The Stamp Spot

Friday 13 May 2016

 

 

Day 5 of participating in Week in the Life with Ali Edwards, to learn more visit her website here.

 

My Friday.

It is a super special day today, today my daughter turns 25.

25!

25 years have just flown by.

Today I will visit and spend some time with her and her beautiful children.

Thankfully the birthday present I purchased on Etsy arrived yesterday, I have wrapped it in some pretty peach coloured tissue paper and tied up with a silver satin bow.

I didn't think to take a photo of the wrapped pressie but here is a pic of the gift and the shop link is here.

 

A really nice combination of Lava, Labradorite  (huh what a coincidence give the Guide Dog puppy is a Labrador) and Agate crystals.

 

 

During my time at my daughter's home I receive a call from Denise, my Guide Dog Puppy Supervisor.

She shares with me the most exciting news that I have been allocated a pup from the 'W' litter. The potential pup could have come from the 'S' or the 'W' litter, and my daughters prediction is slowly coming true - she picked this pup completely correct - black, male, and W litter.  Denise tells me my puppy's name is Wade.

Wade is one of 11 puppies. E L E V E N ! ! ! 

Denise directs me to the Guide Dogs facebook page, she says there are photos of the litter. I do this and discover there is a video also!

Oh my stars! The most adorable sweet pups that may well change someone's life.

I am scheduled for next Friday for her to deliver Wade, I just need to let her know my time preference after I check my schedule.

I have several photos from today but they are not for public sharing. I do however have a couple of puppy photos to share....

 

 

Allow me to introduce Krimson, Wade's Mum.  My pup Wade is in amongst there somewhere. Krimson is a red labrador and an amazing Mum to all those puppies.

Those white spots you see on the pups are identification marks. Upon birth they are marked so that they can be individually distinguished. I am curious as to where Wade's white spot is.

Here is a close up ... the staff had to get rather inventive where they placed the white marks (yellow pups get black marks) so as to tell all eleven apart.

 

Sooo much cuteness! Mum Krimson has done a stellar job!

 

 

The day draws to a close, I haven't capture my night stand so I make this my final photo of today.

2 glasses of water, my current read, my Fitbit and a bottle of Doterra fractionated coconut oil. I have noticed my skin is dry already and it is not even Winter yet.

 

Thanks for joining me on this journey of Week in the Life, we are on the home stretch now with just 2 days to go.

 

Cheers

Michelle x.

Thursday 12 May 2016

 

Day 4 of participating in Week in the Life project with Ali Edwards, to learn more visit her site here.

 

My Thursday.

 

Chilly start to the day, first time in single digits this year!

Super excited to see this, Autumn is my favourite season with Winter next.

 

Heavy dew on this side of the car greets me as I prepare to run the teen to the bus stop.

It isn't on the other side as it faces east and the morning sun has warmed up that side of the car.

Once in, I put the window up and down several times as well as wipe the side mirror with a cloth.

 

Lots of nervous energy today, my go to for occupying and making the time go faster is housework. 

I am sure my state of mind and nervous system can be summed up in how sparkly my house is!

Today is a super special day, today I have the final part of my application to be a Puppy Carer for Guide Dogs Queensland which is a home and yard checkout and interview.

Several loads of laundry get done.

Around 10am the phone rings and it is relative to my elderly Mum, during that conversation call waiting begins beeping. I cannot interrupt this call so I try to ignore it. Eventually it stops only for my mobile to start ringing. I look at the caller ID and it is my Interviewer. The  phone call is wound up quickly, however I miss answering my mobile.  A message is left, I listen to it and to my absolute joy and excitement the interview is coming forward from 3.30pm to in the next hour and a half. I return the call to confirm this suits me beautifully.

Less anxious waiting and filling in the time with cleaning, yay!

 

I am super glad I got this area where my interview will take place cleaned and tidied.

This big table that can seat 10 is an outdoor setting. It came inside over the summer.  Canadian visitors, lots of get togethers with friends and family during a very hot summer, this table sitting under the air conditioner got a whole lot of use and just never went back outside. 

I use it to Project Life and to sew rather than my workspace, I feel part of the 'action' part of my home.

 

All set.

My Get to Work Book on the bottom of the stack, if successful there is a going to be a schedule to rival the Prime Minister in his election campaign.

Atop sits a notebook.

Whilst houseworking I have been jotting down any questions I think I should ask, I have 6 questions by the time Denise arrives. 

Glad I had those questions prepared because.....

 

... this beautiful boy named Clark arrived with Denise. What an awesome distraction!

Clark is a retired Guide Dog and is in his 8th year. 

He expertly checks my yard and my home. He has been in the car for an hour or so, has done his rounds and could do with a drink. I fish out a big bowl, fill it with water, set it down and Clark is onto it right away. He reminds my of the Labrador bought for my eldest sons 4th birthday, that kiddo is now 27. Ben was an integral part of mine and my kids lives and later my parents lives, after living with my parents for 13months post separation I simply did not have the heart to take Ben from my Dad. Ben was with Dad to the very end, right beside him on that fateful day in the backyard where my father suffered a massive heart attack and passed away.

My mum, who lives with me now, saw Clark and had to catch her breath, he is so similar to our Ben.

A few hours pass with the yard check, the home check and the interview. I exhaust all my questions written and those that popped up during the visit.

I am approved on the spot.

My heart just soars. My dream is coming true. Today.

 

All this nervous energy, physical housework and the interview have me looking for coffee.

I text just my nearest and dearest the exciting news.

A tentative date is set for next week for the placement appointment. Next week... EEEP!

Prior to this I must get across to the Guide Dogs Head Office and collect pups supplies. Items such as bedding, food bowl, flea/heartworm/tick controls, food, treats and the pups crate. The crate is an integral part of this pups journey, here it will sleep at night, and nap during the day.

 

I remember it is Thursday. Thursday is my drop the ball day. Guaranteed. If I am going to drop the ball, it is going to happen on a Thursday.

Washing will get behind, I will realise there is nothing in the freezer for dinner, nothing for Fridays school lunchbox. 

