But I love them

Goodness, it’s already May and once again I’ve been neglecting my little blog but for good reason - I’ve been so busy with my painting which as you know was my own personal goal this year. Some lovely and brilliant friends have sent commissions my way, which is completely thrilling! I love translating someone else’s ideas into an artwork, although I must admit it’s funny to think of myself as an artist! My adorable and clever kids have told me that for years, I think I should listen to them more.

Recently I joined an online beginners painting class called Get Your Paint On hosted by Lisa Congdon and Mati McDonough. It runs for 5 weeks and already I’ve learnt so much. The class interacts in a private group on Facebook and Flickr. This weeks assignment was to take inspiration from a favourite artist; I chose Australian artist David Bromley. I particularly love his children’s series and his butterfly paintings as butterflies are a special symbol in our family. During Mia’s early years at intervention we learnt that butterflies are also deaf and when deaf children learn to listen and speak, they emerge like butterflies from their silent cocoon and fly off into the colourful world of sound.

We visited this magnificent place a few weeks ago and I’m already wishing we were back there. Located in the gorgeous town of Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley (Australia, for any of my international friends). As well as the gorgeous gardens there is a lovely village of boutique shops and cafes - and the whole area is riddled with picturesque vineyards and restaurants. Next time we visit though we will pack a picnic lunch.

When I was a kid I used to love when the Easter show came to town. Turns out I still do now.

I painted my first commission for a wedding this week, very exciting! My gorgeous friend and her beau are marrying later this year at a sunset ceremony in picturesque Bali (!) with their three little girls by their side. Rhi requested this to be used in lieu of a guestbook with her small group of friends and family signing around the edge as a wonderful keepsake.

A few pics from our girly weekend in Brisbane last week. Mia had a couple of hearing appointments scheduled from before we moved away so the girls and I made a nice weekend of it, meeting up with my mother-in-law who was celebrating her 50th birthday.

We stayed at a luxurious motel in the heart of the city, with that gorgeous view of the Storey bridge right outside our bedroom window. We pretended we were Eloise prancing around our very own fancy schmancy motel (and we may have used the word ‘darling’ one too many times). We spent many frivolous hours poolside and ate scrumptious food until we couldn’t eat another bite. Kym was feeling rather sad about turning the big 5-0 so together with my brother-in-laws in on the act we surprised her with an afternoon of pampering and bliss in the day-spa. It really was a gorgeous weekend.

My dear friend is planning a yellow and white bumble bee party for her daughters’ first birthday later this year. Georgia is the most smiley little baby, my own girls adore her! I offered to paint the party invitation, it was a labour of love painting this.

After a disgustingly early start to the morning (3:45am!) we were on our way to Port Macquarie. It’s about 4 hours from home; although I’m not even going to pretend the kids and I didn’t sleep for at least 3 of those. Port Macquarie is a lovely spot; it reminds me a lot of Hervey Bay in its small town, beachy, picturesque way. When we arrived we enjoyed a delicious (dessert) breakfast at our favourite eatery; The Pancake Parlour, and then went on our merry old way to our planned destination, Timbertown, situated in Wauchope about a further 20 minutes drive away.

Dad said him and Mum had taken me there as a littlie’ but I had no recollection of it so it was just as new and unexpected for me as it was for the kids. Walking around the property was like stepping back in time, it was an excellent lesson in history for the kids, a front row seat to see with their own eyes what life may have been like in yesteryear. A little bit like Old Sydney Town, for those playing along at home but on a much smaller (privately owned) scale.

We rode ‘Ruby’ the old steam train; the driver even hand punched our tickets, a nice touch I thought. And afterwards he happily answered questions about the workings of his pride and joy. We saw the gorgeous old printing presses, barber shop, ye old school house, a woodwork shop full of handmade toys, puzzles and trinkets. A bullocks show, and more. We even rode on an old horse pulled carriage - which was as equally fun and scary as we bumped and squealed our way around the town.

At the end of each day we have a little family ritual of asking each other our highs and lows. The girls’ both voted the train ride as their high (luckily there were no lows today) and Callum’s high was a lesson in whip cracking, despite his blister he took home as a momento. My high is listening to my gorgeous kids lay in a deep sleep beside me as I finish writing this.

Inspiration board for the kids quarters. I love all of the warm woody tones teamed with vibrant pops of colour, and patterns. And i just snuck in my newest obsession; vintage horse show ribbons.

All of these gorgeous rooms have been taken from my Pinterest boards, look me up (Miss_Lonny) for original sources and more kiddy deliciousness.

Can’t wait for our next picnic so we can bring out our new darling polka dot set.

Science lesson with magnets.