Tale Peddler

Gentlewoman, vintage caravans and a Full Scorpio Moon

2011-05-17T16:23:00.000+10:00

Hello, I've been blogging on my writing Blog which you can find HERE but have been missing my personal blog lately so here's a post of a few things that have been inspiring me recently.

The Gentlewoman. I do love this magazine for its title and cover and the contents are most interesting as well. Have you seen this one?

Vintage Caravans have been taking up my thoughts. I long to live in the country and write in a beauty like one of these.

My daughter Daisy has also been inspiring me for her computer know-how. I had no idea that at six she is capable of uploading the internet, googling DISNEYLAND and having a good browse around YouTube for videos on Disneyland whilst my back was turned. I, of course am totally pants with technology. The collage above is of Daisy meeting her father for lunch in the city when she went to visit her naturopath last week. Daisy has a gallstone which we are trying to treat naturally as well as medically.

I am loving the cold snap that has hit Sydney and there is a wonderful Full Scorpio Moon on her way.

Have a lovely week and stay creative. xx
green vintage caravan from happylovesrosie
quote from weheartit
pearl lowe's vintage caravan source

The Nigella Effect

2011-03-17T17:58:00.000+11:00

Hello, I posted this on my writing blog HERE along with my daughter's Princes and Pirate party but thought I would also post Nigella here.

Yesterday I took an impulsive break from my edit and attended the very packed Nigella Lawson book signing at David Jones.

When I say 'impulsive' I mean very last-minute decision to go. I literally shut the laptop and ran for the train wearing my comfortable writing clothes (read 'scruffy'). I arrived at David Jones just as the signing was starting and thought I had found the end of the queue until the frazzled-looking security guard kindly showed me the end of the queue was way, way, way, way, way back snaking around the shopfloor.

Ever the optimist, I jumped right on the end and began making new friends as we waited patiently in line for the domestic goddess herself.

It was a lot of fun to observe normally too-cool-for-school Sydneysiders going slightly crazy over Nigella. She is obviously well-loved in Sydney.

In our house alone, David loves her, as does my Daisy and I have all her cookbooks. Well, I have now that I bought Express yesterday. My middle-sister who has been going blind for years is also potty over Nigella and has been following her movements from her country house in Tasmania since she arrived. I think she admires her for her tenacity in tough times as well as her domestic artistry when it comes to the kitchen.

Amongst the madness and fun, the ever-game and smiling piano player played on in David Jones You can see a better post HERE where more shots were taken including of the smiley piano man .

A sales consultant had fainted. Whether from the excitement of Nigella or from the crowd, I'm not sure.

All good things come to those who wait. It was my turn to meet Nigella when the woman in charge realised I didn't have my book purchased for her to sign. Total chaos! I quickly had to buy one from a valiant sales consultant.

And in the above image you see Nigella smiling at a scruffy looking writer as I threw myself at her like an excited puppy-dog. Note that big smile even though she has been smiling and signing for close to an hour by this stage.

And for those who are curious of what she was really like, I can divulge she has beautiful, pale skin, intelligent, kind eyes, and a very down-to-earth and warm persona. I was thrilled. Too often, I've met famous people who disappoint in real life but Nigella is the genuine article. She may adopt a character for the screen but her charm was sparkling through as she interacted with the people who had queued patiently to have their moment with her.

As I left the store, I was intrigued to see the staff member still lying on the floor nearly an hour later obviously waiting for the ambulance. Hopefully that woman is okay.

I remember when I saw Jerry Hall in the street once. I do love the very Sassy Jerry Hall and I was so impressed by her strut and the way she worked the gawking crowd. There were a bunch of workmen to who she waved and they began singing out to her. She was incredible. Being a person who tends to prefer to observe others, I'm often impressed by those who court fame. That Jerry Hall moment worked its way into my book when my bohemian writer, Pearl in the 1930s thread, struts her way down the main street of my Tasmanian sea-fishing village. Pearl may be clothed in the fashion of the 1930s but I was also seeing Jerry Hall as I wrote, long blonde hair swaying, high heels clicking as she sashayed through a modern-day Sydney street.

Who would you wait in queue for to grab a moment with? When it comes to celebrities it's obvious I'd wait days for Johnny Depp, Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter.

But I was very glad I got a chance to finally meet the sensational Nigella!

Returning back to my edit, I submerged myself back into the world of Pencubitt in the 1930s and was surprised to have a call from the school. Was my daughter sick? No, she was waiting with the Office Reception as I had totally forgotten to collect her.

Such is the effect of the brush with fame for us mortals. I've never forgotten to collect my daughter and so that's what I call the Nigella Effect.

Follow Me to Queen of Preens and Autumn Fires

2011-03-01T19:15:00.000+11:00

Hello,

Have you missed me? I've found it difficult to get around the blogs lately due to my edit deadline but if you have missed me - follow me HERE I've been busy editing but still found time to blog about recent family holidays, preening Queens, writing, award ceremonies, and of course Johnny Depp. My edit is coming along nicely and nearing the end but if you want to find me at the moment, I'm in the world of my writing blog. I do miss my pink blog but it's easier for me to blog on my writing blog as I'm editing. Hope to see you there. xx

Valentine's Day 1900

2011-02-14T20:42:00.000+11:00

On the 14th February in the year 1900, a group of schoolgirls set out for their annual Valentine's Day Picnic. Some were never to return...
What was the secret of Hanging Rock?

Every Valentine's Day I'm reminded of my favourite Australian movie, Picnic At Hanging Rock, which is based on the book of the same name by Joan Lindsay.

When I first saw this haunting, eerie movie in the 70s, I was terrified. After many repeat viewings, it still creeps me out. I'll do a longer post about this one day as it's such a fascinating film and I also love Elvira Madigan which Picnic was heavily influenced by.

Elvira Madigan

Picnic At Hanging Rock is my bookclub (Magic Hat Bookclub) pick this month. Joan Lindsay is a fascinating character and so I'm looking forward to this discussion.

image source here

But the Peter Weir movie will be forever associated in my mind with the 14th February. On this day every year, I see white dresses, corsets, elaborate cards, birds soaring in a brilliant blue sky, parasols, the menacing rock and the enigmatic Miranda.

A little bit of Rock trivia: Joan Lindsay married her husband on St Valentine's Day. The day always had a special significance for her which is why she set her novel on the 14th February.
Enjoy the day and night dedicated to love.

Lula Magazine: Spell

2011-02-05T17:38:00.000+11:00

Fabbo Friday and a Fab Forties Flick

2011-02-04T18:04:00.000+11:00

If you like 1940s film noir then I highly recommend “Leave Her To Heaven”.

I've seen it twice now and it's amazing how your point of view changes with each viewing. I don't want to give too much away but the character Ellen (Gene Tierney) is depicted as a monster.

When I saw it last Saturday night, I was surprised to find myself having a lot more empathy for her; she seemed to be more mentally ill than evil. And how irritating were some of the 'so-called-good' characters! The self-absorbed author-husband, Richard Harland (this makes me smile as I know a Richard Harland writer) neglects his new bride on their honeymoon leaving her to entertain his disabled brother, then wonders why she gets really, really mad at him.

And I also found the foster sister, Ruth, incredibly annoying. She was obviously all over Ellen's husband, flirting away, whilst Ellen was pregnant and once again he wondered why she became really irate.

This was one of Fox's highest grossing film in the 1940s. It's one of Martin Scorcese's favourite films and also one of mine.

And on this Fab Friday leaving you with an image of the lovely Johnny Depp as we head towards another steaming hot Sydney weekend.
Thanks for visiting me. xx
johnny depp image source
Leave Her to Heaven book source
Ellen and Richard together source
Gene in pool source
Gene in boat source

Chit-chat Wednesday and When you can't take no more!

2011-02-02T17:24:00.000+11:00

The humidity in Sydney is dire at the moment. It's hard to sleep of a night and we are always shattered in the morning. We are all exhausted from the constant, blasting, merciless heat. I posted a few photos on my writing Blog from my Tasmanian trip here.http://josephinetalepeddler.wordpress.com/

Here's a few more to remind me of a cooler land.

And how wonderful is this ad from the 70's advertising 4711 ice cologne?

Only the 70's would be so surreal they would pitch the add at truckies. Have a wonderful week.

Magnificent, Marvellous, MIghty Monday and The Actress

2011-01-31T20:02:00.000+11:00

Jacki Weaver has always been one of my favourite Australian actresses. I've seen her quite a few times on stage over the years - always charismatic, likeable and watchable. Animal Kingdom isn't my favourite Australian movie by a long shot, but Jacki is totally deserving of her nomination in this year's Academy Awards.

I admire Jacki for her resilience in Australia's dismal film and television industry. And I always love to see a woman in her sixties (who always seems eternally ageless because of her spirit) have her first real big break.

And on the topic of inspiring actresses, I am also in love with this image of Sandra Bullock (another very charismatic personality on screen) at the recent Golden Globes. She looks so cute with her fringe but that Jenny Packham dress is a dream. I'm smitten by the beautiful vintage pink shade. It looks as if little fairies sat up all night to stitch it.

Thanks to the Sassy Clare Press where I first spotted this image.

Have an inspiring week. xx

'You don't last in this industry for 48 years unless you quietly know your own worth. And unless you are determined to make sure it's seen.'

David Williamson on Jacki.
jacki weaver in 70's image source
jacki in animal kingdom image source
jacki in red image source

Fabbo Friday a Fab Flick and Farewell for now. xx

2011-01-07T21:24:00.000+11:00

Hello,

I'm going away for a couple of weeks on a research trip to Tasmania. Whilst away I will only be blogging at my writing blog HERE in case you miss me.

In the meantime, I shall leave you with the wonderful Johnny Depp and the movie The Tourist which I saw yesterday whilst the Scribe took our daughter to Tangled.

Despite a ludicrous plot it's still worth the ticket as I love the retro-slightly Polaroid look. It took me back to Venice, one of my favourite places. In a recent interview Johnny Depp talked about how he would walk the streets of Venice late at night and the ghosts would come out for him then. Venice is a city of ghosts and dreams.

I shall never forget my holiday with the Scribe there and how we had a 'room with a view' as we were staying during the time of the floods and the hotel kindly upgraded us. If you haven't visited this dream of a city, I urge you to go. And in the meantime you can feast on both Depp and Venice in The Tourist.

xx
johnny in boat image source
scene from the tourist image source

Happy New Year with Bogart, Bacall and Tracy Anderson

2011-01-01T20:31:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year to all from a sweltering Sydney oven.
I'm wilting in the heat. I find this city unbearable at this time of year. If you're lucky enough to live near the water it would ease the pressure but the inner-city is an airless, dusty battery-hen cage.
Wishing you a joyous New Year and I'm looking forward to 2011.
Here is my comfort book.

I re-read it over Christmas in two days. Despite knowing it so well, I couldn't put it down. Amazing how you get a slightly different angle with the characters every time. It has such a sinister, dark edge to it. Clever, wonderful Daphne.

And no surprises as to what I've been doing (see Tracey Anderson DVD). That's my big new year resolution. Writing is such a fattening job.

If you follow my Facebook, you'll see that I'm not a fan of the fireworks at this time of year. I've had a mini-rant there about the waste of money, cost to the environment and the damage to the harbour, not to mention how it frightens animals. I found several others who also hate the fireworks. How about you? Are you pro the big bangs or, like me, believe it's fiddling whilst Rome burns?

With all the Green perceptions globally and the fears for how fragile the planet is, I'm dismayed that firework displays are still so popular. I've been criticised in the past for my anti-fireworks stance and told that I don't like people to enjoy magic.

Personally, I find far more magic, splendour and meaning in a simple blade of grass than in millions of dollars polluting the night skies with transient explosions of coloured lights - but that's just me. I'm not even a fan of going out on New Year's Eve. The Scribe and I spent a cosy evening with a bottle of Grand Marnier and The Big Sleep. We still aren't sure what exactly happened in that confusing, twisty movie but Bacall and Bogart are magic.
Off to try to catch some of the tiny breeze in our courtyard. xx
bogart and bacall image via google images

Chit-chat Wednesday and Celebrate the Light

2010-12-22T19:38:00.000+11:00

Hello,

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas/Summer/Winter Solstice season wherever you are in the world. I believe life should be celebrated and I love ritual. And so this time of year never fails to make me happy. I have the Summer Solstice and then following close behind Christmas. On the Summer Solstice I decorated my backyard with candles and shells to cast my wishes and secrets to the universe. And at Christmas, I shall be watching as my daughter perform as an angel in the Christmas Mass.

I've listened to far more runs of the Chipmunks singing Jingle Bells than any sane person should, but I still love this crazy season. Here's a selection of some of my favourite Christmas albums below. I love seeing The Wishing Tree in our local shopping centre heaped with gifts for those less fortunate and my daughter's joy in selecting a Barbie doll for a little girl to place under the tree.

The harvest is stored. The light is returning.

I have a fridge stocked with essentials such as Tasmanian cheeses, figs, French Champagne, and nostalgic treats such as Milk Tray and good old frozen chocolate Bavarian. The latter treats are essential as they always make me remember my old Nanny. We have queued for three hours to see Santa at David Jones but the end shot was worth the wait. And the window display is always a joy to witness.

We made a Christmas pudding and chutney. Once again, the amazing Jamie Oliver has got me through with his organised approach to Christmas. This DVD is highly recommended.

Family, friends, feasting and celebration of new life - it's a glorious time of year. The air feels sprinkled with pixie magic dust.
Merry Christmas to you. Celebrate life, light, family, and home. And in the eloquent words of Charles Dickens:
'I have always thought of Christmastime, when it has come around - apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that -as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave."

From A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens

vintage christmas images via google image search

Fabbo Friday and Lady on a Train for Christmas Telly

2010-12-17T17:32:00.000+11:00

Lady on a Train is a great 1940s movie that I highly recommend for Christmas. It's a mystery which stars the wonderfully perky Deanna Durbin, lover of detective novels and witness to a murder whilst on a train. Yes, shades of Agatha Christie here but a lighter romp than anything the Duchess of Crime came up with.

It's a lot of good fun and is set in New York at Christmas time, making it an ideal Christmas flick.

The movie had the potential to be a lot darker in a Daphne du Maurier or film noir way but it plays it safe with a good frolic. But still, totally fab viewing and Deanna wears some out-there hats throughout.

Deanna also performs a beautiful version of Silent Night which, as Bill Collins said, is well worth watching this great old classic for.

However, Mr Collins failed to mention in his introduction on Foxtel that one of the stars, David Bruce, bears an almost uncanny resemblance to JOHNNY DEPP. And he plays his character like an early Ed Wood. Bruce plays Wayne Morgan, the very likeable and slightly bumbling mystery writer who Deanna's character, Nicki, enlists to help her solve the murder.

I'd love to see a remake of this one starring Johnny Depp as Wayne Morgan. And so in place of my usual Johnny Depp image today, I shall leave you with a photo of his early doppelganger (see below).

Enjoy your weekend as we head towards the Summer Solstice and Christmas. xx
images source

Chit-chat Wednesday and Allison Dubois Talk to Me

2010-12-15T21:05:00.000+11:00

Recently I went with a friend to see Allison Dubois (world-famous medium who inspired the hit TV show Medium) work her craft in front of a Sydney audience. We were VIP members which meant we got to meet Allison first, have a chat and she signed our books. We also chatted with other VIP members of the audience which was a hoot.

My friend and I were lucky enough to sit next to quite well-known Australian psychic, who went straight into an impromptu channelling session for both of us, pulling out a pack of Tarot cards shortly after we introduced ourselves. This psychic was a total character. Larger than life and very entertaining. (I was very happy with hearing a large sum of money was on its way as you can imagine.)

Then Allison Dubois entered and the mood swiftly changed.

She introduced herself in a very Sassy, way with 'don't ask, if you don't want to know because I'm good.'

My hand was in the air instantly. I wanted to know the works. Were my books going to sell well? How about the health problems of my father? Our house, were we going to move to the house of my dreams?
You know. All the questions you want reassurance to and would love to have answered.
Then Allison began asking who was present for murder or suicide and my hand started to sink back.
I shortly realised that out of nearly 200 people, some who had children die, some who came seeking answers to why loved partners killed themselves, some who wanted to contact deceased fathers. My questions on my book weren't going to cut the mustard.