Todays nervous energy has got the washing up to date... but that freezer, it's just plain ol' empty.

Time to meal plan for the next 7 days and write up a shopping list. All that is left is a part loaf of bread that I pull a few slices from daily to feed the wild birds, some icecream that will go out in this weeks rubbish collection as its been there too long, an opened bag of oats that I put in the freezer as I don;t use them often, a pack of grated cheese, a pack of minced beef and a container holding the excess sweet and sour sauce from a dish cooked this past week. Some standby english muffins and the balance of a bulk pack of puff pastry round out the sad looking freezer compartment.

 

I move onto the pantry and realise I have plenty to make my version of protein balls once more this week.

That helps out with the Friday lunchbox, maybe I can avoid doing a full grocery shop until the weekend afterall.

 

It has been a history making life changing kind of day, the temperature drops quickly though it wont reach single digits tonight.

Thursday night I love nothing more than to settle in the lounge and watch the footy. Rugby league is a big part of our lives with my son training and playing.

Even though I am watching the game, my thoughts are running in circles. I am working out what, when and how I will do all that I need to do in readiness for my Guide Dog puppy. 

From the interview I know that I am to supply water bowls, blanket and towels, along with a variety of chew and play toys.

I feel excited to be going shopping for my new arrival.

Footy sees me out for the night, I feel quite tired from this eventful day and call it a night.

 

Thank you for stopping by and sharing in my amazing Thursday 12 May 2016

Cheers

Michelle x.

 

 

Wednesday 11 May 2016

 

 

Day 3 of participating in Week in the Life^™  with Ali Edwards, to learn more visit Ali's website here.

 

My Wednesday.

 

 

Today I am a bit behind schedule because I am distracted with capturing the light inside home before it get's too light.

 

 

This photo is grainy but I do not care. If I head down the hall instead of across the lounge on my way to the kitchen this is what I see. 

Light streams in through the glass pane by the front door, also from the rooms to the left with doors open - bathroom and a spare bedroom.

I also see footwear left where they were taken off, both sets are mine. I see the original light cover from when we built... there are at least another 3 that still exist.

 

 

Lunchmaking begins. I get this done before making sure the teen is up and getting ready for school. He is not a morning person and I like to vacate the kitchen whilst he makes his breakfast. He likes to eat in silence. 

It's a packed to the brim lunchbox each day, all that sporting activity make for a big appetite. This teen loves pineapple like no one else I know. Apples must be Pink Lady's. And detests butter.

 

 

He eats and I gather.

Lunch satchel. Spare shirt for gym at first break. Blacks boots for boxing. Footy boots for touch after school and then rugby league later.

 

He allows a quick snap, he will usually indulge me for Week in the Life and Day in the Life projects.

16 in less that 2 months. Learner Driver time here we come.

 

I snap a quick pic as he heads off to the bus stop.

 

Each day my hand tamed Indian Ringneck flies around the house before going outside to her big aviary. She has recently transitioned back to it after a very hot and long summer, she has stayed in her cage undercover till now. I hand raised her, syringe feeding her before her eyes had opened. She has a minor issue with one of her feet, doesn't stop her from landing on the screens though. 

 

 

I hear the familiar toot of the courier alerting me that there is a delivery. He has been here each day so far this week, and I mention I am expecting something tomorrow, there is a special birthday in our family later this week. We chat, he leaves, I get on with my day.

 

 

Time has gotten away and suddenly I remember (with 20 minutes to spare) that the Founder of a charity my Mum sews for is arriving this morning to collect my Mums beautiful work. Cot sheets and quilts and blankets. Made lovingly and expertly and so professionally, this assortment will go to newborn babies and the homeless.

They arrive on time, we chat as we load into their car and I learn that there are 2 multiple births arriving soon. One is a set of twins, the other a set of triplets. The Mum having the triplets has made it to 30 weeks and also has a 14month old, no family in Australia and a husband who works very long hours. I enquire as to how we can help and learn how we can, dear Mum you have lots of sewing ahead of you!

 

 

I throw the not quite dry washing in the dryer.

Today is overcast and coolish, shooting for a maximum of 24 degrees. Mother Nature will not get the washing dry in time for me to fold and put away before I am out and about once more. I am rather obsessed about laundry being washed, dried and put away in the same day. My plans usually unravel by about Thursday each week but if I keep up at the start of the week it is not so much to catch up should it go south.

 

My store website has further Paypal issues and at least an hour is spent messaging the web designer back and forth with getting it up and running again.

I close it soon and am feeling today it can't come quick enough. It is outdated and on it's last legs quite literally. Hang in there website, only a fortnight or so to go now. I get super excited to investigate all the options I have available to me for my new site, rebranding is so much fun! 5 years have flown by and I have learnt so much, but the time has come. I am so ready to embrace the new.  And I am so ready for a break. I plan to launch the new site in July. I diarise all the dates I need to remember, I fear I will forget something important. Even now as I type up this blog post I pause to message her yet again, lots of questions needing detailed answers. She replies immediately, she knows how nervous, how excited, how overwhelmed I am feeling.

I explore other sites set up by my website guru in between responding to emails and messages from customers. I check the bank account, I am waiting on payments appearing before posting off orders. The post run will be tomorrow so still a little time for them to appear.

 

Finishing off today's documenting with coffee.

Bulletproof coffee in fact.

From here on in my day is expected to be similar to the previous two. Cook dinner, drive to football training, drive home, finish off work for the day, a bit of telly, shower, read, sleep. Tomorrow is a big day, an exciting day, the next step in a process I started several weeks ago happens in the afternoon. I need to bring my A game. I need to vacuum, wash floors and tidy up. Nervous energy always equals a shiny home.

 

Thanks for stopping by,

Cheers

Michelle x.

Tuesday 10 May 2016

 

 Day 2 of joining in with Week in the Life^™  with Ali Edwards. To learn more visit her website here.

 

 

My Tuesday.

 

I love a time challenge!

Can I get all my errands done in 30 minutes? Lots of real estate between the places I need to go, yes I can beat 30!

