double poppy

This weekend I went to Salamanca market for flowers for the first time in a few months, over christmas I was buying peonies from the farmers market and they were so lovely, but sadly only have a short availability time. So it was back to the market, I was looking for tulips but came home with poppies instead. They are so pretty, particularly this double one which is beautiful peach and orange. I hadn't seen a double before.

I like Birds

Pretty birds for a pretty busy day! I had the most wonderful relaxing, quiet long weekend (thank you Queenie for having a birthday - when your real birthday is I haven't worked out) and today have been thrown back into the mad world again. Why the birds? Well while I am absolutely terrified of the real things (i have no idea why) I love all things birdy at the moment.

Lover

Lover, their name says it all, these dresses, oh and those shoes. This program about the label is so inspiring. I am in love for several reasons myself, tomorrow is the friday before a long weekend, yay! I have only a few plans and I like that fact very much.

Watching the World Go By

I love this view, the leftover paper flower blooms from rd's birthday the blue sky and little white clouds. I watched this for quite a while yesterday, seeing the clouds form and appear from nowhere, then float away and replaced by another. Kind of cathartic, definitely calming.

Easter break has been everything I had anticipated and I am well and truely in relax mode now! This morning, after watching Indiana Jones (Temple of Doom)!, we went to the park to have a throw of the frisbee, but ended up sitting on the bench for a while just watching the people in the park and the world around us going by. I love having the oportunity to do something like this.

Hope everyone else had a wonderful break.
Catherine xx

This Weekend

This weekend we went away camping in the far south-west of the island, which is stunningly beautiful and generally rugged and wild, but we had the most amazing still warm weather. While rd went off climbing mountains, I sat and read and relaxed, just enjoying the vast space.

Blues and Greens

I have realised I am posting a little about our landscape, the light and generally being outside, it does seem to be a big influence on me right now, it is summer, and warm and the sun has been out and because this is the first summer ever I have worked full time, trying to make the most of those precious moments of freedom.

This weekend was the Australia day long weekend, and our tradition of camping and beaches, we went with my dad this year, who must be one of the most organised and fully equiped campers ever. We spent time swimming, walking and plenty of eating, a little drinking, some Irish music and I managed to make some progress with my crochet. So right now I feel salty and still a little sandy, covered in mozzie bites and sunburnt, but wonderfully relaxed and full of fresh air, I wanted to post the above two pictures I managed to take, one in the evening the other in the middle of the day, I found the colour of the water quite incredible, and so changeable, almost impossible to capture the brilliance of the blues and greens.

Dahlia

Dahlia's are one of my all time favourite flowers, (along with peonies, agapanthus, magnolia, roses...i could go on!) I love the fact that there can be fantastic firey red spikey flowers, massive lolly pink blooms, and these delicate creamy elegant balls. I was fortunate enough to buy a posey at the market on the weekend, it was a very successful market trip. I found a fantastic hand carved wooden spoon, complete with unique bend, made out of banksia timber. Sold to me by the very man who carved it, and regrettably something I didn't buy a gorgeous 60's gold chain and rose bud pendant, I have my fingers crossed it will still be there this coming weekend.

This Weekend

I had to share some kitty cuteness, 'cause they are just too cute! Well somtimes anyway, most of the time Lola attacks Augus' tail or chases him round, and he just wants a quiet life poor thing. Another weekend has come to an end, why is it they go so fast but a working week drags on? It is so hard at the moment with beach worthy weather being stuck in a dull old office cubicle. So it's best to make the most of spare time, this weekend has involved:

- finally after such a long wait seeing Into the Wild, when rd and i first got together, he told me I HAD to read this book, and it was so special, but seeing the film brought it back and was perhaps even more emotive and moving. It's an amazing story, about a very incredible person.
- hanging out drinking strawberry milkshakes and reading papers
- listening to new and old music
- making linguine marinara, with fresh fish, prawns and squid, then enjoying eating it outside in the evening sunshine
- winning lovely giveaways from the wonderfully talented Marta
- working on ideas for the shop update
- and of course the standard dose of housework and washing and cleaning (you know the really fun stuff!)

