Hippo, Birdy, Two Ewes, Hippo Birdy, Two Ewes.........

Today is a milestone of the most important kind........

Today No. 1 son and my only child turns his back on his teenage years and enters his twenties.

So, bear with my as I take a quick wander down memory lane.

I may need you to hand me the tissues as I take a quick look back and wonderwhere those years have gone.........

Here we are mum and bub, wearing the beret style hat I knitted. I thought I was so clever.....

Look at those glasses, that's what we were wearing in the 90's.

Sorry about the blurry pic, but I think it's a little less scary that way, hehehe.....

Here we are on another special day........... and another blurry pic, sorry about this....

I married my fiancee Chris and Richard gained a step dad.

He has always been dad to Rich and a great dad at that.

I love this photo of Rich and my mum.

Grandma always had a very special place in her heart for Rich as he was 'her baby's baby'.....

They had a very close relationship, which was so lovely to see.

Sadly she passed away when he was 16.

She said she wanted to stay around till he turned 21 and then she would be happy to 'drop her clogs'.

It's been thirsty work this wedding thing.

Time for a bit of light refreshment.......

Just as well there was a bottle on hand.

So here with are with his first guitar and wearing my outdoor hat.

Not sure what's going on here, but he loved that guitar.

Who knew it would be a forerunner of things to come?

Fast forward a few years to 17, he's left school and not looked back.

He's earning his living as a musician although he did a stint at a local coffee shop for six months...........

He's an interesting young man, sensitive, caring, thoughtful, but he can also be frustrating, annoying and a tad on the lazy side.....

Hey, I'm his mum, I try not wear rose coloured glasses, so I can get away with saying this, as I know where his personality traits come from................

He gives me the best hugs and tells me he loves me.

He writes and performs alot of his own songs and I love it when he says 'mum can I borrow you for a minute?'

I then go into his bedroom, where all his music gear is and I'll sit on his bed while he plays a new song.

The times that I have sat there, tears running down my cheeks as the plays the most beautiful melody and then the words, well...........

I love the creativity and value his opinion in my creative endeavours.

Who would've thought that the boy who just wasn't cut out for school, who wasn't interested in sport (yep, I know, unusual for a boy) reading or much else except for Lego........ would end up being a muso?

We discovered this when he performed at a local 'open mike' night.

He sat down behind the microphone and transformed into a quietly, confident performer.

It's been an interesting journey, with potholes along the way, but my hubby and I have been there to guide him and he's pretty level headed with his feet firmly planted on the ground.

As he says, it's not about the money, it's his passion. He'd be happy making enough money to pay his bills and to live off.......

All I can say is when your child finds their passion in life, encourage them......

So Rich, here's to the next twenty years, may they be full of love, laughter and many blessings along the way. Thankyou for your friendship, love and the joy you bring into my life.

Thankyou, for allowing me to do the 'mum thing' and I hope I haven't been too self indulgent, or' 'blown the trumpet' too long or too loud..........

If you would like to listen to some of his music just click on this link www.myspace.com/richardperso or google his name and you'll be able to watch some videos of gigs on youtube.

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Things have been a little quiet on the crafting front here. After the recent markets I have taken a little break from the sewing machine and then Easter thrown into the mix and things have been a little topsy turvy.

I hope you all had a lovely Easter break, the weather here has been absolutely beautiful, but I think that's about to change.

Thankyou all for stopping by my last post and taking the time to leave a comment.

It's always a lovely surprise to click on my blog and see who has popped in for a visit.

I hope you are all well, till next time,

Take care,

Claire X

Market Wrap Up

Hello everyone, I hope your week got off to a good start wherever you are.

After a busy weekend of markets I am taking a deep breath, slowing down and thinking about things other than sewing, sewing , sewing....

I must say it makes a nice change.

As you can imagine there are always ideas for future projects lurking in the depths waiting for the opportunity to surface.....

Saturday's market was held in Bright, a lovely drive, a beautiful town, particularly in Autumn.

The above photo was taken along the way.

Fog had created an inland sea, the beauty of it took my breath away as I crested a hill and it came into view.

I had to put the brakes on pull over and take a pic.

Nestled under a blanket of fog are farms, who are waking up to a 'pea souper'

It was the most beautiful Autumn day.

A real stunner.

As you can see the Autumn colour in Bright is breathtaking and at this time of year there are many visitors, soaking it all up and enjoying the spectacular colour.

The place will no doubt be choc-a-bloc over Easter.

The market went well, being school holidays there were plenty of people around. The market is held in a park by the river and I had a lovely spot in full sun, which was much appreciated as it started off a little chilly.

