I have no idea how it came about that I totally skipped # 3. No excuses, just a fact. Moving on.
Today I'm going to express my gratitude for the heavy rain that's been falling in Sydney since early last night. It bucketed down all night and all I could think of was New Mum's newly laid lawn! Yayyy! The rain will do a better job of 'wetting it in' than any amount of watering could ever do. Couldn't have asked for better. Let's hope the creek doesn't flood at No. 8 though! The fence has only just been repaired.
I haven't always been so grateful for the rain that's fallen around me! Truth be told, there was a time when we lived in New Zealand that I honestly wondered whether I would begin to grow webs between my toes. The first six months that we lived in Auckland were the wettest on record. Which reminds me of this poem which we found in an information centre in Westland National Park in NZ:
The Rain
It rained and rained and rained
The average fall was well maintained
And when the tracks were simple bogs,
it started raining cats & dogs
After a drought of half an hour
We had a most refreshing shower,
And then most curious thing of all,
A gently rain began to fall!
Next day but one was fairly dry
Save for one deluge from the sky
Which wetted the party to the skin
And then, at last, the rain set in.
Right, so now we all know that it can rain A LOT in New Zealand. We also know that when it doesn't rain A LOT, they dry out all too quickly. The countryside was brown when we were there last. Apparently, it got a whole lot worse... let's hope they're getting some rain again.
Anyone able to say whether they are?
April Blackbird
18 May 2010
Viktor Frankl: Why to believe in others | Video on TED.com
I have to share this with you! Please watch and enjoy.
Viktor Frankl: Why to believe in others | Video on TED.com
Just by the way, TED.com (ideas worth spreading) is worth a visit anytime.
April Blackbird
Viktor Frankl: Why to believe in others | Video on TED.com
Just by the way, TED.com (ideas worth spreading) is worth a visit anytime.
April Blackbird
15 May 2010
A very purple bear...
Meet Madison II. This little bear is going to a new baby boy called Archie.
Arabella Chickie in Palma de Mallorca
Arabella Chickie in Palma de Mallorca
A baby shoe prototype...
I have been busy lately crocheting a little bit every night. I am still trying to get my head around things, but I think I am learning a bit.
Here is my latest prototype baby shoe to try on my friend's little 3 month old baby Noah. The yarn is Sirdar Snuggle Baby Bamboo and it feels really nice and soft to the touch and is easy to work with.
The funky orange button was purchased at a tiny little old fashioned store here in Palma that is absolutely stacked full of boxes of buttons and crochet cotton. It is run by a cute little older couple who only speak Spanish. Thank goodness I am keeping up with my Spanish lessons! The store is so crowded that I have to take my handbag off my shoulder when I go in in case I knock something down when I turn around. Next time I go, I will ask if I can take a photo.
Here is a pic of the prototype with my favourite chocolate lolly at the moment (purchased from the food section of Ikea), to get a better idea of size.
What do you think? I really like the colours on this one. The style is based on the Hi-Top Athletic shoe from the Gourmet Crochet Julian Blaise Collection of Baby Boy Shoes. I have made quite a few changes to the pattern though. I just hope I can work out what I did so that I can make the matching shoe to go with this one!
Arabella Chickie in Palma de Mallorca
13 May 2010
An Attitude of Gratitude - No. 5
I am grateful for my wonderful friends. All of them. Life just wouldn't be the same without them!
Somebody once asked me whether my friends were truly 'friends', or simply 'acquaintances'. I was quite taken aback, but had to agree that she was right to ask.
Yes, I have a lot of acquaintances. I like people. Well, most of the time anyway. I count 'acquaintances' as people I have known briefly. I like them enough to chat to them; maybe we'll share a cup of coffee at lunch time; maybe we'll chat at a club. We share each other's company briefly and often only in passing.
Isn't making someone's acquaintance the first step to becoming their friend in time? The smallest seed with a potential to grow into the largest tree? Real friendships don't happen over night. They have to be carefully nurtured.
And yes, I do have a lot of friends. True friends. From all walks of life. People who care about me and mine, as I care about them and theirs. We are 'there' for each other in the truest sense. There are some very close friends to whom I refer to as my 'elected family'. Shared blood couldn't make us closer! We share each other's joy and heartache.
That said and done we all acknowledge that we share different parts of ourselves with different friends. We cannot possibly be all things to all people. We don't have to live in each other's pockets or share the same breath of air. That isn't possible. Or necessary. For us, the accent on friendship is on the 'caring'.
What do you think defines 'a friend'?
Somebody once asked me whether my friends were truly 'friends', or simply 'acquaintances'. I was quite taken aback, but had to agree that she was right to ask.
Yes, I have a lot of acquaintances. I like people. Well, most of the time anyway. I count 'acquaintances' as people I have known briefly. I like them enough to chat to them; maybe we'll share a cup of coffee at lunch time; maybe we'll chat at a club. We share each other's company briefly and often only in passing.
Isn't making someone's acquaintance the first step to becoming their friend in time? The smallest seed with a potential to grow into the largest tree? Real friendships don't happen over night. They have to be carefully nurtured.