New Beginings

Yesterday we had a new arrival, a gorgeous and lively little 12-week old kitten called Lola, she is tiny tiny and so curious and adventurous for someone her size. I am besotted I have to say, but our poor grey boy is not so happy. It's taking a bit for him to adjust to the changes, but I'm sure in time he will grow to love her, besides I don't think he can watch her play much more and not have to join in.

This past weekend was pretty lovely, going to the market with rd and doing some handmade local christmas shopping followed by buying new plants, including some good fresh chillies to grow (I can't wait to be able to stuff them like the little bell peppers you can buy at the deli - but cost a fortune, so addictive!). We also planted 15 native woolley tea trees which have some very pretty little pink flowers and should eventually create a screening hedge. Lots of new beginnings this weekend which makes me very happy.

Partridge and Pear

Hi there,

How gorgeous is the above design! I love Mozi and their christmas designs this year are no exception, the title for the design is the patridge in a pear tree, such a beautiful interpretation of the song.

I am feeling very rejuvenated at the moment, for the past few weeks I have felt rather blah and not much like blogging or feeling very inspired. However after a very quiet weekend of crafting, sunshine, voting and watching the election, and Jane Eyre (one of my favourite books of all time!) finally being on tv everything is pretty good in the world.

Catherine xx

This Weekend

Time flies when you have the first summer-like weekend of the season! It has been brilliant and oh so warm and sunny and I am loving:

the sound of: Swedish rock: the Hives, The Black and White Album, these guys rock and makes me remember how amazing they are live. If you ever get the chance to see them just go you will never regret it.

the smell of: all the amazing rose blooms in glorious pinks, reds, whites and yellow, everywhere you look with such an intoxicating but wonderful smell

the touch of: bare feet on green grass

the taste of: fresh mojito's in the evening with the windows still wide open, salads and yet more lemon creations

seeing: so many treasures and must-have delights in a new shop nearby, far too tempting by half and on a less consuming sight nearly 2000 Tasmanian's walking against climate change, I am happy to be a part of it.

laughing at: us dancing to music late saturday night,

remembering: remembrance day

inspired by: Ferry Staverman (photograph from here)

Sustainable Living

Hi there,

Wow the weekend just flew by so fast! Today we went to the Sustainable Living expo, which has got me thinking a lot about what we do for the environment and what we should be doing. It was very interesting, with a wide range of displays from solar water, organic food, furniture from recycled timber, and sustainable architecture. It seems to be so important these days to think about these issues and yet sometimes it can seem so difficult and overwhelming to make a difference, but the point of today really was that every little bit does help. So recycling, turing lights off (something I must get better at), walking or riding my bike more often for short trips, all these little things I can do, rd is already so good with all of these things and I admire this so much in him.

So all in all it was a very good weekend for learning new things. I hope you all had a great weekend too!
Catherine xx

This Weekend

This weekend I
- relaxed, finally, you know that feeling when you let go of everything and know that all is really ok there is no need for worry or stress any longer, it has taken some time to get to this stage and it is the best!
- painted my toes pretty pink in anticipation of strappy gold summer sandals
- lots of cooking, exploring the new Jamie book, even trying some french toast made from crumpets with chillie for breakfast, wow it's good
- framed my Matte Stephens print, I am so pleased with the results
- visited the markets for fresh veggies and flowers, I love that rhubarb is in season with it's beautiful bold reds, so luscious when it's cooked
- loving this post and house and wishing so much I could do something like it, or even be able to buy treats from here and here
- drinking lots of peppermint tea, I am a newcomer to drinking tea and I love its freshness and feel so grown up

All in all a good weekend.
I wish everyone a lovely week to come.
Catherine xx

Been South

Hi there,
Well I am returned from a wonderful weekend break away with a group of friends, one I realised I really did need. We went to a little town called Southport which is the southern most town in Australia. The scenery down there was stunning, I hadn't been to that area before and was quite taken aback with how beautiful it was. Particularly with the warm sun and thinking about the history of that part of the world, when French explorers camped there for quite some time in the 1790's and studied the flora and meet our native Aborigines. The area is so pristine and untouched, it was possible to imagine these events and feel a part of them.

