Cliches to live by

Well, never a dull moment is there? Or is it a "first time for everything" or "what doesn't kill us makes us stronger" or "where one door closes another opens"...all these sayings have run through my mind recently when my services were terminated by my employer due to the fact that I wasn't economically viable. I'd been in the position a total of 5 months after leaving a job of 9 years plus. Great timing ... right when the GFC (Global Financial Crisis - is it really?) hit. I can sure pick it!! Forty +, fired and fat...mmm sounds like a book title! Oh wait it is! Must read it or do I need to? I might write my own and add free and fabulous to the title. "A blessing in disguise". Absolutely! I would never have made such a momentous decision to throw in the towel when I have financial commitments that I do... school fees for 2 teenagers, mortgage, renovation, car payments. Too scary. But guess what? 3 months later, I'm still going!Yes my life is different, yes there is seriously less money coming in, yes I am happier.

I was determined to view this as the opportunity of a lifetime. I've been on the bones of my arse before (post divorce, flea of a self employed ex...you can imagine) and I've survived, so I know I can do it. I pledged to myself that this was the opportunity to follow dreams and live my life honouring my true core values - gone was the "when the girls finish school". (Aside - they LOVE having me around more.) Never again would I work for morally bankrupt people. I mean do you really want to hear about the $3000 handbag purchased for his wife and be told that this decision was extremely difficult but it was the difference between him losing everything? Yes there is anger in that statement, but there is also humour. I found a card in a shop that simply had "schmuck" written on the front. Did I laugh? You betcha...and no I didn't send it. Unfortunately, I have to admit the schmuck did me the biggest favour. Ain't that the way. I mean I'd love to have him kneecapped, and not just for my sake - for everyone that he has treated in this abysmal fashion. It's hard to fathom there hasn't been a class action against the man. Anyways now I'm getting sidetracked.

What am I doing now? Working in retail at a fruit and veg market and a fabric shop! AND making my bags for a market stall I'm having at perthupmarket.com.au. Doing a course in textile design, cooking and reading more and being more available for my beautiful girls.

A dear friend once said to me "do what you love and the money will follow" so I'm putting that theory to the test. I don't doubt that I'm resourceful, but in an age of consumerism, perhaps I've become too reliant on easy consumer fixes, so I'm putting my resourcefulness to the test and refining that skill again. I think of my maternal grandmother, who lived through war time England - she would be proud!

I've added a slide show titled tea cups (I collect demi tasse cups) ....don't you love "gran"?!

My Jackie O Range

Okay, I've figured away 'round my dysfunctional camera - use the office one! This is what I've called my Jackie O bag. I've made about 6 of them (green, red and black not shown). Each one has its own button that I hand pick to suit the bag's personality. I've recorded the pattern for this one too so that I can remake them again and again and again. The pink one was the first. The button was a "find" in a vintage shop it Sydney. No more to be found - should have bought 2 of them! The bag sold at its first stall! I get so excited just thinking about other colours and trims. The red bag has a sparkly diamante belt buckle for a little bit of added bling!

Favourite Bag

I love this bag. There was no pattern. I just picked a colour from my stash and cast on and went 'round and 'round changing the colours at random until I thought "right that's it" and cast off. I sold it before it was even finished as I took it as a UFO to work on whilst I ran the stall one day.

Me thinks I might make a few more. I've been without a camera for months now so getting photos of all projects has been an involved process so I haven't bothered most of the time. Luckily I had the foresight to borrow one to photograph this bag. I love the colours - I love just looking at the colours. Is it just me or do they sing?

This is living!

Is this heaven or what? Here I am on my recent holiday to Cairns, North Queensland. I'm on the Barrier Reef Island of Green Island. After an amazing snorkel over coral looking at an endless array of divine tropical fish, I relaxed with a flat white and my knitting!!

Camp Kensington

We're now in full demolition mode for our extension/renovation. Everything is coated in a fine layer of grit. I am happily accepting the dust and discomfort for it means PROGRESS. After 3 years of squeezing into a completely cute but inadequate home, we are growing it to suit. It is very very exciting. This pic was taken partway through the removal of the bathroom which has now completely disappeared. Fingers crossed the fine weather holds for our midnight trots to the outdoor loo!!

Sewing reluctance

A few posts ago I put up a picture of the patchwork quilt I am making for my daughter. I have now tacked it together as the layout pictured. Now I need to start sewing but I am really nervous about making a mistake. This is my first attempt at a quilt and I think the fabric is so beautiful I might ruin the whole project by starting it. I know I need to just dive in and go for it. Should I set a deadline for myself? How best to push past this feeling. It's complete and utter fear of failure, which I think is so pathetic of me to let it stop me. It's a patchwork quilt for goodness' sake!!! And this is the room it's to go in...

Market Day

This year I've realised a long held dream...a market stall! The first day was fantastic. It was a real thrill and a truly positive experience. The response to my bags and artwork was wonderful. Now I'm wondering why I waited so long. It has opened up a whole new creative phase which is a by-product I hadn't expected. I am truly inspired with ideas jumping all around in my brain. There simply aren't enough hours in a day at the moment.