Notes on an Aria

Who woulda thought...

2011-01-29T21:33:00.006+11:00

Today I felt the need to honour and celebrate a little of the journey I've been on lately - just another step towards truly loving and accepting myself and getting real:) Us Mama's don't do this enough I reckon!

For the first time I'm actually sitting here writing this blog and don't feel like I need to curl up in a snug little ball and wither away... It may sound dramatic, but those words don't really even come close to describing what chronic fatigue actually feels - sorry, 'felt' - like.

Day after day of feeling like I couldn't hold the weight of my own head - like lying on the floor was the best I could do - like my muscles were melting away and completely dead through to the inner depths of my bones. Endless hours wishing that someone would just flick a switch and give me myself back. Not once did I actually feel truly awake. Driving was a challenge as was holding a normal conversation with someone. You know that sunken hungover feeling you might get after a huge night on the town? The kind where you can do nothing else except just crawl into bed and wait for it to pass? I had that feeling for about 3yrs. It was horrible. I had never felt so alone, lost and powerless.

So how did I go from that to this? I thought I'd jot down my journey very briefly - maybe someone out there can relate. I remember reading a blog entry another woman had written about her journey with CFS when I could barely keep my eyes open and it helped me get through that day. It was a great gift to feel understood - even if only via this weird and wonderful web of computer-connectedness;)

I won't go into everything as it would take a whole book and I'm not quite up to THAT, haha... Basically, after years of living hard in more ways than one, my body went 'kerplunk'. My 'self' had had enough and was telling me to shed all those toxic layers that I had worn for too long. I was presented with no other option. When your body just doesn't work - that's a pretty big sign. It was time to wake up!

The toxic food and substances, the toxic thinking, behaviours, relationships and attitudes all had to go. I had to be kind to myself - truly kind and not just resigned to the situation. I went from saying "just F*&@!ing DO it!" to "oh well, whatever", until I finally realised that what I needed to say to myself was "I love you". And mean it! Instead of fear I tried blind courage - I tried believing I could do life when all the evidence was to the contrary. I felt I had no choice - but at least it was a start.

During my pregnancy I almost absent mindedly stacked on over 30kg. There were complications during the pregnancy which meant I was stuck in bed or in a sedentary position for months with insatiable cravings for EVERYTHING. It took me well over a year after Aria's birth to get to a place where I could walk properly again - so on the excercise side of things I was the most unfit I'd ever been (by a long shot) and I felt 20yrs older than what I was. I knew that tackling the weight would help with the fatigue so I started to look into my options.

Weighed down and in pain.

Mainstream Doctors were at a loss as to what they could do for me so I was required to broaden my horizons and look elsewhere. I began to learn about food and what is actually IN most of this so called 'food' - what it really does to a person and just how toxic it all is! I was absolutely flabbergasted! At first, the more I read, the more I wish I hadn't! Once you begin on a journey towards health - truly and honestly begin - there is no going back! After discovering all the chemicals, additives, weird and wonderful preparation methods and plain old deceit attached to most supermarket foods I found myself looking fresh fruit and vegies square in the face and introducing myself. We were to become best buddies.

My interest in raw food and holistic health had been born. I read all I could manage and drank in each new fascinating fact with eagerness. After experimenting with many different food plans (and it is an ever evolving journey - one that I'm still on), I found what works for me. I firmly believe that we are all unique and that what works for me may not even come close for someone else - but for now I have settled on a raw vegan lifestyle. I'm not out to prove anything, so I'm not thoroughly, religiously strict. I try to stay real about it and have no hard and fast rules that must never be broken. I have tried that in the past and it just didn't feel right or make much sense to me. It was stifling and defeated the purpose which was to feel free and able to experience all that life has to offer. I must say though, that the more I learn about health, the less I want to go even remotely close to anything that falls outside of the category of fresh/organic fruits and vegies. It is a very natural process for me.

Other than the 'food' thing I addressed the whole exercise issue by taking up yoga again at my own pace. I wasn't able to do a lot at the beginning, but after a while I could feel myself freeing up and it really has done wonders. I forced myself through the brain fog into at least one walk each day where I picked up the pace to what I could manage. I needed to shift some of that plaque in my body and get the energy flowing. Something that helped at the beginning was what I call the 'wobbly world' gym. A friend of mine organised for me to have a few sessions at a gym where there are lots of machines that wobble you around and get those juices flowing. Mostly everyone else there was over 60 and loving it:) The machines basically do the exercise for you. I only needed 2 sessions before I felt I'd had the kick start I needed. The following week I was out RUNNING! Not far or fast (just up the road) - and it felt damn weird, but I was running! I am also a huge fan of many detoxifying practices such as jumping on a mini trampline to get the lymphatic system going, regular dry skin brushing, 'oil pulling' (there's heaps about this on line if you do a google search) as well as getting into the ocean as much as possible to re-mineralise (even if it's just my feet!). Smudging, using crystals, essential oils, getting out in the sun and drinking lots of the purest water I can get my hands on has helped immensely too.

I started to meditate more regularly and did a lot of soul searching. As those toxic layers were being discarded from my life one by one I was able to see again where my passions lie. I began getting creative again in new ways - crafting, I taught myself to knit (of all things!) and to use a sewing machine. I began playing music again and singing. I permanently switched off the T.V and refused to take in any form of 'the news' and have never regretted it. I find the news far too negative and one sided. It is not love centred at all - I began to ask myself "why on earth do I need to know this stuff! Sure, this is all terrible and I can hardly swallow while listening - but do I actually NEED to know this?" I have found that any item of news that I need to know I always find out about anyway.

Bioresonance therapy is another thing that has helped me greatly. This is a wonderfully supportive method to help get over any ailment and I will be eternally grateful to my lovely practitioner. This therapy has particularly helped addresss the viral side of chronic fatigue - the glandular fever, M.E and other mosquito born viruses. We also did lots of work on areas such as chakra clearing, emotional balancing, gluten/dairy and sugar issues, digestion, colon cleansing and getting rid of heavy metals (to name but a few).

To cut a long story short there are many, many, many different things I have tried and so much that I have learnt along the way. Life has become a lot clearer and I have been able to see what is good for me and what I need to move on from. I have moved away from unhealthy food, medicines, toxins, relationships, and self talk to a much brighter and fuller experience. It's all about love! Loving yourself. Putting in the effort when you have no energy to do anything of the sort. Taking your life seriously enough to work hard at giving yourself what you honestly need. When I was at my worst, barely able to open my eyes, the last thing I felt like doing was making a green smoothie, going for a walk, connecting to source/love/spirit and researching my options while talking nicely to myself the whole time. Heck, I could barely even light a candle and put on some essential oils. When I started out it was all too hard - but it was worth every bit of effort.

Loving my new dreadies too - a further expression of my spirit:)

I am now 25kg lighter, feeling free and excited about the future. I've made some hard decisions and have had to confront many fears - some of which were rooted in years long passed - and face up to the truth of my situation. I needed to feel safe and loved right at the very centre of my being and I think being so debilitated is what it took for me to wake up enough to finally get there. Overcoming chronic fatigue has become an amazing gift and a large part of my life journey. I am now able to be fully present for my beautiful little girl and am functioning with joy while leading a full and vibrant life. I have started teaching piano and flute again part time and am doing things I never though possible. The light is back. While I wouldn't say I'm all the way there yet, I'm well on my way and have turned the biggest corner of all - I am empowered and not a victim - I am based on love and not fear.

If you have read this far (congratulations, haha...) thankyou! Thankyou, for reading through this pretty jumbled account of what has been a huge transition for me. This post may appear to be quite long winded but believe me when I say it is just the absolute tip of the ice berg!

To the ever evolving journey... to life!

xxx

Christmas Rainbow Baby Tutorial

2010-11-25T14:18:00.000+11:00

A couple of people have asked me how to make the little christmas babies in my last post, so I thought I'd attempt a tutorial... Here goes!

With some skin coloured wool roving separate the section into 3 parts. One for the inside of the head, the outside and a small piece to tie around the neck.

Tie one of the larger section in a loose knot to form the inside of the head.

Cover the knotted piece with the other larger section of wool while leaving the ends to hang down at the bottom.

Tie the small piece of wool around the base of the head where the ends are hanging down.

With some pink wool pull off three large sections.

Needle felt these to the hanging pieces of skin coloured wool around the base of the head. Have the looser and thinner end of each section of the wool towards the bottom - this will help to form the tapered shape.

Attach the pink wool around the whole circumference of the neck looking for any gaps that may need to be filled.

Next, with some purple wool, felt on some smaller sections in the same manner. The pink wool should still be visible below the ends of the purple wool.

Follow this with some darker blue, then some lighter blue.

Then needle felt some green wool around the base of the head- using shorter tufts for each new colour.

Finish with some small apple green pieces around the neck.

For the hat, use a pice of yellow and a piece of green wool. Combine them together by gently ripping them and laying them over each other to form a marbled effect. You could alternatively just use the yellow on it's own.

Wrap the wool around the head and needle felt in place. Smooth out any lumps and bumps with the needle and tuck in any loose ends around the neck by punching in with the needle.

To finish, use a small length of yellow wool to wrap around the neck.

Needle felt this in place - again, punching in any loose ends.

Sew a thread into the head and there you have it! A magical rainbow baby for the christmas tree:)

With love and light

xxx

and the Christmas Season Begins...

2010-11-21T18:51:00.000+11:00

Christmas is everywhere already! I love this time of year and am being flooded with ideas as to what Aria and I can make for gifts as well as some little treasures for her. We are also getting into the spirit of Spring/Summer and getting into lots of new activites...

We have been busy making christmas tree ornaments - I may put wings on them to make them into christmas angels, but I quite like them as is; little christmas flower babies to hang on the tree. Aria's favourite is the rainbow baby:)

These are extremely addictive to make!

Aria helped to sort out the different lengths of wool into bowls from her kitchen. She then handed them to me as I needed them. I also supplied a little foam pad and a small stick (for her 'needle') just for her as she happily mimicked what I was doing. She loved pulling the wool apart and "making babies" while sitting in the sun with me.

Today we got the wool out again along with some cookie cutters and wet felted these shapes. I thought I'd do some blanket stitch around the edges and sew some beads on for some more christmas ornaments to be gifted to family and friends - we better get busy if we want some for our tree too!

The weather here still hasn't straightened out in all it's spring glory, so one wet afternoon Aria and I painted each others faces. There was a lot of laughter, that's for sure.

For the spiritual circle that I go to each month we were asked to make some tarot cards. I decided it would be fun to paint them with Aria. She was thrilled with all the card laid out on the table and set to work! They turned out to be really special cards:) I was really nervous about doing a reading on another person - a relative 'stranger', but it was a lot easier than I thought and freed up a lot of fears around speaking with others.

Recently I have altered our weekle rhythm to include: Monday - Cooking day, Tuesday - cleaning day, Wednesday - Pool day, Thursday - Playgroup day, Friday - Gardening day. This week we made a gluten free teddy bear cake and some delicious Pizza (although Aria didn't want to eat hers in the end so it ended up in Aunty Kirsty's tummy!)

For 'pool day' we have been visiting an awesome salt water pool in Mt Martha. Aria loves jumping in and out of the pool and the water play really seems to be a grreat need for her. Aunty Kirsty came to visit this week and took these shots on her phone.

Peace,

xxx

Mary, Bluebell, Berry, and the Wind.

2010-11-07T01:50:00.000+11:00

Time to breathe for a moment I think... I'm talking abouy the whole family here and not just me! We've had one of those weeks - or few months really. (How did November get here so quickly!) Craziness! Car rides here and there, so many errands, so many plans to make, ideas to consider about the future, and so much to do. It's so easy to get lost in all the traffic of life without meaning to and eventually end up looking back at recent events needing one big long out breath! It is wonderful, though, to look back over the week in photos and to remember those moments of joy that came with all that activity - to be grateful for all that we have experienced and all that we are - to feel warm and safe in our little family unit that goes through the waves of life together (with cuddles!).

Halloween was another family affair with members of both sides getting into the spirit of our spring-flavoured celebrations.

