today

today starts a new year a new day and all that jazz. I had a very quiet one.. reading and then got up and watched the fire works on tv... really lovely. Then i felt so creative alive and awake so i got out my pastels and covered a fan that tammy got me from china and used stamps and pastels and decorated them. One is mroe fun than the other. So they both look good..i want to send one to a friend.

I am writing again/// its nice to.


take care out there

love ally

new years

Sorry havent written in you for a while... just been feeling a bit down as of late. I hope you all have a rocking new years. Im having a quiet one... just at home with a few movies.. sheesh i must be getting old. They say that how you bring your new years in is how you shall spend the coming year..so mine will be spent with family. I do hope that we shall all be together for louises wedding.

Anyhow.. I have started writing in a journal so i will post that up on here too. I have been feeling real depresed. Its hard to shake the blues some times.

Anyhow...

happy new years and all that jazz.

love ally

brake

I am on a little brake at the moment. Will gfet back intot he full swing of writing tomorrow.. at the moment... I have been buisy making tags i will take some photos of them.. im getting ready to do the yarragon market next year! YAY for me. Welpers.. i better get going now..
just thought id stop in and say hi~!

cards

Hello there long time no write. Have been working on cards mainly.. just gift tags and cards. I will post some of them to friends. I have done well over 100 now.. mum said ive been going like the clappers... if only i knew what that meant! I think i need a slang dicitonary. ! hehe So for the past few weeks that is all i have been doing.. creating. I will get back to the full swing of painting..after ive used all my card stock!

Well what else.. oh i have been here a bit and there a bit.. I am heading to the city this coming thursday.. looking forward to catching up with friends. Even though the city will be chockers.

So i will write more later

broken

the lap top is still broken.. i will writer more soon. I have been ok. Back to making cards etc will get back to full swing shortly

back

Will write more about my adventures once the lap top is fixed..!


i am about just doig a few things here and there


wrote more later alligator

the finish line

mum and I finally finished the invites. I am free to do my own thing now. Perhaps work more on my paintings. Perhaps, perhaps.I cleaned up a bit today mainly the back room. My parcel should have arrived. Or i hope at least. My craft goodies.

I was supposed to have done scrapbooking today..but that will wait til another day. Id prefer to put my energy into something productive. Not sure if i should pack up everything and just read for a few days. I don;t know.

Ive just sat around not doing much today... a little bit down but not out. Well i remembered a dream i had long ago it was o do with LOTR and a motionless horse. I cant think of any other things that happened.

seeing invites

So the only thing left to do is to decorate the invites and then give them to louise when she visits this weekend. That shall be that. I signed up to do a free scrapbooking lesson. The lady that runs the store seems really nice. So that will fill my day tomorrow for a few hours.

I have a list of things i have to buy for it.. but i have to bring a few supplies. I will take a few photos not sure what of just yet. It will be a challenge to do something on the crafty side of things.

Well im off to read write more later alligator

little pieces

Little by little, slowly but surely.. more invites are being assembled and put together. Got the hang of it this time.. we cut and measured everything so its been easier and all i have to do now is decorate them tomorrow.
I spoke to a friend for a while on the phone.. it was lovely to hear from her. Anyway.. im tired now even though its only 8:30am.. feel i could sleep for a while!

take care out there


albell

1 minute challenge

Hello there. Today I filled my day with writing... via doing the 60second challenge

http://oneminutewriter.blogspot.com/

go there its a fantastic site. I love it so. They have heaps of questions. Makes you think and question things. Answering them. Im glad i found that site. I will do that every day from now on. Think i will start my day like that or with a tea reading and replying to letters.

I have been drawing too. Well will make a few things be on my agenda.

okie smokies i'll be off again

talk about when thinking

I am reading Haruki Murakamis "WHat i think about when i talk about running" Its kinda inspired me to write down conversations i have with myself on a daily basis. Its funny I do have time to think about thinks. Mull them over. So subject matter of today is of course love. I have been writing them down with brackets around them.

ONE OF my thought has been this " somewhere perhaps a long time ago there was a stillness in her heart. The pin dropped and awoke the ghost of remembering that haunts her to the core"


Anyhow.. i better go got some more reading to do. His novel is inspiring.


albell

stunning

Its absolutely stunning weather,I am enjoying the sunshine.. i must remember sunscreen or else im going to fry in the heat. So what revelation today... oh a few. I wrote the two letters..now just two more to go. I think i will stick to sending cards from now on they are a hello of a lot cheaper than letters to send overseas.

I went and picked up my picture up from the framing shop today.. it looks stunning now its cleaned and sealed and has a hook thing on the back of it. Im going to hang it in the lounge room taking my collograph down. I have to go and pick up my pictures from rosedale too.


anbyhow.. i will write more later this afternoon..

got a few things to do ish

there and back again

HAVE been away for a few days. I met up with a friend in the city.. for dinner.. went to Ants Bistro.. i ordered chili and ginger chicken. Very spicy, i started with tears down my cheeks. I had to eat nearly the whole plate full. I hadnt eaten since 2ish though so i was famished. Went back to her house and sat around watching sex and the city.Something ive never really seen before.

So the next day we were up early and went and picked up her friends dog. Its a beautiful dog though. Went to the beach..it was so damned windy..i had thermals in my bag too. We had a picnic over looking the ocean,.. had fresh fruit..blueberries, strawberries and smoked cheese (oh i love it so) .. some water. It was lovely.
I sat in the car for a bit.. drawing whilst the dog had another run along the beach.

Took sunshine (the dogs name) back to Justynas friends place.. sat around there just chatting for an hour or so.. its a beautiful house and 3 dogs they have got. The 3 dogs were so cute. Then zoomed off to see Paul and Lucy for a bbq. that was lovely. Sitting around chatting for a few hours.

So that was a great weekend. I came home on the train... a group of very chatty teenagers were there... chirpy chirpy chirpy. I juswt buried myself in a Haruki Murakami novel. It passed the 2hrs home. I am still reading it. Ive been inspired to start drawing again. I came to a few realisations..this weekend. Some i wil discuss with Alison on friday.


You know if its one thing.. i feel refreshed and renewed im glad i forced myself to go. Anyhow.. its back to these invites now.. which i wil breath and live for this week. sheessshhies.

anyhow.. just thought i'd pop a note or two on here.

ive been inspired to write again.. so ive just got two more letters to pen pals.

take care out there

albell

Letters

I have 3 letters to reply to only i don't really feel like replying to them all. I will. Ill start with the one that came to me first..which is my German pen pal. The one who put tea bags into her letter and they were confiscated by customs! OOoops a daisy.
Oh well. Im not paying $42 to send them back to her either! They can just be destroyed.

I am very angry with this one company that took my money and have not bothered to reply to my email. ..who owe me all my craft things i ordered. I will be making a very angry phone call later.

I went back to sleep at 9ish today and woke up at 12ish... so lazy, I didnt expect to sleep 3hrs though. I knew i was tired but not that tired. Well dad is doing my chores..ive only hung out the washing. I spoke briefly to my friend who was on her lunch break.

Well I better get going now. Might watch a movie or something.

albell

after a storm

After a storm they always say there is calm. Perhaps so. Perhaps not. There is shelter. I guess. I have been dreaming but not remembering one little bit of them. I have also been a bit down, think its just family things. That has been the storm.

Where to take refuge? Where to hide? You can only hide for so long before becoming a hermit. So i took refuge in retail therapy. Today it was plants and christmas presents.
Yes christmas.. can't avoid it. So i have about half my list done.

Its a matter of posting it all around the world. Any how.. its time for me to write some letters..i have many to reply to.


love ally

out

Forced myself out of the house. Went down the road and got some paper for louises invites. To finish them off. Mum will try this pink outfit on tomorrow..its a pale colour. I don't know if it will suit her but there is only one way to find out.

I only have about a very small amount in my account. Its looking pretty anemic. I have gotten a few letters but I have not responded yet..waiting for the right day. The right time. Well if there ever is a right time at the moment.

Im not happy jan...as that old ad goes. I have been drawing for a bit today, its good that its a friday. I'm glad. Welpers must go now.. sleep calls me.

darker grows the day

Darker grows the day. I am feeling very blue. Family things that have been happening, its been a bit of a shit year really. I don't know what to do, where to put myself or anything. Im at a loss.

Darker is the day,

write more when i'm feeling a little less flat.


ally

ergh

What a bummed out day I am having. I didnt want louise to go home...I just wanted her to stay. She needs a stack of TLC. I have time to listen and listen. Im not sure..i feel a little helpless at the moment. Its not a great feeling at all. I want to be in a few places at once

Im not sure what i should do. Anyhow.. i know i can be here. I now have 30 more invites to make.

well better go now

lub ally

agh

Its that agh feeling again. This week has not gone very well at all, started out ok and ive never known me to be this down. Suppose its just a bit of everything.. I must admit though i took comfort in possibly the fattiest thing on the menu which was satay chicken noodles. I didnt care.. i devoured most of it!