There was an enormous need in the room and I can only say Allison did her best as a tiny-sized woman to fill it.

She sat with a pencil in one hand, a slight look of concentration on her face as a person (picked from the audience by her husband Joe) asked their question. Then Allison would contact the dead.

In the audience, we were left gasping and clapping many times at the accuracy of what Allison was getting through for people. Sometimes it was words that the dead person used to always say: 'You are my princess. You'll always be my princess.'

Sometimes it was definite instructions: ' you can stop wearing my shoes now’ to a young boy who had come about his father's suicide and was wearing his boots.

She replied to questions on whether a death had been suicide or murder and also the one murder case channelled a new possible lead for the person who had come seeking closure.

In the audience, we wept many times watching the living reach out to their dead. Yet there was also a mood of celebration as if there were spirits around overjoyed to have found a way to communicate.

The overwhelming theme of the night was Fathers. There were many daughters who had come seeking a message from their father. They were very poignant channelings. Allison herself has lost her father which she writes of so movingly in her books.

Yes, I'm a believer. I don't know exactly who Allison Dubois is talking to but I do know that she is receiving accurate information from somewhere.

It would be wonderful to think that the dead still have an interest in us and are around in us some form, although I don't know if it's quite the form that people think of.

Allison claims after death you revert to the person you were happiest as, and so people often present to her with perfect teeth and at an age they felt happy. Suicides revert to childhood a lot, which is interesting.

I've already spoken to my parents about getting a message through to me when Allison returns, if they happen to depart into the spirit worlds in the meantime.

And Allison is a very spunky, totally sparkly lady. The sort of person you feel you would like to go for a drink with and hang out for awhile. She wears killer shoes and seems to be a no-nonsense sort of person.

I liked her a lot. I was just a teensy bit nervous meeting her because I've heard she can see if you are about to die or have serious health problems. She didn't seem to react when I met her. Except she laughed a bit. I don't like to think too much on that one...

You can read more about the lovely, Ms Dubois here and her books are highly recommended.
allison dubois image source
medium image source

Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday and Kate Morton Never Gave Up

2010-12-13T19:45:00.000+11:00

Kate Morton has been a huge international publishing success. Her books sold in the millions to 38 countries. Recently she was interviewed by Mariella Frostrup on one of my favourite shows, The UK Book Show with Nigella Lawson and another guest. She has struck publishing gold.

I've known Kate for years as we share the same agent the wonderful Selwa Anthony. Below is a photograph taken at the Sydney Launch of Kate's debut book, The Shifting Fog (released in the UK as The House At Riverton). This photo always makes me smile as it looks as if I"m trying to rub some of Kate's success off on me.

From left: Kate, me wearing the purple chook feather, Kate Forsyth (who has previously written an Inspiration post for Tale Peddler), and the very Sassy Leigh Redhead.

The reason why Kate is my pick for an Inspiration post is not her great success but rather her tenacity. She had previously written two books which were both turned down by publishers before she wrote The Shifting Fog.

I just love stories like this. I believe when it comes to writing, you have to have the hide of an elephant and be able to pick yourself up off the floor after many crushing disappointments.

We all know stories of people like JK Rowling, Louisa May Alcott (who had to work as a servant when Little Women was being floated around) or Stephen King (Carrie received 30 rejections before it went onto enormous success). The English crime writer John Creasey received 753 rejection slips and went on to publish over 500 books.

I know personally how tough it can get in the world of publishing. You can spend years investing all your being into one book that can go nowhere.

You can possess the talent, the discipline, the marketing appeal, the best ideas in the world in spades. But if you don't have tenacity and determination – well, publishing is a game of snakes and ladders, often with more snakes on the board than ladders.

You have to keep rolling that dice, stay pure to the work and never give in. If you need a dose of stamina power, here's a link to an article of some great souls who refused to give up.
Enjoy your week. Keep creative.

Flops are a part of life's menu

and I've never been a girl to miss out on any of the courses."

~ Rosalind Russell

image of Kate Morton Source

Fabbo Friday and Exciting Spaces

2010-11-26T20:19:00.000+11:00

This week in the steamy heat I went to meet my editor at my agent's house. I wrote about that HERE at the official writing Blog. But speaking of books with beautiful covers, I am mad about the new Frankie book SPACES.

So much loveliness it makes my heart ache. It's filled with inspiring, creative people and their lovely spaces. People like Allison from Lark, Emily Chalmers from CARAVAN and Tif from Dottie Angel. All the pretty, whimsical, retro-twisty you would expect from FRANKIE.

It is now time for Mangos, chilled grapes, sun-hats. The streets are already so hot you melt a little when you walk.
I have to keep my head down and work very hard on my edit which arrived this afternoon via courier. Next week however, I am having a private audience with Allison Dubois from Medium fame, so I'll try to pop in to tell you about that.
In the meantime, I'll aim to keep the writing Blog updated.

Thanks for visiting me and here's another Johnny Depp image to see us into the weekend. xx
Johnny Depp image source

Chit-chat Wednesday and Drinking the Well

2010-11-17T17:38:00.000+11:00

I've been involved in pursuing spiritual adventures for quite a long time. I've walked on fire with Stuart Wilde's Warrior Wisdom course. I trekked the Ashram path in India and stood next to faith healers in Manila. I've sweated in sweat lodges, spent countless hours in churches and danced Sufi, and around cauldrons. I've seen many impossible things. I follow a very electic and unusual path at times when it comes to spirituality. My father describes it as 'going down strange fox-holes' I put my interest in varying faiths down to my early upbringing in Papua New Guinea where there was a lot of magic practised by the locals. Reports of people being raised from the death, telepathy and spiritual healing were all common.

This weekend I went bush with a group of women to pursue Secret Women's Business at a retreat in NSW. It was a glorious weekend as I had been feeling very burnt out caring for my daughter, writing books and domestic artistry. My battery was running low. I wasn't happy with my stress levels and was finding it difficult to breathe properly at times.

I feel very different now. As the facilitator of the weekend, Suzanne, said, "The Wise Woman drinks from the well first." This is similar to the instructions on aeroplanes when the oxygen mask drops and mothers are advised to take the oxygen first before sharing it with their children.

I made new friends and reconnected with old. We sat in circle and shared of ourselves honestly. We broke away old conditionings and found a freedom in that ancient practice. Some of it was straight from scenes I might have mocked in my earlier books. Passing a crystal wand and discussing menstrual cycles with a total stranger is easy to be cynical about, until you find yourself in circle doing just that.

We revealed ourselves on multiple levels and found a new inner wisdom. It was a time I shall always treasure. I won't go into more details as Secret Women's Business should remain Secret Women's Business. But we have so much to learn from the traditional owners of this land. And from now on, I vow to sip from the well first.

Fabbo Friday and Fab books

2010-11-05T12:27:00.000+11:00

I love books (in case you hadn't realised by now). There's no greater pleasure than a new book that smells wonderful, contains a gripping story or beautiful photos. Two of my favourite new friends are:

Kirstie Allsopp's Homemade Home. I was mad about the series and so had to preorder this one. Not only am I a Kirstie fan but this book is even better than I expected. My photographs don't do justice to the lush layouts and all the beautiful images within. It's filled with all the loveliness you would expect from Kirstie. Wallpaper hints, op-shop hints, crafty tips. And it smells totally divine.

Selina Lake's Romantic Style is totally my style.

Again my photos don't do this very beautiful book justice. My eyes aches with all the fab, frilly photographs. Look at this image!

Now that's my idea of heaven. A stack of beautiful vintage books seated next to a vase of divine flowers.

And if it's a scary ghost story you are hankering for as a break from the prettiness, you can't go past The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. It truly did give me nightmares and the character of the doctor was superbly done in my opinion. I'll write more about this one on my official writing Blog. I'm a great lover of a gripping ghost story and this one really captured me. It was our book club's choice and not everyone enjoyed the slow pace – but for me it was a perfect read.

For loveliness around the Blogs this week, you can't do better than my Blogging friend, Carla Coulson. Carla has written and photographed some of my other favourite books such as Italian Joy. I love her work. She has been very kind to Tale Peddler and often pops in. I was delighted to see on her fab Blog that she married recently. You can see more about her work and life HERE.

Signing off for another busy week with the ever romantic and pretty Johnny Depp. xx

image of carla coulson source
image of johnny depp source

Chit-chat Wednesday and Foxglove Spires for sale!

2010-11-03T17:00:00.000+11:00

Regular readers may remember how much I love the book Velvet Pears by Susan Southam. I posted about it HERE. The loveliness of Velvet Pears ensures I can't read too much of it in one sitting as I get so worked up. I feel a kindred spirit toward Susan, the author who transformed a simple weatherboard house into Foxglove Spires. And so I was gob-smacked when I saw Foxglove Spires is for sale. Although there were a couple of tiny hints in Velvet Pears that Susan might sell-up one day and move on, it's always sad to see a house that has been so loved and transformed lose its owners.

I hope somebody beautiful buys it.

Somebody who understands, as Susan did, that you have to be silent and allow the house and garden to dictate its needs to you. Somebody with the poetic vision and romantic heart of Susan Southam.

I'm a lover of bricks and stone but this weatherboard house with its fairy-tale garden would tempt me if I had the cash.

I'm flat-out with researching Australian artists in the 40's for my current book. A joyful research project if there ever was one. Such a fascinating time in Australian art culture with so many wonderful personalities.

Thanks for visiting me.
xx
image of Susan hanging washing source
images of foxglove spires source

Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday and Delvene and Strop

2010-11-01T14:25:00.000+11:00

As a little girl growing up in Tasmania, I had two television crushes: Jack Wild who played Jimmy in H.R Pufnstuf - and John Cornell as "Strop". Lordy knows why, when I look back on old clips and photos of him leering away in his swimming cap. I thought he was cute, however, so there you go. And I preferred him to Paul Hogan, the star of the show.

In later years, I came to admire both John Cornell and his wife Delvene Delaney (who had guest roles as a bikini-girl in The Paul Hogan show).

They were the first sea-changers in Byron Bay and so they were ahead of their time. And I always admire people who turn their backs on celebrity to pursue gardening, which is what Delvene did.
I still think both John Cornell and Delvene look beautiful and so I found the October issue of The Australian Women's Weekly inspiring for the article on Delvene, who is now 59. Delvene represents a lot of things I love about the positive aspects of Australian women - their sassiness and a certain take-me-as-I-am attitude. And in my opinion, she's even more beautiful than in her ‘heyday'.
I recently celebrated a birthday and when a friend asked me if I minded ageing, I could only reply I honestly don't. It's far better than the alternative. I'm grateful to be given the chance to age.
Here's a little quote from the article from Delvene;
"True Beauty comes from inside, so I don't mind ageing, not at all. I don't look in the mirror and think, "Oh my God!" l look in the mirror and think, "that's interesting...oh, that's going to start happening now." That's okay - I love me. If you don't like the way I look. Look away.
When I look at my husband for example. I only look into his eyes. He's 70 next year, but he looks great. It was the same with my (late) mother. Did I look at her and see lines and wrinkles? No. I saw beauty. From October issue of Australian Women's Weekly.

Thanks for popping in to visit me. Wishing you a week filled with beauty and wisdom. xx
image source Delvene and John Cornell
image source bikini Delvene
image source Paul Hogan show

Fabbo Friday and Fab Holiday Books

2010-10-23T19:50:00.000+11:00

Yes, I know it's not Friday. It's Saturday here in Sydney and a day that has alternated between sizzling hot to thunderstorms. I'm not a great believer in chronological time and so feel it's okay to post my usual Friday post today.
Apart from glorious nature and cute little cereal boxes; one of the other lovely things I adore about holidays is holiday reading. I put serious thought into my holiday book choices. I have to have more than one book, in fear I'll finish the first choice. The books have to be light but with enough narrative drive to keep me turning the pages. They have to be comfort books.
I got it right for myself this time. The Folio Edition of the complete Miss Marple short stories and a book that has sat on my shelf for ages - Belong to Me by Maria de los Santos. I remember reading about this one years ago. 'Literary chic-lit' they called it. It's a lovely read with really clever characters and a twist I didn't see coming. And The Rebecca Notebook & Other Memories by Daphne du Maurier. One of my old faves.

And Daisy's book choices are also below. They sort of count as my choices as well.

And the magazines I took were also spot-on mag reading for hols. The Australian Women's Weekly had a great article on ageing starring one of my favourites, Delvene Delaney. Plus a feature on the best cheesecakes. Country Style (to dream and sigh over) and Good Reading.

And my Fab Blog pick of the week is for this lovely girl's apartment on Apartment Therapy. I adore her clever use of space in her home and her love of pink and vintage feminine. I also could sigh over her shoe collection all week. You can see her home featured .http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/carolines-pint-size-retro-whimsy-on-a-budget-house-tour-130306

And signing off with the wonderful Johnny Depp.

Thanks for visiting me. xx
depp image Depp Impact

Chit-chat Wednesday and Misty Blackheath Streets

2010-10-20T17:10:00.000+11:00

We are now home from the misty mountains where I travelled for research for 'Currawong House'. The trip was totally blissful. So difficult to return to gritty Sydney after the peace in Blackheath and very pretty Leura.
Bluebells and daffodils were everywhere and Blackheath kindly turned on a wonderful mist for us. Sadly, she kept the snow back until our return much to Daisy's disgust. We ate holiday type food, read holiday books, lazed and shopped in antique shops. I woke predawn everyday to write in my notebook, walk through dew-soaked grass and follow the Currawongs.

Since our return we have had drama emergency rushes to the hospital with Daisy. Our five-year-old daughter has the distinction of being one of the rare children with gallstones. Sunshine is soaking Sydney streets. I love this time of year when the terraces in the old streets seem bathed in light.

The book is forming itself. I feel the story beginning to rise like mist in Blackheath Streets.
Thank you for visiting me. xx

Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday and The Bromleys

2010-10-04T19:04:00.000+11:00

Hello,

I'm on a research trip to the mountains. I don't have computer access or television there. So there's no distractions. It's bliss to write, dream and feel my characters begin to form. I can sense them gathering together for 'Currawong House'. The strike of matches, a prolonged and piercing scream. The smell of turps. But it's very early days and they're not revealing themselves fully yet. At times, they tease me with little hints that they are forming. I need to go to the mountains to wait - and listen.

On Saturday night I saw - compliments of Daily Imprint Blog - Songs for Sylvie at the Seymour Centre.
Torri Dixon-Whittle is one of those people who are so fab and so inspiring, you nearly have to lie down to absorb their fabness. She is the wife/muse of Australian artist David Bromley, whose paintings you can see above. I do love his nostalgic, slightly moody children.
Tori is also an artist - you can find out more about her from this interview at The Daily Imprint Blog, which if you're not following - then JUST DO IT! Nearly every day a lovely inspiring, fab arty person is interviewed by Natalie Walton. She has a varied bunch of totally cool and interesting people from Nikki Gemmell to India Hicks to Clare Press. And she has just started another Blog, Frontliners, which I love (as I'm a long-time Selby fan). Frontliners is a house Blog which features the houses of totally fab and cool-as-cats folk without their homes being too stylized for the shoot.

I can't leave you this week with more inspiration to savour than the Bromleys and Daily Imprint. Have a super fab week and I'll look forward to visiting you all when I return.
Thanks for popping in. xx
david bromley's art source
bromley family photo source
torri dixon-whittle image source

Chit-chat Wednesday and Belinda Alexandra and Miss Flower Potts

2010-09-29T18:29:00.014+10:00

Belinda Alexandra is a very lovely person and writer. She's also represented by my agent and it was Belinda who first inspired the gratitude cuppa. Every afternoon, I take time out to sit in my garden and sip tea from a lovely tea cup, whilst I give thanks for everything in my life. I've come to really enjoy this ritual, as too often we're running around focused on the seeds rather than the harvest we've already reaped.

Times have changed. Once after signing a book contract I would have celebrated with a tattoo. I have two tattoos; one for my fantasy trilogy and one when my daughter was born. After signing for Poets Cottage and Currawong House last week at my agent's, I found myself not in a gritty tattoo parlour but in T2, which for tea addicts like myself is heaven. I bought Licorice Legs, Just Lavender and Just Rose. The Just Rose is divine. Roses in a cup.

I also bought three new friends to store my teas and Miss Flower Potts.

My normal tea pot is Miss Violet and we have enjoyed many cups together. But I am in love with Miss Flower Potts and her chirpy gypsy company. She reminds me of the folk singer Donovan.

