A very special photo

I have decided to share this very special photo........When I started my blog, I thought I would try and stay as anonymous as possible, partly due to my job and also to protect the identities of my lovely children. Because of that (and the fact that I HATE having my photo taken!!) I have never posted my photo.

However, with Steven undergoing treatment for a major illness and also suffering extreme long term pain, I regret not having more photos of my family unit or of the two of us together as a couple.

I want to share this photo with my many blogging friends because it is a rare photo of the five of us together and because it reminds me of much happier times. Steven's diagnosis was so unexpected that we did not have any opportunity to plan, prepare ourselves or make any decisions........ this photo is my goal of what I hope we can do in the future if all goes well.

If you are like Steven and I and shy away from the camera, try and brace yourself and have a couple of photos taken - you never really know how special they may become!

Last wood photos for a while....

These will be the last wood photos for a while - my lovely man is facing a major health battle over the next few months, so no woodwork until he has won the war.

Here are some bowls he designed and created a while ago. They are amazing pieces, due largely to the unique qualities of the burls they are made from. You can never be sure how each piece will turn out- that is part of their attraction, I think! The colouring is so rich and luscious, and I just want to stroke them, due to their smooth, silky finish.

He also made a special container for each of our children.

The one on the left was designed by Liam - trust him to design a spherical shape! It is made out of huon pine and flame she-oak - both quite amazing woods.

The middle one is also huon pine - it has the most striking scent when it is being turned, such a rich and uplifting aroma!

The third container uses figured Tasmanian myrtle - yes, we love our native woods, particularly the Tasmanian ones.

It looks as though we will have to cancel our trip to Strahan for our 25th anniversary - hopefully, we can re book it when he is fit and healthy again. It gives us something to look forward to!
Please keep him in your thoughts.... it just may make a difference!

Gifts

I love creating gifts for special people...... it is so exciting to plan the ideal present and see the recipient's reaction to it.

My most recent project is a pair of placemats for a very dear friend who turns 60 tomorrow

(I hope she doesn't check my blog!) Three of us are each contributing two placemats that we created from some of Bronwyn Haye's cute stitcheries. We have made them so they can be reversible if she wishes.......

Now, I have to admit to being human - I also LOVE receiving gifts, and have been spoilt by both my SCQuilter's Angel and my Stitcher's Angel. They are both such thoughful and caring ladies.

I had a lovely surprise when I arrived home from a frantic day at work - this lovely package had arrived from my Stitcher's Angel.......

I am going to love using my armchair caddy - thank you dear angel!

Signs of Spring...

I know spring is on its way when two of my favourite plants start flowering. My Michelia Doltsopa begins in August, and produces these stunning creamy white flowers that have a luscious, almost tropical scent. It flowers for about a month, so I make the most of that time

My other very special plant is this Magnolia. My sister gave it to me for my birthday nearly 16 years ago, when we were creating our garden. It flowers faithfully every year, and reminds me of what a special person Cyn is. She always puts a great deal of thought into making sure her gifts are ideal and something special!

Many of our plants have suffered in the extended dry conditions that are now the norm. Every year, I wonder if they will survive for another magnificent performance, and so far, they are managing to survive and bring a great deal of beauty and enjoyment into our lives.

My lightning fast Stitcher's Angel...

has sent me a fabulous gift ALREADY!!! Wow, talk about efficient!

This swap only officially started on Monday, so I amazed that i have received such a lovely little threadcatcher (and a very cute letter!) so quickly. Aren't I lucky? And to my angel - if you are reading this - thank you for such a lovely surprise!

I'm SO lucky....

to have a wonderful angel keeping touch with me and sending me such perfect and thoughful presents...

Since March, I have been receiving interesting emails and intriguing parcels, all of which have been put together with a great deal of thought. I have been amazed by absolutely every item I have been given.... it's almost as if my Angel can see into my mind and know what I love!

If you ever have the chance to join an angel/mortal swap, jump into it and enjoy the experience.... you never know who you will get to know!

A favourite spot...

Here are some photos of a favourite spot near home...

It doesn't matter how busy your life is, or your state of mind on the day, spending even a short amount of time beside the river is very therapeutic....

You can walk along the riverside path, often catching glimses of kookaburras, parrots or other birds. Or you can pick a quiet spot and reflect on your life. It's hard to believe this is in the suburbs of Melbourne, isn't it?

Zero calorie cupcakes

Now you can have your cake and ......... well, actually, you can't eat these ones!

A couple of weeks ago, a friend and I attended a fabric cup cake making class. We liked the idea of these, and thought they may be an interesting and enjoyable project for our younger Textiles students. They are quick to make, and reasonably easy to 'ice', although I managed to get myself in a bit of a mess! They use silicone cupcake moulds and beads, buttons or ribbon for icing decorations. The ideas are only limited by your imagination!

Could this be a new weight loss fad, do you think?

More woodwork

I thought I'd show you some more of Steven's wood work - he is such a talented person, and an absolutely beautiful partner as well! (Not that I'm biased, of course!). Here is a picture of the entertainment unit he designed and created for us recently - it's made of Victorian Ash and the drawers extend out fully to try and contain our ever growing DVD collection...

He then had to make us a matching coffee table.....

As if that wasn't enough, a person (who shall remain nameless!) suggested we needed some new coasters....... the idea THAT person had was for him to just slice some burls he had and coat them with Danish oil, but Steven, being as meticulous as he is (see where Lana gets it from!!) had to make us these beautiful round ones with the burl slice set in....

I love watching him create such beautiful items, and enjoy using them all!

Little Macca's Farm Quilt (In Progress!)

Hello Bloggers!
I'm Alana, Al's daughter. (I'm 12!)

Last year I decided to make my very first quilt. Once I saw the quilt in a shop I decided to make it but with brighter colours.

About a week later, I saw the "Spring Fling" range. I immediatly fell in love with all the vibrant colours and patterns, so Mum and I bought them!


After that we traced the first pattern "Missy Moo". I decided to do her in pink and blue. It took me awhile to finish her because I always seemed to be busy! After about 6 months I FINALLY picked it up again and I finished it on Saturday!

Because I completed the first block, Mum decided to take me out with her friend yesterday to look for more fabrics.

After coming home at the end of the day with some great fabrics, we traced up the next two patterns- "Clara the Chook" and "Charlie the Cat". That night I stitched away and I am already about half way there!

So here are some photos of the progress so far, and there should be some more in a couple of months to keep you updated!

Thank You! From Alana.