My family are all going out to lunch. I might just either join them or eat leftovers from last nights tea. I don't feel like forcing myself out. So home again, i have a dvd to watch so its not so bad.


Anyhow.. better go.

albell

Wonder

I wonder where my parcels of supplies has ended up? Its been nearly 2weeks since I ordered it all. I think my handbag off etsy will arrive here before then. Id be surprised if it's all a scam. Lucky I only did a direct deposit. I didn't go shopping in warragul.. i got some more labels for the label machine. They cost a pretty penny.
Somehow i have a feeling i won't be able to afford to go to the city this weekend.

Its halloween today..something that is recognised here by some kids..this year I am ready for them.. i have a bowl of lollies in wrappers. The dog goes a bit nuts and it drives me up the wall.OOOH perhaps i am turning into that quirky lady at the end of a road.

So i have to make more than affirmations. I have to write a few things out.I got to use all these felt pieces to make pictures to express my emotions/ my fears... it was good. I felt like a kid again. I can't wait for Roman and Nicola to arrive.

Anyhow Im too tired to make gnocchi tonight so i am making it tomorrow for lunch.

catch yer later alligator

half a world away

Today has just flown by, I don't know how..or where the time went... I am making a salad with kababs tonight.It is a mushroom and spinach salad.. from Donna Hay of course. Looks like its going to rain even though its warm out side still.

I wrote some letters, posted them off. It looks like a storm is on its way. Weather or not it happens is another matter...as we need rain. Tomorrow I have Allison, so im away to warragul..that will make the day pass quickly. I found that book store too..so i will be going there also.

I won an extra $20 credit on my phone.. thats great.. im sure that will be zapped up. Anyhow.. I am having a little tipple at the moment. I better go start on this salad..

albell

sleep in

I was up at 8am nothing unusual about that but then I went back to bed and slept until 11am Soo lazy of me. As I onlyu had about $4 to my name and couldnt afford to go out anywhere.Stayed home and got stuck into my paintings. Its going to take a little bit of work to fix some of them up.

I got a messaage from my friend Andrea asking if i'd like to have another exhibition next year. I would but im not sure if i want it to be solo. I am thinking about it. Just want to test out a new venue. in a new area.

Let's see I have a little bit of work to do before i go and get Alice framed. Oh its a little funny I got a letter from one of my pen pals..customs had pulled it a side and confiscated two tea bags that she had put in there and left a note to say they were dangerous and need to be destroyed.

So i better tell my pen pals not to send tea to me anymore!

Little scooter is asleep next to me.. and its a bit cold. So she is snuggled into towel. I have not cooked anything of note lately. So im going to attempt to tomorrow.. going to make some basic rice rolls. I figure no cooking and theyll be healthy for us ti have. If they work i will put the recipe up if not then I won't

I have House on and i'e been reading some more of that Kathy Lette book. Well i better get going got a few things to do...

nighty night

Happy Birthday

hAPPY Birthday to my little nephew Roman!


So today I did do a few things.. mainly reading a book. None the less kept me occupied.

will write more later alligator

shopping

So instead of doing the invites... went shopping. Think my bank account is well below a healthy amount. Oh well. doesn't matter i guess. I get paid thursday and tomorrow i don' have to go anywhere. I keep walking every day now. Just to get the mail. The things from etsy arrived.. real cute and well made, im happy with them. I will buy from her again. Meanwhile i found a handbag that i'm going to get with this coming pay. Then that will be the end of my spending.

I got the Kathy Letts chick lit book.. its new..and i loved the way she interviewed on tv.. she seems funny. Her book is a little over the top with humor. Thats the way she interviewed too. I posted all my letters including the cat humor to Odd. I have not done any of my cat cartoons in a while.. now ive started back up again.

So i fill a little off colour at the moment. Im sure i'll be fine soon, had a good weekend.The thing on the gate wont shut poperly i tried to fix it but lucky the wind is gong the other way.

Im inside got satched. catch yer later alligaotr

Hey out there

hey out there.. its only mid morning... and I feel so sad. I woke up with a deep sense of sadness. I guess I know why inside. Think its just as they say "woe is me" . I keep thinking about things..the more i mull over my thoughts the more sad I feel. So i've got to look to the future more.

It's hard to though..well no make that easy to.I have a lot ahead of me. A lot to look forard to. Where would u have time frozen if you could? What steps would you have taken differently? What split decision would you have made? They re some of my questions floating around. I do know where i come undone. I can't turn back time.

ANYhow...what is ahead of me? Oh a few things i feel. Fun to be a birdesmaid...I guess. So much for it going to be 25 today as my brother says "hell no". Looks like a cold cold day outside. I need some sheets of card stock again. I have all the fancy smancy papers.. i'm out of stock for the other.

I sayed up stamping last night... loads of fun..! Well I better skidaddle down the street and do a few things


albell.

Own Thing

Own thing. Made a "few" cards today. Using good ink. The cheaper ink as ive so discovered doesn't stick so good to the paper. Its doesn't set right. Smudges so I have to throw a stack out. *sighs* I should follow my mums rule... "quality, its all about quality". Im so tired. As i stayed up til 1am again making cards like a mad woman. I discovered that the good black ink even sticks to satin ribbon. So ive made one up with a butterfly print on it, put it onto a card.. very pretty. Should take a photo or two.

Well im tired as anything... so i'll say goodnight.


nighty night

Sleep In

Today I got up at 6ish... then went back to sleep atr about 10 til noon. So lazy, but i was soooooo tired. Think its cause i got up and stayed up til 1am. I watched a bit of tv.. then went down the road, sent the beads off to the lady.

Im using this photo again as i love it i think those flowers are beautiful.So i only did a little bit done today. Nothing much.

Anyhow. House is on now.. so i'm going to go watch that.

the finish line

Finally finished all the invites.. im ever so glad. Now for a working bee on saturday when mum and I are going to louises place and we are going to write the addresses onto the envelopes so then when november arrives (holy cow it will be in a weekish) they will be ready to send.

So my own thing. YAY I can start tomorrow on cards. Which I look forward to. I got a little carried away with buying things off the internet. I dont have a credit card so it was all done by direct bank deposit. Its a good thing to not have one.. due to me and i know that would = debt. Debts I could not pay i imagine.

So i ordered all this paper and beads etc. Though i bit left over. Im sure i shall use up all the goodies. I have done some lovely gift cards, cards. I just need the cellophane bags for them. Which i put an order in for. At the moment they look a little un professional inside snap lock bags.

I am also getting some custom made jewellery done..we have got some gorgeous beads so i asked the lady who we constantly buy her work off if shed like to make some bracelets, necklaces etc and she said yep. So now to take photos of them then send them to her. I cant wait to see what she will make.

Yes thoughts and things still buzzing round my head. I only have to get a few things for dinner tomorrow from down the road. Anyhow.. its coming round to nana o'clock time for me to go nighty night i think.

ciao

one step

Taking a step forward... thinking of having my own little etsy store. Im not sure yet though.We gIot this beautiful thank you card off Louise today. Its just lovely. I thanked her.. got out one of my cards and will post it on monday.

I made some stunning cards some are really beautiful. I will take some photos of them too. I still have ideas buzzing around in my head. Anyhow..

i better get going im so tired ive not read any of my book yet in the past 4 days. Might have an early night and go read...


catch ya soon

ally

Hats

I got a hat today just $8 a bargain. Its not a fashion statement. More of a practical thing. I walked down the road. They were having their 3hr sales on. I got some ribbon, I have to match it up with some paper. I took my picture to the framers. Its getting done. Only needs the back put on.. the glass to be cleaned and some wire across the back. Mum is going to see if she can have it put up at her work.

I worked out $1 cards and 50c cards they are all wrapped up in bags. I need to get the bags. The scrapbooking lady is yet to make up a price for me. It such a shame that the shop wasn't busy. I bought some coloured paper.. a few sheets of card stock.

I saw some great stamps i thought about getting them but resisted as i have so many. So i have to cut the insides for the inviites. Then glue em. Im not going to cut my hair til after the wedding. Mayb a trim but that will be it. I thought about a style but i dont know.. my face is too fat to be cut short.

So now I better get back to it.

Almost there

Almost there.. almost finished the invites for my sisters wedding. Only about 10 more to decorate and then we will put the inserts into them on saturday. I was a bit naughty and made a few cards from the paper i bought yesterday. They are real pretty. Especially the one i made for kylie.I love it. I got some real cute butterfly stickers too. Which i will use sparingly.

I bought this junky bracelet too.. the butterflies are cite on it.. so im going to break them off and use them in cards. they are not too heavy.I am so tired today..think its just me. Perhaps the coffee will ease the headache. Or a nap probably wil

ribbon galore

Opshop shopping is so much fun. You just never know what you will find. I found a beautiful doily which im going to cut up and use. As well as a cool bag which im going too sew onto a bag and sell it at the market for $8 or something.

