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Art Wednesday: Janis Galbraith Fitch

2012-02-01T07:00:00.009+11:00

North Truro Hilltop

Artist: Janis Galbraith Fitch

Born: USA

Contemporary landscape painter, oils

A couple of weeks ago I included three works by Janis Fitch in my Art Wednesday "Cows" theme. I enjoyed her work so much I thought I would share some more of her lovely summery art.

Town beach, North Truro

Janis Galbraith Fitch received her bachelor of fine arts degree, with a concentration in painting and drawing, from the University of Delaware in 1979. She is originally from Teaneck, New Jersey but has spent most of her adult life in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Summers have always been spent in the little town of North Truro in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Fitch paints in oils, using intense color to interpret what she sees. Her subject of choice is the Cape Cod landscape with its beautiful skies and warm sunlight. Her trademark cows are also frequently painted and often show up on the Cape beaches! (source)

Her artwork reminded me very much of Edward Hopper (American artist 1882-1967), in particular his outdoor scenes of the sea/beach and beach cottages (link). In an interview Fitch did last year she said that the artist that she most highly respected was in fact Edward Hopper so I am not surprised to see she is drawing on inspiration from his works.

Cornhill Cabins

North Truro town

Pamet River

Weathered at Wellfeet

Herring Cove Holsteins

Beach Point sunset

For more works by Janis Fitch's visit her website: Link

C is for colour

2012-01-31T07:00:00.006+11:00

Red jug by Stuart Slind

C is for COLOUR

Back in December I was reading Mara Mayflower's blog (link) and her lovely story on COLOUR. One reason why I liked her story was because I love colour. Colour is important to me. I am drawn to things of colour. I have a house full of bright colour. I love to wear strong colours. I planted sunflowers in my garden to add colour. I even buy kitchen appliances that are bright and colourful. Colour makes me happy and I surround myself with colour to keep me cheerful. If I am sad or lonely, I wear red or pink and I feel so much better. I couldn't live without colour.

God made our planet to burst with colour, no matter where you look, there is colour everywhere. Just witness a sunset . . . a rainbow . . . a rose . . . peacock's tail . . . a butterfly . . . colour is everywhere.

Sunflowers and lavender by Jean Marc Jaciaczyk

A world with no colour would be a very sad world indeed. My favourite colours are red, pink, purple and orange . . . bright, brilliant colours that stand out and want to be noticed.

My son, my brother and my uncle are all colour blind. I am a carrier of the gene, so too my mother and grandmother. However, as I have no daughters, it will die out with me. My son cannot see RED-GREEN. I didn't know he was colour blind until he came home from school one day and said he couldn't see what the teacher was writing on the white board. He was 8 years old. After testing, I discovered he couldn't see shades of red or green and whenever the teacher wrote on the white board with lots of coloured pens, anything in red or green would simply disappear. He couldn't see anything - anything red or green just vanished off the board. No wonder it didn't make any sense to him.

Sometimes I forget and say to my son "what do you think of this red top" and he says "mum, I can't see red, so don't ask" and gently reminds me. I suppose he doesn't know what he is missing as he has never known a red rose or green grass as we see it . . . nevertheless it does make me a little sad knowing that he can't see the beauty of a red sunset or the brilliants of a yellow rose.

Wouldn't this be just amazing to see? I would love a garden full of this much colour. (Goggle image)

Are you a lover of colour? What is your favourite colour?

The modern child

2012-01-30T07:00:00.004+11:00

This was written by Marjorie Bligh, now 94 years old (born in 1917). She wrote this a number of years ago but I think if she updated it to now, she would be more scathing of the modern child than she is here.

~oOo~

As children we were not allowed to express our feelings to Mother or our teacher, we were not allowed to answer back even if we were in the right, and if we dropped a log of wood on our foot, we couldn’t say “damn”, it was swearing. We had to be “seen and not heard”, and were not to speak when grown-ups were speaking.

How times have changed!

We were not allowed to answer the door when there was a knock and sex was never mentioned, but today they say it is essential and we all know the results. When we were asked to do a job, we did it immediately. Now it is “wait a minute”.

Discipline isn’t practiced these days. Children tell their parents what they want to eat, wear, where they want to go, and are allowed to sit up late at night. They answer the telephone when you ring the parents, which wastes time and money for the caller. Both parents in many cases work to cater for their children’s expensive tastes, as they must have everything - from crazy looking bicycles to radios. We received a present twice a year, but children today demand them anytime, and they frown if someone doesn’t give them an expensive gift.

Nothing given in these times is appreciated as children receive too much, too often. I’ve rarely been given expensive gifts and anyhow I would rather earn my own, then there is no repercussions when there is an argument. Today there are several cars to one home, in many homes the diet consists of take-aways, pies, pasties, Coke and sport seems to have replaced the learning of the three R’s.

~oOo~

I don't think this has dated to much, do you?

How true - children are given "gifts" all the time these days, when I was a child we received two - for Christmas and birthday - and even then, they were not expensive. The modern child is spoilt rotten (not all, but many). And if they get everything they want as a child, what happens when they become adults? And the language . . . do I need to say more . . . just catch a bus after school? And sport . . . in this country it has taken on an importance that I can not relate to . . . at all . . . a religion!!
However there was a few things I didn't agree with: "not allowed to express our feelings to Mother", children need to do this and I have no problems with my sons telling me how they feel, we should encourage this, especailly with boys who can be poor at expressing their feelings. The other one is "sex was never mentioned", I do think this is a conversation that parents should have and not in a mystical way that use to occur, but the true! Overall, it was pretty accurate!

~oOo~

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

2012-01-29T10:51:00.000+11:00

I followed this beatuiful butterfly all over my garden just to take its photo. Don't you think it captures Gods great creation?

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

look full in His wonderful face,

and the things of earth

Will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

Turn your thoughts upon Jesus

Think deep in His comforting love

And the thoughts of self

And the sin of strife

Will be lost in the rapture above.

Give your heart unto Jesus

Cast each heavy burden aside.

And the joy and peace

Of his presence near

Will enter and ever abide.

by Helen H. Lemmel (1922)

Look heavenward

Thrift shopping

2012-01-28T07:00:00.016+11:00

My 19 year old son loves second-hand shopping (mother like son!) and is always looking for a bargain so he was very excited about taking me to a place he had discovered recently. Off we went yesterday to a large shed not far from a local dump - it was full of "stuff" and with a little searching we found heaps of bargains - I was as excited as he was. I could not believe the total price. For everything below we paid $30 (US/Aus). I think I will take my eldest son on our next trip as he might find some things for his house.

These are tall thin mugs, not chips - really nice for hot chocolate.

Rustic soup bowls - quite heavy, no chips in excellent condition. These will be great in winter with hearty soup.

3 pottery bowls - in perfect condition. We think they are hand made. I have my garlic bulbs in one.

One cute kitty (Japanese)- how could I leave her there alone. This vintage cat is selling on eBay for $19.00 in the US! She will be much loved in my home.

One sturdy basket in good condition! I have it next to my chair, very handy for the books I am currently reading, my pencils and paper, hand cream + my embroidery.

AND

This acoustic guitar was in excellent condition - my son thought it hadn't been played very much as it is hardly worn at all. It had only just arrived at the store, so we were very fortunete to get it as it would have gone quickly. He really wanted an acoustic guitar so he could learn more spanish music that he loves to play (his grandmother was of Basque hertiage, so I think it is in his blood!). Once he replaced the strings, the sound was excellent - this was a bargain!!!!! This was probably $30 and the rest was free.

Playing beautiful Spanish classical music - sounded lovely.

Whiskey Marmalade Jam

2012-01-27T07:00:00.002+11:00

Chunky style whiskey marmalade

Mrs Beeton describes the kitchen in the following way:

"It must be remembered that it is the great laboratory of every household, and that much of the "weal or woe" as far as regards bodily health, depends upon the nature of the preparations concocted within its walls".

I have been experimenting in my great laboratory . . . making whiskey marmalade jam. Now, I do not like marmalade jam . . . never have, never will. However my DH and son love it . . . so this jam was made completely with love.

It wasn't until I got home and looked at the fruit did I discover that these are from the USA and not local!

I used 4 large oranges and 2 medium lemons. All peeled and cut up (chunky style), placed in a large saucepan with 6 cups of water. Cooked for 1 hour until the peel was soft.

What gorgeous colours

After 1 hour, measure the fruit mixture, allowing 1 cup of sugar (1/2 dark brown & 1/2 white) per cup of fruit mixture. Return fruit mixture, treacle (2 tablespoons) and sugar to the heat - stir until sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil, uncovered, without stirring for about 40 minutes or until marmalade jells when tested. Mine took 50 mins. Stir in 2 tablespoons of whiskey (this can be omitted if you don't like the taste).

Looks amazing and even smelt quite nice - in fact the whole house smelt like jam!

Pour hot marmalade into hot sterilised jars; seal immediately. This recipe is from the Australian Women's Weekly Preserves cookbook, which I picked up from the newsagency (mine has a different cover).

Dear husband has just tried some and it has passed the test . . . he ate 4 teaspoons and said it was "very good". He will keep four jars and our son will have one. The flavour will improve over time.

link (I'm not that clever!)

Australia Day

2012-01-26T07:00:00.063+11:00

Today is Australia Day . . . its the day we celebrate all things Australian.

It is also a public holiday.

We had a long discussion at work about Australia Day and what it meant to each of us . . . it was interesting as none of us like the changes we are beginning to see . . . towards being much more patriotic and nationalist, something I am not keen on as it can go a step too far. We also thought the day had turned into one large drinking party with a concert and fireworks at the end and this wasn't the real purpose of the day. This comment by Tracy Spicer summed up my views nicely (source):

And it is increasingly celebrating the worst aspects of our national character, where rather than being a day for thoughtful reflection on our history and our values, it’s starting to look more a half-witted contest to see how much meat you can eat and how much grog you can sink.

I read recently that many Australians see Australia Day (and ANZAC Day) as being more important that Christmas . . . to me this is also a worry and sad . . . it comes back to this "party" mindset that many Australia's have . . . a very superficial.

I'm not one for making a big noise about the day, I just enjoy having it off and spending it with my family. I am not into flag wave and going to cerebration's . . . does this make me anti-patriotic? We aren't even having a barbeque, but I am cooking a roast in the oven. O'dear, I' coming across as very dull and old!

What do you do? How do you see the day?

~oOo~

Here's a poem I liked by Banjo Paterson that I thought was excellent for Australia Day - to remember all the pioneers that worked so hard to "build" this nation.

The Pioneers

by Banjo Paterson

They came of bold and roving stock that would not fixed abide; 

There were the sons of field and flock since e’er they learned to ride; 

We may not hope to see such men in these degenerate years 

As those explorers of the bush – the brave old pioneers.  

‘Twas they who rode the trackless bush in heat and storm and drought; ‘

Twas they that heard the master-word that called them further out; 

‘Twas they that followed up the trail the mountain cattle made 

And pressed across the mighty range where now their bones are laid.  

But now the times are dull and slow, the brave old days are dead 

When hardy bushmen started out, and forced their way ahead 

By tangled scrub and forests grim towards the unknown west, 

And spied the far off promised land from off the ranges’ crest.  

