The Pool

Has been stinking hot in Sydney over the past month, the last week in particular, with temperatures reaching around 40 degrees celsius each day. Fortunately, we are blessed with airconditioning and a pool, and lets just say we depended heavily on both to keep us sane.


Have really enjoyed relaxing in the pool and find it incredoubly cathartic. I think my most peaceful experience in life is floating on my back with ears under water so all I can hear is the swooshing of the water. As I look up at the sky I watch 60 foot gum trees sway slowly in the breeze and leaves fall one by one slowly like feathers towards me. I often find myself reaching out to try and catch the leaves as they fall.

Have learnt an interesting fact about myself. I am very buoyant and can float easily, even in a sitting pose with arms and legs crossed. Quite a skill.... perhaps I belong in a freak show? (DONT ANSWER!!) lol

Another thing I constantly find myself doing, is rescuing bugs which are drowning. I think Ive saved two bees, christmas beatles, moths, baby spiders. The strangest thing I saw was one day getting into the pool and noticing several baby spiders the size of small coins drowned. I thought was wierd but what surprised me most was when I was lying on my back and noticed a web spun from a tree on high from one side of the pool down to the edge of the pool where I was swimming and slowly, one by one, these baby spiders were using the web like a flying fox to scale down to me. Unfortunately, for the spider, it underestimated the landing and dipped into the pool and was proceeding to drown like those who preceded it. Fortunately for the spider, I came to the rescue and lifted it safely to the waters edge so it could go on its merry way. IRONICALLY, we are calling the pest exterminator soon to kill all the bastards... so really, I dont know why I bother! lol

Resolutions

Lets face it, sometimes I suck at keeping my New Year's Resolutions. My guitar is still unplayed gathering dust from years back (although still determined to learn one day!! ;) and numerous other goals remain partially complete. Im a world class procrastinator! lol Last year my goals were simple, however... to be happy and healthy... and I can say that for once I did reasonably well. Overall I cant complain. This year, rather than focus on a number of goals which inevitably initially excite me, then end up burdening me by years end, I will set simple meaningful goals and the rest can just slot in.

Goal number 1: Declutter my life - that is; get rid of a lot of the things I have been hoarding over the years with an aim to one day use. Give stuff away. Throw stuff away. Do whatever it takes. The exciting thing about this goal is that I have already progressed it. Yesterday my husband and I cleared out our garage and back rumpus room which I will be turning into my art studio. Today I took a car load of things to donate to a second hand shop. Was very cathartic! :)

Goal number 2: Meditate and pray more - I need to slow my life down. To destress. I'm keen to start yoga and pilates again, and also to pray and focus on things that really matter.

In reality, I could set 101 more goals, but if I am able to achieve these two goals for the year then I will be a truly happy and blessed woman :)

Happy New Year everyone... may you reach your life goals too :)

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year one and all. May 2011 be a time of blessing and fulfillment, health and happiness.
We had a few days away up the coast with inlaws so were keen to have a quiet NYE at home. Watched fireworks from our balcony (not quite as spectacular a view as the Sydney Harbour ones above) while drinking Baileys and reflecting on the blessings in our life. We then went and skinny dipped in the pool! lol

The weather has been so hot over the past few days, averaging between 30 and 40 degrees, so Ive been swimming most days and lazing about reading by the pool. Its a hard life :) I had my camera on hand to snap the view when floating on my back gazing at the sky as well as the insect which crawled over my hand on route to the neighbouring plant.

Magnets to inspire

Just bought these. Love them :)

My Christmas

Well we all know what Tamsin got up to at Christmas, but her owner had a great time too. Did the usual cruise of the local neighbourhood looking at fairylights... (pity I cant work out my action/night camera settings! lol).Then spent the traditional Christmas Day with the inlaws in house overlooking the beach. Always fun. My fatherinlaw is always the joker and this year was no exception, with my brotherinlaw getting baked beans as one of his presents... Surprisingly, (thanks to F.I.L. again) my cat Minkya was even treated to a present from my sister-in-law's pets! How sweet! :))

And here is one of the cupcakes I baked for the day as a treat for the kids. So cute!

Also spent Boxing Day relaxing at home with my dad over. Was sunny again so swam and watched dvds. Not over yet though, cause tomorrow we're off again to see inlaws mothers side up the coast. Its a long Christmas in this household...

Sold!

Forgot to mention that I sold one of my drawings (pictured above) at the recent exhibition of our art class works. Woo hoo! This was the drawing that most of my friends said was their fav, so not surprised it was the one that sold. They also said they hoped to exhibit our stuff again soon so are holding onto the rest of the drawings so will see what becomes of it.

Below is a drawing I did after the exhibition entries had closed, but it ended up being my personal favourite. Who would have thought drawing someones unironed shirts would be so much fun! lol

Merry Christmas from a warm climate :)

Wishing all my wonderful friends a fabulous Christmas.
Many of you am sure will have weather envy :))