\
Ribbons. upon beautiful ribbon. I got some stunning ribbon from spotlight today.. they had 20% off. I also bought a girly stanley knife too so i can finish off the invites. We have got the pink inserts now. All i need is a lilac or strong purple colour.

U have to see the material bought for herself for a dress for the wedding its stunning. I will take a photo of it. Have not hit the gym yet. Must start. I got gym clothes hiding in the closet. Gt to drag them out and dust them off. I have good sneakers.

Anyhow.. ribbons glorious ribbons. Some stunning colours. Lush. anyhow im tired am off to bed.

seeing butterflies

Mum and I have decorated all the pink invites now.. we just need to put the insides in. They look rather pretty, very happy with them. I hope louise and allen will be. Somehow it got to 5pm I didnt realize the time. It slipped by. Im seeing butterflies and lots of them. Pity they have no more of the prettier ones. We have ordered some off the net though. Some nice sized ones. They should be here by monday/ tuesday.

It's been a productive day. I will get going now. Fix something up for dinner maybe.


albell

Busy Bee

Ive been a bit slack with writing here. Just have not felt like typing much. Ive been having trouble sleeping.. waking up at 3 and going back to bed at 5 waking up at 9ish.
I hate that, then by the time 5pm rocks around im bloody tired again.

So lets see now.. mum and I have been working on the invites for the wedding. We have found a magic source for glue... a spray on adhesive. It makes them look more polished and is better than double sided tape and all that bleedin glue. So instead of just one being done in an hour we have nearly done 20ish ..well the basics anyhow. Just the outside. Still have to cut all the paper for the inside.

So today has been an extra productive day we should have them done by sunday. We ran out of spray so ive stopped whilst mum has gone to get more things. We have plenty of butterflies.. but these little ones we have are cute. they are a lightweight silver.
I phoned the shop back up to see if they had anymore.. they said "no sorry, we don't have anymore. Are u the lady that bought them all?" "Yes, I am" Oh well. So much for that.

When we went to pakenham to the eureka bead store... i found these stunning clay flower beads that i can glue on cards. They are so pretty. I like them muchly. I went to the scrapbooking shop invested in these beautiful stamps.. lovely birds and butterflies. I got some cheap ink but found that that doesnt stick it slides off the cards. So i got some better ink. A little more expensive, i hope it works.

I start the gym on monday.. the local one.. not curves.. but reps. They don't have a joining fee or anything..and they don't seem to be pretentious. I may even take a class or two in aerobics.. although i know how unco i am.

It is such a lovely day. So i'm in my working clothes. Feel like some noodles for dinner. I don't have them often but i cant be bothered cooking.. i doubt mum will want to cook. Anyhow I better get back to dabbling with the crystals trying to work out some sort of pattern on them..

love albell

Fab time

Friday went to the city to have a girly night with a few friends.. so what happens ..nearly everyone bails on me. So i went to a friends house..and stayed the night.. we sat there eating copious amounts of junk food and having a few drinks watching house til about 1amish.

So we just watch a few more episodes of house in the morning then I go and meet up with another friend...went for lunch and to the tea shop then magnation. I was like a packhorse carrying everything... next time i wont take so much stuff don't think. Then I met up with another friend and went to the Dream festival.. saw some large sculptures and all that jazz. It was good. Bar me having a panic attack.

Went back to her house and had pasta with pesto for dinner. It was a lovely time.. sat around watching the good old Bill and eating brownies.The next day went to the camberwell market... it was fun..saw lots of things. even bought a few things for cards . I scored an Olga Berg bag for $10. Thought that was a steal. I liked the print on it all coloured flowers.... lovely.

Came home on the sunday afternoon train. Anyhow.. I think that will do for the moment, i shall write more later.

ciao for now

Weekend

sorry i was away for the weekend.. i will write more later after some coffee that i need to keep me awake.

albell

cardaholic

I am truly a cardaholic.. ive gone a little ballistic. You should see the colours. All types.. ive made some arty cards and some neat scrapbooking type cards. Some of them are so beautiful.. but they are for market, will photograph them tomorrow and put them up.

So now I am taking a break. Just sitting here thinking at the moment. I have to work on myself a bit more.

ribbons

I am seeing ribbons loads of ribbons.. i am able to work on my other cards for the market today. I bought some lovely coloured papers all sorts, i have some quirky ideas floating around my head. I visualizing it all as i picked and plucked out the colours.

I will take a few photos of my cards later and put them up. They are very pretty. I will be prepared for the next market. I managed to get some plastic slips for them so that icky fingers wont get on them.

write more later alligator!

slightly odd

Ive had a slightly odd day today... went for monrnin coffe/brunch.. went to the post office..( my fav place to go)I have a few letters to write. Had a whopping latte also.
So im wired for sound.

Now I have to listen to this meditation cd, and start on my resume. Ive been a slackarse. Anyhow, not really up to writing much today..

which is slightly odd

albell

footy fever

Today its footy fever...the grand final. hawthorn vs geelong... quite a good game.. yes ok i admit it...i watch footy sometimes..but i prefer cricket. Me and sport? Hardly on the same side. Everyone cramming in their shopping before 2pm, then after that must of been a real ghost town.

Perfect time to go and shop. Not really. I saving money.. well being a bit frugal.. its not like me though..im usually spend thrift. However I am trying to save for either my next exhibtion/ an overseas trip to see a few friends. I m unsure yet.

I used to hold these pot luck dinners. I miss having them. Everyone brings a dish to share..its a nice thing to do. Usually I used to over cater and make a few dishes of sweet and savory.. to balance it out. Generally used to work out. Anyhow.. i must move on in life.. perhaps move back to the city? No idea yet. We shall see.

Well I guess... im bloody tired so i may head to bed shortly. Oh this painting i did well its not so bad. Im still working on it.

night night

fireworks

I called this piece fireworks as that is what it looks like. It reminds me of the sky lit up at night when there is an event.

beautiful butterfly

I made a few of these.. and im still going to make more. One i sent to my friend in new zealand..she likes it a lot. I will be doing more of them,. i want to do a massive piece of it.. and get it framed...but i'm finishing off everything else first.

I couldnt sleep last night..got up and made cards until midnight. Then went to bed.Funny ive been waking up at 7am lately. None of this 9am buisness.

seeing squares

Seeing squares cutting up all the paper and felt for the invites. SO they are ready to go.. i then got distracted by making other cards. For the market which i don't think dad wants to do..i do though maybe i can just go and have my own stall. Athough i'm not sure.

Perhaps it will give me a chance to get a whole lot of new stock. More butterfly pictures.Get a few things fixed up to sell. Think i should do a melbourne market... or perhaps i should get my own shop on etsy. Im not sure i know how to run my own little buisness... abn number tax etc. Taking hold of my life isnt as easy as u think it would be.

welp think i better stop myself there...

cya later alligator

Chockers

Went to the city yesterday.. yes there sure is a buzz about it... a vibe.. its certainly is a great time to go to the show. Or be in melbourne. Its too crowded for my liking though, especially since the train was sardine city. Sooooo packed.Nearly every seat was filled. Dad got us a spot on the handicapped seat which was good.

Im glad i came home on the train i did...as the train dad was on on his way home well they had to add 3 coaches from dandenong. The question is why dont they put more carriages on? they are mental. They know its the kids holidays.. and grandfinal week. Sheeesssshhh u think they'd learn. Happens all the time.

What else? Well I just did a few things around the house. I realise i have nearly every art supply for a long while all bar black ink...which i need for another picture. lol but i can paint the others like i have been doing. Ive been trying to finish off the ones i started. The red abstract needs to be less squarish and a little more organic.

I better put in some hours on painting/. invites

albell

around

Sloiwly, slowly, im getting starter on the invites. Yesterday however I spent making some beautiful cards using the felt flowers i had stitched together a long time ago. I placed a pearl in the middle of them.. they look great. Now I have half a box full now. I think I will just take cards..a few bits of artwork and perhaps a painting or two. My books too. Including archer.. i think its time i made some shelf space...and ive read nearly all his novels cept his prison diaries. Even if i just sell them at $2 thats ok too.

Ive been feeling a little low even though ive got a lot to do. I looked at my felt pictures that i had made .. i still think its good. I had high hopes for it to get them photographed... and create a book from it. I was looking for something else at the time of course... i get distracted easily. When Roman is here i'll eable to read it to him. That will be great he can learn about animals then..even if they are doing silly things.

So I was up at 4 this morning.. so i sat and tried to write a letter... didnt last very long maybe half a page before my eyes became like curtains closing. Went to bed, woke up at 9am.. if that happens tomorrow... then i won't be going to the city.
I will stay home and make the sweet potato and ricotta gnocchi.