And yes, I do have a lot of friends. True friends. From all walks of life. People who care about me and mine, as I care about them and theirs. We are 'there' for each other in the truest sense. There are some very close friends to whom I refer to as my 'elected family'. Shared blood couldn't make us closer! We share each other's joy and heartache.
That said and done we all acknowledge that we share different parts of ourselves with different friends. We cannot possibly be all things to all people. We don't have to live in each other's pockets or share the same breath of air. That isn't possible. Or necessary. For us, the accent on friendship is on the 'caring'.
What do you think defines 'a friend'?
10 May 2010
Baby shoes galore!
With so many babies being born around me and not much new and exciting in the shops, I have decided to start making baby gifts for something a little bit different. So far I have made two Madison bears (one in pink and one in purple) and four pairs of baby shoes. I am quite pleased with the baby shoes as they do look quite different. I have also become confident enough that I am now starting to alter the 'recipe' to suit me better - make them faster and make the straps buttonable.
Here are some pics of a few I have made so far:
What do you think? Cute?
Arabella Chickie in Palma de Mallorca
08 May 2010
Homemade Ricotta
It wasn't too long ago that I watched a cooking program that revealed just how easy it is to make your own Ricotta at home. I was taken completely by surprise. How is it possible that something so easy (and cheap) to make at home is so expensive in the shops?
Not only that, if you make it at home you know exactly what's gone into it.
Which is all well and good, as long as you write down the recipe! Which I didn't.
While our Palma chickies were visiting we found it very difficult to find the baked Ricotta we all love so much. Arabella did eventually find some and we enjoyed it, but we didn't enjoy it quite so much as the baked Ricotta she made herself. It was absolutely delicious and had a marvellous texture.
I did find an excellent baked ricotta recipe that I'd like to try - you'll find it by clicking on this link- it looks like it could well become a firm family favourite.
I've been searching the internet for good 'homemade' Ricotta recipes and have found quite a few variations on the theme. Some use a mixture of buttermilk and milk; others use a mixture of cream and milk; yet others use only milk. Some use lemon juice as the 'curdling' agent; others use white vinegar. All add a little salt.
Some recipes will give you 'instant' ricotta (or very nearly); some are a bit more time consuming. I'm sure you'll enjoy reading all the instructions, but it does seem you can get a good result by:
April Blackbird
Not only that, if you make it at home you know exactly what's gone into it.
Which is all well and good, as long as you write down the recipe! Which I didn't.
While our Palma chickies were visiting we found it very difficult to find the baked Ricotta we all love so much. Arabella did eventually find some and we enjoyed it, but we didn't enjoy it quite so much as the baked Ricotta she made herself. It was absolutely delicious and had a marvellous texture.
I did find an excellent baked ricotta recipe that I'd like to try - you'll find it by clicking on this link- it looks like it could well become a firm family favourite.
I've been searching the internet for good 'homemade' Ricotta recipes and have found quite a few variations on the theme. Some use a mixture of buttermilk and milk; others use a mixture of cream and milk; yet others use only milk. Some use lemon juice as the 'curdling' agent; others use white vinegar. All add a little salt.
Some recipes will give you 'instant' ricotta (or very nearly); some are a bit more time consuming. I'm sure you'll enjoy reading all the instructions, but it does seem you can get a good result by:
- making sure the milk doesn't actually boil
- not burning the milk (duh)
- using the microwave to heat the milk seems the best method
- draining the curds through paper towels if you don't have a good muslin
April Blackbird
05 May 2010
An Attitude of Gratitude - No 4
Sunday is Mother's Day in Australia.
When my children were little they would ask me 'that question'. "What do you want for Mother's Day?" My answer was (and still is) always the same. "Good kids!"
I pretty much got what I asked for. Today, my children are grown up. Three of them are married. Two of them are parents themselves. I still think my children are my most worthwhile contribution to this world. They are 'good kids'. In every sense of the word. They are loving and caring human beings. I am proud of who and what they are.
So, to-day I give thanks for my children. I am eternally grateful that we are spending this lifetime together.
April Blackbird
When my children were little they would ask me 'that question'. "What do you want for Mother's Day?" My answer was (and still is) always the same. "Good kids!"
I pretty much got what I asked for. Today, my children are grown up. Three of them are married. Two of them are parents themselves. I still think my children are my most worthwhile contribution to this world. They are 'good kids'. In every sense of the word. They are loving and caring human beings. I am proud of who and what they are.
So, to-day I give thanks for my children. I am eternally grateful that we are spending this lifetime together.
April Blackbird
02 May 2010
Who loves a new pair of shoes?
For as long as I can remember, I've had a passion for shoes. Not just any shoes, but shoes that 'talk' to me. You know the situation ... you happen to be casually browsing the shops and suddenly you come across a pair of shoes that you just absolutely have to own.
