Quiet reflections on Australia Day

A nice quiet Australia Day here in Melbourne.

Started the day with a good clean up around the house.

What is it, that makes the atmosphere suddenly change

after a good clean? It seems with the dust, goes all the stagnancy,

all the 'invisible' weight that might be accumulating around the home

...either way, as the prime caretaker of the home,

I 'feel' the difference after a good clean.

After all, mother nature knows when a good clean is needed

as her rains and  winds relieve the environment of dust and grime.

And as it does outdoors, so does it feel better indoors too.

The photos show views of the place I call 'home'.

'White Cloud Drift' hangs above the sofa in the lounge room,

while a couple of new op shop finds, sit displayed on my grandfathers 

beautiful hand crafted cabinet. I have a penchant for old sewing memorabilia.....

...spot my sons' 'feet'! :-)

The cushion I fashioned from old pieces of cotton fabric,

adding  detail with pin tucks and free embroidery in abstract designs.
sigh.....what i wouldn't do for a new camera tho'.

A

Pottering about indoors.......

Well, I've just come home after a spell of shopping.

My eldest son is suffering terribly from hayfever at the moment 

and top of the list of necessities to buy this morning was hay fever medication.

I too,  am staying indoors until the wind has settled down

in anticipation of the rains that should come tomorrow to give

us all some relief. 

As well as painting and working up to my next exhibition

at Burrinja Art Gallery next year, I like to busy myself with 

vintage paper crafts. They look really beautiful

dotted around the house amongst pristine white roses from
my garden. These little details are important

in giving a home a lived in, loving atmosphere. 

Here's the story behind the blouse a friend of mine gave me that she found

in a charity shop - she was displeased with the bulkiness of the fit.

 So I deconstructed it, and sewed it up into a simple summer top

with vintage lace detailing around the collar and sleeves.

I'll ask her if she wants the blouse back now.

A