No pics, sorry, you'll just have to take my word for it.

When it was time to pack up, I really didn't want to as it was so pleasant just sitting there relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere.

Sunday morning was the monthly market in my home town.

Another gorgeous day, quieter than expected but I was still happy with sales.

I realised after the January market I did in Bright that I needed to have a sign on my stall, so people could put a 'name' to my wares.........

So, Friday night saw me madly going through my stash of fabric, looking for something suitable to use as a background.

An old pillow slip that I had already used half of proved to be the very thing I needed.

Polka dots and a bird were the obvious choice and I was happy with the finished sign.

I asked hubby and No.1 for their 'creative' opinion and I got the thumbs up from both, phew.....

Don't forget to click on the pics for a better view.

There seems to be alot of red and blue going on in this photo.

I didn't realise until I had uploaded it........

Once he woke up, No. 1 came in to play a few tunes to add a festive atmosphere.

He needed some 'petrol money' to get to Canberra on Good Friday for a gig.

So to all of you who throw a few coins into a buskers, hat or guitar case, can I just say a 'BIG THANKYOU', on his behalf.

After a weekend out and about I needed to head into town yesterday to do some grocery shopping, op shopping and general running about.

I found myself in a cookware shop and spied these cute as a button 'cookie cutters'

You know, I just couldn't resist them. That flop eared bunny, just too cute.

Then there was a little dog cutter and it is 'Wee Jock' to a tee.............

They just had to come home with me. The 'oooooh' factor was over the limit.

Mind you, I may never use them, but just looking at them makes me smile.

Isn't that worth just a few dollars?

Could I actually eat some bunny shaped biscuits?

Wee Jock better watch out, that goose/duck is a bit too close for comfort.........

Today has seen me out in the vegie garden, removing spent Zinnias, which although still flowering are past their best and I just need to be ruthless.

The good thing is, my 'gardening man' aka No. 1 son can do all the boring stuff while I get in and do the .......... other boring stuff, like weeding, hmmm......

I'm feeling much better having got that done and off the 'to do' list.

Another of my little helpers.

Hand picked as they are very good at their job.........eating bugs and the occasional worm.

Wandering around the garden I had to take a couple of Autumnal (oooh, there's that word..)

pics.

The carpet of beautiful leaves, is compliments of the Manchurian Pear.

Here it is in all it's glory, the colour just gets better and better.......

The girls are finding the overcast day a little gloomy and for some reason are all huddled together under one of the fruit trees.

The cold spell that hit us last week and had me reaching for the matches to light the heater, has disappeared.

Heading towards Easter we are expecting a bit of rain and a drop in temp, but Easter is expected to be very pleasant.

We will be busy as No.1 has a few gigs on, so we will be out and about, but enjoying the time together and the beautiful weather and Autumn colour.

Whatever you have planned over the break, enjoy it and safe travels.

Thanks for taking the time to say 'hi', it's always nice to hear from you.

Till next time, take care,

Claire X

P.S. A little query, some Aussie bloggers might be able to help me with.

I am looking to get some labels printed.

Nothing too fancy, just the twill variety.

Have done a little searching on the net but haven't yet found anything.

Can anyone recommend a company?

Thanks , Claire

Did You Know Dogs Laugh?

Yes, it's quite true, dogs do laugh, but they laugh with their tails......

They even smile too.

Wee Jock will be laughing and smiling as soon as he's had his walk.

Another little needle book I made recently (click on the pic to enlarge)

The quote is by Max Eastman.

Wee Jock is standing amongst the purple and yellow daisies with that 'look' on his face.........

How can you resist him?

Looks like someone should've wiped their muddy little paws.........

Two posts ago I commented that needle books were the 'happening thing'.

I think that may have confused some readers, thinking that it was the latest trend in Blogland.

What I meant was, it's the 'happening thing' here at Sweet Birdy Love......

Mind you if it were that easy to start a trend then I'm up for it, hehehe....

I'm in production mode for a market on Saturday and possibly Sunday morning (if I have enough stock left...)

Another batch of bunnies and a couple of different breeds amongst this lot.

They don't particularly like having their photo taken, especially when Tigger is eyeing them off.

They tend to be a little camera shy, but I love their cute little tails.

Don't forget "Bunny hugs are best"

If you haven't cuddled a bunny recently then you are missing out.

The last two days has seen us descend into some very Wintry weather. It got to 13deg. yesterday, brrrrrrr...........

So you know what that meant? Yes, it was time to light the heater. No 1 waited till I got home from work on Monday afternoon as he knows how much I enjoy doing this.

