Cont'd...

...finally...

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 05:42:00 +0000

Not sure if its the cold weather, but other than a brief look at facebook, I have been avoiding the computer room. We have since acquired a new heater and its making a huge difference...its gone from 11 degrees an hour ago, to 18 now.

Probably the other reason is life seems a bit hectic lately. Due to a staff shortage at work I'm doing shifts all over the place and most weekends I've had off have been full up. We've had some great family get-togethers. Here are some photos from 2 out of about 5 or so get-togethers in the last couple of months..

My brothers...

I also have some new family, my Brother Jamie's new partner below in the middle - Bec, her daughter Chloe left of her and below that as my new hairdresser, and Mitch above playing Jenga - an Ellery fave..

Jon's brothers... Bohdi's first birthday...

We have certainly kept to one of our main reason's for moving, which was seeing family more.

Here are some random photos as always..

Taken today.. Everyone says how big Bain is getting, even Mum's from school who only haven't seen him for 2 weeks said he'd shot up, think he'll over take me in the next few years..

Rugged up for a kick of the soccer ball..

Oodle...

Cheers...

...so slack...

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Sun, 03 May 2009 06:00:00 +0000

I'm sure theres only 2 people, at most, that actually read this thing, but for their benefit, I'm here to freshen up...

There's a been a little bit happening around the place. I've been keeping up with my 2nd go at Project 365 but no new crafty things happening. My spare room is in shambles so that'll have to come first. If anyone has been to my house, you'll have been aware of the green shade clothe that enclosed our little back deck area. It served a purpose - keeping mozzies and flies out - but was well expired. So off it came!!

When the sun is out, its drenched in sunlight, which is great this time of year. You can also see my 2 new chairs - well 2nd-hand...vintage!!! They are so comfy.

Its a perfect spot to have a tea - out of my new teapot, special thanks to Karen.

We have also had Easter,we had a lovely time up at Melbourne with the Yates' and SIL's - great shopping/kid free time!!! There was also a wedding - Jon's cousin, he was groomsman. They had the ceremony at a bluff near Aireys inlet, which was beautiful, perfect spot (except a little rain) and then inland for the reception. I was photographer, and they will appear soon on my photography blog - right after I post the other wedding I photographed late last year. Our nephew turned 5 and Bain had a great time at the bowling party - where he got 2nd place

Bain and Emmy, what a cute pair of spideys..

til next time...

what have i been up to...

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:28:00 +0000

Life has been crazy actually, good stuff and very bad stuff happening. But due to my lack of blogging, I have a heap of good stuff...

I was rather fortunate and very excited when I was able to snap some picks of an infamous car here in Ballarat - The Chandelier Mobile, with pink shop in background!!

I've wanted to share this with the world since I first spotted it. This shop is close to Jon's store. What you can't see, in the same fabulous paint job on the side on the car, is the writing on the shop window advertising for cheap LPG car conversions. The chandelier on top of the car is actually wired up to light up. In the shop is every style, size chandelier you could ever want, including one which would barely fit in an average sized bathroom, its huge.

A couple of weeks ago Carly and myself took ourselves off to Stitches and Craft show in Melbourne. We had a great time. there was a lot of your more tradition crafts, but our favourite was 'The Incubator' which featured "the freshest indie craters...the best Australian contemporary craft and design.." - basically all the stuff we love from the bloggers we read and Etsy sites. One of the highlights for me was visiting the Ink & Spindle stall,

where we both purchased some little scrap/sample bundles of their fabrics. I was able to meet and chat with my fave blogger/designers Lara from Kirin Notebook. They were such a friendly, down to earth bunch. We also went to a talk by one of the girls, Bianca, on Home-based craft businesses, which as excellent. I will post some more stuff later on our purchases. Any who.. here are some (mobile phone) photos from the day, there were these little displays dotted around the place... enjoy...

The weird and wonderful green bits and pieces are crocheted..

Paper Babushka dolls...

yes its knitted...

With these pictures in mind, I decided it was time to purchase a little point-and-click camera, that could live in my handbag. Its a little 8meg Olympus and I'm loving it! It is a bit to get use to.. the delay from pressing the button to when it actually snaps is the worst, but it has other features like over and under exposure which I will use a lot.