Rd and I went on a long walk together yesterday for most of the day and enjoyed being out in the air away from everything, watching a little echidna for quite some time snuffling out some ants for his dinner, then returning and having a fantastic dinner of fish freshly caught that day by the others, enjoying a drink around the fire. I feel nicely rested and peaceful now, ready to take on a new week.

This Weekend

This weekend I have been:

-catching up with friends for Grand Final day in the country and kicking the football, bewildering the poor cows, who no doubt had no idea what was going on (oh and watching the game as well)
- listening to the rain on the roof all night and day and being warm and cosy inside
- wanting it to be 2008 for this calendar and this diary
- watching new movies curled up under a blanket and drinking tea and eating chocolate
- hoping this book will be out soon after watching the fantastic tv series
- listening to the new Ben Harper cd
- going out for late lunch by the water and chatting away with rd, planning our holiday in 25 days, yes I am counting...

All in all a very enjoyable time, I hope you all had a wonderful weekend also.

Catherine xx

This Weekend

Hey there,

well it has been a strange surreal weekend for me, and for a lot of Hobartians as well. Our one and only department store, an old building right in the centre of town burnt to the ground. We could see the giant flames and orange fireball from home, it was the most surreal moment. Living in such a small place, the effect this will have is pretty major, and just really very sad. So it has been an odd weekend, where you walk around and every now and then think about it and feel a bit shocked.

Besides that I did have a lovely day today, rd and I went for a super-great bike ride in the sunshine, wonderful to be out in the fresh air and getting some exercise. I have been a little tired and unwell this past week, so I am really looking forward to feeling better and getting a few crafty things done this week.
Hope everyone out there had a lovely weekend.
Catherine x

This weekend

Hi there,
I have been a little quiet this week, just trying to adjust to my new job. I have missed blogging and feel a bit determined to make sure that I save some time for blogging and doing some serious crafting. This weekend however I am taking it easy and chilling out, we had a few quiet drinks with friends on friday night and yesterday spent a lot of time sitting in the sun listening to music, it doesn't get much better than that I have to say. I have received two of my cd swaps and it's really exciting to listen to something totally new and different. For some reason I feel far more inclined to listen to music now the weather is lighter and warmer, I felt really quiet this winter.
The picture above is of the Tord Boontje card Clara sent me, the other goodies can be seen here.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend
Catherine x

Sunday Road Trip

Today felt very much like spring is on it's way. A gorgeous day, blue skies and warm sun. We went to the beach for a long walk this afternoon, we are so fortunate here to have some very beautiful beaches not for from the city. Listening to some suitable spring tunes we hit the road with windows down (ok one down a little) and sunnies on, via the nursery for strawberry plants and a meeting with a very friendly cockatoo who said hello and then wanted a rub on the back of the head. We obliged and he seemed very pleased.
The beach was just stunning, the light was beautiful and golden, and felt special, I think more so beacause it is still too cold for lots of visitors. Lots of shells to collect, and big crashing waves to run away from.
I am a little tired and sleepy now, but in that great way when you've had plenty of fresh air.
I hope everyone else out there had a good one too.
Catherine

Bye Bye Weekend

Oh bye bye weekend, I enjoyed you so much, especially:

- A bike ride with rd along the river in Hobart and then out through the old industrial part of town, it's so amazing living in the same place your whole life and then seeing it in a completely new way. Bike riding is definitely in for spring and summer!
- Watching The Illusionist, which was fantastic and some Northern Exposure. I love all the little things that go on in each episode, we watched one about the Aurora Borealis and everyone having dreams belonging to someone else, and another about learning to be quiet and listening to the world and what it has to tell you. This while eating m&m's and later cooking a yum-oh prawn and fish thai green curry, paste made from scratch of course.
- Sleeping in : ) always a good thing
- Sitting outside in the fresh air with the little grey purry thing, with the beautiful Mount Wellington in the background
- Visiting my favourite shop and feeling so tempted by an old milk glass compote, mmm might have to go back and get it...

Now I am off to a warm bed and some Rove.
I hope you had a lovely weekend.
Catherine xx