Day In - and - Out

Had a wonderful day yesterday - had Bevlea and Lucy over for the day. Did some (a LOT) of etching, had lunch (it's a 'kodak moment' - I actually cooked) - home made sausage rolls with salad - etched some more - then we tootled off up the 'hills' to Miss Marples to have some Devonshire Tea - seeing as Bevlea and Lucy had never been before. We cruised some stores in Sassafras then headed off to Olinda briefly. Great company, perfect weather and the pace was relaxed.

Below are some pics of our day (with three etching samples). Sadly, Bev doesn't feature in any of them - as she was the one with the iPhone camera taking the pictures! Mind you ... looking at the Miss Marples picture one could think ... *oh never mind* ... *snigger* (lol)

Lily - Update

Just thought I'd share (ie: Show & Tell - more like ... lol) a couple of pics of my delightful granddaughter Lily ... seeing as the only other pic I've posted on her was when she was less than a day old. Lily is now 10 1/2 months.

The photos were taken on Easter Sunday ... the poor little thing was not at her 'PB' (Personal Best) ... she had a sore throat. But she managed the day without to much 'upset'.

Lily has fair hair, fair skin and blue eyes. I have people (those out in public) who 'look at her - look at me - look at her - look at me' ... I just say - she has the gorgeous looks from her parents but the brains from her Nanna (ie: me!) ... *grin*.

Oh MY!!!! It's Been a (LONG) While!

I knew it had been a while since I last posted ... but 'shoooooot' ... I didn't realise it's been that long (June 6th, 2009!) ... OH MY! Getting late now and I'm ready for bed ... will try an 'catch up' (pen down SOME events on my Blog) over the next week (it being school holidays - *yay*)!

Also suffering with hayfever with a vengeance at the moment - not in the right 'head space' to start. But ... I will post a pic of my new 'kindred spirit' friend, Jan Harris and I (below) - my most wonderful and delightful guest I had stay with me prior to the Creative Soul Retreat. What an amazing person and inspirational tutor!

Also ... below is a pic on our last day before leaving the Retreat ... a picture of the CSR Team with our International Tutors. Left to Right: Jan Harris, Laurie Mika, Bevlea Ross (CSR Boss!), Susan Lenart Kazmer, me (Eva) and Lucy Leatham (CSR Team Member).

VERY Belated Thank You/s

To … some very wonderful people that have bestowed me with more Blog Awards. It’s amazing how many beautiful people I have met through Stamping/Papercrafting/Mixed Media … I truly consider myself very fortunate.

Friendly Blogger Award and Lemonade Stand Award (not sure what that one actually means/represents - but I’m flattered - I think … lol) … from Lady Di at Live Your Dreams.
Kreativ Blogger Award from the delightful DrMarty62 at Arty Marty … and also from Bevlea Ross at Soul Arts - a dear friend and one amazing woman to boot.

Thank you dear ladies … but I feel like an imposter though these days, as my creativity is hovering on ‘zero’ … too much to do and not enough hours in the day!

And … another belated thank you too … to Elizabeth from Queen of Toys … for her very generous altered spoon ‘just because’ gift (pictured above but the photo does not do it justice). How nice is that … a no reason gift! I have it proudly displayed for all to see. Thank you again Elizabeth!

LILY UPDATE: Growing more beautiful each and every day … but the little darling hasn’t worked out which is day and which is night - ie: sleep time. I see her at her very best (day time) … placid or sleeping! Oh the joys of being a Nanna … lol.

Announcing ...

The birth of my very beautiful (and very first) grand child … baby Lily!

Born: May 20th at 11:29am
Weight: (3.5kg) 7lbs 11.5 oz
Length: 52cm

Mother and baby Lily doing very well. Father & Nanna (me) still recovering - lol.

STILL CHRISTMAS … sort of!

Yet another fabulous treat I’ve had this month … I don’t think I want April 2009 to ever end! On Saturday I did a Vintage Book Workshop with the very delightful and very lovely Ro Bruhn and what a great day to be had! Fabulous class, amazing tutor, great bunch of girls and food to die for (compliments of Ro’s husband-come chef, Steve - lol) … we were sooooooo spoilt - big time! I’d highly recommend that if ever you get an opportunity to do a workshop with Ro - don’t hesitate! She’s very giving of her talent and patient with those (ie: me) who procrastinate … lol.

