THIS is what happens when I go away for a few hours....

Today, Brad, Aaron and I went over to Mum and Dad's for lunch and a nice afternoon visit. We had a lovely time as usual. When we arrived home, my second eldest son, Beau, had gone.....

from this -



....to this...

I have been saying since October 2009 that I felt the year 2010 would be about change for, not only me, but for my kids and others too. I must admit that this wasn't quite what I had in mind but it does explain why Beau bought those hair trimmers a short time ago. He had trimmed the front and sides by the time I got home and, understandably, couldn't do the back so I finished it up for him......I gotta say......I like it! Beau LOVES it! Brad likes it! Aaron hates it! Michelle hates mohawks so we kinda know what she will think of it and Reece is yet to see it so the jury is out on him. However, it wasn't too many years ago that Reece was considering a mohawk himself so I think it's a safe guess that he will like it.

I've always admired people who stand out in a crowd and march to the beat of their own drums and I've never been one to be strict about how my kids should look or dress. Well, there was that time when Michelle's hair was so long and absolutely beautiful and she had to beg me over and over before I finally gave in and cut it to shoulder length. Remember that, Michelle? lol I still have the cut-off plait/braid which Michelle thinks is kinda weird but hey.....it's sentimental to me. Anywhoo, I encourage my kids to find their own style, likes, and dislikes and be comfortable in their own skin. Reece wanted to grow his hair long when he was around eight years old so I let him grow his hair long. In his high school years, Reece wore his hair in the US Marine/jarhead style and I was cool with that. Beau wants a mohawk....I'm happy if he's happy.

Love, light and peace

ABSTRACT GOODNESS

I was the lucky winner of Maria's Christmas Giveaway and, yesterday, my prize arrived in the mail......talk about excitement!! WHOO HOO!!! I can hardly believe I actually own one of Maria's beautiful works of art. I have been following Maria's blog for a couple of years now and I can honestly say that Maria is not only a very talented lady but is also a very caring, sharing, and friendly person. Check out Maria's YouTube videos (link on her blog) for some interesting techniques too! To be honest, I have never been one for abstract art but there's something about Maria's work that just draws me right in. LOVE IT!

I had Aaron take a pic of me holding my prize but, unfortunately, the painting didn't show up too well due to the glare on the glossy surface. Yes, I DO have a rather smug look on my face, don't I?

I took this second pic of just the painting itself so you can see it more clearly.
Isn't it lovely?!
click on any image to enlarge

Thank you all so much for the supportive and caring words re. my family upset. It certainly wasn't the start to the year I would have hoped for but I'm hopeful things can only get better from hereon. I will post about my Word for 2010 very soon so......stay tuned ~ :)

Love, light and peace

MONDAY PHOTO-A-WEEK 2010

2010 began with a rather emotional start for us after hearing some devastating family news on New Year's Eve. It was most upsetting and left me feeling quite depressed and teary for a few days but......today, I'm beginning to feel more hopeful for a positive year ahead.

As you may guess by the post title, our photo group is continuing on for another year. YAY! If you're interested in joining us, please check out the picture link in my side bar under 2010 happenings....we would love to have you on board.

I don't know what it is at the moment with the insects around here but I seem to be coming across quite a few different species that are pretty much in the process of dying. It's almost like I'm living in the middle of an insect graveyard.

This poor Praying Mantis was the latest casualty.



I drew him, with some sadness, in my journal


...sadly, this Stick Insect won't be far behind as he's behaving very sluggishly.


This Christmas Beetle, with his beautiful metallic-coloured armour, was added to the recently deceased insect list the other day.


I'm not sure about this Rhinoceros Beetle though.

I haven't seen a Rhinoceros Beetle in years so ran for the camera when I spotted him underneath our pergola today. He was huge, at least 2" in length, and he hissed at me constantly. He was a fast little bugger too making it very hard to get a decent shot of him so he certainly didn't seem to be in the throes of death. After our photo shoot, I put him into the bushland behind our back fence where, hopefully, he will live out a long and happy life.

I'll be posting about my chosen word for 2010 over the coming days so.....stay tuned ~

Love, light and peace