Oh! Ye, that sleep in lonely graves by far-off ridge and plain, 

We drink to you in silence now as Christmas comes again, 

The men who fought the wilderness through rough unsettled years – 

The founders of our nation’s life, the brave old pioneers.

A B (Banjo) Paterson

(1964-1941)

MacDonnell Rangers

Art Wednesday: Albert Namatjira

2012-01-25T07:00:00.024+11:00

Artist: Albert Namatjira

1902 - 1959

Australian Indigenous painter: Landscape painter

Albert (Elea) Namatjiri was born in central Australia at the Hermannsburg Mission near Alice Springs. After a western style upbringing on the mission, at the age of 13, Namatjira returned to the bush for initiation and was exposed to traditional culture as a member of the Arrernte community (in which he was to eventually become an elder). After he returned, he married his wife Rubina at the age of 18. His wife, like his father's wife, was from the wrong "skin" group and he violated the law of his people by marrying outside the classificatory kinship system. In 1928 he was ostracised for several years in which he worked as a camel driver and saw much of central Australia, which he was later to depict in his paintings.

Although doing a small amount of rough but non-traditional artwork in his youth, Namatjira was introduced to western style painting through an exhibition by two painters from Melbourne at his mission in 1934. One of these painters, Rex Battarbee, returned to the area in the winter of 1936 to paint the landscape and Namatjira acted as a guide to show him local scenic areas. In return Namatjira was shown how to paint with watercolours, a skill at which he quickly excelled.

Simpsons Gap, near Alice Springs

Namatjimi held his first exhibition in 1938 (in Melbourne). Subsequent exhibitions in Sydney and Adelaide also sold out. For ten years Namatjira continued to paint, his works continuing to sell quickly and his popularity continuing to rise. Queen Elizabeth II became one of his more notable fans and he was awarded the Queen's Coronation medal in 1953 and met her in Canberra in 1954. Not only did his own art become widely recognized, but a painting of him by William Dargie won the Archibald Prize in 1956. He became popular, critically acclaimed and wealthy. He, however, was always glad to return to the outback.

Kwariitnama (Organ Pipes) rock formation

Sadly his wealth led to expectations of his "people" to share the money - and as we all know, not a lot of good comes from money. More and more people expected him to support them and at one time he was supporting up to 600 Indigenous people. Problems followed and in the end he lived in poverty living in a shanty. He also ran into trouble with the law and spent time in jail. It was a sad ending for one of Australia's most outstanding artists.

Ghost Gums at Glen Helen, near Alice Springs

He died from heart disease complications in Alice Springs at the age of 57. At the time of his death Namatjira had painted a total of around two thousand paintings.

Mount Hermannsburg

Stanley Chasm, near Alice Springs

Palm Valley - He held the status of kutungula (manager) of this country, which he inherited from his mother Ljukutja. Namatjira's mother belonged to the clan country around Alyape, what is now known as Palm Valley.

McDonald Rangers

(Biography source)

For those unfamiliar with Australia, Alice Springs in the middle of the country in the Northern Territory and this is the region that Albert Namatjiri painted.

B is for butter

2012-01-24T07:00:00.035+11:00

B is for BUTTER

I had an idyllic childhood on a farm, looking back it was as perfect a childhood as one could have - I just didn't know it at the time. Farm life brought farm food and this included having some milking cows that supplied the family with milk, cream and butter. I didn't take much notice of how the butter was made, it was just something that was made very regular and I enjoyed eating it.

Now that I am an adult, I wish I had paid more attention. But isn't that always the case . . . as a child you take things for granted and as an adult you wish you had listened. In recent years I have started to grow my own vegetables, plant fruit trees and make my own preserves and jams . . . I am not expert, but my dad is, so I have been draining my dad's brain of all his knowledge (!) so I can learn everything he knows so I too can become an expert like him! Why has it taken me 40 years to start learning what I should have learnt when I was 10!!

But getting back to the butter . . . there is nothing better than proper homemade butter using fresh cows milk. I loved that butter, it was so GOOD (probably not according to the Heart Foundation!). And no, I can't tell you how it was made . . . I only know that it was made using those wooden paddles in the photo above!! And the cream, well, what can I say. The cream was so thick you could turn the jar upside down and it did not budge. We had so much cream that we shared it with my aunts and uncles who lived in the city, they very much appreciated the farm produce.

We had a separator that looked something like the photo below (expect it was powered and not manual). I can remember holding my breakfast bowl under the pipe where the milk came out and covering my weetbix with warm freshly produced milk. This was raw milk that had never seen a factory or pasteurizing machine. Wow, it was good. Just memories now, but lovely warm memories that I am glad I once enjoyed for real.

We had a milk separator that looked something like this, except it was powered and not manual.

Mothers are special

2012-01-23T07:00:00.012+11:00

Her children arise up, and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Proverbs 31:28

God made mothers more special than anyone else. He made them the bearers of life and in so doing, knew they had to be more exceptional than the rest of us.

He made them the cornerstone of the home, the foundation of the family, the backbone of society, the ideal of all that is best with the human race.

They are the guardians of decency,
the preservers of peace,
the upholders of truth,
the protectors of morality,
the symbol of virtue,
an inspiration to all that is noble and good in life,
and love knows no greater representative than that of a mother’s love.

Upon our earth, no title is more revered and no sound more beautiful or sweeter heard than the tender loving word - mother.

authors unknown

Even though mothers are no longer looked upon with such importance, let us carry the torch for all mothers and spread the word of how important they are and how important the role of mothers are in society today.

And to my mother, may God give you the strength that you need right now . . . lean on your faith to get through each day . . . the Lord IS WATCHING over you. My mother is in poor health at present and really struggling day-to-day.

Project 365

2012-01-22T07:00:00.021+11:00

"Looking up", taken whilst sitting under the trees at lunchtime

Have you heard of Project 365?

Nor had I until my cousin (Clara) showed it to me.

For 365 days you add a single photo (per day) to your project365 webpage and by the end of the year there are 365 photos you have taken . . . one per day. Its like a photo diary.

So far I have taken 8 photos of something I have seen or done . . . it doesn't need to be a masterpiece or work of art. On most occasions I use my iPhone so it really is that easy. I am now finding myself looking for "that" photo each day . . . it has been fun finding something different.

You can leave comments, however you do need to sign it to do this.

Here is the link to my Project 365

"Chillies" 21st January

"Marble Foyer" the grand entrance to the Australian Federal Parliament House - 19th January

I snapped this photo on the way to the car on the 17th of January

The book I was reading on the 16th of January

Homemade Vanilla Extract

2012-01-21T07:00:00.005+11:00

Homemade Vanilla Extract

I have been wanting to make my own vanilla extract for months and finally I have (its my first project for 2012). It was very simple. One bottle of cheap vodka (I bought mine from Aldi for $24 US/Aus), vanilla beans (I bought mine from eBay - 10 for $13) and a bottle. It takes about 3 weeks to change to a dark colour and ready to use. Once made it lasts forever, just top up with vodka from time to time and add a few additional beans (and remove the old ones). The only difference between the homemade extract and the one you buy is sugar, the commercial extract contains sugar, but this isn't necessary when vanilla is being added to cake recipes etc.. Keep it away from children as the alcohol level is 49% (the commercial extract is 35%!). Even after a few days it is smelling very nice!

Ingredients

1 bottle vodka (2.5 cups)
10-15 vanilla beans
1 large bottle with a tight fitting lid

Instructions

Split the vanilla bean in half. You can use a sharp knife or a pair of scissors.
Add the split beans to the bottle.
Pour the vodka over the vanilla beans.
Put the lid on the bottle, and store for a few weeks. Give the bottle a shake every few days.
3 weeks later, you have a deep, dark, vanilla extract.

Source of recipe: Bakedbee.com (link)

link

In three weeks I will show you the finished product.

~oOo~

The cat, a garage and the car

2012-01-20T07:00:00.011+11:00

I just have to share a story with you . . . its about a cat, a garage, the family car and a music speaker.

On Tuesday evening my husband shut the garage door as he does every night. We went inside and had dinner, watched a little TV and went to bed at 10:30pm. Most nights Charlie (below) comes inside and sleeps in her little pink bed. However with our warmer summer weather she has been staying out at night mouse hunting and then sleeping on the bench by the front door.

When I awoke at 6am on Wednesday I opened the lounge room blinds but noticed that Charlie wasn't in her usual spot, but thinking she was still busy hunting, I went off and got ready for work. At 6:45am I took the garbage outside, still no Charlie. I thought this was odd as she is always home by this time as she is ready for breakfast. Whilst outside I opened the garage and out ran one very sad cat . . . DH had locked Charlie in the garage and she couldn't get out all night.

So what did Charlie get up to in the garage . . . she tried so hard to escape and as a result she pushed off one of those very large old fashion timber speaker (from a stereo system) from a shelf which then fell and hit the car (see below).

DH was NOT IMPRESSED with the dent and scratch in the side of the new car!! Off it went to the smash repairs that afternoon for a quote . . . to discover that it will cost over $1000 to repair (US/Au). It isn't a huge dent, but the panel will need to be replace and to make it even more complicated, it isn't a plain black car, it is pearl black . . . requires more specialised paint! Thanks for insurance is all I can say as we only have to pay a portion . . . but any amount is too much!

It will take 3 days to repair which is a pain as we only have one car . . . well, it could have been worse!

PS the cat is fine, just a little grumpy. DH is fine, just a little grumpy.

Life is never dull.

Household finance

2012-01-19T07:00:00.006+11:00

Who manages the finances in your household ?

I know this is a delicate topic — money is something I tend to avoid discussing on my blog as it is both personal and considered by people in different ways—some people are very open on this topic, whilst others think this is a very private matter. So, please, I do not wish to be nosy . . . just interested, as I have read different approaches to household finance and wondered how it worked for you.

Many a marriage has broken up or been strained over finance—too much money, not enough money, wasting money, credit card expenditure, saving money, household debt, partners having different goals . . . it really can be the root of all evil but we can't live without it no matter how hard we try.

In Australia, 75% of wives either completely manage or has some say in the family finances. This is quite a change to my mother’s generation where far fewer wives managed the finances. This created a major problem when their husbands died and the widows had to manage their money alone for the first time. I can remember my mother telling me stories of a few of her lady friends who needed help making phone calls to the bank as they had never done it before.

When we were first married, my DH managed all the finances, however it didn’t take me long to see that it wasn’t working. DH wasn't the best organised when it came to paying bills, he had other more important things on his mind. So when we came home one afternoon to find that we had no power due to a late bill, I decided it was time to take control and I have ever since and so far the power has remained on!

I manage all the day-to-day finances, making sure the bills are paid and the money is where it should be. I don’t discuss the day-to-day finances with my husband as he trusts me to do the right thing. It is not because he isn’t interested, its just that he knows that I am in full control and everything will be paid on time —he also knows that I will discuss any anomalies with the bills if they arise. We aren't one for sitting down once a fortnight to discuss money or bills, partly because the bills we get each month rarely vary. I decide when things will be paid and how much we spend on things like food, but once again this doesn't vary a great deal each fortnight.