I’ve read books about creating this type of book and it was one of those things (well - one of the many things) I kept saying “I’ll do it … next weekend” - but in reality it never happens … something else always pops up … excuses - excuses, I know! So it seems to me ... I need to do more workshops … it’s the only way I actually get to ‘make and create’! Not only did I achieve but I gained confidence too - thank you Ro!

Above is a group shot of all who went.
Sitting (L to R): Rita - Me - Mandy
Standing (L to R): Deb - Claudia - Jackie - Dot - Sam and our ‘guiding light’, Ro!

Below is sample pic of my work ‘in progress’ … lol.

Christmas in April!? Thank YOU Kelsey O’!

Well … have I hit the jackpot this week! Not only did I get a wonderful surprise in the mail this week from the lovely DJ Pettitt but I also got another surprise in my letterbox from the very amazing Kelsey O’. And talk about two opposite ends of the pole re: ‘style’ - I had to laugh but I love them both. Fortunately my taste in art (as with my music) is so eclectic!

Thank you Kelsey … I’ll treasure it … and remind me to tell you about the ‘gift’ my parents gave me a few years back … so ‘apt’ with what you sent. Or … next time you talk with Jenny C. ask her about my ‘special’ gift … she was truly amazed and had a good laugh over it. I sometimes wonder if I’m adopted … *really I do* (lol).

Above is Kelsey’s wonderful gift (ATC) - and if you can’t manage to read what’s on the top - it reads: ‘Rest in Peat’ (lol). I have it displayed on my fridge as Kelsey put a magnet on the back. I’m waiting for a comment or two from those who notice as they pass … lol.

Thank you to DJ ... My gift!

Well … what a surprise at my door yesterday when I got home from being out socializing (again). A parcel from the very lovely DJ Pettitt … a beautiful piece art made by her very own hands, some assorted prints and some ephemera to boot! How fortunate am I - not only having her as an ‘Honorary Aussie’ friend but to have a piece of her work also!

Above is a scan of the centre panel as it was way too big to fit on my scanner to scan the entire piece. Sadly, it’s a poor scan and does not do it justice - at all. I tried multiple times to get a ‘crisp’ image but because of the ‘lumps and bumps’ of the raised lace and the like it wouldn’t sit flush and scan ‘proper’. The words below the trees read: ‘Growing with strong roots’.

Tomorrows mission is to go to the framing store and organise for it to be framed (obviously - lol). I also want a perspex back to it - as she wrote a lovely message that I don’t want ‘forever hidden’ - even if it won’t be ‘on display’ to others.

Thank you to the very dear DJ … I’m so grateful and appreciative of her very generous gift! Honoured too!

I've been Blogged!

Well … I got Blogged tonight (see right panel) … but in a nice way and it didn’t even hurt … lol. It came from the very lovely Margaret Weiss who I just recently met at the 2009 Creative Soul Retreat. To have Margaret even think of me as a possibility of a Friendship Award let alone pass it on to me has me flawed and seriously ‘chuffed’. Thank you Margaret … *blushing*.

The guidelines for this award are …
"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these kind of writers".

So … to continue ‘sharing the love’ (ie: friendship) … I ‘award’ …

Dawnie T. - Diana O. - Kelsey O. - Julian B. - Marg B.

Dawnie, Diana and Kelsey are three wonderful women who I met for the very first time at this years Retreat and who I had an instant warmth towards - like long time friends and had known them ‘forever’. Very talented lovely women.

Julian I’ve met once before … and as above, all applicable to her also. I’m just so disappointed that I didn’t get to chat with her more while at the Retreat - hopefully next year.

Marg B … sadly I’ve been a bad friend … ‘bad’ in the sense I’ve allowed ‘life to get in the way’ and haven’t made time for some old friends … Marg being one of those. But she is thought of … it’s just that I allow the trivial things of life to get in the way - at times … sorry Marg.

To all my friends with or without Blogs … I am fortunate for your friendship.

xox Eva xox

What a life ...