One little, but fairly labour intensive project I did recently was a Moopy Bunny softie, from the 'More Softies' book. A good friend needed one and I hate following patterns, so this was a real labour of love. Softies look easy. But I am quite happy with the finished result and I would do another, now I know the tricks involved. I used some new fabric, some old, some recycled and the body is fabric purchased from Lara (from Ink & Spindle, mentioned above)

Catch ya on the flip side..

all is....good

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:49:00 +0000

Except for the 100km wind. I am a little worried, as anyone who has visted me would know, of the native trees that dot my fence line. I was watching one of the bigger ones before and the main trunk was moving. I guess it could be a lot worse, Bain's school was open, and no fires!

Bain had his first school sports day on Monday. I wasn't sure about the protocol and taking photos, so I only had my phone. Turns out it was no big deal. He 's a bit hard to see, specially with their big, blue school hats - that is Bain is the green T.

I guess this is like an early high jump, they jump on the spot to see who can get the shortest rod thing hanging down.

and hurdles, Bain didn't knock any!! (Bain in the outside lane)

Although he wasn't a super athlete, he did quite well, I guess you'd say he was average for the group- not the quickest or highest or best thrower, but not at the other end either. He had a great time and wanted sports day again on the Tuesday.

Photos from Eastern Beach, a quick Geelong trip on Saturday- just the 3 of us. We did a flying visit of Packo Fest, which is a street festival for Packington street. It was winding up by the time we got there, but I'll definately be there next year. Although you'd have to enjoy food, and more so, food of the world to really enjoy it.

...and Bain's Darth Vader (airbrush) tattoo from eastern beach. We had fun just wondering around without a plan.

In other news...
My cherry tomatoes have gone nuts!! I collected both of these on the same day, and there coming thick and fast... and they're delicious, so tasty and sweet.

And I've started my Project 365 #2 for those who are interested - I'm already a week in!

randomness...

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 23:37:00 +0000

Firstly I thought I'd share some random photos off my phone. I've been clicking here and there around Ballarat - while walking to work etc., and other things.. Theres something about the simpleness of a phone cam that I enjoy, although its restrictive so you do have to think..

love a bit of lens flare...

Floating paper towel at servo -

...jon said I was nuts too...

Clinton and Sarah's dog Rosco

Bain is enjoying school and is always eager to get there, especially after the weekend. Although I think having Wednesdays off has helped him to not be so overwhelmed. He had a casual day Friday to raise money for the Bushfire Appeal and really enjoyed showing off his new Spiderman hoodie. It zips up into a spiderman mask.

I am considering starting up my Project 365 again as, other than the above, I haven't been taking many photos. I look back on that time and realise how enjoyable it was. And now I have more time, it should be easier.. maybe.

Cheers for now.

the nightmare in victoria.........

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:20:00 +0000

My family is healthy, I have all of my "stuff". As the smoke haze reaches Ballarat today, I will be thinking of all those who have lost in the Victorian Bushfires.

I am also thinking of all those who are helping and how proud I am to be Australian - the money that has been raised is utterly amazing, the volunteers helping feed, cloth, house those in need, everyone helping the animals.... but moreso those who battled the blazes and who continue to... I came across this video and thought it conveyed my message better than I could...

our big first day...

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 05:50:00 +0000

First Day of School

I say "our" because its a huge day not only for Bain, but for all three of us. So the day started out fairly cruisey with breakfast, then a little rush towards the end only to end up quite early at school.

His teacher Mrs Campbell is lovely and we put all our things away. He settled on a table with one of his kinder mates Liam (pictured) and happily drew away.

We said our goodbyes and it was no big deal to him. He had been so excited and waited so long for school, so it was no surprise that he was so keen. I didn't cry, perhaps as I had to rush off to work - my boss had already let me be half hour late. I did feel a little anxious most of the morning.

He ate all his fruit and chicken sandwich, and his small piece of our banana-carrot cake. I figured a little piece, homemade and with fruit/veg in it wouldn't be classed as junk. He did send home his crackers - water crackers - as I was trying a salt reduced dry bikkie, it didn't work.

