Colouring In

Colouring in books for adults…I bet you have heard of this craze that is sweeping the world as a great stress reliever to many.

Well guess what, I am now the owner of such a book and it is actually pretty cool. I was a bit of a sceptic when I first heard about them and didn’t really think it would ‘de-stress’ me but I have to admit, it is pretty calming.

The patterns are very cool, some of which, I kind of like in black and white so my colouring in might have to be left to the not so favourite pages. I think a couple would look great framed on my wall so there might have to be a little cut and paste job happening down the track.

But you know what; I think this book could quickly become my new tool of choice for procrastination!   I looked at the pile of ironing on the weekend and instead opened my new little book and started to colour in. So there are lots wrinkles and crinkles in clothing going on this week!

Psst…if you have a person in your life that you think is really hard to buy a present for…I recommend Colouring in Books for Adults, will keep them occupied for hours!

Making a dream a reality

The Orchid Shed. Love this aged wooden look!

I visited Wayval Views garden in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley on the weekend and am awe of all the hard work owners Wayne and Val have put into their masterpiece!

They have built the garden from scratch and it is just terrific. I thought the front garden was great, until I wandered over to the side and saw a whole other garden room (it was massive) nestled perfectly to capture the view out over the hills. I got distracted and followed a path and ended up out the pack to find the most amazing Orchid shed and it’s even cuter Fern shed close by! Does this couple ever sleep?

I really admire people that have a dream, work really hard, be patient (for the trees to grow) and make it all a reality! Thanks Wayne and Val, you inspire me! So much so that I purchased 3 new roses on the way home Saturday afternoon and got them all planted out yesterday. Now I just need to remember to water, fertilise and love them! Maybe I should put a reminder in my phone to be on the safe side…

What a view!

 

 

Friend Highs

I have been sitting here all day trying to think of a cool and jazzy Monday Motivation…the fact that it has taken me all day is a clear sign I am in desperate need of some motivation! I think I am getting a delayed holiday hangover and my ‘everyday life’ is a little too bland for my head to comprehend. I am literally still dreaming of French croissants and London lagers, at some point this must stop right??

So this afternoon, I pick up my phone and see a missed call from one of my favourite galpals from School…um but, she only rings me when she is in town….yay!!!! Instant motivation hit! (Now, don’t judge us, I only call her when I need a bed too, but we love each other anyway and never miss a beat when our lives cross paths, old friends are the best!)

Thankfully the spare bed is clear of junk and is actually made up too (a miracle in itself!) and I even have food in the fridge after a long weekend of grazing.

Today is looking up, I am now on a Friend High! I love hearing someone’s voice and it just brings you happiness.

I think I hear our wine bottle calling us, sorry if you hear snorting and laughter, it will just be us.

If you need a hit of motivation, call an old friend, I highly recommend it…sometimes they are just what the motivation doctor order!

Showing off…my weekend!

I had a massive trip down memory lane on the weekend when I got to attend my hometown Pastoral and Agricultural Show. I grew up in a family that was quite involved with the local ‘Show’ and we exhibited and represented regionally and at a state level. I guess you could call me a Country Show groupie really.

I just love the fireworks, the stud cattle judging, the pavilion full of home cooking and craft, the perfect vegetables, the hayfever hazardous grain displays, the fluffy chooks clucking away all day long and the giggle I got from seeing the poor old rams that are locked in pens on the other side of the shed to the Elle Macpherson want-a-be ewes shaking their fleece and flashing their long eye lashes at them constantly.

The country Show is in my blood and I just love the atmosphere and especially the community spirit that flows out of it each year. No matter what is happening with the weather, season or economy, everyone still pulls together to showcase the community and the dynamic things that make is special.

Do you know what I loved most about heading back ‘home’ for show? This might sound a bit silly, but everyone knew my name and welcomed me with a big old country hug! It was so lovely. There is nothing better than seeing the delight and surprise in someone’s eyes who recognises you and is genuinely thrilled to see you again. You don’t get that very often in the big smoke!

Getting to spend time (even if briefly) with some very special people in my life was a complete treat too. We don’t get to see each other very often but I love them all completely and wished I lived closer so I could spend more time sharing a cuppa or helping to play with showbag contents (we had an instant hairdressing salon appear in the lounge room all while being shot down by an arsenal of plastic toy guns every 30 seconds, combat was heavy but thankfully causalities were low).

I have to also admit that getting called Aunty Tate by a very cute little Mr 4 was pretty darn adorable too and melted my heart every time he said it.

Heading back down memory lane can sometimes be really good for the soul. Fills you up with warm fuzzy moments that gives you an extra pep in your step…my step has a lot of pep in it now.

THANK YOU to the Springsure Pastoral and Agricultural Show Society committee, your hard work and dedication to your community has not gone unnoticed! Three cheers to you all and best wishes for the next 150 years!!!

Oh, yes, that is a real live steer jumping up onto the Gooseneck in the photo! Dont you just love all the unexpected things you see at the show!