And so with thanks to the lovely Belinda for her gratitude cuppa tip. I now have a new friend to enjoy my ritual with. And it's a far less painless way to celebrate than the tattooist's needle.

Thanks for popping in. xx

rose image source

belinda alexandra image source

Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday and BB, Prince Charles and IKEA

2010-09-27T19:18:00.013+10:00

It's Brigitte Bardot's birthday on Tuesday. As regular readers will know, I adore BB and so Happy Birthday to this icon. She just gets better and better with age.

I'm also loving the 2011 IKEA catalogue. When you live in a small brick house, IKEA is a fantasy trip to heaven. Not only do you get to eat meatballs but I love their storage ideas. I can sit for hours pouring over their catalogues. I've been to Sweden once and the Scribe twice It's like a fairyland country to me.

And I'm totally rapt over The Delicious Miss Dahl cooking show which features Sophie's literary references. You have to love a cooking show where the presenter strolls through Highgate Cemetery, old bookshops and talks about the glamour of train stations.

And Prince Charles gets a nod this week for his gorgeous, candid remarks on a recent BBC documentary.

"...he describes speaking to shrubbery as something that keeps him "relatively sane". "I happily talk to the plants and the trees and listen to them. I think it's absolutely crucial, " he is reported to say. Underlining the importance of his garden, he adds. "Everything I've done here, it's almost like your children. Every tree has a meaning for me."

I hope you pop back on Wednesday as I'd like to introduce you to my new friend, Miss Flower Potts.

And thank you so much for all your good wishes over my book deal. I'm still floating. Thank you. You're all wonderful and I appreciate you all. xx

images of Bardot source

image of Prince Charles source

I am flying. Poets Cottage has sold.

2010-09-23T17:08:00.007+10:00

I am flying. I am finding it difficult to take in at the moment, even though I've known for a couple of weeks. Today - Spring Equinox - I spent the morning at my agent's signing a two-book deal with Pan Macmillan.

I am swooping over the chimney tops and breaking apart clouds as I say those words again. I've been writing now for six years out of contract. Poets Cottage took me three years to write as I struggled with juggling motherhood and writing.
It has been three years since I stood outside the 'real Poets Cottage' in the Tasmanian evening light watching the full moon rise over her roof and the shadows move in the garden.

She gave her story to me then and I passed it on.

I am soaring with my dreams amongst the stars now. Swoosh! Swoosh! Watch me swoop!

The Spring Equinox is a time of balance, contemplation, celebration and giving thanks. I have a lot to celebrate tonight.

Other things in my life are not so good. The shadows are there with the ongoing health problems of a close family member.

But tonight I will wave to you from the sky wherever you are. If you look out of your window to the night. I am smiling back. xx

chagall image source

Chit-chat Wednesday and Song of the Currawong

2010-09-15T19:07:00.005+10:00

Currawongs have taken over our garden. They love the big native tea-trees to sit and sing in their melodious voices. They sound like honey in the morning and evening. We're thinking of re-naming Sparrow Chateau (our writing shed) into Currawong Shed as both the Scribe and I love these birds and their singing so much.
Smuchie, our cat, loves the challenge of working out how to kill them but their beaks keep her at a wary distance.
Magpie season has started in our local park. I admire these fierce birds as they strive to protect their young. I can still remember yelling at some man last Summer for throwing birds at a poor Mother Magpie who wanted only to be left in peace with her babies.
We're so lucky in the inner-city to have the amount of native fauna we do and we never take it for granted. To live amongst planes overhead and heavy traffic is compensated by the kookaburras, bats, lorikeets and our singing currawongs.
In other news, the Scribe has spent the last few days in a hyperbaric chamber at the hospital for his latest diving adventures on the weekend. I am jealous as he comes home looking so youthful and refreshed from all that pure oxygen.
And I'm hard at work on a new writing project which is very exciting and I shall talk about soon.
May the rest of your week be filled with all the beauty of the Currawong's song.
Thank you for visiting me. xx

Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday and Violet Magazine

2010-09-13T18:16:00.013+10:00

I know a lot of Bloggers are mourning the death of Cookie and Domino and yes, I miss those magazines, but I can sleep peacefully over their demise. I'm still lamenting the loss of Violet magazine which was my idea of magazine heaven. The only mag that's come near it is Lula in my opinion. I have every issue of Violet which I pour over every now and again for inspiration. There were only four issues before it went belly-up but those four are equal to a lifetime of lesser publications.
If you missed Violet, it was an American parenting magazine put out by a fab stylist called Keki Mingus( daughter of musician Charles Mingus) who named the magazine after her daughter. It was jam-packed with very chic-boho folk and stunning photo spreads that weren't your average parenting graphics. Violet covered a wide range of topics from art, Montessori schooling, Beatrix Potter, Frida Kahlo and (gasp) fiction. It was funky, fun and visually perfect. It didn't treat you as if you were a beige, boring drone or interested in the latest $3000 stroller or the Wiggles just because you had become a parent.
My two very favourite issues were the Juliette Binoche (Issue 2) where she talked about her children's schooling in Paris. The photographs of la Binoche were amazing: as if shot inside a Parisian fawn-coloured shell. The light was stunning.
I also loved issue 3 featuring the King and Queen of Fab, Kirsty Hume and Donovan Leitch (son of icon Donovan) and their daughter, Violet.
I found the following quote about Violet magazine which may explain why I love it so intensely.
“That Violet has connected with today's parents is no surprise after talking with James Chung, president of Boston-based market research and consulting firm Reach Advisors. In 2004, Chung's firm released From Grunge to Grown Up, an extensive study outlining the parenting habits of Generation X versus their baby boomer predecessors.
Defining Gen X as those born from 1965 to 1979, Chung and his associates discovered parents of the so-called "slacker" generation have, for the most part, moved away from the "keeping up with the Joneses" attitude of the boomers in favour of a less material lifestyle that, in many cases, means being more hands-on with their children, even scaling back careers to spend more time with their families. They're often creative, independent thinkers, not so concerned with having the biggest house or the newest SUV. These traits, however, have also made them a difficult group for marketers and advertisers to get a read on. In fact, some have simply thrown up their hands in defeat, choosing to skip the Gen X gang altogether and go after the boomers' kids who, according to Chung, share their parents' affection for labels, wealth and status.”
And so for inspiration this week, I'm returning to Violet. The older, more settled sister of Lula, who stays true to her boho background as she embraces motherhood. And hats off to independent thinkers and non-materialistic bohos everywhere. I plan on starting a crusade for Keki to bring back Violet. In these days of Blogs like the Selby, I think Violet would thrive.
Enjoy your week. I hope it's filled with chic-boho fun and inspiration and thanks for popping in. xx

Fabbo Friday and Fab Book, Ghosts and Lovely Bones

2010-09-03T21:43:00.008+10:00

My bookclub The Magic Hat recently chose The Lovely Bones by Aliice Sebold

, which I'd been meaning to read for years. I found it very gruelling and distressing, which really surprised me. I've written quite a lot of dark crime over the years and researched from a lot of true crime and profiler books and I'm the sort of person who always looks for the predator whenever I'm out and about. The more you research the darkness that lurks, the more you know to be wary. Look for the exit. Lock the doors. Watch for the person wearing the wolf's fur on the inside.
Some of the Magic Hatters found it uplifting, but I felt emotionally flattened by it. Susie Salmon, the young protagonist, is killed in the beginning of the book by one of the most sinister predators I've read for awhile - her neighbour, Mr Harvey. This book has superb opening and closing lines. Susie then narrates her struggle in heaven as she watches her loved ones deal with their grief in different ways. It's beautifully written but terribly sad. I'm not a person who copes with endings and transitions very well. My mother sobs over total strangers saying goodbye to each other at the airport, so I'm genetically wired to not cope with any sort of adieu. I'm still weeping over my dog's death in March. And it's family legend how I'd cry and weep as a child over the old show Lassie, because Lassie looked so noble, his fur blowing backwards as Greensleeves played and we had to farewell him for another week. Heady emotional stuff.
The title The Lovely Bones is wonderful and the idea of the family unit being The Lovely Bones who holds the connections of the departed dead in place and continue to grow is luminous. Just not the easiest read. And I do have a problem with the plot development towards the end, when the girl's friend does what she does so Suzie can do what she does... (no spoilers, but if you've read it, then you'll know what I mean). Such a jarring, silly segment. But hats off to Alice Sebold for such a strong, poetic, moving novel which reminds us that for growth, the dead also have to release the living as well as the opposite way around.
Speaking of the dead, one of my very favourite Blog crushes is Art and Ghosts. I do love this girl's art which reminds me of the work of some of my favourite artists, Remedios Varo and Leonora Carrington. She also looks like Mo Hayder's younger sister and her entire Blog is lovely. Her whimsical short video grabs where she talks to friends are gorgeous. Her cat has eyes bigger than the moon and her world is whimsical, clever, floral - but sprinkled with shiny darkness.
Leading us into the weekend is a ghostly looking Johnny Depp. I suppose ghosts are the perennial outsiders and so here's Johnny as Edward Scissorhands.
Hats off to outsiders, ghosts and Lovely Bones.
Have a lovely weekend. I hope it is filled with family, health and friendly ghosts. Thanks for visiting me.
xx

all images from art and ghosts source

alice sebold image source

johnny depp image source

Chit-chat Wednesday and Spring

2010-09-01T16:46:00.007+10:00

Hello,
We have now entered Spring in Sydney. Our small garden is bursting with buds of Bougainvillea, Geraniums and Lavender flowers. The perfume of Jasmine follows me down the street. Sydneysiders are in that confused mix of clothing where nobody knows quite how to dress for the weather.
I won this basket of Olay goodies from BellaMuma. Thanks Olay and BellaMumma. A beautiful reader of my previous books sent me a wonderful gift I shall treasure always. Another lovely friend presented me with a amazing bouquet of flowers when I went to collect my daughter from school.
I am now working on two books at once.
Something wonderful and shining is approaching me.
I feel lucky. Do you ever feel Something Wonderful This Way Comes?

Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday and Sharks, Yellow Roses and Sophie Dahl

2010-08-30T09:53:00.008+10:00

Hello,
I spent the weekend working on a crime short story for the annual Sisters In Crime competition. The sunshine was as glorious and light-filled in Sydney as my story was dark.
Here are some lovely things inspiring me as I start my week.
Vintage-style yellow Rose Wallpaper. This lovely paper was recently in the latest Australian Notebook magazine. I do love yellow roses. I've sent for samples of this one (Eglantine) as I'm planning on papering our laundry area and our outside writing shed (Sparrow Chateau). Regular readers will know we've built an outdoor writing shed in our small terrace backyard. Because I've been working on Poets Cottage, I haven't had a lot of time to decorate it. However, we are going to take down our old Hills Hoist line in the next couple of weeks and install an old-fashioned Granny line to open up the space before Sparrow Chateau, so watch this space. I've also ordered the pink and red floral Eglantine for our bedroom. I do love vintage style floral wallpaper. And this one is so beautiful: olde-worlde but with a modern twist and snap.
The Scribe never fails to inspire me. He recently returned from diving with the Great Whites for a story for his magazine. Here is about to enter the shark cage. He went down with the sharks not once but five times and in very choppy conditions as well. He was safe from the sharks (some who he said were bigger than cars). However, a tuna did take a bite out of his finger.
If you care to see a short footage of one of the sharks, it's on his Blog here.
And I can't wait for Sophie Dahl's Cooking show which is coming to Foxtel on September 20th. I think she is the prettiest woman alive, she has the greatest cheekbones. The show sounds wonderful with its literary references and nostalgic blend. I loved her book, Playing With The Grown-Ups.
I hope your week is filled with old worlde glamour, creative and thrilling adventures.
Thank you for visiting me. xx

wallpaper eglantine image source:

sophie dahl image source

Fabbo Friday and Inspiration Boards and Daisy Lane

2010-08-13T16:37:00.002+10:00

Hello,
I'm just about to start my new book which is a Young Adult. I always like to assemble a mood board filled with inspiring images when I begin a new book. The images of course aren't meant to be taken literally but rather suggest a palette of colours and energy I'm trying to create.
I can't tell you what the book is about for obvious reasons. I can tell you what it's not about.
There are no vampires.
It is not a dark, psychological brooding mystery with a murder or suicide at the base.
It contains no wizard or witchy schools.
It is not a historical novel.
The idea for this one has been simmering away for about a year as I worked on Poets Cottage. It's always a very exciting time when I start a new book. It really is a lot like giving birth. I like to create circumstances around me to help the book emerge as smoothly as possible. We are coming into a waxing moon at the moment which is very good for starting new ventures.
For the next week or so, I'll take a break from the Blog to get my word count up as high as I can whilst the Scribe is away swimming with sharks.
And for my Fabbo Blog post this week it does not get any fabbier than Allison from Lark. Regular readers will know how much I love her online store and Blog. She has recently begun a new line called Daisy Lane. (How totally perfect!) Her Blog post here explains all her detective work in beginning Daisy Lane. Allison is a woman of vision and I'm so happy that people like her are out there changing the shape of business and how we shop.
And signing off with another man I'm always glad is a part of this amazing planet at this time: Mr Johnny Depp
May this be a time of luminous new beginnings for you wherever you are in the world. xx
All Daisy Lane images via Lark
Johnny Depp images via Depp Impact

mood board images via Google Images

Chit-chat Wednesday and A Cup of Sunshine

2010-08-11T10:28:00.004+10:00

The light was so beautiful in Sydney over the weekend. Cups of sunshine sprinkling the inner-city. We played family board games, op-shopped and fed wild pigeons. I watched the new Miss Marple and we fell asleep through Prime Suspect. I met my women's spiritual group. We baked chicken, apple crumble, went to swimming lessons and looked for pixies in parks. It was a weekend of little happenings but perfect. Midweek it is raining again which is my favourite weather. I am working on my crime short story which has to be my lightest one yet. The sunshine on the weekend must still be with me. All week I am humming a little tune and feeling happy inside. The Scribe is leaving next week on a work trip to look for sharks. I shall miss him. I plan to throw myself into my new book so I don't notice his absence. And I have been watching a lot of Charlie and Lola. xx

Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday and Mirka Mora's Beauty Tips

2010-08-09T11:30:00.006+10:00

Mirka Mora, keeper of the snails, acclaimed artist and boho Melbourne legend is one of my favourite ever inspirations. At art school, my lecturers compared my work to hers (purely for their bright colours and whimsical subject matter - not in terms of genius, I hastily add). I chose to paint with words upon leaving art school, whereas Mirka is an artist through and through.
I have a vintage book on beauty called Australian Women: Successful Lives by Fiona Holt and Maurice Rinaldi. Mirka is one of the featured woman and her beauty tip is
"If my skin is still very young its because I still play with my dolls and suck my thumb before I go to sleep. I wear little girl's shoes and I still play with my dolls and teddy bear. I think you have to know your brain but you have to fool it too."
It must work as Mirka has the most beautiful, glowing skin. Some schoolgirls interviewed Mirka at her cluttered tiny house. It's worth a read as she talks about her pet snail and love of dollshouses. You can find their account of their meeting HERE.
If I was able to buy an original artwork, Mirka's would be my choice. Inside her chest in place of a heart, I think there's a little angel. Melbourne is fortunate to have her.
I always feel more comforted that souls like Mirka are on the planet at this time and so hail Mirka Mora on this sunny Monday morning! xx

