Finding joy in the everyday

This little face watches over my vegetable garden!! There is always something to smile at each day, no matter how small. What did you smile at today? A well spent day brings happy sleep Leonardo da Vinci

I currently use hand knitted dish cloths (just like previous generations used) which another blogger gave me over 18 months ago. These are excellent as they can be used over and over again, tossed into the washing machine and as a result heaps cheaper than the disposable clothes (which I no longer buy).  So I was thrilled to find a pattern to make my own and wanted to share it with  you.  Free knitting pattern: Knitted dish clothes http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/free-knitting-patterns-for-beginners6.htm I think I will buy some cotton yarn and make a few myself. They are far nicer than anything you buy and help the environment as well. Aren't these ones below pretty? Here is another patter done in gorgeous butter yellow:   http://craftfloozy.wordpress.com/2012/03/06/project-10-double-moss-kitchen-cloth/ Heap more patterns/designs! http://dishandwashclothmania.com/grandmas-favorite-dishcloth-knit/ If only I could crochet...

Artist: James Turrell Art installation: Within Without Last Friday I visited the National Art Gallery of Australia to see the " Turner from the Tate " exhibition (which was lovely but sadly didn't contain any of his best known works) and whilst at the gallery I had a wander around the gardens and came across this outdoor installation called " Within Without " by James Turrell. It was beautiful -  both outside (the gardens and water/ponds) (as seen above) and in the calm peacefulness of inside the structure.  The outside reminded me of a beavers lodge.   All photos are taken by me unless otherwise stated.  Other examples of Turrell's work:  http://www.robotspacebrain.com/tag/within-without/ The "stupa" - a place of mediation used the Buddhist people The dome (or stupa) is within a large square pool of water which is glorious blue water.  There is something very calm and peaceful about this work. I loved it as soon as I saw ...

Photography by Joluise TIME IS PRECIOUS Waste it wisely As I laid in bed the other day, I said to my husband, " I must get up . . . things to do ". Time is just too precious.  When I was younger I would have been content to sleep the morning away, not any more, it just seems too much of a waste.  Perhaps this is a sign of getting older and knowing that one does not live forever and if we don't use this time wisely, its gone and cannot be replaced. Perhaps I have finally "grown-up"!!

Duck red curry with rice This is a simple but tasty curry that isn't very hot but full of flavour.  Cooked duck is expensive, so this is the sort of dish for special occasions (or you could use chicken instead). Buy a cooked duck from Asian speciality stores. 1/2 cook duck is suitable for 2 people, 1 whole duck for 4 people.  For vegetarians, this tastes nice with just a heap of veggies.  All the ingredients you will need. Assortment of vegetables including onion - I used beans,  broccolini, capsicum and onion + garlic (3).  One can of coconut cream, fish sauce and cooked duck. Heat frypan, add oil and red paste (2 to 3 tablespoons, more if prefer more heat) and cook for 1-2 mins. Add onions and cook until soft. Add crushed garlic and stir Add 1 can of coconut cream and simmer for 10 mins. Add vegetables and mix through. Mix through one teaspoon brown sugar and one teaspoon fish sauce. Taste, alter if you want mor...

Its spring today!! And right on cue, the weather improved and today we have gorgeous sunshine, the sky is blue, its warmer than usual and blossom is everywhere. I think its a perfect day for sitting outside and relaxing with a book. Its the Lords Day, one of rest and what better way to enjoy this day.  And in Australia it is Father's Day To my very special dad - Happy Fathers Day. Australian Wattle And an update on my cousin - two of the three tumours have been removed but sadly the doctors were not able to remove the third tumour. However they have decided to do another operation in a week or so and attempt to remove the third tumour which will be another complicated operation. My cousin has been surrounded by her family and I am sure that has given her much strength and joy.  Once again we all need to trust in the Lord for his guidances and strength.  *** Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
   Nor ever murmur nor repi...

Google imagines She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth no the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27 I thought this photo was delightful, but sums up an earlier age where women were always busy.  Busy in both "work" but also when relaxing.  Their hands were rarely idle. They knitted, embroidered, made lace, patchwork, clothing . . . whilst some were for decorative purposes, much of what they made were for everyday wear. Women didn't see these activities during their relaxation in the evenings as toil, most enjoyed these quiet moments of creativity.  My great-aunts worked on their farms during the day, but in the evenings made the most beautiful lace work and embroidery, with the finest of stitches in what we would consider very poor lighting.  Whilst many women no longer do these types of craft activities any more, many still do and this is evident by the number of craft stores, quilting groups, books sold etc...  Lets hope...