I’m alive … as I’ve not written in such a very long time I feel like I need to write an absence note - comes from working in the school system, I guess … lol. As I commonly say to others, my life is not all that ‘thrilling’ but it sure ain’t dull!

I won’t get into what my life has been up to in the past four months - but hopefully, I'll not put you to sleep with my recent ‘events’.

I mostly want to say … how fortunate I was to be part of fabulous team involved with the ‘Creative Soul Retreat’. I felt privileged to work with Bevlea (owner extraordinaire) and Lucy, my equal in being a ‘soldier ant’ to Bevlea … lol. We worked so smoothly together - heads down bums up, no egos, no power plays, etc, etc, etc - we did what a ‘girls gotta do’ kinda thing. Love them both. Friends before the Retreat and even stronger friends because of the Retreat (well … in my eyes anyway - lol).

So … onto the Retreat … my 'thoughts'. *Where do I begin?* Guess I’ll start with my ‘guest’ Stephanie Lee .. who I did not consider my guest. She was soooo easy to have in my home. As much as I love my friends who come stay - I’m usually itching after two or threes days for them to return back to their own ‘nest’ (but they’re still ‘loved’ - lol). But in all honesty, with Stephanie, it was no issue. She felt like family … like a sister ... sisters that don’t fight that is - lol. Such a brilliant artist and a very much down to earth person - no ego and needing no ‘precious’ attention.

As for DJ and Bernie - I loved them equally too … even though they were each hosted by Bevlea and Lucy - we all spent a lot of time together during the day. We all just seemed to ‘click’, like we were long time friends (again … that’s how I felt - can’t speak for the Tutors, Bev or Lucy themselves - lol). We were spoilt with three of the very best Tutors (real people) - so the standards are set at high for our 2010 ‘guests’ (lol).

Now the Retreat … I not only felt it to be successful but believe it truly was. Though I did not manage to complete a class I did not feel deprived as I genuinely felt rewarded in the excitement/joy of those who attended and thrilled for Bevlea and Lucy too. I may appear ‘crusty’ on the outside but I’m such a marshmallow on the inside … but please don’t go around telling everyone that - lol.

Below is a picture (kindly ‘borrowed’ from Stephanie’s Blog) of us all - taken while at Healesville Sanctuary. Left to right is (for those who did not attend the Retreat and don’t know of the Tutors) …

The very lovely Lucy - the brilliant Bernie Berlin - the BOSS, Bevlea (lol) - Superstar Stephanie Lee - the very darling DJ Pettitt - and me (I so hate photos of me - *aaargh*).

And to those who I met for the first time at the Retreat and including those who I already know in person - thank you for making it such a wonderful experience!

If you would like to see/know more:
www.soularts.typepad.com for links of those who attended (more pics) and the like ... and ... if you want to be part of CSR’s 2010 Retreat (and see even more photos of this years Retreat) go visit www.creativesoulretreat.com.au.

And, of course … at the top right hand side of my Blog - you’ll find Stephanie's, DJ’s and Bernie’s links to their Blogs under 2009 - CSR Tutors.

Productive & Social

Well … I had a very productive and social weekend - totally enjoyable. I actually ‘created’ AND I had fabulous company all weekend. Above are two samples of what I produced - Card from Saturday & Microscope slide from Sunday.

Saturday was a card making day for me - with a friend (Janice - my old high school bud) popping over for the afternoon/evening then another friend (Yvonne Rice from VicStampers) dropped by to pick up an order and stayed to ‘play’ too later that evening.

Today (Sunday) - I had a few people over from VicStampers seeing as there was no VicStampers meeting this month. I had organised Erica, who’s the Jewellery/Metalwork teacher from the school where I work, to give us a lesson on ‘soldering/tinning’ using the solder and flux method (non resin core). I’ve also done soldering with Jenny Crossley, but I picked up a few more tips via Erica and I feel more confident with soldering and using this method. Today’s attendees were - Bevlea Ross, Glenda Laing, Joan McAlpine, Kaye Wolf, Joy Welsh and myself (of course!). Erica was most impressed with us all and said we were so easy to teach - she too enjoyed it. Well all had fun - a great day!