Aria went as 'mary had a little lamb' after discovering the perfect sized crook at the craft store. This is my second attempt at asewing from pattern and she didn't want to take it off at the end of the day! Success!

We are continuing the traditions that we started last year - including the offerings from each person of lovely spring produce to be divided up for all at the end of the celebrations. What a display of abundance!

Aria and I enjoyed sitting in the sun. Aria chatted away while I made her some 'babies'. This one is named 'berry'...

This one is named 'bluebell', and she now lives with a little girl we met at the beach while having lunch with Aunty Kirsty. This little girl has asperger syndrome and was really taken with bluebell. It was incredibly touching. Aria chose bluebell to give to her and we could see that this little baby would be loved very much with lots of cuddles and kisses.

At our Steiner group we made a 'wind sock'. It just so happened that it was a very windy day - Aria had a lot of fun taking it out for a spin (as well as a spring coloured silk painted by some children at a local primary school to sell at their fete) while waiting for Dadda to come home on the train.

A perfect spring passtime! :)

With love, light, and peace

xxx

So many things to blog about!

2010-10-30T12:36:00.000+11:00

It seems to have been ages since I posted a blog about the goings on around here... so here is a mish mash of what we've been doing lately in this 'Jekyll and Hyde' spring weather! Octoboer came and went in the blink of an eye and now we're heading toward christmas - i can hardly believe it!

I made my first little thing sewing from and actual pattern! I was so scared of patterns for some reason, but Aria seems to love it all the same:)

She is fascinated with all the bird activity around the place at the moment - it's like a spectacular air show with birds!

I decided to continue with the whole sewing-from-a-pattern thing and made this little dress for Aria for our 'Spring Harvest/Halloween party'. She wanted to go as "Mary had a little lamb" after she discovered a crook/walking stick the perfect size for her at the craft shop.

I made my first coil bowl...

Rainbow colours:)

Aria got in on the creative mood and decorated her face with markers that Mama absent mindedly left lying about! (At least they were the wash-in-water non toxic kind!)

We've had many new faces and experiences with little miss 2yr old!

It has been so much fun being able to communicate on a whole new level!

Earlier in the month my sister had her wedding...

It was a beautiful day with many smiles...

The bride and groom looked absolutely breath taking!

It was a lot of fun getting to know the other bridesmaids a little better during the lead up to the wedding. There was so much to organise and it was a pleasure with these beautiful women:)

Aria received a special gift from Great Nanna and Great Grandad (visiting from NZ) who saw her fascination with prams/babies and spotted this awesome retro set of wheels at the Hurstbridge market.

It was soooo wonderful to have all the relos visiting from NZ for the wedding. Aria had a fantastic time meeting everyone again. I really miss my kiwi family!

Aria proudly showed off the house we made for Aunty Kirsty...

...and had more fun and games with family:)

The new bride and our Dad:) I love this shot!

We returned home from the wedding to find that a bird has nested on our fuse box! All's going well so far and we've managed not to disturb her... we are now using the other door! I hope those babies turn out ok sitting on top of that fuse box!

An finally... I now have my long awaited dreadies! I'm LOVING them so far:)

They are slowly forming and right now I'm going few the inevitable initial period of complete and utter frizziness!

We have our Halloween/Spring party tomorrow night and preparations are underway right now... speaking of which, I'd better run of and help out!

In love and light

xxx

Dinner Parties and Castles

2010-10-30T12:04:00.000+11:00

Lately we've been re-familiarising ourself with the joys of the beach! The sun is back and we're loving it!

Aria decided to make me some lunch. She set about arranging a table for me...

... complete with brain-like things and lots of sandy shell-plates

"More sandwhich Mama?"

So much exploring to be done!

It wasn't too long before the pants came off and we were digging around making mountains and towers.

Having a nudie bum is always a favourite passtime!

More cakes for Mama:)

The following day we went back to our beloved beach only to discover that our old friend 'winter' was back to make another appearance! Winter truly has not wanted to leave us this year! What a contrast between the two days - spring weather is amazing!

Amidst all the wet rain, wind and stormy weather a double rainbow smiled at us (you can't quite make out the second rainbow in this shot, but there was one!)

Stormy skies are so interesting!

We loved out walk on the beach all the same. It is exhilirating in any kind of weather!

With love and light

xxx

A Flower Faery, Special Friends & a Tawny Frog Mouthed Owl

2010-09-26T01:31:00.000+10:00

What a week we've had! With many signs and messages from nature (including the need for us to spend much more time out there!), some new little needle felted beings and a very special gift for Aria.

We have a new flower faery adorning our spring scented tree. What a welcome spirit she is!

Despite the rather gloomy overcast skies and persistent rain, our days are brightened by the many gorgeous flowers everywhere we look.

A pair of friends

She is all ready to travel to New Zealand to be with little 3yr old 'Evie' (whom she looks like very much!)

Evie's best friend will also have a new friend to play with. I wonder what adventures these girls will get up to...

Aria had a very special gift this week arrive in the mail - her very own millet baby! What a surprise! Thankyou soooo much Elke - it was the most perfect, thoughtful and precious gift:) We love you very much! I nearly cried when I saw this beautifully and lovingly hand made made little bubba - I had just been talking with Michael the very day before about how Aria really needs a doll but I had been feeling too fatigued to make one for her. Of course I could hardly believe my eyes when this arrived the following day - such an gift made especially for my little girl with love:)

I wanted to make the arrival of this new little member of the family very special as dolls hold so much significance and soul for children, so I set out a trail of crystals, feathers and flowers to signify that the angels had stopped by with a beautiful gift especially for Aria...

The angels even left a feather and some precious gifts with the baby in her crib!

Aria was immediately taken with her new baby which she named "Milly" after hearing me say to Michael that she was a Millet baby. She is filled with organic toasted millet and lavendar essential oil. I was able to warm her in the oven before Aria got home for her surprise. She felt so real and had such a soothing presence!

Many sloppy kisses were shared...

...and Milly was immediately invited to her first picnic

...followed by dessert!

And lastly..

Today we were gratefuly blessed to experience an 8 hour visit from this rather regal tawny frog mouthed owl! He stayed in this spot on one of our gum trees and slept for most of the day only opening his eyes every now and then to look at us. He was so well camouflaged! At one point the skies opened up with hard pouring rain but he stoically sat there, motionless, like nothing at all was going on. This was a reminder to me to remain at peace during rough times - to connect with the spirit of nature and let it all flow right past. 'All is well in my world!'

When he decided to leave he took off with the most amazing woosh - those wings were awesome. I got such a fright when he finally took off that my heart nearly jumped out of my chest! I guess when it's time to move out of our camouflaged comfort zone, might as well do it proudly and with effortless energy!

Peace

xxx

Spring babies

2010-09-18T11:46:00.000+10:00

Spring babies are slowly stretching as they carefuly uncurl their magical little bodies from the centre of all the new flowers that the faeries have nurtured into being. Surrounding us are many small beings - waking up, opening their eyes and looking into the sun for the very first time. Excited about their new journey with mother nature and about all the gifts they have to share with all the Mums, Dads and children who live in the land of spring time - I managed to collect a little bud baby and she sits on our nature table and waits every day (along with some other magical beings) to play with a very curious little girl who gives her lots of cuddles and kisses...

Many thanks to Marie from 'Soft Earth Art' for the adorable babe in a basket and the bird who are constantly being played with:)

Sitting in her flower is where this little one likes to be the most - surrounded by the sunny warmth of spring time.

Aria also very much enjoyed helping Mama make some blossoming branches at our local Steiner play group this week. It's amazing how effective some crumpled tissue paper can be! We want to make many more of these branches and many more birdies to sit on them as there are so many different bird folk around us at the moment of all shapes and sizes.

With love and light

I am grateful for this moment:)

2010-09-17T13:59:00.000+10:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember. Inspired by soulemama

Many blessings for your weekend ahead

xxx

The beach, the garden, Koalas and tea time :)

2010-09-15T16:11:00.001+10:00

Well, spring has finally sprung and we're all starting to stretch our bones and wake up a wee bit around here! I don't think I've ever hibernated quite so much as I have this year. What a cold, dark and wet winter we've had! I'm sure as the sun settles in the sky and I regain some energy I'll be back to my old blogging self, but in the mean time I'm quite happy to just post here and there. I'm very much enjoying going with the flow of the seasons - something which is new for me and something which is a whole lot easier to do while living in the amazing surrounds of the Mornington Peninsula! It's such a profound gift to be more in tune with mother nature - while I've definitely felt the need to go within and to retreat quite deeply, I've actually felt more alive as a result.

This is what's been going down over the past week or so...

I've enjoyed going for soul-cleansing walks at the beach during the week with Aria. We have been presented with many gifts and messages from the wondrous world in which we live:) It's amazing what you learn if you just keep your heart open to what is out there!

I'm sure many of these gorgeous little flowers are weeds - but that didn't stop Aria from indiscriminately collecting these spring beauties for our table wreath.

We have been spending some extra time in the garden lately and I'm really getting addicted to it! Weeding and simply being out there in the dirt and the sunshine (albeit tentative) has been undeniably nurturing for both Aria and myself. We have been meeting lots of new faeries and Aria has been talking of angels in the garden for the first time. Some very special and beautiful moments are being shared out there! I am often filled to the brim with joy as I observe Aria with her trolley, wheeling the piles of weeds around the place - taking the "fruit to the fruit lady for her shop". Apparently we're farmers!

We have also taken to observing all the bird activity at the moment - I have a thoroughly new appreciation for birds as I have been delving into my animal totems (one of which is Crow). It's almost like the whole world has opened up - in our garden!

The makings of our spring wreath within which we always place a candle where the 'faeries of the candle flame' light our evening mealtimes.

Michael and I were startled late the other night when we saw a pair of eyes slowly moving past our lounge room window...

Upon further investigation we were delighted to discover a strong looking young Koala. We haven't seen a Koala for weeks and weeks and were worried that the population had dwindled so much that perhaps we wouldn't be seeing many more of them around (the drought and neighbourhood dogs have taken their toll on the poor Koalas of late). What a special treat!

Today Aria and I spent a good hour or so sharing tea:)

Notice how saturated everything became! Hehehe

"Teapot hat having a bath"

Sooo much fun to be had from a cup or two (and a bench - and a floor) of rosehip tea!

Boy do I love this girl!

I hope you are all enjoying moving with the changing seasons wherever you are in the world:)

With love and light

xxx

Grateful

2010-08-21T20:54:00.002+10:00

How often is it that one can just walk out the front door and head around the corner to a beautiful array of market stalls, musicians, spring flowers and a buzzing local crowd? Well, today we did just that! We visited our first Somers Winter Market and we had a day filled with smiles and gratitude.

I enjoyed a piping hot cup of homemade soup sold by the local preschool while Michael and Aria devoured some scrumptious little pancakes. We sat in the middle of the gorgeous grounds outside the Coolart homestead while we sampled our treats accompanied by some folksy guitar tunes and the laughter of children as they giddily chased each other.

I met some local musicians and learned of a 'Muso's night' nearby that runs on a fortnightly basis. I can't wait to go along and meet some other fellow singer/songwriters and to learn more about the music scene on the Peninsula.

Aria happily decorated her very own Somers T-shirt...

With a little help from Mama and Dadda...

I'm so grateful to be running right now! You can't stop me!

Michael and I had to take it in turns though - Aria's energy was boundless!

Laughing, running, puffing and tripping over her uncooperative shoes (which eventually stayed off altogether). Aria is just blossoming right now - in tune with the seasons!

This was taken just after we all piled on top of each other... "Stacks on Mama!!!" Next time Dadda can be on the bottom I think!

*************************************************

Earlier in our week...

I have been embarking on a new journey of late. Feeling a renewed spiritual energy, I have been going within and taking the time to cultivate a meditative state of mind and a still heart. It feels wonderful to shed some layers. Part of this journey has invloved joining my first spiritual circle. Along with a group of lovely women, I have been rediscovering my relationship with native American Indian spiritual practice through ceremony, sharing and a wonderful teacher.