 

 

Hmmmm... almost 20 of my 30mins spent in line or processing my mailouts, I suggested the heavily pregnant lady behind me wrangling her 1 year old take my spot in line, 7 satchels packed and passed back over the side counter... I am off to the next place... just as soon as I snap a photo... of course!

 

 

I started a tradition a few WITL times back of capturing the odometer in whatever car I happen to be driving. Today I am in the little car, I choose this one over the big Ranger for Post Office runs, the carparks are not that easy to get in and out of in the bigger vehicle.

 

 

Today I prepare a salad bowl that will be my lunch and dinner. There is no way I could eat all this in one sitting. Still surprised how my eating habits have changed so much in so short a space of time. My instagram post read "would you like some salad with your avocados?"

 

 

Whilst prepping my food my thoughts turn to lunchbox inclusions for the teen. With the amount of sport he plays I am always conscious of what is readily available for school lunches and snacks. It has to be nutritious, it has to be portable, it has to be quick and simple to eat. Having seen so many recipes online and protein bars and balls and drinks in the health foods section of local supermarkets (& my shock at their prices!)  I decided to devise my own. The bonus is I know exactly what goes in and I can ensure all ingredients are organic. I can also vary the ingredients so they never get boring.

I whip up a batch of protein balls in no time flat... today's blend comprises dates, sunflower seeds, brazil nuts, almonds, shredded coconut, walnuts, whey protein isolate powder, cacao powder and coconut oil for binding.

 

Early afternoon slump... because I had more than half that salad bowl! Bulletproof coffee will keep me going till I am back in the door around 8,30pm this evening.

 

It's quite warm still so to help shake off that slump I head outside into the front garden.

In all it's glory is one of my fave shrubs for this time of year. I call it White May, I am later corrected by my green thumb gardening neighbour aka my Mum, that it is actually called a Snowflake bush. White plus it's May equals White May in my head. Autumn is my fave season by a country mile and this shrub adds to the joy I feel at this time of year.

 

As I round the end of the garden bed the Snowflake grows in I am surprised by how lush and how large the Jade plant is!

A beautiful boost of auspicious luck and definitely photo worthy.

 

Heading back indoors I feel so utterly grateful I call this house my home, the 10 year anniversary of living here comes round early next month and this view always, always, always brings a smile to my face.  I never never take this for granted.

 

 

Remembering to check the letter box and head back up the drive, this 50 metre driveway adds to my step count today.

(I have erased the numbers that are on the letterbox, its not actually that clean, the rust spots disappeared with the numbers).

This was only every going to be a temporary letterbox, it is not even permanently in the ground. Somehow it is still standing after 10 years. I am quite attached to this thing, it was the very first thing to adorn the front boundary, there long before the fencing went in.

 

 

Back here again, the 2nd of 4 nights this week and most weeks. Training with the age group above, this session wont finish till after 7.30pm.

Tonight they do not run late and we are back on the road heading home by 7.45pm.

 

I turn in much earlier tonight, around 10pm. After last nights efforts I am ready for a good nights rest.

Side sleeper.

2 pillows with an extra 1 wedged in the bedhead for I will be almost guaranteed to lose part of one of mine through the bars during the night.

I fall asleep before I complete my meditation.

 

Thanks again for stopping by,

Cheers

Michelle x.

Monday 9 May 2016

 

 

Today kicks off the Week in the Life^™  project with Ali Edwards, to learn more please visit her website here.

 

I plan to share photos of each day with simple and brief captions here, then when the week is done and dusted, lived to it's width and breadth I shall print my photos and add with my detailed journaling to either a dedicated album or include in my Project Life album.

 

 

My Monday:

I wake super early today (just after 4am) and upon checking my phone I am greeted with a Happy Canadian Mothers Day from Steven. I reply and then add "love the bonuses of time differences!" 

I don't get up just yet. I scroll social media for a bit and am so glad I do as I am reminded that today is the first day of Week in the Life^™ project with Ali Edwards.

Until right then I was undecided as to whether I would particpate, each time I either don't finish or run out of steam midway through. I use this time planning out how I might make it work for me.. and I listen to the wild birdlife soundtrack of where we live.

 

 

Daily supplement regime.

 

Kicking off my day like any other with a Bulletproof Coffee.

 

Early morning delivery, most excited about what's wrapped in brown paper!

 

 

Underway with the daily kitchen and family room floor cleaning.

 

 

Late morning text from Steven which includes a bunch of stunning photographs from a hike taken recently. This photo is my fave. White Ash tree seedlings are springing up all over the banks of this stretch of the Saskatchewan River.

 

 

 

 

I try to fit in as much creative time into my day as possible, it's what helps to keep my life balanced.

Shannon Brinkley is the genius behind this form of applique, called scrappy applique. Genius just genius. Freeform creativity right there.

 

 

A lot of k's are racked up travelling to this field usually 4 nights per week and for home games on the weekends. Not that many weeks ago I would be photographing the beautiful sunsets, now it's dark and much cooler.

 

 

 

Hopeful they carry phone chargers... because this kid goes through them like well... you know what!

Thankfully they do... and somehow he was only charged $1. 

 

 

Dinner. Still amazes me how little I eat these days. I will be Keto for life now and wished I knew of this way of eating decades ago!

 

 

Squeezing in my 30 minutes which ended up being 20.

 

 

Still wide awake at 11.30pm, I read for the next hour, Hello Tuesday!

 

Thanks for stopping by,

Cheers

Michelle x.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A rising tide lifts all boats

 

 

A rising tide lifts all boats.

 

I came across this quote today.

It settled into the back of my mind.

Aside from the literal and quite visible meaning... indeed a boat floating on a body of water that is tidal and that water is rising will in fact result in a boat being further from the sea/river/lake bottom....however, the collective and subtle meaning has taken up a significant amount of my thinking today.

Specifically my thinking in relation to memory keeping.  In relation to story telling.

In relation to the Story Telling with Project Life class with Ali Edwards. 

 

Not only are the lessons, the message board and the gallery inspirational and uplifting, I have noticed a rising tide of my own. 

