparkling blog and you'll see what I mean about it being personalised.
If you are a lover of words and literature, you really must visit Lizzie's space.

Now a special mention must go to my fabulous wordy friend Ning.
Special kudos gets fluttered your way because of your enthusiasm and creativity.
For a person whose second language is English, I was gobsmacked by the story you created using the 'words in the bubbles'.

Dear friends, I'd be thrilled if you stopped by and took the time to marvel at what Ning created.
I'll be sending a little pressie your way too Ms Ning.

Now that all the fun stuff is shared, I need to let you know that I'm taking a fortnight off from blogging Lovelies.

I'll be back in time to do our faves:
* 'Post Of The Month' Club - some pearlers last month
* 'Vive Le Livre!' - I've got some brilliant books to share already...and
* A colour post [purple is the feature this month if you're keen to play along]

So keep your peepers peeled towards the end of the month/beginning of next month for these as I'd hate you to miss out. Don't be offended if I'm not visiting your space as much as I usually do, there are lots of balls in the air at the moment [including Captain V's 50th - yikes!] and I need my wits about me not to drop anything.

Happy day, I look forward to when next we meet,

Vive Le Livre - April

2012-05-01T10:19:00.000+10:00

It's the first Tuesday of the month and that means we're gathering together to share the pages that we've devoured & delighted in. My offerings this month are very slim indeed and you'll see that there was actually only one real 'livre' amongst them. I won't even attempt to offer excuses - suffice to say that I have high hopes for May and anticipate that you can boost the ranks with your own selections.

The only book in my selection "Paris Was Ours" edited by Penelope Rowlands was a special birthday gift from my ever thoughtful friend Jane. It's a collection of anecdotes and essays with such diverse titles as " Love Without Reason", "My Bookstore High", "Parenting French Style", "Understanding Chic", "Ma Vie Boheme" and "Paris Is Gone, All Gone".
Jane and I are both unashamed Francophiles and after reading this little gem, I'm inspired more than ever to explore the cobbled streets of the 'City of Lights'.

The remainder of pages I've turned have been of the glossy variety.
'Real Living' is my one indulgence each and every month and a great source of both inspiration and fodder for dreaming.

The 'Weekend Australian' newspaper is a mainstay in our home and after scouring the headlines, the magazine is savoured. I've taught Captain V to check that it's inside the newsprint when he hands over the clams to the newsagent, I've been disappointed on a number of occasions when he's brought a paper home sans the magazine.

Finally I've been receiving a little pressie in my mailbox each month since the start of the year via my brother and SIL. I think they may have doubled up on a subscription and I'm now the happy recipient of regular doses of Australian "House & Garden" magazine - a lovely treat.

So that's it for me - nothing too startling I know but some months are like that right?
On my bedside table right now is Craig Silvey's "Jasper Jones" which I began on Sunday...fingers crossed that I get through this and a couple more this month!

I can't wait to find out what you've been reading and how you've been "Vivre Le Livr'ing" in April.

For those who are looking for some new bloggy inspiration, you couldn't do better than to read the selections in this month's "Post Of The Month" Club - feel free to add your own in too!

If you're a new visitor to this space, you may also like to join in some wordy fun and go in the draw for a lovely prize in my "Say What?" giveaway.

Until next we meet, happy page turning!

Post Of The Month Club & A Silver Montage

2012-04-30T14:45:00.000+10:00

Happy day, it's time for the "Post Of The Month" Club and our chance to see what everyone has nominated as their favourite post for April.

But before you scoot off and link in your favourite post, I have to thank all of you who've added the most amazing entries into my "Giveaway" - you've truly impressed me with each and every one.

If you haven't got your name in the hat yet, there's still time so be sure to take a peek before you leave.

In other news, for those who've been regular readers this year, you may know I've been having all sorts of bother with my laptop USB ports. It seems it doesn't want to recognise any additional devices, which means that uploading photos has been a 'no go' scenario = very frustrating!

I've resorted to using Captain V's laptop and emailing all the photos to myself so that I can scrape my way into entering Emily's "Collecting Colours" silver gallery this month. Here are the results...

If you'd like to participate, it's lots of fun. Each month Emily has nominated a colour to use as the focus for a montage of items collected from our everyday lives.