"When all is said and done, people are the best thing in the world," Mirka Mora

images of mirka's paintings source

young mirka image source

older mirka image source

Fabbo Friday and Fab Fairytales and Minnie

2010-08-06T13:36:00.006+10:00

Hello,
All week I've been excited and happy about my agent liking my Poets Cottage MS and setting the ball rolling quickly as she has done. The dreary grey skies over Sydney have been replaced by patches of sunshine. My daughter is well enough to return to school.
I read a book filled with patches of blue, yellow and exotic colour recently for my bookclub (The Magic Hat Bookclub). If you like Mexican art, Frida Kahlo, and words that shake and shimmer with poetry and sly flashes of mysterious beauty then I highly recommend it. Funnily enough I was the only one of the Magic Hatters who loved it to bits. It's a terrific read and the main character, Harrison Shepherd, is a guy I really loved and related to. Reviewers disliked him for his self-effacing, introverted writerly ways but I loved and got him totally. And so The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver is my fab book choice for this week.
My fab and favourite Blog posts of the week – again, far too many to pick easily but I did love two fairytale cottages that went around the Blogs.
The very stylish Marie Nichols, a talented stylist from the UK currently residing in Sydney, featured this beautiful fairytale cottage on her Blog wholelottalovely. To me it looks like Rachel Ashwell and Princess Aurora are sharing the space.
The other house is my daughter's favourite and I have to admit, I love it too. It looks as if it was designed by my daughter as she is mad for pink, purple and lovehearts - Minnie Mouse's Disneyland House from the Blog Hooked on Houses.
Do you like them? Which one would you pick? Are you a Princess Aurora or Minnie Mouse? I think it's too hard for me to decide as I’m a bit of both.
And to complete the fairytale sign-off here's Johnny looking at some part of Edward Scissorhands. I do love a man in braces.
Enjoy your weekend. Hope it is filled with fairytale loveliness. Thanks for visiting me. xx barbara kingsolver image source

johnny depp source

Chit-chat Wednesday and The Wish Box

2010-08-04T13:21:00.005+10:00

This has been a shaggy, dreary and harsh winter. We've all been sick in our inner-city abode constantly: the Scribe since March when our dog died (although we think his health may be related to a dive he did), and Daisy hasn't been at school for over a week so we get to play together at home.
Here is a Magic Wishing Box she made where she placed all her wants and wishes into it. (Many more wishes than I photographed here). Her wishes are always for very cute things such as bunny rabbits, eleven sisters and a Prince to kiss her and take her to a castle.
I have some good news. My agent has read Poets Cottage and is happy with it. Now she's going to start offering it to publishers.
My Wishing Box is blowing a trumpet, dancing on spindly glittery legs. Unlike my daughter, I only have a few wishes inside my box.
I do feel as if something good is going to happen.
Sniffs and Coughs from Brick Hospital. Thanks for visiting me. xx

Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday and Kate Bush The Last Angel

2010-08-02T14:36:00.007+10:00

I cannot enter into August without bidding the wonderful Kate Bush a Happy Birthday for July 30. I loved the June issue of UNCUT magazine which payed tribute to Kate's album Hounds of Love and contained quotes from musicians paying homage who had worked with Kate. Fascinating to read behind-the-scenes of her vision and creativity.
Here' a quote from the mag about Hounds of Love: “The album distils many of Bush's recurring obsessions; water, witchcraft, death, the power of the senses”.
There will only be one Kate. She is the original and the pure. All the others are the imitators and don't hold my interest for very long, no matter how talented they may be.
And here's a quote from UNCUT from Lee Scratch Perry: "The music industry is full of devils. But Kate Bush is the only angel left. Music must have a pure heart. It must have madness. It must have genius. That is why I love Kate Bush.”
That's also why I love Kate Bush. She is the last angel.
In Australia we have just passed Imbolc/Candlemas and we are turning towards the light. Spring is coming after a long and harsh winter. Kate Bush and I also share a love of washing and washing lines and so I've posted a picture of a lovely washing line above to herald Imbolc. The light is coming!
You're here in my headLike the sun coming out -Ooh. I just know that something good is going to happenAnd I don't know whenBut just saying it could even make it happen. Kate Bush - Cloudbusting.

images of Kate source

washing line image source

Fabbo Friday and Fab Flick Enid

2010-07-23T13:12:00.009+10:00

This is the first movie I've ever watched that I had taped to view later and straight after viewing it ordered from Amazon. It was always going to be a winner with me for the following reasons.
Helena Bonham Carter.
Enid Blyton.
The frocks. Yes, I know thanks to the post on The Washerwoman's Blog that they're not authentic vintage and are Cath Kidston's but I still loved them.
The mystery of what was the 'truth' in the Enid Blyton story.
Enid Blyton’s two daughters, Imogen and Gillian, tell vastly different stories of their mother. They may as well be describing different women. I found that idea so fascinating that it formed quite a large part of the plot of my mystery novel, Poets Cottage. I've always been interested in families’ varying points of view and how that can shape and alter future events . The family unit is such a potent dynamic to work with even when things seem to be in balance - when they're not, it's gold for a Tale Peddler.
The Scribe loathed the character of Enid in the film and some of the scenes are painful to watch. In particular, the scene where Enid has her tiny fans around to enjoy romps and a Blyton tea whilst her banished daughters look on from a distance longingly.
It's interesting to know that the film had to wait to be made until Gillian (daughter who always loved and supported her mother) had died. This left more control to Imogen (daughter who was much harsher in her judgements of Enid).
I am far more forgiving of Enid than the Scribe, who wasn't raised on a diet of Blyton books as I was.
I adored Enid with a passion that I still have to this day. I get misty-eyed thinking of midnight suppers in boarding schools, scummy food with chocolate cake, boiled eggs and lashings of ginger beer. Rabbits holding cosy tea-parties in trees. Fairies hiding in dolls-houses. Talking tea-pots, smugglers, gypsies, wishing-chairs, French-mistresses, argumentative teddy bears. spoilt children and Cherry-tree farm. When I see the words Kirren Island, my heart gives an excited thump.
She gave my childhood (which wasn't always idyllic) some magic, mystery and excitement.
Enid knew full well the power she had on young minds around the world. She took that responsibility seriously. One of the great things about being a mother is I get to revisit all the Blyton worlds and watch my daughter falling under the Blyton spell. Daisy has adored her books from about two. There isn't another storyteller who holds her interest as much as Enid Blyton.
I have no doubt that Enid neglected something to enable her prolific writing (about 700 books in all).
Which raises another question I've been musing over - do you neglect your own children if you know you can make millions of children around the world more joyful, imaginative and caring beings? Which legacy is ultimately more important if you are a writer who has this talent to awaken the imaginative mind?
Have you seen Enid? Let me know if you have what you thought of it. Love or Loathe Enid Blyton? I thought Helena was inspired casting for Blyton. She's English to the core and watching her walk, the manner in which she spoke to people in the film – it was very true of a lot of writers I've met.
Here's a link to a newspaper article on this topic. There was a rather good article on this on the UK Telegraph several years ago but it's been removed.
And my favourite new Blog for the week is a Swedish woman by the name of Chez Larsson. She has a stupendous Blog if you are interested in organising, culling and making life neater around you. I badly need her services. Her post on magazines was particularly impressive. Here's a link.
Signing off for another week with the incredible duo of Vanessa Paradis and Johnny Depp.
Enjoy your weekend. Hope it is filled with family, fun and lashings of ginger beer. xx
"Mothers were much too sharp. They were like dogs. Buster always sensed when anything was out of the ordinary, and so did mothers. Mothers and dogs both had a kind of second sight that made them see into people's minds and know when anything unusual was going on." (The Mystery of the Hidden House.) - Enid Blyton

images of enid film source

johnny depp and vanessa source

Chit-chat Wednesday and Spike

2010-07-21T12:08:00.002+10:00

It's raining today and the world looks bleak from my window. We had a lovely weekend where not a lot happened but it was perfect in its simplicity. I went to the op-shop and found a Shirley Barber board game for five dollars which we played all weekend. I found some time to read magazines and the weekend papers in the garden. Spike, our cactus, who had grown to a precarious height (18 feet) and was swaying dangerously for months threatening low-flying planes, finally got a haircut.
Hard to believe that a few years ago, I carried Spike home along King Street, a tiny baby cactus in a pot as a gift for the Scribe.
When Daisy was born Spike celebrated the occasion by sprouting his first flower (he has only ever had two).
Today I am working on a crime short story, based on a real-life incident that happened to me. Outside I can see cars covered in rain, a grey sky. Cars are swishing past boxes on our verandah filled with spiky body parts

Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday and A Manifesto

2010-07-19T14:43:00.011+10:00

Hello, here's some powerful words to start the week from the Blog Whitehot Truth. Hope they inspire you as much as they did me. I particularly like the lines about service people. I remember being in a department store once when a friend who is really into new age philosophies came in to buy an item for his girlfriend. He looked around at all the staff with a puzzled, slightly contemptuous expression and said, 'Don't they get they don't have to be here?"
Eer, yes dude but then be grateful they are because who is going to serve you your girlfriend's knickers?
Anyway, I digress. Here's the manifesto. Let's spread it around and start a bushfire. xx

right now:
There are Tibetan Buddhist monks in a temple in the Himalayas endlessly reciting mantras for the cessation of your suffering and for the flourishing of your happiness.
Someone you haven't met yet is already dreaming of adoring you.
Someone is writing a book that you will read in the next two years that will change how you look at life.
Nuns in the Alps are in endless vigil, praying for the Holy Spirit to alight the hearts of all of God's children.
A farmer is looking at his organic crops and whispering, "nourish them."
Someone wants to kiss you, to hold you, to make tea for you. Someone is willing to lend you money, wants to know what your favourite food is, and treat you to a movie. Someone in your orbit has something immensely valuable to give you -- for free.
Something is being invented this year that will change how your generation lives, communicates, heals and passes on.
The next great song is being rehearsed.
Thousands of people are in yoga classes right now intentionally sending light out from their heart chakras and wrapping it around the earth.
Millions of children are assuming that everything is amazing and will always be that way.
Someone is in profound pain, and a few months from now, they'll be thriving like never before. They just can't see it from where they're at.
Someone who is craving to be partnered, to be acknowledged, to ARRIVE, will get precisely what they want -- and even more. And because that gift will be so fantastical in it's reach and sweetness, it will quite magically alter their memory of angsty longing and render it all "So worth the wait."
Someone has recently cracked open their joyous, genuine nature because they did the hard work of hauling years of oppression off of their psyche -- this luminous juju is floating in the ether, and is accessible to you.
Someone just this second wished for world peace, in earnest.
Someone is fighting the fight so that you don't have to.
Some civil servant is making sure that you get your mail, and your garbage is picked up, that the trains are running on time, and that you are generally safe. Someone is dedicating their days to protecting your civil liberties and clean drinking water.
Someone is regaining their sanity. Someone is coming back from the dead. Someone is genuinely forgiving the seemingly unforgivable. Someone is curing the incurable. You. Me. Some. One. Now.

charles blackman and arthur boyd art image source

baby, Hardy and woman/door image source

lauren child and clarice bean image source

Fabbo Friday and Fab Buys - Fab Books

2010-07-16T15:29:00.028+10:00

I bought a few fab things in Blackheath.
More Witchy shoes from the local op-shop.
And from the Antique Centre this floral vintage print: I couldn't resist the little flowers peeping out.
Apricot gloves from the 1950s (which I have already worn to the Opera House).
Vintage Chic by Cabbage and Roses, filled with beautiful photographs. The Scribe also bought Exploration Fawcett, the true life adventures of an explorer who disappeared into the Amazon in the 1920s. He recounts tales of giant anacondas, piranhas and ghosts.
Daisy picked herself out a Shirley Barber book which has Barber's usual stunning fairy illustrations. And to prove that one person's junk is another little girl's treasure, this yellow plastic Walt Disney Belle which she happily put her vintage Minnie Mouse back for. You can see Belle with her new friends in the picture above.
And as mentioned earlier, my holiday read was Lisa Jewell's The Truth About Melody Browne which is very engaging and romp along. Lisa has a real talent with creating engaging and sympathetic characters. I first found this writer when she was interviewed in Red magazine and really loved her warm, witty and clever style.
At times I felt my heart was going to break when reading this book for Melody.It reminded me of a little of a Cinderella or Harry Potter story in that the heroine who appears to be leading a mundane and pretty beige existence turns out to have an entire other story happening which she was unaware of. When she does discover her hidden past, she discovers an entire different dimension to herself and her own perceptions of how she views herself and the world alters. It's Lisa's talent that she really does make you believe and care about her characters.
And a book I have also enjoyed recently (thanks to my neighbour and friend) is Lovesong by Alex Miller.
I hadn't read any of this much acclaimed Australian author's books but found his writing captivating. Lovesong is set between a Tunisian cafe in Paris and Melbourne and braids two different stories. In the Paris scenes is a love story between an Australian man and his North African bride, who yearns for a child. And in the Melbourne scenes is an ageing writer who meets John in the future and listens to the story of what happened to John and his exotic bride. It's a memorable, sensual and poignant read. Parts regarding ageing and the narrator writer's relationship with his daughter are so tender that it almost hurts to read.
The Paris segments have a different rhythm but you easily slip into both worlds and find that not only is the language elegant but the story keeps you turning the pages. Moody, bittersweet and as sharp as a guillotine's blade. You can almost smell the spices and curries in the air. I can promise you'll never look at a tomato seller at the food markets in the same way again.
I find the author fascinating as well. It's commonplace these days for writers to do the usual university course route but Mr Miller (who wasn't published until his early fifties ) has had a range of jobs from stockman to cleaner at Myers. A writer from my tribe, in other words. There's a link to an interview here if you are interested in such things. I do really get so excited when I find new writers to love and so a big thank you to my lovely neighbour friend for introducing me to this wonderful Australian talent.
As for Fab Blog posts this week, I've really enjoyed a new Blog from a very talented Danish woman, smilerynker
She has a beautiful eye for pattern and colour. Here's are a couple of her lovely images above.
And signing off for the weekend with the magnificent Johnny Depp. I have a sick daughter at home this weekend. We have all been battling the winter bugs in Sydney.
Thanks for visiting me. Enjoy the weekend with your loved ones. Stay cosy and keep creative. xx
When I first went to writers' festivals — they used to have this thing that they did to us, which was (and they maybe still do it occasionally, I haven't seen it happening here anywhere, it may happen still) but they used to say, 'When did you first realise you were a writer? What was the earliest book that you read?' So Salmon Rushdie or Louis De Bernieres or whoever it was that was sitting next to you would say, 'I found Stendahl's le Rouge et le Noir under my mother's bed when I was three.' And I used to think, 'Shit'.
Alex Miller interview
lisa jewell image link source

alex miller image link source

johnny depp image source

Chit-Chat Wednesday and Blackheath

2010-07-14T15:03:00.010+10:00

Blackheath is a little town high in the Blue Mountains. Originally named Hounslow, it was renamed by Governor Macquarie in 1815 because he thought Blackheath better suited its 'charred, wild, open heath appearance'. Charles Darwin visited the Scotch Thistle Inn in 1836.
Sometimes in winter it snows but sadly there was no snow when we visited. However the air was so cold that it blew a bad migraine out of the Scribe's head within half an hour of arriving.
We had no television in our little cottage. Daisy loved the very large backyard which had a magical fairy glen and a swing. We read books in front of the fire. I read Lisa Jewell's The Truth About Melody Browne (review due on Friday).
There were lots of leaves lying everywhere and we spent hours in the terrific Victory Theatre Antique Store. I bought a few things which I'll also post on Friday. Once it was an old-style picture palace; now it's floor after floor of fabulous finds and an always busy cafe.
And I fell in love with another house. Toured the house and came up with yet another book idea. It's heartbreaking to fall in love with houses; that's why I keep writing entire books around them. My first fantasy series I set partly in the mountains.
I’d love to move to the mountains, breathe that fresh pure air and watch the leaves fall forever.
There was even a small lion in the form of a cat that Daisy christened Purrdey, who adopted us the entire time we were there. When I close my eyes, I can hear his purr from here.

victory theatre antique centre image source

Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday, A Winner and Secrets of a Lumpheart