With positive, right for me in this season of my life, information and content, the benefits on a very deep and personal level are very much becoming apparent.

 

Collectively this rising tide is lifting my boat!

My boat being a metaphor of the sum total of all the parts that make me me.

 

I have discovered a sense of value, of what I have to say, to tell, to record is valuable. Valuable to myself, my family, my community and maybe even history.

I have discovered more creativity. I am exploring ways to tell my and our story's, how to convey the feelings and emotions along with the facts, how to weave all that I want to express, to document, to explain into a cohesive and interesting passage. How to write short story's, medium story's and long story's. To offer a blend of all 3. I am stretching and flexing my storytelling muscles.

Photo by photo, word by word I realise I am what I think of as a Story Engineer.

A memory keeper who also tells story's.

A designer.

A builder.

Working artfully to bring about the story of my and my family's life as we are living it in 2016.

I have discovered a sense of responsibility in getting story's out of my head and onto the paper, into the pockets.

I have discovered a sense of discretion and a desire to find the balance between telling story's and respecting the privacy's of friends and family.

I have discovered that what I am engineering is interesting to others.

I have discovered I have a voice and that there are many story's that need and should be told.

I have discovered that this is so much fun, having a creative outlet based on story first. It is my version of Project Life.

I have discovered I look for a story I can tell, as soon as and sometimes before I take the photograph.

I have discovered that every photo has a story but not every story has a photo.

I have discovered that contributions from family members in the form of their version of events or situations sometimes with photographs flexes different storytelling muscles.

I have discovered that my attention to and noticing even the little details is useful and positively impacts the story's I have told, I am telling and am yet to tell. Hooray for personality traits that enhance my storytelling perspective....my analytical traits are not always welcomed. My boat is floating along just fine.

Last but not least...

I have discovered a renewed passion for this style of memory keeping.

On a whole other level.

 

and for that I will be eternally grateful to Ali Edwards and her Story Telling with Project Life class.

 

Cheers

Michelle x.

 

 

December Daily 2015 // Day 18

 

 

 

 

Today is Day 18.

I spent a chunk of today hanging out with my dear daughter and her 3 littlies, after hanging out with just her for a few hours last night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The above series of photos started with the middle one as in the middle child (and middle photograph), the biggest one's photo came next and then I realised I was missing one set of feet... the littlest one. Right on cue he woke up from a nap and rolled onto his tummy... perfect for Nannie to grab a quick photo and know that all was right in the Grandparent world with a photo of each.

 

These gorgeous kiddos are so loved, so fun and I love to just hang out with them at their house. Hours just fly by.

So very blessed.

 

Here are the photos for my album from last night, we rounded off our evening of Christmas shopping with grocery shopping.

My dear daughter is the queen of packing so much into her boot space. Somewhere under there is a double pram!

 

 

 

 

My journaling for this evening begins... The Tale of Two Trolleys...

 

May the rest of your day be filled to the very top with love, joy and blessings,

Cheers

Michelle.

 

 

 

 

December Daily 2015 // Day 17

 

 

Today has been all about tidying up the last remaining messy areas around home.

 

I have been attending to all the rest of the house over the past couple weeks. I have decluttered. Really decluttered. A total of 29 large boxes have been donated to various charities and organisations. Some I had to deliver, some came by and collected. Then the deep cleaning happened. 

 

My store kit surplus and my December Daily album supplies were the last to get tidied and rehomed. I absolutely favour our dining setting, it is not the traditional dining as such but more like a bar with barstools. We have a large 10 place outdoor setting, we have 5 stools at a breakfast bar off the kitchen so we really didn't need, nor would we use any kind of formal setting. The only trouble is, it is the perfect height for crafting at! I prefer to stand when I craft and the kitchen bench top can be a little low, this bar height table is perfect.

 

Finally this area made it to the top of the to do list.

 

 

This photo will be printed at 4x6 and slot into that size pocket on a 2 3x4 1 4x6 page protector.

Crazy busy days with work still have stopped me from actually printing photos and getting them in the album.

Maybe tomorrow.

Maybe the next day.

 

Have a bright and merry evening,

Cheers

Michelle x.

December Daily 2015 // Day 16

 

Day 16 in my December Daily album.

This day and what I have included actually happened on the 17th.

Whoa! Now that's a bit different!

 

I struggled to find a story I wanted to tell for the 16th. It was an uneventful day, spent at home, working. Work wise it was huge, every day this week has been huge and 4 hours sleep per night has become the norm. I get so much done between 11pm and 3am that it is worth the sandpapery eyes for the first hour when I wake.

 

Today's spread is about a special, love her long time, friendship.

We met when our daughters were just weeks old. We were neighbours with one house between us. We connected. We have been friends ever since.

Our daughters (who were our only daughters at that time) are turning 25 next birthday. The girls are just 24 days apart in age.

 

I caught up with this beautiful friend very briefly, I received a gift and a handmade by her card. Our catch up was so unexpected that I did not have a gift for her, I am yet to purchase/make it. We both love a handmade homemade Christmas, each year we bake and cook our way through most of our gift lists. My friend is so much more organised than I.

My beautiful card perfectly in the 4x6 pocket, I have inserted the back portion of the card only so that the front/top is like a flap and can be lifted up to reveal the message, the tag from the handmade gift sits in the top right pocket.

 

Due to work commitments I have yet to journal ... considering it is almost like I am a day ahead (this unexpected meet happened the morning of the 17th)  I am giving myself 24 hours to get that done and into the album.

 

Here is today outside of the album:

 

 

 

I know when I look back on this album many years from now, I probably wont remember that this happened on the 17th not the 16th.

It is Christmas themed. 

It did happen in December.

Close enough is good enough for me.

and let's face it..... I have work to do!

 

If you are participating in December Daily, I hope you feel you can make it your own and not be bothered by what others do or don't do

 

Cheers

Michelle x.

December Daily 2015 // Day 15

 

Today's album entry is all about the first lot of Christmas Gift wrapping.

