tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38977789219430961612024-03-13T06:42:04.725-07:00BirdyStreet Presents...BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-40313713655436035552016-02-14T18:22:00.001-08:002016-02-14T23:56:00.668-08:00Stringing Together Wins<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It's the middle of Feb. How are my new year's resolutions faring? </span></div><div>To be honest, I made none this year, not one. It was a calculated decision - and it was quite freeing to think, 'I'm not going to be caught up in that annual attempt to "plan to fail" ', which is how I have come to see the setting down of New Years resolutions, based on my own experience. </div><div>Maybe because I'm currently residing in Malaysia and stimulated by the colour and energy and celebration of a culture in the hype of their Lunar New Year, but, here I am, 46 days into 2016, and the whole concept of stringing together the two words 'new' and 'year', into a banner that proclaims "Begin Again!", is looking at me one more time - it's like an offering of a re-do. </div><div>So this day, 15th of Feb, I've gone ahead and made my list - <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Resolutions that would be best to keep and progress in. The application of actual resolve in areas where I am found wanting. And I may drop the ball. That's happened before. But I've this notion that it's the stringing together of wins and accomplishments that matters. My wins are indeed interspersed with setbacks and my resolve does wane, but if I pick out all those individual wins, those blips on the radar, one big effort by one, two things happen: I discover an actual lineup of accomplishments and, I see proof that change is possible- it's there in the banner trail! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Those yearly starts, those mid February kickstarts, those blips of resolve which run interference through the habits and behaviours that are my norm, once strung together, they equal a series of wins. And to win the series, well that's just a great thing! Exciting! Intoxicating! The culmination of goal + achievement equaling the desired outcome! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">February 15 2016 finds me taking heart and ready for another win, and, a longer string.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wPWiIO15Hzo/VsGBw90aUPI/AAAAAAAACfo/Oev4IqScOp8/s640/blogger-image-1256989396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wPWiIO15Hzo/VsGBw90aUPI/AAAAAAAACfo/Oev4IqScOp8/s640/blogger-image-1256989396.jpg"></a></div></span></div>BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-54404346714960238752015-10-06T19:30:00.001-07:002015-10-07T19:41:35.333-07:00The How-To's for a Mini FiestaNo, not the South-of-the-border themed party, but rather, the how-to's for creating the simplest, sweetest baby/toddler quilt going, BirdyStreet style- perfect to celebrate su bebe favorito!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wBs9i4kmH98/VhSGU9awkTI/AAAAAAAACdk/OvTFuBK0xBI/s640/blogger-image-1400116276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wBs9i4kmH98/VhSGU9awkTI/AAAAAAAACdk/OvTFuBK0xBI/s640/blogger-image-1400116276.jpg"></a></div><div>My original "Fiesta" was a full sized quilt made in a riot of party colours, hence the name. I wanted to design something to showcase the large scale motifs of a (long ago now) Jennifer Paganelli range called "Girlfriends". (just an aside - this group of prints was Patchwork@Homespun's first venture into the big beautiful realm of modern, colour-saturated fabrics)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KNHu5I9Qiaw/VhSGKPHGwWI/AAAAAAAACdM/WWQ_DHmGwjM/s640/blogger-image-1951331630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KNHu5I9Qiaw/VhSGKPHGwWI/AAAAAAAACdM/WWQ_DHmGwjM/s640/blogger-image-1951331630.jpg"></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Last year, when Cotton&Steel's debut range arrived in shop, I gathered together all of their animal prints, thinking that a mini version of Fiesta would be the perfect backdrop for them. With a little sewing help from my friends, a scaled down baby sized version was born!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PCOWRK6T_Ms/VhSGOW0UzvI/AAAAAAAACdU/a9f9XC1AwYA/s640/blogger-image-802271902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PCOWRK6T_Ms/VhSGOW0UzvI/AAAAAAAACdU/a9f9XC1AwYA/s640/blogger-image-802271902.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-isFlKxF1Yac/VhSGRVMY9xI/AAAAAAAACdc/iG4GbHtY-aY/s640/blogger-image--1985883558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-isFlKxF1Yac/VhSGRVMY9xI/AAAAAAAACdc/iG4GbHtY-aY/s640/blogger-image--1985883558.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div>Well that's the preamble, now here's the tutorial, as promised. </div><div>The HowTo's:</div><div>"MINI FIESTA" a BirdyStreet Design</div><div>Finished Quilt Size 40" x 50"</div><div><br></div><div>GATHER together a group of 10 fabrics for the body of the quilt.</div><div>You will need 20cm of each print.</div><div>Add an additional 3 contrasting prints to the mix for the prairie points. I chose prints that would stand out against the assortment of background fabrics.</div><div>You will need 15cm of each print. </div><div>The photo below shows the original Cotton&Steel fabric pull. Notice how the 3 contrasting fabrics for the prairie points, pictured on the left, are different in both colour and pattern. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qu8O6_TDeQ0/VhSHI_c2dAI/AAAAAAAACd0/b7VFP9crHWA/s640/blogger-image-1027717982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qu8O6_TDeQ0/VhSHI_c2dAI/AAAAAAAACd0/b7VFP9crHWA/s640/blogger-image-1027717982.jpg"></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">For today's tutorial, I have rustled up some fabrics from a limited stash in my KL cupboard. If I had an entire quilt shop handy, I would likely make some substitutions - I'm not convinced it's the perfect palate, but here goes!</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fxhg4na1f0w/VhSHFwMS4XI/AAAAAAAACds/A3ladDuaXf0/s640/blogger-image-649645354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fxhg4na1f0w/VhSHFwMS4XI/AAAAAAAACds/A3ladDuaXf0/s640/blogger-image-649645354.jpg"></a></div></div><div>CUT one 5 1/2" strip from each of the 10 fabrics. </div><div>From each 5 1/2" strip *crosscut:</div><div>-two 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" squares (A)</div><div>-two 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" rectangles (B)</div><div>-one 5 1/2" x 14" rectangle (C)</div><div>*Stay close to the selvedge when cross cutting as these measurements add up to 42", so you'll need nearly all of your fabric width)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-499-cU4jh24/VhSHmqyiAUI/AAAAAAAACd8/7HOlShsrXoY/s640/blogger-image-1486161680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-499-cU4jh24/VhSHmqyiAUI/AAAAAAAACd8/7HOlShsrXoY/s640/blogger-image-1486161680.jpg"></a></div></div><div>This layout is so simple!</div><div>The quilt has 10 rows.</div><div>FORMULA: Each row has two (A) blocks, two (B) blocks and one (C) block. </div><div>You can distribute these blocks in any order throughout each row. </div><div>ARRANGE THE FABRICS: The photo below is an example of a possible layout. I move things around to ensure there is a pleasing arrangement of colours and prints. I try to keep the A's B's and C's separated between rows, but not always. You are looking for a balance of colour and motif, so mix and match, step back occasionally and take a look, rearrange if necessary until it looks "right" to your eye. Enjoy the design process!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p4qaEwXsNas/VhSIEv-o1eI/AAAAAAAACeE/bG3XVZzszf4/s640/blogger-image--519336107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p4qaEwXsNas/VhSIEv-o1eI/AAAAAAAACeE/bG3XVZzszf4/s640/blogger-image--519336107.jpg"></a></div></div><div>When you are happy with the arrangement,</div><div>ASSEMBLE the 10 horizontal rows by sewing the A B C blocks together with a 1/4" seam. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jwpwAV-AslI/VhSjEBW_GTI/AAAAAAAACec/HkqKC17RVIA/s640/blogger-image-283430329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jwpwAV-AslI/VhSjEBW_GTI/AAAAAAAACec/HkqKC17RVIA/s640/blogger-image-283430329.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div>Now for the addition of the Prairie Points. These add a tactile element to the quilt, not to mention a point of difference and a bit of fun!</div><div>PREPARE them by cutting 16 to 20 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" squares. </div><div>Fold each square in half along the diagonal. </div><div>Fold in half again to achieve a small triangle with an "open" side. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dUFk5VUqrRM/VhSIHDiDrxI/AAAAAAAACeM/7RhkAHXtAOs/s640/blogger-image--60275730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dUFk5VUqrRM/VhSIHDiDrxI/AAAAAAAACeM/7RhkAHXtAOs/s640/blogger-image--60275730.jpg"></a></div></div><div>I made four sets of prairie points - two with 4 points, one with 5, and one with 3 points. (I only found one fabric that seemed a happy match with my background prints, so rather than three colours I'll only have one.)</div><div>To make the sets, lay the triangles next to each other, points down, raw edges up, and open sides all facing right. </div><div>Tuck the triangles into one another by nesting one pointy end into the neighbouring open side. (See photo above). Be generous with the overlap/"tucking in" process. </div><div>Pin in place. </div><div>*Because a child will likely pull on and play with these prairie point inserts, it's important for them to be sturdy and well reinforced. Therefore, sew each set along the raw edge with a scant 1/4" seam. </div><div>ADD these sets of prairie points so that they are scattered around the quilt rows. Again, you are looking for balance in your arrangement. I introduced my sets to the tops of rows 3, 5, 7 and 9. </div><div>Pin into place and reinforce again, sewing the prairie points to the tops of the rows, following the same scant 1/4" seam line. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--X0gUHitpD0/VhWywCvTY4I/AAAAAAAACes/-ZWlWtBaFoI/s640/blogger-image--1899184057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--X0gUHitpD0/VhWywCvTY4I/AAAAAAAACes/-ZWlWtBaFoI/s640/blogger-image--1899184057.jpg"></a></div></div><div>HOMESTRETCH is in view!</div><div>Sew your rows together. Row 1 to row 2, row 2 to row 3 etc. </div><div>When you reach a set of prairie points, add some reinforcement with a back stitch at either end. </div><div>FINISH by adding a layer of wadding and backing fabric, both at least 2" larger all the way around than your 40"x50" quilt top. It's a manageable size for quilting with either your domestic machine or by hand for that extra bit of tlc!</div><div>How easy was that and you now have a beautiful, one of a kind quilt for your little one. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sLZK6lXiPjM/VhW84GYiSDI/AAAAAAAACfQ/88cyE4rChmQ/s640/blogger-image-1586508577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sLZK6lXiPjM/VhW84GYiSDI/AAAAAAAACfQ/88cyE4rChmQ/s640/blogger-image-1586508577.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-adZSXfXlGlQ/VhW869m7t9I/AAAAAAAACfY/kIJ3TzkUnos/s640/blogger-image--985192529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-adZSXfXlGlQ/VhW869m7t9I/AAAAAAAACfY/kIJ3TzkUnos/s640/blogger-image--985192529.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div>Thank you for reading and for trying this BirdyStreet design. </div><div>*The photos and text and design are my own - if you'd like to share, please ask your friends to visit my blog rather than making copies. </div><div>This pattern is intended for personal use by home sewers and may not be republished or distributed without my permission. Quilts made with this pattern may only be sold in small quantities. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-66633212826773878642015-06-03T22:12:00.001-07:002015-07-28T12:57:16.146-07:00Welcome To Kuala Lumpur<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6TbFBAgM2W4/VW_d46Ln8WI/AAAAAAAACVs/-mQfQ0o7aH4/s640/blogger-image--1450842717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6TbFBAgM2W4/VW_d46Ln8WI/AAAAAAAACVs/-mQfQ0o7aH4/s640/blogger-image--1450842717.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ASfYTMOte2s/VW_eQ-3rs9I/AAAAAAAACWk/5c1wqVKKMw0/s640/blogger-image--1514363030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ASfYTMOte2s/VW_eQ-3rs9I/AAAAAAAACWk/5c1wqVKKMw0/s640/blogger-image--1514363030.jpg"></a></div></div>According to Mr Fitbit, it's 3,211 steps and 29 active minutes from the KL apartment, all downhill, to "Bangsar Village" our suburb's hub of restaurants, cafés, shops, and all manner of modern conveniences. I've only been back in town for 2 days but I knew where I was heading for my morning java - No.20 Jalan Telawi 2 and "Antipodean"...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OUSEZGnYAak/VW_dzEl8NpI/AAAAAAAACVk/gX5y5SQfXZ4/s640/blogger-image--389317210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OUSEZGnYAak/VW_dzEl8NpI/AAAAAAAACVk/gX5y5SQfXZ4/s640/blogger-image--389317210.jpg"></a></div></div>...a streetside cafe in the heart of the Village, for this, straight from Aceh -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ReDaQ2fhCII/VW_eJtUKi7I/AAAAAAAACWM/gmAxmnM2LuA/s640/blogger-image-865288507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ReDaQ2fhCII/VW_eJtUKi7I/AAAAAAAACWM/gmAxmnM2LuA/s640/blogger-image-865288507.jpg"></a></div>...(and the toast with rosemary marmalade and feta was also part of the plan)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's 32 degrees at the moment in KL and the air is heavy with humidity and the sky is grey - the rain clouds look a bit threatening. Not ideal conditions for photographs but I wanted to share this morning's walk - it's an interesting place and so different - I hope you enjoy. Thanks for walking with me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zDWh8kswPQc/VW_eTnlOxTI/AAAAAAAACWs/7Y8Xfzw3GDw/s640/blogger-image--2019713452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zDWh8kswPQc/VW_eTnlOxTI/AAAAAAAACWs/7Y8Xfzw3GDw/s640/blogger-image--2019713452.jpg"></a></div></div>I was fascinated by what I thought was such an unusual bloom just off the footpath. But looking closer, I realised this was actually a cluster of incense sticks, and I was encroaching on someone's temple shrine -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sQqIbia70O4/VW_eHPCvvUI/AAAAAAAACWE/Hpijx2ZJvHg/s640/blogger-image-1149442364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sQqIbia70O4/VW_eHPCvvUI/AAAAAAAACWE/Hpijx2ZJvHg/s640/blogger-image-1149442364.jpg"></a></div></div>- oops. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Moving along, the footpath is intermittent at first, but when it's there, it's a pretty patchwork of cobblestones and colour and pattern -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KzbZniM314Q/VW_eOcGgBbI/AAAAAAAACWc/-mB8WlTrHvU/s640/blogger-image--1586532254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KzbZniM314Q/VW_eOcGgBbI/AAAAAAAACWc/-mB8WlTrHvU/s640/blogger-image--1586532254.jpg"></a></div></div>How's this for razor wire security looking as pretty as possible? -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vv-_cAj2YM0/VW_dvATIB5I/AAAAAAAACVc/6MF10JvXs8o/s640/blogger-image-1662018924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vv-_cAj2YM0/VW_dvATIB5I/AAAAAAAACVc/6MF10JvXs8o/s640/blogger-image-1662018924.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ra-k3IeouvI/VW_eMClRDyI/AAAAAAAACWU/I0cUdkRlOlU/s640/blogger-image-856776479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ra-k3IeouvI/VW_eMClRDyI/AAAAAAAACWU/I0cUdkRlOlU/s640/blogger-image-856776479.jpg"></a></div>Speaking of security measures, it is imperative to be aware of your surroundings and careful with your valuables - muggings are very real and frequent. (As I exited the subway yesterday I witnessed the ensuing (and futile) chase after a man was pick-pocketed.) Just in case I forget to tuck my bag close and keep it on the side of my body furthest from traffic, the road signs provide a sober reminder -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oIfH8hwhE_s/VW_eV_3CYaI/AAAAAAAACW0/qVunHUkS9_k/s640/blogger-image-874166203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oIfH8hwhE_s/VW_eV_3CYaI/AAAAAAAACW0/qVunHUkS9_k/s640/blogger-image-874166203.jpg"></a></div>That is not a good look. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's lush and tropical and the scenery is pretty (and I quickly forget about snatch thieves) -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Na0Y9tWLuWw/VW_eEu2rIQI/AAAAAAAACV8/XZrGt7bwXPI/s640/blogger-image-1899532499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Na0Y9tWLuWw/VW_eEu2rIQI/AAAAAAAACV8/XZrGt7bwXPI/s640/blogger-image-1899532499.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vHH7YFICnlU/VW_eCUwDtII/AAAAAAAACV0/jv_OTXcubEI/s640/blogger-image--386906483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vHH7YFICnlU/VW_eCUwDtII/AAAAAAAACV0/jv_OTXcubEI/s640/blogger-image--386906483.jpg"></a></div></div>Bangsar Village - </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EdoVhWAvmcY/VXAFzOAmfJI/AAAAAAAACXE/QY4-wAMZSNw/s640/blogger-image-206462306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EdoVhWAvmcY/VXAFzOAmfJI/AAAAAAAACXE/QY4-wAMZSNw/s640/blogger-image-206462306.jpg"></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QAZZR-pluRU/VXAF2CmT0NI/AAAAAAAACXM/Jc3dNs9mi1A/s640/blogger-image--623187819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QAZZR-pluRU/VXAF2CmT0NI/AAAAAAAACXM/Jc3dNs9mi1A/s640/blogger-image--623187819.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sXUkoDjP3WI/VXAF5G08KLI/AAAAAAAACXU/j5wOmlygmag/s640/blogger-image--191437093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sXUkoDjP3WI/VXAF5G08KLI/AAAAAAAACXU/j5wOmlygmag/s640/blogger-image--191437093.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f0VAdWDi5Vk/VXAF7zILw8I/AAAAAAAACXc/w9nMRdN6kzw/s640/blogger-image--1535360328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f0VAdWDi5Vk/VXAF7zILw8I/AAAAAAAACXc/w9nMRdN6kzw/s640/blogger-image--1535360328.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ibLTJrgqc54/VXAOe-tNITI/AAAAAAAACX8/tiooOxFB3SA/s640/blogger-image-235410812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ibLTJrgqc54/VXAOe-tNITI/AAAAAAAACX8/tiooOxFB3SA/s640/blogger-image-235410812.jpg"></a></div>I walked all over the place searching for Harusame or cellophane noodles made from the mung bean for a Japanese soup I am trying for tonight's dinner. Did I mention the walk was DOWN into Bangsar Village? It follows then that I must head back, uphill. That was a steady-as-she-goes kind of trek. You'll have to forgive me for the photo barrage - these were really just an excuse to stop for a breather so to speak -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-41gBiq_2Tsk/VXAOkOf6FbI/AAAAAAAACYM/9Df-E3aP6Xk/s640/blogger-image-2051692268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-41gBiq_2Tsk/VXAOkOf6FbI/AAAAAAAACYM/9Df-E3aP6Xk/s640/blogger-image-2051692268.jpg"></a></div>An artistic arrangement of some kind of cable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gnQRF_UmFis/VXAOrkRUO_I/AAAAAAAACYk/9FyaNMog7s4/s640/blogger-image--1327927722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gnQRF_UmFis/VXAOrkRUO_I/AAAAAAAACYk/9FyaNMog7s4/s640/blogger-image--1327927722.jpg"></a></div>Love the red of the Lipstick Palms. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G5Tu39AnV6Y/VXAO2jCQFDI/AAAAAAAACY8/GcFmNbs7uXc/s640/blogger-image-277948322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G5Tu39AnV6Y/VXAO2jCQFDI/AAAAAAAACY8/GcFmNbs7uXc/s640/blogger-image-277948322.jpg"></a></div>Someone's coffee drink hanging from the yellow-barked bamboo. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xEsk8a49SBs/VXAOhRtx6JI/AAAAAAAACYE/kDRc2WA_X40/s640/blogger-image--351819962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xEsk8a49SBs/VXAOhRtx6JI/AAAAAAAACYE/kDRc2WA_X40/s640/blogger-image--351819962.jpg"></a></div>See that charcoal building with the slanted roof in the distance? I'm heading for that condo - puffing and red-faced and shall we say, glowing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N6Zp-n8iSlc/VXAOZjYCXKI/AAAAAAAACXs/kKR-fAwSW1Y/s640/blogger-image-1010195768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N6Zp-n8iSlc/VXAOZjYCXKI/AAAAAAAACXs/kKR-fAwSW1Y/s640/blogger-image-1010195768.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Er9fViOw0w/VXAOcKV0t9I/AAAAAAAACX0/rshk2z2RseA/s640/blogger-image--2057092626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Er9fViOw0w/VXAOcKV0t9I/AAAAAAAACX0/rshk2z2RseA/s640/blogger-image--2057092626.jpg"></a></div>Hmmm...were these pics about the orange heliconias or because I liked the blue, yellow and brown coloured irrigation system sitting amongst them? Either way the excuse to stop worked. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iBR3foWU6mY/VXAOxBzoNsI/AAAAAAAACYs/YlZbaXghwE0/s640/blogger-image-1395291604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iBR3foWU6mY/VXAOxBzoNsI/AAAAAAAACYs/YlZbaXghwE0/s640/blogger-image-1395291604.jpg"></a></div>Pretty natives. Alpinia Pupurata also called ornamental Red Ginger or Ostrich Plume. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Look! So close! -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_tjkz-tO80I/VXAOz5k_QcI/AAAAAAAACY0/YPIueQ2seWc/s640/blogger-image-1323787731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_tjkz-tO80I/VXAOz5k_QcI/AAAAAAAACY0/YPIueQ2seWc/s640/blogger-image-1323787731.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T_f7E3cckMg/VXAOmt7o0tI/AAAAAAAACYU/qd9FLfsBuDk/s640/blogger-image-1708852005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T_f7E3cckMg/VXAOmt7o0tI/AAAAAAAACYU/qd9FLfsBuDk/s640/blogger-image-1708852005.jpg"></a></div></div>Ahhhh! 8,739 steps and 79 active minutes later I have arrived back at the apartment! A bit sopping and a slight spectacle with my flushed red fair skin, but it was a good workout. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dZbPF46uRZo/VXAOpIyspaI/AAAAAAAACYc/9Lk0Xy_LHQ4/s640/blogger-image-394455368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dZbPF46uRZo/VXAOpIyspaI/AAAAAAAACYc/9Lk0Xy_LHQ4/s640/blogger-image-394455368.jpg"></a></div>I hope you enjoyed seeing my new surrounds and I'll let you know how the mushroom soup turns out. </div>BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-55240903662523526582015-02-21T04:13:00.001-08:002015-10-05T19:16:04.478-07:00Fiesta!Could it be a coincidence that in the thick of the<a href="http://www.birdystreet.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/thing-you-always-have-great-hair.html"> backyard reno</a> and prepping for Anna's 21st Fiesta that I hunkered down last night and made a baby quilt by the same name? Not likely.<br>
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Some people eat when they are stressed (how did I think of that one?). Some people worry. Some people seek support. Some find a creative outlet! I think it's safe to say that I engage in all of the above. (And my family could add stuff to my list of stress-behaviours I'm sure, but they don't get to write this blog, thankfully!)</div><div><br></div>
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Last evening I had two of my good friends over. We enjoyed sundowners on a partially finished deck. We admired what has been accomplished and couldn't ignore what's still ahead on the reno to-do list. <font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">100 invites have been extended for a party in 7 days time and the venue looks like this:</font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q7Mw2hjIB5k/VOj_w6BvA7I/AAAAAAAACT4/6k8m_a3bS_Y/s640/blogger-image--571354928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q7Mw2hjIB5k/VOj_w6BvA7I/AAAAAAAACT4/6k8m_a3bS_Y/s640/blogger-image--571354928.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div>Brewing this past week during all this hubbub, has been a hankering to sew. <a href="http://www.patchworkathomespun.com.au/">The shop</a> is well stocked with my current favourite fabric collection <a href="http://www.cottonandsteelfabrics.com/#/catalog/fabric">"Cotton and Steel"</a> (go Jacqui, you are the ultimate fabric-picker-outer, range-buyer-extraordinaire!). And I knew that if I asked, Janette and Jacqui would help me out during this extra busy, stressful time with sewing support while I accomplished my sewing fix!</div>
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So we settled into a Friday sewing bee. Likely there are not many who think this could be fun. You will have to take my word for it! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QTk5smBZYVE/VOiz7ljDcNI/AAAAAAAACTg/j_PRWTvqfWE/s640/blogger-image-2019304728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QTk5smBZYVE/VOiz7ljDcNI/AAAAAAAACTg/j_PRWTvqfWE/s640/blogger-image-2019304728.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I pulled all of the prints from the C&S range featuring animals - wild mustangs, gazells, lions and tiger striped cats, some cotton, others linen, and all in a modern palate of aqua, navy, coral and mustard. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Recently, Janette re-sized my original Fiesta quilt pattern to make a gorgeous baby blanket for a friend's newborn. The pattern is a straightforward lineup of squares and rectangles with some prairie points randomly strung between rows. I think these 3-D triangle inserts are a nice tactile addition to a baby quilt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-myjj97tDUnw/VOnk6nDfMHI/AAAAAAAACUY/HMZFvFxIK_Y/s640/blogger-image--200334176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-myjj97tDUnw/VOnk6nDfMHI/AAAAAAAACUY/HMZFvFxIK_Y/s640/blogger-image--200334176.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mLZi7JZl564/VOnk4ANP4RI/AAAAAAAACUQ/SjlTBs0hmkM/s640/blogger-image-1947054217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mLZi7JZl564/VOnk4ANP4RI/AAAAAAAACUQ/SjlTBs0hmkM/s640/blogger-image-1947054217.jpg"></a></div>In no time at all our collaborative sewing efforts produced a finished little top, ready for quilting. Presto, our shop has a darling new sample showcasing these new prints. Now (well not exactly 'now' but after Anna's fiesta) I must get busy and update this version of my 'Fiesta' pattern using Janette's new math. I feel much better for having spent the evening creating with friends - a welcome diversion from the tension of renovations and their finish dates.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D-BczFDF1p4/VOnrIRyhH0I/AAAAAAAACUw/FGT3Vd2oqTQ/s640/blogger-image--2036984064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D-BczFDF1p4/VOnrIRyhH0I/AAAAAAAACUw/FGT3Vd2oqTQ/s640/blogger-image--2036984064.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-89176848018154209582015-01-27T23:05:00.001-08:002015-01-28T02:06:57.470-08:00"Good thing you always have great hair!"...Which was my friend's response when I texted her that "things are going to get hairy around here".<div>And it makes me think, that a good laugh and an injection of a light hearted, no-worries-mate attitude is helpful to add into the mix of important decisions, worrisome timelines, and the dust, debris and chaos of a gutted backyard and full desert-redo.</div><div>You see, the Big Backyard Retaining Project is a WRAP! Completed! Paid for! A house built on shifting sand is no longer our problem. Quite literally, we are not moving anywhere. And this is such.great.news! You have to be Rob or me, or maybe our kids, to really appreciate what a relief this is to have BEHIND US! </div><div><br></div><div>Here are the two new walls. The end result doesn't look like much really, does it?<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Zh8B6T7yzpQ/VMiY3GbHs-I/AAAAAAAACRo/bY0pl05mH0s/s640/blogger-image--1582404927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Zh8B6T7yzpQ/VMiY3GbHs-I/AAAAAAAACRo/bY0pl05mH0s/s640/blogger-image--1582404927.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>And though all's right with our world when it comes to retaining and we are sitting tight, we are definitely not sitting pretty!</div><div>But we have a plan! A lovely down-the-track-promise of things to come. An "all will be revealed in the fullness of time" end result to anticipate!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kud0m6iHKSU/VMixUW16azI/AAAAAAAACTM/foesOKCuw9o/s640/blogger-image--1353170515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kud0m6iHKSU/VMixUW16azI/AAAAAAAACTM/foesOKCuw9o/s640/blogger-image--1353170515.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>But meanwhile and 'midst-while', let's face it, things ARE getting hairy around here! It's all about early mornings and noisy machinery, dust and sand. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y_4KcZjAdVM/VMiw_cqF6QI/AAAAAAAACTE/G-7pVikYyHM/s640/blogger-image--1678803038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y_4KcZjAdVM/VMiw_cqF6QI/AAAAAAAACTE/G-7pVikYyHM/s640/blogger-image--1678803038.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gdBWmNY-7BM/VMij-a_iIVI/AAAAAAAACSE/2_XTruE1XY0/s640/blogger-image-1353958771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gdBWmNY-7BM/VMij-a_iIVI/AAAAAAAACSE/2_XTruE1XY0/s640/blogger-image-1353958771.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OF69qW_fnkk/VMikAuQq4xI/AAAAAAAACSM/NkLQL2Nz9fU/s640/blogger-image--531263329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OF69qW_fnkk/VMikAuQq4xI/AAAAAAAACSM/NkLQL2Nz9fU/s640/blogger-image--531263329.