2010-07-12T16:28:00.005+10:00

Hello,
I'd like to dedicate today’s post to all the Bloggers who inspire and move me. This most likely involves YOU. There are many things I dislike about the modern age and technology. Sometimes I feel panicky that we're all moving too fast, forgetting to look upwards at the stars. That silence, kindness and reverence is being lost.
Blogging, however, is filled with creative, supportive, mannerly, stylish, fab and whimsical folk. I always love the way that small moments become magical through the Blog.
I normally feel more at home as an observer rather than a participant, but Blogging is a round table where differences and observation are appreciated.
Thank you all who visit me whether you comment or leave quietly. I appreciate you all. Thank you to all my special Blogging pals around the world. You know who you are.
You fill me with a sense of awe about community and a powerful affirmation that the human race is filled with surprising and whimsical beauty.
And the winner of my first giveaway is -
Kat from the lovely Blog Secrets of a Butterfly. My Daisy was so impressed to draw a winner with such a Blog name and wants to call her Blog when she's a 'big girl' - Secrets of a Lumpheart. That's probably a better name than Tale Peddler.
Congratulations Kat. I shall be in touch with you.
Thanks for visiting me. Stay creative. xx

vivien leigh image source

Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday and Lions in the Snow

2010-07-05T20:59:00.005+10:00

Hello,
The city is crushing me at the moment. We are going to the mountains for a few days to read books, look for snow, mountain-pixies and possibly lions.
I am going to drink hot chocolate and not leave the cottage.
I'll leave the giveaway until our return at the end of the week. For anybody who has not entered, the draw will stay open.
The photographs are of my daughter who stayed home sick from school last week. You can see how ill she was (ahem).
I need to breathe fresh air. I do hope it will snow.
xx

snow images from weheartit

Fabbo Friday, Arty Shots and Online shops

2010-07-02T14:47:00.009+10:00

I'm smitten with the photo shoot of father-and-daughter team Barry and Miranda Otto (Australian actors) in Australian InStyle magazine (July issue). I love the bohemian, eccentric flair - and the brick kitchen which is a little like mine! I always enjoy articles on creative families.
And I'm also loving that two of my favourite Blogging friends have started online shops. Simone from Beach Vintage sold out virtually as soon as she announced her new shop was open. I managed to score the sweetest vintage handkerchiefs and gift-tags but the cupboard was bare by the time I got there.
And the gorgeous Isabelle from Suzy's Vintage Attic has started Suzy, Gaby and Maude. No stock yet but it will also sell as soon as she goes online. So keep these two sites bookmarked if you love vintage items. They both have a wonderful eye and style.
If you follow Cherry Menlove's amazing Blog, which celebrates Domestic Artistry in the most stylish, prettiest, fabbiest way, you will already know Cherry and Robert just had twins. Congratulations to you both. They have not had an easy run with plenty of heartbreak when it comes to conception. I didn't have time to get permission to use a photo from Cherry Menlove but if you go to this link, you'll see plenty of photos of a radiant Cherry and her lovely new babies, Ned and Anais, including the most precious photo of the newly born twins holding each other.
And of course, another fab shot to end the week of Johnny Depp in Secret Window. Don't forget my giveaway, which includes this fab thriller amongst other goodies. Giveaway closes midnight Sunday!
Enjoy your weekend. We are all sick at home with a mysterious bug and so it shall be a quiet one for us.
Thanks for popping in. xx

Chit-chat Wednesday and Cosy Days

2010-06-30T13:43:00.005+10:00

We've just passed the Winter Solstice in Australia and I've been enjoying cosy days in our little brick terrace. One advantage of a small house is that it doesn't take a lot to heat. These couple of pics show where I've been scribbling in notebooks. They feature a few things I love in a room: black-and-white checkerboard floors, vintage chandeliers (I have a pink one in my kitchen), stained glass window and fairy lights.
I've also:
Finished Poets Cottage after nearly three years since it was first conceived in Tasmania on a family holiday (August 2007). At 93 000 words, it's one of my smallest books but I'm very happy and proud of it for many different reasons.
Visited my hairdresser who must have thought I had died or moved after three months of not seeing me. My new profile pic shows me chirpy now that I can see.
Been writing crime short stories for the annual Sisters in Crime competition. I love writing short stories after finishing a novel.
Lost everything (except photos and my draft manuscripts) in a major computer crash the day after I finished Poets Cottage. I had no computer for a week which was rather lovely when I got over the initial horror.
Bought a few goodies from op-shops and EBay. More to come on that.
Cheered my lovely daughter on in her first-ever sports carnival. Having been totally pants at sports all my life, it was amazing to see how good Daisy was. She won two seconds (javelin-throwing and long-distance sprint) two thirds and a ribbon for good effort
The photo of her running here is a race she actually lost when she turned around to see where her friend was. I love it, because it shows her enjoyment of the race.
I've been reading The Elegance Of The Hedgehog, a wonderful book. Bit slowish at first but if you persist you're rewarded with a magical read. This was my bookclub pick.
How about you? What cosy things are inspiring you or what are you up to? What features do you like to have in a house to feel 'right' in?
Do drop me a line. I'd love to know.
And a reminder that my giveaway closes next Monday and I'd hate for you to miss out.
Thanks for visiting me. xx

Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday and Massive Giveaway at Tale Peddler!

2010-06-28T11:22:00.009+10:00

Hello,
I missed you all and I'm so pleased to finally be back blogging to celebrate the end of writing Poets Cottage. (Yes, it's true! Poets Cottage is finally with my agent!). Also to celebrate Tale Peddler turning ONE. How can this be true? It seems only a few months since I tried to fathom Google Blogger out! And also to say thank you to all the lovely and fab people who have commented, followed, lurked and been there for me in that year as I continued to attempt to fathom the mysteries of Blogger…
To celebrate all these things - I am having a Giveaway!
And so gentle ladies and gents, do not push, poke and become all frantic to get to the goodies. You do have a week.
Up for grabs in the first-ever Tale Peddler giveaway is the following:
1/ A very pretty, cute and lovely purse/make-up bag from one of my favourite King Street shops, Pretty in Pink. Quite appropriate as Tale Peddler began life as a shocking pink colour. To celebrate I have gone pink again!
2/ Not one but three current Australian magazines. This is a great chance for an overseas reader to grab some magazines not available in their country and also for Australians to stock up. I have the wonderful, whimsical, pretty and clever Frankie, and Frankie's older sister still clever crafty and vintage, Notebook. And Australian Country Style with some super country homes and its usual beautiful styling and photography.
3/ And there's also some divine Hedgehog bookplates by the wonderful Emily Martin from Inside a Black Apple. My house is beginning to look a bit like Emily's Blog with all the prints I've been buying. These plate are from Emily's fab Etsy Store here.
4/ And of course, it wouldn't be a Tale Peddler giveaway without Johnny Depp. Here is a sealed DVD of one of my favourite Johnny movies, Secret Window where he plays a writer. It's not one of his more well-known films and the writing isn't terrific but he's in good form and it's a little bit creepy as well.
You know the drill. You have to either be a follower of Tale Peddler or a Facebook friend to enter. If you are on Facebook, leave a comment in the comment box or tick the like box and you shall have your chance.
If you are a follower leave me a comment and you are then eligible. And if you mention this giveaway on your Blog or Twitter and let me know - you get a double chance!
This giveaway is open to all countries, hedgehogs and other galaxies if they so desire.
And the Magic Hat - who normally only ever appears at The Magic Hat Bookclub - has kindly agreed to be the vessel for the lucky duck's name who will be pulled out and announced next Wednesday. And so calling all Lucky Ducks to get your entry in!
I really can't believe it's been a year and I'm still here trying to work out Blogger. I had promised myself to buy a proper Blogging book and I never did. I'm as perplexed by the Blogging business as I was the first day I began Tale Peddler. And I remain eternally uplifted by how much talent, beauty and inspiration there is to be found in the Blogging world.
Thanks for reading and being there in my first year.
xx

Fabbo Friday and Pixies, Blue Loos and Daydream Lily's Abode

2010-05-28T20:57:00.010+10:00

Lately I've been shopping in one of my favourite places, EBay. Here's a few little treasures I've bought this week. Vintage wallpaper to cover a cupboard in my daughter's room. I love the little possums, pixies and koalas. Bunting for the outside of our writing shed (Sparrow Chateau) and for the kitchen in Cath Kidston oilcloth. And Pixie Tales, from Enid Blyton, a book I loved as a child.

And when it comes to fab and lovely Blog posts this week, it doesn't get much fabbier or lovely than the post Lucy from The Design Files did on Daydream Lily's home. You can see it HERE. Daydream Lily is one of my favourite places to visit for inspiration. Actually, Lucy's Blog is also fab as well. I love the 70's Sarah Moon, girly, whimsical vibe of Daydream Lily's abode.

The Scribe and I were both oohing and aahing over the office on this post from another King of Fab Blogs, The Selby. I love the creative romantic, boho, over-the-top vibe of this house where photographer Jamie Isaia and clothing designer Anthony Malat live. And I love the blue loo.

I'll be taking a short break from Blogging as I edit the last few chapters of Poets Cottage. I shall still be around to visit my blog friends, never fear. And saluting the ever-fab Johnny Depp as we float into another weekend.

Thanks for dropping in. Hope the next couple of weeks are peachy, whimsical and romantically over-the-top for you wherever you are in this amazing universe. xx

johnny depp image source:

bunting, Pixie Tales and wallpaper source:

Chit-chat Wednesday and almost The End

2010-05-26T19:42:00.005+10:00

I'm nearing the end of what has been a major work for me. In the next few weeks I should have a complete draft of my 1930s/current time mystery novel, Poets Cottage, ready for my agent. That's why my posts have been a bit spasmodic lately as I've entered into that strange mind zone which a lot of writers would recognise near the end of a novel.

The weather in Sydney has been perfect for writing. Torrents of rain. I've been purring away at home editing. The Scribe is reading Poets Cottage before my agent receives it. Always a nail-biting time for me. If he thinks it's pants - he's not afraid to say it.

So wish me luck as I launch myself into the home straight. Are you working on any lovely creative projects at the moment? Let me know if you are. I also am longing to start baking my own bread after reading the April edition of UK Country living. Any tips from bread makers out there? My sister lives in the country and bakes bread for her children when they return from school. The smell of home baked bread always reminds me of my childhood as we lived near a country bakery.

Enjoy your week. Keep creative. xx

all images from weheartit

Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday and Bellucci baby, Jinty and rain

2010-05-24T19:22:00.006+10:00

Rain, rain, rain in Sydney for days which I love. Perfect writing weather. Perfect crime reading and apple crumble weather. Here's a list of some of the things making my heart smile and sing this week.
Inspector Wexford (from Ruth Rendell's series of books). I've recently discovered this likeable detective, who enjoys reading and roses.
Vintage wallpaper (in particular with yellow roses)
Old Loony Tunes cartoons - I love watching the familiar characters I've grown up with bash and mutilate each other. I've recently discovered Baby Loony Tunes. Tweety in a nappy is just too cute for words.
Jinty Annuals - love my old Jinty's. They are so superior to the magazines for young girls today with their lack of merchandise advertising. The girls in my old annuals from the fifties and seventies were always plucky and had great adventures. My daughter loves me to read from Jinty. Although I have to admit she also loves the modern day merchandise filled mags.
This lovely print giveaway from the Blog gingerlillytea. I've purchased a couple of prints from this talented photographer. I do covet her new children's series as I love the dandelion clocks. Daisy loves to blow the 'fairy clocks'.
And the hottest couple on the planet (except Johnny and Vanessa) Monica Bellucci and Vincent Cassel have a new baby daughter, (Leonie) who was born in Rome on May 20th. Leonie is the couple's second child. Deva, their daughter was born in 2004. Monica, who is a modern day Sophia Loren, gives inspiration and hope to all women in their forties trying to conceive. Ahem, no names mentioned.
Hope your week is filled with inspiring, cozy, lovelies which make you feel smiley inside.
Thanks for dropping in. xx.

monica and vincent image source:

Fabbo Friday and Fab and Lovely New Books

2010-05-14T18:14:00.007+10:00

One of the simple joys in my life is new books. And look at my lovely new books which arrived last week!
Perfect English Cottage by Ros Byam Shaw could easily be renamed Perfect Book. I could spend hours gazing in awe and rhapsody at the beautiful homes within it.
I Love Your Style by Amanda Brooks is another fab and lovely book filled with style inspiration. Massive amounts of photographs of stylish and super fab people. The sort of stylish and fab that make your eyes water when you gaze upon their coolness and beauty. And some pretty rare shots of Brigitte Bardot in this lovely book as well as folk like Laura Bailey, Mick Jagger, Jane Birkin and so on. The usual fab and cool crowd.
And Kelly Doust's The Crafty Minx. This pretty book written by the pretty Kelly is sublime crafty loveliness. I think I have to do a separate post on it alone.
I really love finding some time in a busy day of mothering, editing and domestic artistry to sit in my little garden in the autumn sunshine with a cup of tea and flick through these fab books.
And of course read a couple of magazines. Australia's Country Style and the UK's Country Living both vie with each other for the prettiest colours.
And my fab Blog post for the week goes to the Crafty Minx herself, Kelly Doust. Her Blog is so informative and if you subscribe she sends you the prettiest craftiest newsletters.
I hope your weekend is filled with joyful leisurely moments with good books and mags. Take us away, Johnny for another fab weekend.
Thanks for visiting me. xx

image of Kelly Doust source:

image of Johnny Depp source:

Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday and Autumn Delights

2010-05-10T20:58:00.005+10:00

I wish I could bottle the Autumn sunshine. It's so happy-making and calming. I'd like to splash and blow bubbles in it. Here are some other delights that are making me happy and mellow, yellow in the Sydney Autumn days.
1/ Martha B Rabbit. I am a fan and would love to be Martha B Rabbit, the wise and pretty rabbit created from Shirley Barber. I love her domestic artistry and her cozy little house with its crochet throws, preserves and warming fire. I admire the way Martha prepares for the coming of winter with her jam-making. Sigh. I would really enjoy spending a winter with Martha B Rabbit.
2/ Granny shoes and coloured tights. I love shoes that your witch Grandmother might wear. Here's my shoes I wore this morning.
3/ Helena Bonham Carter because she also loves Granny Witch shoes and because I love Helena no matter what the season. How I wish I had the courage to wear bloomers. And I'd love a baby pig around the house. Queen of fab and cool.
4/Vintage Pink pale lipstick
5/de-cluttering
6/ living a more frugal lifestyle. I finally have a chance to read books never touched. And watch DVDs still in their wrappers from years ago. We all have so much stuff!
7/ the melodic call of the magpies, morning and evening.
8/ The sinister, darkness in fairy-tales. I can feel more fantasy books calling to me. The path is glistening ahead, the wolves are waiting. Winter is coming. and tales need to be told.
Enjoy your week. What is making you happy and uplifted in your life? I always love to hear. xx
helena bonham carter image source:

Fabbo Friday and How I would like to hang out the washing

2010-05-07T20:47:00.009+10:00

The Magic Hat Bookclub (the fab bookclub I'm in) met this week. The selected book was The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak. It's been a long time since a book has uplifted, inspired and moved me as much as this one. I was on the bus reading it last Saturday and had to restrain myself from jumping up and screaming, "Read this book everyone!" It's become one of my all time favourites. I'm sure Markus would be chuffed to know he was up there along with Enid Blyton, Daphne du Maurier and Agatha Christie. Warning - this is a book you need several boxes of tissues near as you reach the ending. I'm sure my sobs were heard all over Sydney. I cannot stop thinking about the characters. Hats off to Markus Zusak and Liesal, Rudy, Hans, Max, Rosa, Ilsa and Death.
It's Mother's Day in Australia this Sunday. Below is a little piece I wrote for the lovely Kate Lord Brown's writing Blog (which is one of my favourites) called What Kate Did Next. This was a writing exercise about what I saw that morning. There's also a photo of my daughter and myself taken at drop-off time at her school. Excuse our windblown look, and my daughter's hair is filled with olive oil as I had to cut a rather large piece of chewing gum inventively hidden by some crafty child. As you can see from the piece, my daughter loves to tell stories as much as I do. I think it was written just after this photo was taken, one of a collection of photos for the school's Mothers Day Mass celebrations. And so Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers and Grandmothers this weekend.
My daughter beside me skipping to school in the Autumn Sydney sunshine. Long navy legs, blonde ponytail. Grey tunic. A dancing dappled fairy as she recites a story to herself, "Don't listen, Mummy! It's MY story!"
Commuters in suits rushing past us to catch their trains. Planes flying overhead, low on their descent. Trains rushing past and the commuters run faster. My daughter collecting fairy-clocks and bits of rubbish. Garbage lying discarded. An old street man lies amongst his discarded oranges. My daughter glances briefly at him before she springs in the air to continue her story. Nearer the school, Nannies and Mothers rushing with small children. We swoop through the gates together like a steam of tunic wearing fish. Hugging my daughter goodbye - she smells of innocent stories and her dreams of the night before. Racing home, kicking clouds, heart singing with joy at the laptop waiting in my untidy bedroom. Now it's time for MY story.

