Finished... almost

I have really loved working on this commission. I was especially delighted with this gorgeous antique Japanese paper I found in Bangalow a couple of days ago which bought and couldn't help using on this piece.

Swords

Before having children I felt really judgemental toward toys and what kids should and shouldn't play with. The biggest issues have been guns, swords and barbie/brat dolls. Now thankfully I have children that have taught me that they are wonderful and clever people who decide things for themselves. Bug has a collection of all kinds of dolls which she sees as beautiful. Her taste ranges from Barbie to Steiner felt dolls and her most favourite are china fairies. Her love of these things has allowed me to let go of things I had previously held a passionate dislike for. .. Now I feel alot lighter indeed, without my digust of Barbie and Brat dolls!

Until quite recently we have had no experience with 'violent' toys. JJ has been using sharp knives to cut things for a long time now and has started to play a bit with them. Recently when he was gifted some cash and went into a toy store he passionately desired some toy swords. So now we have these things in the house and they are great fun and we have had alot of swashbuckling adventures since their arrival on the scene. My most favourite game is when JJ, Willow and Papa Jim play castle guards with them. They march, protect the front door, salute and change the guard.

When I let go of judgement and just observe everything seems beautiful.

A work in progress

this is half of an artwork I am making for a family, almost finished

More launch pictures

I really wanted to share these pictures of the wonderful food we enjoyed yesterday too

A Wonderful Book Launch!

I feel so blessed and joyous after a fabulous book launch today. It was so lovely to see friends both new and old, family and friendly faces. A dear friend of mine Deb, made some amazing sweet eating delights and Nonna some lovley savoury ones. Everywhere I looked I could see smiles and joy, people being together nd kids playing.... just wonderful!

Here are a few snaps, I will write some more on this very soon and add some photos ;)

A beautiful family

This is the beginings of a painting I am working on for a yummy unschooling family. What a menagerie, 3 kids, 2 dogs and 2 cats :) This is the yummy mummy and her babe.... to be continued

Grandparent, magic and wisdom

It is a special time for our family, Papa and Gran are with us from Scotland. They will be staying with us for 4 weeks. Bug and Gran have been lost in a fairy world - Gran's ability to enter this world completely is an inspiration to me. Looking at them playing on the swings together makes me think that they are more like sisters than Grandaughter and Grandmother. Papa and Gran this week have been the stars in plays, the audience for endless ballet routines, football players and wonderful dish washers!

This is a big learning time for me; adjusting to being a bigger family while letting go of judging myself as a mother through the eyes of others. I am also hoping that some grandparent, magic and wisdom will seep into my soul over the coming month. When I felt frustrated about JJ's anger and behaviour today Gran just gently said "it will pass, just be thankful he is with you" reminding me how temporal life is.