how to make a dark alley friendly

We stumbled upon this rogue artwork just off Little Bourke Street. What was an intimidating, rumbling, grey gash amongst the megaliths became a sliver of fun and mischief.

Crafty Goodness at the Spring Fair, inner city style

We went to the Spring Fair.
We saw amazing craft!
Including Celia's dolls:

 

And the parent's  Craft Stall :

I particularly love the doll's undies which match the birds!

 

and my favourite moment, the merry dancers!!

it's not every day...

This post is about my friend.
I met her one lovely Autumn Saturday morning.
She was sitting quietly amongst her basketry and recycled craft supplies at a children's pre-loved market at our local park. We made a b-line for her, being mad crazy dollmakers ourselves, and promptly met her.
Since then, Anna has shared her writing for children with me, asked my opinion, which was most flattering, really, and invited me to join her crafty exploits at times, as have I her.
Well, last night, she (not the "cat's mother!") came to our house for Friday night lasagne, and we made a few items, which I failed to photograph.
She also brought over copies of two of her books as gifts for the Chickens,  inscripted especially.
At bedtime she read a few chapters of Violet Mackerel for the Chickens.  They were a tad excited! It is not everyday an author comes over to your house to read you their book, I remarked, and they grinned, feeling very special.
This morning they had the books out, Chicken 2 reading Sophie's Salon in bed, and then Chicken 1 reading Violet to her sister.
Thank you my friend! and CONGRATULATIONS!!

Faster than guinea pigs...

Every week...maybe day... a new Melbourne cafe sprouts! Faster than guinea pigs!
Met my fellow godmother at a fine establishment for some posh donuts and coffee and inspiring chatter!

happy babywearing week!

Time for tea, at last!

Finally I finished Ivy's tiny tea leaves. She is very pleased with the result, and to prove it, she had it on all day, despite the lovely Spring warmth which led all her friends to shed to t-shirts!

 

The weekend provided sublime weather: for three diverse and delightful activities

1. knitting, of course

2.washing, thank god!

3. becoming a godmother! (more musings on this one later!)

 

{a week in pictures}

 someone special turned eight!

 she started the day with her 8 kisses from all! then to the birthday table with the candle lit and the "baby" photo, just to see how much she has grown!
next to presents...the bean bag was a hit!

next the gypsies arrive for the birthday party...this time, off to the Botanical Gardens for a treasure hunt to beat all treasure hunts, complete with map, clues and a bit of rolling along the way!

 ...next, to the beach for a few days rest... teal waters

 beach yoga...

 beach knitting...

 

and some addictive late night puzzle behaviour...