Well its 10:30am now.. i better make tracks to the invites..


ally

Aghhhhh

Poor little scooter had to have most of her teeth out, she must of been in pain for quite some time. SHes slowly getting back into fine form.Im glad shes better. Nothing exciting about the weekend. Went out for morning tea..got the ribbon i need for louises invites.. anyhow...

must get going now.. force myself to paint.


albell

spot of shopping

Went out today shopping, Came home with lots of things for everyone. I got myself some things, some to use for art type things. Went a little on the crazy side of clothing, seemed the lovely weather makes everyone crawl out from their winter hideouts and get a summer/spring wardrobe.

It was packed.. i think i'll hibernate for a few weeks... its school holidays now and all the wee tackers will be everywhere. Specially on public transport. Anyhow.. im quite tired.

write more soon
albell

loop

Things kept looping and looping around in my head last night and I could not get to sleep. It was mainly how I have treated men that had walked into my life and how I treated them all... mainly abused them all. With some form of awful behaviour... so its no wonder I'm not far off from spinsterhood. I know there are learning curves but there are things that i have now learned from that..well look at me i'm holding a candle to my past again.

It has been many years since moving home I have crushed some of my inner spirit. Sounds silly doesn't it? So many wrong choices, so much for being a kind person. I so wish. Well we all know how how that sentence ends don't we? Yeah *sighs* I keep wondering with the what ifs. It was playing in a loop like a recording..round and around..and finally got up and decided to numb out by playing some scrabble.

I think it has a lot to do with the fact I have no friends here.. and I so wish i did. It would make life a bit more interesting. Its not like i've pushed myself out under "the spotlight" or anything. Ive noticed the only greeting i get is from the bus driver and a few regular passengers. I guess a small greeting is better than nothing.

I found the absolutely cutest piece of scrap booking paper in the shop today....it has an owl on it. I think i will make Romans birthday card from that. I got a letter today from a pen friend in usa. A short note., the inside of the the envelope is beautiful..so im going to recycle it and make a card from the innards.

Scooter has to go get checked again tonight. I am going to attempt Gillian recipe. So far the track record cooking her food has not been successful. *sighs* I must be doing something wrong. Of course. Cooking is rewarding as it is experimental and tests patience .. I guess its like gardening (a little bit like art too) (ok ok u can apply it to anything)

I need some more tea , my stock is quite low. Well only 4 plus 3 different types of chai. So yes i have sort of got a range but not wide enough. I am almost out of honey bush, which i love soo much. It only has the life of about 2 more pots. I wonder how they get the names of paints..its astounding i would love to name colours of paints.

Anyhow..

better go

ciao

hmm

Hmm let me see here.. i found a great recipe for a spinach, mushrooms and feta frittata
it looks good.. all i did was i had these mushrooms left over from dr gilians u r what you eat book.. (her recipes are quite time consuming) (lots of prep time) and the mushroom stroganoff i will have to make it again with te right mushrooms.. as i experimented with just a few sorts and some bean shoots we had in the fridge.. they have a nutty flavor to them. Lets just say the mushroom goop from last night (that i ended up blending with rice) (sort of risottoish) has now been turned into a frittata. I hope it will work. I felt like something hot for lunch. As its only a cold 13 today.. most likely snowing on the mountains.

I have the heater on, ive got mum addicted to boston legal. Hehe... she is flying through the episodes. I only have 3 discs to watch..mum as the whole of first season..most of second season and nearly all the 3rd season. I know what she'll be doing this weekend a marathon Boston legal session. WHich i don't mind wathcing over again. I still get laugh out of it.

The smell of the frittata is wonderful. I hope it tastes nice.. as i really chucked it all together ..on a whim that it might work. must go out later and get my tattslotto ticket.. something has been niggling at me to go and buy one... i walk past and tink i should..i should ..i should... so i will be brave and head out into the cold and get one. Its absolutely a miserable day. We need the rain though, i hope it is falling over the catchment areas.

Its all good i guess.

write more later gater

Tulip

I like this photo of the lonely tulip among the sea of purple/blue.


anyhow

ciao

Bright Day

Its so bright a very spring like day. 25 and lovely. The suns out..the happy daffodils singing in a choir of voices thanking the blue sky . I like this photo a lot. Dad loves posing. He is a bit photogenic. A character and a half.

I did not paint.. ive been reading the paper a bit for a change. I got some clothes and im happy with them. Athough a white shirt is a bit risky given the way i tend to eat... spills all over the place. Oh dear. Oh well. I also got a beautiful blue t-shirt to boot.

iikkkyyy

I am trying to cook from The Are What You Eat cook book. So off I go following the recipe... blending it all up... chucking the chic peas, onion,garlic carrot etc. Mushed up.. a bit on the ermm gooy side of things.. whacked a little flour in to the mix.. and then put a test run into the oven... bleeeehhh talk about just a hint of coriander and chic pea. Thats all you could taste.. soo iiicckky,

So off i go again.. grab the bottle of sweet chili sauce and put a shit load of it to work.. i must say.. i like them now... they are not as bland.. i think i better eat them with mum. Though they are healthy for you.. i will serve them with salad... but im not sure what to do with 16 of them! I trying to change my eating habits however.. with this cookbook..may put me off food all together. Funny but iikkyyy.

I have been drinking so much water, am eating less.. there is just one element that i better add to this: i think we all know...
walking and the gym.

I have had birds tweeting all the time.. telling me their sad songs..and happy tunes..Shheshthe dog is back in fine form. well anyhow..better get cracking


ciao
for
now

bag em up

Bag em up.. its spring.. bag em up...so i went through my wardrobe.. and got a bag of clothes that i don't wear anymore a couple of books and a few odds and ends too. I went into the garage too.. found a familiar looking folder.. had a lot of crap..but boy did i write every single day to myself.. most of it is teenage crap.. bagged em up and threw them out..all accept this little story which i shall work on a little more. I got a B plus on it... they wrote my spelling kept me from getting an A. Funny that.

Bag em up threw them out... rewarding in one sense... goodbye clutter... hello zen.
Well not really, see I am still keeping letters from friends and reading a book called The Tibetan Art of Thinking. Its really opening my eyes up. I am also reading a travel log about a guy who travels around india. Plus a whimsical novel too. So i have heaps of reading to do this weekend. Now ive freed up my time from that door stopper of an Archer novel.

bag em up and ship em out

Holding On

Holding on...clutching at many straws...survivng...eating... just relaxing in general. No stress... holding on...to those things I can't have, reflecting back I was so snooty..(yes im still a tea snob loud and proud) even though I came from a small town that has quite a reputation for unemployed people etc. So what. I realize i lack confidence... that used to come in the shape of a bottle...

swig
swig
swig

Holding on to those memories where Ive just been smashed..no longer... poof gone... i dont drink that often anymore... and i certainly don't get drunk anymore. Maye a quiet tipple.. So the past is a little jaded. Mainly I have been having flash backs to uni days,...and its been doing my head in. I cant stop the images that echo so vividly. I usewd to think that no one found me attractive.. i think thats where i was wrong..my friend once handed me a a queen of hearts card...and smiled and said "thats what you are" Its funny any heart i had back then. I was shy and alcohol it a great thing for coming out of ones shell. Then there are moments of drinking and having no memory. Love truely blinded me in those teenage years..and i couldnt see it.


Holding on to that... i think i deserve to be the joker card now.. or a hermit card in the tarot deck. Im slowly emerging from 4years of anti social behaviour. I dont think. Letting my nails grow long...and bloody get cracking losing weight. Now i feel alone in my struggle. I know somewhere i am not the only one like this.

Holding on to clutter... i have a shitload of clutter i need to get rid of.. so it will be a BIG clean out. I want to start again, renew. So its almosst midnight now and im a little tired.

holding on to awake, holding on to sleep,holding on to dreams on wishes to keep.

goodnight

sleep tight..

sleepy head

I went to bed t about 8:30pm last night,,, woke up at 3:30am then went back to sleep in til 9am..so relatively big big sleep. It is fathers day.. was supposed to go out for lunch ..but we just stayed home. So its home again friend.

bird talk

Birds chattering.. sunny 18 degree days;..all the flowers come out from their slumber.
winterous days..in memory the dreams sway. crowning glory bing that green green grass.

SO what now. Well i dont feel like writing that much right now...


write more later alligator

Scatty

I have had such a scatty day.. started out talking to my internet friend that i have not heard from for about 4months or more. Out of the woodworks they climb.Then i walked down... stunning day for a walk.. had lunch.,..the usual..subway for lunch. Cheap and cheerful.

Swung by my regular hangout (the post office) sent a few things to a few friends, some pen pal letters and a painting. I hope they will like what i sent. There were a few letters for me.. both great... and lovely . Especially the letter from angiebear. Filled with an array of whimsical things. Also my pen pal sent me a lovely simple bracelet.

So I sat with some music on and wrote a poem.. something just well just felt right to pen a poem after about 5years of chucking it in.... so want to read it? Ok here goes...



