Turquoise...

House of Turquoise...

I was snooping around the other day, as you do, admiring other people's blogs and I saw this at House of Turquoise. Isn't it lovely. I am always a sucker for tulips. Mixed with the turquoise......... heavenly!

Ciao for now 

just Martha

Love Language

My boys are 'talking' at the moment. I don't mean talking talking but they are chatting in the same language. They are in love with BMXing and are joined by this common thread, this bond, this focus. Master T is 10 and obsessed. The Silver Fox w-a-s a mad BMX-er in his youth. They are united. Everything is 'bike' this, 'air' that... They went to the skate park on Sunday for 3 hours. Up. Down. Round and round. I gave Master T a h-u-g-e lunch then afternoon tea to take with him. He came home exhausted, a bit snitchy and promptly fell asleep on the couch. The Silver Fox was pumped and chatted on and on.... They are plotting. They are planning.... Fills me with joy watching them. Watching The Silver Fox take over the reins to guide, teach and share. Me? Not interested in the slightest about these things but I feign interest as I enjoy their partnership in this healthy activity. Silver Fox was v-e-r-y proud that no skin was lost by either party...

Miss T wants her own love language with me. But. Here is the dilemma. I want it to be something active as she is becoming very allergic to e-x-e-r-c-i-s-e!!! She? Wants to learn scrapbooking and stamping. Both very creative outlets. But. I groan at the thought! Not because I don't admire the process and the outcome. But because I believe to start these as hobbies would be all-consuming. I would like to one day but not yet. Miss T? Very keen. I think we should do yoga or zumba. Something active together. So, we are at a stalemate. A standstill. I would love to do a sewing course and learn how to make cushions, sheets, put in zippers, make doona covers....  She loves to cook.... Hmmmm, still looking for our language so it seems. But in the meantime, it is a pleasure to watch boys be totally obsessed...

Ciao for now 

just Martha

Newsflash: Martha Had a Swim!!!

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My family get very excited when I go for a swim in our pool. They come running. Shouting "Mum's in the pool'. They watch with smiles on their faces. They get in the pool. They cheer me on. Hhhmmmm, I'm not really sure why. I am perplexed. I guess, from their reaction, that I don't swim much. Probably true. The children are always in the pool so I guess that maybe I do other stuff when they are. Still where I can see or hear them.

Oh look, I am the first to admit I am no water baby. I don't have an aversion, it is just that, well, it is not a great love of mine. How do you get in the pool? Do you dive straight in? or do you sort of dip little parts of yourself gradually. Me, I'm a dipper. I can take a good 30 minutes to get in the pool. Miss T and the Silver Fox, well, they just get on with it. Master T is like me except that when he does get in his lips go blue after a while.

I got in the pool after our big bike ride and was reminded by all the excitement, of this obviously rare occasion. Almost like a sighting of an extinct creature. Me. I dived in and jumped straight out. Too fresh for me really. But, my 6 second dip was enough to draw a crowd. Master T said in astonishment 'you're all wet? Did you really get in?'...

Hmmm, maybe it is good to keep it all unpredictable.... 

 

Ciao for now


just Martha

Camps Galore

As you know, both kiddies went to their school camps. It was completed with great success. Miss T enjoyed spreading her wings and the new experiences. 2 cities, plane rides, bus trips.... We gave her a phone and after curbing her enthusiasm regarding  texting, chatted to her most nights. It would appear she took on the 'houseproud' mantle as she was heard to exclaim on one phone call 'take off your shoes, I've just swept the floor'...... Hhhhmmmm, where does she get that from I wonder? She was very flat when she got home, no doubt post-adventure let down. She spent 24 hours in her pjs on the first day. The class had to do a project book and hers was heavenly.

Master T roughed it in comparison. Bushwalks, raft building, hiking, rock climbing. It was raining and apparently the leeches we attacking with a vengeance. He got 11apparently! And although gross I think it added to the adventure of the few days. He was exhausted when he got home and v-e-r-y snitchy!! Sleep and food are the only remedies for his post holiday blues....

This is the stuff memories are made of...... Now for the holiday and we welcome Spring...