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YZ0vSM5FOQU/VMiw8kYIA9I/AAAAAAAACS8/xfiQRfoMPGY/s640/blogger-image-501824243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YZ0vSM5FOQU/VMiw8kYIA9I/AAAAAAAACS8/xfiQRfoMPGY/s640/blogger-image-501824243.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ACllvyikl5g/VMikI4zGghI/AAAAAAAACSk/lIp4nvTTAs4/s640/blogger-image-1956076567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ACllvyikl5g/VMikI4zGghI/AAAAAAAACSk/lIp4nvTTAs4/s640/blogger-image-1956076567.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B6g98bnfIW0/VMiw5rjmY_I/AAAAAAAACS0/lbzZAVTIdu4/s640/blogger-image--1391553249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B6g98bnfIW0/VMiw5rjmY_I/AAAAAAAACS0/lbzZAVTIdu4/s640/blogger-image--1391553249.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div>There are a myriad of decisions to make, things to organise and people to co-ordinate. There are contracts to mull over and feel concerned about, disclosure statements to decipher. There are design and colour choices to HAVE FUN MAKING! There is this "get it right we only do this once" pressure or sense of responsibility. There is the excitement at day's end to have a good look round and see what has progressed. </div><div>The dog is filthy, as is the cat, but they are having a blast with all the activity and new folks round about. </div><div>But the biggest hairy deal is a looming timeline, a big birthday party held HERE in our backyard to celebrate Anna's 21st on... the 21st of February (ta da!). It will be done (I tell myself). All WILL be revealed (before 21/02/15). And Anna and everyone else in the family will have a backyard space to enjoy the company of friends and family from here on in, 'here on' being 23 days from now 😱.</div><div><br></div><div>But just between you and I- I have a trip to the salon booked for this coming Friday - cut AND colour - just in case I really do need great hair to get through this!</div><div><br></div>BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-68824370809038515962014-12-05T04:43:00.001-08:002015-02-07T08:32:33.718-08:00Oh Say It Isn't So"Oh say it isn't so" is an old Irving Berlin song that went to number1 way back in 1932. As a young girl I grew up with this song being sung and whistled by my dear old daddy, and I can still hear him sing it, mostly that one line, slipping those bits of lyrics into a sentence in his clear tenor, holding the note on the word 'sayyy-' and sliding down the scale through the 'it isn't so" bit. I had no idea the lyrics were so sad! - the way he sang it I didn't even pick up on the song's meaning. I have just always associated it with my dad's cheerful singing.<br>
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But surprise, surprise, it's quite a mournful old ditty.</div>
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I've thought of this one line, heard his voice and remembered my daddy's good natured approach to, well, everything, so many times in the past months as an issue in our back yard has come to light, and demanded our attention and a 'whole lotta' resources! "Oh say it isn't so!"</div>
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Months and months of liaising with an engineering firm, seeking legal advice, considering options, trying to understand the engineering issues, deciphering PDFs of building codes and laws, jumping hoops and hurdles, the unfortunate presence of sewer lines, significant setbacks, contractor's quotes, trying to discern who best to work with, hemming and hawing, applying for approvals, waiting, worrying, waiting...AND FINALLY...<br>
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...we emptied our pool and were ready to begin. </div>
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Our home sits high to a view of the hill country and there is a 2.5 meters drop to our rear neighbour. Not a problem unless your retaining walls fail. And ours have, critically. With 225 cubic meters of earth to remove from our backyard (and store in great tall mounds on our front yard), and no access for heavy digging machinery, this became a job for...</div>
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...the good old shovel and spade, big guns, and a strong back and work ethic!</div>
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Yes, discouraging for our back pockets and for our contractor, was the realisation that this huge earthworks project would, by necessity, be carried out by hand, the old fashioned way.</div>
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We gathered the necessary bits and pieces...<br>
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Like portable facilities and construction fences, </div>
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...and the earth began to move and shift w<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">ith the aid of huge mine site conveyor belts which hauled our back yard to the front just as fast as the men shovelled.</span></div>
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Shovel load after shovel load later, the first of the 3 offending walls was unearthed.</div>
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You can see the brick wall beginning to show its ugly face!</div>
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And <i>WELCOME </i>to "Cole Ridge" (now I get to share some of Robert's clever names for different parts of this project. This first, is a play on words of our street name, Coleridge Place).</div>
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So much rock and rubble tipped us over into the category of a "hard dig", naturally, not part of our original quotation. "Oh say it isn't so".</div>
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These skip bins were delivered and then carted off at full capacity many times over.</div>
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There came the end of one particular work day, when the "Wailing Wall" (thank you Robert), now relieved of its' load, had one last evening to stand, albeit at a shocking 9degrees off vertical, before demolition. Although I have caught myself so many times feeling sorry for myself for being in this predicament, I am truly thankful that this wall did its job of bearing so much for so long. An avalanche of house, yard and pool onto the neighbour below, would not have been cool. "We'll bring the pool!" Umm, maybe not.</div>
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Down to bare bones we are here, thus a good time for a smoko. </div>
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Here's a great shot of "The Money Pit" in all its' glory!<br>
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One day this was sitting at my front door...</div>
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...which was great because it meant the arrival of these enormous 200UB18 galvanised steel posts and their transfer, all 22 of them, from truck to yard.<br>
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I made myself scarce while these lengths were negotiated through our alley then over the brink and down into the pit.</div>
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Twenty two post holes were hand augered to a depth of 3.5 meters - down down down - 2 per day. Painstaking precision work, but I can't tell you much about those kinds of engineering specs- back slopes, levels, moment of inertia, surcharge loads, compaction density - but I <i>believe</i> it all leans inwards at 1.5 degrees off 90 and that this is <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">quite purposeful. And I <i>know</i> that this job and scope of work is an unprecedented residential project. We are very special.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I </span>was not game to negotiate the pool edge and ladder down into the pit to photograph those holes, but I wish I had asked the men to take a pic for me.</div>
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Eventually things began to look like this...<br>
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Today's progress looks like so...</div>
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Quite a fair way to go still, but coming along, and timed for a Christmas finish!??!</div>
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It's a genuine tip all around our place. But without fail as I drive up the hill and approach our property, in its current state of chaos, or look out at that money pit, I am grateful- </div>
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-for progress</div>
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-for a solution that although complicated is effective</div>
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-for the conservative caution of engineers because I know we are doing all the correct things</div>
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-for our contractor who has talked me down when upset, assured me and tried so hard not to disrupt our family during his work, and for his willingness to do the hard yards</div>
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-for the men working by the sweat of their brow in the Aussie sun. They turn up each day smiling and respectful and they take pride in their work</div>
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-for the encouragement and help of friends as I wade through this</div>
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-for my family's patience</div>
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-for Robert's logical advice and calm approach to life's setbacks<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">-for my dad in my ear and my head</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And last but not least, for God's provision and help!</span></div>
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<br>BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-69612205421437219762014-10-27T07:10:00.001-07:002014-12-05T18:06:32.339-08:00Children are a Gift From the LordI have a very precious friend who makes it her aim to encourage me in countless ways. It has been a rough year for me, and she has been careful to prop me up time and again. It has been a big year for her as well, and so in my estimation, her care about me and care of me, is even more precious.<br />
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Early in the year, my friend, we'll call her "Charlotte", in an effort to affirm my gifts and provide me with some worthwhile work, gave me my first official quilt commission. Two in fact! She asked me to create cuddle rugs for newborns arriving in August and September. </div>
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Charlotte has always praised my creativity. She makes me feel that my artistic flair is a remarkable aspect of, me! That it's a gift that translates into good for my family and others. During a time when I was questioning my own value, Charlotte wisely provided me with an opportunity to be my(valuable)self- to be my busy-hands, colour-loving, ticking-with-ideas, creative self. I can hear her say, "this is a season where you can be yourself". Ahhh, my clever Charlotte could see the connection between quilt commissions and a reworked self esteem.</div>
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So let me share a few photos, taken throughout this year, of the process of creating baby quilts, which started a lot of other good things too.</div>
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One of the many things I admire about Charlotte is that she operates in advance. (Such a bewildering concept!) So we began well in advance of those August and September due dates. This meant we didn't yet know if I was sewing for a boy or a girl, and I took the punt that one of each could work. We shopped for a pretty palate of softly-coloured, delicate prints for mystery baby #1. I decided to set these prints amongst crisp white triangles and used a <a href="http://redpepperquilts.bigcartel.com/product/modern-flying-geese-quilt-pattern-pdf-file">pattern</a> from one of my favourite designers, <a href="http://www.redpepperquilts.com/">Rita of Red Pepper Quilts</a>. (Each week I look forward to her progress posts with gorgeous photos and details of the new baby blankets Rita creates. She has surely made one client after another extremely delighted with their purchases!)<br />
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An aspect of patchwork that I avoid like the plague is quilting. I knew that I would need to overcome my reluctance to stitch through all the layers this instance. I have a new-to-me beautiful Janome that I believed would take some of the perceived sting out of the process. I've worked in the <a href="http://www.patchworkathomespun.com.au/workshops/">shop's workroom</a> long enough to know the how-to's of prepping for quilting and I was careful to pin baste this puppy to within an inch of its' life!</div>
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I discovered the extremely gratifying outcome of the '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7_Ps_(military_adage)">6 (edited) p's of preparation</a>' and how they relate to performance.<br />
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And, I established a respectful rapport with my new machine and its' dual feed built-in walking foot, learning early on that slow and slooower-er-er and very steady is the only way a new quilter should approach this task. Big tick✅, I have <i>nicely</i> machine quilted my first ever (tiny, mind you) piece! The 'nicely' bit is the imperative here, -I knew I could quilt it poorly, I didn't know I would quilt it well, and ENJOY THE PROCESS!<br />
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Ahhhh, that is where we leave this little candy-coated quilt for a princess, because, you see, the baby BOY, for whom I was sewing, as it turned out, would require something less dainty. <i>Both</i> boys would, in fact!</div>
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So, we moved on to this stack of ultra cool, urban looking prints. Isn't variety the spice of life? For me, the more prints, the merrier! And what could be better than starting a new project midstream? I have no problem with that, at all. Charlotte encouraged me to use my own design this time, and that's just more fun too, as far as I'm concerned. </div>
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I focused on this dear little seagull in his yellow galoshes, and kept it so so simple. Sometimes, the straightforward just works. </div>
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The 9-patch block I used is an old and basic utility block. The clever bit to this quilt is the way the colours jump and play around together, and the name we gave it, which we came up with together - "<i>Puddle Jumper</i>", after the yellow-booted birdy hopping round the blocks in his rain gear. And that's it. Simple, sweet. </div>