Silver was an easy one for me as it's a common accent colour in my home and even though I always thought I was more of a gold kind of gal, from the kitchen to the laundry and everywhere in between, silver objects are in abundance. Amongst my favourites is a tea and coffee set which Mum informed me was probably my maternal Great Grandmother's.

Two other sentimentally special pieces are the silver framed photo of my maternal Grandparent's wedding day and the Koolaman Designs necklace {see the last photo below] which has all of my Grandparents' names stamped onto it.

The cross above is a bit of a cheat as it's a sample that I made for an primary school art class last week.

It's actually two layers of aluminium [or as some of you would say aluminum] foil covering a cardboard base and etched with a ballpoint pen....I liked the look of it and so it ended up in the mix.

Along with my butterfly biscuit cutter, everyday cutlery, stationery items, my most worn jewellery, Australian coins, dragonfly plug, silver and white striped feather [well it's silvery grey], a place card holder..there's a silver winged dove that hangs on the inspiration board in my office. Lot's of lovely silver.

This is the first time I've added anything into Emily's gallery and had so much fun I'm already getting items together for next month's purple theme!

Now of course we have something special that happens here on the the last day of the month - that's right, it's time for "Post Of The Month" club!

This is where we get together to share our favourite posts and connect with friends from all over the globe, promoting our fabulous blogs as we go - hooray!

If you haven't played along with this linky, it's super easy and a great way for you to connect with fabulous bloggers from every inch of this great big, wonderful world. You simply have to....

1. Find your favourite post - grab its URL and follow the steps in the Linky below to add it to the list

2. Once you've added your own post, please be sure to visit two other blogs and leave a comment

3. If you're one of my great 'Sparklers' you will already have the logo in your sidebar - thanks!

If you'd like to help get the word out and boost the visibility of the Linky [thereby giving you more opportunities to be discovered] pop a note on a post letting your readers know about it with a link to this post, or grab the "Post Of The Month" button from my sidebar and pop it into your post or onto your own sidebar.

I can't wait to see what you've all been up to this month and look forward to reading not only your posts but your comments too.

Happy day!

"Say What?" Giveaway Part Two...

2012-04-26T10:13:00.000+10:00

Finally 'Part Two' of the "Word of the Week" giveaway is here!

I had so much fun reading through your words and comments and can't wait to see what you do next.

There was such a terrific range of words [some real, some imaginative] and I'm thrilled to bits with the effort that everyone put into not only adding their own, but also taking the time to read through other people's selections.

I know that lots of my readers are 'wordy' types and hope that you enjoy the next part of the giveaway.

Here's how you can earn bonus entry points.....

1. Select a line of words from one of the lists below

2. Write the page number of the list so that I can easily check your selection

3. Create a sentence using the words on that line, putting them in "inverted commas" so that they pop out

Here's an example:

1. When the detective enquired about the cause of the crack in the "celadon" vase, it came as no surprise that Emelio tried to "squirrel" his way out of any blame using his "rakish" charm.

I've mixed up most of your entries and you can choose a line that includes one of your 'favourites' or go out on a limb and select words nominated by someone else.

You may enter as many times as you like [ie: write as many sentences as you like] but please be sure to send them as separate comments.

If you share this part of the giveaway on FB, Twitter, Google+ or your blog, let me know in a separate comment for one extra entry for each.

Every comment in this part of the giveaway receives TWO ENTRIES into 'the hat' - yep, that's double rewards for your extra effort!

I will be keeping this open until Wednesday 9th May {12 PM AEST} and announcing the winner on Friday 11th.

I hope you enjoy playing with these fabulous words as much as I have and can't wait to read your entries.

So without further ado, here are the lists....

Hug For A...

2012-04-20T06:25:00.000+10:00

Tra la la! I'm scooting off to work again this morning [insert happy dance here] so am sneaking in a quick post featuring the simple gift of happiness.....

{via}

Wasn't that fun? May your weekend ahead be filled to the brim with all that truly brings you joy!
I've got my fingers crossed for sunshiney days, the satisfaction of baking something delicious for others, a walk by the beach or river and time to lie in the hammock to read [uninterrupted].

Big hugs from afar,

Word Of The Week - Say What?

2012-04-18T06:52:00.000+10:00

Hi there and happy Wednesday!