I stopped in at the shop on my way, to pick up a bag of marshmallows as mugs of hot chocolate with 'marshies' are mandatory when it's cold.

We've had quite a bit of rain which has been lovely as the garden was starting to dry out.

So nice to hop into bed and night and go to sleep with the sound of rain on the roof.

As you can see in the above pic, all the Maples are colouring nicely and the "Wild Wood" full of Silver Birches is turning a lovely, buttery, golden colour. The leaves remind me of crispy, cornflakes.......

This Crab Apple had a mantle of beautiful burnished leaves yesterday.

I should've taken a photo then, but it was raining.

Just a few left today but still beautiful in it's bareness.

The top of the Ben, covered in cloud.

Monday afternoon as the sun was setting it just brushed the tops of the hills, giving them a golden, glow.

I had to take a pic, unfortunately it doesn't do the view justice, but believe me it was beautiful.

I hope your week is going well and you have found moments of beauty, that take your breath away.

Thanks for popping in for a visit and to all those who take the time to comment, it's lovely to hear from you.

Well, I'm off to do some dishes, tidy up the mess I have made sewing and then get ready for work.

Till next time, take care,

Claire X

Feeling Sheepish ( grab a cuppa gals it's a long 'un)

Hello all, I hope you have allowed yourself time to relax and you have a cuppa in hand.

This post is a little on the long side as I have been quiet on the blogging front this week, so we are playing catchup.

Even though it's Autumn here, I think the Spring everyone is experiencing on t'other side of the globe has been rubbing off on me.

Beautiful photos of newborn lambs have been popping up on different blogs and have found their way into my sewing........

Red and white grosgrain ribbon,

tinkly silver bells,

machine embroidery

and lovely wool fabric............

I love black faced sheep, there are some on a neighbours property nearby.

It's such fun watching the new lambs come Spring.

Gambolling around the paddock and playing.

I could stand there for ages and watch their antics.

Don't forget we are in Autumn here in this neck of the woods.........

I decided to make something that didn't involve chooks or birds shock, horror.......

I know, what was I thinking?

Yes, I am feeling OK.

It was such a lot of fun, putting this together, figuring out what would go where.

If you haven't twigged, it's for a bub.

It's a 'hangy thingy' hehe, to be hung above a change table, cot, or hang it off your

kitchen dresser if you so desire.........

Maybe the nursery door.......

or your bedroom door.......... or not!!

I am reasonably happy with the way it turned out, but would fine tune it just a little.

There are other ideas swirling around in my brain, but this week I shall have to concentrate on stock for my market stall which is happening next Saturday April 16th if the weather holds

It's a lovely, sunny/cloudy/breezy day here today. There is the forecast of rain this arvo but at the moment it's pretty near perfect.

The coming week should bring lower temps and you know what that means don't you?

We might have to light the wood heater, yippee...........

So No. 1 and I headed out into the paddock to pick up a barrow load of kindling.

It's such a lovely thing to do together as it's an opportunity to talk and discuss 'stuff'.

None of this mother and son stuff, just two people outside in the fresh air enjoying the beauty around us and picking up a few old dried sticks.

We wandered down to the 'glade' where the cows were resting.

Maybe they know rain is on it's way.

We have a new calf, click on the photo to enlarge and you will see it's little white face peering from behind mum.

She's the one lying down.

This little fella is soooooo darn cute and it's a little 'pocket rocket'.

Every time I see it, it is galloping round the paddock full pelt.

This is about the first time I have seen it standing still.

Wish I had some of it's energy, I would whizz around and do the housework in a quarter of the time it takes me.

A quick wander around the garden before lunch.

The Zinnias are on their last legs, but creating a nice shady haven for guess who?

He knows all the best places for a rest.........

Still loving the pink and orange colour combo, so striking..........

The Maples are really colouring up, dark at the moment, but will be brilliant in a month or so.

I have been slowly getting back into some crochet after aggravating an old RSI complaint.

It's been quite frustrating not being able to pick up my hook and yarn as there are so many inspirational crochet blogs out there and so many wonderful projects I would like to have a crack at.

I have had to be patient and take it slowly, but last night sitting watching TV I decided to do some flowers which will be made into brooches for my market stall.

A quick, little project suitable to do whilst watching 'New Tricks'...........

Any idea where the colour inspiration has come from?

Vases full of Roses and Dahlias, you can't beat home grown, fresh flowers inside.

I love wandering around my garden armed with secateurs and snip, snip, snipping, some beautiful blooms to bring in.

Before too long, the garden will be very bare and bereft of beautiful blooms.