All in all, a GREAT day. He was happy, his teacher said he listened well, she even took his photo with a great big - non cheeky - smile, half her luck. And the most important thing is that he wants to go back tomorrow!!

Thanks heaps for everyones well wishes!!!

our mini-holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:09:00 +0000

We decided, that with school drawing closer, we should take off for a few days. We'd be wanting to stay with Jon's cousins in Torquay for a while. We had a yummy meal at the restaurant - Front Beach - where his other cousin Ben is head chef, we visited Torquay market - which was excellent, spend time at the beach and just hanging out. We finished up with a night in Geelong, tea at my favourite Wharf Shed and a day at Point Lonsdale rockpools with bro and Mum. We only had four days away, but with the sun, beach, eating out/takeaway, ice creams - it felt like a real break. So heres a slide show.

2008 year in review

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 05:15:00 +0000

here we go again... doesn't seem like that long ago I was doing the 07' version...

Anyway - here are my standouts and points of interest for 2008.. hope you've got a spare 10 mins...

Standout Music
Albums...

Kings of Leon - Only by the Night
Really enjoying this album, mush more than Because of the Times, this seems more rock. Would have loved to see them live, oh well.

Ting Tings - We started Nothing
A recent favourite, but I'm loving it! Will be listening to it all summer and more. Bain sings to himself 'I ain't faking, I ain't faking it, shut up and let me go - ah!'.
Coldplay - Viva la Vida or Death and All his Friends
Really enjoyed the next installment by Coldplay, we listened to this a fair bit at the winery, good memories for good music.
...and my album of the year....
The Presets - Apocalypso
What a great album! No wonder it won Aria album of the year and Triple J album of the year, well deserved, will be listening to this for a while yet, Bain loves it to, think he has pretty good taste actually.

bits and pieces

Kayne West Love Lockdown - really like this song, I like a bit of his music just can't listen to an entire album.
Ladyhawke Paris is burning - my criteria for listening to an album is at least 2 songs I really enjoy, I love this but again not enough for an album, great song though.
MGMT Electric Feel

favourites as of the end of 08' but getting big into 09'
Empire of the Sun - I'm loving Walking on a Dream, great summer song - have a listen...

Laura Marling - a Joni Mitchell thing going on, so I'm drawn in, quirky, easy, pretty, eery...

Live..
Sadly, Big Day Out was the only concert I attended this year. Although I HATE HATE HATE the new venue (dusty, no grass, NO grand stands), I absolutely loved seeing Bjork. I have loved and adored her for so long, it was surreal to see her in the flesh and she didn't disappoint! Then Rage Against The Machine come out - wow! What a awesome show, so powerful and political, even Zach and the band were pleased to hear we'd voted John Howard out.
Other really good acts were Silverchair, Faker and Grinspoon.

Standout Movies
well, I hardly watched anything but i did enjoy..

Dark Knight
WallE
Iron Man
and yes, I enjoyed Step Brothers.

Standout TV shows
The Office (US version) - always hilarious and always leaves me wanting more, although I wish Holly was still around...
..not much else..

Standout websites
Kirin Notebook - a Melbourne based designer, into crafts, design/prints her own fabrics, recently started own printing business with 2 other friends. I absolutely love her designs and find her blog very interesting as its what I'm into at the moment. She also gives great address to fellow crafters, is very down to earth and a sense of humour.

Kaz was Here - Sister-in-laws blog. Always great to catch up with family, see all of her endeavours happening, I always know whats going on with these guys, love seeing pics of my niece and nephew.

Etsy - always a fave, slowed a little due to US dollar, still love it for inspiration.

FAIL blog - I discovered this during the year (thanks to Kirin notebook actually) Its basically stuff that has "failed", eg. this kids coat hook, bad labelling, Youtube vids etc. Its just plain funny, no real point.

Cute Overload - Bain and I love a good funny cat video, so this site is quite entertaining for us.Who doesn't love a cute puppy photo or a video of a Rottweiler puppy with hiccups...??.