I know many of you have come here today expecting the second installment in our 'Word Of The Week' game and giveaway but I'm going to extend the fun of adding your words in for an extra week.

Actually if I'm really honest, I've been flat out with house guests, my Dad in hospital with knee reconstruction, sick kids and work today that I haven't had time to do the fun second part of the game - yikes!

So if you haven't already added your favourite words to the list, be sure to jump on over here.

If you have, "Thanks!" there's some real doozies in there. Keep your peepers peeled for what happens next.

Happy day!

The AEIOU of Awareness...

2012-04-15T09:12:00.002+10:00

My sparkling Blogerista buddy Jennie has created the most fantastic mid-month activity to join in with.
Simply titled 'AEIOU' we have the opportunity to reflect upon what's been happening in our loves and write a post to share it with our blogging friends.

It was a 'sit up and think' moment for me as the past month hasn't been too flash and I wasn't able to think of too many things to share with you for these letters, and believe me I tried!

There has been a little creating and some terrific discoveries but there were also many gaps.
So what do you do when you come up with a blank? You make a poster to remind you to keep your bright eyes open for these positive elements in your life, that's what.

And so I did. Feel free to download the poster above and pop it somewhere sunny to remind you that this is a fantastic life and there are lots of fabulous things to be doing, learning, creating and sharing.

I'm going to print mine out and pop it on the fridge, because if I'm not doing these things then I can just about guarantee that I'm not modeling the best behaviours for the kids....it might even generate a conversation or two.

If you've enjoyed a rich month, filled to the brim with the types of things that Jennie is celebrating, be sure to pop it in a post {I'm looking for ideas people}, jump on over, say "Hi!" and away you go!

Happy day!

A Happy Making Tune For You...

2012-04-15T07:57:00.001+10:00

It's been a while since I've shared a 'happy making' tune and this one's a kicker.
I hope you have a fabulous colour-filled day - thank you Rainbow Geeks for introducing me to the terrific Kristin Andreassen, what a gift!

Now go and find a piece of paper and draw something that you love...

Elvis & Luke

2012-04-13T17:54:00.000+10:00

Our neighbourhood is filled with all sorts of flora and fauna, a virtual treasure trove if you will.

Each day morning and late afternoon, Luke and I go for a walk and check up on what's been happening. Sometimes we come home with a feathery treasure to go into the glass nest that sits on my office desk.

This afternoon Luke was quite distressed because he couldn't find his little mate Elvis.

Elvis is a black & white spotted miniature pig who lives two doors up.

He delights in aerating his owner's garden, and if Luke's lucky, playing 'hide & seek' with my gentle giant.

We could hear the snuffles and snorts from within the ginger grove, but the worms must have been extra tasty because Elvis wouldn't come out to play, much to Luke's disdain.

A consolation prize seemed to be a soft nibble on his back from Maverick the woolly pony who lives in the paddock across from Elvis...but Elvis wasn't showing his snout for anyone.

This evening as I reflect on all that I'm grateful for, I must say that the wealth of my neighbourhood's lovely natural gifts and the unexpected interaction between a dog & his pig are on the top of my list.

I'll keep taking my camera out on my walks in the hope that I can capture the antics of these two chasing each other around the yard and then you'll see just what I mean.

Happy weekend, may it be filled with things that make your heart sing & better still elicit a giggle or two.

Hop on over to Bronwyn's place to add in your own list of gratefuls, I'm sure you've got plenty.

Oh...and be sure to pop your name into the hat for my giveaway too...

Word Of The Week - It's A Giveaway!

2012-04-11T16:01:00.002+10:00

Hi there, I hope that your week is unfolding gloriously and you're ready for a zhushy word challenge.

Rather than me providing you with a new word to add to our ever growing vocabularies, I thought I'd

plum the depths of your own personal 'favourite words' lists and next week we'll play a game with them.

This is how it will work:

1. Simply pop 2-3 words that make you smile in the comments section below [yep, it's that easy!]

2. I'll gather them all together for a little game that we'll play next week

3. Every person who adds a comment [this week or next] gets an entry into the prize draw

4. If you share this with your own readers, friends & family via your blog, Facebook, Twitter etc,

come back and let me know [with a link if possible] and each one will be counted as an extra entry

5. Be sure to visit again next week to see the fun unfold....

So get your thinking caps on and share the fun.