 

I am very late to the wrapping party this year, and a very long way from my best 'record' of wrapped and tagged by Mid October.

 

My attention is diverted in a few directions, the one front and centre is the decision to close my online scrapbook store website. I am devoting a non Christmas type day in my December Daily album to this and it will just slot in whenever that is obvious or convenient. It sure is a part of my December 2015.

In addition, I have my eldest son arriving on Christmas Day and that in and of itself is HUGE! He will be here for several weeks so lots to plan for and factor in.

Also my Mum lives in our Granny Flat on our property now, so of course we accommodate her needs and incorporate her into the entire day, the days before and all the days after instead of sometime during Christmas Day. Mum and I have been nutting out our Christmas Dinner menu, dividing up tasks, checking off ingredients already on hand, making lists of what is still to be purchased.

We have similar lists going for gifts.

 

Thankfully, a time pressure of meeting up with a lovely cousin for some Christmas Shopping has helped me get this gift wrapping show on the road finally.

That very same time pressure has meant that I did not get photos of them inserted into my December Daily album. They are in but there is absolutely nothing else in there with them yet - no embellishing, no journaling either. Each year I include some of my wrapping paper into the days spread, all of the completion of this page will happen tomorrow.

 

Here are the photos that will go into my album:

 

 

 

 

 

This last pic is my absolute favourite. 

The tinsel is in focus but the gifts are not. The lights have picked up the glittery pattern or the burlap ribbon. I quite like shots that are a big different to the norm every now and then.

 

There is also another gift, this time a combined gift, being delivered today also: 

 

 

 

I think I prefer the option of leaving them all 4x6 - so 2 facing pages with the addition of  an insert in the middle for journaling on one side and snippets of wrapping paper, twine and ribbons on the other...  I have a game plan in mind.

That brings the grand total of Christmas Gift recipients to 7 so far!

It is a start.

 

May you day be full of good cheer (and wrapping if you are like me and trailing behind a bit!)

 

Cheers

Michelle x.

 

 

 

 

December Daily 2015 // Day 14

 

Not one but 2 stories to tell today.

That does not happen often.

 

The first story is about a teapot.

A "Brown Betty"

 

The journaling on the photo tells the story ....

 

 

 

This single 4x6 photo will go into the flip side of the 4x6 pocket from yesterdays spread, in the 3x4 pockets above it I intend to put a piece of the packaging from the teas that I will purchase tomorrow. I will most likely buy from T2. As soon as I am home, guess what I shall be brewing up for my Mum and I? !

 

 

and the second story is about my decision, well actually my actions following my decision, to close my online scrapbook store website, The Stamp Spot.

Initially I had thought the end of January would be when I would feel ready to announce and get hustling... today I woke, thought on it some more, and acted. I did not know today would be the day that I would feel ready. I am so glad I do feel ready. The response has been very humbling indeed.

 

 

This strip of journaling is 4" wide x 8" tall and will sit as an insert in the middle of the album, the reverse side will have some stats listed that I have been recording as the day has unfolded following my announcement.

Beautiful emails, messages and an avalanche of orders!

Still, I know this decision is right for me, for my brand, for my little 'spot' in the world of online commerce.

I have been practising living in a more 'grey' zone in life in general. Ali Edwards, God love that woman!, first brought the idea of 'grey' to my attention quite a while ago. You know that knowing, that feeling when you hear something and it just resonates with every part of your being... well Ali's use of the word grey hit me like a wave of reality.

I need more grey. I need less black. I need less white.

I need to not know what is just up ahead, or miles down the road. I need to not know all the little details. I need to not know what my plan a, b c d and all the way to z are.

This leap of faith today, this leap into the grey feels amazing. I cannot believe how excited I am to not know what is next.

Sure I have some ideas, some of those ideas are very grand and would require negotiation and communication with people I don't even know their names yet. Some ideas are teeny tiny... yet are equally exciting. 

I like routine. I like repetition. I feel safest with black and with white. 

However on this adventure...

I am embracing grey!

 

 

Best wishes for feelings of right and good and whole,

We could all do with more of those,

 

Cheers

Michelle x.

December Daily 2015 // Day 13

 

 

Today is all about one of the very special ornaments that adorn our Christmas Tree.

Each year in honour of my late Father (and my born too early premature Daughter, her ornament will feature later in the month) I purchase a new ornament. 

Some years I find it extremely easy and straightforward - see the perfect ornament, purchase it, hang it on the Tree. Some years, such as this year, I struggle.

You would think I would have this annual ornament selection down to a fine art, I have, afterall, had 17 years experience. Yes. Sadly. 17 years.

 

Many a shopping trip ended up with no special ornaments. 

Finally I found the one that spoke to me, that represented all that my Dad has meant to me this past 12 months.

It is a beautiful ornament made from paper (the irony was not lost on me given I own an online scrapbooking store), the pearls are just beautiful (again the irony not lost on me in their representation of wisdom), a little sparkly but not too much (my Dad was often told he had a cheeky twinkle in his eye) and the colour sage (wisdom, clarity and cleansing). Each years ornament has not felt so representative of my Dad or the year that we have travelled through without him, I find the more December Daily's I participate in (and complete) the more my awareness has developed. I am and will be eternally grateful to Ali Edwards for beginning her own journey and then sharing that journey with the entire world.

 

Of course I document these ornaments in my December Daily album.

These ornaments are the last to go on our Christmas Tree, they are the first to be taken down. They are so very special.

 

 

A one page spread (well actually its a 2 page but I am only featuring one here, that photo at the top of this blogpost has been printed, trimmed and placed on the left of this spread with a bunch of handwritten journaling)

 

 

The top left is a close up printed at 3x4, the card on the top right is from the Seven Paper Felix Collection for Studio Calico, the bottom 4x6 pocket holds my photo with journaling atop and a vellum with gold foil stars sheet over top of that.

 

 

A close up:

 

 

 

and finally the photo out of the pocket with the journaling clearly visible:

 

 

It's been an interesting and challenging road in my family and in my household this year.

My elderly Mum (76 at the end of this week!) moved to our Granny Flat at the end of March this year. 

