It Just Won't fit, No Matter How Hard I Push.

It's that time again where I sit staring at my bookshelves trying to work out where on earth I can fit the books I've just bought. Books are starting to stack up on each other and my slightly anal soul can't handle it. A solution must be found.
I started looking back through some of my files and found these inspiring book ideas...




This one I particularly love just for it's creativity and problem solving. In this apartment they have built the bookshelves into the stairway. To give you a clearer idea there is another view following.

Here they have solved the problem by putting their books in the ceiling joists - genius.

I think this might be the solution to my problem - I'll just hang all the extras from the ceiling. Surfer Boy will just love it!!

CHALLENGE 2

Now who could this golden haired boy be?

Drop In And Visit

Gabbinbar Homestead, Aust.

Iced Tea and a game of croquet anyone?

4 Days Till Spring!!!

I was so proud of myself for growing this - until I saw these....

Oh Well!

Happy Birthday Dadsy Wadsy

A massive HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the fabulous Bill Pearson, my Dad, and one of the greatest men you will ever meet.

According to my Mum tonight, Dad and I grow more alike every day.

I am more than happy to go with that as Dad is one of the most loving and generous people I have ever met and if I am only a little like him I will be happy.

The things my Dad has given me -

Generosity (hopefully)

a love of MGM musicals

the ability to remember fairly useless music and movie trivia

an interest in Authurian legends

olive skin

low cholesterol (sorry Mum)

we waddle when we're tired

a love of country music

the desire to keep up with pop culture

the ability to sit over a drink for hours

the tendency to grossly exaggerate to improve a story

a love of people watching

good spacial relations (definately not from Mum)

the ability to tune out others when reading or watching TV

a liking for Vanilla slices

love of surf culture
a love of shopping
and a million more that I'm sure I'll think of as soon as I sign off...
Happy Birthday Dad.

(Surfer Boy wanted me to add another - we are both vulgar and have a dirty sense of humour. - fair enough)

Goodbye Tas - Tasman Blizzard Memorial Paddle

Yesterday we said a final farewell to Tas Blizzard on his hometown beach at Point Lonsdale. Over 100 board riders paddled out to send Tas on his way and a 100 more threw yellow flowers from the beach. It was the most beautiful and moving ceremony I have ever been a part of and every touch was such a perfect reminder of Tas.

Andrew with Tas's dog Gemma

In Memory - Tasman Blizzard arch

Everyone heads through Tas's arch to hit the water.

Heading out.

The board riders formed a circle, holding hands while Blizz scattered Tas's ashes to a huge roar of approval from the board riders and those watching from the beach.

And as was so appropriate, everyone road the waves back in.
Tas Blizzar,

Tasman Blizzard farewell

The board riders club put on a BBQ and everyone slowly left the beach to continue to celebrate Tas's life with Blizzy, Rosemary and Michael. The whole day made me proud to be a part of such a supportive community and I hope that somewhere out there Tas was watching 'cause I recon he would have loved it.
Tasman Blizzard memorial paddle,

Tasman Blizzard, Tasman Blizzard

Soaring High

Oh My!!! I usually like my home small and cosy but these ceilings are stunning!!
Just imagine having book group in that lovely circle of armchairs... bliss.

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Jen

In Memory of Tasman Blizzard

New Kid On The Block

For those of you who, like me, love shopping online, here's the latest website to check out. My lovely sister-in-law has developed Onesies.com.au and it went live over the weekend. If you are looking for a onesie (baby bodysuit) then this is the place to go. She has a wonderful selection of labels and caters to all budgets.
Pop in and have a look and let me know what you think.

I'm Never Going To Like The Girls He Brings Home!

Moondoggie was given this fabulous tee for his birthday. Every time he wears it he makes people giggle. My only problem with this tee is the actual choice of women for the top 5!! What the hell is with Angelina at number 1?? Team Aniston all the way!

Who would you put on there?

The Blue Room

I finally got around to painting the second wall in our bedroom. What was a blue feature wall has now spread to 2 walls, and I'm loving it. It's so nice to have a bit of colour in your life. Do you think Surfer Boy will now build us a bed like this one? Surely all that decorative scrolling couldn't take that long!

Drop In And Visit

What a shame this home is in Tuscany - although I'm not adverse to moving there for a few years, especially if we get to live here.
I'm sure for many that kitchen would be a nightmare but I think it is an absolute feast for the eye, and I'm sure there are lots of wonderful smells emanating from there as well.



Images - Inside Out

Wompy Stompy Surfer Boy

I can't quite seem to get back to my frivolous blog entries so soon after Tas's funeral - it just doesn't seem right somehow.

So here are some bits and pieces that Tas might have liked..

The Meanies (in the 90's) Tas is last on the right.

Point Lonsdale Back Beach

Hoodoo Gurus - Kamikaze Pilot

Tasman Blizzard

I knew a boy.
I first met him when he was about 12.
He was the little brother of my dear friend.
He grew up and became a surfer,
A rock star,
A psychologist,
And a beautiful man.
He had time for everybody. He made me smile.
He was one of the good ones, a gentle, gentle soul.