I can't wait to read your zhushy words!

From My Home To Yours...

2012-04-06T22:00:00.001+10:00

Baby chicks, bunny ears and egg shaped treats - this is a little mixed media canvas that I'll be giving to my very special niece in lieu of chocolate this Easter....I'm sure her hippity-hoppity friend will be leaving plenty of chocolate treasures, so I decided to make her something to keep beyond the last of the tinsel wrappings.

In addition to visiting my family later this weekend, sharing in precious cuddles, catch ups and adventures, I've been blessed with two days of 'simply me' time.

You see Captain V and the Gifts have departed for various sporting and social endeavours, leaving Luke and I to enjoy two days of uninterrupted peace....sigh, it's been bliss and I'm truly grateful for the break.

As much as I love Captain V and the kids, I've come to realise just how much of an introvert I really am.

This time alone has been truly recharging, I haven't once been lonely or felt the need for company, in fact the solitude sparked my creativity this afternoon, resulting in this gift for my niece.

So this weekend as my days have unfolded I've been able to count my blessings, and the gift of solitude.

No matter where you are over this Easter break, I hope that you are blessed to share a warm hug and a giggle with someone you love, some quiet time for reflection...and perhaps a treat or two as well.

This post will be added to the big basket of 'gratefuls' over at my friend Bronwyn's place, she's gathering them there just for us - thanks Bron.

I've also shared this at Kirsty's 'Our Creative Spaces' link up, if you've popped over for a peek- welcome!

Happy day,

A Time For...

2012-04-05T18:58:00.000+10:00

Happy day Lovely!

I'm on holidays, a time for enjoying a different pace and of course some dreaming.

Imagining myself with oodles of cash to spare, I've created a wishlist of things that would bring me great pleasure....

1. Oh how I'd love to dream encased in this divine Georgina Bedding by Anthropologie

2. This glorious Amy Butler coat that I've had bookmarked for the longest time

3. Several of you have recommended this book in our 'Vive Le Livre' conversations, can't wait to dig in!

4. A natural fibre rug for our living area to bring warmth but with a beachy vibe

5. Bobbi Brown's 'Beach' body oil - scrummy

6. A chair of my own for the verandah, garden or beach to recline and enjoy 'number three'

That's it. I simply wanted to share what's been twinkling in my imagination at the moment....who knows, perhaps one or two may even materialise and double my delight.

The Gift Of The Ocean

2012-04-05T08:48:00.000+10:00

It's Autumn in my pocket of the world and I've got to say it's a glorious time of the year.
Captain V and I have been lucky enough to spend time on our beautiful beach and each day have
shared our gratitude for where we live.
We love the ocean and everything in it and relish the time we get to spend on, in or near it.

When I saw the following on 'Brain Pickings' I knew I had to share this gift with you too.
It's long and you may need to dedicate some time to watch it all but I'm certain you'll be transfixed.

Earnest Hemingway's classic novel "The Old Man and the Sea" has been brought to life by Aleksandr
Petrov and his son Dimitri using a unique technique of painting with pastels on glass.
It took them over two years to create and the result is truly stunning.

I'm scooting off now to enjoy time with my family over this Easter break and wish you & yours safe, happy
and connected times...perhaps spent by the ocean.

Word Of The Week - Ephemeral

2012-04-04T06:00:00.004+10:00

Today I'd like you to get active with your vocab zhushing.

I'm going to ask you to do three things for 'Word Of The Week':

#1 Watch the following video - it takes about 5 minutes and is totally worth the investment.

#2 Think of another word besides ephemeral to describe what you see.

#3 Include ephemeral in one of your posts and link back to this one.

Of course ephemeral has a poignant connection with my blog.
How? Well I have a delicate bloom and butterfly for my logo - both truly ephemeral beauties.

Now I can't wait to read your responses and your extra words to describe this movie.
Mine? Astounding!

Happy day!

Vive Le Livre - March

2012-04-03T06:00:00.002+10:00

"I was born twice. First in a wooden room that jutted out over the black water of the Thames, and then again eight years later in the Highway, when the tiger took me in his mouth and everything truly began."