BEACON,

Could i ever shine from within
if you saw my pale pale skin
a beacon in the night
a bird about to take flight

Supressng feelings here and there
talking with no care
music, i would dance
no man i gave a chance

Happy to be self'
friends are a form of wealth
didnt care about money
no sugar and no honey

Vibrant then, now at 30
reflecting back and getting shirty
I was always breaking hearts
and forever dodging cupids darts

So now alone i ponder
many battles to conquer
fighting back tears
trying to turn back the years

Moving forward is not rare
to keep avoiding my nightmares
and living dreams
from within the beacon gleams

ally miles


So I said ive been scatty as a catty.. had a few tears here and there.Now ive got my coffee... and well..i better get going now..im making roast tomato soup.

love albell

Interesting

Experimental food.. that is for sure. Under mums instructions... i cooked up pasta got a can of creamy chicken soup... poured it over the top....added cheese, asparagus, some other veggies... and whacked it in the oven...vala: pasta bake.It actually tasted alright. Im having the rest of it for lunch today. Sometimes I hate not having a microwave! Oh well.. you get used to it, right?


So yesterday.. i found out most of the shops including Aldi don't open til 9am... grrrr so i walked around and around the town..caught the bus home. KMart used to open at 8:30am.. but i guess its not christmas yet. (thanks goodness) doesnt stop shops from putting in a row of tinsel, tape etc. which i noticed. Man its only september.they should only be flogging fathers day to death. not planting a seed that xmas is near.
Thats my gripes over.

So im sitting here with a lovely tea... im going to go for a walk as its 18 and sunny. Such beautiful weather. I think i might even try to do some potting up of plants that are on the porch. Ive been painting most of the morning.. just stopped for a tea and a bit of break and a rant.

I am buying a few more things off etsy. Some beads and earrings. I am going to get the photos off the camera so i can clear it, and start photographing my work again.
So I have'nt read other peoples blogs as of late.. i think i will this afternoon. Need to "catch up" with them.. and whats been going on.

I feel sad right now.. I was crying to some of the music on so u think you can dance. Think its just me being a little bit emotional these days. I feel deeply sad. On the edge of crying. Well... I will get going now.. things to do, places to go... tea to drink..all that jazz....

lovely bubbly.

albell

spring has sprung

Bring on this glorious weather... its so lovely,, 15... sunny and just warm enough to paint.. which i am pleased about. I did some more butterfly prints.. on some cardboard.. in blue this time.. I am going to use this lovely green I have got too.. perhaps tomorrow..

I have been working on a tree painting too.. its ok.. but itll take some work to get it to where i want it. I am a little tired already..and its only nearly noon. I guess ive been working all morning. The shops dont open here until 9am anymore. Its really annoying, but better than singapore where nothing is open until 11am.

I got these cute bird stickers from the warehouse. Sooo cute. I just had a coffee so that should wake me up. A little but anyhow. I gots to go write more alter alligator

weekend

Had a great weekend. Went to the city.. had a lovely meal and then drinks after on brunswick st. I miss it, its my old haunt. Well of course I miss the city in general. However its not too far away.

I likes the food that was served in particular these peas that were in this afghanie sauce... they were so delicious... i loved them..the others didnt really like them so i ate a whole bowlful. It didnt look like it would be that filling but it actually was.
So i feasted on four different dishes.. plus four different starters. I must say i hadnt been there for about 10years.. and yet its still going its been open since 1983 it was the first afghan food place to open and for it to still be going now is terrific.

Sunday rocks around and i just hung out with catherine and david. It was nice to just sit around chatting. I left on the afternoon train home. I didnt go shopping.. or anything like that.. just came straight home. Funny i was meant to get some tea but thought it could wait til next time. I will take cat there and let her choose two that i will pay for. That is her brithday present plus the cards i made.

At the moment it is a monday afternoon and I am sipping on miss jasmine tea. Its so yummy. Mum hates it.. i like it..as its a gentle jasmine not a stinky one..as its blended with green tea and other flowers. Its such a beautiful day today.. im impressed first day of spring and its put on a real show..bright sunny but really bloody cold at the same time.

So i have been painting all morning... being productive.. putting a background onto one of the canvasses i have got. Its going to be beautiful..im going to take my time with this one.. perhaps sketch it all out. I also mucking around with ink also. I will take some photos later. Well I think ive had a good lunch break.. time to get back to it..


love albell

now and again

I have not made much today. I have done little.Got a letter from a pen pal. Worked on cards a little bit then painted a few canvas boards. Ready to go tomorrow.

cardaholic

So I have been working on my cards the past few days. Trying to get some more done. My new challenge.. is writing an art cv.. how the hell im supposed to do that is a mystery to me. I think I need some help. I will try and write one.. havent done one in absolute years. Have not needed to until now. I cant cold canvas places without something to hand them!

So project ally is underway. I also got some photocopies of some of my art work. Think i need to replace the ink cartridges now! ooopppss a daisy. Oh well. I am attepmting my first roast today.. hope i don't poison us. Cause i've been known to do that with meat. I cant get it together.

Had a scare last night with Oliver.. he was dribbling from the mouth... and being sick everywhere.. we took him to the vet.. who gave him some injections.. and told us he had been poisoned. Not sure from what though. His temperature was almost he highest it can possibly be... I thought he was going to die. Not so.. we took him home and he is back to his normal self. He was cuddly when he was blue. Thank goodness he is ok. Poor little OL OL.

I better go. Got a meal to cook.

albell

thoughts

I woke up a little groggy... but im fine now.. my first cup of coffee is waking me up. So the weekend was great..saw the art deco exhibit at NGV; opulent. I had a ball. Then went to another friends house.. to see them (after about 3months.)played scrabble, had dinner.. then bed..

didnt go to the kimono exhibit. Its ok. I came home early sunday afternoon. Just felt like getting out of the city. So I did.

write more later alligator

albell

Away

Hey there. Ive been a bit distant as of late. I have been so busy making cards, Ive been churning them out like a machine. They look terrific, I am so happy with them all. I watched this documentry about these people designing their house... and I tell u ow.. they had white upon white..upon white... see it appears so easy to look and think that its simple design and cold.. but as they said "we chose everything that went into the house.. every detail" So its a bit like my cards.. they look simple but they are not in a way.

Anyhow..aside from that.. i caught a ripping game an absolute corker of a waterpolo game last night. AUstralia got 3rd. It was a great game...i wish i still played. Oh well no good wishing. I wrote a few letters to some people.

I will be away from tomorrow til sunday. I have a full platter in the city. Meeting up with a friend to check out an art gallery, then heading up to lucy and pauls house for the night.. might be meeting kylie and then going to see the Kimono exhibition with the lovely anrdea.

Anyhow,.. I'm tired.. im off to bed now. Ive packed up my cards etc for the evening.

got the great tale to read by Jeffery Archer,

night night sleep tight.. see you in the morning light

albell

sleepy head

I have never been so sleepy. These past few days i have just wanted to curl up in bed.. instead ive been pushing myself out of the house once everyday. If i don't nobody else would!-Today i got a working with children form to fill out. So perhaps i will do volunteer work at the school... I will have to get in contact with my old tafe teacher to see if he can be a referee for me, say once i have my resume put together, more like my proposal.

I have scooter who doesnt want to leave my side today... she's a funny dog but we love her. I mean shy and timid..pretending to be ferocious behind the fence... chasing her tail. She loves rice and prawns. Both the pets love their fortnightly feast of prawns (none for me or mum... special for the pets... sheeeesssshh)

I sometimes find myself crying at night.. i guess.. my head swims with thoughts and so feelings surface. All that is ahead of me.. all that is behind me. I still have a long way to go but I have started working on myself. Sometimes I hate me and the learning curves ive been through. perhaps its cause i've isolated myself here. It is myself that made me a hermit.

Anyhow.. I need to buy a new labeler due to me breaking one.. i didnt mean it.. but i can't get it to work. So ive either done something really wrong or some plug has come out somewhere. I'm not sure... so I better buy another one. I was putting my email addy onto the back of the cards i've been making. Now i buggered it up. *sighs*

Anyhow... so what did i make last night? *BIG GRIN* Quiche.. I made it all by myself..using a basic recipe i just went from there... Kind of cheated with the pastry though. Oh well.

5 eggs.
a little bacon and onion cooked
a fair whack of mushrooms cooked in butter
(as if brings out the flavor)
sundried tomatoes
milk
a cup and a half of cheese

its really easy peasy. It tasted great.So no i cancelled the city... i'm catching up with andrea on sunday instead. Just got to find a gallery to go to! Im sure there are just "a few" around melbs.

Well some of the cards i made are in scotts words "pretty spiffy"...so back to it for me..

later alligator

Time

Time tick tick tick. So for the past few days i have been plotting and mapping out a few things. Thinking of things to do. I am so involved with card making.. I baked today made lemon shortbread cookies.. and choc chip cookies for dad to take to mr redmans office, some for mum for work and some for aunty anna and uncle henry.

I have a lovely cup of hot tea...and thought it only right to write in here.Ive been a bit distant. However I am heading to the city tomorrow for the day. I missed the op shop 50% off everything sale.. which is probably a good thing really. I probably would have gone to town.