We do discuss the big ticket items and generally agree (sometimes after some discussion) and what we buy is based on a mutual decision that we have both reached. Interestedly, I’m not one for months of consideration before buying something, I am more likely to make a quick decision — DH needs a little more time to “think” so I need to remember this and allow him his "time"!! However, when it comes to computers he does "his thing" and I have very little involvement — he knows what he is buying and if it is value for money. I wouldn't have a clue! And when it comes to the kitchen, I do "my thing". it seems to work quite well.

With me handling the household finances, DH has time to focus on other things — this is part of being his helpmate.

Art Wednesday: Books and reading

2012-01-18T07:00:00.003+11:00

Books by Holly Farrell - yes, this is a painting not a photograph

2012 is the National Year of the BOOK (Australia) and as I am a lover of books I thought it was important to do a Art Wednesday that celebrated BOOKS. So here is a selection of artworks that involve books or that most wonderful past-time . . . reading.

I love books and have wasted many many hours of my life reading. I read when I should have been studying, I read when I should be sleep, I read when I should be working . . . there is nothing quite like reading and I couldn't imagine a life without books. I doubt I will ever have enough time in my life to read all the books I would love to read.

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! -- When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”

Jane Austen "Pride and Prejudice"

Reading girl by Gustav Adolph Henning (1797-869)

Liseuse by Charles de Steuben (1788-1856)

Book Shelf (~~author unknown~~,Joni Di Pirro)

Gala apple with antique books Christopher Stott

Got book worm by Camille Engel

Girl and dog reading by

Children reading by Zolan

Summertime reading by Crystal Beshara

Stuck in a book by Carl Lasson

Lady in white reading by Emilie Mundt

Young woman reading by Delphin Enjolras

painting by Charles Wysochi

Reading by Jahaziel Minor

Painting by Pieter Janssens

Being an encouraging wife

2012-01-17T07:00:00.028+11:00

Romantic embrace by Brent Heighton

. . . by love serve one another.

(Gal 5:13)

Ladies, you may think that men have plenty of courage and they don't need any of ours - but you're wrong. I've made a discovery that will change the way you look at your strong, capable husband: Sometimes he still feels like a little boy.

When your hubby is rejected by a job interviewer who's half his age, he feels defeated. If he's told that his credit rating isn't good enough to get the low-rate car loan, he feels like a failure. He needs to be reassured that you still think he's wonderful, even of the rest of world doesn't.

- from "Avoiding the Greener Grass Syndrome" by Nancy C. Anderson (page 65)

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another . .

(1Thessalonians 5:11)

We often forget that our menfolk are not made of steel and that they cannot always get through ever battle alone. They are not the knight in shinning amour that we dream of - they are human and can feel sadness, disappointment, anger, loneliness and as a result need regular hugs and lots encouragement.

As wives, it is our role to provide as much encouragement as possible. But to do this, we need to understand our husbands so we give that "extra bit of" encouragement when it is needed. Of course, we should give encouragement all the time, but there are moments when an extra "spoonful or two" of encouragement is needed and our husbands aren't always going to tell us when or don't know how to ask or don't want to appear as if they are failing. It could be . . . just before a hard day at the office, before an interview, before they have to solve a difficult problem, before a trip to the bank . . . we need to be ready with those special words, perhaps a small note of encouragement in the lunchbox and extra prayers that will make all the differences to our husbands day.

Our words, simple they may be, can change a bad day to something enjoyable and as a result, our husbands return home happy and cheerful in the evening. I have found it is well worth the effort! A happy husband, makes for a happy wife and therefore a happy family!

A is for age

2012-01-16T07:00:00.038+11:00

The ladies of Cranford - BBC mini series "Cranford"

I have decided to work my way through the alphabet and write about a different topic for each letter. I thought it would be fun and encourage me to write about topics I might not normally write about. So to start . . .

A is for AGE.

I have just finished watching Cranford and Return to Cranford, two wonderful mini series based on the books of Elizabeth Gaskell. This series isn't for everyone . . . it is quiet, slow and peaceful . . . it is quite enchanting with a few tear and tissues. But the most striking thing about this series is the cast of women . . . most of the women are older. It isn't often that I watch a film where the main characters are over the age of 70. In an era where age is tucked away in the corner and not allow to come out, where women are encouraged to buy potions to look younger or iron out their wrinkles, where people don't even notice the elderly and won't give up their seats for them on the bus, where age is not spoken about . . . it is a joy to watch a series about older women behaving like older women, such a nice change from watching silly young skinny girls in Hollywood movies.

Miss Pole and Mrs Forest in "Return to Cranford"

Back in the days when this film was set, age was looked upon quite differently . . . today we are afraid of getting old and according to a report from IBISWorld (link), Australians will spend an estimated $6,990 million this financial year on their personal appearance, up from the $5,880 million spent in 2010-11. That is a lot of money to avoid looking our age and attempting to cover up all those imperfections! Age is considered with such disdain, people are willing to go extreme in their attempt to stop the process . . . which of course they can't stop.

I don't really want to get old, but it will happen and I can't stop it, but whilst I age, I would like to enjoy life, smile as much as possible, laugh every day, love my family, encourage and make others happy. I don't want to spend abhorrent amounts of money in a battle that I won't win to try and turn back time.

The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Titus 2:3-5

The ladies of Cranford leaving church from "Return to Cranford"

Birthday wish lists

2012-01-14T07:00:00.010+11:00

Today is my son's birthday - he is 24 years old. I asked him what he would like for a gift - as I know he has quite a long wish list! A few years ago the wish list would have contained computer games, books, music and DVDs. Last year he wanted money so he could buy computers parts for his custom made computer, this year's list contained the following - maturity has arrived.

This was a little pricy, but happy to contribute.

Circulon 12"x18" Outdoor BBQ Pan - he found something almost as good in Costco that he bought with birthday money so now he is the proud owner of one roasting pan!

Circulon 10-Piece Set

What a nice dinning table my son selected

I did think when I had 2 sons that I would never be able to buy "house and home" gifts as most men don't want saucepans for their birthday. But I have a rather unusual son who loves to cook . . and would love saucepans as you can see!! When we were in Costco last week he spotted a roasting pan, he was so excited and used some birthday money to buy it - how many boys get excited over roasting pans!

For Christmas we bought him a GPS so he wouldn't get lost in Melbourne and as it was on sale he had some left over money . . . so he bought an iron (yes, the sort that you use to iron clothes with) with the change!!! Of all the things he could have bought, my son bought something he needed (being practical) rather than something like a book or computer game.

When I took my son and his fiance shopping on Saturday to look at furniture he was very excited and walk around pointing to all the things he would like to add to his home . . . he really is a home maker . . . not only women like to create a home . . . I think it is wonderful that men like to do this too.

~oOo~

2012-01-13T07:00:00.031+11:00

It has been quiet this week on the blog - everyone must be busy. So just dropping by to say hi and as it is Friday here in Australia, may you all have a wonderful weekend with your families.

But while I am here I will tell you something - I am feeling a bit deflated at the moment. I have been reading other people's blogs and came across quite a few who are planning out their year, listing their goals, resolutions as a homemaker, projects/craft activities, book lists, even monthly menus and housework planners etc.. I don't do any of this. I tend to go with the flow and see what happens! Does this make me a poor homemaker, a reckless person or just spontaneous? I like to think the latter! I think it is wonderful that others do these things, they are very organised . . . and perhaps lead a more structured life than I do . . . I am more inclined to go with the flow a little.

The only thing that comes close to a list is my "to read/watch" pile of books/DVDs, however this keeps on growing as I add new books and DVDs to the pile. What I decide to read or watch is depended on mood and how I am feeling at the time.

But . . . it would be fun to find some things I haven't done before and try my hand at them (similar to this) . . . I might do this and write down a list (wow, a first!). But even before I write a list, I know my first project will be making some Italian cheese (tell you more in another blog) but I just need to buy a double boiler as I don't own one. Second project is to make my own vanilla essences. Perhaps I should set up a tab called "Projects". Feeling better now :)

Bye for now . . . hugs Joluise

LEGO just for girls

2012-01-12T07:00:00.003+11:00

Mia - Vet

When I was a child I played with LEGO. LEGO in the 1970s was basic, it is all I knew. I built cities, dream houses, tower blocks, bridges etc... LEGO at that time wasn't into themes as they are today - quite uncomplicated - they allowed the builder to be creative with basic blocks. By the time I was buying LEGO for my sons (and I bought a lot I will confess) we had space ships, vehicles, forts, castles and other exciting themes. Less imagination was required as Lego was doing the thinking for you.

LEGO has decided that their LEGO products is too "boy" focused and they needed to create LEGO just for girls. They have created a range called "Friends" and here are a few examples within this range. What do you think? Would you consider buying them for your daughters? But the big question is - do we need LEGO/toys just for girls?

Olivia - invention workshop

Interestingly, not everyone is happy with the new LEGO Friends range and the Lego Facebook and Twitter page has been hit by hundreds of posts and images from angry consumers outraged by the stereotypes they say the new line advocates. Those complaining say that LEGO has created female characters that look more like Barbie dolls than the standard tiny yellow construction figures (I agree they have figures and look like teenage girls in short skirts). One mother wrote “I will not be boxing her into the narrow, sexist stereotypes that this world has waiting for her,”. I find this interesting as the range is quite diverse in the "occupations " given to each girl - from inventor to musician, designer, beauty store etc.. In fact they are not traditional in anyway, they are very modern, one girl has a convertible and likes to shop - how modern is that!!

Emma - design studio

The complains are around whether or not LEGO should have a range for girls - why not, as they have a very large range targeted at boys. Why is there this fear that girls should not have a range of toys for themselves (in saying this, girls can still buy the other LEGO themes) - why can't girls like pink and why do feminists keep trying to stop girls from liking girls toys. Rebecca Sparrow from a feminist website said it was “completely unnecessary” to go gender-specific. “Girls don't need their own Lego,” Personally I think these women like to complain at anything that shows that girls are girls and interestedly no one complains about all the "boy" toys that are available in the stores eg trucks, cars etc...

Andrea - music stage

I do not want to live in a bland world were everything is the same and there is nothing that identifies males and females. We are different and we think different - even though there are some who would argue that we are all the same however the cycle of socialising children into believing that girls should like particular things has created this differences (RUBBISH).

Friends LEGO range for girls does not stop a girl from playing with a space ship and a boy playing with the music stage. And personally, I don't think a girl playing with the Friends LEGO range is going to be delayed in reaching her "full potential" (what ever that might be) because of its gender specific undertones as the feminists would like us to believe. And if you don't like it, don't buy it.

PS - If I was ten I would love to have owned Olivia's House below.

Olivia's House - I would have loved this one when I was younger!!

~oOo~

Art Wednesday: COWS

2012-01-11T07:00:00.016+11:00

Herd by Nat

I am a farmers daughter so perhaps that is why I find cows so appealing, they make me smile! Cows seem to be quite the favourite farm animal to paint, both by the famous and the not so famous. Today I am going to dedicate Art Wednesday to all the cows that have served us so well - supplying milk to drink, to use to make cheese, cream and butter and for their leather and their meat. And to just enjoy whilst they stand in the paddock chewing their cud. What would we do without cows?

Did you know that cattle are mentioned 34 times in the Bible?

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle,

and herb for the service of man:

that he may bring forth food out of the earth.