These are the opening lines from "Jamrach's Menagerie by Carol Birch.
Discovering the book at my local library I was instantly captivated by the cover which featured the following recommendation: 'One of the best stories I've ever read.' - A.S. Byatt

Not surprisingly, I quickly whipped it under the borrowing scanner and was devouring its pages within the hour.

The novel was short listed last year for the Man Booker prize and is listed as historical fiction as it features real life characters such as naturalist Charles Jarmrach.

Historical fiction is one of my favourite reading genres and I have to concur with Dame Duffy [Aka A.S Byatt] as this was indeed a rolicking good read.....until I got to the midpoint.
That was where I had to skim through vast tracts of text as the content became too challenging for this delicate flower to manage. I won't spoil the plot for you but I have to say the realism was just that - real!
I got the general gist of the story by seeking out key words before returning to solid reading for the finale.
Don't let this put you off, not everyone's as a big a 'sook' as me, as already mentioned it's a terrific story....really.

My second book couldn't be more different.

"Beauty Rules" is written by renowned makeup artist and cosmetics maven Bobbi Brown.

I'm sure many of you probably use her luscious products but did you know the philosophy and techniques behind her healthy beauty line?

I love that she says that "beauty isn't about looking perfect. It's celebrating your individuality."

At a time when the teens in my home are grappling with finding their own way whilst being socially acceptable, I can use every snippet of help to encourage them to celebrate their uniqueness and not cave to the pressure of media bombardment to look tan, thin....like they're a 20 year old hooker!

There is a lot of pressure from their friends and the media encouraging them to wear buckets of makeup, try to tan their porcelain skin [we live at the beach so this is a constant worry] and dress like they're much older than they are - yikes!

I borrowed this book to read with them and already we've had some illuminating and positive discussions about sunscreen and makeup use - yay!

I find it endlessly interesting how a 'prophet outside their own land' will have their message received so readily when others [ie: Me] who may have been ~~banging on, nagging~~, sharing the same concept for aeons will be ignored - bless you Bobbi Brown!

This book is directed at teens and young women but I found myself appreciating her solid, no-nonsense approach to beauty including her 'Basic Life Rules'. I even made a little pocket chart for the girls which I thought you might like to have too....

{Image}

Speaking of beauty, the final book in this month's series is one that sits beside the reading chair in my bedroom and which I dip into regularly. Don't go looking for it in a regular bookstore though as it was published in 2004 by the National Gallery Of Victoria to accompany their exhibition "The Impressionists - Masterpieces From the Musee D'Orsay".

At the time, I flew to Melbourne with my friend Annie specifically to see this most wonderful gathering of my favourite artists and have been savoring my memento book ever since.

Unfortunately seeing them in a book or on a screen will never be as fabulous as popping your peepers on them in person, but we who are humble take our pleasures where we can right?

The bonus for me is that I can sip a cup of tea whilst poring over a Manet or Pissaro, something I definitely could not do in a gallery.

Well that's it for me this month. I haven't managed to tick anything from my list but as we had a lot going on I'm pleased that I managed to have anything to share with you at all.

I hope that you fared better and will be writing your own 'Vive Le Livre' post to share.

If you write a book review post, pop it into the mix, grab a button to let your readers where they can find other enthusiastic page turners, say "G'day!" to one or two others and you're away!

'Post Of The Month' Club - March

2012-03-31T06:00:00.026+10:00

Hello Sparklers, it's here - our first 'Post Of The Month' Club together!

I can't wait to see what treasures you pop on the table for March.

It's been a crackerjack month in our home not least because we've had so many lovely family celebrations AND I've managed to fulfill my Lenten promise of giving up coffee for a whole [well I'm almost there] forty days...I may have kicked a habit......let me emphasize the 'may' have.

Today also marks the start of a two week Easter holiday for our family and I've found myself pulling out the photo album and dreaming a little. You see a special friend is taking her Mother on a glorious holiday treat to Bali, jetsetting over to one of my favourite pockets of the world, Ubud.

Captain V took me for my first adventure to Bali for my fortieth birthday and I've been dreaming of returning ever since. I've whipped up a little montage of photos taken during our stay, I hope you enjoy...