Standout Events (personal)

Completing Project 365. It got the better of me a few times, but I'm glad i kept going, thinking about starting again as I realise how little photography work i have done since.
Felicity and Glenns Wedding - although it would have been nice to not have Bain in hospital, but great day and good photos if I do say so myself.(will post them soon)
My 30th Weekend - Not just the party but the entire weekend, tea out with Jon's sissy's, picnic in the park with my fam on sunday - great to have all the family around

Jon's 30th Weekend - Loved having Karen and the kids here on the Friday night, then the party - easy with pizza tea and good company. Guitar Hero was entertaining all weekend.

Bain playing the donkey in his kinder Nativity play! He had refused to do it in rehearsals and then on the day - he just decided to be the donkey!!
and MOVING TO BALLARAT - majorly standout event, didn't start well with taking 2 months to find a house - but worth the wait, our house is just perfect for us. Bain made the transition to kinder here well and is so excited about school, luckily lots of his friends are going there too. 50cent profita rolls. Always stuff happening. Close to family - and its actually worked, we see Geelong/Surfcoast crew heaps! **It makes it even better when friends and family make the effort to come visit - so thanks to all that have!

Favourite Photos

...and lastly...

with that over with - I will now follow on from my SIL and others by choosing a word for 2009...

Looking forward, not lingering in the past, giving myself goals, developing myself, moving my family forwards in life, progressing in life - all in many ways - mentally, financially, physically, creatively...

christmas 08'

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:12:00 +0000

...was.... fun, busy, tiring, enjoyable, filling (from so much yummy food)...

I always love giving so I really enjoy Christmas, but I had been working fairly hard on the dollhouse... and at work, the doll house had consumed my mental and physical energy for so long leading up to Christmas, it was a huge release when I had it completed. It has gone to a good place with my Niece, who seemed completely overwhelmed by it! I was so happy with how it turned out, and keeping with tradition, I was still working on it around midnight of Christmas eve.

Here are some pictures, and some reminders of post reno's. Followed by lots and lots of pictures of Christmas day - hey I'm a photographer, thats what I do!

outside old and then new....

...with a great reno'ed door...

downstairs old...

downstairs new.... featuring my old furniture with new paint and cushions, new curtains (I had perspex windows but all were lost), lino cleaned up a treat...

upstairs old....

upstairs new.... featuring the bed Dad made, couch that goes with other furniture and new carpet of course..

Christmas morning at our place

Bain had already been given a bike from us earlier... Santa gave him a big tub of lego, a few transformers, Diamondhead, water pistol, light saber, new headphones for MP3 and some little stocking stuffers

First stop - my brothers before we head to lunch with jon's family...

and lunch with Jon's family....

Bain recieved some great stuff from his Uncles, aunts, nannas, grandmas, and cousins - a sleeping bag, rocket thing, pogo stick, books, kite, hummer and remote control car... he's a very happy and lucky boy!

Soon to come - my year in reveiw...

the silly season...

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:35:00 +0000

Wow, Christmas is just around the corner. I'm fairly busy at the moment, as most people are, but with all good things - a quick but very enjoyable visit from my Dad - great time spent in Geelong with the bros, work chrissy do, last day of kinder today - and a Nativity concert last week - which featured a cute little donkey named Bain!!! (so very proud..photos to come as he told me and kinder teachers he wasn't going to do it - so I wasn't ready), trip to Cohuna for a Xmas with Jon's Dad and rest of the Martin/Yates gang - awesome fun ahead!, and then it'll pretty much be Christmas... I also have to complete the renovations on my old doll house, for my neice Georgia, for her christmas present. Dad gave me a hand while he was down - BIG THANKS TO DAD. He also has made a bed for it (after photos to come).

I made mini cupcakes for last day of kinder, which they'll be having a little party and Santa visit. So cute I had to take some pics and share...

Before photos of Doll House - just a little bit of work...

inside down stairs

inside upstairs

Bain helper..??..

Some snappies of a bike ride - Bain's early Christmas present - new bike!

Cheers and have a happy Christmas...

i've had 'work' done...

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:45:00 +0000

I present my new look blog!