I have had some incredibly profound moments already and am so excited to be entering this new, deep and real time of discovery. We have been discovering our animal totems, working with the four Grandmothers and are about to begin working with the medicine wheel. This is all very new to me at this moment, but somehow I feel very connected to all this entails - like I am now being reminded of what truly lies in my soul. I am just in love with all that life in these parts has to offer. I am in the right place.

Around us, cascading golden wattle rolls over the landscape. I'm not even sure if I'd ever really noticed wattle before we moved here! I grew up in New Zealand and have only lived in suburbia and the inner city in Australia before where you can hardly even tell one season from the next. Can't miss it now! This is the view outside our lounge room window. What a lovely introduction to spring:)

Hello little one!

The trees have only just begun to light up with radiant blooms. Such a delicate glow underneath the waking father sun who is stiring from his long winter slumber.

Aria has been extremely taken with babies at the moment. I thought this would be the perfect gift for her as she recovered from a two year old molar-induced bout of fever and diarrhea. She has never been sick like this before, so as she slept I quickly gathered whatever I had at hand and whipped up this funny little baby doll for her. Even though the bubba looks very wrinkled-old-man-ish, she seems to be in love with it all the same. It's adorable watching her give her baby "milk cuddles".

I am feeling so much gratitude for the changing seasons of our lives right now and am loving each moment.

In love and light

xxx

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-04T16:15:00.000+10:00

I am grateful for this moment...

wordless wednesday

Peace

xxx

Connection

2010-07-31T22:19:00.001+10:00

I wanted to portray the wonderous connection between Mother and Baby - that unbreakable bond - the 'Madonna's cloak' - that strong embrace. I've been captured lately by the warmth and safety that eminates from this unique and precious incubatory time - when a little one needs the arms of their Mother to land softly in this world...

Welcome beautiful one!

Connected:)

Such a joyous and new experience of love

Peace

xxx

Lady of the Ocean

2010-07-31T15:42:00.002+10:00

Lately I have been taking long walks beside the ocean - feeling Mother Earth beneath my feet as I wade through the sand and seaweed - letting the earth guide me as I walk. This week Aria and I were treated to some extra special time with our local dolphin family. I even caught them on video this time - only a few metres away from the shore! I think these latest adventures may just have inspired this little creation...

"Ocean"

Feeling the waves beneath her feet:)

Enjoying the sun.

In Peace, Love, and Light

xxx

A beautiful melody turns TWO

2010-07-20T21:11:00.000+10:00

Once referred to by her Pa as "A beautiful melody sung by life itself" - our little Aria has now marked the end of her 2nd year here with us. We have many, many minutes of video footage and photographs and we also hold with us the amazing atmosphere of love, warmth, joy and security that comes from such a gathering of family.

On more than one occasion a tear or two welled in my eyes as I experienced anew the awe of becoming a Mother and the sheer preciousness of being able to call such a beautiful soul "my daughter". It was amazing to see her in all her 2yr old glory playing with her gifts, chatting with people and smiling from ear to ear amidst the excited flurry of festive wishes.

I picked up this idea of leaving a trail of fairy lights from a friend's blog (thanks Elke!) Aria's eyes grew WIDE when she emerged from the bedroom in the morning to see this magical pathway:) She knew it was a special day!

When she looked up to these flags she said "Mama mate it" - even though she didn't see me making these, she must be used to the home made vibe around here!

Window stars were created the night before...

While Dadda dried off the last of the wet paint with a hairdryer (at midnight!)

Adding the finishing touches to his masterpiece. Dadda's first ever bit of woodworking!

(Now, back to the morning of her birthday woops - photos a bit out of order here)... Exciting!

Birthday Star:)

"Bocks"!!!

Yay! My guesstimation was right - the pants fit!

Aria loved her new little needle felted doll.

She pretended to make her walk all over Mama!

Busy chopping the breakfast fruit with her new little sidekick.

Until Dadda gets distracted and zooms the fairy around the birthday girl...

"Where is she???"

"THERE she is"!!!

2yr old Aria ready to head off to the shops to buy the ingredients for her birthday cake.

How did a carob frog find it's way into the birthday girl's hands!

Christening her new quilt

We had a family party for her the following day - Aunty Anthea and Grandma helped Aria collect flowers to make her birthday wreath.

The finished product.

There were lots of exciting presents! Everyone was spot on with their gifts - it's like Aria's angels whispered in everyone's ears. I think this little girl knows exactly how to manifest what she wants! Hehe:))

Perfect for all the spectacular winter rain we've been getting. Thanks Uncle Jordan!

There is always an initial stand off when her closest friend Airlie comes to visit. Then after this they can't keep away from each other! (As you will see)

Airlie made Aria a book about the last time she came to visit us. The girls put on their 'puddle boots' and jumped in all the puddles before seeing a sleeping Koala up the gum tree and seeing a rainbow at the beach.

Aria loves this beautiful present:) "Mama do it - Airlie book - Ok?"

We had some outside time with new garden tools from Nanna...

...followed by circle time with all of Aria's favourite songs. It was fantastic seeing everyone's faces light up at singing those familiar childhood songs.

I told my version of the rainbow bridge story with little watercolour paintings and felt figurines.

Aria certainly made herself comfortable! They're only 8mths apart, but this just shows how much bigger Aria thinks her friend is!

The Mama, Dadda, Bubba, Angel and little girl from her birthday story.

Hehee :)

That's better!

The Raw orange and Cacao cake that I made the night before. It took me nearly 4 whole hours to prepare this thing! I thought it was very yummy though and am told it was worth it! I may need to invest in a better blender before I attempt another layered vegan cake though!

Drying the dishes in the new kitchen.

They made pasta on the stove, cut up some apples and served everyone cake and tea!

Raw 'Key Lime Pie'. Fattening with so much avocado, but yum!

Sporting a new cardi courtesy of Nanna and playing with her new little german wooden village from Pa. (Got to get some of our German heritage in there somewhere!)

Admiring the window star and the window hangings. Such a smiley little rainbow!

Thankyou, dear family, for making this celebration so special! This can be my 'this moment' shot for this week. I am most definitely grateful for this moment! For the hugs, smiles, jokes, love, playfulness, spirited chatter, help, gifts, connection, singing, and presence - thankyou!!!

In love and light,

xxx

Birthday Business

2010-07-16T14:49:00.001+10:00

I just thought I'd post some photos of our preparation as we get closer to Aria's 2nd birthday. We are having so much fun getting all the surprises together for her special day tomorrow which she will spend with just Mama and Dadda. Aria is very excited about her "Birsday Party" on Sunday to which all the family will be coming to share in songs, stories, nourishing food and lots of lovin':)

I didn't want to use balloons this year as I am conscious of keeping this as un-disposable as possible, so I decided to make some flags to hang around the place.

I'm extremely grateful for this hand-me-down sewing machine from my lovely Mother in law, Christine, which is getting some good use - (even if it's operator is somewhat confused the majority of the time!)

Dadda has been trying his hand at a woodworking project! He is building a kitchen bench complete with sink and stove top with shelves underneath to store all her plates and utensils. He has also been 'tuttin tees' (cutting trees!) to make tree blocks which I have just finished sanding

A certain someone's quilt is now complete. I included her own artwork (batik inspired painted fabric) patches which have made it feel really personal and special.

Hopefuly her artwork detracts from Mama's amateur sewing skills!

I have lined it with 100% natural bamboo/wool batting:)

Her birthday angel is beginning to take form

One excited little girl! Aunty kirsty is over to help make some decorations:)

Collecting decorative flowers with Aunty Kirsty

Ingtriguing!

A gift for Kirsty:)

The beginning of some window hangings made of merino rainbow wool, some wool roving angels, stars, flowers, shells, gum nuts, and other bits and bobs. Aria loved doing this so much for Dadda's birthday, that I thought we would do it again for hers. It's hard to capture in a photograph, but the effect is quite magical and suits my little rainbow girl to a tee!

We've tried our hand at tie dying for the first time!

...And together we sanded some tree blocks.

Somewhere amidst all this preparation and excitement I need to find some time to meditate and to sleep! Phew! My head is spinning with birthday songs and stories... Don't you just love birthdays? I do!

In love and light

xxx

Kicking off the Winter blues - coming out of hibernation!

2010-07-11T20:20:00.003+10:00

Today I decided we all needed to get out there and shake off some of that old wintery stagnation.

For some time now I've had a little goal that I'd like to start running. I've been feeling so full of life on my low fat raw vegan diet that I actually VOLUNTARILY got up on this sleepy Sunday morning and went for a RUN! Yes, you did read that correctly.... a RUN! It was only very short - halfway round the Koala reserve and back - but, I'm near on exstatic that I could even do that much! I've never really been a runner before - even though I was always fit (pre difficult pregnancy) - but for some reason I have been envisioning myself running through the country side and shifting all that blocked energy as I fly by. I've been craving this expression of power and strength since I was told (not all that long ago) that I was told I wouldn't be able to do anything of the sort ever again (I was wheel chair bound throught the 2nd half of pregancy due to unstable pelvis). My muscles were weak and I barely made it home, but I was soooooo excited that I'm nearly tearing up as I write this!

After such a brilliant start to the day - Oh and did I mention the sun was shining like it was spring- we gathered ourselves and took off to a local farm where we picked up some delicious goodies that any Raw eater would appreciate.

I'm keen to try the Durian that we picked up today. I've heard many good things, and it smells delicious (even if it is lethaly sharp!) I scored some delicous locally grown organic herbal teas which I've been enjoying all day and am looking forward to putting the Aloe Vera plant to good use.

We also stopped by the markets in Mornington and strolled around the colourful crafty stalls. I love the vibrant energy of markets:)

After this Aria konked out in the car while we drove down the peninsula to Cape Schank and took advantage of the fact that all the national parks around here now have free admission (as of July 1 this year).

Drinks thief!

Isn't it great to be ALIVE!

Gnome's carpet pops up where you least expect it!

Lots of "Tuddles" with Dadda today.

Aria insisted on walking down EVERY one of those stairs - all the way to the end and back up again! The other visitors were most intrigued!

Such little legs and so many steps!

A little break for Mama...

... which didn't last for long.

Some awesome views

Intriguing landscapes

Some sort of sea mushroom-trumpet thingee with a seaweed hair do!

Lots of snuggles in the wind while looking at the ocean lap over the pebbled coast.

Some images from earlier in the week around our neighbourhood:

In love and light

So, my raw food journey begins...

2010-07-03T15:08:00.001+10:00

I just thought I'd stop by and write a quick post on where things are at for me right now. I like to keep a record here on my blog for myself as I so easily forget the ins and outs of my days... just ask me at the end of any given week what I've been up to and I draw a blank! This blog is in many ways an on line diary or journal - I find physicially writing things out in a diary like I used to do as a teenager too time consuming & I never seem to get around to it, so this is the next best thing.

Lately I have been on a pretty intense journey with regards to what I put in my mouth:) It's amazing to me just how powerful our diet can be. I am learning an incredible amount about all the healing qualities of fresh vegetables and fruit and all the medicinal aspects of whole foods. I find it quite incredible that these days the pharmacy has almost been replaced by the health food store! Not all health food stores are like this of course, but I find your average health store retailer has the same old 'pill for every ill' mentality as the pharmacist down the road! I am really moving away from using supplements and moving towards a completely natural, stripped back to the basics diet. As the well know Hippocrates quote goes "let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food". I am inspired to eat in a wy that we are biologically built for. Our bodies just aren't equipped to deal with todays 'technology food' and 'Junk food'. To think that I ever put something called "JUNK food" into my mouth and still wondered why I had chronic dis-ease!

At this stage in my health/healing-evolution I am extremely excited to be experiencing all the wonderful health benefits of going raw. I wrote a little while ago about my transition from vegetarianism to a more traditional and animal protein inclusive diet which was inspired by the nourishing traditions book. I have given that a good amount of time I feel, but it just hasn't been working out for my particular issues. My body just doesn't appreciate having meat and animal products being put into it I'm afraid! So here ends that chapter:)

After reading about a freind's adventures with going raw, I was inspired to look into it myself. I am gearing up to going 100% raw at the moment and am starting off with a juice feast. I discovered there is a good reason it's dalled a juice 'feast' and not a juice 'fast'. I was SO FULL the whole time! I actually found it somewhat difficult on occasion to finish off the whole juice based on the recipes I was using from the wonderul book Raw Food Clease by Penni Shelton. I guess what I've been reading about how our body processes food must be true - apparently our bodies register the nutrient value of food and not the calories. This is why we can chow down on junk food and feel like we need more, more, more - the body is searching for something it can use - but with nutrient dense food we feel fuller more quickly because the body is satisfied that it has been truly 'fed'.

