Dazed and Confused

Alongside the windy, icy, rainy weather I'm having quite an unsettled week. I am still recovering from a wild and uncalled for dummy spit by the mother outlaw who over the years has proven herself to be quite prone to these tanties. She gives the grandchildren a run for their money, that's for sure, and is unrivaled in her need for attention and praise. The baby daddy and I have literally had unsettled stomachs and trouble sleeping ever since the episode and frankly it all feels unresolved and unresolvable. There is no point going into details here but I feel we have reached an impass based on clashing personalities and different ideas on what is acceptable behaviour.



I am questioning how long you must accept a relatives poor or even irritating behaviour before reaching the conclusion to cut your relationship with them. We are talking 15 years of giving it a shot here!



I would value your thoughts here wise ladies. I am keen to get back to bluer skies and clearer days.

Finders Keepers

The independent design and art Finders Keepers Market is coming to Melbourne in October. You have a few months to save your pennies and organize babysitting for one of the two days, or both. So get to it and I'll see you there on the 9th and/or 10th of October, Shed 4 at Docklands!

Carmensita

Yoga has always been a part of my life to a greater or lesser degree and at times I have really enjoyed chanting classes too. There's something soothing and satisfying about singing repetitively in a language you barely understand and often translations would reveal some pretty whacky sanskrit lyrics.

I've already forgotten how I stumbled upon this clip of a Devendra Banhart song (not chanting) but I'm glad I did because the subtitles to the song make me smile and think of the kooky things I've chanted about.

Oh and you might recognize Devendra's gorgeous girlfriend in the clip (and real life).

Dirtgirl

I love a good role model for my girls. This one might have a massive head like a vacuous Bratz doll but she's intelligent, kind, promotes environmental consciousness and has way more clues about gardening than I do.

Look out for the chooks rocking out in the clip.

Mountain Missive

It has almost been a year since we moved up to the Dandenongs and I think we're about 90% sure it was the right thing to do. (Leaving a margin for the times particularly during bushfire season where we simply say WTF did we do THAT for?) The spectacular Autumn just passed helped to anchor my deep love for this place and even as the Winter sets in I am making new connections, discovering new places and becoming entrenched in the community that now has my heart.

After doing some extensive research on the local educational facilities I happily enrolled the eldest into the local primary school for next year. (Already?!!! Wasn't she just born?!!) Their Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program and Permaculture garden was a massive drawcard but the educational curriculum, namely the Walker Learning Approach won us over as well. I had a little tour with the school principal and found that each classroom we visited was full of seemingly contented and engaged kids. The teachers were teaching in a relaxed, and engaged way and didn't have to waste their time to stop to 'discipline' kids every 30 seconds. Hopefully their enthusiasm is not just for when visitors walk in...

Random pic of self sown silverbeet that gives me a little thrill everytime
I look out the loungeroom window. I am apparently easily pleased.


Speaking of Permaculture, I have bought a small load of bare rooted heritage fruit trees from Pete the Permie to begin our mini orchard and am seriously considering doing some study in the field...could be a new career direction..


Oh, and look who came to live at our house! These pretty ladies are Belgian Bantams, and the brown blur in the middle is Coco the silkie.


I'm still working on better enclosure and day run. There's just too many predators around to let them free-range so I figure a decent run should keep them safe and happy.

Look What The Cat Dragged In...

Well me actually. We don't have a cat. A dear neighbour adopted him when we moved because we didn't think he'd cope with a big change and I don't believe people should really have pet cats up here so close to the bush (unless they're indoor or aviary pussycats).

Anyway, this ace brazier came from the local hard rubbish collection and I think it's pretty rad. The same day I found it I saw an ad for a glam version called the Brad Pitt brazier. Very chic and only $1100. Mine will do me just fine.

I Love This!

via hula seventy

This clip makes me feel a little hopeful, a bit melancholy, a lot grateful and so aware of the passing of time! I like how it's celebrating the small moments in (a first world, mainly middle class) life and is a reminder to me that each moment, no matter how seemingly mundane, is a valid piece of your life. Life is happening all the time. Not just in the exciting parts or the future bits you have mapped out in your brain.

If you have a spare 4 minutes and 16 seconds check it out. (Look out for the awesome letterbox.)