Thanks to yet another cool blog trick from SIL Karen, I have this happy new layout. Theres a link on the left hand side, 'cutest blog ever'. Theres lots of free backgrounds to choose from and other blog secrets. I did really want to create my own background, but even after I thought I followed their directions, it looked all wrong. But I am really happy with this look and, as always, I still customized my header, and now have a 'signature' at the end of each post(another one of their tricks).

Onto other things...

Here is a phone camera photo series of a bike ride around the block...

The mosaic house...

These seed pods are like snow at the moment, amazing on a windy day too as they fly around..

This is on one side of our house..

This is the front of our house, our front fence..

Talk soon...

life in ballarat

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:46:00 +0000

...is good...

I have now worked 3 shifts at Store and think I am really going to enjoy it. The boss is great, she is friendly and funny. I always enjoy working alongside my boss. The main issue I have, is where do I use my staff discount first. I'm eying off some new cannisters for coffee sugar etc - but not sure whether to go for enamel tin which are timeless, or modern cannisters. I also like there array of magazine holders - weaved, leather, fabric - as I was given a stack of my fave mag 'real livivng' and they don't get tossed! I love all the kitchen gadgets. I'm also considering decking out my pantry as I'm sick of twisted up bags of stuff and stale biscuits. And I do envy Karen SIL beautifully organised tupperware collection. Hmm.??..?.

So here are some photos. Leia Martin blog is so neglected, will have to think up some stuff to put on there soon.

We have lots of dandelions through out of lawn, hard to be annoyed but such a pretty thing...

Clinton put me onto these 50 cent mini profita rolls - they are delicious!! They are a perfect little treat - 2 bites, you just have to say no to number 2 and 3...

**I guarantee to have some waiting for anyone who comes to visit me here in Ballarat.

Next, the war waging in our backyard.... Lucy Vs The Wattle-Bird

I'm trying the get a picture of just how fearless this bird is. The best I could, red circling the bird...

It has no issues with Oodle or the dogs, and will happily swoop Lucy if she is sitting at my feet. They are both as stubborn as eachother, neither will give up! Lucky Lucy isn't that serious about catching it, think she enjoys it.

Cheers...

may i help you....

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:15:00 +0000

Today I start my new job, as a retail sales assistant at a shop called "store". Its actually titled a storage superstore. Its basically every type of storage device plus other stuff like kitchen gadgets, stationary etc. It was started by the same guys that originally created Officeworks, which was later sold off to coles/myer. They're mainly across Melbourne and they're a very stylish store and if you're excited by all manner of containers, and the organisation they bring, then you'd really like it. Check out their website to see what they're about. I'm doing 3 x 5 hour shifts, which we'll be a nice start until Bain starts school next year.
And yes we're loving Ballarat! Its not so cold, and we have increasingly, beautiful sunny days. Jon is very busy getting the stores running properly, but we still have time to take Bain for bike rides around a little lake at the end of our street and knick off to Torquay for his 2nd cousins little boy, Kane's, first birthday - and it was just over an hour drive!!! Our neighbours are very nice and let me know if I keep driving up the road at end of our street, I get to the state forest(like 3mins drive) and can let the dogs run free.
Bain is enjoying his new kinder and making lots of friends, who most will be going to the same school next year. One of the Mum's wants to organise a play day with all the kids starting school together. They're a friendly bunch. Bain also does a day in a care, at the uni childcare centre - got to love a non-for-profit centre!! He started here before kinder was organised and he seems happy to do it aswell. Figure after a term off he could do with a catch up. We saw one of his friends at the supermarket last night, they were so excited to see eachother.
I really love the house we're in. We spend heaps of time outside, specially the front area where it gets sun nearly all day. We enjoy watching Lucy, our black and white cat get swooped by the wattle birds that live in our big native trees. They are so fearless, but don't seemed bothered by the dogs or us, if Lucy is sitting at my feet they'd still go her. Its great area for playing too. Bain is learning frisbee after watching his Poppy play it on my b'day weekend. He is getting pretty good.
Another thing about Ballarat before I go, is its large amount of Op-shops and recycled clothing shops. I hear there is a tour you can do. I'm looking forward to exploring them.