When it comes to Blog posts I enjoyed this week, I'm still thinking about a post the beautiful Vicki Archer did for French Essence on lingerie shops in Paris. Sigh. Exactly what every Mother needs. The post is called Thinking of Paris. Lingerie and Lace. I hate to ruin any illusions but that is not me hanging out washing in my Parisian underwear, sadly. That is from the amazing link on Vicki's post to Fifi Chachnil.
And sorry Isabelle, but you're up again for your post on perfumes. I'm addicted to perfumes and so when Suzy's Vintage Attic opened her perfume cupboard, of course I was right there salivating. The post is called The Power of Scent.
And whilst we're salivating over French lingerie and perfumes, then we may as well salute Johnny Depp. Somehow it all seems to go together.
So many fab and lovely things this week!

Enjoy your weekend and thanks for visiting me. xx

Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday and Guest Bloggers Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell

2010-05-03T17:44:00.008+10:00

Here is a treat for all at Tale Peddler this week. We have the beautiful and dynamic writing duo of Sydney sisters, Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell doing a guest post for us on their inspirations. Kate has long been an inspiration for me. Her books take up a sizable portion of my bookshelves. She has oodles of knowledge on the business and craft of writing. I've known her for many years and her passion for words and storytelling never fails to move and inspire.And it looks as if blonde Belinda has all the talent and loveliness of Kate as well.Both the sisters have creative talent in their blood. They are descended from Charlotte Barton who wrote the first book for children published in Australia and one of Australia's first female journalists, Louisa Atkinson.
And so gather around closely, feel the warmth of fellow travellers around you. Sip your ale and know magic is in the air. Warm your toes, expect a bird to carry a message, a crone to deliver a prophecy. Allow yourself to believe in the impossible, the fantastical, the power of fire and story-telling. A child with blazing eyes like the sun will bring down a kingdom, a gypsy boy might steal your heart whilst you listen. Be still and let the tale and the magic weave into your bones
I bring you Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell on their inspirations!
Inspirations
My first novel came to me as a dream. I remember it very vividly, even though I was only sixteen when I had the dream and twenty-nine when I began writing it. I saw a small, naked baby lying in a nest of bright golden and orange leaves, cradled by the thick, writhing roots of an immense and ancient tree. It was dawn. I saw a pale moon above a distant, sharp-pointed mountain peak like a bent fang. An old woman came out of a crack in the tree and stood looking down at the baby. She was dressed in a kind of cloak, and had a long plait of silver and black hair. She bent and picked up the baby and took her back inside the tree. I knew, somehow, that she was a wood witch and could speak to animals, and that in the land in which she lived, magic was outlawed and that was why she lived inside a tree.
I wrote a story based on this dream the next day, which may have helped stamp it so deeply into my memory. All I can remember are the lines: ‘the moss was her mattress and the sky was her ceiling.’ When I wanted to write a fantasy story thirteen years later, I remembered this long-ago dream and decided to try and write it again. I began by thinking: Who was the baby? Who left her there in the roots of that old tree? Who was the wood-witch? Why was magic outlawed? By answering those questions, I created the world and the key characters in what became the six-book series, ‘The Witches of Eileanan’.
My dreams are very filmic. They often have a narrative arc, vivid colour and sound, and I remember them when I wake. My journal is full of story sketches that have come from dreams. I try and use my dreams as a way to solve problems in my story, or to dip deeper into my subconscious and see what comes swimming up from the depths. Every night before I go to sleep, I think about my book and my characters, and I think over what I plan to do the next day. Then I do a kind of creative visualisation exercise. It’s different for every book and always works its way into the novel itself. When I was writing The Starthorn Tree, I always imagined a boat crossing a midnight lake. The rhythmic stroke of the oars would take me deeper and deeper into sleep, and I would wonder, ‘what’s on the far shore? What waits for them?’ When I was writing the ‘Rhiannon’s Ride’s’ series, I’d imagine walking down a long flight of dark steps and at the end would be a door. I would turn the handle and step through the door into ... what? A garden? A dungeon? A medieval hall? It was always different. This idea of the door leading into the dream-world was one I used in that series for one of my characters, Olwynne, who was a dream-walker.

Sometimes I am ‘stung by the splendour of a sudden thought’, in Robert Browning’s lovely words. These flashes of inspiration can come any place, at any time ... and so I try and make sure I always have pen & paper to hand. I keep all these scribbles – if they are on a paper napkin or a scrap torn from the edge of the newspaper, I paste them into my notebook so I can remember the moment when the idea came to me.
Each book has its own first bright spark of inspiration. ‘The Puzzle Ring’ was born while reading a jewellery catalogue while waiting in a doctor’s surgery. ‘The Gypsy Crown’ was born during a conversation about children’s books and about how they’re all about princesses or ponies or spies, and how I wished to write something different, something that had never been written before. At once I thought, ‘Gypsies!’ because as a child I had longed to be one, wandering the world barefoot and fancyfree, with a monkey on my shoulder and a violin under my arm. At once I saw the whole story unrolling before me like a film and knew exactly what I was going to do.
My latest book, ‘The Wildkin’s Curse’ was born when I was writing my first children’s book, ‘The Starthorn Tree’. It was late at night, and I was weary, having been writing all day and into the midnight hours. My four heroes were at a point in the story just before the major crisis, when they were facing the very real possibility of defeat and even death. One of my characters, a boy who could tell the future, began to speak a prophecy. It just came out of nowhere, and I wrote it down virtually word for word as it appears in the book today. In that prophecy, he says that there will be two more generations of heroes to come before the land can at last be at peace. At once I knew I had to write two sequels to ‘The Starthorn Tree’ – one about the children of my heroes and one about their grandchildren. I saw, as if in a waking dream, a landscape of forests and mountains and seas rushing past me, towards an impossibly tall crystal tower. I knew that a wildkin princess was imprisoned in that tower and that the quest would be to rescue her.
Other ideas are just a gift of the universe. When it finally came time to write ‘The Wildkin’s Curse’, I could not think how to solve the problem of rescuing Princess Rozalina. I thought and thought and thought, but nothing seemed right. I always like to have a deeper thematic structure to my books, so that each obstacle has a symbolic meaning as well as being a step forward in the plot.
I was walking in the dawn one morning, thinking to myself, ‘how can they rescue Rozalina?’ when suddenly a raven burst into flight right in front of me, dropping a single black feather at my feet. I bent and picked up the feather. At once my brain was on fire with ideas. A feather ... a cloak of feathers ... a broken cloak of feathers that is missing seven feathers, each one from a different bird ... a raven is a symbol of death and wisdom so perhaps that feather could be found at the end of a tragic battle scene ... a feather from an eagle ... perhaps they would have to climb up to its eyrie high in the clouds ... a feather from an owl, a scene in a forest at night, the gaining of some kind of knowledge or insight ... a nightingale, bird of love, perhaps a first kiss? I walked faster and faster and faster, my mind leaping from one idea to another, and by the time I got home I had my entire novel fully plotted out. It was one of those amazing serendipitous moments that make writing a novel such a joy. Kate Forsyth
Magic gems, childhood games, family stories, my travels, adventures, my sister, my children, books I’ve loved….there are so many sources of inspiration in my life. So let’s pick two. The first is my children. I have loved writing since I could almost hold a pen, and I have earned a living as a writer of one kind or another since I left university. In the back of my mind I always had the dream of writing books, definitely kept alive as I saw my sister Kate grow from strength to strength as an author. Yet I was always so busy – working, paying mortgages, travelling, having babies. It wasn’t until I had my own children and read so many books with them, that I rediscovered my love of children’s literature, and dreamed of writing books for them.
I am blessed because all three of my children are fantastic readers. They read books the way I did as a child – avidly, voraciously and illicitly – under the bed covers when they should be asleep! My first books, the Sun Sword Trilogy were written for all three of my children –two boys and a girl. My children loved exciting adventure stories and fantastic quests where the children were brave and strong and clever. Books where children were empowered and able to take on the adult world and win!
But my most recent two books The Locket of Dreams and The Ruby Talisman were very definitely written for my daughter Emily, who is 12 and always, always has her head stuck firmly in a book!
Both these books are time slip adventures, about modern day girls who magically travel back in time. The Locket of Dreams was set in 1850s Scotland, while my new book, The Ruby Talisman Is set during the French Revolution. Tilly and Amelie are two girls, born more than 200 years and a whole world apart, yet magically linked by the Ruby Talisman which brings them together to fight side by side, to escape the horrors of the revolution.
I was inspired to write The Ruby Talisman because my family and I were lucky enough to have two years travelling and having adventures together. During this time we lived in Europe for five months, particularly France. I love France – the landscape, the food, the history, the culture and the language, so was very keen to set a book there and the French Revolution seemed an ideal period in history for a book of deadly danger and exhilarating adventures.
To research the book we wandered the opulent salons of Versailles, and walked in the footsteps of Queen Marie-Antoinette. We explored the gorgeous French countryside on horseback, by foot and on board an old fishing boat. We even crawled down into the dank, dark tunnels under the streets of Paris where the aristocratic bones were tossed of many of those murdered during the revolution. How could you not be inspired in a setting like this? Fantastique!!
Thanks Kate and Belinda for taking the time on a busy promotional tour to drop into Tale Peddler. If you would like to read more about them and their work, their websites are http://www.kateforsyth.com.au/ and http://www.belindamurrell.com.au/
Enjoy your week and Believe! xx

all photos courtesy of Kate Forsyth

Fabbo Friday and Beauty and the Bees

2010-04-30T17:24:00.011+10:00

I was chatting to my sister who lives in Tasmania (my home state) and she mentioned a new range of beauty products she and our mother have been using.
It's a Tasmanian range called Beauty and the Bees. I love natural skin care and anything produced in Tasmania with its pure air and lush soil has to be of a high standard. Sigh, I'm homesick again for my lovely apple isle. You haven't lived until you've tasted food fresh from the soil there.
I jumped online and Beauty and the Bees looks like a rather fab new find. Not only do they have an online store so you can order from anywhere in our world - they have a lovely Blog called Voice of the Beehive.
Look at the picture of their handcream from their shop. I feel I could spread it on a crumpet.
I had rather an animated reaction to my Kim Wilde gardener crush post. I hadn't realised so many Wilde fans were out there. I have to own up that I wasn't a fan of her music; the gardener Wilde is the incarnation that interests me more. For those who do love her music, you will be pleased to know she is still rocking it! I was more in love with her house which is a big open barn which I saw in some magazine years ago and had an enormous crush upon. That is one of her books above, and I also have her other one called First Time Gardener. There is also a website which has all of Kim's garden articles on them. The link is here.
And once again for my fab blog posts I have enjoyed during the week, I had to choose two. The first one is from a new Blog I have discovered. Jane is a Melbourne woman and her blog has the lovely name of My Pear Tree House. She had a very fab post about the wonderful Lauren Child. That's Lauren's kitchen above, complete with white piano. You can read the post, An Ode to Lauren Child at My Pear Tree House.
And being the severe anglophile I am, I was salivating throughout the legendary Isabelle from Suzy's Vintage Attic post which recounts a lovely outing with her husband to very quaint and Midsomer Murders-type thatched cottages in Somerset.
Isabelle's entire Blog is really one I cherish. She has become somebody who I treasure very much, not only for her posts but for her friendship. And yes, I do feel it is possible to feel friends in a pen-pal type of way with somebody you have never met. Isabelle has a massive following and it's not hard to understand why. Follow in the footsteps of the very lovely Isabelle and Alan in the post West Somerset Cottages at Suzy's Vintage attic.
And no Friday post is complete without another peek at Johnny. A salute to you, Johnny as we head to the weekend.
Wishing you a fab and lovely weekend. May you find joy and inspiration in everyday things. Thanks for visiting me. xx

lauren child kitchen image source
thatched cottages image source

Johnny Depp image source

Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday and Inspiring Lovelies

2010-04-26T21:42:00.007+10:00

Hello,
This week I'm feeling inspired by
starfish
the full Moon in Scorpio on Wednesday night
Kim Wilde and her change of career from 80s pop babe to gardener
the new Daisy design (Garland edition) (yet another bottle to add to my daughter's growing Daisy bottle collection)
words, always words tap-dancing in my brain
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak which is making those tap-dancing words tap even harder. A wonderful book that almost makes me feel like swooning when I read some passages
vintage wooden dressing tables
Snow White
thatched English cottages
hedgehogs
roses - in particular the yellow and pale peach-coloured roses
That's my list of things giving me pleasure and inspiration this week. What is inspiring you? Do leave me a comment and tell me.
xx

kim wilde image source

vintage dressing table image source

daisy image source

Snow White image weheartit

Fabbo Friday and Loads of fab and lovely things

2010-04-23T17:26:00.008+10:00

Loads of lovely fabs this Friday for my swallows and swans.
First up my new Rachel Ashwell book which is one of those books difficult to tear yourself away from. Pure lush beauty and inspiration on every page. I love the way Rachel's style is evolving with a more urban edge (such as her vintage brown leather sofa) and her minimal way of living. Little tips like you only need two changes of linen for each bed and Rachel's personal inspirations such as vintage wallpaper Marie Antoinette, the theatre and ballet make this book one of my new favourites. I think Rachel is so inspiring with her new life directions after Shabby Chic suffered the losses it did in America. I also enjoy Rachel's beautiful Blog as I love her style of writing.
In a new addition to Fab Friday for Tale Peddler, I plan to talk about a particular Blog post that inspired me or, I thought was fab, during the week. Blogging is all about sharing and so hopefully, you'll find some inspiration there - or even make a new Blogging friend.
This week I actually have two as it was difficult to pick.
The talented, crafty Kari from Artsy Mama and her post on her daughter's fifth birthday party where she created a Strawberry Shortcake party for her lovely daughter, Chloe. My daughter also thought this was an amazing post and asked me if I could reproduce the same party. With a doubtful look at me, she said, "You could try, Mummy." You can find the post on Kari's site Artsy Mama.
And another Blog I've followed for ages. A fellow Tasmanian girl, the lovely Amanda from The Vintage Rose. Amanda really lives in my dream home in Launceston, Tasmania. You can see the photo of her home above. Sigh. She also has a divine store where she sells lovely French inspired goods. She has two beautiful teenage daughters and a terrific garden. The post I really loved of hers is where she shared a few personal photos of her family. There is the loveliest pic of her and her husband. You can find Amanda's beautiful Blog at The Vintage Rose.
And I had to add this fab piece from the very fab Allison of Lark. This is an extract from her gorgeous newsletter. I recommend you subscribe to the Lark newsletter which you can do here. It really is the prettiest thing to receive in your inbox. And Lark stock so many goodies. Even Cath Kidston now - hurrah! The piece below I have copied from Allison's newsletter. I thought it so true - and so clever. Fab Allison and fab Lark. You can find Allison's gorgeous Blog here.