Ciao for now


just Martha

Bike Ride

 We are very lucky. We live near a bike pathway so for us to ride anywhere we just hop on and go. No driving somewhere with the bikes in the car. We just, sort of..... go!!! Cool huh? We have m-i-l-e-s of tracks and now there has been a few developments, we hardly need to go on the road. So, today, it was the Tweenies and I. Off for an adventure. As usual Master Over-enthused, and Miss under-enthused. I dangled the promise of an icecream...... Off we went.

In true bike ride tradition, one flat tyre for me before we started but this time it stayed up! Master Tweenie is sorely lacking in any chivalrous bones that his father has and I had to do it myself. He did however tap his foot like I was keeping him waiting!! Nice 8 km ride along the bike path which is parallel to the water. Glorious day here. Just enough tourists in our little town to keep the place humming along...

Master T on a side street

Bit of a view on the way...

Looks inviting doesn't it?

From the bike path

Ordering a snack...

Picnic. Wouldn't be the same without gingham!

View whilst eating our snack...

Mr Percival floating past

Dessert to finish off...

Inviting glimpses on the way home...

Miss T...

A nice cooling dip at home with the fountain on...

LJ and family are coming up for a few days to celebrate Mama's big 7-7! So, we might spend a good few hours at the creek with a much more interesting picnic..... Sound good? Tonight is lasagna with fresh pasta sheets, green salad and left over chocolate cake that Miss T made..... The Silver Fox missed out on today's adventure but hey, we text him to let him know.....

(inspired by HoneynFizz-thank you)

Ciao for now


just Martha

The Good Stuff

 
Do you have 'good stuff'? You know, stuff you use for special? Like china and crockery. That's a good example. Do you keep the good stuff for when people arrive and use the everyday stuff,well, .... everyday? Is your everyday stuff a bit, well manky? A bit mismatched? A bit blah? Look, I can understand when the kiddies are small and the breakage rate a bit high but, think about what gives you pleasure...... I love a nice cutlery set and use my 'good one' everyday. When I was growing up we used the 'blah' set. I remember because the spoons were h-u-g-e for my mouth and even as a little person, they annoyed me! We weren't allowed to use the 'good stuff' because that was for.... good. Even now when I visit I refuse to use the spoons. Am I being a princess? No. I am taking pleasure in the everyday and if nice cutlery gives me joy, well, so be it. 

What about you meals? Do you set the table. Do you make it nice? Do you e-n-j-o-y each meal as a mini-celebration? Dr George Blair-West talks about sitting down as a family to eat as one of the major ways to avoid obesity in children. Did you know that? Sounds kind of simple doesn't it? He also says that if you eat in front of the TV you consume 22% more food. I think it is about being mindful. Look I know life is busy, we are all on the go. But. Here is the thing. This is stuff we do everyday. We set up patterns. We set up traditions. Eating on the go vs eating in a relaxed way. And if that means getting out the good stuff and putting a candle on the table..... Doesn't sound too hard does it?

Master Tweenie is the romantic in our family. He has the job of setting the table a-n-d getting the cutlery right. He often puts out place mats, candles and napkins. Nothing excites my children than a candle, lights dimmed..... they love it. Makes it all special.

So, homework this week folks is to get out some of the 'good stuff' and enjoy using it. Oh, don't go as far as getting Great Aunty Ina's crockery out but just start to use something everyday that brings you pleasure......... Try it, you might like it.........

Ciao for now 

just Martha

Observations: Shower

Saturday morning, coming back from my 'session' at the beach looking like a crumbed sausage. Walking gingerly into the house. Was I in pain?? No, I didn't want to get sand everywhere of course!! Housewife instincts kicking in!!!!! Stripping outside the laundry for the same reason. Hoping that the neighbours d-o-n-'-t choose this precise moment to walk up their internal stairs... Shower. Aaaaahhhh. My favourite place. Hot. Steamy. Hair. Legs etc............ Then it started. 'What?' do I hear you ask? 'What started?'............ The constant stream of visitors. Me in my birthday suit and e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e visits. 'Mum, can I get?....', 'Hon, do you want toast?', 'Mum... do you want me to?'...... True. True story. Then I got to thinking. Every time I have a shower I have a constant stream of visitors.... Always. Once, we were dog minding my BIL's gorgeous poodle cross cocker spaniel and HE came to visit me in the shower. AND he started barking crazily. He either wanted in to enjoy the water, or, he did not like what he was seeing. Humpf! Critics everywhere!!!! 

