Day to day: Breakfast I

They all say breakfast is the most important meal of the day but I say its just the best full stop. Oscar Wilde said "Only dull people are brilliant at breakfast" and George Eliot quotes that breakfast is the best meal of the day because "no dust has settled on one's mind then, and it presents a clear mirror to the rays of things." So though I may be dull as a doornail, I love having breakfast. I like to meet my day with a good feed - a thought-about meal - something that gives me a feeling of peace, energy and vivacity. When I was overseas in Europe recently I was aghast at how few people ate "proper" breakfasts (coffee and a wee biscuit doesn't count to me) and I'm not saying you need to have a HUGE AND GIANT plate of whatever; I'm just saying I like to sit down, preferably with some sunshine, and something worth reading, and devour my breakfast slowly and thoughtfully. So this week for the next 7 days I'm going to make myself have a different breakfast and document the results on here.

I'm sure you've seen the delightful blog - simply breakfast - which is complete bliss and ecstasy for the eyes and stomach - but this is more about me thinking a little more about that meal that begins my day; and how different and delicious I can make them.

This is my first day and its a bit of cheat because we went out for breakfast. We went to Martini in Newtown - I had poached eggs with baked pumpkin, polenta fingers, shaved parmesan and baby spinach. I also had a fresh beetroot, ginger and carrot juice. It was divine... Did I mention that Australia does breakfast really really well? Its true! I think Australians may just enjoy breakfast more than any other meal, yes, including barbecues.

Sew this is how it goes

1. Decide you want to make your first dress. 2. Pull the "easiest" looking pattern from your growing vintage collection - then find some retro fabric. 3. Spend a good few nights cutting, pinning, assembling, seaming, darting, basting, overcasting, frustrating, pricking (one's fingers) and generally learning a good deal about sewing clothes and marvelling at every neat seam you see on well made store-clothes. I was glad to have an expert in the house (mum) and she rekindled her avid sewing days with me; remembering how to refit a narrow foot for the machine to sew the zipper; how to tack facing down and so on... and many times I looked at my instructions bewildered but after a bit of fiddling it all seemed to make sense. Can I just emphaise here that sewing a dress (For the first time) takes a LOT longer than you think it will?4. And Voila! Wear it and be happy!
I think I could sew a circus tent now; well maybe not, but still -There is something so satisfying about putting on a dress that you know you've cut and pinned and seamed and sewn - something that makes you want to dance and embrace the day !And today I picked up yet more yards of fabric. I'm starting a printing course this week and think I am in need of a bright *its OK to splatter paint all over me* apron. I know using a big old shirt would make more sense but if I'm going to start using it regularly I want it to fit and make me smile when I tie it on!

Nikon Baby

I've been nesting on this egg for a while; slowly saving; doing my research; finding the best deal; visiting the stores and having a good feel; deliberating; and finally I let it hatch. My first SLR - a Nikon D60 and my, does it feel good. The camera I mean - it actually feels really nice to hold, it has a satisfying click when the shutter comes down. Sigh. I'm only just discovering how to take photographs; and the possibilities of playing with light, shutter speed, exposure now are endless.On another happy note I wandered up to the post office today to pick up a little soft package containing a pair of new earrings from this lovely lady in Argentina. They're the flattest matryoshkas I've ever seen (and maybe that's why I liked them) but they're as light as feathers and it feels as if I'm wearing earrings of swishy air.I'm in my sisters room by the way. She's working on her art major work for high school and its looking quite brilliant. Its really huge (taking up an entire wall) and she's been playing around with fabric and dyes these past few days.
Now I have to stop being distracted by the new baby and finish off a very pressing sewing project before venturing into the busy busy city for work. Its World Youth Day[week] in Sydney and there is something refreshing and inspiring about seeing so many jovial youngins together; waving flags; smiling; strumming guitars and singing their heart outs...