If you grew up thinking ...
A Blackberry was something you picked in a country lane and not something you spent your weekend ignoring ...
MySpace was a den in your back garden, built with bed sheets and runner bean canes ...
Noah, Isaac and Joshua were characters from the Bible rather than kids in your class ...
And if you wanted to be an astronaut, train driver, nurse, footballer or anything other than a CELEBRITY when you grew up ...
CONGRATULATIONSYou're a product of the Ladybird generation.
Lark's delightful collection of Vintage Ladybird gifts, homewares and stationery features classic, fun and nostalgic images from the Ladybird Book archive. Perfect for Mum

And last but not least. Another new feature of Fab Friday is a photo of the wonderful Johnny Depp to be rotated every Friday to go out to the weekend on. Yes, I know that's probably a bit tragic and perimenopausal of me but I think we all know how much I love Johnny!
So much fab for this week!
Have a cracker of a weekend filled with lovely moments. Thanks for visiting me. Cheerio. xx

image of Johnny Depp source weheartit

Chit-chat Wednesday and A trip to Manly

2010-04-21T18:32:00.009+10:00

To paraphrase the old saying, 'Every cloud has a yellow and pink lining'. Now that I don't have to work weekends in the department store, I've been free to join my family in 'Family Funday’ Sunday which is a scheme they have in Sydney to encourage people to use public transport more on a Sunday.
If you are a family you can travel to an amazingly wide range of places for $2.50 each which includes ferries and trains. We plan to do a lot of trips to the Mountains, the Central Coast and the Northern Beaches.
One of our regular daytrips is to Manly. We love the ferry ride over. Sydney really does show her best face on the harbour. Then Daisy enjoys an old-fashioned merry-go-round. The Scribe and Daisy always head to the aquarium to see the live mermaid show and watch the sharks. The Scribe swam with these sharks when I was heavily pregnant with Daisy and I think Daisy gets her fascination of marine life from our frequent trips there.
Whilst they were fish spotting I lazed on the beach reading the Sunday papers and an Agatha Christie. What bliss to be reading beside the sea and not in the gritty inner-city!
We enjoyed a beach picnic and then a stroll along Fairy Bower where the Scribe and Daisy had a rock pool swim and made new friends and (yes, you guessed it) I sat in a shady spot and read my Agatha Christie.
We spotted several large Eastern Water Dragons along the bush track which was quite amazing as they weren't timid of the throng of people passing by. Of course we had to have the obligatory Manly ice-cream before we departed.
A beautiful sunset over an iconic bridge heralded the end of a lovely Family Funday.
Thanks for popping in. Hope the rest of your week is filled with floating clouds tinged with yellow and pink. xx

Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday and A Bad Smash

2010-04-19T20:42:00.005+10:00

Whenever there is a challenge, there is also an opportunity to face it, to demonstrate and develop our will and determination
This quote came from the Dalai Lama on Twitter. I love Twitter. I prefer Twitter to Facebook although I'm pretty pants at the updating my status or tweeps thing. My life seems so boring if I reduce it to tweeps. But I am always fascinated by what my tweeps are twittering about. And I adore the fact I can follow someone like Sally Thomsett (remember Jo from Man about the House?). I loved Sally as Jo, and Sally Thomsett and I twittering over easter eggs and so forth is too surreal and lovely for words.
I couldn't help reflecting on the Dalai Lama's tweep last night when a bad car accident happened literally right outside our door. A young girl speeding down the street smashed into a parked truck. She survived but her passenger had the front of the car and part of the truck flip back through the windscreen onto him.
It brought back bad memories for both myself and the Scribe (the Scribe had been out playing music and came home to chaos in the street and the man lying on the road), as shortly after we met, we were also involved in a serious car accident. I have a pin and plate in my right arm and had to undergo several painful surgeries as a result of that motor vehicle accident. I could no longer nurse and painting at art school became very difficult as I couldn't strap canvases etc.
Life can change so quickly and our health, family and circumstances shouldn't be taken for granted. It's all too easy to get caught up in wanting, wanting, wanting, more, more, more and being so focused on our creative pursuits that we take all the little miraculous moments for granted.
Creativity is also about BEING and REFLECTION. And so for this week, I'm going to attempt to appreciate all the small moments of life more as I go about my day.
Enjoy your week and give thanks for the little things. Life can change so quickly and so don't take those precious small things or your loved ones for granted. Make time to smell the roses. xx

Sally Thomsett image source:

All other images in this post weheartit source:

Fabbo Friday - A fab friend

2010-04-16T17:15:00.013+10:00

Look at my lovely painting I bought for Daisy's room from King Street. I was so pleased as I had eyed it off all week through the window of the locked shop. When it eventually opened I was on my way to the hairdresser in a rush and had no cash, despite the shopkeeper gloomily saying I could miss out. Lucky for me, when I returned with a new colour and trim and cash in hand, it was still waiting. This chap has a great shop in Newtown and I often buy vintage little golden books, floral paintings and treasures from him. Well, I did before I joined the ranks of the unemployed (ahem). He may not see me as often, alas. But I will not fret as I have this lovely painting to gaze upon on my daughter's wall.
Speaking of lovely and wonderful, I had the best ever surprise when the Scribe arrived home from our post box last Friday. There was a surprise package addressed to me from my beautiful bobbed Blogging pal, Chez Pinry aka Jennifer. How can I describe Jennifer? She is everything I feel I am not. Crafty, organized and able to seemingly juggle ten thousand balls in the air at once with style and flair. Her Blog is like an Australian version of Jane Brocket. This is high praise for me as I am a big Jane Brocket fan of her craft, photography and intelliegent writing. I adore Jennifer and I was overwhelmed by her kindness because - LOOK AT WHAT SHE DID FOR ME !!
She knew I was grieving for Alfie and getting married (not grieving about marriage but you know what I mean). She didn't know I had also lost my job but an angel must have whispered to her. So she sat down and got her needles out one day and knitted this amazing shawl for me! With her own lily-white clever hands. And she also knitted a fetching hair clip to match (which Daisy is modelling in a winsome fashion). She also sent me the most delicious nougat I have ever tasted. And she popped in some of the cutest vintage books. And if that wasn't enough to blow my head and heart chakras to a thousand twinkling pieces - she wrapped them in vintage knitting paper.
What can you say? Kindred spirits connect through Blogging. We share out little buys, our crafts, our woes and our lives. Jennifer, you are a gift to me and I am so humbled that you thought enough of the humble Tale Peddler to get your needles out and start clicking. I will treasure that gift forever and your friendship. And so if you love crafty, clever, stylish Blogs, then visit Chez Pinry.
Wishing you the loveliest of weekends with family and friends. I am hoping to get time to spend in the garden amongst all the activities. xx

Chit-Chat Wednesday and Making Lemonade

2010-04-14T17:08:00.004+10:00

Hello,
It has been rather a bumpy old start to the year for me. More crumbly old things happening than good but that's okay I do believe when life gives you lemons - make lemonade.
On the crumbly side first, Alfie died and I lost my part-time job which had supported my writing admirably for the last fourteen years. I had began working for a large department store in Sydney when I was at art school. I started as Counter Manager for an Australian aromatherapy counter and then progressed onto a well-known French brand of cosmetics and skin care. I still have no idea of why exactly I lost the job - it was one of those situations where nobody communicates anything to you.
I turned up for my regular shift to find another person in my place. How rude! But not unexpected as sadly this type of treatment is typical in retail. I am more shocked by the fact I was employed there for as long as I was. Consultants are blamed for any drop in sales no matter what outside conditions are. In my best Scarlett O' Hara impersonation, I shake my fist to the sky and vow 'As god and fellow Bloggers are my witness,I swear I'll never work in retail again!'
On the sunny side, I have been watching Midsomer Murders which is a series I came to late. My parents had watched and enjoyed it for years. Being the mad Agatha fan I am, I didn't think it would be my cup of tea but I've come to love and appreciate life in Midsomer. Love the surreal blend of the gruesome and cozy. John Nettles is perfect casting! Of course the true stars of Midsomer are those divine cottages and gardens.
I've been working hard on my mystery, Poets Cottage. I'm very close to sending the entire book to my agent and so fingers crossed it will be sold. With no income at all, publication is even more desirable than usual. I've been loving Poets and enjoying spending time in 1930's Tasmania. The image of the white cottage above was taken when I was on holiday in in Stanley, Tasmania, where I formed the idea for Poets. Two houses in Stanley inspired the two houses in Poets Cottage. If you squint you can make out yours truly, holding up Daisy.
Speaking of lovely houses, I've fallen in love with the blog Posy which a lot of you will be familar with already. During the Easter break, I read a lot of Posy's archives and love the way Jane is so frank about her life, her family and of course her floral, pretty decorating style. Just a lovely reminder of how many great Blogs and people are out there.
Because I no longer have to stand in a department store all weekend (hip, hip, hurray!) I've been loving spending time with my family on the weekends, doing family excursions and bird-watching trips which I shall post about later.
It's a glorious time of year in Sydney with the balmy Autumn weather. So I'm as broke as a church mouse but my soul is now my own and I no longer have to answer to dysfunctional managers. It is time for a new direction for me. I've had far too long doing odd jobs to pay my way with writing and I really have to start to think seriously about retraining in some new field.
But for a short time, I want to enjoy my freedom. Hope all is well with you and if life is giving you lemons, you know what to do with them! Just watch for the pips.xx
Midsomers Image source

Magnificent, Marvellous,Mighty Monday and Brigitte Bardot Two Lives

2010-04-12T17:02:00.010+10:00

I love the South of France and I set a part of my third book, A Fire in the Shell, in Villefranche-sur -Mer which is one of my favourite places on earth. I'm always crazy for sea-fishing villages.
Of course being the mad Bardot fan I am, I had to also go to St Tropez to walk in the footsteps of the legendary BB. The Bardot I love, however, is not the young nubile beauty who revolutionised fashion and films, but rather the older Bardot. The woman who turned her back on movie-making and stardom to live in St Tropez in her beautiful home, La Madrague. I just swoon over her home with its crochet throws, beautiful artworks, rustic furnishings, her private chapel and her pet cemetery with all its crosses to her loved dogs.

I love the feisty, animal-loving Bardot who rejects botox and plastic surgery. Plays her guitar and dances her gypsy songs and is still opinionated and doesn't give a fig for being politically correct. I have all her books (including the ones in French that I can't read a word of but keep promising I'll somehow magically learn enough French that I'll do so). Pluto's Square and Intiales B.: Memoires are the two I picked up in France. I adore the poetic way Bardot writes and I'm sure if she had pursued writing she would have been a wonderful writer.
People think of BB as being kind to animals and rejecting human beings but when you read one of my favourite books, Bardot: Two Lives by Jeffrey Robinson then you can see countless examples of her generosity and kindness to people.
She is Aphrodite incarnate. One of my favourite stories in Two Lives is when she is dining out with friends and some charmless tourist stares at her and says loudly, "She is ugly."
Silence falls at Bardot's table and she replies proudly, "I am not ugly. I am Bardot."

Thank you for all your kind comments and emails on Alfie's death. They were of immense solace. And so for this week on Magnificent Monday, let us take inspiration from the wonderful Brigitte Bardot. May we embrace every stage of life with passion and disregard for the opinions of others and may we not be afraid to change course and tackle a new stage of life.
Thanks for visiting me. I'll be back on Wednesday for a quick chat about what I've been up to. xx

What could be more beautiful than a dear old lady growing wise with age? Every age can be enchanting, provided you live within it. Brigitte Bardot

image of young Bardot source:

Bardot with dog image source:

older Bardot image source:

Alfie and riding the red dragon

2010-03-19T21:31:00.002+11:00

A few days after the sunshine wedding (see previous post), my best pal of twelve years died at home after a difficult couple of years of age-related illnesses. If you had said to me before the wedding that Alfie was about to die, my reply would have been that it would be a relief. Both the Scribe and myself had suffered broken sleep for a couple of years coping with the demands of an old dog. It was becoming distressing to say the least to see our once dignified and proud puppy soiling himself, going blind and a bit deaf. However, we never considered putting him down as he had some quality of life and wasn't suffering. He still enjoyed the odd walk and his meals.
However, I do believe he hung on for the wedding and finally couldn't take it any more.
I found him on the kitchen floor in the early hours. We were expecting him to die very soon as he had weakened so much.
But I don't like to think about those final days for him. I like to remember our boy when he was in full health and strength. Grief and love have no logic. They take no heed of clocks, or well meaning friends. Grief and love are as logical and meaningless as a red dragon.
I was unprepared for how immense my sorrow would be over losing my friend. I miss him every second of every day and the house and my heart is an empty shell without his presence.
We buried him in the garden amongst the geraniums and sun-flowers. He went to his grave surrounded with all his favourite things around him. Around his neck I hung a special piece of jewellery from Italia. Part of my bridal bouquet also went with him.
It is alienating when you are mourning a dog. People tend to dismiss the grief and I understand that, I really do. But my grief - my bucking, biting red dragon - has no logic or reason. I can not diminish Aflie's life by not grieving fully for him.
He was an important member of this household. When we first bought our little brick cottage, I went to the dog's home and he came home with us. He was on death row as his callous owners had abandoned him there to go overseas. His stomach was red raw with allergies and he was shaking in shock. The Scribe didn't want me to take him as he said, 'he's going to die tonight.' I replied, 'He could die at my house then in comfort and dignity.’ There was something about the look in his eyes that went to my soul. I paid my $120 dollars and he went home with us to die.
Of course he didn't die. He lived for twelve more years and was a continual shadow in our house to all the domestic dramas. He was always there, the silent, always loving witness. At our heels when we were writing, or reading. Continually being trodden upon when he went deaf in his need to be near his family.
I'll never forgive myself for in the last month of his life, snapping once in the early hours as I rose wearily to clean up his mess, 'how much longer is this going to go on for? When are you going to go?' They were terrible words to utter to my most faithful friend and companion. I have wept bitterly as these words have returned to haunt me.
Whilst I ride this red dragon of grief and mourning, I was going to take another break from Tale Peddler. It felt simply too hard for me to be upbeat, cheerful and inspiring when I feel this shattered. However, I think for a Blog to be truly real, it must at times bend to the tragedies that will befall us all. The Blog helps to distract my thoughts at times from my loss. Tale Peddler was always about trying to inspire myself, and if other people became inspired in the process then so be it. It was never about putting a false, jolly blogging mask on but rather a creative scrapbook that supported my writing and life.
Alfie was a great friend. He loved the wind in his fur and car rides. He loved baked lamb dinners and sheep. He loved walks and being with his family.
We are lucky to have a very understanding young priest in this area who kindly consented to say prayers for our boy in his Masses. Alfie came a long way since his time on Death Row.
He will be forever missed and mourned in our home.

Our fab and sunshine filled wedding

2010-03-17T19:59:00.019+11:00

It was a joyous day filled with laughter, family and friends. The sun shone after days of heavy rain. The garden was filled with material butterflies. Arstchool Annie arrived early to help me with my nails and last minute tasks.Artschool Annie (who many, many, many years ago introduced David and myself) was a total brick for weeks before the wedding. She helped to craft flower baskets, ran around Sydney buying almonds, became my manicurist and constructed towers of tea-cups with me. We also made my wedding bouquet which had my Nanny's pearls wound around it. My jewellery was a vintage rhinestone daisy necklace from the 1950's (the Vanna White Collection) and clip-on drop rhinestone ear-rings.

The Britstop bus was a huge success and a great ice-breaker for our guests. We played music such as the Kinks and rode the streets of Newtown on our way to the church. At the church, the mood abruptly changed as my father and I entered with Daisy to the sounds of Ave Maria. It was a special moment to walk the aisle with my father who has been battling cancer for several years.

The catering was totally scrummy. Thank you again to Julianne who read on my Blog I needed catering and nudged me in the direction of VSE International. We opted to have two strawberry baked cheesecakes in place of fruitcake I also elected not to have a traditional wedding ring and instead we selected an aquamarine art deco estate ring. Aquamarine is the month we married in and also Daisy's and David's birth month. It also helps keep mental balance and protects sailors at sea. All very useful attributes! I first received the idea for an aquamarine ring from the wonderful Blog Love My Dress. This Blog provides great inspiration for weddings and for all those who love vintage style. The weddings on the Blog are grander affairs than mine but I still got quite a few ideas from Love My Dress.

You may recall, I had bought a floor length Emma Domb peach coloured vintage dress (original fifties) to wear but in the last couple of weeks purchased a third dress from Leluxe (also originally seen on Love My Dress) This was a great bargain dress and although not original has hand sewn beads. I love it and plan to buy a few more in different colours. Although a last minute choice, I decided to go with this dress when I tried it on. Since the cavebride days, I bet brides have been changing their mind at the last minute. I had three dresses to choose from!

The cake toppers and CD's we made for our friends were 70's influenced. I'll post more of these behind the scene shots at a later date. Sadly, our camera was smashed later in the week and we still have to retrieve our wedding photos which has shots of the vintage table linen and cup-displays.

In the back garden we hung vintage cloths and aprons, which earnt a disapproving snort from one guest, "You could have taken the washing down!" Luckily my friend's little boy said straight away, "That's very Kirstie Allsopp and then declared, I was the Australian Kirstie Allsopp" How charming is he! How I wish I had Kirstie's crafty talent.

It was a lovely day. The sun felt yellow, everything glowed, life was sunshine and everybody I loved was together. Except for one and I'll talk about that on Friday. xx .

2010-03-15T20:09:00.008+11:00

Last Sunday week, David and I got hitched. For my normal inspiration Monday post, I'd thought I'd share some of the inspiration behind my wedding.
On Wednesday, I'll post a few pictures from the actual wedding. On Friday, I'll reveal why it took me a couple of weeks to Blog again.

My wedding was an Alice in Wonderland falls down the rabbit hole into the 70's with a bit of a twenties twist. I was inspired by things I love. Alice in Wonderland, vintage aprons, tea-cups, the Tasmanian Country Women's Association and the seventies. The wedding invitations were wonderful cheesy seventies cards with a couple gazing at each other over daisies. Our cake topper (above) was also from the seventies and several people commented on how much the male in the topper really looked like David!