Now, the shower is my favourite place apart from my bed. I t-r-y to have a quick one but, alas, it is not to be.... I sigh and I sigh in delight. Aaaaahhhh. But, it would seem my family cannot do without me for 10 minutes. The Silver Fox is included too. He visits and stays and chats.... Maybe he has ulterior motives.... Does anyone else have this problem? Constant visitors. Uninvited? It is not that long ago that everyone wanted to hop in with me. Not that I really minded but as a Mummy, it is nice to have a bit of 'me time'. Now that they are older, they seem to cast me looks of disapproval.... But heck, people! If they don't like what they see..... they do have a choice.....

So, share folks.... Anyone else know what I am talking about? Anyone else have issues?....

Ciao for now

just Martha

The Creative Bug...

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Can you feel it? It is in the air............. The creative bug is in the air!!! Why I wonder? Is it all this blogging and seeing everyone's projects?  Could be, could be....  This blogging world is so incredibly a-m-a-z-i-n-g. It is so good for the soul. I am being inspired. everyday. I've been following Abby at her site:  Two Little Dicky Birds. She has some wonderful entries from photos to projects. Go and visit. I am turning into a bit of a stalker really. Sorry Abby. She shows some wonderful projects with links. Look what she made.....

Abby made this! It is backed with home made chenille!!

See the tutorial here

Isn't it wonderful and isn't she clever?  I am going to try this and another on topping a desk with pretty wallpaper. Any clues on good fabric and wallpaper sites fellow bloggers?....

Abby's site inspires me.  As do many more. Remember you need 20 minutes of 'you' time? Doing something you love? Well,  this could be it. Even better, make your own blog. Easy-peasy. Go on, give it a try. You won't know until you do..........

Ciao for now


just Martha

Orchid Moment...

Had to share folks.... I was given this orchid at the beginning of the year. I don't know much about orchids and their care but this one has flowered again since being my responsibility. Oh, I m-e-a-n-t to look up "How to Care for One's Orchid" but never, really, sort of.... got round to it. But now...... whalllaaaa.... flowers: well one with 2 on the way! I feel like a proud mummy! My secret? Do you want to know my secret?. ......................................................... sheer neglect!! That's right. Dumb luck... Go figure!!

Ciao for now 

just Martha

just a Phone Call Away...

I have a wonderful friend for whom a door has opened. A-n-d she and her family are going through it to a new life, a new adventure, m-i-l-e-s away. I admire her so very much. For taking the plunge. For being brave. For wanting a better life for her gorgeous family. 'The Girls' went out to lunch. Most of us met at Kindy as our boys/girls were starting together and have kept up a close friendship ever since. We sort of, well, 'clicked' really. We are all different but really the same. Do you know what I mean? Lunch was an emotional affair full of news, laughter, gifts, speeches....tears.  Is this the end as she goes off into the wild blue yonder? (in crocodile country no less. See, I told you she was brave...). No. No way indeed. Good friends are not like that. We have Skype. We have blogs. We have phones. Today, we have a zillion ways to keep in touch... Good friends also don't need to talk everyday. They catch up where they left off. That is just the way it is.... My friend is a gorgeous little thing with a lion's heart. She is heavenly. I wish her well on her new adventure and so look forward to hearing her stories...  Dear 'K', this is a 'see you later', never a 'goodbye'... You are always welcome to stay...

Ciao for now




just Martha

Why?

 www.weheartit.com

 Why?

• Can't I put a photo to my picture when I sign up to follow someone?
• Can't I do that little thing at the end of the blog "you might also like..."
• Do the word verifications only ever make a real word about 1 in 20 times?
• Wasn't blogging invented year ago? It is soooooooo fantastic

Ciao for now




just Martha

Crabby Visitors?

Little crab IN the pool.

We heard a sort of 'scratching' noise...

Now, where is that dustpan and brush and who is going to use it?...

Just thought I would share regarding my life at the beach and some unusual house guests....


