Hi Crew, it’s been awhile. I have been busy! I have been very creative in other ways, besides writing. Sometimes I just don’t have the urge to write as much, but it seems to be coming back to me. I purged myself of words quite well over the last few years, writing this blog, sharing, revealing, communicating, expressing, and it has helped immensely. There are still many things I find hard to write about, for fear of judgement I guess. As much as I want to! Some things are best left to your own brain mumbles!

I have been working hard on my home, making it my own space, piece by piece. I have pretty much planted every possible plant in my backyard, leaving no space unturned. I lift up more pavers every week! But I dare say I am nearing the end of the paver removal; there will be none left soon! You will peak out into my backyard into an enchanted forest of colour, greenery and freedom. I spend a lot of time relaxing in my backyard, admiring all my plants, watching them grow, observing the changes day by day. Coaxing the bees to return to germinate my flowers, watching them skip from the blueberries, to the lavender and over to the tulips. I see yellow winged birds flip around my lemon tree, hopping, flapping and whistling to each other. Gallahs and Ibis birds and red tailed black Cockatoos fly over head, as the sun sets on another day. I watch the clouds form and change shape, the stars appear, and my fairy lights flicker into action. I nestle in on my outdoor lounge, enjoying the abundance I have created. My little piece of heaven.

My Dad taught me to enjoy gardening. We used to go to nurseries together, and plant petunias, and all sorts of other plants. He loved the garden to look good and he taught me all he knew about plants and gardening. I have always loved gardening and pride myself in my ability to turn a brown space to a green and colourful mecca.

Recently it was his 5 year anniversary of his passing. I can’t believe it has been that long! Time has passed quickly, and slowly. I miss him every day and think about him all the time. Here is a little collage I made of him to commemorate his anniversary.

I have sprinkled new seedlings in my spare patches of dirt, peonies, poppies, dahlias, all sorts. I am looking forward to seeing them blossom. Slowly they are popping out, I forget what I have planted where, so it is a nice surprise to see what pops up!

I have been painting feature walls in the house and putting up curtains and upgrading my furniture. I have been a busy little beaver. Ikea, Bunnings and Gumtree have been my go to places. I have found some bargains on Gumtree too which has been great. I sold my dining table for $75, I bought it for $80 3 years prior on Gumtree, and bought another larger oval table for $45. The new table was located around the corner from my house! My plan is to sand back the top surface, re-varnish it or coat it with an oil, to bring it back to its original condition. It is teak timber and in very good condition, and can even extend out to be made larger. So that was a win. I like to recycle, re-use, and up-cycle. It makes me feel good knowing I can give furniture new life rather than let it rot at a tip.

On my holidays I worked diligently on my sketchbook project. I have been thoroughly enjoying creating a masterpiece for this international sketching project coming out of the Brooklyn Art Gallery. If you want to know more about it please go here. I do not consider myself a sketch artist, but more of a creative colour explorer. Anything goes in these little art books, and full creative expression is my kind of art. I collaged, coloured, and drew all sorts of random things, self portraits, little birds, and aimed to make every page interesting and engaging. Here are a few pages to show you.

I have been back in the pool in recent weeks, and this has been a very good thing. I have had a very stiff upper back, quite painful at times, nothing could crack it or loosen it. I have been smashing out laps and then languishing in a hot bubbling spa, sweating it out in a sauna and steaming it up in a steam room. What a great way to relax and increase your body temperature in winter! And my back is feeling so much better for it too. Quite a few good looking semi-naked men in the spa/sauna area to chat to as well! Now that is a bonus! In fact it is proving to be the best place recently to meet men!

In other exciting news, soon on the blog I will be reviewing Bosisto’s products. I have been a big fan of their Eucalyptus spray and I am very excited to be doing a collaboration with them. Stay tuned for some juicy reading on some of the best products I have ever used. Also so good to support Australian products.

Overall life has been pretty busy. But good. I have been making the most of every day, and tapping back into my creative energy again has been very good for my spirit. As I sit at my dining room table under my rose gold light, I remind myself of my Mother. She would sit at the table hour after hour, year after year, creating magical flowers, always working on a project. I realise now, how important it is to be creative, to be productive, to channel our creative juices into something, anything! To make and create is magical. When was the last time you made something or created something? Try it sometime. You may just be surprised.

My heart belongs to Daddy! I love this brilliant colourful heart by this amazing artist Aitch, who I have just discovered. SO GOOD!

Have a great week and whatever you do, do it with flair. Do it your way.

Love Anita xx