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More happy time spent practising quilting!<br />
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(I love the 'Big Finish' of the royal blue stripe!)<br />
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And it was packaged up on time (but not early, never early, (so sorry Charlotte!)) for the dear little fellow that was prayed over throughout the process!<br />
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And boy, did that feel GOOD!<br />
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Little boy #2's rug proved a bit more painstaking in its' design inception, and required one, two, three do-overs. Do you know that sometimes, if it sees too much use, you must replace your seam ripper? Haha! I discovered this fact! A new, sharp, "un-picker" works wonders! </div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After much debate during the design wall stage, and miles of reverse sewing, "Baby Gem" was finally finished! You can pray a lot for a youngster when you have to sew and pick and re-sew a few times over! It was my pleasure.</span></div>
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"Children are a gift from the Lord", Psalm 127 sings out. Charlotte asked me to include this promise somewhere on the quilt, and so stitched into the binding is this very testament. It's a tiny bit of print which packs a big message - God's good Word always does. It's a reminder that these boys are a promised blessing to their parents, of the Lord's<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> generosity to us, all things coming from Him, and of His amazing, intricate, unique creations...each of us!</span><br />
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BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-24721245148630675722014-09-14T17:15:00.000-07:002014-09-14T20:29:55.998-07:00A Day Well Spent<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Yesterday was full of good things! And I will be careful to chronicle its' events, first as eucharisteo; </span><a href="http://www.thehighcalling.org/culture/eucharisteo-conversation-ann-voskamp-%E2%80%93-part-1#.VBYYJmIaySM" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">"to find the gifts and the grace in the moments of each day"</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">, but also, to act as a reference; grace and gifts stored, nudging out any foothold gained by a gloom that follows close, even the following day! "Count and Name your blessings" - years ago, a Rhode Island woman, Pixie Wright, held my hands and looked into my eyes as if to will into me this truth. I will never forget the impact of her words. So here goes the listing of yesterday's blessings:</span></div>
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Saturday morning began by packing up the car with many pretty props which I would use in my quilting presentation at a local Support Group called Flourish. At this point, I was a little nervous, being stretched beyond my comfort zone, (I've never considered public speaking to be my strength), yet keen and even anticipating the opportunity, confident that I had something worthwhile to share. Let me say, I wasn't certain I would communicate perfectly, but I was counting on my pretty quilt visuals to get me over the line. So I wrapped myself up in the tangible hug that a quilt can offer and set off, review and set-up logistics competing with tummy flutters and let's face it, that rushing/running-slightly-behind-schedule-yikes-feeling.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WmpqyKq29ac/VBY9a_x_RwI/AAAAAAAACEE/5DCoFP71FLw/s640/blogger-image-1507812463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WmpqyKq29ac/VBY9a_x_RwI/AAAAAAAACEE/5DCoFP71FLw/s640/blogger-image-1507812463.jpg"></a></div><br>Flourish "i<a href="http://mounties.org.au/events/">s a support group for people who have a physical disability, disorder or chronic illness, or who have family members affected, or who work in the area of disability"</a>.<br>
The meeting includes discussion time, small group interaction, 'compassion knowledge' and a segment which includes performing or creative arts. I gave a great deal of thought to what I would say about this hands-on topic, knowing that some in the group do not have the use of their hands. Honestly, I didn't end up with an answer to this, except that I wanted to inspire and encourage, and I prayed to this end. One of my first assurances upon arrival, was from the group's facilitator Jenny, who explained to me the therapeutic impact of a beautiful visual for a person suffering with a chronic condition. I hope I'm not oversimplifying it Jenny, but my interpretation of what you said, is that the stimulating visual can be a distraction from pain, it can be the something lovely to concentrate on in the midst of the difficult, it's like the pop of good to dwell on that can spark the series of positive thoughts... What great motivation for creating an eye-catching display from my bank of quilts. Quietly, I offered up a prayer that my work could be a means, even during this next hour, of someone feeling encouraged or better off.<br>
<br>You can imagine my pleasure when at the end of the morning, the other guest speaker, school psychologist Chris, came to me and said that one of my quilts in her line of vision became the help she needed during her presentation. Chris was a beautiful communicator, passionate and inspiring, but she said she felt nervous (not apparent to the rest of us!) and kept referring to my (well Charlotte's) 'birds of a feather' quilt and this calmed her and gave her focus!<br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zzI_A1e7VLE/VBZT5s8xafI/AAAAAAAACEo/NBPhIS8SAdI/s640/blogger-image-264453655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zzI_A1e7VLE/VBZT5s8xafI/AAAAAAAACEo/NBPhIS8SAdI/s640/blogger-image-264453655.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The morning unfolded with several more highlights. I met Sandra. Her eyes lit up with pride when she introduced herself as a fellow quilter. She told me of her quilting resume and I do believe her expertise far outshines mine. Her hands will no longer co-operate,and many projects now lay idle, mid-process. This is sad. But somehow in her telling, I sensed Sandra's pride that these unfinished quilts, rather than reflecting what she can no longer accomplish, are pure evidence of her wealth of creativity - the overflow of ideas that you have to put to fabric and stitches whether or not they ever become completed pieces.</div><div><br></div><div>I spent some time in a small discussion group with Marjorie, Gladys and May. Beautiful women walking hard paths but they encouraged me greatly. I have 2 new telephone numbers, how often does that happen? Crossing paths is never a coincidence.</div><div><br></div><div>Can you tell that in the midst of it all, I failed to take any photos? Well, only one in fact. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ANcKcvREvzg/VBZAFH-kgwI/AAAAAAAACEY/crdlnpuKUHA/s640/blogger-image-1232513951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ANcKcvREvzg/VBZAFH-kgwI/AAAAAAAACEY/crdlnpuKUHA/s640/blogger-image-1232513951.jpg"></a></div></div><div>This is Michael. I was drawn to his sweater vest instantly and hoped he'd understand 'what I'm on about'. And sure enough, he seemed enthused. He is a local mosaic artist, a Kaffe fan (Kaffe Fassett first began his career in the medium of mosaics and yarn) and Michael's vest is actually from a Kaffe pattern. No wonder it caught my eye. Michael's work is entirely commission based, and ALL his profits are sent to Africa for a project dear to his heart. </div><div><br></div><div>I had hoped I wouldn't be asked any questions. ??? I guess because, I could prepare as much as I liked for my talk, but audience participation is an unknown. But, of course, the questions were welcomed and easily answered. Silly me. </div><div><br></div><div>I thoroughly enjoyed my morning. I didn't see the rolling out of blessing coming my way but am thankful for it! </div><div>It continued, once back at home, with a healthy lunch prepared by in-house nutritionist Anna, and a car ride where we shared that comfortable companionship and easy chit chat while enroute to Leah's Open Day. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Miss Bird's year 6 classroom is alive with colour and creativity. She displayed her student's work and art everywhere and those children must have been so proud to present their efforts to their families and visitors. What a lovely rapport Leah enjoys with her colleagues and her students. I hope the flow of praise buoyed her up! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Z9LC8Jz1ZOY/VBZajcURbII/AAAAAAAACE4/H6kxpz7oLkw/s640/blogger-image-1814927893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Z9LC8Jz1ZOY/VBZajcURbII/AAAAAAAACE4/H6kxpz7oLkw/s640/blogger-image-1814927893.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7x-0Pf8Ny_8/VBZaoGpheZI/AAAAAAAACFI/zm7E0qB1Xbo/s640/blogger-image--1336873438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7x-0Pf8Ny_8/VBZaoGpheZI/AAAAAAAACFI/zm7E0qB1Xbo/s640/blogger-image--1336873438.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5gEs_uZatVo/VBZalssaZzI/AAAAAAAACFA/aMuJR6hmDyo/s640/blogger-image--1007324400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5gEs_uZatVo/VBZalssaZzI/AAAAAAAACFA/aMuJR6hmDyo/s640/blogger-image--1007324400.jpg"></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">What a great day! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Thank you to Jenny for the opportunity to speak at Flourish - what a great kickstart to the day!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">________________________________________________________________________________________</span></div><div>
Did you know September 8th - 14th was <a href="http://www.myinvisiblelife.net/invisible-illness-awareness-week-2k14">Invisible Illness Week</a>? I only learned of it yesterday morning.<br>
Over 133 million people live with a chronic condition. In my own circle of family/loved ones/friends/acquaintances, I know people who bravely walk through each day with Lyme, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, chronic fatigue, addiction, anxiety, migraines, diabetes, insomnia, endometriosis, mental illness, cancer, eating disorders - their struggles and pain and symptoms largely hidden to others. <br>
<br></div>BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-51168514155158007322014-09-01T00:35:00.001-07:002014-09-01T01:08:16.565-07:00Old Habits, and Getting Comfortable<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Birdie family has some nice, new sofas. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Can you spot that sweet Labrador on the left in this photo? He feels displaced as he can no longer recline in his usual place-of-preference. (The old sofas) Poor baby.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LjYJ6NTMmOs/VAQhfkY7anI/AAAAAAAACDM/4HOPCyP-czk/s640/blogger-image--993725067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LjYJ6NTMmOs/VAQhfkY7anI/AAAAAAAACDM/4HOPCyP-czk/s640/blogger-image--993725067.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For several days, Bower didn't know where to put himself! Giving credit to his intellect, he only had to be told once and then understood clearly that this new furniture was strictly NO PETS ALLOWED!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But the old fellow really didn't know what to do while hanging out with his pack in the living room! He would stand around and look at us pathetically, pace the room and whine unhappily. He stood through a few nights of "The Block", which made us all feel bad, and so, I took action - he now has a new beaut bed of his very own where he can join us in the lounge room in the kind of comfort to which he is accustomed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IpSBynDaqxw/VAQhtzN9JsI/AAAAAAAACDc/Fm4JELNrm5U/s640/blogger-image--1122085704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IpSBynDaqxw/VAQhtzN9JsI/AAAAAAAACDc/Fm4JELNrm5U/s640/blogger-image--1122085704.jpg"></a></div>We purchased another, smaller version for Bob, our cat, and you will notice it is unoccupied. Typically indifferent, Bob wouldn't venture near it, inspite of our efforts to lure him onto it with food treats, cuddles etc. (I will add though, that Bob had no problem hopping up on Bower's bigger bed. What!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So there was some hooting and clapping on the day when we found Bobby comfortably snuggled into his OWN bed, all relaxed and hanging with his doggie-pal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Everyone is now happy and comfortable. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lhm7MT9fG78/VAQmyThxkmI/AAAAAAAACDs/Hbethui9e8k/s640/blogger-image--331334687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lhm7MT9fG78/VAQmyThxkmI/AAAAAAAACDs/Hbethui9e8k/s640/blogger-image--331334687.jpg"></a></div>Yes, very comfortable indeed- <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Here he is, busted, not just resting along the bottom of the bed, his other favourite spot, but nestled right up on my pillow! (The bedding is now out flapping in the breeze on the clothesline as I type this. ) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eN9TombBWdE/VAQm1f02t8I/AAAAAAAACD0/vuz253jDEMw/s640/blogger-image-1330348985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eN9TombBWdE/VAQm1f02t8I/AAAAAAAACD0/vuz253jDEMw/s640/blogger-image-1330348985.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-76209019226959637092014-08-31T23:12:00.001-07:002015-02-07T08:57:25.578-08:00Wonder Women Continued...Let me set the scene...<div>We are at a beautiful retreat centre surrounded by WA bush and sunshine, <br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x_kPQFEBlDM/VAQSmlOVetI/AAAAAAAACC0/mhmUvBqnTKU/s640/blogger-image-2101335248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x_kPQFEBlDM/VAQSmlOVetI/AAAAAAAACC0/mhmUvBqnTKU/s640/blogger-image-2101335248.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KDs1spLaLwk/VAQShzi-ETI/AAAAAAAACCs/_bMGuY8N8q0/s640/blogger-image-1882329247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KDs1spLaLwk/VAQShzi-ETI/AAAAAAAACCs/_bMGuY8N8q0/s640/blogger-image-1882329247.jpg"></a></div><div>And I was introducing you to some talented women with whom I was sharing a weekend of patchwork...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sk0kufJiclo/VAQSp8X6yBI/AAAAAAAACC8/x82O-6Q-5MY/s640/blogger-image-1858308227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sk0kufJiclo/VAQSp8X6yBI/AAAAAAAACC8/x82O-6Q-5MY/s640/blogger-image-1858308227.jpg"></a></div></div><div>My blog posts are few and far between as it turns out. How that works in my favour in this instance, is now I can show you some progress pics! </div><div>Do you remember Pat and her gorgeous appliqué blocks?