Ciao for now

just Martha

Tupperware Trauma

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Tupperware causes many problems in my house!! Many problems... I have h-e-a-p-s of it but, by definition, I am a failure !! It should be in use all the time and not stored in 3 drawers in my island bench. I try to be logical. I try to store the bottoms with the lids in the same drawer. There is logic to my madness. There is method! But, alas, I am the only member of the family to understand it. Frequently I can hear a frustrated Silver Fox 'scrabbling' about.... The drawers slam, the Tupperware rustles... He is unable to unite bottom with top.... Inevitably I go and help, calmly solving the jigsaw puzzle. It is a language he does not understand. There are differences between items for the freezer, the microwave, the dishwasher..... Nope.  No 'comprehendie'....I find items in the fridge with plastic wrap for lids after him and the Tweenies all give up. To me it is so easy to work out but, maybe, it is part of my 'storage' love. So deep breath and soldier on....

Ciao for now 

just Martha

Become a Believer...

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I had lunch with my girlfriends last week although I was late due to unplanned work commitments. We were having a surprise party for a friend for her birthday. She was surprised. She nearly vomited apparently (I missed that part) and was shaking like a leaf... God love her. Why? Why was she so surprised? I think because she couldn't believe anyone would go to so much trouble for her. I don't know that she felt 'worthy' enough of so much attention. It was a luncheon for 8 put on by the wonderful, thoughtful, kind Mrs S. It was a lovely afternoon filled with presents, wine, chat... it was all there. 

Now, let's talk about this 'worthy' business. It is epidemic amongst women. Why do we have such low self esteems? Why don't we believe in ourselves? Why don't we believe that we are worthy? The girl for whom the celebration was, its the kindest, funniest person to be around. She has known trauma and has survived. She is not phased by the small stuff! She is like a lioness about her children. But yet, she doesn't see herself as anything special. She is. She is a joy to have in our lives. I adore her, as I do all my friends...This blog is about thinking and awareness. Knowing who you are. Knowing what you like and don't like. Knowing yourself...

A little exercise.... Go now and look in the mirror for 5 minutes. What do you see? Do you see crow's feet (damn those confounded crows!). Look deeper. Do you see grey hairs? Look deeper. Keep looking.... Do you see a woman with a kind heart? What about a thoughtful person, a generous person with her time and effort? No? Look deeper..... No. Don't see blood and guts. Not that deep! Okay, okay. This is hard. Go and sit in a comfy chair in your 'special spot'. Don't know what a special spot is? Some place you can relax and take a deep breath. Okay. Now think. Think about your close friends (if you have done your last lot of culling homework you only have best friends in your life...). What do you like about them? Are they kind, thoughtful? Do you look forward to seeing them? Do you miss them? Can you chat where you last left off the conversation? Think about each of them and what you love about them... Keep thinking........

Now, here is a secret. We surround ourselves with people like us. You a-r-e- the kind thoughtful friend. People miss you, people find you special. Yes Y-O-U. Your friends believe in you.... Now. There is only one thing to do.... Believe in yourself. Go on. Give it a try.......

Ciao for now 

just Martha

Weekend...

Do you have a busy weekend planned? Me? I have just done my baseline for "The Challenge": beep test, sit ups, push ups, plank, dips... followed by a 2.2km run. As Kath Day Knight would say......Noice!! And all before 8am!! Now only 11.5 weeks to go.....

This weekend is full of chores, family and friends...... Gorgeous weather......... Aaaah!! life is good

So folks, have a good one. Live everyday to the fullest and cherish those in your life.......

Ciao for now 

just Martha

Mother=Chick=Mother

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As you know Miss T is away on her school  trip so I have been having some quality time with Master T. It is so nice to have a bit of one on one time. Don't worry, Miss T will get the same coddling next week when Master T is away on his camp. It has been wonderful: snuggles, movies, bike riding, cooking, making lunches. Oh, don't get me wrong. We do most of this anyway but the dynamics are all different with 1 child.

So today we went bike riding and how the tables have turned! You know how as a Mum you say 'stop at the corner', 'look left look right...' etc? Well. Master T was saying: 'be careful I heard a rustling in the leaves', 'let's go this way because there is a magpie that way'... He even said 'did you get lost?', 'cross the road here'....... Aaaah, how the tables have turned. My gorgeous little man was watching out for me! I like to think that he was being thoughtful rather than that I was a being a bit of a liability!!!! Hahah!! Thanks Master T, it is a pleasure to watch you grow... He is now 10 and although I am not wishing his childhood away, I am keen to see how he turns out!!!...

Have a great day folks! I am off to lunch with some of my girlfriends.......


Ciao for now


just Martha

Last Chance...

Now, that would motivate me! Anyone got a little T-Rex lying around?