1-4-1 Card Swap - VicStampers

Just made this card above this afternoon/evening for a VicStampers 1-4-1 Card Swap ... thought it a hoot (I'm easily amused - I guess). The leaf covering the 'lower anatomy' is slightly raised which added to my 'humour' (ie: grin) ... don't think the reduced scan shows it's 'full potential' - lol. I'll be making five more and will post out this weekend. Putting it up now as I don't 'advertise' my Blog - so I feel confident no one from VicStampers (who's participating in the 1-4-1 Swap) will see it till they get it in their mail - hopefully Monday.

On Saturday I made six cards on the 'conservativ'e side - *what an achievement*! Then Sunday I woke with a sore back and suffered with it for three very long days - absolutely no fun is an understatement. I've picked up today but I'm still taking it easy for the next few.

Thank you - Lucy!

It pays to be complimentary (and sincere) … literally! Above is a beautiful example of one of Lucy Leatham’s ‘works of art’ that was gifted to me - all because I commented on her Blog on how much I liked it. How generous is she … and … lucky me! What a pal … thanks heaps Lucy … it’s now residing in a very appreciative home - mine!

Had Friday off from work this week - *yay*. I had a ‘Day in Lieu’ owing - which I was going to save for the Monday of Cup Weekend … but our new Principal does ‘not approve’ of that (*boo - hiss*) - so it’s school as normal for all staff (I’ll put money on - that there won’t be many students at school on that day!). Apart from no ‘four day long weekend’ - he’s an ok guy.

So … it was off to Paperific instead. I thoroughly enjoyed it even though we didn’t stay all that long as Bev had/has a sore back and seeing as I did enough damage to my purse in the mere three hours we were there it was a good enough reason for vacating fast - lol. Nice venue, Melbourne Show Grounds, but I also liked it at Caulfield Race Course.

I spent yesterday at home ‘chilling’ and being slightly ‘creative’. I made six Birthday cards (*a miracle*) which will see out my Birthday card making list to the end of the year. I only send/give hand made cards to those who would appreciate it - not those who will toss it in the bin within the week (they get bought ones - lol).

Today I visited my parents and while there I played about with my Lyra Watercolour Crayons, experimenting. I’ve had the full set for well over a year now but I have not touched them since the day I bought them. And this evening I had play with colouring pencils using Mineral Turps - experimenting again and needing much more practice. I didn’t ‘create’ anything - I just ‘played’.

Blink of an Eye Lid ...

Well … the holidays sure went FAST! Two weeks of holidays went in a blink of an eye lid … and one week back at work seems an eternity! *go figure*

But it’s more that just school holidays that time passes fast … my other HUGE ‘blink of an eye lid’ moment is … my baby is having a baby. Yep … that’s going to make me an official ‘dinosaur’ (lol). I just can’t get my head around it … I know my body (ie: wear and tear, etc) and my age says that "it’s to be expected" … but my mind still seems so ‘just out of high school’! Sarah (my daughter) by the way, is the same age as I was when I had her (24 and a half) and she was my second child! Shoooot … it really seems like it was only yesterday that she was born. So … in May 2009 I’m going to be a Nanna (?). I don’t know what I want to be called - yet … but it sure isn’t going to be Grandma! (lol)

A couple of ‘highlights’ during the school holidays were …I had my longest time friend (since Grade 3), Margaret come stay a couple of days during the holidays … she’s lived in Bendigo for a very long time now - so it’s always great when we catch up.

I had a Kaszazz New Product Party at my place and that was ‘busy as’ - 23 turned up! My head was spinning after attempting to be ‘social’ with everyone. It’s hard to be completely ‘social’ when you’re the one being the ‘hostess’. Was a great day though - nice to have nice friends … some came from great distances from where I live too! *amazing*

As for crafting … very little was done. I managed to make only one card for a friends 50th and I made a couple of last minute (literally) ATC’s for VicStampers ATC ‘Shape of the Month’. First is ‘Square’ - I used credit card technique for the background (which I already had previously made) and spotlighted the letter ‘D’. The other ‘shape’ was ‘Crown’ - hence the hat. Both simple but they were very hurriedly done on the morning of the afternoon meeting! The ‘Oval’ ATC shape was done for the September Challenge.

On Holidays … at Last!!!