So. There have been days this past week where i just felt like staying in bed all day.. but I havent i have been forcing myself to go out of the house. Which is a good thing ..as its so easy to fall into a trap and mess up sleeping patterns.

This Archer book is a real headspin, a real page turner. I try to read atleaSt two chapters before I sleep. Probably more of a day time novel..considering its kind of dark nature.not dark as in horror dark..dark as in prison dark ..all the things that go on murder drugs etc. I guess it could be a little autobiographical too, just disguised with characters.

I have not seen a winter like this in years. It has rained nearly every day for the past month or so. Its been good and we need more of it. Ive just cleaned up the kitchen and have settled down with a hot tea... watching the olympics with dad.
Its good.. i dont mind watching either.

Well for the second i will get going.

ciao for now

albell

Agh

Agh the joys of wondering on a wayward path at the moment kind a looking for validation. So I found that from someone i see.. I feel i'm kinda going to go out an do some things and shed my hermit skin.

I know what it is perhaps some finding out about things. So where have i been?? All over the place. Had a few family things happen. So had to deal with that.

Aside from that...i have been in the city a little bit more. Catching up with friends and just hanging out. Trying to save my pennies. Staying home and making cards has been quite a productive experience. I have made them for a lot of people. Some of them are very beautiful. Mum pulled out the ones she likes for her friends, which i don't mind.

I am going to do a few things that may change some things in my life right now. We shall see.

Agh its good to be back blogging again.

signing out

Ally

away

Sorry for not writing... i have been away for about 4 ish days. and the rest of the time i just didnt fell like blogging. I am back now and i assure you... i will begin again tomorrow morning.


Right now its almost midnight...and i need to catch some zzzzs


goodnight


lub ally

Out and About.

I have had the best time as of late. Been hanging out with friends in the city. Start back at thursday.. met up with my friend Evonne.. teked around.. decided not to go to the art show.. walked around and had a new adventure.We spotted a little sign that said French Crepes. so we thought why not... they are made from buckwheat which she could eat.

The crepes were absolutely to DIE for. I had a sugar and lemon one and evonne had a savory one. Fabulous.The coffee was nice.. it wasnt bitter and it wasnt over done. Just lovely. Though there are only 6 little tables inside and there are two outside... its a delightful french affair. The owners are lovely too. Its unpretntious and a hidden delight.

So after that.walking about.. i said "i need more stripey socks" "lets go to the vic market " so we wet there on a whim. I got two pairs of socks..very happy with my purchase. Pink stipey and musical note socks too. After about 5isles the same stores kept repeating ..and it got a bit minotinous. So we left the makret..crammed on a tram as it was lunchtime...

Took off to go in search of the next installment of Alexander McCallsmiths No1 Lady Detective story.. Miricle at SPeedy Motors. Which i must say.. i am FLYING through.
I love the way he writes. So got the book.. by then it was around 3.. our tum tums were rumbling... so walked down to degraves street.. and i had mushroom pasta.. a bit too creamy for my liking... but really yummy. Evonne had a steak.. that like it had been beaten to a pulp. It was too thin for my liking and her liking.

Had an absolute ball. Sped read my new book on the train. Time flew. A great end to being out and about. Man what a great time.I enjoyed myself a lot.

Peachy

Everything is just peachy. Next week i start the walking group up again. I couldnt sleep til 3:30am today. So ive been running on fresh air a bit of tea.. a little coffee and pasta.. thats about all ive eaten today. I will write more after dinner.


albell

silly billy

Stupid dr..send me to the wrong address and i wondered why i sat in a sitting room for an hour... the WRONG PLACE right time. It turned out where i was supposed to HAVE GONE to was about 1k all up hill to get to. NOT happy JAN. It was my drs fault. So i rescheduled for next friday.. this time.. the right place.

Anyhow.. aside from that little gripe..i m addicted to my sisters nintendo game thingy. Playing lots of different games. I like the spelling one the best.. then i'm a little bit wordy myself. Other than that I got the second season of boston legal at a great price. So now i have all 3 seasons.


Well.. i will write more tomorrow... need to go brain train again.


albell

there and back

Went to the city spent some time with my friends. Had lunch and finally kicked my Indian craving. YAY. It was good food. Lots of people. Although its a place not to linger and have a long lunch its in and out like the dumpling house. Its funny i kept walking past that place all the time. ANyhow... skidaddle. write more later this afternoon

boston legal

I bought boston legalSo today.. the thrid series as they didnt have the second one in stock. I saved $5. and i thought target would be more pricy but it isn't. I will watch some a little later today. Went there early mum found a red coat/jacket if i had the money i would have got it for her.

I have a few birthdays this month and next month. Ho hum. Going to pot up my plants tomorrow. Anyhow.. I dreamt i bought a staircase... it was really odd.


lala

snow white

Spanakopita

Hey there... I made spanakopita I used on recipe but played around with it a bit. I doubled the amount of feta, I used an extra egg, added less dill and more garlic. It needed the extra feta and im glad i bought two or else it would have just been a spinach and bland.

so here is the recipe.. i got it from Zaaar


Spanakopita


Ingredients

* 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen spinach
* 2 eggs
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 1 lemon, juice of
* 1 tablespoon dill
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* salt
* pepper
* 1/4 cup butter or margarine
* 1 (200 g) package feta cheese
* 12 sheets phyllo pastry
* 1/4 cup melted butter, for brushing pastry

Directions

1.
1
Heat oven to 375°.
2.
2
Drain spinach of all liquid.
3.
3
Sauteé onions and garlic in 1/4 cup butter until tender, then add spinach, salt and pepper to taste.
4.
4
Sauteé 1-2 more minutes.
5.
5
in a large bowl, combine spinach mixture, eggs, dill, lemon juice and crumbled feta.
6.
6
Butter a 7" springform pan.
7.
7
Place phyllo between a damp (but not wet) tea towel so it doesn't dry out.
8.
8
Layer 6 sheets of phyllo in the pan, brushing each with melted butter.
9.
9
Fill with spinach mixture and fold edges over.
10.

Layer 6 more sheets of phyllo, brushing each with melted butter.
11.

Use a scissors to round the edges and cut 6 or 8 triangles in the top.
.
12
Bake 45 minutes or until golden -- allow to stand 10 minutes before removing the springform.
.
13
This can also be made into individual packets instead of a pie shape.

water garden

I have been mucking around with the paint thing here. I created this one which kind of reminded me of a water garden think i may add to it tomorrow.

picture

i got a little bored today. Also i sent some things to denmark. I hope they will like them. Ive watched a movie called Clockworkers.. it had toni collete in it. kinda dark comedy.. im glad i didnt pay more than $2 for it. It was office humor but with a twist. Been nice to have the house to myself. Im supposed to go out for dinner but im not sure. I will see how i feel.

ANyhow.. that is my crappy drawing. lol its as if i am chanelling a 5yr old!

Well lets see now.. i have done very little since last week.a bit of this and that. Went away at the weekend.. uncle ron has some amazing photos that he took in America. Im in awe at them. just simply stunning. Got a book and finished it. Got another book.. am half way through it. All about this guy who marries an indian lady. Its really good. true travel/life story type thing. He has obviously done a lot of research.. i am enjoying the novel.

Went to this lovely place for lunch on sunday. Saturday, aunty lynne cooked a really nice meal.. roast chicken and veggies... plus 2 deserts. Apple pudding and a sponge cake.. with cream. We had both. It was delicious. I wrote some letters which i have to post today.

It was uncle henrys birthday yesterday..at playing with my cousins children.. they are exhausting! Just beofre i left abbigail wanted me to read her a story.. i got a few pages in then mum said we were going home... phewww! I was getting tired. I wonder if Roman is that active. probably is you know as Abigail is only six months older than my nephew.

Well. I will go and start my day now..have things to do. Especially at th post office. Okies take care out there


love albell

Thai Pumpkin Curry

Catherine came to visit me yesterday, i had a great time. I made thai pumpkin curry, and lemon pudding to go with it. We went op shop shopping. Which was great. She was surprised at how many op shops this town has. Yes it is a poor area i guess. Shops open and close here like they are going out of style. U wonder how long they can last when they open. There are a few who have lasted year.

There is going to be a new cafe opening soon. Cant wait to try it. Dads in the know about these things. He has his finger on the pulse of everything thats going on. SMart cookie. I guess he is maily self taught. His quest for knowledge is great.


Anyhow im off to watch another episode of boston legal

im hooked.

love albell

slackarse

Ive been such a slackarse with this blog.. so sorry. I will get back into full swing shortly. Today I did very little... watched a bit of boston legal... great comedy. Love it. Cant wait to buy the rest of the sets.

So lets see.

will write more when my head is less swimming ..like tomorrow morning with a cup of tea./ coffee.

window shopping

Saturay... in the city... busy city. Even thought there was o footy on. It was packed. not sure why. Mum and I were lucky enough to get a seat on the train. It was that packed.. being school holidays i guess thats why (plus a bairnsdale train)people crammed on.. i think some were even standing.