I juice feasted for two days this week and can't even begin to describe the amazing results I've had! To put it simply, my body, mind, and spirit is just working for me now! I no longer feel betrayed by my own body and I have more energy than I did even as a child. In this week of cranking up the rawness of my diet I lost 3kg over night and lost another 1kg over the span of the week. That's 4kg in one week! I have been placing extra emphasis on detoxing my system in any way I know how to as well, which may have also contributed to this weight loss. I have been using my neti pot, oil pulling, ingesting all sorts of wonderful intestinal enzymes (from Eden Healthfoods based only on the professional advice of my bioresonance practitioner and energy healer) to clean out the system, getting as much sunlight as possible in the middle of winter, exercising every day, getting back into my old favourite passtime - yoga, drinking litres of water, going to bed a couple of hours earlier than I used to, meditating more often and with more focus - and I'm also about to begin dry skin brushing. Basically I'm giving this lifestyle shape up a really good hot go!

I'm finding that the more raw food I eat, the better I feel and the more momentum I gain which propells me further towards my goal of complete health and healing. Besides 'devouring' some wonderful books, the internet is also an amazing tool for which I am constantly grateful:) I have joined many raw food sites, found many inspirational channels on youtube, discovered lots of wonderful documentaries, subscribed to news letters and joined an online community where I am inspired and supported. And, of course, I've also begun to find some amazing blogs! I am still constantly amazed by the generosity of those who give their time and energy to share recipes and techniques that heave worked for them. There are some truly loving people out there despite what the popular media will have us believe!

My sister has also been upping the percentage of raw in her daily intake of food and we have been comparing notes most days. I'm very grateful to have a sister who I am so close with and who shares my interest in living the best life possible! My little brother (well, he's not that little any more at age 19) is coming over to stay this coming week and will be participating in a full on life overhaul/detox with me. It will be fantastic to go into this juice feasting week with somebody else to share it with!

There are many, many more amazing resources out there, but here are just a few of those that I've found helpful:)
Raw food rehab - the most wonderful and supportive on line community hosted by Penni Shelton. There is a wealth of information on this site.
Sarma's raw food blog
Russel James of The Raw Chef fame has some really useful videos and delicious recipes.
http://www.sweetlyraw.com/ Yum!

Some must see films:
Simply Raw - a very inspiring movie which follows 6 Americans as they reverse their diabetes by going raw for 30 days
http://www.foodincmovie.com/
http://www.foodmatters.tv/
Break through
Supercharge me and her video channel http://superchargeme.blip.tv/

Anyway, I guess that's enought of a rant for now. Maybe I'll write some time about all the health benefits I am experiencing as I embark on this raw - whole foods life style choice. I am in two minds as to wether it might just be too much information for some! So on that note I'll just say that I hope everyone is having a beautiful and nourishing weekend.

With love and light
xxx

From the Land over the Rainbow Bridge

2010-06-30T20:03:00.000+10:00

This is Aria's birthday fairy - her old friend from the land over the rainbow bridge before she came to visit Mama and Dadda. She is waiting to be named by the birthday girl.

Those dread locks took quite a while... and so did the hands! I underestimated just how much of an undertaking this project was!

She is FAR bigger than anything I've attempted before!

I couldn't get a really accurate representation of the colours today. It was overcast and raining the wholetime :( - I'll have another go on a dryer day!

Her legs are moveable and can be positioned in a few different poses and I've aimed for a tie dyed look with her clothes (I'm not sure if you can tell in these photos). I hope the birthday girl enjoys meeting her friend on her big day. I'm sure there will be lots of cuddles and kisses:)

With love and light,

xxx

{This Moment}

2010-06-26T00:26:00.000+10:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Inspired by SouleMama

I am grateful for this moment

With love and light for your weekend,

xxx

WIP wednesday

2010-06-23T13:45:00.000+10:00

This weekAria and I have been working on a couple of different dying projects. We are doing some Batik inspired fabric squares which I will later sew up into a quilt for her bed. I'm not much a fan of doonas these days and am finding it difficult to track down some affordable 100% natural fibre bedding - so I thought, why not make our own! I'm thinking of making it a nice thick blanket with wool and bamboo innards to keep her nice and warm but also remaining breatheable for summer. The design will probably end up being something similar to our spring blanket that I made last year.

To make the Batik effect we used some water based glue - much like pva glue - and then put it in the oven for a quick dry so it wouldn't seep into the fabric. Aria then painted over it with some watered down acrylic paint. After the paint dried I washed it in hot water in order to get all the glue off. I'm loving the result!

Now that our test patches have worked out fine we'll be going ahead with a whole heap more. I love the dreamy effect of it all - perfect for bed time! I will intersperse some other pale blue patches in between the painted ones and the backing will be pale blue too. I'm hoping to have it finished for her birthday:)

We are just about to tie dye some thin cotton fabric with rainbow colours. This will go with her rainbow bridge birthday story (of which I have yet to find a copy! If anyone can summarise the story that would be great. I kind of get the gyst, but would love to hear the real thing!). The fabric will also make a great accompaniment to her yet to be made play stands (for which I have found this great tutorial).

I did have lots more to write about, but Aria has just woken...

Peace

xxx

Winter Solstice

2010-06-22T13:50:00.000+10:00

Winter Solstice has such a warm and glowing feel to it! I think this will be something I'll look forward to a great deal each year. This year I didn't plan very much in the way of festivities as I have had another recent flare up of glandular fever. Even so, we had a lovely, special, enchanting time:)

The night before solstice, Aria and Dadda celebrated with the local Steiner crowd at a winter festival. During the week we got together with some of the other Mums and Johanna, our playgroup leader, to make some laterns which were to be used on this night. During the lantern-lit celebrations (no overhead lights) a special story, songs and supper were shared before a muddy lantern walk. When Aria got home she came bounding up to me saying "fun, fun!"

Yesterday, to celebrate the coming of Father Sun - Aria and I began the day with some powerful fresh smoothies followed by some Yoga (we happened to do lots of salutes to the sun, which was quite appropriate!).

Then we rolled up our sleeves and pants and went for a beautiful sunny walk to the beach! How amazing to have full sunny blue skies in Melbourne during Winter! It was glorious to walk through the water (although it nearly froze our toes off) while replenishing our vitamin D stores:)

Later on that day it got very dark very early, so we lit many many candles and put them all around the house. We worked and ate by candlelight for the rest of the day while singing "Fairies of the Candle Flame" which Aria now sings along to.

What a beautifully energetic but restful and peaceful day we had (despite Aria's four teeth popping through!) I hope you had a wonderful celebration wherever you are in the world :)

With love and light,
xxx

A morning in the garden

2010-06-20T02:18:00.000+10:00

I'd been noticing of late that some areas of our garden had very suddenly become overgrown with weeds, so today Aria and I got busy outside with our little forks and spades. She absolutely loved it! What a great opportunity for her to express some of that boundless energy! Right now it's like I've got a toddler on speed, so a morning in the garden was absolutely perfect:)

As is the done thing lately, she was jibber jabbering away: huge monologues interspersed with great big imitative belly laughs (think Santa). I looked up at one stage to discover that she was talking to a chubby green caterpillar about how Dadda went in the brrrm brrm to work and then she started singing part of our "fairies of the candle flame" song to a scurrying insect.

Singing the day away

A balancing act

This girl is rarely seen outside without a basket of some sort!

Tree hugger!

Aria spent quite a bit of time talking to something up the tree. I couldn't figure out what for the life of me - maybe it's her friend "fairy woof woof" Aren't some moments just delightful?

I think we'll be having many many more mornings in the garden. We are constantly going for nature walks and spend a lot of time outdoors, but how is it that I missed what is in our very own back yard?

With love and light

Broken umbrellas and worrying less.

2010-06-17T14:38:00.000+10:00

Today Aria and I went for a walk along the beach in the pouring rain - and I do mean pouring. The kind that is coming at you from multiple directions - the kind that needs more armour that just one umbrella and a raincoat. Maybe a portable tin shed would be getting close... I truly felt that Aria and I needed to get outside today - I've been feeling my vitamin D stores fading along with the sun, and the muscles in my cramping legs were craving the sea water, so I just thought - so what if it's storming outside. Lets go Aria!

After becoming predictably saturated and having to repeatedly manouvre an umbrella that was intent on remaining inside out, I became rather discouraged. Visions of indoor warmth crept into my icicled brain and my frozen legs and feet ached. I could feel the arthritic pain of fibromyalgia clawing at my joints and began to feel fearful that I had triggered off a painful episode. Silly me!

Then began the self bashing... "I shouldn't have come out here," "Why do I always make life hard for myself?" "This was a ridiculous, stupid idea", "Aria's probably hating this", "I should've known we'd get saturated", "Why did I do this?"... you get the picture. We can be pretty harsh with ourselves sometimes and I'm a master of this when I let myself go unconsciously.

After a fair amount of 'Melissa Bashing', a small voice on my back piped up - just audible over the wind and heavy rain.

"Mama wet... Ah well, no worries.... wub oo" (love you).

In one instant the beauty that surrounded me became obvious. Coming from Aria's mouth - the innocence and purity brought a tear to my eye! I got to thinking - Some things just aren't that complicated. It's simple... Life doesn't need to be so serious! The ability of the young child to go with the flow and move through life living in the now is just magical.

So now my day has not become about aching legs, drenched clothes, pain, fatigue and broken umbrellas. Today is about letting things go, worrying less and loving more.

With love and light

xxx

Goodbye Autumn...

2010-06-16T20:15:00.000+10:00

Lady Winter is unfolding

Curling slowly within

Soothingly still and silent reflection

Autumn lingers...

as we say goodbye

New rhythm settles into our days

A time to nurture, refocus and become inspired...

We're beginning to enjoy WINTER!

Peace

xxx

She's Finished!

2010-06-15T11:54:00.000+10:00

Just thought I'd share some pics of the completed little Aria that I've been working on for her 2nd birthday...

For Aria this will just be a doll that Mama made, of course she's not going to know it looks like her - but it was great fun for me to work on getting a likeness happening! I actually didn't start with this photo in mind, but after I started making her, I realised where I must have been getting my inspiration.

After I decided that this doll would resemble Aria, I wanted to really capture her determination, enthusaism, and how alive she becomes when outdoors on our nature walks.

I included her amber necklace, the flower embelishment on her pants and a tie around her kimono top (losely based on a top I knitted for her a while ago that she always wears).

Now I'm working on a fairy which is larger and even more of a task than this doll. Am getting there slowly. This is sooooo addictive!

WIP wednesday and Winter table

2010-06-09T13:42:00.001+10:00

Recently I've been working hard on a little doll for Aria's 2nd birthday. Feeling inspired by some of our recent photos, I'm trying to make it in her likeness.

Trying to form a solid figure as a foundation before creating some clothes.

I still have lots of tweaking and details to add, but here's how she looks so far:)

Nice butt!

And a view from the side... I'd like to make her boots less sock-like and add a trim to her hat and pants. She also wears an amber necklace which I may try and include.

One of the photos of my little elfin girl that inspired this creation.

************

We are welcoming the cool rain and cosiness of winter over here. This is the beginning of our winter nature table. I've really struggled for inspiration this season! This is our first winter table, so I'm sure as the days roll on I'll adapt more to this new season. I miss autumn right now and winter has not yet arrived in my soul! Ah well (as Aria would say - like the other day when I walked in and she'd thrown her vegies all over the room... "Ah well... no worries" lol)

With love and light

xxx

Fairy Tale Gals

2010-06-05T14:56:00.002+10:00

I've just finished these little girls who look like they come straight out of a fairy tale... The only trouble is, I can't think of which one!