I am so proud of her, 17 years without her husband, a husband that took very good care of her. My Dad, ever the handyman and fixer upper!

We miss him, we honour him, we remember him.

 

I invite you to surround yourself and your loved ones, especially the elderly members of your family, with love and care.

Life is short.

 

Cheers

Michelle x.

 

December Daily // Day 12

 

I very nearly used this photo and journaled all over it! However when I went to edit todays photos I preferred the one I ended up going with, so nice to have a choice.

 

I have tried something a little different (though certainly not rocket science) with my journaling for this spread.

I typed onto some patterned paper from the kit I am using, trimmed it down a little and put overtop a 6x8 sheet.

Some gold glitter alphas were added. I have decided I will go back and add repeated stamping but (as yesterday) due to commitments I ran out of time.

It is so important to me to keep completely up to date with this December Daily project, I acknowledge I have a fear of being left behind (in general, in life) and it plays out every December!

Now if I could just apply that sentiment to Project Life documenting then all would be well in my Memory Keeping world. Yes, it is a goal for 2016. 

 

 

 

 

 

The photo is a page in and of itself, I simply left enough extra border on the left side to allow for the hole punching.

 

 

 

Having Christmas decor in our ensuite might seem a bit odd I suppose, no corner of our home is considered safe from festive decorations!

 

I invite you to celebrate your today, for every day in December is about enjoying all that the Festive Season brings,

 

Cheers

Michelle x.

December Daily // Day 11

 

 

Capture life...

and other people's trees!

 

These photos were not taken today, they were taken this December though. I thought that I wouldn't get to use them until tomorrow Day 12 but no Christmas story has appeared as yet today and due to commitments this evening and tomorrow I wont get time to write a story.

That's how I roll some days in December. 

I am also conscious of there being more everyday stories of late than Seasonal ones and ... well .... it is a December Daily album after all.

 

 

Each time I visit family or a friend, I always, always snap a pic of their tree.

 

I have used an Ali Edwards 6x8 template and simply clipped the photos into place using Photoshop Elements. Printed, trimmed and into the page protector.

Once again no number placement has happened yet!

 

Just a one page spread for today.

These ornaments on my Aunts tree are people I am related to  - my late Nana, my late Poppie and my late cousin.

The bottom left quadrant is a photo of my Aunts wrapping paper and gift tags for this year. That is another set of photos I take - others wrapping paper!

 

 

Later in the month I will share the special ornaments I have on my own tree,  ornaments purchased and lovingly hung to honour my late Father and my late Daughter.

Even though loved ones cannot be with us physically, they are in spirit. 

They will be honoured, respected and remembered.

 

I hope your day has some moments of reflection, life is so precious.

 

Cheers

Michelle x.

 

December Daily // Day 10

 

 

Day 10 is my first no photo day!

 

and... I still could not decide on the placement of the numbers 1 and 0!

 

No surprises there.

 

I seem to have a lot to say this December, a lot to journal. I feel I have hit my groove with this December Daily Project this year. Almost like the past few years I have been in training and now I know my way around a December album. Past participation has taught me (as Ali Edwards says herself) it is about the sum total. I interpret this as the sum total of each story plus each photo, what makes it into the album and what does not. Maybe even who makes it into the album and who does not. It is a mixture of seasonal stories, photos and events sprinkled with the everyday stories.

Not every time, but certainly regularly, when I open my album to add the next day I re read my "This December..." journaling.

Definitely a touchstone, definitely a reminder of my intentions for this album and this season.

 

Day 10 is just (just as in no photo and in no way minimizes the importance of the story within) journaling and is housed inside this glassine bag (I simply punched holes in it) and written on 2 4x6 sheets, both plain Kraft cardstock. I hand wrote this journaling.

Whilst I am not sharing the actual words here, I can mention that they focus on the Christmas Spirit as shared with me in my family, amongst my friends in real life and my online friends. It is a nod to another form of self care, of the need for human contact and relationship.

Taking the time to stay in touch at this busy time of year, taking the time to just ask "how are you?", taking the time to check plans and when each is free to catch up in person, taking the time to listen to struggles, taking the time to celebrate non Christmas related achievements, taking the time to simply connect and to say the words that convey how much each cares about the other.

I am truly blessed at this and every time of year, today's entry is simply a way to honour these very important people in my life right now.

 

The following photo is showing the bag open with a journaling card peeking out:

 

 

 

The following photo shows the tag outside of it's pocket:

 

 

 

and finally the rear view of the glassine bag:

 

 

 

 

The journaling exercise for Day 10 in my December Daily album has been good for my heart and dare I say soul.

As I wrote I could feel myself filling with gratitude, I am so very grateful for my life and those that I hold dear.

 

May your day be filled with loved ones, near, far and wide,

Cheers

Michelle x.

December Daily // Day 9

 

 

 

Today celebrates the last day of single digits for December, so cliche but will say it anyway.... December is zooming along.

Catching my breath yesterday was a nod to self care and a nod to Peace and Calm, I so needed it.

 

Day 9 is all about the much anticipated School Report arrival in the mail. School finished back in November, each year we forget about it until that big envelope lands in the mailbox.

I checked the mail on our way out the door yesterday, immediately set upon by the student and was such an awesome report it required that I pull over at the top of our street and pay attention to the teen who proudly read it out. The only subject below expectation was English, thankfully a subject he does not need for his chosen career path.. and the priceless retort of "Well I would do a whole lot better if she were hot!" Teen boy right there! In all seriousness the repore you have with your teache/sr, and at his age appearance and/or level of respect given by teacher to student and student to teacher is very much reflected in results. He excelled in the subjects where this level of respect exists. The usual array of comments of kind, thoughtful, courteous, a pleasure to have in the classroom, enthusiastic were there... along with a few funny comments - yes my youngest son is quite the comedian and quite the keeper of all things just.