Met Louise at a cafe in crown.. good coffee... and had a bit of brunch.. which was a grilled sanga. We walked from there to Elizabeth street. Went to Clegs and looked at patterns for dresses. She was getting a little excited... but then again... i think she really needed Aunty Anna there to help her.As she is the one sewing hers and our dresses.

So then we walked to the antique jewelery store.. gosh some lovely pieces there. I tell you. The lady was lovely in there... she was an old Russian woman, very polite.. she knows her stones.. she knows what its all about and doesn't pass judgment on the way you are dressed as to weather you have money or not ( unlike a few of the stores we went to they wouldn't even serve you) (my gripe) she let us try on rings and everything. I would love to layby some things in there they were just stunning. Next door is still antique jewelery but more contemporary, they had some beautiful pieces too.. i saw the most amazing sapphire and diamond ring, necklace, and bracelet

So if i had of had ooh i don't know lets say about a spare 20 odd grand to play with..i may have bought some of the pieces! Yeah that will be the day! ha! Oh well i can dream. So after that went to have some lunch.. hmm i had grilled fish with salad. It was ok. Nothing to write home about. Louise had lasagna she enjoyed.. and mum had ohh i cant remember.. ill have to ask her! I think it was a good deal for $10 ish dollars each. The only thing we all bought was some chocolates from Haighs. ymbo there peppermint chocolate frogs still rock.

Then we wet back to the Halinkas house.. to stay the night. Had dinner... which was beautiful chinese food. Beautiful food. Mum did not whinge or anything. We watched tv for the rest of the evening and sat and chatted etc.

So thenI went to bed earlyish. Though i couldnt sleep.. so i was up writing letters and reading a rather interesting novel.. so then what?

Lights out...

sunday sunday.

Sunday rocks aound sure enough it brings a cold yuck day. Stayed inside for most of
it.. went to shopping centre... for a dose of retail therapy.. which we all did.. some damage. I bought the first season box set of boston legal and bought this really great book called A Thousand Days in Venice. Its a follow on from the other book i have of hers..which i sent to angiebear. So ill send this one to angiebear too after i finish reading it. (quite soon since im flying through it)

Anyhow.. i will write more later alligator.

Frogger Friday

Its been great playing frogger on facebook. Today I got my highest score. I don't know I managed it. Somehow, I did. Its also my little sister 27th birthday. So happy birthday to you Louise!!I will see her tomorrow..in the city. Im heading away for the weekend too. Yes we sung her happy birthday... she said "you sound like constipated cows in need of laxatives" nice of her to compliment us in her charming way.We sent her Alvin and the Chip Monks dvd. which we didnt wrap and she got upset cause we just sent it with a birthday card. I hope she likes what i got her then. If she doesn't I will keep it and buy her something else.. or she can re-gift it.. and not tell me!

So im bound to get a lot of reading done over the weekend.. I always do when i'm training it anywhere, 2hrs of solid reading.. if i don't have company. However. I am not sure what we are going to do in the city... wedding dress shopping...?? (i will take the camera for that ..that is for sure) (specially if she tries on an 80s gown just for fun) It would suit her though. Oh well it is Lou.

I have to make pastry for the quiche. Yeps.. quiche. Gonna try my hand at cooking eve though im not 100%. Could turn out all wrong.. it could turn out all right. Who knows. I sort of tweeking a basic recipe.. adding mushrooms and spinach... and some tasty cheese. (i have to grate it) (man) (oh bother) (watch out knuckles) The soup turned out really lovely. Its so wholesome and its the most simple recipe out.

well i will start making the pastry one dad has gone outside (so then he cant see me messing up the kitchen) You know ive taken to having a banana cup up with some shredded coconut on top.. no yogurt just that.. thats it. Its so delish. I love it anyhow.


so on with the show.

Sleepy

I feel like i need a lot more sleep today. I will write more later.

Incomplete.

Hiya out there, How are you all going? I hope you are all well.

I found a new place to find pen friends.... Its better than penpals now... that has pop up advertising all over the place and i down right annoying. Its totally free too.. i came across it via googling. Lots of people seem to use it all countries, all over the world. http://www.interpals.net/index.php


I have messaged a few people.. for snail mail still. Nice to find a spot where its still alive and kicking. I still havent read that letter that i got yesterday. I will sit down soon and reply. Think i'll have to go through it slowly.

So what else is new? Not much today. I must make some cards. Its wednesday already! Who would have thought? So lets see now. I want to get Boston Legal on dvd.. there are a couple of seasons to watch.. so i'll save for that as soon as ive paid my laybuy off.

So what now brown cow?

not sure anymore.


albell

A few hours

Need to flitter some time away...

http://www.myartspace.com/

my gallery is ally miles

there are so many artists... its a great place... u can see lots of different types..
a real alice down the rabbit hole kind of losing time.

Pen Pal

Today.. I got a letter from a pen pal.. not a short one neither.. try 46 pages worth (and you thought i like to write? ) So what is the easiest way for me to respond? Go through it bit by bit. Just answer a little morsel at a time. I started to read it 6 pages in... and i got distracted,. so i think the best time is tomorrow morning with some music and a lovely pot of tea.. break out the good china and read..

I got a letter off a friend.. she wrote something that resonates with me. Its a beautiful heartfelt letter. I wrote back and sent this amazingly great book called.. Banana Heart Summer.. about a girl who escapes the abuse of her mother through cooking at her nieghbours house. Its got some recipes in there.. etc. its a brilliant book of fiction.... and im positive she will love it. I know i enjoyed it muchly. I will have to buy another copy of that book. I also have to claim my Alexander McCall Smith Books back off Lucy.

I feel that cooking comes from the heart. Cant cook when ur angry shouldnt cook when your sick.. (well i shouldnt) and more than that put a lot of love into dishes. Thats an ingredient that needs to be shared and given. Probably cant be tasted.. but embers of it should be there! Silly talk? Probably. (Im Constantly growing and taking heed of those learning curves)

so I better be polly and put the kettle on

ciao for now.

albell

sky tears

Finally it is raining. The land is so dry.. I cant imagine beiing a kid and only noting that u had never seen rain before.. but it has actually happened. Imagine that? Its australia.. its a drought... and every drop counts. Sky and the... Lovely tears from the gods.

So now what? Well i got my card making stuff out.. I found the most simple desert to make.. i shall make it sometime in the next few weeks. I had this beautiful vision last night... it was just stunning.. by the beach.. with a beautiful hut out near the beach..i was there looking out to sea. Bam i woke up. Back to reality. Back to this home. I couldnt believe my luck.. i had managed to sleep in til 10am. That NEVER happens.

So now. I am thinking i will make leek and potato soup for dinner. Not sure just yet. Am thinking something to warm the cockles. I have a lovely cup of raspberry leaf green tea. My fav. Well out of what we have got left... i have 2 boxes of chai to get through.(. no doubt i will.)*mum doesnt like chai*

Well i guess i better get going.. and start preparing the leeks. Unless mum wants something else.

ciao

out and about

Feeling a little low just did a few things.. like the grocery shopping etc. little else. Not sure what to do tomorrow... maybe this mayb that. Stay home and read this interesting short story book i picked up at the opshop. Im just about to google the author.. somewhere lurking on the net, im sure.
ANyhow.. thats about all i have to report.. very little..

in while crocadile.

ally

Chill

Chilly weather here.. i am sitting wrapped up in my thermals, coat and hot water bottle... its not worth turningt he heater on for a mere 1hr. So im dealing with the cold the only way i can. Rugged up.

I have lots of hot drinks... nothing works.. so ive got my vicks vapo drops. The original ones.. they are strong but good. I was so looking forward to the weekend too. Damned it. Bloody cold. There is no point going if im going to be coughing all the time. I think i will just post kylies present to her. Saves me carrying it..right?
Not so sure. Id love to go.. see how i am later today. I really really love to go. I thought the cold would have gone by now. Obviously i was wrong.

I am going to have lunch with mum. I feel like getting out of the house. And besides she forgot her cough drops.. poor thing. Came down with a different cold to me. So what shall i do for the weekend now the dark clouds have settled on me? Something. Mayb ill take mum to the movies... that just as expensive as going to the city and having lunch, these days. I wonder if tightarsed tuesdays still exists...

Ho hum. I have done 4 drawings over the past few days.. will have to take a photo of them. I think i shall just go window shopping again.. mayb i'll allow myself one bit of paper.I have some great stamps that i want to try out too.

Im ok though. I will get my vanilla chai fix too. So what now? Well not sure yet.

write more later

alligator

Clever as Ever.

Clever as ever?(its at the end of a whinnie the pooh poem) Today.. i finally pushed myself out into the world again.. i went out.. big deal i hear you say? It was so sunny and nice out.. i even put a wash on. Now its gone grey blustery and cold, about to rain and will have to put the heater on.