I have tentaltively named them 'Meadow' and 'Sky'

Complete with apron - ready for some adventures or to help her Mama with the baking.

It's getting a bit chilly outside so this wee lass dons her olive green scarf for her trip to the Sunday markets

With a lot of encouragement from friends and family, I've decided to create an on line shop (with the help of my very graphic-design-talented man). I'm really excited about this venture which will allow me to focus my new addiction into something productive. Wish me luck!

With Love, Light and Peace

xxx

This Moment

2010-06-04T20:54:00.000+10:00

I am grateful for this moment...

{This Moment} A friday ritual (inspired by soulemama). a single photo capturing a moment from the week. a simple, special, extraordinary moment. a moment to pause, savour and remember.

Felt alive giveaway :)

2010-06-03T21:18:00.001+10:00

For anyone wanting to learn the addictive art of needle felting, Kay Petal's 'FELT ALIVE' website is where it's at. Check out this post for her fantastic dvd give away and for the link to her new super duper flash website! I absolutely love her fun and 'alive' approach to this awesome art - so inspiring:)

Winter King and Queen

2010-05-30T17:20:00.002+10:00

I've had a little hiatus from this space for a few weeks as some of you may have noticed. I've been going through a season of personal change which has been rather challenging but exciting too. I've been learning how important it is to trust my intuition and to remain connected to source even when times are stressful (especially!). This all sounds like such a cliche until steps are actually taken to implement this state of being into one's life. This has been an amazing period of inner growth and I'm experiencing a welcome state of relief from the chronic fatigue as a result. I had been fighting against it for so long and was so scared to excercise my personal power for fear of further exacerbating the symptoms. I feel I've truly let go, and this is working for now. Of course there's a whole lot more to it than this, but I just thought I'd share that little brief snippet of what's been going on.

******************************************************************

In preparation for the winter months I've been reflecting on what winter means for us where we live. I've been trying to feel a connection with winter, but must admit that I've been so fond of autumn this year that I'm finding it a little difficult to open my spirit up to the changing season! I decided to do a little crafting last night as I find it so meditative and a great tool to aid in some inner shifting. These little folk are the result...

This winter King and Queen have certainly helped me let go of autumn and welcome the coming winter spirit to our home.

Happy Winter to all you Southern Hemispherians!

Peace xxx

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-13T02:23:00.001+10:00

You can see more 'wordless wednesday' here http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/

Angel/Fairy rainbow spiral

2010-05-11T20:47:00.002+10:00

Aria awoke this morning to discover that some new Angels (which she insists are "fairies Mama!") have come to watch over her as she plays. I loved making this little mobile last night and have wanted to do one for her ever since she was born. Better late then never I guess!

Red and orange, golden hue,

green, purple and violet too!

Hanging in a spiral ring,

what magic, songs, and joy they bring!

Love and light

xxx

A weekend of celebration

2010-05-11T20:21:00.002+10:00

It feels like it's been a little while since I last posted an update here on our little family journal. Aria and I have been incredibly busy this past week with preparations for Michael's 30th birthday and Mothers day. When I decided to go homemade with all our gifts this year I had wondered if this might be somewhat stressful, but as it turns out it is incredibly therapeutic. I like to meditate and ponder on the person I am creating for - to see them on their beautifully radiant soul level and send them love and light (I first heard of this idea from Melisa Nielsen who runs the be a beacon program and A little garden flower & Waldorf essentials blog/radio. A dear friend reminded me of this meditation recently (divine timing!) for which I am very appreciative.) What a glorious way to spend our days enveloping ourselved in the warmth and joy of pure love:)

It was "dadda's" birthday on the Saturday, and Mothers day on the Sunday so we thought why not just invite the whole clan over to stay for the weekend? I really look forward to times such as this spent with the whole family. I'm very grateful to have such a wonderful set of people to journey through this life with. So many unique personalities - some are similar and some are contrasting but they all flow beautifully together and complement each other.

Aria was full of dreamy concentration as she decorated a big 30 in blue and gold

The finished product!

Next we got busy with some wall hanging decorations for the party

"weeeee"... "Petty wool". And when she draped the wool over me: "Petty Mama"

Our little outdoor work station made cosy with a sheepskin rug while it rained and blew all around us. We had a great afternoon doing these!

Lots of treasures from nature to admire. Sea shells, walnut shells, wool roving, a variety of autumn leaves in all shapes, clours and sizes, and some berries and flowers from the trees in our back yard.

Dadda's gifts all wrapped and ready:)

Birthday banner sewn and hung up. (Aria loved chosing all the colours for this and helping me cut the threads and ribbon. She also loved watching me try to hang it up! She's not even 2 and I'm already being made fun of! Ha!!)

Crown made and in place for the birthday boy who is sleeping in. (A very rare luxury these days!) Aria chose the star for his crown and helped me cut the gold thread.

Wake up sleepy!

Yoga fun on Dadda's new mat.

Assembling a new patio heater in preparation for the party.

Dadda's new warm funky head gear. Aria kept saying "Dadda hat" repeatedly while I was knitting it for him. She really must've wondered what all the fuss was about Dadda this week! He also has a scarf on the way that I didn't quite get finished.

Ready for a celebration. You can't tell in this photo but there were heaps of candles and dimmed lights which made for a really warm atmosphere.

We enjoyed a toasty warm cream of mushroom soup, organic roasted lamb and chicken and lots of roast vegies and some delicious salads from Pa and Dorothy. For dessert I made a flourless cacao cake - we ate this with Trifle from Nanna, fruit salad from Grandma, Passionfruit and berry desserts from Aunty Kirsty and the most awesome looking superhero chocolate birthday cake from cake deorator extraodonaire, Aunty Carol.

Pictionary provided some great belly laughs! I had to come up with all the words (which nearly melted my full-to-the-brim and slightly frazzled Mothers brain! I got there though!)

A brazier fire and some flame torches kept us warm outside as well.

Kirsty and Brandon enjoyed themselves so much that they couldn't stand it any longer and fell asleep on our couch, hehe... They didn't move a MUSCLE for over an hour! Neither of them! Plenty of great photo ops:)

Rise and shine, it's Mothers day!

I feel extremely blessed to be a Mother to such a gentle and magical soul. As any Mother will know, words just can't express how much our inner and worlds change having entered into this maternal phase of the divine feminine energy. In this shot we're both trying not to squint too much at the flash. I got given some very cosy pjs and I wanted to jump straight into them and back to bed!

Aria and I also enjoyed making gifts for the two Nannas over the week as well as all the things we did for Dadda. Some needle felted flowers, candles, some wooden hearts with hanging treasures from nature tied to them (a little hanging decoration type of thing similar to the wall hangings we did for Michael's 30th), and of course a little organic dark chocolate.

Some of my needle felted Mothers day flowers...

...and another

A bbq picnic at the very picutresque 'Seawinds park' near Arthurs seat close to where we live was enjoyed by all. Here are Mother and Son kickin' back (she's singing, not yawning!).

My beautiful Mother:)

Aria tried to take off with Nanna's hand bag a number of times. A little heavy though I think!

Exhausting work! Time for bed:)

Off to catch some stunning views and some beautiful autumn surrounds.

Everywhere was a chair for this little one. And Aunty Kirsty was requested to sit next to her at each new location.

Koala rides on Grandma must be rather perplexing!

My adorable little Brother and Sister - our hearts are linked.

Aria kept saying "Happy Mama" (as in happy Mothers day). I'd have to say she got that one right! I'm wrapped in a blanket my Mother made for me while she was pregnant with me. It has a nurturing energy to it and I was very drawn to it over the weekend, (worked wonders to keep those chills at bay too!) I think I may have to crochet one for Aria... another thing to add to my to do list.

The view of Melbourne from one of the lookout points reminded Kirsty of 'Heaven'. A very apt image to punctuate this magical and loving weekend.

Peace

xxx

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-28T19:33:00.002+10:00

PICNIC ON KOALA WALK, originally uploaded by melissasifonios.

You can see more wordless wednesday here http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/

Heart swap, a girl, her fairy, and her dreams...

2010-04-24T12:51:00.001+10:00

The scene is set...

A young girl, on her journey through the land of dreams, is watched over by the loving eyes of a beautiful fairy.

Warm, soft and magical is this land...

...as her fairy gently sings drifting lullabies.

***********************************************************************************

My Heart Swap item -

A wise and loving embrace.

I hope my partner will like it - this is my first ever 'swap'!

With love and light xxx

This moment

2010-04-24T00:38:00.000+10:00

{This Moment} A friday ritual (inspired by soulemama). a single photo capturing a moment from the week. a simple, special, extraordinary moment. a moment to pause, savor and remember.

It's cowl and hanging around season!

2010-04-21T14:46:00.002+10:00

I've become just a wee bit obsessed with the cowl of late. I've only recently come across them and I'm in love. Ladies in my family beware... if you are having a birthday soon, a cowl is likely to be coming your way!

My first attempt at both. A cowl and a beanie (adapted from this pattern) for the beautiful Aunty 'Sisty' (Kirsty) who just had her birthday. The cowl was such a pleasure to knit using the softest alpaca/merino blend.

I decided Mama needed one too...

...which can also be worn over the head to keep the chill off those ears. I found this pattern was so easy to memorise which made for a couple of very relaxing evenings on the couch by candle light.

Aria's been wearing the latest one as a beanie/headband.

We've been collecting pine cones to include in our bonfire for Dadda's upcoming 30th birthday. He would like a grey/charcoal version of this to wear as a beanie/headband around the windy beach.

Lots of interesting insects to behold!

And in other news...

In keeping with our 'Great outdoor challenge' (see previous posts), I thought I'd post a few moments from our time in nature over the last few days. I'm struggling a wee bit to post a photo each day so this is my way of catching up.

We've been hanging around...

...which is very hot work, so down to the undies!

And again:)

Aria has this funny game that she enjoys all by herself. She'll find a bit of wood, throw it and then run and grab it (kind of like playing 'fetch' with herself). It keeps her quite entertained, lol :) It's so beautiful to watch her running around with wild abandon and her hair blowing in the wind on such a huge expanse of grass - I find there is such a profoundly unique sense of connection, freedom and 'aliveness' that eminates from children when they are allowed to run free in nature. Music for the soul.

Peace xxx

This Moment

2010-04-17T19:12:00.001+10:00

{This moment} A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.

Love and light xxx

Great outdoor Challenge - (today and yesterday)

2010-04-17T19:05:00.000+10:00

Today...

Bubbles!

Pop!

Ooooh , exciting...

Too exciting!

The day would not be complete without a basket to carry around.

Yesterday...

As the autumn sun is setting...

...we have our final walk for the day.

Peace xxx

Nature awareness month challenge - our local beach

2010-04-15T20:12:00.003+10:00

Today Aria and I trotted off to our back yard beach as we often do. It was lovely to capture some of these moments on camera - I usually wouldn't have taken quite so many shots, but this challenge has me inspired!

First we came across some curious looking trees...

Perfect for peeking through...

and an impromptu tea party (as well as a climbing frame/obstacle course!)

Nearby was a huge pile of mulch - great to climb up and then slide down (on your backside!)

Then came the beach! It was what Aria had excitedly been waiting for all day!

Oooh! Now we have a pile of sand to slide on.

Up and down the hill - look at all those footprints! Up and down, up and down...

Contemplating the little dip

Hello old tree

Time for some shoes off action - none of this pussyfooting around!

Twinkle toes in the sparkly sea

Connection

Sea Horse!

And a flower for Mama

Now time to walk home and hop in the car to pick up our vegie box... Brrrm Brrrmmm

Brrrruuummmmm!!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-14T15:52:00.001+10:00

Our nature challenge has had to take a back seat today due to illness so I thought I'd post this instead; Aria with her Nanna...

You can see more wordless wednesday here http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/

Great outdoor Challenge

2010-04-13T18:05:00.002+10:00

As part of the great outdoor challenge, today I took along my camera on our usual nature walk and snapped up a few memories...

Dandelion love

Fairy love

Blow!

Our Kalala (Koala) friend

A pair of Galas flapping and twittering away

A pair of beautiful Lorikeets fluttering around. Aria actually gasped when she saw these!