He died on Friday.


He crashed his car and left us.


I'm so grateful that his world touched mine.

Goodbye Tas.

Tasman Blizzard 1972 - 2008

I'll Always Call Australia Home

I am constantly thanking what ever lucky star I was born under that I live in Australia. For a million different reasons I wouldn't live anywhere else in the world.

Today while sipping on my morning cuppa and indulging in a little chocolate I came across these divine images of a home in N.S.W. They make me wish I had the guts to leave the city. I can't tear my eyes away and can almost smell the eucalyptus and the dust.

Coxs River in the Kanimbla Valley

What a fabulous chenille quilt. Such a soothing colour palette.



Aaah, this is where I should be enjoying my cuppa!

images - Country Style Australia

A Tag Of Threes

Whitney from Whit's End has tagged me and as I am sitting watching really crap TV I thought I'd get on with it... here goes
What are the last three things you purchased?-
Pies from the Kinder fundraiser
Country Style magazine
Breaking Dawn - the last in the Vampire saga by Stephanie Meyer
What are the last three songs you downloaded?
Sarah Buxton - Innocence, That Kind Of Day, Stupid Boy
What were the last three places you visited?
Point Lonsdale, Myrtleford, Point Lonsdale.
What are your three favorite movies?
Oh dear! It changes every day...today my favourites are -
Dirty Dancing, Bring It On, Ten Things I Hate About You.
What are your three favourite possessions?-
The necklace of my kids by Georgina Cunningham
My dining table made by Surfer Boy
My books.
What three things can you not live without?
I'm going to assume that family and friends are a given so...
A book in my handbag, a bottle of Red Eye, and a cheesy teen movie.
What would be your three wishes?
That it hadn't been raining at 3.00pm on Friday 1st August.
That my kids stay safe and contented until old, old age.
That Surfer Boy and I live to see the kids live long and contented lives.
What are three things you haven't done yet?
Visited Prince Edward Island, lost the baby weight, taken the kids camping
What are your three favorite dishes?-
Balinese green coconut pancakes, Singapore Noodles, apple pie
What three celebrities do you want to hang out with most?-
Lauren Graham, Ellen Degeneres, Mandy Moore,
Name three things that freak you out -
cotton wool, injections in your pupil, flickering light
Name three unusual things you are good at - hanging pictures straight without measuring, teen movie trivia, keeping secrets
What are three things you are currently coveting?- a new driveway, a size 10 figure, season 3 onwards for Sabrina The Teenage Witch
Name 2 bloggers you are tagging-
Kristine
Lou

My Idol! Shannon Fricke.

I have scaled my blog list down to about 8 sites that I read on a regular basis. Number one on my list is always Shannon Fricke's gorgeous blog.

Shannon is renovating her new home at the moment and just posted a photo of her finished entrance way. I managed to locate a photo of her old hallway and thought I would show you them both so you can see why I love her blog so much.

Simply stunning.

The Salad Plate! Genius!!

I am convinced that this may be the greatest invention of modern times, perhaps even for ever!

As soon as I heard about it I registered online so that I wouldn't miss out on this FABULOUS world changing invention. It has now been released and all I have to do now is sit tight and wait for it to turn up in my letter box!

This is the Blurb on the website - I LOVE IT!!!

Research has practically proven that salad can’t fill the seriously hungry stomach. So why waste time trying? Simply place your delicious Four’N Twenty pie in the area provided on the Four’N Twenty MAGIC SALAD PLATE™ and suddenly with no effort at all it looks like you’re having salad as well! With a Four’N Twenty MAGIC SALAD PLATE™, to the untrained eye it appears there’s a leafy green salad, but in truth it’s just part of the plate. Astounding! Now you don’t need to cave in to the pressure that some people put on you to eat salad. And all while still looking like you totally have!

TWILIGHT - Discussion Questions

A few people have asked about book group discussion questions and as I don't know how else to share them I have had to post them here - sorry to those of you who haven't read the book. Hopefully there are no spoilers for anyone wanting to read it.
I have borrowed a few questions from fan forums and I thank those people, whoever you are.

TWILIGHT - Stephanie Meyer

Were you able to suspend disbelief? Did you think SM created a real and believable story?

Did you find the characters engaging and did they ring true?

Did you have a real sense of Bella experiencing a typical first love even though there was nothing typical about her or her first love. Did you think Bella's reactions were realistic?

Did you feel the tension as Edward was learning to control his hunger?

Who was your favourite secondary character and why?

Meyer says that the concept of "choice" is an important one to her. How does the book illustrate that concept?

Do you think that Bella is a strong or a weak woman? Is she a good role model for young women? How does she fit with your view of feminism?

What about Edward as a role model for young men?

Which character (main or secondary) do you relate to most? Why?

What was your first impression of Twilight? Did you think that it was a good introduction to the series? Why or why not?

What was your first impression of Edward and the Cullens?

What if the main roles were reversed? Do you think the story would have been similar if Bella was the vampire?

Why is it that Bella's blood calls to Edward more than anyone else?

Why does Bella accept that fact that Edward is a vampire so quickly?