As Preggie Chick I resisted the urge to buy shoes for my entire pregnancy, primarily because my feet and legs swelled up to the size of large tree trunks and all I could fit into during the last trimester were my thongs (flip flops not a g-string). As a person with a passion for shoes you can imagine that this nearly killed me. I was mortified to have to go out wearing thongs ... Now that I'm a new mom I have very little reason to wear anything other than sensible footwear as I pound the pavements (or malls) pushing or carrying Chickadee. However, it came to my attention that long, flat boots (Riding Boots) are all the rage in fashion right now and they rather took my fancy! Initially I persuaded myself that I had no need for yet another pair of shoes. I quickly came to the realisation however that these boots may not be in fashion next year, therefore I ought to buy a pair now whilst I still had the opportunity. Having come to my senses, Arabella Chickie and I hit the shops during her recent visit and I was thrilled to purchase a beautiful pair of long, black riding boots. Very plain and simple but quite elegant. It felt really good taking that pair of boots home! Of course, this also meant that I now had to purchase two new pairs of trousers to wear with the new boots. I am now the owner of a pair of skinny leg jeans and a pair of black leggings. The idea being the pants get tucked into the boots. I have a distinct memory of outrightly mocking this fashion statement a number of years ago and never thought I would become a victim of this trend myself. Still, with such gorgeous boots, one is compelled to display them. Besides, Arabella Chickie assured me that so long as you wear a long top over the pants to hide your bum, then all is ok.
On Friday I had to run to the mall to get a few things and to my delight it was freezing cold and pouring with rain. The perfect opportunity to wear the new boots. Admittedly, wearing new boots when you know you have lots of walking to do is not necessarily very sensible so I did take a few band aids with incase of blisters. However, the boots were fabulously comfortable, much to my delight. That said, by the time I got home it was quite a relief to slip them off and put on my pale blue Peter Alexander Ugg Boots ... a fashion item I swore I would never, ever own. They are rather warm and comfy though, sometimes I even think about leaving the house with them on ... but that would just be crossing the line.
New Mum Chick
As Preggie Chick I resisted the urge to buy shoes for my entire pregnancy, primarily because my feet and legs swelled up to the size of large tree trunks and all I could fit into during the last trimester were my thongs (flip flops not a g-string). As a person with a passion for shoes you can imagine that this nearly killed me. I was mortified to have to go out wearing thongs ... Now that I'm a new mom I have very little reason to wear anything other than sensible footwear as I pound the pavements (or malls) pushing or carrying Chickadee. However, it came to my attention that long, flat boots (Riding Boots) are all the rage in fashion right now and they rather took my fancy! Initially I persuaded myself that I had no need for yet another pair of shoes. I quickly came to the realisation however that these boots may not be in fashion next year, therefore I ought to buy a pair now whilst I still had the opportunity. Having come to my senses, Arabella Chickie and I hit the shops during her recent visit and I was thrilled to purchase a beautiful pair of long, black riding boots. Very plain and simple but quite elegant. It felt really good taking that pair of boots home! Of course, this also meant that I now had to purchase two new pairs of trousers to wear with the new boots. I am now the owner of a pair of skinny leg jeans and a pair of black leggings. The idea being the pants get tucked into the boots. I have a distinct memory of outrightly mocking this fashion statement a number of years ago and never thought I would become a victim of this trend myself. Still, with such gorgeous boots, one is compelled to display them. Besides, Arabella Chickie assured me that so long as you wear a long top over the pants to hide your bum, then all is ok.
On Friday I had to run to the mall to get a few things and to my delight it was freezing cold and pouring with rain. The perfect opportunity to wear the new boots. Admittedly, wearing new boots when you know you have lots of walking to do is not necessarily very sensible so I did take a few band aids with incase of blisters. However, the boots were fabulously comfortable, much to my delight. That said, by the time I got home it was quite a relief to slip them off and put on my pale blue Peter Alexander Ugg Boots ... a fashion item I swore I would never, ever own. They are rather warm and comfy though, sometimes I even think about leaving the house with them on ... but that would just be crossing the line.
New Mum Chick
01 May 2010
Madison Bear
Well here we are back in Palma! It was great to go home and have a holiday and catch up with everyone, but strangely after having only been back one week, we are struggling to remember what we did on our holiday!
One thing I did do while we were on holiday was crochet this cute little bear for our newest niece...
Meet Madison Bear.
Madison Bear is about 20cm tall (when standing) and she has moveable arms and legs and no nasty bits that might choke someone who might decide to chew them off. She is made from 100% wool.
Well, I'm off to finish some crochet baby booties for another little baby!
Hasta Luego!
Arabelle Chickie in Palma de Mallorca
One thing I did do while we were on holiday was crochet this cute little bear for our newest niece...
Meet Madison Bear.
Madison Bear is about 20cm tall (when standing) and she has moveable arms and legs and no nasty bits that might choke someone who might decide to chew them off. She is made from 100% wool.
I ordered the pattern online from Maggie Wheldon. I found the instructions to be well written and easy to follow; however I might make a few minor changes next time I make this bear. The hardest part was choosing a colour and nice woollen yarn to make Madison in!
Well, I'm off to finish some crochet baby booties for another little baby!
Hasta Luego!
Arabelle Chickie in Palma de Mallorca
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