Psalm 104:14

Delta Cows by Lowell Herrero

Waiting for company by Lowell Herrero

Surrounded by sunflowers by Lowell Herrero

I couldn't talk about cow paintings without including some by Lowell Herrero - a painter I really like and I just love his cows (cats, rosters, ok most of his art!!).

Resting cows by Anton Mauvre

Cows by Paulus Potter, Dutch painter (1625-54)

Sheperdess with sheep, goat and cow by Julian Dupre

Milkmaids in the fields by Julian Dupre


Cows and ducks by Claude Cardon

painting by Janis Fitch

paintings by Janis Fitch

Summer in Lancaster county by Janis Fitch

I might revisit Janis Fitch as I really like her work. Like me, she also likes cows and that must make her an artist worth following up!

The three paintings below are by Teresa Elliott, an artist from Texas - these are amazing, almost photographic. Here is the link to her webpage:

by Teresa Elliott

painting by Teresa Elliot

Marriage: What is a wife?

2012-01-10T07:00:00.022+11:00

Sketching by the river bu William Kay Blacklock

Let thy fountain be blessed:

and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

(Proverbs 5:18)

You're the mother who bears him is children;
You're the nurse when he worn out and ill;
You're the hand in his hand when he's lonely;
You're the star shining over Life's Hill;
You're the strength of his home when he's worried;
You're his solace when things go all wrong;
You're the listener to all his worries;
You're the laughter that gives Life its song;
You're the comforter in his despairing;
You're the sharer throughout all his life;
You're the girl who he ardently married;
You're his woman, his love, and his life.

by Marjorie Bligh

Most importantly, you are his helpmate and companion.

Marriage is on the decline, the importance of being a wife or husband is no longer considered important. Marriage is not celebrated as something wonderful and special - something to be cherished and protected. How often do you read in the newspaper about the latest divorce, rather than those that are lasting, those that are strong and enduring.

I think many young modern women would look at this list above and say that her husband "can get on with it" and he doesn't need her to lean on. Or she would say "what about my problems"? And that is part of the problem with marriages these days . . . husbands and wives no longer think about the other exclusively, they think more about themselves and what is in it for "me". No one says marriage is easy . . . believe me, I know that for sure, but like all good things it is worth giving it your very best. It is a race worth winning.

Marriage is a very precious thing and we need to take great care of it.

And the LORD God said,

It is not good that the man should be alone;

I will make him an help meet for him.

Genesis 2:18

2012-01-09T07:00:00.014+11:00

My holidays have come to an end and I have returned to work.

To be honest, I like holidays . . . I get to sleep in a little, can stay up slightly longer, spend time with my husband and my day is my own. However all good things come to an end.

It has been a busy two weeks full of activity. No idleness on this break . . . I have done so many things, things I didn't even plan to do. I'm not a list writer when I go on leave and if I had written a list, I wonder if I would have completed everything on it or found excuses for not doing them. I am most pleased at filling the pantry with jam (mixed berry, plum, apricot and peach) plus making my first batch of sauce/ketchup (spicy plum) as this will be enjoyed over the coming year. The cupboards are all tidy and heaps have been taken to the charity bin, sent to others or to the garbage tip - the house fills so much lighter. I know where everything is and that is always good!!

It wasn't all work . . . I was able to enjoyed the BBC mini series "Cranford" and "Return to Cranford" (just delightful and would strongly recommend to others) and Housewife 49 (I will write about this another time), read 2 books (When God Weeps and Housewife Superstar), commence some embroidery (below) that I bought months ago, finish off the tabs for this blogs (they are now all full of information!) and enjoyed some outings with my DH.

But life always has its ups and downs and I was unwell for 2 days whilst on leave - one day I spent in bed as I was feeling so ill. But perhaps God was telling me to have a rest and not spend my entire break on the go.

I will admit, I did take advantage of the Christmas sales and picked up some amazing bargains. I bought a lovely summer dress for $20, priced down from $80. I do wonder though, how stores can function with these sorts of discounts and it will be a worry if they continue for too much longer. Good for the consumer, bad for retail.

A few things I didn't do, I really wanted to make some lavender bags for the linen cupboard and a few other sewing projects - they will have to wait. The photo album I am making for my parents is almost complete - just the final edit and a couple more photos - I think that will be wrapped up by the end of the month. I didn't spent much time in the garden - more to do with the weather than anything else. There will be other times to do some pruning.

Now that I am back at work . . . life returns to normal. But this time, I travel to work alone as my DH is now at home. He left his job in December after being made redundant and in the next few months will start looking for work. This all rests in Gods hands as He knows the plans for the future. Its a bit strange having him at home, but it will give him time to complete some jobs around the house such as pruning the ivy and clean up the back garden. Who knows what the year will bring, I will not be worrying myself with that question, I will focus on the here and now, continuing to support my DH the best way I can and let the Lord look after tomorrow. The Lord work in mysterious ways.

Take therefore no thought for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.

Matthew 6:34 (KJV)

Sharing some creative ideas

2012-01-07T14:18:00.000+11:00

idea from "The Cottage House" facebook page

Found this on Facebook from"The Cottage House" - what a great idea - thought I would share it with you all. I love ribbons, but they are always getting into a mess, this is a cheap way to avoid the problem. Just need a way to store lace without it getting into a muddle!

How to make beeswax hand-cream

I found a lovely recipe to make beeswax hand cream at "A Sonoma Garden" (link), I am yet to give this a try but I think I might. This website has lots of other interesting recipes that I might try.

~oOo~

May you all have a wonderful weekend with your families. I spent my Saturday morning taking my son shopping for his birthday present and visiting Costco for a few items. Now its time to enjoy a cup of tea before I make some peach jam.

~oOo~

Thankyou

2012-01-06T07:00:00.006+11:00

Joining the blogging community, in particular meeting Christian blogging ladies, has opened a whole new world for me. I have very few Christian friends, in fact I am related to most (!), therefore the fellowship and encouragement I receive from other Christian ladies is so important. So THANK YOU. On particular lady has been very encouraging and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading her blog - so if you haven't visited Mrs Mara Wildflower's blog (link), please do, she is a lovely lady full of encouragment to other women like us.

Mrs Mara Wildflower ran a little giveaway just before Christmas and I was honoured to receive one of the her gifts. It arrived in the post yesterday and I opened it with much excitement.

It is a beautiful hard-covered book full of cookie recipes which I can't wait to make (and share with you). Do come and visit and we can enjoy afternoon tea together.

However with 100 recipes to choose from, it is very difficult to make a decision on what to make first. However I did like this one - I love peanut butter cookies, but I don't own grape jelly, so I might have to find something else that goes with peanut butter - perhaps quince jelly or apple jelly?

This one looks good - I love coffee flavoured food, but who could go past the double choc cookie or the snickerdoodles cookie full of pecan nuts and cinnamon. Do you see my dilemma, where do I start? When I buy a cookbook I usually sit on my favourite chair with my yellow sticky post-it notes and mark all the recipes I would like to make. I usually end up with a book full of sticky labels!!

Once again

Book review: Housewife Superstar

2012-01-05T07:00:00.008+11:00

Book: Household Superstar (link)

Author: Danielle Woods

Published: November 2011

This was one great read and I am about to post it to my mother to read as I know she will also thoroughly enjoy it. The book is about Marjorie Pearsall, born in 1917 in Tasmania (Australia). Like women of her time, her one desire was to marry, have children and run her home the very best she could. She strongly believed that part of being a good housewife was living frugally and she used her creativity to make sure nothing went to waste in her home. She was so good at running her home, baking, making her own household cleaning produces, knitting, crafts, gardening etc... she wrote a number of books, newspaper columns and became quite famous back in the 1950-1970s (I had never heard of her though).

Marjorie in 1955

Even though her desire was to create a perfect imagine of a wife and mother, sadly her life wasn't so perfect. Her first husband was violent, resulting in a divorce (during a time when divorce was frown upon) and one of her sons never spoke to her again, her second husband, whom she adored, died after 10 years of marriage, likewise her third husband also died, leaving her a widow. She had problems with step daughters . . . life wasn't quite as straightforward as she portrayed it. But none of it stopped her energy to create and make a home.

The book not only tells her life-story, it includes poems (that I will be including over the coming weeks), recipes, "helpful hints" (some of which I will share with you today as they are quite amusing), gardening tips and knitting, party ideas etc....

One way to recycle plastic bags

This book is well worth reading . . . it is about a time long gone . . . when most wives remained at home . . . however Marjorie was no ordinary wife - she was the Nigella Lawson of the 1950's, perhaps a little more eccentric. Even though Marjorie doesn't talk about her religious beliefs, I get the idea from the poems that she has included that she is a Christian woman.

Rating: ★★★★★

Here are some of Marjorie's tips

Part of her "no waste" attitude she would knit or crochet items out of panty hoses of plastic shopping bags!!

If you run out of blush for the cheeks, Marjorie suggests cutting a beetroot in half and slap it on your cheeks.

If you live in the country and walk to dances/parties and want to protect the bottom of your ball gown, make 2 leg holes in a rubbish bag, pull it up to the waist with the skirt safely inside - the frock won't get dirty (I would love to see this!!!)

Don't have any eyebrow liner - don't panic, take a match, burn the tip until blacken, let cool and use it as a pencil liner!

When baby is able to sit up for a photograph, stick some cellulose tape on the palm of his hands, the antics whilst trying to remove it as delightful!

And many more are contained in the book.

Marjorie liked to exhibit pies, cakes, scones etc at the local Shows - she usually won.

~oOo~

Art Wednesday: Latham sisters

2012-01-04T07:00:00.014+11:00

Today's Art Wednesday is the beautiful nature art of Karen, Rebecca and Bonnie Latham (thanks to my cousin Clara for telling me about them). To find out more about these girls and their art, do check out their website, it is well worth a visit. What is interesting about these paintings is that most are miniature paintings, similar in size to those on this page (link), there is a lot of skill required to paint in miniature and I think these ladies have done an excellent job.

It was difficult to decide which paintings to include today as so many are beautiful, as to a favourite - lots of them!

Karen Latham

Rebecca Latham

Bonnie Latham

Spicy plum ketchup/sauce

2012-01-03T07:00:00.004+11:00

Spicy plum ketchup/sauce

Plums are cheap at the moment so I bought 4 kgs (8.8 lb) on December 31st and was eager to make a spicy sauce and some plum jam (plum and cinnamon). Here is the recipe for the sauce. It did take me all morning to make, but it was quite simple and I am sure will taste great once it matures. What a great way to start the New Year - making food to store away for the year to come!! I feel like one of those pioneering women!

Ingredients

2 kgs (4 1/2lb) plums (once stones are removed)
175g (6oz) pitted dates, chopped
115g (4oz) raisins
1 large red onion, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, chopped
5cm (2 in) piece of fresh root ginger, grated
1 tablespoon coriander seed (I used the powdered form)
1 teaspoon allspice
good pinch cayenne pepper
1 litre ( 1 3/4 pints) malts or wine vinegar
1 tablespoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
300g (10oz) soft (light) brown sugar - muscovado sugar
60g (2oz) salt (to taste)

1. Cup and stone the plums, and chop if large. Put in a large preserving pan with dates, raisins, onions, garlic and ginger. Add the coriander seed, allspice, cayenne and 500ml (16 fl oz) of vinegar.