It was lots of fun. Wise Owl my friend and guest said it was 'the grooviest wedding she had ever been to and she felt as if she was in Carnaby street.'
My friend, Artschool Annie spent several days helping me to construct towers of teacups and make flower baskets etc.
I normally wear Coco and Shalimar for fragrance but I do also love Daisy and this was my perfume of choice for the wedding. It summed the wedding up to me - sweet, simple and joyful.
xx

image of 1920's bride source vintage aprons source:

Tasmanian Country Women's Association image source:

The Mad Hatter's Tea Party image source:

Chit-chat Wednesday and The Invisible Mother

2010-02-17T21:32:00.003+11:00

Hello my little sparrows and swans,
I am taking a brief break from Blogging as I feel very overwhelmed with the wedding/birthday party preparations/editing book/renovating house.
I shall return in a week or two but in the meantime, I shall do my best to visit you all in your nests and trees.
This lovely piece arrived in my inbox the other day. I can certainly relate to a lot of it. If you are a mother, you may also see your own feelings. It is also for those who may be struggling creatively.
Invisible Mother.....
It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'
Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mum. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more! Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this??Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated -but now, they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!?
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself.
I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe . I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof, No one will ever see it. And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does.
No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become. At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.
I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from Uni for Christmas, or Easter that 'My Mum gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for 3 hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it there.'
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women .
Great Job, MUM!
Share this with all the Invisible Mums you know... I just did. The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you. This is beautiful and makes a ton of sense. To all the wonderful mothers out there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Adieu for now my feathered friends xx

image of vintage cruise poster source:

image of angel ghost source:

Fabbo Friday (oops) and Fab and Thrifty Beauty Products

2010-02-13T22:33:00.004+11:00

Okay it's not Friday but I am sure I'm excused a tardy post, and in some countries it is Friday. Not being a believer in chronological time, I will excuse myself for being so late with this entry.
I love prestige beauty cosmetics and skincare but even more than luxury brands, I love hearing about thrifty beauty buys that work. Here are four of my favourites.
1/Lavender oil - I don't care what the Cosmetic Cop says, I believe in aromatherapy oils for beauty care. I love many oils which I blend myself in skincare but the great mother oil lavender is one of my favourites. Not only is it wonderful for skin compressing but it's so versatile and can be used for first aid and a host of other things in the house. All that for less than twenty dollars! I blend oils with a variety of carriers to make my own skin care as a change from commercial brands. Essential oils are like friends to me that I couldn't be without.
2/ Rosehip Oil - a wonderful carrier or brilliant to use just on its own. This is so good for the skin, like a huge vitamin pill. A great price and a great product.
3/Pure Virgin Coconut Oil. - If it's good enough for Elle Macpherson to use for weight loss it's good enough for me. I drink a tablespoon of this in water before meals to speed up the metabolism. But wait! There's more. Coconut oil can also be used for the hair and skin and body. You can add essential oils to it and you will feel like eating yourself by the time you finish.
4/ Sleep. It's free and the best beauty aid there is. Okay, I lie. This is one beauty aid that feels like a luxury to me as I never get it. But I'm aiming to start getting more sleep this year.
Enjoy your weekend. Thanks for popping in. What are your thrifty beauty aids? I'd love to hear them! xx

image of sleepy woman source:

vintage yardley lavender add source

vintage coconut add source:

rosehip oil source:

Chit-Chat Wednesday and JUST START!

2010-02-10T16:49:00.004+11:00

This is going to be short. I'm so busy this week and Pip's post was so good that I feel we all need time to read and absorb it properly! Thanks again, Pip, for popping in and posting for me.
I am in the midst of trying to edit my mystery book, Poets Cottage, while I continue to: renovate our cottage (not as much progress there as I hoped), work very part-time in my 'real world' job, settle my daughter into her new school, juggle various school commitments and plan a wedding. Plus run a Blog and take my girl to swimming lessons etc. I wish I could say ballet but my daughter has dropped out of ballet and so I'm a ballet mother drop-out!
Anyway, here's a great quote from the wonderful Agatha Christie from Twitter site Quotes4 Writers. It could easily apply to all artists in any medium. Or, just generally life itself.
The secret of getting ahead is getting started. Agatha Christie.
And so no excuses, no procrastination. Agatha has spoken!
Thanks for popping in. Enjoy your week. I am off to the movies tonight with Art School Annie to see 'It's Complicated.' I’m looking forward to seeing Meryl's house and Alec Baldwin in this romantic comedy. It will be good to turn my brain off and not worry about the fact I still haven't organized a wedding cake and I’m not sure about the dress with only a few weeks to go. But I do have a ring, an estate aquamarine art deco style ring. Art Deco also makes me think of Agatha.
Aren't these prints fun? You can purchase them or an entire range of book covers from the Queen of Crime's collection from the official Agatha Christie website.
xx

prints source:

Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday and Pip Lincolne Guest Blog!

2010-02-08T11:47:00.007+11:00

In a recent blogging competition I won Pip Lincolne! Yes, it's true. I won the legendary Meet Me at Mikes, Queen of fab and crafting. Not to do my housework that is - but to do a guest Blog on Tale Peddler. And so today I have a treat for you, dear readers. A post on inspiration by a woman who has inspired thousands and thousands around the globe.
Why do I love Pip so much? Regular readers will know I often have a gush over Pip. Ever since I first stumbled across her amazing blog Meet Me at Mikes and discovered a kindred spirit who loves vintage children's books, Nanna things, whimsy, nostalgia, homemade sauce, ginger-beer and is always ready to share these treasures and recipes with her blogging friends, I've been an avid follower.
Pip embodies the spirit of Brownies with her perky kindness, her campaign to get the entire world on the end of a crochet needle and just to live a craftier, brighter, more positive life. If you read the entry on her blog of how she got a book deal then you will see she has a very 'can do' attitude to life that we could all emulate. She's a loving Mummy, domestic artist, crafter, Blogger, writer and runs one of the cutest shops I've ever seen in Fitzroy, Melbourne called, Meet Me at Mikes!
If I feel anxious and panicky about the way the world is going and I start to feel I'm on a SHIP OF FOOLS that is slowly sinking, I only have to visit Meet Me at Mikes to begin to relax and start to smile again. The ship is sailing perfectly when people like Pip are on board.
But enough from me - I'll hand you over to the fabulous, luminous, cute Pip Lincolne. Three cheers for Pip and long may she reign! If you want to follow Pip (and you really, really should if you're not already) Here's her HOME
And I highly recommend her beautiful, crafty book Meet Me at Mikes! It has something for everyone within its Pip-like pages!
Inspiration Junket
Sunday mornings. Mmm. From beneath the blanket-y depths of your cosy bed you mumble something about sleeping in as you flip your pillow and snuggle down for another hour's kipping. No. No, no, no, I say. Sleeping in is fine. You seem to get that extra wee bit of time to yourself. Your body repairs. Blah blah blah. Everyone else is doing it, so why shouldn't you? It'll tell you why. That is the whole point. Everyone else IS doing it. The world sleeps at 6am on a Sunday. (Well, most of the world, of course some poor buggers have to work at that time, but GENERALLY the world sleeps.) Things are so snoozy, you can probably even hear your HOUSE yawning. The windows are probably blinking their shades drowsily and rolling over for another five minutes. The morning glories are still shut tight. The mice are snoring, the cat is catatonic (hence the word) and your neighbours are probably in some unwakeable slumber too. That is exactly the reason that you should GET UP!

You have the world to yourself. It's a brand new day! There are no interruptions. You are claiming extra time that you normally would be spending at the sleep bank, and you can use it to do some stuff just for you! And you can do it in your slippers. What could be better?

20 Steps To An Inspired Day

1. Get up
2. Wash your face and have a big drink of water
3. Make a pot of chai or tea or coffee
4. Put on some music
5. Make yourself some toast
6. Be sure you are warm enough
7. Turn on the computer
8. Go to a site like weheartit.com or tumblr.com and set up an account so you can save images to your very own dedicated inspiration library
9. Grab the little bookmark widget on these sites and drag it to your toolbar
10. Head over to Flickr, http://ffffound.com/ or your favourite blogs and start gathering inspiration images. You just need to click the bookmark widget and all the images on the page will be highlighted - from there you can choose the one's you love most and save them to look at all the time.
11. Leave a comment on your favourite images before you click away
12. Sip your tea
13. Make some more toast
14. Stretch
15. Pat the cat
16. Do some more clicking and looking
17. Get out your notebook and write down or sketch some things that have inspired you, or some things you want to do
18. Put a star next to the things that are most important
19. Review all the images you saved today
20. Make some fresh tea and repeat steps 10 to 20 until you get tired or someone wakes up

Important Notes ::
Be sure to carry your notebook with you at all times, that way you can refer back to it at opportune moments. For instance when you are in the book store you can check the scribble about that great book you saw on someone's blog.
Buy or make some nice bread on Saturday so you can do the toast part
Don't worry too much if you don't have a cat, these steps are important, but optional

Pip Lincolne

all images taken from Pip's flickr account:
main image of Pip originally published in August 2009 Home Beautiful

Fabbo Friday and a Fab and Funny French Film

2010-02-05T23:44:00.002+11:00

My lovely neighbour and friend lent me the French movie I Do and this week was the perfect week for watching it. If you enjoy a funny, light romantic film then I highly recommend it. I'd had a pretty dismal week but I managed to put my woes behind me and laugh out loud a few times.
Alain Chabat plays Luis Costa, a happily confirmed bachelor who lives in an immaculate apartment and works as a 'nose' for a perfume company. His five sisters and interfering mother are trying to marry him off. Enter Emma played by Charlotte Gainsbourg whom Luis pays to be the perfect partner that his family will all fall in love with and then dump him at the altar, leaving him heart-broken so his family will leave him alone. The cunning plan backfires when his family fall in love with Emma too much and then he is forced to change his plan, hiring Emma to become the girlfriend from hell for the benefit of his family.
It's a lovely escapist film and Charlotte looks incredibly elegant, slim and stunning. But what would you expect with her parents? I do love Serge and Jane Birkin sooo much and have happy memories of visiting Serge's grave in Paris and seeing all the funny notes, cigarette butts,, metro tickets and quirky toys left for him. With a gene pool like that, Charlotte had to be exceptional.
Enjoy your weekend. Hope it is filled with lots of laughter and inspiration. Thank you for visiting me. xx

Charlotte Gainsbourg image source:

Jane and Serge image source:

Jane and Serge with infant Charlotte image source

Chit-chat Wednesday and An Education - Keys 2

2010-02-03T11:42:00.005+11:00

Once upon a time there was a tiny speck. No bigger than the eye of a sultana inside my body. I was unprepared for this growth. I loved travelling to Paris. I enjoyed time to myself and couldn't imagine life with a little person. And yet a little person had arrived, for there was the speck.
Five years later the speck is a pig-tailed, long-legged, cheeky, bright and intelligent Australian little girl. All the doctors worried over the speck. They had muttered the words, DOWNS and LEGS TOO SHORT and will never grow to NORMAL HEIGHT.
But doctors and women can be wrong.
I no longer travel to Paris every year. I cannot remember what it was like to have unbroken sleep, think only of myself. Those days which seemed so perfect at the time, now look like black-and-white Kansas as I twirl and whirl with Dorothy and Toto in a world of wonder and Oz. A quieter and richer world.
The speck grew into a very tall girl and I grew into a mother. A mother who last week saw her sunbeam shine her way into the first day of big school.
I remember the moment when I first saw the speck on the monitor. I had been so afraid, so unsure, so doubting of my capacity to love a child. So fearing of the loss of identity and ego that would come. And yet I sensed the speck had a soul, that there was meaning to that speck. Something passed between us. And as I stared at that tiny, formless insubstantial thing, I knew the speck was looking back at me.
Fly high my little sparrow. I have given you the keys. I love you, Daisy.
I hope you are all well. I am frantic editing Poets Cottage and attempting to prepare for our wedding. Tonight I have my bookclub meeting. My charming, whimsical, writer friend Amanda Holohan is moderating the trippy book 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' and so it should be a fun night. For all the Mums and Dads who watched with a lump in their throat as their little ones started school enjoy the moment. Bittersweet and beautiful, joyous and poignant. Three cheers for us and even louder cheers for our wonderful children. xx

image source for schoolgirls and book: weheartit

Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday and the Dreamer who never woke

2010-02-01T18:57:00.004+11:00

He described himself as a dreamer who never woke up. Marc Chagall is my kind of person and artist. I have long admired his world of whimsical, fantastical beings and visions . He is a poet, a child, a madman. Pablo Picasso, not known for praising many artists, said that Chagall must have had an angel in his head to paint as he did.
Chagall was fearless and remained true to his own imaginative visions and world, rejecting the popular art of the day (abstraction and intellectual object paintings). Chagall's is a fantastic world of lovers who fly backwards, fiddlers with green faces or humans with rooster heads.
This outsider, eccentric genius rose from poverty and obscurity to become one of the most acclaimed artists of our time.
The French poet Guillaume Apollinaire described his paintings as “supernatural.” Whenever I feel jaded or uninspired, I only have to look at a Chagall painting to feel my sense of awe and wonder of this mysterious universe restored.
He was creating until the day he died, of course, at a very young 97. I can only imagine the angels flocked around this mystical child-artist when he departed this world.
A writer friend, Blaise Cendrars, composed a poem about Chagall: “Suddenly he paints / He grabs a church and paints with a church / He grabs a cow and paints with a cow.”
For Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday let us grab churches and cows and infuse our creative efforts with the joy and enthusiasm of a Marc Chagall. May we continue to see the world through fresh eyes every second and may we never allow ourselves to be pigeon-holed. Three cheers and a backwards flip for Marc Chagall.

If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing. Marc Chagall
The dignity of the artist lies in his duty of keeping awake the sense of wonder in the world. In this long vigil he often has to vary his methods of stimulation; but in this long vigil he is also himself striving against a continual tendency to sleep. Marc Chagall

Marc Chagall image source

The Birthday image source:

Midsummer Night's Dream image source

Fabbo Friday and I'm not freaking out

2010-01-29T18:08:00.005+11:00

Hello,
You may have noticed (or perhaps not) that Wednesday vanished from my posts this week. I've had rather a frantic week and apologize for the omission in normal transmission.
I’ve been busy with my daughter starting big school and my agent wanting my mystery that I’ve been plodding away at. She has seen ten chapters and is very happy with it so has given me the nod to get the remainder to her as soon as I can.
I've also been still trying to fix up our cottage, plan a wedding and I’ve had a few health problems. Here are a few fab things that have kept me happy this week.
1/ A Humpty Dumpty cake topper I bought from the US on Etsy. I love his cheerful face. He is meant to be from the fifties.
2/ Barbara Vine's Asta's Book – a really great mystery novel set between different time periods. I love Barbara Vine//Ruth Rendell and I couldn't put this book down. To me it's a perfect read. Elegantly written, memorable characters and a riveting mystery. Asta arrives in London in 1905 from Denmark and begins writing diaries to express her most private thoughts and feelings. It is Asta's granddaughter who has the task of attempting to solve a murder mystery via the diaries and also attempt to find the true identity of Asta's daughter Swanny. This book has been out for quite awhile but it's the first time I've had a chance to read it.
3/ Keep Calm & Carry On from Lark. This picture is from Allison's wonderful online shop Lark. I have two of these prints and I think I need to paper my entire house in them at the moment.
4/ My fascinator for the wedding arrived from the Etsy store loboheme. I had planned on wearing a white fascinator with a small veil but fell in love with this one. I couldn't resist the vintage crochet doiley and it's perfect for my wedding which is Marie Antoinette crossed with grandma. I have to admit that as time has gone on, it's less of Marie Antoinette and more of the 70s crossed with grandma. I’d been planning on wearing white but found a dress I’m in love with in peach chiffon and so I changed my mind totally. The ring has also been purchased – an estate art deco aquamarine ring. It is not traditional and is beautiful. We have also booked a 1940s double decker London red bus to transport us to the church. Slowly things are coming together. I'm not stressed!
Enjoy your weekend. Hope it is filled with love and relaxing times. Thank you for visiting me. xx

keep calm and carry on print image source Lark

fascinator image from LoBoheme