Being the only female in this household (apart from one of the cats) I appreciate them and I'm sure the boys do too, hmmmm......

The wind has changed direction now and the sky has clouded over, maybe the rain is on the way.

That means one thing........... scones for afternoon tea.

There's something about wet weather on weekends.

I always get the urge to cook and it's either soup or scones.

Once again Tigger has found another comfy posi have a snooze.

Great spot as it catches the afternoon sun, but there's not quite enough room to stretch out, but that 'ain't gonna stop him.........

Well, I hope you are still hanging in there and your cuppa hasn't gone stone cold by now.........

Here in the Sweet Birdy Love household we are all 'playing' with new mobile phones.

It was well and truly time for an update and No 1 needed a phone of his own.

Believe it or not he hasn't had his own mobile for close to three years and has really enjoyed the break.

He does need one for his work, then people can ring him direct to book him for gigs.

Sooooooo, there are boxes, cords, instruction booklets and such littering the Great room.

There has been much laughter over the applications he can put on his phone

e.g picture of a cigarette lighter that you can turn on and wave above your head at concerts, yep you read that correctly.

It's mind boggling what technology is available and just on your phone..........

All I got was a purple phone that makes and receives calls, fine by me.

Thankyou for all your lovely comments on my last post, they make me smile, laugh and

get my day off to a great start.

I am constantly amazed at the connections made with all sorts of people from all over the world.

I hope you've had a great week and look forward to a relaxing weekend with family and friends.

I'm going to whip up a batch of scones, somehow the sewing is on the back burner,

Till next time,

Take care,

Claire X

Are You Sure It's April Already and Not a Joke?

What's that saying ?

" Blink and you'll miss it"

Well that's how I feel about 2011, but let's not grizzle about what we can't change.

My week has started with a box of tissues at hand.

No. 1 has shared his cold with me, thankyou ..........not!!

So, energy levels are fading rapidly.

I had high hopes for today after being woken by a certain someone wanting to come inside at 6.15am, grrrrr.

I was asleep, dreaming even, warm and cosy.

It's like a baby crying, hubby never hears Tig at the window.

So, I got up and stayed up.

It was a beautiful morning and lovely to be up early, even if it wasn't part of my plan.

Needle books are the 'happening thing' at the moment.

A little bit of stitching, a little bit of 'writing' and there you have it.

Chooks in the garden, hmmmmm........

"Sewing Forever, Housework Whenever" I wish......

Snippets of tartan all the way from Nana Go Go in Scotland and wool from Sandra in Swan hill.

"Sewing mends the soul" a little bit of stitching can be just the tonic you need some days.

Oops, uploaded the wrong pic.

My wee camera doesn't like taking closeups sometimes.

A 'Bgurk' brooch in the making.

And 'Bunny Love' is alive and kicking.

More brooches for my market stall.

This was all I had the energy for today. I had big plans but need to take it easy for a day or two.

I'm enjoying a cuppa while I post and then I think I might check out the back of my eyelids for 15 mins or so, just to recharge the batteries and get through the evening.

Autumn continues to spoil us with beautiful weather.

Cool evenings and mornings but brilliant sunny days with a temp. between 22 & 25 deg.

The leaves are colouring up, starting off quite dark but as the weeks pass they will turn scarlet and will standout like a beacon where they can be seen from well down the road.

Some beauties hiding in amongst the foliage.

So here 'tis April, a big month ahead.

No. 1 turns 20 that means I will be ............let's not go there, until we absolutely have to.

The photo on my calendar is of Reticulated Giraffes mother and bub, doing some mutual grooming.

Pic taken by Christopher Loffredo of Colorado while on safari in Samburu National Reserve in Kenya.

Thought it was quite appropriate for UK bloggers, as you've just enjoyed Mothers Day.

Hope you all had a lovely day and got to spend it with your families.

No. 1 and I will be keeping Kleenex in business for a couple of more days, but we are over the worst.

It's funny I haven't had a cold for 2 or 3 years, guess I was a bit run down after the lead up to the folk festival.

THANKYOU, for all your lovely comments on my last post. So nice to have you drop by and take an interest in what's happening in my corner of Oz.

I hope you all have a lovely week and get some beautiful blue sky, sunshiny weather.

The sort that makes you want to get outside and enjoy all that's happening around you.

It was at this time 4 years ago that hubby, No 1 and I visited the UK. We had a wonderful time and loved seeing all the Daffs and Bluebells in bloom, so I have been enjoying looking at beautiful photos on blogs.

Till next time, take care,

Claire X (oops maybe I better not get too close, hehehe....)