Saying hello to the beetles on the path. It looks like she's squashing it from this angle, but she's not! I can't believe how quickly she just goes and touches any beetle or insect and says "hawo" then "babah". She obviously hasn't yet been conditioned into freaking out about them like most people do!

When we got back from our walk we picked some fresh lettuce for lunch - yum!

Later on in the day we went for another Koala walk. Aria was chatting away to the trees, flowers, grass and birds. She also kept saying "nose" (meaning gnomes) and pointing to little nooks and crannies. I love the pure joy in her face in this shot. She becomes so energised when out in nature (as does her Mama!)

Beautiful Blogger Award!

2010-04-12T20:48:00.001+10:00

Today I discovered I've been given a 'Beautiful Blogger' award by the lovely and inspiring Jen at http://ancienthearth2.blogspot.com/. This has really made my day! Quoting Jen... 'Every momma should be made to feel beautiful inside and out' - and I couldn't agree more - what a lovely way to pass on some cyber lovin':) I love the little community of bloggers I've been blessed to come into contact with. This is such a wonderful medium and a rather important one I feel for Mothers in particular, as it can be so difficult to find others of like mind in our geographical communities. This award has reminded me of the precious support and love that so frequently accompanies this blogging world. I'm so grateful!

Those who receive this award are asked to choose 15 bloggers to pass it on to, and then to share 7 things about themselves, so here goes...

(in no particular order)

Ariella at http://childhoodmagic.blogspot.com/ shares the most beautiful summery photos of her homeschooling adventures with her son and daughter. I am always so inspired by the gorgeous crafts and the love that emanates from her page:)

This is an absolutely awesome blog/magazine that I love sitting down to read with a hot cup of herbal tea http://rhythmofthehome.com/

'Sausage Mama' at http://sausagemama.blogspot.com/ is so full of fun and life. I just love the energy that she puts into all her posts - so sunny!

What can I say about http://softearthart.blogspot.com/ ? Pure beauty, art and a deep sense of peace strikes me whenever I visit Marie's blog. Really very touching!

I love all the crafty ideas at http://weefolkart.com/

The ultimate in inspiration for me is definitely Elke's amazingly beautiful blog at http://www.wherewildstrawberriesgrow.com/. I always come away from her posts feeling refreshed and with a renewed sense of love, energy, wonder and joy for life and my journey here at home with Aria.

Some awesome crafts and warmth here at http://waldorfmama.typepad.com/waldorf_mama/

I love hearing of the beautiful adventures here at http://savvydays.blogspot.com/ Such love and enthusiasm for one gorgeous little girl.

I'm always inspired by the nourishing recipes and gluten free ideas here http://www.nourishingmeals.com/
These yummy dishes certainly make my gluten-free life a little easier!

Some absolutely invaluable insights are found here http://theparentingpassageway.com/ I'm really grateful to Carrie for all the time and effort she takes to lovingly pen such useful, relevant and supportive articles. So important for all us Mamas!

A truly inspirational Waldorf schooling bog http://syrendell.blogspot.com/ There is a wealth of experience here with this awesome and encouraging husband and wife team!

I'm always grateful for the insightful and valuable posts here http://livingsimplyliving.blogspot.com/ I'm constantly aspiring to live more simply and it's blogs such as this that help me keep my focus in this nutty world!

Ooooooh I can't wait to get my hands on the some the materials here and make Aria her first real doll! http://sarahsdolls.blogspot.com/ Sarah's dolls are just gorgeous - and she is here in OZ!

I love popping in to Jamie's blog http://mamalovestrees.blogspot.com/ - I feel so close to her and like we share many things in common even though we are at opposite ends of the globe! A real sense of quirky fun and some hip mother attitude strikes me when I read her posts:)

I find Kristies amazing work at her 'earthschooling' blog http://waldorfschoolonline.blogspot.com/ to be of infinite value in my journey. I'm extremely grateful for her generously comprehensive efforts here and the amount of time and love spent on all her on line ventures:) You truly help so many Mamas Kristie!

After reading over this post, I've realised that I've missed out one incredibly beautiful blogger (insert embarrassed looking face here)- so I'm going to adapt the rules and add a 16th to this list! Catherine at http://catherine-et-les-fees.blogspot.com/ (catherine and the fairies) always shares the most beautifuly warm photos of her homeschooling/farm adventures in Quebec with her three gorgeous girls. I am always so inspired by her motivation to live a self sufficient life and by her intelligent and loving insights. Thankyou Catherine for all your support as well :)

Now, just quickly, 7 things about myself that you may not know...

1) As part of a bachelor of music at University, I studied Ethnomusicology, Philosophy and Anthropology and LOVED it!
2) I grew up in a small town in Taranaki, New Zealand.
3) I have moved around 30 times!
4) I play the Piano and Flute and love to sing and write music
5) I love to play the Gamelan (Indonesian gong-chime orchestra)
6) I spent many an hour of my teenage years with headphones on listening to Tori Amos
7) I used to drink and smoke (like it was air) and have now been joyously sober for over 3yrs:):):)

Thankyou for reading, and don't forget to pass on the love!

Children and nature awareness month challenge

2010-04-11T19:52:00.001+10:00

I've decided to take part in the children and nature awareness month challenge. It's a wonderful and inspiring way of encouraging each other to get out there in nature and enjoy! What a great idea - and so important! If you'd like to be a player in the challenge, all you have to do is post a photo of your child playing in nature each day and link back to the above post at the '5 orange potatoes' blog spot.

For todays entry I just couldn't resist posting another shot of Aria basking in the twighlight sun with Dadda (there's another shot of her sunshine-frolicking a post or two before this). She was looking up the tall gum trees for Koalas and languidly stretching in the warm autumn sun. Delicious!

Flower Power

2010-04-11T14:32:00.001+10:00

Just had to quickly share my latest completed project...

These are the latest pair of Aria's knitted soakers - some longies this time to keep her extra warm. I needle felted the 'fowa' onto the leg which she seems to really love!

Little autumn gnome in the garden taking it all in her stride.

Goodnight Father Sun

2010-04-10T21:36:00.000+10:00

Aria's blissful heavenward salute to twighlight's Father Sun

Easter was...

2010-04-10T21:30:00.002+10:00

It has taken me a little time to post about our Easter goings on as we have been extremely blessed with the company of family at our place over the past week. It's been lovely to see everyone as these moments are becoming increasingly precious due to us living further away now than before.

Our Easter wreath - made from flowers and foliage found surrounding our home and some 'strawberry fields' flowers picked up from our local market. I thought this all fit in really well considering the traditional Easter colours are red, green and gold (I remember reading this somewhere recently). Also had a very autumnal feel to it - especially when lit up with a candle in the centre.

Mama's very own special Easter flower: a gift during a break from walking around the Red Hill Market.

Our special story in action

Hanging on every word!

Collecting painted eggs was blissful and giggly fun:)

Following the Easter Hare's magic trail makes tracking down thos eggs extra exciting.

Must make time for a quick nose pick!

Found the Easter basket hidden under a tree! Ooooh!!

Lots of intriguing gifts left by that sneaky Hare!

Some new little friends

Chatting away to Gnomey

Some very awesomely cool new knitteds care of a very talented Nanna!

Did I mention how much we LOVE this little combo?

Many beautiful moments were shared.

Hmmmnn... 'sigh'

Easter walk to the beach. Lookin' very snazzy in thoses shades! Some of us chose to walk hand in hand while chatting...

...While others chose to walk in peaceful solitude:)

Such a beautiful day for chasing waves...

and kite watching!

Easter was a magical time for us with many family members coming to visit. So many laughs, hugs and conversations were shared. A time for renewal, enchantment, warmth, colour, abundance, love, joy, kindness not to mention a massive feast as well!

Easter Children

2010-03-31T23:38:00.000+11:00

Here are the latest editions to our 2010 Easter family...

I enjoyed creating the children, but I find animals so difficult! That hare just didn't want to seem to come into existence! I'm continuing to build our easter sunday story around these characters as well as the wise ones of the forest from my previous post.

This shot looks like an album cover or something I thought! Posers! Hehe...

I tried to make the children look like they could have come from any typical fairy tale - but after sitting back and looking at what I'd done, I realised that I would also like to create some less stereotypical anglo-saxon dolls as I feel the celebration of all ethnicities is integral to the lives of our children. After finishing off these little ones I also feel the urge to try my hand at some less definied figures. I've been making them all quite solid as Aria has been teething and I wanted them to withstand any task she had for them and for her to play freely with them. Even so, next I think I'll try some more flowing, delicate and less formed little souls that may remain hung up or on a higher shelf just to look at.

If I don't manage another post before Easter I'd like to wish everyone a beautiful and soul filled time ahead. May you all see with wonder anew, the sheer miraculous beauty of each family member around your table... I know I'll be aiming to focus on this (if I can manage to remember amidst all the hustle and bustle). A time to let go and welcome new life and new beginnings (and by that I mean 'inner' life... no Mum, I'm not pregnant! :) hehe)

Over the Weekend...

2010-03-28T18:15:00.003+11:00

Over the weekend...

The wise ones of the forest stopped by before their grand entrance on Easter Sunday...

Every year the Easter Hare comes to visit from the other side of the world where it is spring. We polish our ripe autumn apples (with magical stars inside!) and leave them as a gift for him, in return the hare comes bounding through the woods to share some bright cheer. He brings the gift of warmth with him so we can stay nice and cosy as the days grow cooler - a nice new warm hat and the first warm pyjamas of the year, but he always brings some special brightly coloured eggs. Some of the eggs have a beautiful golden centre to remind us that Father Sun will be back soon after he has finished visiting the folks on the other side of the world for a while.

The other eggs that the Easter Hare delivers are extremely special indeed. They are magic eggs from his home land of sun and warmth. These eggs are the homes of the wise ones of the forest who will pop out and share their many bright happy stories and secrets. Because it is now sunny spring in the land where they come from, these wise ones are always ready to shed their shells around easter time. As a most magical gift, they ask the Hare if he will transport them to the children in the cool Autumn lands so they can give their little homes and bright cheer as a symbol of hope and new life. They come to remind us of the joyous festivities in nature that will arise after Mother nature has cooled off for a while. They bring with them the warmth and magic from their homeland to make sure that we are kept all snug - just like they have been in their cosy fluffy egg shaped homes...

Bear with me here... this story is still just clumsily (very clumsily) forming in my head! Any ideas? I'll be telling the whole story properly using needle felted puppets (which I've yet to make) before we embark on our egg hunt. I don't want to begin the whole chocolate egg thing, so am trying to make this extra special and magical in place of the usual tradition. I think Aria is probably still a little young to get what I'll be going on about, but I think she will take in the specialness of the situation. I'm hoping to create something that encourages a serene sense of gratitude for mother nature's changing seasons and natural cycles of renewal - something beautiful, childlike and enchanting that we can look forward to each Easter.

I wonder what magical heart warming stories this wise one has in store for us during the following cooler seasons?

Some other things from our weekend...

A loooooong walk along the beach...

I could just feel the toxins melting away in the gentle Autumn sun while the waves coaxed my feet :)

So many gifts from nature to be found...

Aria made some interesting discoveries...

and later on we enjoyed taking some rather atmospheric time out during Earth Hour...

With Peace and Love xxx

Good morning sunshine

2010-03-26T22:39:00.001+11:00

Dada's image of us greeting the day (captured on his phone as he was heading out the door) - Nourishing carroty rice dish for Mama and liquid gold for Bubba.

Autumn Equinox Birthday

2010-03-26T22:07:00.001+11:00

Another birthday has been and gone with the flavour of such a huge year of growth on the tip of my tongue... I was born on the Autumn equinox and use this time each year to reflect on where I'm at and where I want to be - to be truly grateful and to go within. I guess lots of people may feel that this sort of thing comes more naturally to them over the new year period, but for me I'm still engrossed in the kind of energetic outpouring which is so easily coupled with the heat of Summer. By the time my birthday comes around each year the journey into the cooler months has most certainly begun and it is time for some inner cosying up. This year I chose to take full advantage of the thinning veil between this world and the others which is so often celebrated at equinox. I also focused on the notion of 'balance' by drawing inspiration from the equal balance between day/night that occurs as the sun passes over the equator on this day each year. I took some time to re-assess and re-focus my intentions with a refreshed purpose and energy.There is definitely so much for me to appreciate in my life and I was also inspired to pay particular attention to the beauty of the now. My family helped me to do this very thing as we gathered together to celebrate...