What are your opinions about Bella & Edward's relationship, and why?

Do you think that the fact Bella had to take care of her Mother, and to an extent, Charlie, attracted her to the strength in Edward – someone was taking care of her for a change?

From Charlie’s point of view, what do you believe is his opinion of Edward before, then after the run-in with James, Victoria, and Laurent?

Did Stephanie Meyer's portrayal of Vampires appeal to you or do you prefer the more traditional view? (coffins, bats, etc)

Did this book change your view of vampires? If so, how? Is it a positive or negative change?

What is the significance of the Cover photo? (Forbidden Fruit.)

Why the title - Twilight? (The safest time of day for a Vampire.)(originally titled 'Forks')

Does the young adult classification ever deter you and do you think that this book fits that classification?

Will you read the sequels?

Twilight, Twilight, Twilight, Twilight, Twilight, Twilight, Twilight, Twilight,

Discussion Questions, Discussion Questions, Discussion Questions, Discussion Questions,

Topped Off By A Sleep In!

Surfer Boy is working on an oil tanker in Bass Strait somewhere, Moondoggie and Gidget are having a sleepover at their Grandparents..... gee, what shall I do with myself????

I worked at CHALK today and after closing I strolled up to the Bookshop for my weekly drool and came away with The latest Jasper Fforde novel - First Among Sequels. I then popped into the cafe next door and spent a lovely hour drinking tea and re-reading the fabulous Twilight (see Bookgroup book). For me this is my idea of heaven - actually it could have been 28 degrees instead of 8 degrees but you can't have everything.

Next up is a trip to Blockbuster to choose tonights viewing, then take-away Thai and trackies on the couch with Krissa, the only other 40 year old who is excited that 'She's The Man' is on T.V. tonight! If you're a fan of cheesy teen movies, give this a go, if only for the incomparable comedic talent that is Amanda Bynes! (and yes, I'm serious.)(keep your eye out for the towel flick scene!! Priceless)

Enjoy your Saturday night - I certainly will!

P.S. - I think a hint is needed for the Challenge in the previous post!

3 blondes and a black cat

CHALLENGE 1

If you can tell me who this is and why I love him I will send you a pressie in the mail!!!

Does Your Mother Know - ABBA - 1979

This is my favourite ABBA song - What's yours??

Drop In And Visit

I am re-reading My Anne Of Green Gables series at the moment so my home this week is on the delightful Prince Edward Island in Canada, where Anne called home. It is the only part of the world that I'll be disappointed if I die without seeing.

And while I'm at it I wanted to share my favourite photo of Anne from the fabulous mini-series starring Megan Follows.

Gorgeous!

FREEBIES

I was clearing out the stockroom at CHALK on the weekend and came across a bag of my grosgrain ribbon. I thought I might parcel up 2 meters of each (6 meters) and send them off to a couple of my readers. So leave me a comment and I'll choose 2 or 3 out of a hat to send some gorgeous grosgrain.

I Could Do This Everyday..

pink cupcakes,

cherries,

camambert,

boys with hotdogs,

sparkly wine glasses,

strawberries,

flourless chocolate cake,

double cream,

trampolines,

little girls giggling,

kittens,

What more could you ask for on the last official day of school holidays.

Thank you to Penny and Leslie for a lovely long lunch.

Penny's guests arrive bearing home made baked goods

Childhood on a Stick

They are just as delicious as I remembered and taste like youth and sun and carousels and ponies and salty skin and scraped knees.

They also stick to your teeth and make you feel faintly guilty for doing something so decadent.

Have you seen anyone walking down the street eating a toffee apple lately? I think they, sadly, have been relegated to something you eat at home in secret.... I'm going to make next Saturday

TOFFEE APPLE DAY.

Help me bring back the joy!

Pop a Toffee Apple picture in your sidebar and join me.

Now I Want To Go To Italy

I really shouldn't blog late at night after watching a gorgeous Italian steam up the screen. I'm likely to turn the whole site into an ode to Raoul Bova!

I'd be happy to lie 'Under The Tuscan Sun' with Raoul, or even just gaze at him from afar.....sigh! Maybe we'd live here and have dozens of babies....

Maybe I should wake up now! Besides my husband is just as hot and I've already had babies with him so I'm way ahead of the game already. Kingsville is not quite Tuscany but 2 out of 3 isn't bad!

Good Night Raoul...

Ever Get The Feeling....

'Everyone else my age is an adult, whereas I am merely in disguise.'

Margaret Atwood from Cat's Eye, 1998

I am going to eat a Toffee Apple tomorrow!!!

Sunday Rose Kidman Urban

The phone has rung hot this morning with friends checking to make sure I had heard the news about Keith. Luckily the lovely man, knowing I was waiting to hear, posted this on his website....

"Earlier this morning, Nic gave birth to our beautiful baby girl," he wrote. "We want to thank everybody that has kept us in their thoughts and prayers. We feel very blessed and grateful that we can share this joy with all of you today. More to follow..."

So she is finely here, safe and sound, and there is one more Urban in the world which can only be a very good thing for mankind!!!

Congratulations to the Urban and Kidman Families.