So now, whenever I take Luke for a walk and spy the Lobster claw Heliconias in a neighbours' garden, or wear one of my colourful kaftans, bright silk scarves or souvenir silver jewellery purchased on the trip, I get an immediate flashback and exhale a deep sigh...truly I do.

It was one of those magical adventures where you're left wondering that if we went back, would it be as good.

We stayed in several locations but Ubud was my favourite and most of these photos are taken there.

So as my gorgeous friend Annie & her Mum touchdown and inhale that first blast of hot humid, clove infused air, I'll be closing my eyes and dreaming of rice paddies aglow with sunset hues, cocktails by the tropical lagoon and Kecak dancers in their silken threads....sigh.

But what am I thinking? There will be lots of fabulous new places to explore and new people to meet when we pop our favourite posts onto the 'Post Of The Month' Linky below.

Don't be shy, it's as easy as can be. If you're a regular, you'll know what to do.

For our new friends, it's as simple as skipping through your posts from March, choosing the one that you love the best, then pressing the hyperlink below that says "click here to enter".

You should be guided through a simple process 'et voila' you've become one of a terrific group of writers who meet every month. Share the love by visiting a few other blogs and you're away!

I'd be tickled pink if you'd be so kind as to add my button to your lovely sidebar, that way your own readers might be inspired to join in too.

We'll be doing this on the last day of every month and I'm looking forward traveling around the globe, reading and responding to each and every post added.

Happy day!

Will You Be Joining In?

2012-03-30T11:42:00.000+10:00

A candlelight bubble bath.
A game of 'Spotlight' in the backyard.
Marshmallows, singing and stories by a bonfire.
Star gazing and satellite spotting.

All of these and more could be a lovely way to join in with this year's 'Earth Hour'.
What will you do?

Saturday 31st March 8:30-9:30PM.

A Gift of Grace & Beauty

2012-03-29T11:36:00.000+10:00

Strength, grace, poise. All of these are words that I would immediately associate with ballet but
today's gift absolutely flawed me with its beauty.

Motions being slowed to highlight the precision of the movements enabling us to appreciate the vigour
in each placement of limb....inspiring.

Thank you to the team at Swissmiss for passing this forward, I've watched it twice already.

Happy day!

Brilliant News To Share!

2012-03-28T16:25:00.000+10:00

Hello lovely friend, I have news!
Great news....fun news....truly happy news!

I've been keeping this one under my hat [a rather large sombrero actually] for some time now and am fairly fit to burst with excitement. I've been in cahoots with a the most gorgeous lady, working on a special project and it's finally time to spill the beans.....yippee!

Many of you know the wonderful Laura of 'Happy Homemaker UK' fame....a 'sparkler' right?

If you haven't had the pleasure of visiting Laura yet I suggest you scoot on over after you've finished here and tap on her brand new front door for nice long visit.

She's just relocated to the most fabulous neighbourhood in the English countryside and I'm certain you would be a welcome distraction from the endless round of 'packing & rearranging' that follows a house move.

Once you've spent even the shortest time at her place you'll come to see why so many people pop in on a regular basis. Laura has created a truly wonderful space in Blogland which is always a delight to visit, particularly when there's a special event happening in the UK, such as the Royal wedding or the upcoming Olympic Games.

If you're thinking of visiting the UK [or perhaps a UK resident looking for inspiration for a little adventure] and would like some terrific insider tips, you really can't go past her "Do & See' segment.

This is jam-packed with up-to-the-minute tips and great tours, where Laura puts her own special stamp on each place she visits....believe me you're going to need to put aside some time for this as there's MUCH to see!

"But what about the news and the cahoots?" I hear you ask.

Well the other project that Laura is famous for is her 'Post Of The Month Club' which has been a favourite linky of mine since she started it last year.

Laura had the genius idea of creating a space where we could showcase our favourite post written in the previous month, then share it forward with what has become a truly amazing group of Bloggers.

In her own words:

"You've already done the hardest part of writing a really awesome post.

This is a great way to meet other bloggers and introduce your best work."

I know many Gifters already join in with this and that it's how I originally met some of you - great fun!

So here's where I share the most amazing news.....truly I'm most excited!

Laura has decided that the time has come to 'simplify her life and live more in the present' and is handing the baton for hosting 'Post Of The Month Club' onto me - wowsers!