I have just come back from joining a health exercise program for 12 weeks. Sound fun? I've done it before. Exercising 3 times per week, at least, for 12 weeks with lots of support. I am looking forward to it but I feel it is my last chance. To get it right. To be healthy. To get the 'exercise' bug. Menopause is going to get me one day and I need to be ready for it. I need to be fit. I need to be healthy. And I need to be fit and healthy. I am motivated, but, well, it's just that...... I need someone to make me. There. I said it. I'm not lazy and my diet is fine. It's just that there always seems something else to do rather than slogging my guts out by myself...

I like the group mentality of this program. I like the ethos. I like the camaraderie... It is not easy though. Here are some of the things I have learned from previously doing the "Challenge":

• One can run around the oval twice, call it a 'warm up' and survive
• After the 'warm up' there is still 50minutes of exercise to be done. Again, one can survive
• To r-e-a-l-l-y exercise one needs to get r-e-a-l-l-y dirty
• Pelvic floors can be very uncooperative 
• Sand will be everywhere. And I mean everywhere...
• The instructors can exercise and talk a-n-d expect answers. I do not have that skill, yet
• There are some very inspiring people around (you know who you are Mrs T)
• Instructors have no respect for newly straightened hair. You still have to get in the pool
• A 'teabag' is not something you flavour hot water with. No, not at all
• It doesn't really matter what the weather is like either... rain, hail or shine
• Ladies do 'sweat'. Ladies don't just 'glisten'...

Wish me luck!! Blogging will be my reward for all the hard work so I still pledge to write everyday...

Image here



Ciao for now 

just Martha

Clever Silver Fox!

Spa in ensuite  Note: Plant is still alive! No flowers yet

I have a clever Silver Fox. I do appreciate him. He is very handy. Very clever. Now the Silver Fox built our house and did a marvelous job. Although he was still running his business at the time so life was a bit busy, hectic, crazy... you get the picture. He was so exhausted but built it to perfection. He does like straight walls and nice finishes! No 'wombas here' (wobbly walls).  We designed the house with the environment in mind. Bedrooms on the east to receive the morning sunshine, bathrooms on the west to take the brunt of the afternoon heat - no cold moldy bathrooms here!! Facing the right way to get the breezes... and so on. Water tank, recycled water for the toilet. High ceilings, in fact very high to give the impression of space and airy-ness. Big windows for light, small windows for breeze, big bedrooms for the ever-changing needs of the Tweenies. Built-in cupboards everywhere and I mean everywhere. Favourite room? My 'Good Room' is the one for me.  Included are some photos of our house...

There were things he really wanted and things I really wanted, so some things were a non-issue and some things were negotiated. He can pick colours in about 5 minutes!! He is a dream like that. Tiles, kitchen benches, paint colours... done and perfect. He chose the doors and they are throughout the house as a sort of warehouse look. I think they are 7 foot and add to the feeling of space in the house. Some slide like the one below and the ones to the media room and bathrooms. Some shut as usual. We also have as spa which fits 4 very easily. This is good because as soon as the water is running it is full of children! No romance for us.  I will show more of the house in future posts and might even do one of those album- thingys when I learn how!!!.... Thank you Silver Fox for being sooooo clever!!!!

Door to garage. Quite tall. This one slides

My f-a-v-o-u-r-i-t-e item: a heated towel rail

Aaahhh, the symmetry. Windows are blue glass

Kitchen... nice and tidy for photo

Pool and water feature with raised hedged gardens... Silver Fox!!

Bathroom children use

Looking out the front door

Looking down the side of the house . Silver Fox again

Art on my bedroom wall

My "Good Room" not really a room at all!. Just a corner

The "Up Room" Another sitting room upstairs

Guest bedroom looking through the mirror. The Librian will notice the cushions are asymmetrical. Sorry

Ciao for now


just Martha

Love: Apple Blossoms

Well, the markets were wonderful again this week. I bought apples from growers who come from Stanthorpe. Their apples come from ancient trees and  taste a-m-a-z-i-n-g! They have a 10 year old saying 'yum' at every bite! AND they last in the fridge fresh and crisp for the full 2 weeks if they are not eaten long before. This week I bought apple blossoms as a treat although I did spy tulips so was torn between my old favourites and a new experience. The apple blossoms won and here they are. Let's see how long they last... 

Ciao for now 

just Martha