 

Day 9 (by default) includes this left hand page... it is from the One Little Bird digital December Daily set for Ali Edwards - a 6x8 paper that I decided to print on specialty transparency paper - I printed this several weeks ago and finally found the spot for it. Initially my intention was to have it as a stand alone divider style page but having cut it in advance to 6x8 it just would be too small for that idea in an 8x8 album where there is a lot of distance between holes and the pockets beginning.

I simply slipped it into the flipside of the previous day 8, then removed it to add the gold die cut star and some word strips (Felix Collection by Seven Paper for Studio Calico, 1 sheet of which can be found in this comprehensive kit) and returned it to the pocket. 

 

Day 9 left side:

 

 

 

Day 9 right side:

 

 

That piece "every picture records a little story" is a Jillibean Soup white die cut (1 of similar design is included in this kit), I simple adhered it over top of the photo.

 

Next page (fllipside of the 6.5x8.5 photo):

I stitched in place a piece of gold strip transparency (yep you got it - also in the kit) using gold metallic thread on the upper and an off white in the bobbin. 

Then it was just a matter of slipping in a bunch of 'spots' to journal on, 3 4x6 cards (kit), adding another Jillibean Soup white die cut onto the Kraft 4x6 card,  and a bag I made using gold spot glassine paper, a Sizzix die and my Big Shot. Inside that bag is a burlap paper tag cut from the dies that Ali had in her shop.

 

 

Close up of the stitching detail, love metallic thread:

It can be a bit tricky keeping transparency material from slipping all over the place, stitching very slowly and repositioning as you go works, also a walking foot (used by quilters) is invaluable for this kind of project.

 

 

 

Number placement is top left - I know that day 10 is most likely a no photo day so will use the glassine bag I pre prepared to slot my journaling in, I flipped the bag over to the back side before I placed the 9 where I did, I like to see the previous days number sometimes.

 

 

And on the subject of number placement....

Just a quick revisit of Day 8 - I struggle to find the perfect spot for number placement and decided, after much fiddling, I would just throw the 8 inside the page protector and come back to it another day (maybe never!) and this is almost the exact spot where it settled - I went with that. Clearly overthinking is a habit I have with these number placements! I have yet to place days 6 and 7.

It is quite a grainy capture (taken from my phone as an afterthought to share here).

 

 

Thank you for visiting my little spot in the huge December Daily world,

 

Cheers

Michelle x.

December Daily // Day 8

 

 

 

After yesterdays dramas and scary happenings, a day at home was required today.

Nothing Christmas themed happened, just the usual housework, small business work, orders, a trip to the post office, a quick visit to my daughter and grandsons, a cuppa with my Mum, some paperwork to attend to for my Mum and catching up on my December Daily album.

The previous 2 days have been spent away from home, long days, tiring days. No photo editing or printing.

I remedied that today and got caught back up.

 

Day 8 Right Side:

 

 

 

I have left the photo at 6x8 (I needed to reprint as I had resized this to 4x8 but it just wasn't doing it for me. I seem to continually forget I have an 8x8 landscape to use and not a 6x8.

 

Day 8 Left Side:

 

 

Totally inspired by Ali Edwards to use large stamps, I took Ali's example and fashioned it to make it my own.

 

Here is the process I used to achieve both stamping and typewritten words:

 

Using a 40lb American Crafts 8.5x11 sheet of vellum,  I inserted it into my typewriter and typed my journalling. I didn't measure between blocks of journaling but knew I needed to leave good sized gaps. I also wanted to alternate the sides on which the journaling appeared.

 

 

The finished sheet of vellum with all the journaling and then cut to fit an 8x8 page protector:

 

 

I then adding the stamping using a stamp set by Studio Calico (one I received for taking a class) and Cherry Ink by Avery Elle. Slipped it into the page protector and called it done.

 

 

Perhaps the only Christmas themed element today is the colour scheme, red roses, green foliage and white stones in a water feature. 

I have enjoyed the pause from Christmas themed events and happenings, I have enjoyed a day of reassessing, of slowing the pace, of crossing my t's and dotting my i's, of texting and talking with my kids and other family members, of regrouping and of a little self care... and of smelling the roses in my garden.

I have taken the time to begin processing recent events and revelations. Heads up: tomorrow (Day 9) is also a slower paced, stay at home kind of day. I think I will take the opportunity to photograph some favourite ornaments and continue processing and re-evaluating.

You, or rather I,  just have to roll with it. I can't do complicated at this time of year.

 

 

I hope you day is bright and filled with peace and contentment.

 

Cheers,

Michelle x

 

 

December Daily // Day 7

 

 

Yes this Christmas we have an addition to the family. A gorgeous and sweet baby boy joined his Mummy and Daddy, siblings and extended family in August.

Christmas is magical in and of itself, however it is much more so when there is a First Christmas to celebrate also.

I find myself noticing all these cute First Christmas outfits, tree decorations, pregnant bellies and teeny tiny newborns every time I am in a shopping centre.

All of the above was plentiful today.

 

 

Today was a huge day of Christmas shopping.

 

My youngest son and I met up with my Aunt and second cousin for a day of gift buying. Specifically my Aunts gift buying. Now wheelchair bound with oxygen tank on board it felt like a miracle to actually all get to the shopping centre on time and meet at the designated spot!

 

We head off, navigating a busy shopping complex can be a challenge at the best of times, combine that with a wheelchair and that seems like a walk in the park.

 

Lots to look at, items to carefully choose, lists to cross off (even ones that get accidentally dropped and are found after having to retrace ones wheelchair tracks to retrieve it!), multiple coffees, bathroom visits etc etc etc. I learned a lot, and came away from my day with the utmost respect and first hand knowledge of the life of a wheelchair bound/dependent person. And for their carers/attendants, it's a physical job!

I also came away with killer lower back pain, along with 15 000 plus steps recorded on my fitbit.

 

 

There's that shopping list!!

 

Several stores later, more items checked off, we enjoy a quiet lunch, I get to sit down, all I can manage is another large coffee! This was my first one and the others that followed were equally large or larger!

 

 

Here is how the day looks in my December Daily album:

 

One of the first large Department stores we went into I saw this seriously cute and I thought rather unique advent block calendar... not surprisingly it was very near the toy section. I printed it 6x8 and made it a page of it's own (not inside a page protector). This time I left a small white border around the photo.