So each month from now on, I'll be encouraging you to scroll through your posts and pluck out the one that you think truly sings then simply add it to the bloghop. How easy is that?

The end of the month is drawing near so keep your peepers peeled for the first linky coming up in the next couple of days. You'll be able to pop my newly minted button onto each post and in your sidebar to alert your own readers to the fact that you write for 'Post Of The Month Club' and I've no doubt that in doing so you're going to make some new friends too...

I'm so looking forward to this new adventure and can't thank Laura enough for the opportunity.

The sombrero has been popped back on the hat rack and I'm polishing my reading glasses and warming up the digits in anticipation of both reading and responding to all of your fantabulous posts.

In the meantime, scoot on over to share a cup of excellent English tea or a flute of bubbles [depending on the time of day & your predeliction] with Ms Laura who is always up for a chat...as you may well know!

Happy day!

More books than you could poke a stick at....

2012-03-21T08:36:00.004+10:00

Hello friend - happy Wednesday!

I've already shared a word this week, so thought that today's gift might celebrate my other loves:

books ~ creativity ~ colour ~ fun!

Many thanks to the ever-inspiring 'Brain Pickings' for sharing this forward.

I wonder if you'll be like me and have to watch it several times?

Happy day!

Word Verification.....Grrrr

2012-03-19T21:04:00.000+10:00

I'm sure you know by now that I LOVE reading your posts and delight in leaving you a comment.

However there's something that's really bugging me at the moment.

If you're a Blogspot Blogger and have word verification I'm just about going bonkers.

On bended knee I implore you to PLEASE read this terrific post by my sparkling friend Bronwyn who explains better than I could the in's & .......well in's of getting rid of this horrid beast.

Thank you Bron!

Happy day!

The Road To Paris - What A Journey!

2012-03-15T09:14:00.001+10:00

There are many 'Sparklers' in my world but Jennifer Reid would have to be one of the most sparkly.

If you have some time to sit and watch this amazing video I'd encourage you to do so, then go and say "Hi!".
I know she'd love it.

The A-Z of Me

2012-03-14T10:53:00.001+10:00

My oh my!

For the longest time I've been toying with creating an 'About Me' page for this space.
There have been several false starts but I've finally been given the kick up the bot that I needed thanks to my fabulous friend Jane who wrote a terrific 'A-Z' post inspired by Kellie & Sophie .

It was so easy to do and I'd encourage you to have a go, particularly if, like me, you haven't got an 'About Me' page yet.

My camera is still on the blink so I had to resort to using the webcam on my laptop for the photos...and I'll let you in on a little secret, I did it in my PJs, favourite t-shirt and morning cardigan because I just knew that if I fussed around too much I'd change my mind.

I hope you enjoy learning a little more about me and thank you Jane for the wonderful inspiration.

Happy day!
x

Word Of The Week - Au Fait

2012-03-14T06:27:00.005+10:00

Hello friend, are you ready to put on your zhushy hat and play with this week's challenge word?

I'd be thrilled if you left a note here or wrote a post with the phrase 'au fait' as the focus.

In addition to the defiintion provided you can be 'au fait' if you're acquainted with the facts; well informed; proficient; expert in or with something.

If I were to nominate areas in which I feel comfortable to say that I'm 'au fait' the following spring to mind:

* making a rich, scrummy, lip-smacking lasagne
* selecting, wrapping and presenting beautiful gifts
* the field of Gifted Education
* keeping Captain V happy & loved up
* Navigating shortcuts up and down the Sunshine Coast to get kids to sport on time - yay!

Things I'd love to be 'au fait' with:

* managing my comfort eating and anxiety [getting there]
* CPR and general first aid - coping well with snake bites, heart attack, stroke etc
* dealing with teen attitude [Captain V is the King of this, so there's hope!]
* the fine arts - art history, techniques, you name it, I'd love to have a great teacher to guide me
* the 'classics' in literature - as you know, I'm stepping my feet on this path with your guidance
* Paris, The Dordogne, Ubud, Italy, The Barossa Valley, Snow Pond, Tasmania.....actually this is a long list
* stand up paddle boarding

How about you? Don't give yourself too long to think about it, do as I did and tap it out.
If I'd thought more about it, I'm sure I'd revise my list significantly....so I'm going to press 'Post' now.

Happy day!