While I was away I

Discovered how tiny and blue forget-me-nots are .
Coloured in and helped make butterflies and houses for the window sill.
We designed our "magic garden";
Danced, and danced until our feet and legs ached.
Took the old bikes for a ride;
And found the sea;
the still, silky sea -
Looked at our reflections,
Felt the wet sand and found mussel shells;
Made a mermaid on the shore.
Read lots of stories.
Laughed.
And watched s-i-x caterpillars fatten up on a spikey weed.
Stood and listened to birds.
And at one point I fled fast on my bike and cried.
I came home earlier than I thought I would;
I came home with thoughts and feelings that weighed heavy on my heart -
but I came home with smiles too.

And I remember being by that still water,
when, very faintly,
I thought I heard singing...

Remembering

This time last year my brother Sam and I were in Paris. We were sitting on the edge of the Siene with our legs dangling; watching Parisians picnic all over the footpaths and bridges in celebration of Bastille Day. We felt so privileged to take part in the beautiful celebrations;Viva la France!

Off to the bush, the birds and the sea

Tomorrow I am breaking free of here. At least for a little while. I am off up the coast to visit my dad. It will be nice to see the little ones again who I don't see nearly enough. And while I'm there I intend to:

*embrace getting away from the city and noise for a few days
*go to a dance on Saturday night and do some old waltzes, reels and polkas to the sound of fiddles and banjos (its the Scottish in me)
*take the old bicycles for a spin down by the water
*go for a bush walk
*listen to the birds
*give a copious amount of hugs
*laugh a lot

Have a lovely, relaxing and serendipitous weekend,
I shall see you all again on Tuesday!

p.s. I would like to live in a lighthouse one day -
And I'd give the ships a super-fantastic light show...

Did you say it was Winter?

Because I was begining to think it was Spring...

Thrift n' Fabric

When I get started I am an avid thrifter. I think I inherited it from my mother; who not only found us all excellent second-hand clothes when we were small - but would take us along to roam the isles of fashion disasters (shoulder pads, canary yellow suits) and fashionbonanzas (shoulder pads bigger than your head, tulle skirts, genuine Scottish kilts), the old books, cds, purses, plastic necklaces, old china, baskets - So I salute you second-hand charity shops! You have served me well through all these years - providing Scottish kilts for tailoring in my punk days; last-minute costumes for dated-themed parties; most excellent time-wasting when waiting for a train/person/feeling... Oh the things you can find if only you look!

This afternoon was no exception -
I found myself some darling china(I have a thing for blue in case you had forgotten)
A good-as-new black lace slip (which I was needing anyway)
And two crocheted lace chokers
And a simple little glass vase for hand-picked posies

It seemed natural then, that my sister, my mother and I hit the fabric shop afterwards. There was all this lovely quilting cotton on sale; and I bought some fabric for a dress I've been meaning to make; as well as the usual bits and bobs.Oh the things you will find!

Shoppity Bop

It started with the inspiring fruit bowlAnd grew into some lovely, juicy linoWhich you can find as a print

3 Fruits Print $15

3 Apples Print $15

As a market tote $19.95

Or a stripey apple tote $19.95

And most excitedly - as shiny red apple tags $4

You'll also find a tote with the nesting pear family in blue $19.95
All in my little etsy shop!

Today has been a beautiful day. Not just a beautiful, clear blue day - but has had a really good feeling. I made a very exciting discovery this morning and feel uplifted and hopeful. I got out in the front garden to do some sweeping (and always some impromptu dancing) - the afternoon had a delightful feeling; the sun was out and there was a gentle breeze... I also did some sewing and uncovered a fantastic album (Dream Theater - Train of Thought) it certainly won't be for everyone but as far as progressive metal goes it will delight and inspire. So all eyes peeled for an etsy shop tomorrow!And I decided to make a rhubarb and ginger bundt cake; partly because I had some very wilty rhubarb in the fridge, partly for my LOVE of ginger, and mostly because I like using the bundt pan. It may just be the most delicious and scrumptious cake I've ever had; the rhubarb melts in your mouth and cuts through the sweetness of the treacle and spices. I may just eat the whole thing...Ah to the skies and heavens above;
thank you for being such a good day-