2. Bring mixture to the boil, then simmer for 30-40 minutes until the fruit is very soft.

3. Allow to cool slightly, then rub through a mouli or sieve. I used a mouli.

4. Return the puree to the cleaned pan. Add the remaining vinegar, turmeric, nutmeg, sugar and salt. Bring mixture to the boil. Simmer for 30-45 minutes until reduced to a thick, pouring consistency, stirring often.

5. Allow the sauce to cool slightly, then transfer to hot sterilized jars (I sterilize my jars in the oven at 100C [212F] for 20 mins), cover with vinegar-proof seals. Store in a cool, dark place for at least a month before eating.

You can use other spices if you wish, such as celery seed or use a dark muscovado sugar instead.

This will be nice on sausages, beef steaks or even added to casseroles.

This is the plum and cinnamon jam - make plum jam (1kg [21/4lb] plums and the same in sugar) as normal but add a couple of tablespoons of cinnamon while cooking (to taste). I also cooked the jam with a cinnamon stick.

I do not like lumpy plum jam so this has been pureed to create a smooth jam. Isn't the colour so pretty!

The next jam to make is apricot - just waiting for them to ripen.

~oOo~

If you are after a really good jam and chutney cookbook - this one is excellent (link). Its English and I bought it from the Book Depository but you can buy it from Amazon.uk.

~oOo~

A good way to start the new year: Wise words from Mrs Beeton

2012-01-02T07:00:00.001+11:00

I just love the way that Mrs Isabelle Beeton starts her book "The book of household management"

Chapter 1

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up , and call her blessed ; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Proverb 31:25-28

As with the commander of an army, or the leader of any enterprise, so is it with the mistress of a house. Her spirit will be seen through the while establishment; and just in proportion as she performs her duties intelligently and thoroughly, so will her domestics follow in her path. Of all those acquirement, which more particularly belong to the feminine character, there are none which take a higher rank, in our estimation, than such as enter into a knowledge of household duties; for on these are perpetually dependent the happiness, comfort, and well-being of a family.

In this opinion we are borne out by the author of "The Vicar of Wakefild," who says "The modest virgin, the prudent wife, and the careful matron, are much more serviceable in life than petticoated philosophers, blustering heroines or virago queens. She who makes her husband and her children happy, who reclaims the one from vice and trains up the other to virtue, is a much greater character than ladies described in romances, who whole occupation is to murder mankind with shafts from their quiver or their eyes"

~oOo~

Isn't this perfect - I don't think these words have dated at all and are just right for 2012 (ok, if I was a feminist I would most certainly say they have). And I just love the way she started the chapter with Proverbs 31 and ends by telling the reader not to follow those silly ladies from the romance novels !

What wonderful advise to start 2012

~oOo~

Being content in the New Year

2011-12-31T15:40:00.000+11:00

As I write this, 2011 is drawing to a close. By midnight tonight the new year would have arrived. This is the time of year when people dream up New Years resolutions - the most popular resolutions being:

spending more time with family and friends
getting fit/loose weight
quite smoking/drinking
enjoy life more
get out of debt
learn something new
get organised

However, most people either forget or cannot maintain their New Year resolutions so with a short span of time they are long forgotten. Last year I thought I would "learn something new" and crocheting was going to be my thing. It never happened. I did try but it was just "too hard". However I did do a few other things that were not on my list, such as learn how to make jam and chutneys, make bread, improve my sewing, start embroidering and produce vegetables for my family. These I have done all year and will continue into the new year. I have also lost weight . . and will continue into 2012 (just need to encourage my DH to loose some too).

But there is something that I need to focus on in 2012, its something I struggle with, and I am sure I am not alone. I live in a society of "wanting more" and believing that I deserve more, therefore it is even more important to learn how to be:

CONTENT

Being content is being happy with what you have and not always hungry what you don't have. Contentment is being full. Contentment is counting your blessings, being thankful for all you have and not looking over the fence to see what the Jones have, that you might like. Contentment is not looking at the latest shoe catalogue and wanting to buy them all.

. . .in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Philippians 4:11

My first test with this lesson on contentment will come within a few months. A Directors position will be advertised. I could do the job. I have all the skills and the expereince and winning would be an achievement. It would bring in extra money, it would be challenging BUT would I be content? I know the answer to this question - the answer is NO. Because, even though winning the job would bring financial rewards, what I loose with time spent with family cannot be replaced by money. The time I now spend making jam, in the garden or baking for my family would be reduced because I would have less energy. All the time spent away from family cannot be replaced, once gone, it is gone forever.

What I have now makes me content . . . the Lord has provided for my family and we have all that we need, we do not need more, even though we like to think we do . . . this is a lesson I need to learn. Being content with what the Lord has provide and not crave after what He has not provided. I like this quote from "When God Weeps" (*) "When life isn't the way you like it, like it the way it is . . one day at a time with Christ. And you will be blessed."

. . be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

(Heb 13:5)

Here is an example of "contentment"

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY BLOGGING FRIENDS AND FAMILY

* by Joni Eareckson Tada and Steven Estes

~oOo~

If I had my life over . . .

2011-12-30T07:00:00.002+11:00

Picking Daisies by Hermann Seeger

If I had my life over

by Erma Bombeck

If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love you's".. More "I'm sorrys" ...

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it ... live it...and never give it back.

I finally cracked it and other ramblings

2011-12-29T07:00:00.066+11:00

I had this great idea (always a dangerous thing) . . . I wanted tabs on my blog but didn't have a clue how to do it. So I did what I always do . . goggled for instructions and to my surprise I found some. The instructions created the tabs but I couldn't figure out how make them to work. I have never played with html before, I knew what should happen, just didn't know how to get there. Anyway, thanks to my cousins husband (thanks Dan) who responded to my SOS . . . I was able to follow his instructions and now I have TABS!! I was very excited and did a little dance around the study. Most are still under constructions, but whilst I am on holidays I will start to work on them. I can't wait - these small things I find very exciting!! So, whilst I was excited about my tabs, I decided to update my background!

After tidying up the linen cupboard and part of the study, I tackled the laundry yesterday. We threw out so much "stuff" and moved a heap to the shed, such as paint, nails and fertilizer (my DH likes to stash things in the laundry). Now it looks so much better, cleaner and tidier. The worse of the cleaning has now been complete. If I had a "to do list" I would have ticked those off. The rest is easy in comparison.

I don't know about the rest of Australia - but in my little corner of Canberra it has been very GREY. Summer, where are you? In stubbornness I have been wearing my summer skirts even though it is not the weather for them (topped with a cardigan to keep warm and at times slippers). Today we had about an hour of blue sky and sunshine (DH and I went for a walk) then it turned grey again. However, I must not complain, the rain has been wonderful for the garden and so far I haven't needed to water anything.

Our local Aldi supermarket has been selling lemonade from France in these really nice bottles. So for Christmas I bought a couple and we all felt very posh!! It was very nice, not as sweet as our lemonade and very bubbly. Once finished, I removed the labels and filled them with water and put them in the fridge. My son filled one bottle with shells.

~oOo~

Art Wednesday: August Laux

2011-12-28T07:00:00.004+11:00

A summer still life

Artist: August Laux (1847-1921)

Born in Germany to French parents

Still life painter

August Laux was born in Rhineland, Germany, 1847 to French parents who participated in the high ranks of government in Strausburg. Artistically, Laux’s influence belonged to his cousin and uncle who created sculpture in Paris. Enthusiastic to discover the arts, Laux and his parents moved to New York in 1863 where he studied sculpture. Later, in 1867, he felt compelled to study painting and enrolled at the National Academy of Design. In 1870, after a successful debut painting a mural for a private club, Laux became desired for his murals and decorative fresco painting. Later became known for his richly colored and realistic floral still life and genre scenes.

Raspberry and sweet pea

Table top still life

Plums in a basket

Basket of apples

Kittens

Cat and playful kittens

Still life with Chianti bottle and wine glass

Family with friend of nature

Lilac and Dogwood, still life

~oOo~

When one job leads to another job.

2011-12-27T07:00:00.001+11:00

Yesterday was the start of the end of year sales. I had been waiting for them as I really needed some new manchester. Off I went at 8am (not that I really wanted an early start on Boxing Day!) and bought what I wanted without any hassles and no crowds. It was quite a stress-free experience! By the time I got the car at 9:15am the car park was starting to fill up and I left just in time.

Buying a doona cover that suits both a male and female can be tricky. My DH does not like girly white/pastels/pink covers. So I hunted around for something that we would both like and this is what I found and DH loved it. It is very rich in colour (not that the photo shows this) and in a heavy fabric (unlike many that are in a soft cotton). This isn't likely to show black hair from one fluffy cat!! Besides the doona, I also picked up 2 sets of sheets (1000 thread Egyptian cotton) and a memory pillow for my son. If you live near a Harris Scarf's store - it is the best place for sheets and it has the BEST sales - I saved almost 70% on the original prices.

The new doona cover and pillows. Its hard to tell, but the colour is very rich - gold, purple, green, deep red in a heavy fabric.

The cow is my heat wheat pack that I use in winter and the black guerrilla "I love you" was a gift from my husband!!

The back of the doona is cotton is this gorgeous rich gold, so when I saw sheets also in gold I just had to buy them. It makes the bed look luxurious!

Once DH and I made the bed (we even turned the mattress) I decided to tackle the linen cupboard and go through all the sheets and throw away anything that had become wore etc.. This led to a much bigger clean out. Our linen cupboard is full of "stuff" and it really needed a complete going through - so that is what I did. I was surprised at what I found!!!

Ruby helping with the cleaning!!

Ruby getting very involved in everything I was doing.

Doing an inspection!!!

Getting into things she wasn't meant to!!

Rubbish - all fitted in the bin, just!! and I had another pile for St Vinnies charity bin!

That was exhausting!!

Once the linen cupboard was clean, I had plenty of extra space to move things from the study into the cupboard. This lead to cleaning out part of the study!!! Some hours later I had a ham sandwich and a hot chocolate.

That was good

~oOo~

PS Those tabs at the top of my blog may look good but are currently not working. I did some fancy html alterations but got stuck!! Still figuring out how to write the extensions so they work.

~oOo~

Just a quick hello

2011-12-26T08:00:00.001+11:00

Hi guys - just popping in to see how you were all feeling day!!

Who ate too much?

Today is Boxing Day in Australia and the sales have started. Even though I am reluctant to visit the stores, I really would like to replace some of our manchester (doona covers and fitted sheets) and I have been waiting for the sales to do so. So, off I go to have a look. I won't be out long though!

Back with more serious stuff later!!

~oOo~

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

2011-12-25T07:00:00.008+11:00

Christmas Eve by Thomas H. Carlisle and Harold Schuler

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God

with all thy heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy mind.

Matthew 22:37

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! 

Let earth receive her King;

 Let every heart prepare Him room, 

And Heaven and nature sing, 

And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! 