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BpRKEDvNHjw/VE40-AMBLQI/AAAAAAAACFY/nrJKRcf1cTI/s640/blogger-image--680659139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BpRKEDvNHjw/VE40-AMBLQI/AAAAAAAACFY/nrJKRcf1cTI/s640/blogger-image--680659139.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Well, her William Morris blocks now look like this!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zBCTLuxUMlg/VE43JHvJfbI/AAAAAAAACFs/kr365aqbW5E/s640/blogger-image-1672195787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zBCTLuxUMlg/VE43JHvJfbI/AAAAAAAACFs/kr365aqbW5E/s640/blogger-image-1672195787.jpg"></a></div>And, she has stitched these teeny mini setting blocks for in between the rows, and has progressed with a gorgeous scalloped border. Beautiful!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uMvchCSQcCw/VE43FlNevqI/AAAAAAAACFk/kNnbTJdzanI/s640/blogger-image-1433578341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uMvchCSQcCw/VE43FlNevqI/AAAAAAAACFk/kNnbTJdzanI/s640/blogger-image-1433578341.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I showed you this photo last time. Could you fathom that these pinwheels could evolve into this?:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A9fPwmBALsA/VE44L83msEI/AAAAAAAACF4/fchoBiwRXLs/s640/blogger-image-1306680986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A9fPwmBALsA/VE44L83msEI/AAAAAAAACF4/fchoBiwRXLs/s640/blogger-image-1306680986.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vHUm2RKMAXI/VE44QtQZjMI/AAAAAAAACGA/R_CiLWM9J08/s640/blogger-image-1644376617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vHUm2RKMAXI/VE44QtQZjMI/AAAAAAAACGA/R_CiLWM9J08/s640/blogger-image-1644376617.jpg"></a></div>Now seriously, the above represents such a great deal of effort, of time, of enjoyment! It's magnificent! Marg has worked on "Urban Owls" over the year, as a block of the month. It is designed by Wendy Williams of Material Obsession in Sydney. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Huy9JF2MdFU/VE47oLQGksI/AAAAAAAACGU/rr5XL4ySxP4/s640/blogger-image--1959541802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Huy9JF2MdFU/VE47oLQGksI/AAAAAAAACGU/rr5XL4ySxP4/s640/blogger-image--1959541802.jpg"></a></div>Lizzy,... I would have to upload photo after photo to accurately record all she has sewn in between blog posts, but her blue and cream heritage tumbling blocks that once spilled over the table, are complete, naturally, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fx9OSqBahGE/VE47yfF-WDI/AAAAAAAACGs/guXrwq0j3nw/s640/blogger-image-111308500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fx9OSqBahGE/VE47yfF-WDI/AAAAAAAACGs/guXrwq0j3nw/s640/blogger-image-111308500.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HUpdDcVr39c/VE47qz5Z6UI/AAAAAAAACGc/6QG66cZImeI/s640/blogger-image-1254218978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HUpdDcVr39c/VE47qz5Z6UI/AAAAAAAACGc/6QG66cZImeI/s640/blogger-image-1254218978.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And her pleased-as-punch grin says it all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But I have to show you a couple more of Lizzy's accomplishments:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-i_B68jbg6iY/VE47vq00_YI/AAAAAAAACGk/sv5L1426l0A/s640/blogger-image--1651125716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-i_B68jbg6iY/VE47vq00_YI/AAAAAAAACGk/sv5L1426l0A/s640/blogger-image--1651125716.jpg"></a></div>Another Material Obsession design, this time by owner Kathy Doherty, and,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QFr0RFACfb4/VE47kipX-MI/AAAAAAAACGM/7zD-ckHDkbs/s640/blogger-image-1709119903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QFr0RFACfb4/VE47kipX-MI/AAAAAAAACGM/7zD-ckHDkbs/s640/blogger-image-1709119903.jpg"></a></div>first to finish "Swoon" in her wildly eclectic style! I love it Liz!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Speaking of Swoon, a 9-block queen size quilt, made from big ol' friendly gal 24" blocks, has become a project that many of us are working on. I'll show you more of that later, in another post. In the meantime, Linda has stitched some pretty swoon blocks, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XswdpV1ZNwo/VE4_zMPztTI/AAAAAAAACHA/pyoUS4KZlyY/s640/blogger-image-307311166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XswdpV1ZNwo/VE4_zMPztTI/AAAAAAAACHA/pyoUS4KZlyY/s640/blogger-image-307311166.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6-mnInxb51U/VE4_wEFoeUI/AAAAAAAACG4/ASUFYJovU8g/s640/blogger-image-1617564543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6-mnInxb51U/VE4_wEFoeUI/AAAAAAAACG4/ASUFYJovU8g/s640/blogger-image-1617564543.jpg"></a></div></div>So pretty! Now, I have said before that often people "match" their projects, which makes perfect sense since usually we wear clothing that we like, and we choose fabrics that we like. Linda, you and your swoon blocks are making a very pretty vignette!</div></div></div><div><br></div><div>Robin's swoon is kicking goals!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ukqaTrAKF5M/VE5COWjXntI/AAAAAAAACHk/qzgHEbRfLQo/s640/blogger-image--8266347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ukqaTrAKF5M/VE5COWjXntI/AAAAAAAACHk/qzgHEbRfLQo/s640/blogger-image--8266347.jpg"></a></div>All Rob needs is sashing and borders and it's a wrap! </div><div>Everyone was so delighted for Robin when she WON the raffle quilt made by the WA Quilter's Association! Robin is prolific. She knows every technical trick in the book for perfect, I mean PERFECT patchwork! She graciously and patiently shares her knowledge with the rest of us. I'm so happy that Robin received the blessing of this pretty win!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mucYT73Flng/VE5CMFlLj9I/AAAAAAAACHc/Mr_X5tP4KyU/s640/blogger-image--2059773999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mucYT73Flng/VE5CMFlLj9I/AAAAAAAACHc/Mr_X5tP4KyU/s640/blogger-image--2059773999.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-84SFhb0_9N0/VE5CG1-_MyI/AAAAAAAACHM/LNgEoa2O8n4/s640/blogger-image--898861265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-84SFhb0_9N0/VE5CG1-_MyI/AAAAAAAACHM/LNgEoa2O8n4/s640/blogger-image--898861265.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rDEjQZgQgjk/VE5CJ-U9gYI/AAAAAAAACHU/mVnSOiDgBbk/s640/blogger-image--1203792810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rDEjQZgQgjk/VE5CJ-U9gYI/AAAAAAAACHU/mVnSOiDgBbk/s640/blogger-image--1203792810.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We come to these retreats with our boot-loads of patchwork essentials. We all have supplies we consider to be essential. I was fascinated with Pip's very fine collection of Gutermann threads. So pretty! How does she choose?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YAz-OWh7wfc/VE5GAVBQipI/AAAAAAAACHw/frBNNTw3Dgg/s640/blogger-image--1714616615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YAz-OWh7wfc/VE5GAVBQipI/AAAAAAAACHw/frBNNTw3Dgg/s640/blogger-image--1714616615.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This next photo may mean absolutely NOTHING to you. But, if you know Blogger, and if you use Blogger on the iPad, you will understand that I have typed this entire post blindly, as for some unknown reason, my alphabet keyboard is completely blank! Tonight I am thinking with fondness of my Grade 9 and 10 typing teacher who drilled into me the 8 finger alphabet keyboard. And then predictive text has helped as well. Whew! This has been a bit of a labour, and I've concentrated more on typing than on my narrative, so please excuse me if this is a little bland.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wi6_hh0HuqQ/VE5GDTcGMAI/AAAAAAAACH4/FrprH71rQRM/s640/blogger-image-970577083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wi6_hh0HuqQ/VE5GDTcGMAI/AAAAAAAACH4/FrprH71rQRM/s640/blogger-image-970577083.jpg"></a></div><br></div>BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-76312686139498809652014-08-21T07:49:00.000-07:002015-02-07T09:02:10.403-08:00Wonder Women<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Some more quilty-bits on the blog today. For me, this creative outlet stirs up an eagerness and a tick-tick-ticking of ideas. As I work alone, patchwork has been an application of the hands and mind and heart in a multitasking effort to sew/think/pray. And working collectively, it has placed me amongst beautiful women that freely offer friendship, inspiration, and connection, because of our shared interest. This particular post features some of these uber-talented ladies!</span></div>
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I have been a guest at 2 quilt retreats recently. Jacqui, my little treasure of a friend, <br>
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invited me to share her room at <a href="http://www.thewinetree.com.au/pages/faq.html">The Wine Tree</a>'s beautiful facility in <a href="http://www.dwellingupwa.com.au/about">Dwellingup</a>. Even though a gate crasher, I received such a warm welcome from the women, all of whom I know from "<a href="http://www.patchworkathomespun.com.au/">Homespun</a>", and with whom I enjoyed catching up. I left my work at the patchwork shop back in 2012, but women are so good at bridging the space of time and picking up from where we all last left off!<br>
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So, with<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> busy schedules neatly organised in order to achieve a weekend's retreat, with</span> minds full of ideas, fingers itching to begin, and the sun shining on us through a great wall of window, we all settled into a few days of creating.<br>
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Meet Sue. Sue wins the prize for discovering this gorgeous winery/retreat centre. She happened upon a cancellation and has since managed to secure a series of 2-3 night getaways throughout this year. She puts in all the effort behind the scenes liaising with both the owner of The Wine Tree and the chef at The Blue Wren cafe (who caters amazing meals and treats for us),and gets the entire weekend off the ground on our behalf!<br>
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Sue's creative talents are multi-faceted. She excels at the slow-burner projects that involve perfected hand work techniques as she meticulously embroiders and appliqués. However, all the way at the opposite end of the old-school/new-age stitching spectrum, we also find Sue, expertly manipulating the Rolls Royce of computerised sewing machines, generously sharing her knowledge of every kind of high tech machine skill imaginable!<br>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Check out her attention to every imaginable detail -</span><br>
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Pat is a quiet achiever and a picture of industry as she balances her career with her passion for home, family, grandchildren and patchwork. For a few years now, Pat has set aside each Wednesday morning of her busy work week as her patchwork time, and as a regular student at Homespun, we have had the pleasure of seeing her sew one gorgeous project after another. She is prolific! This photo shows Pat with one of her appliqué block sets - each fabric carefully chosen and fussy-cut for a lovely finish! <br>
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Marg is celebrating the arrival of a grandbaby with a labour of love that is stitched-to-perfection! Imagine the joy and anticipation that is represented in each stitch of little Eamon's handmade treasure.<br>
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Even though I do very little of it myself, I can appreciate the work and time and technique that is applied to some people's hand stitching! How do some, like Lois, achieve that kind of exquisite work that looks as neat on the reverse as it does on the front? From where does their patience come? Some talented person lovingly passed on their skill of traditional handwork and I believe they would be proud to see such results!<br>
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Pip is another marvel with a needle. She designs and executes with great skill. I loved her vintage style Aussie botanical quilt. The gum leaves and native flowers are perfectly set against the blue sky. Well done! </div>
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Lizzie. She brings so much joy to our workroom! She adds colour with her fabric choices and more colour with her wit and cheeky humour. Something very good would simply be missing if Lizzie wasn't in attendance! Surely Liz must get the prize for the sheer volume of what she achieves in a sewing day! </div>
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Happy brights or subtle reproductions - Liz will give everything a go and always gets the job done.</div>
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Janette! When I think of Janette, the phrase "rock solid" comes to mind. As a friend, she can simply be counted upon. She is a beautiful combination of speaking her mind and listening, of knowing her mind and a generous tolerance for other mind sets, of walking the talk, and so on. Her generous spirit extends to the patchwork world where she continues to give... give aid, give ideas, give gorgeous finished quilts to friends and family. </div>
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Jacqui devotes her days as owner of the Patchwork shop to extending into the community a passion for quilting. Her teaching style is kind, patient and inclusive. Her skills are honed and well communicated. Here she is, inspiring us with her keen eye for fabric choices and colour.</div>
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Jacqui is beautifully re-working one of my patterns, "Mod Scallops" and giving it a vintage theme.<br>
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(Here is my original, below...) I love to see what others create with my patterns!<br>
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Jacqui's talents span vintage to modern without any trouble. Here on the design wall is another of her creations, eclectic, contemporary, this one also showcasing her flair for colour.<br>
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She will kill me for including this photo, but I have to. Yes, these weekends are for productivity and inspiration, but they are also for relaxing, for catching up, for sharing meals or enjoying a walk or a movie together, and quite simply, for the jokes and the pure fun of a good old belly laugh!<br>