I started off the celebration the night before by attempting my first NT recipe. It was DELICIOUS! Vanilla barvarian dessert with blueberry (supposed to be blackberry) sauce. Mmmmmmnnnn

I made some time for some of my favourite things - sewing, knitting, footbath with oils and magnesium salts, reading and all on my new gift - a rocking chair! I've wanted one of these since I was a kid! I remember Mum having one when I was a little girl - now I'm a Mum myself with my very own rocking chair too... aaaw :)

We had our very first festival with the local Steiner Co-op. What great timing and such a beautiful way to spend the day. We made autumn wreaths amidst heart warming song and stories. Delightful!

Mama is incredibly grateful for all the amazing new friendships that are blossoming.

And Dada got to come along too and see what this lovely community is all about.

A pine and eucalyptus scented walk while singing goodbye to summer and welcoming the autumn days.

Would you accept cake from this face??

Absolutely! A warm and tasty end to a beautiful day and a rather eventful year :)

Laughter, Gnomes and Renewal

2010-03-18T13:18:00.000+11:00

This week we've had the typical crazy Melbourne weather. It has been obtrusively hot and humid one day and wintery cold the next! I guess on the other hand you could say that we've had the best of both worlds - the cosy snuggles while the rain is pouring outside, and the beachy days with warm nights gazing at the sunset...

After a long ride on the back of Mama's bike, it's always a good idea to let loose on the climbing equipment!

Jumping, climbing stairs and clambering up the frames are my little one's most smile-inducing activities right now. I love this adventurous spirit of the newly mobile child - still finding her way into her body with so much laughter as it happens.

Watching the sun set on a particularly hot and sultry evening. Will this girl ever tire of the beach? I truly hope not.

Big cuddles, fresh water and lazing around while looking at the rainbowed heavens... could there be any better lullaby?

Aria's new little gnome family are silently awaiting to be introduced to her on Easter. (Little does she know of the plans they are concocting and of all the adventures they will have together). These are made using your average laundry pegs which I chopped of at different lengths and sanded. They stand up well with their cloaks acting as a balancing aid. The pattern for the felt clothes is on my last WIP post ... I won't be able to fit them into the felted eggs as planned though, so will have to think of something else for those little treasure chests!

I managed to finish these little booties and fell in love! I've decided I need some Mama sized ones. The pattern for these is also on the last WIP blog post that I mentioned above.

I've had to cut back a little on my crafting over the last week. I'm going through a complete diet and lifestyle overhaul in order to get some relief from my CF/Fibromyalgia which has been getting worse. I'm embarking on the NT (nourishing traditions) diet and some other therapies. I'll keep you posted as to how it all goes - hopefully I'll have the energy to write a more detailed post on what I've been looking at. It's all very enlightening, and while it can be daunting and discouraging to have to move through such a debilitating condition, it is also quite exciting and rewarding knowing that I'm truly grwoing out of the old and into the now.

The NT diet is a huge step for me as I've been a stict vegetarian for so long and am now facing the idea of eating meat (!!) in order to heal (organic and local). It has been highly reccomended to me by some dear friends and after reading up about this style of eating, it really seems to make a lot of sense. This is a massive change! I've been using a lot of time and energy researching possible options (my evenings have been mostly spent with my nose planted in books), so I'm taking a little time out here and there to give myself over to this process. Wish me luck!

This Moment

2010-03-13T13:06:00.000+11:00

Inspired by SouleMamma
"{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember."

WIP wednesday

2010-03-10T18:41:00.003+11:00

I've been enjoying utilising my fidgety tendencies of late and chanelling them into these projects...

The beginnings of some longer warmer thicker nappy soakers for Aria's autumnal behind. I'm going to knit them to about 3/4 length and crochet some little frills around the bottom to give the legs a flared look. I'm using this pattern as a basic guide to go by.

As part of Aria's Easter basket, I thought I'd add a nice warm hat each year. She has grown out of her last pixie hat, so I thought I'd knit her a brand spankin' new one using this pattern with a groovy button to brighten it up.

A new rainbow vesty-cardy thing for my snuggly rainbow child.

Some teensy weensy booties for the very newest member of our family. Michael's cousin has just given birth to a gorgeous little baby girl -'India Lily'. I forgot just how tiny newborns are and am getting all those fuzzy wuzzy widdle baby feelings!

These wet felted easter eggs are in need of some major reinforcements along the openings.When they're done they will house a set of autumn gnomes made out of the felt in this picture (I love these colours and the pure wool hand dyed felt feels so soft) and some wooden pegs. This will make up the bulk of our Easter egg hunt this year, as I'm not interested in having chocolate eggs or anything like that. I'm hoping that all the bright colours will stand out and make these eggs easy for little 20mth old eyes to see. I stole the idea from a very creative mama who also provides a link to a tutorial for these.

As I write this I have an old t-shirt of mine sitting in the water of boiled onion skins in preparation to become a knotted dolls head. Aria is starting to show an interest in dolls, so I thought I'd begin my doll making adventures with something simple and made out of re-purposed materials (an old tablecloth will become her body). I'm using these directions from this site where there are a number or wonderful doll tutorials and patterns.

And last, but not least, this painting is slowly evolving out of the few little corners of spare time I have every now and then. It's been difficult to get a flow going as I really just need a whole weekend or something to absorb myself in it (yeah right!). I'm sure I'll get there eventually! It's also pretty huge which is adding to the prolonged state of affairs. In our the lounge room of our new home there is a very very large recess for the purpose of wall mounting a ginormous plasma screen t.v. (I think I've mentioned this before maybe?) Hopefully this will add some extra warmth to the house as all the walls are white and we need a bit of colour. I've been a bit worried that the colours and size may be too overwhelming for little eyes, but now I just want to get it finished!

On that note, I'll leave you all to enjoy your own crafty projects (all the blogs I've been looking at are amazingly creative and inspiring to say the least!)

xx

A snippet of our week

2010-03-08T01:35:00.002+11:00

I managed to finish a little more knitting this week - although I still have so many projects on my needles that aren't yet finished. I can't ever seem to do just one thing and then move on to the next - it has to be everything at once! This little cardi nearly had this novice knitter going cross eyed - I swear knitting is good for the brain. Here is the pattern I used. At the moment I have started a pair of long soakers which are so incredibly soft, a pixie bonnet for Aria's easter basket - it was supposed to be for our new little cousin, but turned out too big so I've started some bootees for little India Lily instead.

Other projects on the go are some wet felted easter eggs, a set of autumn coloured gnomes to go inside the eggs for an egg hunt on easter sunday, a huge painting for our living room (to fill a recess designed to wall mount a great big plasma t.v - since we're not watchers of the box, I thought I'd dust off my paints), the begininnings of an organic vegie patch, the invitations for my sister's wedding and Aria's very first doll (a knot doll). I'll include pictures and links to the patterns as I finish each thing. I love putting my fidgety tendencies to good use!

You may not be able to tell from this shot as it's quite blury, but Aria was flitting about like a wee ballerina on our walk. She loved this little area - so many curious things to behold!

A friend of mine speaks of discovering 'fairy carpet' as the cooler weather approaches and I just love the images this conjures up! We found some too! Some lovely soft green gnomes carpet - laid just in time to keep them warm as the days grow cooler...

A curly whirly Dr Suess tree!

Aria sang her very first song... it sounded so sweet... the words: "Pooooo ooo oo p poooos." Yes, poo has kind of dominated our week this week!

Droplets from the heavens. Some welcome refreshment!

We went to visit our little friend, Sunday, who showed us all the animals at her place...Including a snake! Aria's a braver girl than I! Sunday and her Mum look after lots of animals and gave us our own personal tour. Lots of fun!

Stories to cultivate a peaceful world.

2010-03-07T19:57:00.000+11:00

Today I just wanted to link to a post that I've found holds much food for thought. Annette has a wonderful blog and has written here with regards to her thoughts on what we need to consider when choosing stories for our children.

It can be so easy to fall into a rather ethnocentric trap when choosing stories, toys and experiences (even the language we use) for our children. I think it is crucial for the cultivation of a peaceful world that we as parents become mindful of the world we present to our children and avoid promoting (even unconsiously) the whole 'us and them' type dichotomy.

Autumn Queen of Earth and Fire

2010-03-03T19:38:00.002+11:00

The warm and mysterious Autumn Queen of earth and fire is in the neighbourhood!

The photo opportunity was fleeting as she is so madly busy with all her magical duties during these months. Just a quick shot and then she had to dash!

I'm led to believe she's been liasing with the local chickens and the Easter hare... I wonder what could be in store?

A time for introspection and simplicity as the refreshingly cool and darker days settle in. Then our easter celebration where warmth, life and abundance will joyously return!

Mantra

World Upon World

2010-02-24T19:59:00.004+11:00

The morning seed children and gumnut babies creep out to greet,

as a pair of shining eyes delight.

Strong and held in silent limbo,

in a chorus with crafting beings below,

sings the rich glow of life amidst world upon world.

Spikey haired dune gnomes sit alert in the sun -

poised as whispering spectators to the mermaid's softly folding sport,

while weary limpet babe clings to her warm rock,

spying an angel's feathered wave...

A Summer Afternoon and Very Special Evening

2010-02-23T14:22:00.001+11:00

Another photo heavy post... but I think a picture says so much...

Here we are preparing Aunty Holly's birthday gift on a very hot late summer afternoon. We got some more herbs for her herb garden which was started as a beautiful christmas gift by her husband, Lucas. Aria was quite engrossed in all the different shaped leaves, and she also loved splashing paint onto brown paper which we used as padding for the plants. Hopefully soon, we'll have our own homegrown organic herbs to offer!

Such hot weather has made for some wonderful water play in the back yard. Aria has also been runnig around with my handbag over her shoulder lately. She won't take her eyes off it and nearly falls over every time!

Yesterday was the anniversary of Mama and Dadda's first date! We always celegbrate this every year as it holds such siginificance for us. Michael and I met on a blind date on 22/02/02 (very much a match making date with all those 2's) which was facilitated by my sister (and doesn't she now feel so proud!). Michael had a spare ticket to a ball and needed an emergency date at the last minute... Kirsty (my sister) was friends with Michael and suggested me (and then managed to convince me to go along - I actually took a bit of coaxing. A blind date was definitely not my idea of fun - I was looking forward to curling up with my latest healing with the angels book!). So later that night my ball gown clad self was whisked up by a very gorgeous looking young man. We danced the waltz and talked like we'd always known each other. Such ease and joy filled the air. So there you have it - that's how Michael and I met. Needless to say it was a truly magical evening and we've not looked back!

As a special surprise for Daddy, Aria and I squeezed some oranges and made his favourite treat... sorbet. Yum!

Aria enjoyed the left over bits of orange... skin and all!

Not looking so hapy with that orange peel now!

We collected some greenery on our walk for a special wreath to adorn the centre of the romantically lit dinner table.

Our orange and cocnut milk sorbet was a hit!

Another enchanting and love-filled 22/02/02 evening was had by all.

Gardening joy

2010-02-18T14:25:00.001+11:00

This week Aria and I have spent some fantastic hours out in our sunny back yard garden. As I've mentioned before, the earth is so 'grounding' for her and she always seems to feel quite soothed by simply having the opportunity to play in the dirt. We've been greatly enjoying our time outside at our new home - it is such a large contrast to our previous abode that had no back yard at all. How wonderful it is to see this child relishing in the freedom of being able to roam around and create her own little world in nature. Mumma and Bubba have both been taking some long deep breaths!

I've really been able to see her imitative urges at work while we're outdoors, (She loved pulling out the flowers while Mama pulled out the weeds and pulling out the lavender that had just been planted!).