 

 

Turning that page left me another full page photo opportunity option:

 

Also snapped early on in the day (thankfully I did because the medical emergency that ended our day was just a few hours away!), here my youngest son helps out on wheelchair duties...

 

 

Opposite this page are a few snapshots and journaling on the top photo (done in Photoshop elements before printing)

 

 

 

Between these two pages I have added a glassine bag, holepunched on the bottom so that it sits horizontally in my album. 

The front of the bag has a Simple Stories Photo pocket (they come with a strip of self adhesive so super easy to attach just about anywhere). I cut a number transparency to 4x4 and slid it in. I definitely wanted a see through element to go in this pocket and I was thinking my album has quite enough sequins for now, so a shaker pocket was not an option.

Inside the bag sits some journal cards, kept enclosed with a round gold paper clip.

 

 

 

As hinted at earlier, the day ended rather abruptly, though we were all nearing the end of our capacity anyway. A too sweet drink for my diabetic Aunt tipped her over the edge, what we think was a hypo episode unfolded very quickly and at an alarmingly dangerous pace. Thankfully a security guard was passing by, I flagged her over, she called for backup, we increased the oxygen to it's maximum capacity and rode out whatever that episode was. My cousin had turned up just prior so her being there was a whole lot less scary for me.

 

I hope your December is unfolding in a mild and pleasant way, dangerous and alarming are no fun at all!

 

Cheers

Michelle x.

 

December Daily 2015 // Day 6

 

Christmas Pudding Day 2015

 

Today is the day... 4 extra large Christmas Puddings need to be made.

They need to be put on to boil as early as possible... the biggest of the 4 will take 7 hours today and another 2 hours on Christmas Day.

 

 

My sweet (& fave) Aunt has kept the family tradition of Christmas Pudding going since she inherited this task several years ago.

My grandmother, whom I helped with the Pud for many years during my childhood, had her own recipe. She also had a 'secret' recipe for the accompanying infamous Brandy Butter.

When my Aunt went through the recipe books not one of them seemed to be what she recalled as THE CHRISTMAS PUD her Mum used to make.

It took her 3 years to perfect the recipes found - my grandmother was notorious for not writing down any modifications made to any recipes, with many many recipes simply stored in her head. Some, like the infamous Brandy Butter, were never recorded, were kept very secret until such time as she knew she would need to share them if the tradition was to have a hope of continuing.

That Brandy Butter recipe source remains a mystery to this day. The only recipe found that comes close does not come close in taste nor specialness.

 

For the past 3 years running I have assisted my Aunt in the making of the Christmas Puds, each year we have increased the amount of puddings or the size of the puddings.

This year our biggest amount and sizes yet - 4 very large ones.

 

 

Almost 5 kilos of dried fruit, 13.5 cups of breadcrumbs, a dozen eggs the  crazy proportion of ingredients goes on.

 

We begin just after 9 and we are done and have the first on to cook at 10.30! My cousin helped this year so that definitely sped up the process of measuring ingredients, peeling grating and juicing also.

 

 

The all important part of tying off each pudding basin after covering with pleated greaseproof and then topped with foil, secured with string ready to hit the boiling water waiting for it atop the stove.

 

Last year I drew a quick diagram of my Aunts stovetop, I did the same this year... a tradition in and of itself now!

 

 

Last years diagram:

 

 

Then of course came the washing up... we use huge mixing bowls to get this job done! Once cleaned up it is simply a matter of checking on the big pots holding the puddings, ideally water half way up the basins is best, you do not want them boiling dry!

 

 

I have yet to edit these photos, add the meaningful journaling and print ready for my December Daily album.

I fear that because this day and the next are difficult days to document (due to my Aunts health and diagnosis) I will not continue with documenting December 2015. I know that my future self will regret that deeply so blogging the day will avoid that regret.

 

I urge you do document the good, the bad and the downright sad and not just in December, all stories make up the whole person.

 

Cheers

Michelle x.

 

PS I have not forgotten Day 5, the time to document it and share here just hasn't happened.

 

December Daily 2015 // Day 4

 

The story for today is Grandchildren.

I have three.

They are each beautifully different, different personalities, different likes and dislikes and each has a special place in my heart, reserved just for them.

To protect these precious children I have concealed their faces and anything that which may identify them. 

 

 

Day 4 left side:

A full 8x8 photo of the littlest, it is his first Christmas!

 

 

 

Day 4 right side:

A collage of more photos of this littlest one with a space for some journaling sits opposite, it is 8x8 also. A collage of those teeny tiny precious hands!

 

 

 

Day 4 Middle page:

In the middle sits a smaller page protector (5.5 x 8.5). The 2 older grandchildren are in the photo that is adhered to plain blue American Crafts textured cardstock. This serves as a flap on the outside of the pocket ensuring that inside there is a lot of room for journaling, there is also room on the back if I need more space. The flap piece (photo matted on blue cardstock) is secured on the left edge only, to the back white cardstock with garden variety clear packing tape. I have mostly seen washi used to secure pieces together but knew that the photo was going to take up the whole of the flap. I may add a co-ordinating piece of washi on the inside yet. The Christmas Tree flair badge is half foam adhered on the right so that the flap can slip under on the left. The number '4' will most likely go just below the flair badge.

The cardstock and flair badge are from my kit which can be found here. And it's currently 15% off!

That journaling is almost done but not included, and will not be shared here.

I have journalled in the form of a letter to each grandchild.

 

 

Thank you for visiting or revisiting, thank you also for the lovely comments that are being left, it really is the Season for giving and sharing.

 

May the rest of your day be filled with time spent with those you love and hold dear, that sums up my day for sure!

 

Cheers

Michelle x.

 

Details of this project, December Daily, can be found on Ali Edwards website. Ali created this annual project several years ago, many thousands the world over participate each December. You can check Ali's blog during December where she shares each days photos and story's. There is even a facebook group now... just search December Daily 2015 - over 3400 like minded memory keepers are there!