Cheers for now...

hello there... long time no post..

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:34:00 +0000

I'm back.. sort of. .I'm at the library as I just couldn't wait. Here are some pics of interest...

Goodbye Proton. Most of you will know about my stupid, stupid first week of driving in Ballarat. Lost and not paying attention lead to this below. Thankfully no one was hurt!!!!!

It was written off but has now been replaced by a purple Barina. Its quite daggy - but Jon's tried to cool it up with stickers. Not sure if its working.

Here is the A to Z project - starting in Ky but finished in Ballarat.

Think I'll be saying goodbye to photo-project due to lack of interest. But wanted to share the work I had done.

My $2 garage sale couch - mmm brown velvet....

And presenting my new shabby-chic deck couch. Perfect for our little enclosed deck area....

...we enjoy using it for sunny Sunday morning reading the paper with a cuppa...

some pics of new house, more to come...

driveway/entrance - we're on a low lying block.

side door which is really our front door.

front veranda, due to high fences around entire fence line, we have a completely private yard, around whole house.

Bain did a free Bunning's kids activity of planting herb seedlings, so we've extended on and put in lettuces, cherry tomatoes and spring onions. Bain loves watering them.

...no net..

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:37:00 +0000

new posts coming soon ... no net yet....

final days at ky....

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:04:00 +0000

Final visual dedication to our house. Having a quick break from packing to bring you a final post from Ky. Who knows where I'll be posting from next.

another Etsy artist...

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:50:00 +0000

I've been seeing these wall decals around for a while now. There such a great and easy decorating idea. Pretty much a big sticker, but fully removable and they don't damage walls, as a renter I see there potential. ShaNickers is currently a feature artists on Etsy and one of the first artist producing these decals with a great array of designs and at a very reasonable price. Of course I was drawn by the branch and bird design.

But then this monkey caught my eye. What a great design for a child's room.

A different colour makes it work with the wall colour.

...and she does dragonflies... girl after my heart...

There is also a few of her decals available as chalkboards, what a great idea.

These designs range between $30 and $80 for a larger one like the tree loosing its leaves which is 1.6 metres high. They could easily transform a room yet a whole lot easier than painted on such a design as you just remove it. Visit her site for more designs and information.

*And thanks for the lovely comments regarding my last post!!!!!

a visual tribute to our house

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 03:38:00 +0000

With our re-location to Balllarat drawing nearer, we say goodbye to another house and head for our next home.
To quote a sexy and clever man - John Butler (and I'm sure a few others) - "..And i say Home..Home is where the heart is...yeah Home"
I'm a true believer that a home is what you make of it and has really nothing to do with the physical structure. However, you have to feel something towards your environment you've spent so long in, so here are a few new photos of my yard and a montage featuring colours of a few of the feature walls and lime green kitchen cupboards...

We will miss all those yummy apricots...

We will miss the golden elms shade in the summer...

I have a love/hate relationshp withe the array of weeds in our yard...

a visual tribute to our beatiful Golden Elm..

more holiday stuff...

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:43:00 +0000

More holiday photos.
Featured is Jon swimming and trying to body board.
Then some photos froma trip to Coff harbour to their Pet porpoise Pool. Its a very interactive dolphin and seal park, very conservations based. There were lots of animal being rehabilitated, like some very cute sea turtles. As part of the show Bain got to brush dolphins teeth, Jan and I had to hold a feeding pole for the dolphins to jump up at. It was amazing to see that the dolphins seemed to genuinely have a bond with the trainers, something that I think gets missed at a bigger park like seaworld. This was very up close. Anyway..
Also some pics of the Rainbow Lorikeets on the front deck of my folks house, Bain named one Chirpie - he was feeding him from his hand, also pics from cruising along the beach in Dads little 4WD Suzi, with the top down, very cool!!
So enjoy..

our holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 06:45:00 +0000

Heres a slide show of some of our current holiday visiting my folks at Iluka, Northern NSW. Weather hasn't been all sunshine, only the odd day, but still not cold and still nice enough for beach play. I'm silly enough to go in the water mainly to do a bit bit of snorkeling. Also enjoying eating 'last night caught' prawns, yummy avocados off the trees at my folks house.
...I just love the coast..