Let men their songs employ; 

While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

 Repeat the sounding joy, 

Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow, 

Nor thorns infest the ground;

 He comes to make His blessings flow 

Far as the curse is found,

 Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,

 And makes the nations prove 

The glories of His righteousness, 

And wonders of His love, 

 And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

~oOo~

A little bit of trivia: the scales and I

2011-12-24T07:00:00.007+11:00

There are many different sorts of scales:

Fish scales

Kitchen scales

Music scales

Scales of justice

But the one I am most interested in are the scales located in the bathroom

The bathroom scales and I have reached an agreement. They will not nag me over the next few days as long as they sees things return to normal by mid next week. Each morning at around 6:20am (!) the scales and I have a little chat about the coming day. Some days the scales reminds me to be careful (particularly on Fridays when we have a morning tea), other days it says “well done”. We are quite good friends at the moment as it has seen continuous improvement over the last 11 months and I have reassured the scales, that it will continue to see improvement into the new year.

Enjoy the festive season tomorrow for all those living in Australia.

I'm ready for Christmas

2011-12-23T07:00:00.022+11:00

I am completely ready for Christmas:

The turkey (legs) are in the freezer ready to defrost on Saturday
The ham is in its’ ham bag ready for baking on Sunday afternoon
The veggies are in the fridge (just need to pick up a lettuce on Saturday)
The plum pudding is bought (only 2 of us eat it so it isn’t worth making by hand)
I have cream and ice-cream
Mince pies, chocolate coated almonds and other nibbles are safely hidden
And the drinks are bought

I can’t think of anything I have missed. This is good as I really want to avoid the shops on Saturday morning as they will be chaotic for sure and finding a car park will be a nightmare.

And as to our plans on Christmas Day—it will be very quiet indeed (all our family live interstate or overseas) with only one son in the morning who will return for dinner, so no noisy excited children this year. I might even be able to enjoy an afternoon rest! As for food—DH and I will have roasted turkey legs with roast veggies and if there is room a mince pie for dessert. For dinner we are having baked glazed ham with salad followed by plum pudding, custard and cream.

What are your plans for the 25^th of December?

On the 26^th, I will be eating very little!! I have 2 weeks at home to rest and relax. No plans as such, my only plan is to enjoy the time!

Ambitious women: what do you think?

2011-12-22T07:00:00.010+11:00

The Australian Prime Minister (middle) with 5 of her senior ministers and the Australian Governor General (3rd from right)

Ambition is defined in the Oxford dictionary as:

''something that you want to do or achieve very much''.

We currently have a female Prime Minister, who has appointed five females to senior ministerial roles. We have a female Governor General and in the Territory where I live, we have a female Chief Minister. These are all very ambitious women. They would not have risen to these positions without ambition. Whilst the feminist movement is rejoicing at this "achievement" I must admit I do feel more than a little sad . . . the new Minister for Health has a baby under the age of one. How can she possibly raise a baby and run the Health portfolio? The truth is, she can't.

What are your first thoughts when you hear that a woman is ambitious? I think of a woman willing to do almost anything to climb the corporate ladder as high as she can and her family (if she has any) is not her first priority. She is willing to put in the long hours at the office and will get home late most nights, her life revolves around work. I often find ambitious women "live to work" and are unsympathetic to others (in particular women) who do not share their view on life. I always think that ambitious women should skip motherhood as their poor children and their husbands are most likely to be badly neglected.

. . . . ambition is the great unnamed problem for modern women. We have it in spades as little girls, and even teenagers. But studies show that once we enter workplaces, walk down the aisle and bear children, it fades and chokes. We begin to see it as selfish, or indulgent, and get more criticism than men do for pursuing goals outside the home. (link)

I was interested to read that ambition is declining among working women ''Declining ambition among women is a trend,'' says Ellen Galinsky, the president of the Families and Work Institute, citing a recent study which found that American women aged 35-44 who wanted a job with greater responsibility had dropped from 40 per cent in 1992 to 35 per cent in 2008.

Is ambition selfish? Personally women who are ambitious tend to go overboard and their ambition becomes their driving force, so yes, to me it is selfish . . . it is all about what they want, it is not about what God wants. Christian women who are very ambitious will find they are moving further away from Christ, who should be their driving force - they cannot serve two masters. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24)

However I think this applies to both men and women . . . when men are work driven, they too loss focus on Christ . . . how does a husband care for his family if he is at work late into the evening.

For those of us who do work outside the home, we need to find a balance that does not result in our families being neglected and most importantly that Christ remains front and centre in our lives.

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

(Matthew 22:37)

~oOo~

Wednesday Art: Haddon Sundblom

2011-12-21T07:00:00.007+11:00

Artist: Haddon Sundblom

1899-1976

Born in the USA to Swedish parents

Haddon Sundblom is best know for creating Santa Claus and thanks to Coco Cola, making Santa famous. However Sundblom was much more than the creator of Santa Claus, he was a commercial artist and quite diverse in his artist skills as you will see by these examples. If you aren't fond of Santa, you might like the art he did for Brewers Foundation (Beer) and Cream of Wheat cereal.

Though Sundblom was not the first artist to create an image of Santa Claus for Coca-Cola advertising, Haddon Sundblom’s version became the standard for other Santa renditions and is the most-enduring and widespread depiction of the holiday icon to this day. This was the first time we see a man wearing a red suit looking jolly.

Sundblom initially modeled Santa’s smiling face after the cheerful looks of a friend, retired salesman Lou Prentiss. “He embodied all the features and spirit of Santa Claus,” Sundblom said. “The wrinkles in his face were happy wrinkles.” After Prentiss passed away, Sundblom used his own face as the ongoing reference for painting the now-enduring, modern image of Santa Claus.

In 1951, Sundblom captured the Coca-Cola Santa “making his list and checking it twice.” However, the ads did not acknowledge that bad children existed and showed pages of good boys and girls only.

According to the Coca Cola company: "For inspiration, Sundblom turned to Clement Clark Moore's 1822 poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas" (commonly called "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"). Moore's description of St. Nick led to an image of Santa that was warm, friendly, pleasantly plump and human. For the next 33 years, Sundblom painted portraits of Santa that helped to create the modern image of Santa -- an interpretation that today lives on in the minds of people of all ages, all over the world."

The following five paintings (within the "Home life in America series") by Sundblom (which I must admit I quite like), are beer advertisements for Brewers Foundation. However if you don't look too hard, or I hadn't told you they were ads, you might in fact miss the beer in each painting and enjoy them for what they are paintings.

"Love at first sight"

"Getting ready"

"Preview of wedding presents", 1953

1948

"Rules n Regulations" - Cream of Wheat advertisement - a porridge type cereal invented in 1893

"How little she really understood herself" - Cream of Wheat advertisement

"yes, your baby is growing up - Cream of Wheat advertisement

Now rule 1# 30 000 schools - Cream of Wheat advertisement

Warning - if you do decided to google this artist, I would suggest you do not do it around the children as he also painted nude women.

~oOo~

Celebrating Christ everyday

2011-12-20T07:00:00.009+11:00

I do not go all out at Christmas . . . but I was sent this the other day (thanks brother) and I really liked it. Forget about Santa . . . the Lord Jesus Christ is what is important . . . celebrating Him every day of the year.

Santa lives at the North Pole.

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh

JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies

JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited

JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"

JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO

JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry"

JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

Santa's little helpers make toys

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but

JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree

JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back in Christmas.

And EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR.

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

*****

The art of handwriting

2011-12-19T07:00:00.026+11:00

Is handwriting a dying art? And does it matter?

I no longer write letters (I use to be an avid letter writer), I don't write a diary (I did once), I am not a student (and most of them use the computer these days) so there isn't many opportunities to write the "old fashion" way. Perhaps the only thing I write on a regular basis is my shopping list or instructions for my son such as "vacuum the house".

According to a newspaper article I read: Ample research coming out of the US and elsewhere supports handwriting for improving brain development, forcing children to write in full, cogent sentences and assisting with memory development. Yet in spite of the research, about 40 states in the US have adopted a national curriculum, known as the Common Core State Standards, that dumps mandatory teaching of longhand. The onus is now on individual schools to decide whether or not to teach handwriting. (link)

Fortunately (but for how long) longhand is still taught in Australian schools, however more and more schools are using computers for the writing of essays and other school work, therefore our children no longer write by hand to the same degree as they once did.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, The Marriage of Figaro (1756-1791)

On the weekend I went to see a fabulous exhibition of 10 centuries of handwritten treasures (link) from the National Berlin Library (now being exhibited at the National Library of Australia). I was able to look manuscripts, letters, musical scores and other rare material by the likes of Beethoven, Michelangelo, Napoleon, Marx, Mozart and numerous other famous names through history. This exhibition was well worth visiting and it is free.

I couldn't help but think of what we are leaving behind. Most people don't write letters anymore, this was common place not that long ago and it is often these letters, found after a person had died, that allow us to share some of their most private thoughts, such as a love letter. Even things like birthday greetings, thankyou cards and even Christmas cards are on the decline - these are now often sent via email or facebook or like my son, via SMS to his grandmother!

The problem with the computer age is the lack permanency - what is written on Twitter lasts no more than a week then its gone, your SMS message of thanks or your email is delete - many things that we record have a very short lifespan.

Love letter from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn

When I receive a card or letter from someone special (such as my parents or children) I keep them, besides being a treasure to me personally, one day they may be a treasure for future generations - a small glimpse into our lives.

St Bernard of Clairvaux's commentaries on the Song of Songs (c.1225-1250)

Just think of how many times the Bible has been handwritten, often so beautifully and treasured so dearly? How many people risked their lives to hand-write the Bible?

~oOo~

How good is the God we adore

2011-12-18T07:00:00.005+11:00

painting by Sasan Rios

I asked my mother to name one of her favourite hymns and this was one of them. It maybe short but the words are powerful and carry such wonderful message. I remember singing it as a child and I too love these words. The hymn was written by Joseph Hart in 1759 and even though it is over 250 years old, the words still carry such relevance today.

How good is the God we adore,

Our faithful unchangeable Friend.

Whose love is as great as His power,

And knows neither measure not end!

'Tis Jesus, the First and the Last,

Whose Spirit shall guide us safe home;

We'll praise Him for all that is past,

And trust Him for all that's to come.

~oOo~

The joy of Facebook

2011-12-17T12:43:00.001+11:00

Lakes Entrances, Victoria

My son is currently travelling to Melbourne with his partner to spend Christmas with her family. Knowing that I am one of those mothers who worry about their children driving - he kindly sent me updates of his trip, posting them on Facebook as he went. As Kat doesn't drive, my son does all the driving - and before he left we gave him the "little" talk about no speeding, taking lots of breaks, assume everyone else on the road are "stupid" and DON'T SPEED!!

Not only did I know he was safe, I knew where he was and I could "enjoy" the trip with him. Including what he ate for breakfast and lunch.

He wasn't always useful in telling me the location!! But it looks quite pretty.

Before they left, they came around last night to say goodbye and give us our Christmas gifts. My dear son is so thoughtful, he gave me a bottle of my favourite perfume and my favourite Chai tea and he bought his father a large bottle of chilli cordial and some very spicy chutney.

I am sure he will send me plenty more photos of their trip. They return a few days after Christmas.

~oOo~

Weblinks you might enjoy

2011-12-16T07:00:00.004+11:00

Sometimes when I am wandering around the web I come across websites that I think other people might enjoy, here are a couple that I wanted to share.

Christmas pudding - did you know that this was once cooked in a sheep's stomach lining just like haggis!