LIFE has returned … *yay*! No more feeling like a robot - ie: I wake at this time, I shower at this time, I leave for work at this time, I arrive at work at this time, etc, etc, etc … I’m guessing you get the picture (lol). Freedom ... finally!

Life has been good the past few weeks … a couple of weeks back Bevlea, Lucy, Janice and myself spent a faaabulous Saturday morning looking over the ‘Spirit of Tasmania’ (it was an Open Day), had lunch at Williamstown then went and visited Monika at her store (Beachhouse Boulevard) in Spotswood. Stayed at Monika’s for a while - had coffee and ‘chit chatted’ with Liz A., Joan Mc., Kaye W. and Monika while they ‘created’. Excellent day in all areas - weatherwise too! Fathers Day was spent over at my parents to celebrate the occasion with family - nice and relaxing.

The following weekend was my birthday and I spent the entire day at home (as I had WISHED for) … had my parents come visit, my long time friend (from high school days) Janice come stay the day while we messed about crafting and I had a couple of other friends pop in for a visit (Sue my Stampin’ Up ‘dealer’ and a work colleague, Erica - the Jewellery teacher at school). VicStampers was the following day - which as always, was enjoyable.

This weekend was ‘booked out’ … yesterday was PaperMates then from there I raced home to get ready for a night out with my brother and his partner. My brother’s birthday is a day after mine, but he is four years older than I. So … to celebrate our Birthdays (one week later) we went out to a club in Hawthorn (The New Capers - www.newcapers.com.au) for dinner and a performance by Glenn Shorrock (Little River Band - Glenn Shorrock). His performance waaaay bettered my expectations - he was brilliant … great food (three courses) and an excellent venue. Hoping to go back for the Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows and Ross Wilson performances.

Today was a glorious day and was spent at a BBQ at my ex-neighbours home as her daughter was over from WA for a visit. Miss not having them live across the road from me - but it was I who moved off the mountain (for low maintenance - and no regrets on that issue). They were the best neighbours one could wish for - in the nineteen years we lived opposite each other we never had bad feelings between us. Our kids grew up together and we are like family … I was and am very fortunate.

Above is a recent Paper Queens project that I participated in - Jigsaw Swap - Vintage theme. Thank you ladies - I love them all.

Participants are as follows …
(Top Row - L to R): Anne Thompson - Marg Buhagiar - Eva (me)
(Middle Row - L to R): Barb Dare - Kristi Wright - Glenda Laing
(Bottom Row - L to R): Kathy Thompson - Mary Strong - Bevlea Ross

I Got Spoilt - Yesterday!

Yes … I’m still ‘here’ … just been the norm for me - ‘busy as’ or I’ve been tooooo pooped to do much else! But yesterday I got spoilt - lucky me. Marion E. and Jane T. ‘kidnapped’ me for the day … they took me out for coffee, cake AND chocolate to Hahndorf’s Fine Chocolates store in Montrose. Needless to say … great treat and fabulous company. When done - we then came back to my place for a ‘play afternoon/early evening’. It was just wonderful to ‘sit still’, ‘play’, ‘veg’ and ‘natter’.

In the past few weeks I’ve had PaperMates where we made two versions of a sliding card. Not all that much captures my attention but these two surely did! I didn’t make a completed card (no shock there - lol) but I did manage to do the two templates for future projects. Thanks Marion for the work you always put in - in showing us ‘How To’.

Then the following day I had a Stampin’ Up party at my home - which, had nothing to do with me … *got you wondering on that one - I’m sure* - lol. A friend of mine, the lovely Ruthie lives in a male dominated home (husband, two birth sons and an ‘adopted’ son) … not a serene environment for an all female afternoon … lol. Sooooo … I supplied the ‘venue’. Ruthie supplied the guests and ‘nibbles’ and ... she took home the ‘benefits’. I had a great afternoon not having to fuss over a single thing - lol.

Last weekend, my local Stampin’ Up ‘dealer’ - that Sue Collins (lol) … had yet another Stampers Stack gathering which focused on Male Cards. We made eight in all - all great but, being the perfectionist that I am - I haven’t got one for ‘show and tell’ this post as I messed up a few (ie: I was to heavy with the stamping, over did the ‘pricking’, etc, etc, etc) - lol.