Our first etsy sale!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:21:00 +0000

"2 items sold"
I thought it was a mistake at first, but I am so very excited to announce that we finally made a sale on Etsy!! It took a while, but with about 200,000 listings in the "art" category alone, its pretty good and its fairly easy money, seeings as the work was done for the exhibition anyway. The two pieces featured Carly's cute Gocco print (its a special home screen printing device nicknamed "Gocco") of the Hillshoist clothesline.

Its just great to get some feedback and something concrete that its worth having them for sale. And, fingers crossed, it gets the ball rolling.

and in other news...

I hope everyone is enjoying the colours of Autumn at the moment. I know it may sound a little dorky/corny to some, but I find it quite beautiful - and thought I'd share some pics from my own backyard which is a mass of yellow, mainly on the ground now.

Melbourne Trip #1 out of 3

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:10:00 +0000

Lately I've been clocking up the km's and have made a few trips down to capital city. Firstly, is pictured, was a sleepover at one of my best and longest friends Karyn. Next was a foot check up at the Royal Children's for Bain - foot is perfect as it could possibly be, all things considered, so yearly check-ups!! Yay!!! This is pretty big for Jon and I, that is the news we've been waiting to hear since he was born.

First bath
First plaster - 1 day old.

The last, but not the least, was for Harrys 4th birthday - our nephew and not only a cousin for Bain but a good mate. We always enjoy a good catch up with Jon's family, we're always made to feel very welcome whenever we crash on Karen's doorstep.

Karyn had 2 things in mind for when I visited - the footy - she is a bulldogs member. And dinner out at De Los Santos - a highly recommended Spanish restaurant in Brunswick st.
This was the first AFL match I've been too. At the MCG which I guess is THE place to experience my first. Despite my anti-footy nature I actually enjoyed myself. Great atmosphere, and great to be right there - I think thats what its all about really, not sitting on the couch. We also experienced a rude and obnoxious punter, which just added to the day. Karyn didn't take any crap!!

When we had finished our beautiful meal and had a couple Sangrias, we then walked along Brunswick street. So on Sunday, we decided that we'd re-visit. Highlights was visiting the Alannah Hill factory outlet. Great Melbourne designer, very eclectic and feminine. The bit that excited me, wasn't really her beautiful dresses etc, you could buy for $80 or so rather than $400 or so, but the area where you could buy her material and trimmings buy the metre. Lots of great fabrics and lace. But the whole street is wonderful, with an arrear of great cafes, interesting jewelery and homewares. Its my type of place for window shopping.
Another interesting site, was a the walls of graffiti when we parked the car. Had to snap some of my favourtites.

I'm loving all the stencil art thats around now...

and sticker art..

And the weekend also featured one lovable pooch named Lola. Karyn's little furry friend and I become great mates as I would happily pat and pat her, especially Sunday morning up on the bed. Such a friendly, happy dog with loads of personality.

cooking with bain...

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 01:23:00 +0000

One thing about children is they make you appreciate the simple things, they make you stop and have a bit of fun. Bain and I enjoyed making mud pies a couple weeks ago... on a lovely sunny day.

Followed by some real cooking... cupcakes, with Bain's favourite coloured icing - green! Bain loves helping in the kitchen and I like to have some home made goodies from time to time. And what a photo op - on my cake stand - they looked a picture.

stormy night

noreply@blogger.com (Leia Martin) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:43:00 +0000

We had a spectacular storm the other night here in Ky. Of course, I ran and grabbed the camera. I have never photographed lightening before.

There was lots of sheet lightening

which doesn't make for a great a pic but I persevered and ended up with a few good shots of fork lightening, which, by the way, is extremely hard to photograph. The storm started miles away and I watched it over my back fence, until it passed through Ky. At that time I saw lightening forks over my head... thats when I tucked under cover. But it kept moving away from us, which is when I took most of the photos below. There blurry as I didn't really feel like standing out in a lightening storm with a tripod....