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Marg is a quilter in the true meaning of the word in that she actually owns and operates a long arm industrial quilting machine. To some, the 'quilt sandwich' that must follow the piecing, can be quite a disagreeable aspect of the process. Marg comes to the rescue, layering, stitching and indeed transforming someone's piecing into an actual quilt. God bless Marg and all the quilters out there! I have hand quilted a bed sized quilt once, so I can say that I have done it, but I have no desire to do it again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There were more ladies in attendance but I must iron out some technical difficulties I am experiencing with Blogger before I can continue this post. It's quite long as it stands anyway, so I will showcase these other ladies in a 'Wonder Women Part 2' post. Thank you for reading!</div>
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BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-57196138885682970852014-08-16T06:42:00.001-07:002014-08-20T17:52:50.173-07:00Every Quilt Tells a Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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"Seeing Stars", 2014<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cY7pJO8GnvU/U_VCTmPExSI/AAAAAAAACBM/KjNEHBotr3g/s640/blogger-image-889381242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cY7pJO8GnvU/U_VCTmPExSI/AAAAAAAACBM/KjNEHBotr3g/s640/blogger-image-889381242.jpg"></a></div>
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The other day I was facilitating a class at our local quilt shop. I brought in some "show and tell", knowing this particular group of women would be interested in seeing my project - we share many years of mutual inspiration. </div>
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I held up my quilt top, unfinished (no surprise there), and I was slightly taken aback when one dear woman enthusiastically commented, "it's so alive". I thought to myself, "wow, how did that happen when all the while making it I felt half dead?".<br>
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In thinking about this, I am reminded that every quilt tells a story. On the surface, the design and colour choice alone depict something about the maker's personal preferences. More telling though, the quilt may mark a significant life event, a birth, a celebration, an illness, and all the maker's emotion and passion toward the person for whom they are sewing is invested in each stitch. There is love and friendship, good will, prayer, excitement or foreboding all mixed up with the designer fabric, the tools, technique and progress. And always, the end result of the labour are pieces of cloth that mysteriously sing out stories. </div>
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I made my quilt, for me. I remember the morning when, after weeks of not wanting to get out of bed, I woke and finally felt that maybe that day I could accomplish something. So I went to the thing I knew how to do, and I sewed. It required little effort - I had previously made this same quilt for my sister, so I had duplicate fabric waiting for its' turn to shine, and the pattern was rote.</div>
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I filled a little box with cellophane packages of carefully chosen fabric combinations. I indulged in the process of sewing perfect points (you have to be a patch worker to understand), and of waiting for the play of colour and print to unfold with each star. </div>
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I am a woman of prayer, and stitched up with these pretty stars are all of my offerings to a God who I know hears and cares.<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> Psalm 56:8 in The New Living translation says, <i>"</i></span><i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">in your bottle. </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">You have recorded each one in your book."</span></i></div>
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Somewhere in the midst of assembling star blocks I knew that this quilt was about keeping a vigil. The individual blocks became rows and the rows filled a design wall with colour but my sewing was really an excuse to pray in an intentional effort to hedge and protect.<br>
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It is pretty. It does have a glow and a life of its own. Which is remarkable when I think about it because I thought my story would look worse in its telling.<br>
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The design for this quilt is straight from one of my favourite's...</div>
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6-NYBD6PWow/U-99A5IL5II/AAAAAAAAB_0/Wrxk4-9NUOk/s640/blogger-image-272953240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6-NYBD6PWow/U-99A5IL5II/AAAAAAAAB_0/Wrxk4-9NUOk/s640/blogger-image-272953240.jpg"></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Kaffe'scolleague, Liza Prior Lucy made this quilt in 2005 while watching on television the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Her version is photographed below. She explains that her usual explosive use of vivid colour is not as evident in this creation, and that it is much more somber, reflecting appropriately what was occurring at the time and her response to great loss. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The first quilt I made of this pattern I gifted to my sister. This version was all about celebration! Looking back, we were celebrating Christmas with family in Canada for the 1st time in 10 years! We were celebrating the 50th birthday of a beautiful, completely amazing woman! If the last was a prayer quilt then this first was surely a praise quilt!</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I believe, when I finally finish with borders and quilting and binding, when it's laying across the foot of my bed, that my quilt will speak to me. Certainly it will always call to mind the circumstances that brought it to be . But it will also remind me that there can be beauty in the struggle. It will say, "remember the day you made that red block and your heart was settled?". Or, "This was the time you understood your hope to be an Anchor". "When you made me you learned to breathe out. You began to practise giving thanks in all circumstances." Seeing Stars is a beautiful Story-Teller. </span><br>
<br>BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-72975705111660234672014-05-15T19:46:00.001-07:002014-06-10T16:55:34.000-07:00A Carnival of Colours!With the rollover of Autumn into Winter on the 1st of June, I am late with my post on our Autumn foliage, never-the-less, I am excited to show you the riot of colour on display in my Perth neighbourhood.<br>
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Western Australia has no shortage of glorious autumn colour- this colour is just a bit different from what the Canadian in me believes to be typical! Here, you have to look a bit harder for the traditional North American 'fall colour', but in case you feel sorry for me that my skyline is not alight with flaming reds, oranges and yellows as far as the eye can see, let me show you some of the beautiful, seasonal colour that I am enjoying...</div>
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Our neighbour has a Japanese Maple that has a grand display going on at the moment!<br>
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And how is this for a "Glory Vine" living up to its' name? Glorious indeed!</div>
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Our drive is lined with these beautiful blue berries. (I must find out if they are edible.)</div>
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The roses are boasting their impressive grand finale of the season...</div>
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Bougainvillea bushes 'bursting forth' in a serious display of purples, pinks, corals, orange...<br>
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And hibiscus everywhere, pick a colour, you will find it!<br>
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The waxy green wattle trees are laden with their sunshine-yellow fluffy blooms...</div>
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Native Grevillia, so unusual, so exquisite! They are a true spectacle!<br>
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Bright scarlet-coloured Bottlebrush...</div>
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Banksia. This colour combo is a current favourite. Check out this bloom in its' bush environment, below...</div>
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There are some stunning colours in my neck of the woods this Autumn, and as long as I don't insist that fall is limited to turning leaves and deep carpets of colour, I can be very content with the gorgeous blooms set against vibrant greens and a bright blue sky, as far as the eye can see...</div>
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BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-64761192586082733672014-04-22T06:20:00.001-07:002014-09-01T01:18:15.262-07:00GetawayHere in Perth, the kids have just finished up a 2 week break from school, and even the uni students had some kind of a change in schedule, if not an actual holiday. So Leah, Anna and I headed to Denmark for a few days of R&R. It turns out, my Canadian family thought by our Facebook posts that we were in Scandinavia! Not so. 420 kms SW of Perth lies the 'Great Southern Region' of Western Australia, where the Southern Ocean meets the Karri and Red Tingle Forests and you can <a href="http://www.denmarkwesternaustralia.com/denmark-wa-travel-destinations/elephantrocks.htm">swim with elephants</a> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">and <a href="http://www.valleyofthegiants.com.au/">walk </a></span><a href="http://www.valleyofthegiants.com.au/">amongst giants</a>!<br>
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The girls picked me up in Dwellingup where I had indulged in a weekend away with friends at a quilting retreat - more on that next post - and we hit the open road on a warm sunny Monday morning, Denmark and Wattle Cottage waiting for us!<br>
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Turquoise ocean, scenic coastal drives, plenty of bays, beaches and rock outcroppings to hike and explore, ancient trees, rolling farmland, wineries with cellar doors boasting delicious food and wine... We love the glorious scenery, the relaxed pace and the holiday vibe that Denmark treats its' visitors to!<br>
Enjoy the photos of our country's stunning Great Southern and my lovely girls enjoying it...<br>
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BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-75706489111937348052014-02-22T23:44:00.001-08:002014-03-24T09:08:09.093-07:00In Two MindsThis past week I have been rummaging through our storage unit and unearthing the plastic tubs of fabric, of which there are (maybe too) many. I loaded up the car and hauled them back to the house, where I am proceeding to cull (and make a great mess). As I sift through and sort, one half of my brain thinks, 'too much fabric, get rid of it, move on now, and who needs another quilt' (besides my dear Ida-Mae whose commission I have back-burnered, but not forgotten).<br />
<br />
But following closely behind these logical thoughts, come all those neurons firing from the right, and that barrage brings with it the piqued interest, the steady flow of ideas, and that always-simmering creative excitement, roused by these pretty pieces of cotton. <br />
<br />
But, while I work out what to do with my beloved quilting hobby, let me fill you in on my Christmas Delivery to Robert's brother Frankie. I think he was delighted with his Christmas gift!<br />
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It was a lot of fun presenting Frankie with his quilt. He was pleased. I was pleased. It is such a great joy to hand over one of these made-with-love items. Perhaps the decision about what to do with my hobby isn't such a tricky one after all!<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SANKKmyH6nw/UzBVsMdwWII/AAAAAAAABvc/JjJN8roHkRE/s640/blogger-image--1955196945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SANKKmyH6nw/UzBVsMdwWII/AAAAAAAABvc/JjJN8roHkRE/s640/blogger-image--1955196945.jpg" /></a></div>BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-35254440910189446692014-01-14T20:39:00.001-08:002014-01-15T19:51:34.578-08:00A Quilt Class<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ybt-CU5Zx2o/UtYRGEi6f5I/AAAAAAAABsM/fPZvbi2HWJ4/s640/blogger-image-1195023036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ybt-CU5Zx2o/UtYRGEi6f5I/AAAAAAAABsM/fPZvbi2HWJ4/s640/blogger-image-1195023036.jpg" /></a></div>Penny, owner of the local patchwork and quilting shop here in Dundas, has asked me to facilitate a workshop this Saturday! I am so excited about this opportunity. I will be working with this colourful mix of batiks and Kaffe prints.<br />
I am going to use this blog post as my tutorial page, so if you are not interested in a patchwork project "how-to's", then sign off for now. <br />
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In Australia, the patchwork shop where I have worked hosts a "Saturday Strip Club" (*!*). I have seen a particular quilt being whipped up by many-a-student during these classes. (In spite of Internet research, I am unable to cite the author, but it is not my own design.) <br />
The following instructions are my explanation for a quick and easy version of this 2 1/2" strip quilt. I have named this version "ARE WE THERE YET?" -you will understand the significance of this name once you begin to sew... <br />
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ARE WE THERE YET? <br />
Finished size, before borders, 49" x 64"<br />
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WHAT YOU NEED...<br />
40, pre cut 2 1/2" strips. (Penny has some beautiful kits waiting for you!)<br />
1 metre of border fabric ( optional)<br />
60 cm of binding fabric<br />
Cotton thread<br />
Straight Edge<br />
Pen or Pencil <br />
Fabric Scissors<br />
1/4" patchwork foot for your sewing machine<br />
Rotary Cutter and Mat<br />
Sewing Pins<br />
<br />
INSTRUCTIONS...<br />
1. Set aside ONE* of your 2 1/2" strips.<br />
2. With the remaining 39 strips, join them with a 45 degree seam as follows:<br />
Place the ends of two strips, RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER, at a 90 degree angle to each other. <br />
With a pen, pencil or fabric marker, and using a straight edge, draw a diagonal line to mark your 45 degree seam line. <br />
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Tip: Fold your fabric back to ensure you have drawn your diagonal in the correct direction <br />
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Secure with pins and carefully sew along this seam line. <br />