Today I did manage to get a little bit ‘productive’ … I finished off some cards that I half started but not completed. Above are some samples of cards that I made. My aim with these sort of cards, that I am very slowly building up, is ... to put in the staff room at work to sell for ‘pocket money’ … ie: pay for some of my craft supplies. My craft spending waaaaaay exceeds anything I will ever sell … *feeling of shame* (lol)

Thanks Jen!

Been a busy week, as per norm … work - work - work! I’ve been starting work at 7:30am since last week (and will do so for another two plus weeks) ... and ... have been ‘nodding off’ at around 9:00pm most evenings. So, this weekend was an absolute joy to an otherwise very dull week.

On Saturday I attended a ‘Junk Bracelet’ class taught by Jenny Crossley! Loved it - loved it - loved it! Sooooooo happy with my bracelet (pictured above) - great group of girls to ‘play with’, relaxed atmosphere and very productive. This is the very first class that I’ve ever attended where I’ve actually finished off the project in class time … *miracle*! But on that note … I do intend taking off some pieces to rearrange so I can space them out a bit better. What can I say … I can’t help it - it’s the ‘Virgo’ in me! (lol)

And thanks again Jen … for the gorgeous trinket (pictured above). It’s way too good to wear (I’m fearful of damaging/losing it!) so I think I might just frame it!

Winner & Grinner!

Well today was VicStampers and I was a winner … twice! Above is one ‘prize’ for the day … our Mini House Swap (we all won that one)! Fun to do and a fabulous ‘prize’ to take home. The people that I managed to do a swap with are … as follows:

Top row - left to right: Christina Lillie - Jane Tisell - Eva (me) - Barb Dare - Janet Gardner - Joy Welsh
Bottom row - Left to right: Kathy Thompson - Lisa Moffat - Debbie Larcombe - Marg Byrne

1: Please Note: Christina’s Mini House had the cutest little door knob (re: the hole that’s showing), but due to the raised knob it would not scan properly - hence the removal of the knob … sorry Christina, but I have put it back on!
2: And may I just say … Christina owns Christina’s Crafts - www.christinascrafts.com.au … one of the best stores about for your regular paper craft supplies but more so for her ‘interesting’ odds and ends for the Altered Artist and the like … go visit her site (and take your coffee with you - lots to see!).

Also … my other ‘prize’ for the day (and that one was all mine and only mine) was walking away with five ATC’s - which was the prize for the ATC ‘Shape of the Month’ Challenge - *yay me*! How it works is … create an ATC which has to incorporate that months ‘shape’ which was ‘Arrow’ for the month of August. Anyone can submit, everyone votes and the one with the most votes gets to keep all submissions. Thanks for the votes girls and thanks to Barb Dare, Bevlea Ross, Janet Gardner and Claire Kelly too for your ATC submissions - they’ve all gone to a very appreciative home, ie: mine! *grin*

Yesterday, Bevlea, Lucy and I went on a ‘mission’ to find ‘odds and ends’ for Jenny Crossley’s Junk Bracelet class next week. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t ‘score’ any ‘treasures’ but did enjoy being driven to Castlemaine and Bendigo though. It’s not often that I’m a passenger so it was nice to enjoy the views. HUGE thanks to Lucy for letting me sit in the front the entire day - Bev was the driver and I was her ‘co-pilot’. I got the privilege to sit in the front because I’m not a good passenger in the back seat of a car, re: motion sickness (not much fun and I don't come out looking at my 'personal best')!

Back to Work - *sigh*

Well I didn’t win Lotto last night so it’s back to the ‘Salt Mine’ tomorrow for me - *sigh*. Enjoyed my holidays but it wasn’t long enough. But … I got to catch up with those I had planned to. Still had a few things on my ‘To Do’ list that I didn’t manage to cross off - guess there’s next holidays (and counting - again … lol).

