Op Shop Bliss

So much going on in my little world, but for now let me share this morning's op shop finds. :) With school holidays coming up next week, I was thrilled to find a whole table of half price children's books - and when the books are only 50c or $1.00 to begin with, that's pretty wonderful!

Miss Saraya and the school librarian are practically best friends these days, she visits so often. And she's practically read every suitable junior fiction book in the town library. Sigh.

This pile should keep her busy for a little while anyhow.

And skirts! Two gorgeous long skirts for Saraya, and a long denim skirt for me - something I've always wanted actually. Total spent for skirts and books - $12. Happy dance!

Winter's Arrival

Well, this week has turned bitterly cold. Bitterly, bitterly cold.

I live in sunny Queensland - trust me, for us, this kind of cold - well, it's bitter, and kind of a shock to our systems.

So the jumpers, gloves, scarves and beanies have all made their appearances. The laundry basket fills more quickly with all the extra layers. We all appear a couple of sizes bigger. ;) And with all the hot tea and coffee I'm drinking, and the winter warming foods I've been enjoying..... if I'm not careful I soon will be a couple of sizes bigger! Just today I've started filling up on fresh fruit again instead of other things. Feeling inspired with health again is good. :)

Today I've enjoyed some peaceful alone time as the older children are at school and William is at kindy. It's been delightful - peaceful music, a little reading ("Picnic at Hanging Rock", which I haven't read since high school), a nice hot shower, cooking tonight's pasta dish...... and now, packing. Tomorrow morning after I teach my music students, Saraya, Elijah, William and I are driving 2 hours south to the Sunshine Coast to stay with my parents, brother and his fiance for the long weekend. I'm really looking forward to spending time with my family.

It's kind of funny packing jeans and jackets for a weekend at the beach...... but when winter comes early, and with a bite to the air, it's necessary! Hope you are all having a delightful Friday.

Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful...

... Beautiful Boy.

Elijah Turns Six!

Well, technically not until Tuesday...... but we celebrated his turning six last night!

He wanted a "fancy dinner party please", so we invited some special Prep friends and voila! I think he enjoyed every minute.

Elijah is not your average six year old. He loves to dress up, and feels dapper in a suit and top hat. ;) He loves musical theatre (hmmm, no idea where he gets that from), singing, and dancing. But he knows who he is, and isn't afraid to be himself. I so admire that in him.

Happy birthday darling Elijah Samuel!

What's Happening?

I've received several personal emails from readers, asking what's happening here at the moment. My blogging isn't very regular lately, and for that I apologise! I'm sure one day soon things will settle and I'll be back into some sort of routine.

So.... what's been happening?

The children have been busy with school and all that that entails. Projects, homework, reading, friends, birthday parties, life. All three of them are really thriving at the moment.

William and I have enjoyed long walks in the mornings together, and cuddles at home - trying to keep warm, it has been really cold the last couple of weeks!

I have visited my home city twice in the last month - the first time was a fleeting visit, to see an amazing vocal teacher and have a singing lesson with her - that was incredibly inspiring. I've been working hard on my singing ever since, both as a soloist and in a female quartet some friends and I have formed up here. We're already being offered some gigs, so that's promising. :)

The second time was to spend a day with my Mum, and visit with some old friends if mine. It has given me strength, spending time there.

Stuart and I are still living together, though as separate people. We are going through the looong processes you must go through when separating... and it's been a rather gruelling time for us both. There's not much else to report - other than we are okay, I have started having counselling, and we are both getting lots of support from friends.

Today I'm planning for Elijah's 6th birthday party, which is tomorrow. He is SO excited. :D

I'll leave you with this link to one of our "Sisters" rehearsals the other night. It's rough, and one of the quartet is missing, but it's something to show you! Cover of "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO6ElPxwRuc