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Repeat this for each of the 39 strips in your kit. Be careful to keep right sides together, and to avoid twisting your strips as go.<br />
(I sew one seam at a time, trim and cut my thread, and I find this helps to keep the eventual long line of strips from twisting.)<br />
<br />
3. Take your last strip, the ONE* you reserved, and cut it in half at its' midpoint.<br />
Add one of these halves as your final join.<br />
You will end up with a LONG puddle of fabric strips, 1550" in fact!<br />
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4. Press your seams and trim your seam allowance back to 1/4". <br />
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5. Keeping RIGHT sides together, find the midpoint of your 1550" length of fabric strips. Again, being careful not to get things twisted, you basically fold your length in half. It's long! <br />
Cut your fabric into two lengths, each 775", at this midpoint.<br />
<br />
6. Join these two strips, with a 1/4" seam. ("Are we there yet?") :)<br />
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7. You now have a 775" long x 4.5" wide strip of fabric. The rest of the process involves cutting these long strips in half and rejoining the halves by sewing along these long sides. As your strip lengths shorten, your quilt width increases. <br />
- cut the 775" x 4 1/2" strip in half at the midpoint. Join these two halves with a 1/4" seam along the long length.<br />
- cut the 387" x 8 1/2" strip in half at the midpoint. Join these two halves with a 1/4" seam along the long length.<br />
- cut the 194" x 16 1/2" strip in half at the midpoint. Join these two halves with a 1/4" seam along the long length.<br />
<br />
8. Final Join!<br />
- cut the 96" x 32 1/2" strip in half at the midpoint. <br />
You will have two sets of strips that look like this:<br />
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<br />
Join these two halves with a 1/4" seam along the long length. Voila! Your quilt top is complete, and looks something like this:<br />
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<br />
Adding A Border:<br />
A mitred border would be the perfect finish to this quilt. <br />
The mitred corners would suit the 45 degree joins throughout the body of this top.<br />
- cut seven, 4" x 42" (or width of fabric) strips.<br />
-follow Penny's instructions for a mitred seam on the corners.<br />
<br />
Another Border Idea:<br />
Since this quilt uses a variety of prints, choose four fabrics that you have used in your top and add a different print to each side of your top.<br />
<br />
Binding Strips:<br />
- cut seven 2 1/2" x 42" strips. Join strips with a 45 degree seam. <br />
BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-83255575182613640742013-12-22T10:54:00.001-08:002013-12-22T10:59:38.308-08:00After The Snowfall......there was a thaw, and a couple of days of rain even :(<br />
Now the thermometer has dipped past freezing again and our winter wonderland is quite beautiful in an altogether different way. <br />
These are the conditions however which make the going icy and difficult. Our area has some power outages, and some treacherous road conditions. It's a great day to stay indoors!<br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AEc5C745HuM/Urc2Lc8nnwI/AAAAAAAABro/xvLxXOlCJQg/s640/blogger-image-1618163457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AEc5C745HuM/Urc2Lc8nnwI/AAAAAAAABro/xvLxXOlCJQg/s640/blogger-image-1618163457.jpg" /></a></div>BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-5965105220404163192013-12-20T05:11:00.001-08:002013-12-22T08:59:26.327-08:00Winter Wonderland"these wonderful things <br />
are the things <br />
we remember all through all our lives"...<br />
<br />
We have arrived to a real winter wonderland here in Ontario, Canada. The temps are well below freezing, and we have been treated to fresh blankets of snow, snowflakes falling thick and fast, frost on the windowpanes...such a beautiful welcome! Leah's Callum, and family friend Steven are both with us and this is their first visit to Canada. We are excited that they can experience Christmas in this setting, it is indeed a wintry fairyland.<br />
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Straight from the airport we arrived at my sister's home for a dinner feast and the sweet fellowship of family - our Robbie, my sisters, our nieces, nephews, and their precious kiddies and hubbies! It was a happy reunion. I promise to post about this next.<br />
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Of course, it wouldn't be Christmas without a gorgeous fir tree laden with lights and trinkets, and so the gang set out to cut down the perfect tree. I am sure my kids were grateful for their newly-purchased boots as they trudged through the woods. Apparently there was the obligatory pelting of one another with snowballs. A good time was had by all!<br />
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Here is the tree-cutting clan, the Birdie/Mack cousins, and Robert was not about to miss out on the adventure:<br />
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A happy daddy with his kids<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TcvYKZGWeM0/UrRB4yJJ1xI/AAAAAAAABpA/FIq9ym_X3JQ/s640/blogger-image-241053012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TcvYKZGWeM0/UrRB4yJJ1xI/AAAAAAAABpA/FIq9ym_X3JQ/s640/blogger-image-241053012.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
Cousins, Lindsay and Gillian<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lrgwXms9ybE/UrRBw2QwVYI/AAAAAAAABoo/6Hh4tMdjfw4/s640/blogger-image--791359401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lrgwXms9ybE/UrRBw2QwVYI/AAAAAAAABoo/6Hh4tMdjfw4/s640/blogger-image--791359401.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
Annie with Gill. (if you look beyond those beautiful smiles and gorgeous conifers, you can see the old grey barn in the background. It all makes for a great photo). <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-k2-WWYSu6QM/UrRBt9zm0hI/AAAAAAAABog/81FyOZHd1XE/s640/blogger-image-118625034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-k2-WWYSu6QM/UrRBt9zm0hI/AAAAAAAABog/81FyOZHd1XE/s640/blogger-image-118625034.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
Here they are dragging the tree back to the car. Bekah (orange jacket) did a great job with the knot-tying to secure the tree to the roof of the van.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wM7iZ3Uu2Ss/UrRB7rGFjPI/AAAAAAAABpI/T0cXMi6NwJ4/s640/blogger-image-1451697639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wM7iZ3Uu2Ss/UrRB7rGFjPI/AAAAAAAABpI/T0cXMi6NwJ4/s640/blogger-image-1451697639.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
But cutting down the tree is only half the fun! Now comes the fun and occasional drama of "putting it up". Bekah and Leah did a great job wrestling this big spruce into submission! I believe it nearly toppled on 3 occasions, but the girls perseverance, and Johny-to-the-rescue, a new hole/screw in the ceiling, a few squeals and screams, and lots of laughter later, we now have a stunning Christmas tree standing tall and straight, glitzing up the room and smelling delicious! Ahhhhh, Christmas! <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nBlfjHWuYVg/UrRBqztf7OI/AAAAAAAABoY/i6aq8pBtJcI/s640/blogger-image--771019972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nBlfjHWuYVg/UrRBqztf7OI/AAAAAAAABoY/i6aq8pBtJcI/s640/blogger-image--771019972.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
This photo was taken during one of the attempts to right the falling tree! I wish I had taken more photos to show you the ladders and other bits and pieces employed to accomplish this job.<br />
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But how about this for a significant end result?!<br />
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Such a pretty expression of what is happening in this "happening household" this Christmas season. For it takes work and co-operation and intentional good cheer to make happy family memories and enjoy the traditions that this season is steeped in. I for one, am loving every minute! <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KjkAYt8i4YE/UrRBzxuttOI/AAAAAAAABow/_eWedKwdl1M/s640/blogger-image--778348258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KjkAYt8i4YE/UrRBzxuttOI/AAAAAAAABow/_eWedKwdl1M/s640/blogger-image--778348258.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-48183750602401443952013-11-25T19:44:00.002-08:002013-11-25T20:49:35.204-08:00The Finishing TouchI love to work with my friend Donna when I create my quilts. I confidently hand over to her the 'tops' that I have painstakingly assembled, and she then works <a href="http://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus/british/end-result">the end result, the outcome of consequence!</a> <br />
Donna takes my quilt top and backing, and nests them between a soft wadding of cotton & bamboo and winds these layers onto her great and mighty quilting machine. We liase to find the most appropriate thread colour and a quilt design that will 'bring it all home', so to speak. Donna then stitches this pattern throughout the top, adding the stability, the texture, the warmth and body to the project for what is always a beautiful end result. <a href="http://birdystreet.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/charlotte-quilt.html">(I have previously shown some photos of Donna and her Statler in this post)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary"><span class="main-fl"><em><strong>Grand Finale: </strong>noun</em></span><strong>
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<strong><a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary">: a very exciting or impressive ending of a performance or show</a></strong></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mlQByE70ZwU/UpQHYeqYrfI/AAAAAAAABno/qt4ulHWIAtU/s1600/IMG02935-20131126-1012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mlQByE70ZwU/UpQHYeqYrfI/AAAAAAAABno/qt4ulHWIAtU/s640/IMG02935-20131126-1012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td valign="top"><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/"><strong>Noun</strong></a></td><td valign="top"><b><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/">1.</a></b></td><td><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/"><b>finishing touch</b> - a final touch; a crowning achievement; a culmination</a>. Frankie's quilt is complete. I have sewn down the outer binding, added a label - (Anna insisted that I must) - and it is ready for travel to Canada. <a href="http://www.patchworkathomespun.com.au/contact/"> Jacqui</a> also,was a huge help to me in seeing that this quilt was completed on time! She lugged it back to Perth in her suitcase, readied the beautiful backing fabric with perfect seam matching (you would never know 2 pieces of fabric were joined!), delivered it to Donna on my behalf, and even helped me with the binding.<br />
It's always such a pleasure to gift a quilt to a special someone. I hope Robert's brother enjoys it and thinks it is striking. I hope it will be a reminder that he is loved each time he uses it. Merry Christmas Frankie!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Although the lighting doesn't do justice to the quilt's colours, I love the way it shows off the texture of the quilting!<br />
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BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-33305248468791693652013-11-21T08:03:00.001-08:002013-11-25T05:32:21.517-08:00Cinderella is not going to the Ball<a href="http://birdystreet.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/you-won-recognise-me.html">Remember the ball gown</a>?<br />
Some of you have asked to see it.<br />
Sorry, you will only be able to see it hanging over the closet door. As it turns out, we are not going!<br />
Rob and I are in the midst of a chaotic time and tomorrow evening's festivities simply became too complicated. Does that sound lame? Possibly, but...just be glad you are not us right now.<br />
The seamstress, Ibu Eny, almost didn't finish the gown and I was making a mad dash to her shop to pick up the barely completed dress late in the evening before my 3am departure from Jakarta. Earlier in the week, I managed to sneak away from the house during the pack-up for my fitting, which was fortunate because a few alterations were in order.<br />
The dress is in hand. It's very pretty. My friend Cathy has dared me to take it to Canada and wear it to our family's Christmas celebration...with my Ugg boots! When I mentioned this to Anna, she begged me not to! We shall see! It's just the right colour for a Festive Frock!<br />
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Here it is literally tossed into the back seat in a heap after rushing to pick it up!<br />
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That's much better...<br />
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Some pretty details...<br />
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Someday, maybe, I will wear this lovely gown, and when I do, I will be certain to add a picture to this post!BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-72277465436091148742013-11-18T01:57:00.001-08:002013-11-25T05:07:18.127-08:00InboxAs mentioned, the house is all packed away, the container set sail yesterday in fact, aboard the vessel 'Cape Ferroli'. Tick this portion of the move from the list.<br />
But leaving a place involves so much more than packing and shipping. There are these beautiful people, now part of our circle of loved ones that we just walked away from. And believe me, we didn't want to. One thing is certain, you can have experience with the process of goodbyes, but this experience doesn't really make the going easier. <br />
One of my lovely friends...<br />
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...her name is Shienny, made sure that this arrived in my inbox last week. She titled her email "Our Heavenly Tailor-Made Friendship":<br />
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"In friendship...we think we have chosen our peers. In reality a few years' difference in the dates of our births, a few more miles between certain houses, the choice of one university instead of another...the accident of a topic being raised or not raised at a first meeting--any of these chances might have kept us apart. But, for a Christian, there are, strictly speaking no chances. A secret master of ceremonies has been at work. Christ, who said to the disciples, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you," can truly say to every group of Christian friends, "Ye have not chosen one another but I have chosen you for one another." The friendship is not a reward for our discriminating and good taste in finding one another out. It is the instrument by which God reveals to each of us the beauties of others.” <br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Four_Loves">― C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves</a> <br />
