Strawberries

Strawberry shortcake by redcruiser

There were never strawberries like the ones we had that sultry afternoon sitting on the step of the open french window facing each other your knees held in mine the blue plates in our laps the strawberries glistening in the hot sunlight we dipped them in sugar looking at each other not hurrying the feast for one to come the empty plates laid on the stone together with the two forks crossed and I bent towards you sweet in that air in my arms abandoned like a child from your eager mouth the taste of strawberries in my memory lean back again let me love you let the sun beat on our forgetfulness one hour of all the heat intense and summer lightning on the Kilpatrick hills let the storm wash the plates Edwin Morgan

Boy, did I lose my temper.

Dog House original artwork by bellag1

So I'm building the dog house, unable to get the last piece into place. I struggle for half an hour, getting sweaty and more and more frustrated. The kids circle me, entertained, making suggestions and when Cedric tells me I should wait for daddy because he’s strong, I order them to go jump on the trampoline.

The puppy just  lay on the grass watching me with mild interest.

No matter what I did, no matter which angle I tried, I could not get that final part into position.

It was only when I lost my cool altogether, stamping my feet and storming away, leaving a puzzled puppy and a half-made hound house, that I realised that sometimes I need help. Not just help putting together dog houses, but help finding my voice, being the artist I want to be, and creating a successful business.

Don’t we all need help sometimes?

Do you seek help when you need it? Who do you ask?

Mad BiECO scrabble continues

No, I'm not really in a panic. See? Calm.
I'll save the freak-out until the very last minute. (It's just how I roll.)

This crocheted brooch with vintage button detail is just an example of what I'll have for sale on Saturday 6th November. I source yarn, sometimes from op-shops, friends and family, to make these cute and versatile flowers, and match them with a button from my grandmothers' collection, which goes far back to at least the 1950's. I pop a brooch pin on the back, and voila!

There will also be crafting tutorials from some clever BrisStylers, so stay tuned for more on that.

Australian Women's Complete Household Guide 1953 continued even further...

This dreamy red polka-dotted garden chair beckons you to come, rest your weary 1950's bones. Put down the borax or ammonia or whatever it is, pour yourself a nice Martini, and bask in the glory of your perfect garden.

The internets never looked so good!

               Photo taken right before I fogged up the glass in the Marais, Paris

After some tedious computer issues, I’m happily back to tickling the keyboard and being wowed by the new stuff I’m seeing.  It’s also time to get excited by the end-of-year markets. There seems to be a new one every week.

A newly tinted carrot-top Kirsty joined me for the slightly soggy fun of the Suitcase Rummage. The light rain didn’t stop the bargain hunters, and we ended up trading a few gorgeous  items with our neighbour Phoebe.   

We zoomed out to Bundamba for the Handmade Expo, only to find some stalls had literally been blown away. It was incredibly windy, but there were still smiles, some yummy food (I saw cakes that reminded me of the boulangeries in Paris – rose petals and chocolate? Yes, please!) and some good shopping.

Highlight? Voodoo doll pin cushions from Jaffajaf. Just too cute, in a murderous sort of way.