I have just finished watching the Victorian Farm: Christmas DVD, a great series (along with its companion DVD series "Victorian Farm"). In the three part series they share a bunch of ideas in regards to making homemade gifts and cooking Christmas food. If you don't have access to the DVD, here is the website and the clips to these homemade goodies: link

Australian Woman's Weekly from the 1940's

Did you know that the Australian Woman's Weekly has been digitalised and can be accessed for free from the National Library of Australia - by anyone! They have all magazines from 1930 through to 1980. Here is the link. If you are a keen knitter, dressmaker, love cooking old recipes, interested in home ideas of yesteryear - these magazines are well worth looking at.

This link takes you to some free online site for vintage knitting.

Do you like all things Victorian? If so, this website might be just for you (link). Mostly-Victorian.com has articles and illustrations from the Victorian Girls Own Annuals publications. These are such a joy to read.

~oOo~

Are we all a bit soft these days?

2011-12-15T07:00:00.006+11:00

My great grandparents - Anna and Heinrich with their 10 children. In the back row, 5th from left is my grandmother Luise Maria.

I have been working on a photo album for my parents, bring together all the old family photos. In doing this project I cannot help but think about the lives of the women in my family: my great-great grandmother Christiane, with her husband left her homeland of Silesia in Germany (now located in Poland) knowing they would never return, or Anna, her daughter-in-law with her 10 children to raise on a farm or Anna's daughter, my grandmother Luise. What was their lives like? How did they cope when times were tough, money was short, the crops didn't grow, no rain . . . It was tough.

Then I look at my life and it realise isn't tough like these ladies endured, it might be busy and we might complain, but it is certainly not tough, I don't think we understand what the word really means. When I hear women today saying they are exhausted or stressed I wonder what Christiane, Anna or Luise would have thought . . . they would never have heard of the word "stress" as it wasn't used until the 1930's . . . I think the concept would have been foreign to them. These women didn't dream of having a "quiet" time in the afternoon and a long lunch, their day was full of both running the home and helping on the farm (getting their hands dirty) whilst their children went to the local school (until they too were old enough to work). Anna lived many miles from a store and when she need to go shopping she had to walk even though her health was poor due to asthma.

We take for granted all the mod-cons we now have, the fact that the supermarket is open all hours and accessible, we forget that we can get messages to love ones at a click of a button 24/7, that washing the clothes takes only a few hours not a few days. Life is really quite easy these days and we should not be stressed if we really think about it.

I have just finished watched the "Victorian Farm", even though they had machinery to help on the farm (thanks to the Industrial Revolution) and things were starting to be developed for the home (eg the sewing machine), their life was full of activity from sun up to sun down. And when the lady of the house did have some spare time, she was busy making clothes or hats or baskets . . . not as a luxury, but as a necessity.

Therefore, when I come home from work and start my "home duties" . . . I think twice about saying that I am tired, because I have a microwave, freezer and everything around me to make my life so much easier compared to those earlier pioneer women who truly understand what the word "tired" meant. After a busy day on the farm, these ladies still had to cook dinner . . . without that microwave!

When I was a little girl I met my great-aunt (Luise's sister). She was very old and reminded me of a old German peasant woman. She would make us mettwurst sandwiches for afternoon tea (much to the delight of my brother Nick) - nothing fancy, but simple and filling. This hard working woman who had worked all her life had one amazing skill which I regret not taking a much closer look at . . . she did lace work and other fine needlework on white linen. I remember walking into her darken dinning room and it was full of her work. The woman worked hard during the day and managed, in poor light, to produce the most amazing handcraft. To me, these are the women we should look up, they led honest lives trying their best to provide for their families even under the harshest of conditions.

I hope that I have inherited some of their work ethic . . . the ability to work hard and not complain, sadly I think I am a bit little too lazy to be a pioneer woman.

~oOo~

Art Wednesday: Coffee Art

2011-12-14T07:00:00.003+11:00

Today's "art" is just for fun as I feel in a fun mood, probably because it is summer (not that it feels like it) and getting close to holidays.

Is this art?

Its creative, imaginative, requires a level of skill (I can't do it!) and we enjoy it so yes it is! So for something light and fluffy (that tastes good to if you like coffee) enjoy a mug of coffee art:)

I watched a cooking programme on TV the other day and the barista demonstrated how to create "coffee" art and it was quite difficult and required many hours of practice. The next time you make a latte, give it a go.

All source from: link

How to make coffee art: link

Let the children play with their milo or hot chocolate to create some art!!

~oOo~

Coconut ice cream/how to make evaporated milk

2011-12-13T07:00:00.005+11:00

Last week I bought a cookbook on Mexican, South American and Caribbean food - I have spent the week marking all the recipes I want to try - I even took it to work to read in my lunch hour. Below is one of these recipes. It was easy to make and tastes smooth and creamy. I make my ice-cream in the KitchenAid ice-cream bowl, and it created 2 litres of ice-cream. I bought a tub of ice-cream the other day and it was around $7.00, this is free of anything artificial and much cheaper and tastes far better!

COCONUT ICE CREAM

400g evaporated milk (recipe below if you want to make it yourself)
400g condensed milk (I used a 397g can and it was fine) (homemade version: link)
400g coconut milk (I used coconut cream)
1 tsp vanilla essences
freshly grated nutmeg

If using an ice-cream maker: Mix the ingredients in a jug, chill in freezer for 30 minutes, pour into the ice-cream maker and churn as directed (mine took 20mins to thicken).

Making by hand: blend the ingredients thoroughly. Place the bowl in the freezer and chill for about 1-2 hours until semi-frozen. Remove from freezer and whisk the mixture vigorously until it is light and fluffly and almost doubled in volume. Pour into a container and freeze.

HOW TO MAKE EVAPORATED MILK

2/3 cup non-fat dy milk powder
3/4 cup water

Mix the water and the milk powder together, then use as you would a can of evaporated milk. Evaporated milk is fresh milk with about 60% of its water content removed.

~oOo~

Happy Birthday dad

2011-12-12T07:00:00.027+11:00

My mum and dad in 1975, taken after our Sunday morning meeting (assembly)

Happy birthday dad

Each week I phone my dad (as I live in another state to my parents) and we have a long chat about: the weather, my garden, how my vegetables are growing (and he always gives me some tips on what I should be doing next), the family and the state of the economy! Sometimes we talk so long that my mother tells us to get off the phone as it is getting late.

My dad cooks all the meals, washes the clothes, keeps the house clean and tidy, does the grocery shopping - he is my mums full time carer and he does a BRILLIANT job. Like most carers, they are unsung heroes. They keep loved ones out of nursing homes and save the government billions. My dad use to be a farmer, now he runs the home and he does a very good job.

This is why it is so important for all boys to be taught the skills of running a home as one never knows when they will need to use them. And when boys become men, they need to keep up these skills so they don't go rusty. I am a strong believer of men helping around the home - my DH loves to vacuum so I let him. If anything happened to me, I know my family could run my home very well.

Happy birthday dad . . . do take a little rest today.

My parents on their wedding day

~oOo~

Don't fret

2011-12-11T07:00:00.006+11:00

Source

Do not fret—it only causes harm.

Psalm 37:8

I read this verse in my daily devotional this week and it really made me think. How much time do we spend fretting about things that we shouldn’t, fretting about the state of the world or about our finances, or our children . . . instead we need to "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him" (v. 7). This made me wonder about Christians who involve themselves in protests or politics, as we have recently seen at Gay Marriage rallies — should Christians protest and be seen protesting? Protesting means that you have taken into your own hands to do something rather than: Trust in the LORD (v. 3).

Here is a small extract from the devotional:

“It would be easy to fret about this and wring our hands in despair, but Psalm 37 suggests a better way. Listen to David’s wise advice: “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity” (v.1). We may not like what we see and hear from some aspects of society, but remember this: God is in control. Trust Him to do what is right. And don’t fret.”

When tragedy, heartache, and sorrow abound,
When evil appears to have conquered the right,
We center our heart on our Father’s great love,
For He will bring hope in the darkest of night.
—D. De Haan

Don’t despair because of evil;

God will have the last word.

~oOo~

Potatoes

2011-12-09T07:00:00.003+11:00

If you don’t love mashed potatoes, then you are probably from another planet.

Quote by Ethan Becker

When I read this quote I had a chuckle . . . my dear husband LOVES mashed potato and can't understand why the rest of us get a little tired of eating it. Why would anyone want to eat rice or pasta or anything else, as mashed potato is the best food ever and it goes with everything!!

What does your husband love to eat?

A most remarkable woman

2011-12-08T07:00:00.002+11:00

For those who have read my blogs for a while will know that I have a fascination with numbers - statistics. Some might find it a little strange that a woman is so interested in numbers, I wasn't always until I started to work with statistics in 1990. I have continued ever since.

Statistics tell us so much about the society that we live in and records the changes that are occurring, allowing us to measure if things are improving or not! Without statistics it would be almost impossible to know if the economy was running as it should . . . statistics are critical to any government or business today. I love social statistics, I'm no economist and in many of my blogs I have shared a range of social statistics with you. This is perhaps one reason why going to work is not too painful, I spend my days "playing" with numbers. This might completely bore some people, but I find it fascinating. Strange, I know. . . for this reason I wanted to share with you one woman who also shared my interest. Florence Nightingale. And, no it isn't an interesting in nursing.

Florance Nightingale is best remembered for her two greatest achievements—pioneering of nursing and the reform of hospitals. For a woman of the Victoria age, this was remarkable, as women of this era received a limited education and their adult lives revolved around marriage, children and the home. A professional career was out of the question, mostly as a result of being excluded from much of the workforce by law. Florance Nightingale followed her calling, much to the horror of her mother (but probably no surprise of her father) and many a life was saved as a result.

Florence Nightingale receiving the wounded at Scutari by Jerry Barrett

Even though a remarkable nurse she did something that had not been done before within the nursing profession . . . she undertook research, collected statistics and interpreted the results and in doing so understood, perhaps for the first time, why so many soldiers were dying in the Crimea from preventable illness. Thanks to her collaboration with William Far (who had recently invented the field of medical statistics), she developed graphical methods of presenting her statistical results that clearly demonstrated what was going on in the hospital (new techniques at the time). Her results could not be ignored. She most certainly was a woman before her times.

Thanks to the misuse of statistics by our modern politicians, most people mistrust statistics when they hear them quoted. Common place today, however during the Victorian age, this type of research was not generally done at all. Florence invented polar-area charts, where the statistic was represented proportional to the area of a wedge in a circular diagram – a version of the pie chart. She also developed a Model Hospital Statistical Form for hospitals to collect and generate consistent data and statistics – this is amazing considering some organisations still struggle with this today.

Hospital at Scutari, details of Florence Nightingale on the wards, painting by William Simpson

She became a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society in 1858 (at the age of 38) and an honorary member of the American Statistical Association in 1874 (at 54). In her lifetime she wrote 200 books, papers and pamphlets and worked tirelessly to make a difference and to save lives. She rejected several marriage proposals and she felt that marriage would interfere with her work.

Florence Nightingale was a statistician even though she had no formal training. Thanks to her father who strongly believed in the education of his daughters, Florence was exposed to Italian, Latin, Greek, history, and mathematics. Even though her sisters went on to marry and have children, Florence followed her calling which she believed came from God and became a nurse. And we are all better off because of her. Most certainly a very remarkable woman. She was no feminist even though she worked all her life, she simply believed she could make a differences and what a differences she made, not only to nursing but to the humble pie chart.