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You can imagine how encouraged I was when I read this! And thankful for the people in Jakarta that "God has chosen" for Rob and I! <br />
It's my pleasure to put faces to the names you have heard me mentioning this past year-<br />
Shienny and Uran:<br />
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Sharon, baby Caleb, and Dave:<br />
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"The JJ's" - Jan and Jack<br />
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Elsa:<br />
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Jean:<br />
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Martine:<br />
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The amazing women's bible study:<br />
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I dragged my heels moving to Jakarta, but that is because I didn't realise WHO would be there waiting! <br />
We Miss You!BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-10192289836301264542013-11-08T15:06:00.001-08:002013-11-08T23:51:54.215-08:00Pulang"Pulang." it means "to go home" in Indonesian. It's a travel word. <br />
My home = rumah saya<br />
Our home = rumah kami<br />
But, take me home is simply " pulang".<br />
The BDN house, as it has become affectionately known, has been our Jakarta home. We set up house here and began a new existence as empty nesters, created bedrooms for our girls for precious visits, made a special space for Robbie (who never did get here), and hosted 21 house guests over the year.<br />
I commend my dear, perceptive husband, who knew how traumatic it would be for me to leave my kids, friends, home, church, job, pets, life in Perth to join him here in Jakarta. He quietly went about ensuring the situation would work, and has lovingly provided for me in an amazing way. <br />
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Rob wanted a place where we could comfortably entertain house guests and I wished to be closer to his office so his work day was not as long and we could be together a bit more. And 5 minutes away from the office we found an incredible home on Jalan BDN2, complete with the desired guest room which has a pool view and privacy, due to it's location just outside of the main living area.<br />
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I don't know why it should surprise me that on our last day at the BDN house, almost as the last box was packed, we received confirmation that our new housing in Kuala Lumpur was successfully finalised. And once again God provides. <br />
It's going to be different, naturally. The new house is an apartment actually, minus the soaring ceilings and expanses of marble flooring that we enjoy at BDN, but it has plenty of space for any of you who desire to visit. <br />
And, it is going to become home.<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wlsT_0T6yOw/Un3dIhjDp3I/AAAAAAAABlE/mrFI7RhQX1U/s640/blogger-image-431872247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wlsT_0T6yOw/Un3dIhjDp3I/AAAAAAAABlE/mrFI7RhQX1U/s640/blogger-image-431872247.jpg" /></a></div>BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-58327520734359067952013-11-06T07:30:00.001-08:002013-11-06T08:37:59.311-08:00Packing 101It all comes back to me! - The incredible process of packing up household belongings for a sea container!<br />
It involves construction and geometry. There is estimating, organising, and the deft wielding of exacto knives as they slash and score, all done to the rhythm of the rip rip rrrriiiippp of many packing tape rolls simultaneously stretching and tearing!<br />
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How would you prepare a dining table? Maybe something like this?<br />
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Can't take the legs off, it's one solid piece, so...<br />
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Stand on my head, check. Paper layer, check. Foam sheeting, check. Reinforce corners, check.<br />
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Smile for the photo, check. More protective layers, check. Build a custom box, check.<br />
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How would you transport your mattress? Haul it into the back of your pick-up. Or...<br />
Tape together a humungous piece of cardboard, then foam sheeting, cut to oversize and dotted with sachets of umm, preservative stuff.<br />
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And then whip up another perfect-fit box for it. (Don't forget to score the fold lines ON TOP of the mattress so you can freak Mary out! How that mattress isn't laced with slash marks I will never know!)<br />
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It seems shameless to admit to this excessive consumption of packing materials. "Reduce" does not apply to the readying of my shipment. But, just consider all the opportunities for "Reuse" that can occur at the other end of this journey! But Rob, if you are reading this, we are NOT going to be keeping all of these boxes! Sorry.<br />
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Day 1 went well. We had a crew of 6 and they stopped once for nasi Padang at noontime and otherwise were heads down all day long! Two more days of packing to go. Loading begins tomorrow at 2 pm where I will perform the miraculous stunt of being in two different places at one time - checking and ticking an inventory list outdoors curb side, and supervising the continued pack-up on level 2 inside. <br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KIDdfCus1vY/Unpuokded8I/AAAAAAAABkE/nzEOVB2UYJI/s640/blogger-image-1098550513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KIDdfCus1vY/Unpuokded8I/AAAAAAAABkE/nzEOVB2UYJI/s640/blogger-image-1098550513.jpg" /></a></div>BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-20682603309633336632013-10-22T16:58:00.001-07:002013-10-23T07:16:24.561-07:00You won't recognise me!We are invited to Murphy Oil's Annual Dinner Dance in Kuala Lumpur next month. The invitation reads "formal evening wear". Now you can find many things pushed to the back of my clothes closet, but evening wear is not among them. In fact, I have worn a long gown exactly once, on our wedding day.<br />
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Jakarta is the place for fancy functions, ball gowns and tuxedos, but I have managed to avoid this aspect of expat life and so I actually know nothing about how and where to find appropriate clothing for this upcoming event. Charlotte has been visiting this past week, and I knew that the process would be both cultural and unusual so we added "get Mary a ball gown" to our list of things to do.<br />
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The Internet proved very helpful and before long Charlotte and I found a design that seemed suitable. Anticipating a miracle sometime within this next month,I am going to look something like this...<br />
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Too Easy! We have a picture of a dress. Now what? <br />
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Some expats here in Jakarta would be familiar with a book called "The Jakarta Shoppers Guide". It is a tome full of information on anything you could imagine yourself needing here in this city. My friend Jean passed it on to me just before she repatriated last month. (Thanks so much Jean, it came in very handy, and I know just the person who can use it next, after I leave!)<br />
Searching the clothing section of this guide yielded the name of a tailor apparently close to my home, and the reviews of her work were very positive. Ibu Eny can apparently copy any picture (imagine!), is accomplished and doesn't overcharge.<br />
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We found her dressmaking shop along a narrow street, congested with people, pushcarts, bajas, vendors and vehicles. It was such a tight squeeze but our driver negotiated the alley-like conditions slowly yet surely. I wondered what Charlotte would be thinking- we were riding the edge of the drainage ditches on several occasions, the car's motion sensors beeped their alerts as we brushed past oncoming traffic in our attempt to inch through. But, Charlotte said she trusted Asri completely and we were both hugely relieved that he was behind the wheel and we were not!<br />
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I only have a couple of weeks left in Jakarta and I am grateful that my path crossed this jewel of a woman before I left! Ibu Eny was gracious with her welcome, honest in her assessment of what could be done for me, full of advice on where to shop for fabrics. Her home/shop was clean and neat and we thought her completely sweet and lovely!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oZF9uWLUGN8/UmfPhPpoULI/AAAAAAAABh4/54UNH-MLpIg/s640/blogger-image--1316417522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oZF9uWLUGN8/UmfPhPpoULI/AAAAAAAABh4/54UNH-MLpIg/s640/blogger-image--1316417522.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It was agreed that we would return the following day with the meterage of lace, satin and chiffon, as per her quote, and off we set for the fabric market.<br />
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Pasar Mayestic is a favourite destination for dressmaking materials. Numerous vendors line the fabric strip but we were looking for the shop called "Fancy". <br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dn6j7AZaH8M/UmfO86I3hvI/AAAAAAAABhw/H0dTbpw0MEI/s640/blogger-image--1166011785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dn6j7AZaH8M/UmfO86I3hvI/AAAAAAAABhw/H0dTbpw0MEI/s640/blogger-image--1166011785.jpg" /></a></div>Three levels chock-a-block of bolts, and people! There is a system and it is not self-serve. The shopper doesn't fossick or handle the bolts. There is plenty of help running back and forth and your wish is their command. Charlotte and I traipsed up to the selection of lace on level 3 and when we found a colour and pattern we liked, the helpers had to head back down to level 2 where the satins and chiffons were housed for suitable matches. It seemed a lot of lugging of heavy bolts up and down stairs, especially when I had several ideas for colour combinations! Such as...<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-433FuxYCczg/UmfLHArE5_I/AAAAAAAABho/S-WScbQca8g/s640/blogger-image--1029287069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-433FuxYCczg/UmfLHArE5_I/AAAAAAAABho/S-WScbQca8g/s640/blogger-image--1029287069.jpg" /></a></div> Coppery blush, or...<br />
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Or this dark garnet...<br />
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I seriously had no idea what I was doing or what I was looking for and I had trouble envisioning the finished result. Give me a shop full of quilting fabric any day! I was glad for Charlotte's patient, ordered approach - we were both novices and out of our comfort zones, but she persevered when I was ready to head home empty handed. Finally a decision was made and we could get out of there! <br />
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Here is Ibu Eny looking over our choices. It would seem she approves. The bodice will be this gorgeous garnet-coloured, beaded lace, lined with a brighter coloured satin. This same satin will line the A-line skirt and the chiffon overlay is a stunning shot of both garnet and plum, very pretty indeed! The original cummerbund idea has been scrapped (so, if i don't look like the model pictured earlier in this post, this could be why.) Whether this combination of fabric, design, workmanship and Mary translates to me looking pretty on the night remains to be seen, but regardless, we have shared an adventure with the unexpected pleasure of meeting Eny the seamstress extraordinare from Jakarta! I believe she will come up in our thoughts and prayers many times over. A great beginning to what will hopefully end in a lovely gown and only the Good Lord knows what else!<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7RhswVSgGp8/UmfP9-AM3CI/AAAAAAAABiA/VzJhQwnRfwQ/s640/blogger-image-1211530690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7RhswVSgGp8/UmfP9-AM3CI/AAAAAAAABiA/VzJhQwnRfwQ/s640/blogger-image-1211530690.jpg" /></a></div>BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897778921943096161.post-29706871373977535272013-10-18T08:15:00.001-07:002013-10-18T09:36:07.734-07:00And Jesus Said... "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?" (Luke 22:26)<br />
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I rounded a corner today, and there in front of me was this visual, reinforcing a spiritual truth that I have been reading about all this week-<br />
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The practical reality is quite simply this- What is the point of getting my knickers in a knot, when God has promised me His faithful Watchcare?!<br />
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This week, it could seem like there are many things to worry about. We are now, officially, a couple in transition, again. - we are moving from Indonesia to Malaysia. <br />
We have important decisions to make.<br />
We are not together in the same country as we try to make these decisions.<br />
We have no housing yet.<br />
We await some paperwork crucial to the move.<br />
We have a container of "home" to organise for shipping.<br />
We are saying goodbye to loved ones and our life here in Jakarta.<br />
We are setting forth into the unknown.<br />
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But all week, I have been reading with Charlotte from her devotional book "Jesus Calling", and the unmistakable theme has been to trust Jesus and focus on Him.<br />
Oct 15 "My Presence with you is both a promise and a protection"<br />
Oct 16 "Look to Me continually for help, comfort, companionship. Recognise your need for Me in small matters as well as large."<br />
Oct 17 "Anxiety is a result of envisioning the future without Me."<br />
Oct 18 "Focus on Me, the Shepherd Who is leading you along your life-journey."<br />
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Thank you God for Your Word in print, for Your Word imprinted on my friend Charlotte's heart, and for Your Word, even hanging on a Jakarta clothesline, if I have the eyes to see it! <br />
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(The devotional quotations are from Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling. Enjoying Peace in His Presence".)<br />
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BirdyStreet Presents...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15404421148391086695noreply@blogger.com1