Caught up with Bevlea and Lucy on Monday … appreciate their visit, seeing as they live on the other side of town to me and it’s (almost) ‘pack your rations and bring a flare along’ for the drive over. Enjoyable company, as always - we did lunch ‘out’ and managed to get a few store visits along the way. Took them past the scenic route … past a cemetery - twice! lol

Tuesday I had my car serviced then visited my folks. Then … I got a phone call - more ‘dramas and sagas’ and with no connection to the previous one I had a few weeks back. Maaaan - I must of walked under a ladder, kicked a black cat, smashed a mirror, opened up an umbrella indoors, etc, etc, etc (lol) - surely this has to be the last (hopefully) in a very long while. Life is a challenge … and … yet another hurdle jumped! I survived! And … it had nothing to do with the car service bill … lol.

Wednesday I had lunch with my fav cousin, Ronnie … who used to wheel me in a pram when I just a babe (lol) - yes I was small once! I try and catch up with her every school holidays and do lunch. She’s off over to Europe with her husband for ten weeks (in a few weeks) - so I’ll miss her next school holidays!

And … the sun shone again (no stress) on Thursday. I had lunch with two ex-bosses of mine. The wonderful Heather, who is one of the rare few (male or female) I truly admire - and a woman who inspires and leads by example (and has a great sense of humour too!). She came to our school as an Assistant Principal - came from being a Region ‘head’ (ie: big wig - lol) - but prior to that she was a Principal in a Primary school. Heather has covered all teaching areas in the Education Department. She’s also taught in a Special School … amazing resume - for sure! Trivial as it seems - one example of my ‘admiration’ for her, re: her ‘leading by example’ - she would, every day, go outside and supervise cleaning up the yard with the students and she would actually get her ‘hands dirty’ doing so, along side them - not pointing/directing them!

And Jill … who was our Business Manager up until just recently. Hard job co-ordinating a school of our size - with so many extra areas our school runs/operates within and out of school hours. She left retiring as one the top Business Managers in the Education Department of Victoria.

Been fluffing about making cards today. Mission … Birthday card for my daughter and a few ‘back up’ assorted cards (plural) … just chilling. Perfect day to just hang at home and play/veg - ie: in the warmth. Above is the card I made my daughter for her approaching 24th Birthday on July 31st and a ‘back up’ card, just because (lol)!

Holidays are Just THE Best!

Why is it … one day at work seems like an eternity but ... only one week of holidays goes in a blink of an eyelid? *go figure*

Anyway … it’s been a great week! Nothing grand but just wonderful. Firstly … let me just ‘sky write’ that (listen up ALL) … I finally finished my Paper Queens Jigsaw piece/s - *yay me - go me*! And PS to the above … I got them done before Bevlea - *dancing with glee!* (lol)

On Tuesday I went and visited my old-old boss (not that I'm calling her old). She was my boss two bosses ago. She was a great to work with and is one of the most nicest and most generous people about. Mind you ... initially I didn’t ‘warm’ to her - but I was happily proved wrong! Have been friends now for 10+ years.

On Wednesday I had Marion and Rita over for a Play Day and as always, a delightful day. Yapping, crafting and grazing on nibblies like cattle … lol.

Thursday … my daughter and I did a ‘Thelma & Louise’ (not quite all the way though - lol) … we did a ‘road trip’ on the new Eastlink! Well … I’m impressed! Took no time to get to Frankston (and beyond) … we went a little further but eventually turned back and stopped back at Frankston for lunch then tootled off home again.

Friday I just chilled ... started working on some Xmas Cards for a coming ‘event’ (event - not being Christmas though - sorta/kinda) - can’t share much about that one for now (top secret - lol).

Yesterday I fluffed about in the garden and pruned (butchered) my roses … and I have scars to prove it!

Today was VicStampers … and I was ‘IT’! This is partly what I wrote in a VicStampers email to the Group this evening: “ … And - and - and … apologies to all for being the Door Bitch today (lol)! Opening up, setting up, doing the ATC Challenge and collecting the money, introducing Marion to the Group, setting up the coffee/tea/cake, etc, etc, etc was all too much for my little brain to cope with (lol). I was soooooooo stressed over setting off the alarm (which I set off four times on my very first go!!!) ... but … I finally got it right!”

The pic above is just a quick card I made this evening for a friends up and coming wedding … it’s simple but I’m good with it.

So - till the next episode of Eva’s dull life (or should that read ‘DILL' life) - *yawn*