One of Florence Nightingale's pie charts and she didn't use a computer like I do today!! I couldn't live without Excel, how did Florence cope. That most certainly makes her remarkable.

~oOo~

Art Wednesday: Albercht Durer

2011-12-07T07:00:00.004+11:00

Self portrait at 26

Albrecht Durer

1471-1528

German

Painter during the Renaissance

Albrecht Durer was born in Nuremberg. His family came from Hungary, germanizing the family name of Thürer when they settled in Nuremberg soon after the middle of the 15th century. His father, also called Albrecht, was a goldsmith and served as assistant to Hieronymus Helfer, and in 1468 married his daughter Barbara. They had eighteen children, of whom Albrecht was the second. Albrecht's brother, Hans Durer, became a famous artist as well.

Durer started his career as the apprenticed to the principal painter of the town, Durer learned not only painting but also wood carving and elementary copper engraving. He married in 1494, an arranged marriage, then promptly left his wife in Nuremberg as he traveled to Italy to develop his etchings. A year later he returned to Nuremberg where he appeared to remain for approximately 10 years.

In early 1506 he returned to Venice, and stayed there until the spring of 1507. Durer's engravings had by this time attained great popularity and had begun to be copied. In 1512 Maximilian I (Holy Roman Emperor) became his patron and commissioned a number of large works increasing his popularity. In the latter part of his life he painted in the Netherlands, went to Brussels to paint the portrait of the King of Denmark and parts of Germany before returning home in 1521 due to illness.

His range of works is interesting - from the usual religious paintings that all Renaissances painters did, through to landscapes, the human form (experimenting and perfecting his skill) and to nature - "The Hare" (below) is one that is best known. He is now considered one of the greatest painters of the Northern Renaissance.

He died at the age of 56 leaving behind a large collection of paintings, etchings and books (both on mathematics and the human form).

Self portrait at 28


An etching of Durer's mother

A painting of Durur's father

A portrait of a young Venetian woman

Hand study with Bible

Four Apostles

Nuremberg woman dressed for church

The large turf

The hare

A parrot in three positions

Pond in the woods

To for more examples of Durer art: http://www.albrecht-durer.org/

From now to the 9th of April 2012, the National Art Gallery in Canberra is exhibiting 70 paintings from the Renaissance period (link). My husband and I have our tickets booked and on the 27th of December we are going to see this wonderful collection of art from the - which will include works by Raphael, Botticelli, Bellini and Titian, sadly no Durer as it only covers Italian Renaissance painters.

~oOo~

Managing my home

2011-12-06T07:00:00.090+11:00

I have been asked on a number of occasions how I manage to run a home and work full-time without becoming stressed or worn out/exhausted. And it is true, I am, on most occasions neither stressed nor worn out by the end of the day—but I would be, if I didn’t find ways of making things easier for myself. BUT the most important thing that keeps me going everyday is the strength provided to me by God. Without this strength I would struggle to function. Nothing is too difficult with Him, all things are possible.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

(Philippians 4:13)

To my tips, one of the most important things for me is keeping my house mess free. It doesn’t mean I live in a home that looks “un-lived in”— quite the opposite, but my motto is: “everything has a home” so I make sure that if something is used, it is returned to its place of origin! I have been doing this since the children were small and they learnt quickly how to tidy up at the end of the day.

I'm not one for hours of housework, I have far better things to do than spend hours cleaning my house, so I am always looking for ways to make the process as efficient as possible ( ef·fi·cient: " working in a well-organized and competent way"). So here are some of my time saving methods— they may not work for everyone, but for me, they do make a big differences:

I never go to bed without a quick walk around the living area putting everything away. This takes me 10 mins. It means I wake in the morning to a neat and tidy living space. This includes putting the pillows neatly on the couch, folding up the throw rug, putting the foot stool away, TV controls go "home" etc.. When the children were small they learnt to clean up before bed—everything went back into their toy boxes. Waking up to a tidy room makes you feel so much better about the day.

After I have cleaned my teeth in the morning I clean the bathroom sink (and sometimes the bath tub)—this takes a couple of minutes but keeps it clean and removes any dust that has settled in the tub. If I have time, I will give the shower a quick scrub whilst I am in the shower—now, that is multi tasking!

As soon as the washing basket is full I do a load of washing. I try and avoid a large washing day, especially in winter. I do admit this is much easier with only 3 people in the house.

Before I leave for work in the morning I wash any dishes (and leave them to dry)—I come home to a kitchen that is clean and tidy with no outstanding dishes (coming home to a clean kitchen certainly reduces stress). I also take out the garbage and remove anything “yuk” from the kitty litter.

If I am walking around the house and see something that needs to go back to its “home” I try and do it straight away rather than leaving it, leaving these items creates a bigger job down the track. I am not one for "bigger" jobs! I also keep the house clutter free where possible.

When I am using my fridge I will often give it a quick wipe (takes a few mins), this way I can keep on top of any dirt in the fridge and don't have to clean it as much.

This one my mother use to do—if I am taking some washing to the basket and pass a shelf that is dusty, give it a wipe with the washing, its dirty anyway and about to be washed. A little dust won't hurt it!! Killing two birds with one stone as the saying goes. As I said, I am not the sort of person who wants to linger on the housework all day.

I like to buy in bulk when I can and keep a well stocked pantry. I generally have a spare of all food items—this saves a stop at the food store on the way home. I try and avoid the shops all week, it wastes times. Those items we use more often, I have an increase of in the pantry. Freezers are very handy as we all know!!

For any meal containing a lot of ingredients I prepare everything first, clean up any messes from the preparation—then start cooking. Keeps any “work mess” to a minimum.

When I am cooking, I fill up the sink with hot soapy water. As I am cooking, all dirty dishes go into the sink. While I wait for things to cook I wash up those dishes. By the time I have finished cooking, all dishes are washed and almost dry. If I have some time whilst the dinner is simmering, I will also dry those dishes. Once I have served I will quickly wash the pots/pans or at least have them soaking (I keep these to a minimum by using the microwave to cook the veggies). By the time we have eaten there is very little left to do. I do this as it keeps the kitchen tidy while I am working and means I have no “nasty” dishes to do after the meal. When the children were younger they would dry for me whilst I was cooking.

And finally, I always find time to sit down and relax; to read, watch a DVD, to do crafty activities, surf the net and occasionally just close my eyes and listen to music. I am not one for work, work, work – relaxation is just as important as cleaning ones house.

Just one other thing that I find very important — I don't feel guilty if I haven't done something, the world will not end if the dusty is missed. Too often we feel guilty when we should not. Once again — housework should not dominate our lives.

But most importantly in all I do in my home, I:

Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

1 Chronicles 16:11

Around the home: update

2011-12-05T07:00:00.001+11:00

The granola is in the oven cooking, can you smell the apple sauce, maple syrup, honey and spices. The whole house has that lovely aroma wafting through it! Whilst it is baking (and I need to check on it every 15 mins) I thought I would do a "around the home" update.

Last week I finished the bottle of rosemary and garlic oil that I had made, so today I have made a new bottle. It was very successful and added a little extra flavour to the dishes I used it in. When I had finished the oil, I removed the garlic and added it to the roast potatoes I was making that night and it was YUMMY!

While I was cutting up garlic, I thought I would do a few more and made a jar of garlic and peppercorns. I didn't quite have enough garlic to fill the jar, I will get some more this week. This jar will be useful if I run low on fresh garlic and they are great to throw into roast potato or into soups.

As part of "jazzing up" my boring laundry, I found a company in the US (on eBay - link) that sells all sorts of wording to stick on doors and walls. I thought this was fun for my laundry door! I would love to buy more of these "word stickers" but I might run out of places to put them!!

Over the past few weeks I have bought a few cookbooks. The two on jams, chutneys and preserves are so I can learn more about making my own. They are both full of ideas and I am eager to try out some of the recipes as soon as the fruit are in season. My son asked me to buy the Mexican cookbook as he said "I wasn't very good at Mexican cooking" - good when kids are honest!! The Christmas miniatures is full of yummy things to eat - all year round!!

I also buy some very boring things that need to be bought!

With all this rain I have a big problem with snails and caterpillars - these should help me tackled the problem. And with so much rain (not complaining) I need to fertilize the veggies - which, by the way, are doing very well. The pansies from winter have all been removed and I have planted the marigolds (below) and surrounded them with lots of snail bait. I have also planted some baby beets, 2 common mint plants (so I can make mint jelly in a few months) and 2 varieties of chilli. Hopefully I get enough chillies to bottle some like I have done with the garlic.

The garden is looking very lush at the moment after the rain - its a bit of a jungle!

I better finish off now and look at the granola. It smells like it is done. Time to add the remaining ingredients.

PS All done . . . if only you could smell the cheese crackers or join me in eating some. . . time to put up the feet and relax . . . maybe have a cup of tea.

~oOo~

Wild Weather

2011-12-02T07:00:00.018+11:00

Photo by Greg Sorenson - storm follower

On Tuesday afternoon at 5pm the first storm rolled in, it brought thunder and lightening, rain, wind and hail. Two dobermans were very unhappy and one wouldn't stop barking so into the bathroom he went. By 8pm the first storm had past - dogs were settled, all was quiet, so I sat down to watch a DVD and have my tea. At 10:45pm I could hear wind and rain, so I thought I would check the Bureau of Meteorology radar - not good news. A massive storm front was almost upon us and before I could wake up DH, the thunder and lightening had returned, more hail, wind and rain. So one dog in the bathroom, one cat in a bedroom (the other cat was outside somewhere and hadn't returned home) and the other dog was wandering the house. From 10:45pm to 12:30am it was a light and noise show with the addition of a barking dog and the other one jumping all over us.

I lay on the bed and to my surprise managed to fall asleep, waking at 2:30am to peace and quiet. So out went the dogs, the cat was freed and by that time Charlie had come home. I was up at 6:15am on Wednesday morning getting ready for work. Everyone else at work, like me, were half asleep after the noisy night!! Over the last few years the number of thunderstorms have increased in Canberra, they may be enjoyable to watch . . . if you don't have 2 stressed out dogs to look after.

Enjoy these photos of the storm over Canberra. I was too busy and it was far too wet to go outside to take any photos, so enjoy these taken by Greg Sorenson (a storm chaser).

Taken near Lake Burley Griffin in the centre of Canberra

View over Canberra

Over the mountains surrounding Canberra

What an amazing look at Gods power

Photo by Chris Smith, Canberra Times - Black Mountain Tower in Canberra

And they were all amazed

at the mighty power of God

Luke 9:43

The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun. Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter.

Psalm 74:16-17

~oOo~

School formal

2011-12-01T07:00:00.024+11:00

A mothers heart always does a little leap when they see their child "all grown up" and I must admit, when I saw my baby all dressed up in a suit, my heart did that leap! He looked so handsome.

My son and his girlfriend went to their school formal on Wednesday evening and I raced home so I could capture this very special moment on film. So there we were, Milly's mother and I clicking away taking as many shots as we could!! When I started taking the photos it was raining heavily, however by the time I was leaving it had stopped so I was able to take a few outside. I think (maybe a little bias) that they look beautiful.

~oOo~