This garden Faerie was fascinated by the little things. It's so amazing to look at things from a child's perspective... when was the last time I really studied a clump of dirt?

After we raked and broke up the earth, Aria became utterly absorbed in planting lettuce seeds. She would open up her hand and say 'see, see' - asking me to sprinkle some seeds on her palm. After dropping them into the spot I'd prepared for each group of seeds she let out this little chipmunk giggle and dusted off her hand in an extremely satisfied kind of way. Now we are watering the 'sees' every day. I can't wait for her to actually see the magic that is yet to happen to these little seeds!

In our garden we also have our chicken, "bukbuk", who has been roaming around freely side by side with us. After the recent death of our cat (Aria's best friend - their relationship was just beautiful and we were all so sad to see morpheus go so suddenly) I thought we'd need to get another fluffly little pal soon. Surprisingly, this chook has completely filled the gap! Aria chats away while "bukbuk" follows her around. She loves feeding her and is always looking for her new friend. It's quite amazing just how fascinating this chook actually is! We love watching her scratching around the place creating little nests, pecking away and the funny way she walks and jerks her head around. I never thought chooks had such personality! She even puts herself to bed at night (which is such a relief as Michael and I are both kind of freaked out by birds and there's no way we could pick her up right now!)

What a joy our little 'bukbuk' is turning out to be!

Our gardening has also been talking place in doors. We have been sprouting alfalpha seeds, and because they change and sprout so quickly Aria is fascinated to see the difference each morning.

Elsewhere, some new window stars have brightened up our living space.

And lastly, on our morning walk today a neighbour pointed out that Aria looked like an adapted version of red riding hood. I guess so! It looks like the big bad wolf is chasing her in this shot though!

xx

Gratitude Sunday

2010-02-14T20:18:00.002+11:00

We have so much to be grateful for this week yet again! I'm constantly in awe of my magical little family and how beautiful life is while sharing it with those you love. Here are some things that I'm especially grateful for this Sunday...

A blank canvas... the possibilities!

Sunday afternoon in the garden

Our newest family member... "Buk Buk"

A new little friend for Aria. So many gasps, wide eyed stares and 'buk buk' noises today!

Our Faerie Garden is taking shape... some flowers are just so enchanting!

Dada and Bubba time. They share such a beautiful relationship, it's very touching...

Second hand stores that sell the most gorgeous little wooden dishes, and the local sunday market where precious little girls dresses abound!

Valentines day festivities, red, and a thoughtful husband who treated Mama to her favourite dessert :)

I'm also extremely grateful this week for a new sense of peace that has entered our lives since we have moved to our new nest. I'm thriving in our new environment - taking Aria for walks in the Koala reserve, saying hello to the cows, horses, sheeps. ducks, dogs and birds - chasing a certain little one along the beach (she loves it SO much!) and meeting friendly, kind people every day who I am gradually getting to know as time goes by.

I could go on and on about all the things I am grateful for, but I thought I'd just write about what is foremost in my heart today. A lovely valentines day with a beautiful family - what more could you ask for?

Single Word Saturday

2010-02-13T13:45:00.014+11:00

Images from our week with just a single word...

Mischief

Boundless

Alive

Challenges

Perspective

Morning

Journey

Intrigue

Balance

Rest

Love & Peace

New Autumn Bum Soakers

2010-02-12T19:47:00.002+11:00

Today I finished some new bum soakers for Aria in autumny colours. I have absolutely fallen in love with warm colours lately for the very first time. (This may be to do with the fact that I'm living far more 'seasonally' these days.)

The cool breeze of march is slowly inching it's way into our days and Aria is fast outgrowing all of my previous bum soaker experiments.

She is loving imitating everything I do at the moment, so I whipped out a falied experiment and a large plastic needle for her to play with as I sewed up her new woolen undies. She had to climb up and sit on the sofa just like Mama before proceeding to examine the task at hand.

We have been putting on a pair of woollens over all of Aria's nappies as they have recently started to leak a fair bit. I invested in a number of 'itti bitti' snappy nappies not long after Aria was born and they have been wonderful. No bulk like the pocket ones, lovely and soft hemp/bamboo inserts and very easy to wash and dry. However, as she has gotten older and bigger they haven't been absorbent enough - so to prevent leaks these little pants are wonderful. You only have to wash them once every three weeks or so (you also need to air them out after every nappy change and soak them in a lanolin mixture every once in a while to restore the natural protective coating), they don't smell at all (make sure they're completely 100% untreated wool though), they breathe in the heat and are warm in the cooler months, they are so soft, all natural and they hold up to 40% of their weight in moisture before feeling damp.

This is the pattern I have ended up using over and over. I have a number of other patterns, but this is the one I keep coming back too as it's so easy and quick.

No doubt I'll need to knit many more if today is anything to go by... I thought we'd walk home along the beach after we did our daily mail pick-up from the general store. I totally underestimated just how much this child loves the "seeeeeeeeeeeeaa". She went bounding straight for the water complete with shoes, woollen tights/dress/bum soakers and all!! (Much to the amusement of an elderly couple walking by - her joy was completely contagious). So even though they absorb a seemingly endless amount of liquid - I'm afraid they just didn't cut it today! Both Mama and Bubba were completely soaked, but later on this made for some scrumptiously cosy cuddles after climbing into dry warm clothes.

Beyond the Rainbow Bridge

2010-02-10T14:35:00.000+11:00

Just a quick post to 'pass on the love' as Hillary puts it :) Healing Hillary is generously giving away a copy of 'beyond the rainbow bridge' on her blog. Please pop over to her page and have a look at another Waldorf inspired Mama's journey and enter your name in the comments section to join the giveaway. Such a lovely idea from such an inspiring person :)

xx

A Muddy Afternoon

2010-01-21T18:31:00.000+11:00

A friend of mine recently described the wonders of mud on a forum I'm involved in and I was thoroughly inspired to have some muddy fun of our own. Boy am I glad we got out there and down and dirty in the earth! Aria tends to be very 'heady' - always thinking, very wordy and obsessed with books. I've been trying to focus a wee bit lately on encouraging her to be more grounded and in her body (for those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, this is a Waldorf (Steiner) kind of outllook. Waldorf parents speak of the child 'growing down' in a sense as they come fully into their bodies. This is considered to be basically the main 'task' of early childhood. There's a lot more to it than this, but as I'm only just starting to study Anthroposophy I won't attempt to give a more detailed explanation. Donna Simmons from the Christopherus site has written a great post about it on the Christopherus blog). Playing around in mud is such a wonderful way to do this! She let out her trademark little Ooohs and Aaaaahs of pure glee as we patty-caked, stirred and squished. I think this grounding and getting out of the head by using the body was also fantastic for Mumma too!! What a clear-minded feeling. It brought back many memories of 'baking pies' under the house where I grew up in New Zealand as well.

Patty cake Patty cake...

"Dirty Mama"... um, yes!!

One content little Bubba

Aria's plate of food later became a hat

I also thought I'd just add a pic of the latest bit of knitting I've completed. I've been meaning to post about it for a while, but always seem to forget! A rainbow knitted Kimono for my Rainbow baby. I used this pattern and adapted it slightly (I needed to pick up all the stitches from around the bottom after I'd finished as it kept rolling up. A few rows of garter stitch fised the problem). I also knitted a little pixie cap using the same wool (I love this wool) earlier in the spring (you'll see this in photos on earlier posts).

She was such a busy bee this day, I was lucky to get a shot of her in frame!

Baking day - cookie goodness!

2010-01-16T17:00:00.000+11:00

I recently came across an absolutely awesome flourless cookie recipe from the 'whole life nutrition kitchen' blog. What a brilliant find this blog is! All gluten free recipes with a focus on healthy whole foods, sugar free, elimination diet foods, dairy free, vegan - you get the picture... I had been so stuck as to what to feed myself and Aria (Daddy eats anything), but this has certainly solved that little problem! I used ground peanuts instead of almond butter as we had a whole unused container of the stuff in the fridge and we used 'Sweet William' chocolate as it is gluten and dairy free with very little sugar in it (I couldn't find Cocao nibs and we try and steer away from conventional chocolate). They turned out absolutely delicious - not going to last very long I expect!

Aria enjoyed grinding the flax seeds with me (or really watching and imitating, she didn't actually grind them!), pouring ingredients into the bowl, mixing, eating, mushing, and basically covering herself with the yummy concoction! Our first baking day was a thorough success (despite the heat - ovens and humidity don't pair well) and I'm looking forward to next week.

Carefully watching as Mama grinds the seeds

Eager to have a go herself!

YUM!! What a mess! (We'll work on that for next time, hehe)

And thus concludes our first baking day.

Daily rhythms and the young child.

2010-01-16T15:49:00.001+11:00

I've finally managed to integrate a rhythym into our home and I couldn't be happier about it! Other than the myriad of benefits for Aria, I've found that this really supports me as well. The natural rhythm carries me through the day when my brain is mush and my body is all chronic fatigued/fibromyalgia'd out! It has taken a number of months of trial and error in order for me to be able to follow through with my carefuly thought out plans and to subsequently find and settle on what actually works for us. I've needed to focus on my own healing journey quite strongly in order to move on from hovering around in a very sick and dark place. Now, while I still experience some of the syptoms, things are really looking up and I've finally been able do some of the things that mean I'm being the kind of mother I dearly want to be. As I've mentioned many times before, I'm greatly inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner (his educational methods are also refered to as 'Waldorf'). In his indications regarding the first 7yrs of life, Steiner talks about how important a rhythm is on all levels of the child's being.

I've been really amazed at how quickly Aria has learnt the order of things - (we've been doing it 'properly' for about a week). It brings me so much joy to know that we now have an environment that provides the space, safety and organic in/out breath that is needed as a foundation for her to grow forth from. Instead of anything happening kind of whenever or wherever (not that I ever meant it to be like that!), Aria knows that after we wash hands (while singing a washing hands song) we light the candle, and after that we say a verse of thanks, then we eat, wash hands and blow out the candle. She will then toddle off to grab her broom and we will both sweep while singing "this is the way we sweep the floor...". Next comes the dishes - Aria loves sitting on the bench with her own brush and cloth while we wash all the wooden dishes. She's actually a real help at loading the dishwasher afterwards too! To my amazement, after the dishes, Aria has gone to collect her special bed time book and brings it to me saying "sorey" (story). We then go off to our darkened bedroom for a story, lullabies, feed, lots of cuddles and her afternoon nap (sometimes I nod off too...) This cosy routine is so soothing for her (as she is proving to be quite a sensitive wee thing, this gives her a lot of security and connection.) I think it must be reassuring for her when we do things in the same order and in the same way each day.

This is just a snippet of our daily rhythm, but it illustrates how smoothly things go. Before it was almost like everything was a surprise that she had to figure out. She wasn't as free to be herself or grow because she was constantly catching up with an adult world and sort of metaphorically chasing my tail. Now she has a context within which to learn new things at a pace which is suited to where she is at developmentally.

For us it's not really about having a timetable or a routine as such (some days things just take longer than others) - it's more about 'rhythm' (as Steiner indicates). An in breath is always followed by an out breath in nature (think of the seasons, the ocean tides, day/night etc). During our day we strive to always follow an 'in breath' (such as a nap or quiet time) with an 'out breath' (such as time outdoors, physical activity so as to feel in our bodies or baking, artsy stuff etc...), and vise versa. This seems to work really well for Aria. It sounds simple - but actually takes a fair bit of forward planning and clarity of mind to carry it out!

Another way in which the in/out breath scenario is supported in our day is having indoor and outdoor time. Aria is a nature girl and really thrives with at least 4hrs outside a day -(the majority of the morning is spent outside, then lunch and stories/sleep inside, then back outside for the afternoon until it is time to prepare dinner) - she also welcomes the contrast of coming inside, quitening down and cosying up. I've provided some links below that I have found inspiring on the matter however their are many, many more out there as well!

Useful links:
Nurturing young Children in the Waldorf Home - Christopherus website
rudolf steiner archive
waldorf at home forum
waldorf journey - a little garden flower blog
Earthschooling
Seasons of Joy - Meal time rhythms
The Parenting Passageway - bringing rhtyhm to your baby