I think the worst of my cold is over.. I have got a little tickle still, the mornings.. and the evenings are the worst times for me. I currently have a hot water bottle warming up my back. Im not sure if i am going away this weekend or not. Just have to wait and see..

I payed that stupid public transport fine... bastards. I had a panick attack when i was telling them the story true which probably made me a little edgy in my voice. Well me and frugal don't go together! I know that. Knuckle down a little bit and i should be fine.

I currently sitting here with a mandarin green tea... enjoying listening to music.. i think i will have pasta. So should I bake or not bake? If im going , i think ill just get some good chocolate from Aldi. They sell so much european food.. its great. U can pick up a loaf of sourdough for about $3 save you about $4 smackers. and its good bread too. Really nice. They have all these english cookies etc. itrs a gem.. the only whinging part mum has with Aldi is they are not consistent with what they have in stock. Only some things.

Well im the hungry hungry hippo

lunch now...
ciao

Cooking

Today I am feeling much better than before. Im going to attempt to make ricotta and sweet potato gnocchi again. This time not with smooth ricotta (like last time) where it turned them into doughnuts. Terrible. U could just dust them with icing sugar. lol. This time.i am confident ..armed with fresh ricotta from the fruit/deli shop. (trying to not shop at the main chain stores) (giving the money to the little guys)..(doing my bit to shop locally)

I have drawn these really cool pictures.. think i will take some photos of them.. later..if the sun comes out. (coughs) sheesh the skies out side look like they belong in a turner painting... the sun is trying to shine through the grey giving them some golden/white highlights.. so they look beautiful. Im hoping it will rain today.

I am spending the day at home again. Saving myself some dosh.. after all I have to pay that stupid fine I got off connex..which is $162 dollars... i told the honest truth to them ... they must of thought it was some cock and bull story. Oh well *sighs* So i figure i will pay that tomorrow.. even though it will probably leave me a bit short. Specially since I heading to the hot springs (if my cold is totally gone) i might be staying home too. We shall see.

I guess im going to have to be a bit frugal. Its not my style but well.. must be done. I think its time i stopped being over generous. Might mean i have to put only$20 on my laybuy instead of paying the whole thing off, atleast if i pay the fine straight up that will help me balance finances a bit better As you can tell.. these are my thoughts at the moment. Im sure theyll change as the day goes on...

time for a hot tea...

just for me me me.

albell

dream

Weird dream last night... dreamt i was eating a silver ribbon. Thats all I can remember from that. Had an excellent day yesterday started with lunch then went down the road op shop shopping. I only came back with one book... one belt that i can cut up into bits and pieces to use on cards... and a wallet which i will send to angiebear..its very her. No clothes or material. I was very surprised.

I have been looking at art today at myartspace.com its a great site, I love it. Its good cause you can be there for hours...it kills time. I have seen some beautiful artwork there. Well its kinda day to be indoors. I'm going to get my paints out and try potato stamping again.


anyhow.. will write more when im more awake.

love albell

happy monday

Today was a great monday.. had a friend round for lunch. Which was really nice. Tomato soup.. and sme vienna loaf.willl write more shortly

Rabbit Hole

Today I flew down the rabbit hole.. known as the net.... and have been looking at other peoples tea blogs.. very interesting.. so im book marking more for my daily reads. I have about 12 that i look at daily. I am sipping Hurro Purro (raspberry leaf green tea)
Its that yum. Well considering its either that or mandarin.. or this special christmas tea that tastes nutty. I have t2 teas too.. i have a heap left some from years ago.. some from this year...Lots and Lots. I say i'm almost out..but i will just drink what i have got..

Mum doesnt like chai.. i love it. I only allow myself one vanilla chai.. from the cafe once a week as im positive its fattening... but u can buy a tin of it for about $17..i think ill leave it as a weekly thing for me to do though. Although i found a recipe for chai tea cakes.. i am very tempted... but will leave it for someone elses birthday. So there we go. Write to ya later alligator

Cake

Dads birthday has come and gone..and i should not cook when im not feeling 100% put too many blueberries in the cake. *sighs*Mum and I got him a jacket and shirt... Im glad he likes them.

So what else? Not a lot i've been nursing myself back to health. Ive been drinking straight ginger and lemon in a cup of boiled water... also tea. We have gone all our favs. I need to save money to go get more. I have overspent this month. On card stock etc.

I have been just a little tired to.. i have been taking naps during the day... guess its cause im up coughing the night away... well not last night.. i had solid sleep til 5am and i thought f this im going back to sleep. So i did. Woke up at 8ish (wooahhh a sleep in)


Well looks like its gonna b a very quiet weekend. I might watch some ugly betty or something. I have a movie there to watch too.. aeonflux.. ok ok.. i know crap... but we shall see. Thats 30 dresses. (which for mum to say its crap must meaaaannnn its crap) I will give them a go today perhaps. Although I have made deep in roads into Bryce Courtney's The Persimmon Tree.. its a very good novel... ive never read his work before.. but i think i will from now on. Its a brick..so its a bedtime novel.. u cant carry it anywhere thats for sure.

There is a family meal today to celebrate 3 family members birthdays in a week. Its crazy season. Next month is eased a little bit. I know so many Gemini es. Cant help that though. When your born.. you are born, right'? Generally cant pin point the date. Funny that. Perhaps the month, yes. I know i will never have children. I have already made that decision. Im not about to change that either. I will be the crazy cat lady that lives down the end of the road. Atleast I can look after Roman.. tell him stories... bring some the story teller out in me again. I haven't story told off the top of my head since Jasminder and Manjit were just kids. Now they are growing up.. fast...17 and 15...man... too fast.

So where did you want to be when you are 30 ally..?

funny i never thought about it til i turned 30!

What direction do you see yourself heading in?

Not sure the path is a widning.

Do you like travel?

Of course.. dont be so silly.

What socks are your favorite?

Striped

What are listening too at the moment?

the radio


anyhow.. Ill stop askng myself questions now. Start being real (?)


love albell

Sleep Deprived.

Ive been waling up middle of the night in coughing fits. I am chilled to the bone.. so at 3am this morning I got up... put the heater on.. sat in front and thawed out. Once i was nice and toasty (took me an hour) i went back to bed. Rugged myself up with a scarf and vix. I woke up to dad leaning over me telling me he is going to go to "School" (a lady who is interviewing him and making tapes to help start to write his life story)So that was eight.

Its so lovely of the lady from Realisation Creations to let me have both bracelets with 20% off. I am so happy.. that saves me a lot. Its louises birthday present..its so beautiful... and a bracelet i put on for myself. I havent bought much for myself lately.. yes ok ok i have gotten lots of paper.. but its not the same thing. Im spoiling myself and paying it off like a laybuy.So if im short.. i can pay a little less.

I have a bit of money in my wallet and that has to last until next pay i've deciced. Got expensive items at grocery shopping today. Berries..good olive oil..alot of the essentials for the pantry. I am making a blueberry sour cream cake for dads birthday tomorrow. I found an easy lemon sour cream icing to go with it too. Might just give it that edge or kick. Mayb i will make it a little less lemony.I dont know.

Anyhow.. I have just put the heater on.. instead of a hot water bottle.. well on with the show ..i go..i go..i go..

Unhappy Camper

How to beat this wave of tiredness that has descended upon me. Its only 4am and im already that tired. I have to stay up til atleast 9pm...the way im going it will be 7pm. I am not happy with something today.. very very unhappy...but needless to say i thought it might be coming. Damn.
Im not a happy camper today.

So mayb i will sleep mayb i wont sleep. I'll repeat that.. NOT A HAPPY CAMPER.

so i better get going.

perhaps a walk to clear the head... even though ive been for one already today

Sleep In

I never sleep in until ten.. but then i was up having a coughing fit at 3am and couldnt sleep til about 4:30am... My eyes were heavy an droopy... so i needed that deep sleep i think. Even though its half twelve i am tired again.. and a, searching out the warmth .. only i have washing to put out on the line.. mayb the fresh air will do me good... brrrr im cold already.

I want to start making cards again.. perhaps a little later maybe. After I have had another snooze. I think.I just hung the washing out.. gee its a nice day.. perhaps i should stay outdoors for the day.. its freezing in the shade and warm in the sun. I am ust going to boil the water for pasta tonight. I cant be bothered to make it.. that and id be coughing over it all the damned time.

Dad is strangly enough watching dr phil.. odd but true. I am tap tap tapping away.

Sunday Sunday

Sunday sunday.. rainy cold real indoorsy sunday. Lets see now went to the city yesterday.. had a delicous lunch at the northcote social club... I only ever knew it as a dirty old mans pub before its become a rather cool place to hang out and see bands and relax or have dinner/lunch of sorts.

I ordered spicy lamb salad. Good food. Good friends. Good day in all... only i was so tired at 5pm had to head back to lucy and pauls place.. its eerie without bart there though.

Well Ive got dinner on the stove... broccoli soup... better go check on it.

rainy days and fridays

Its a rainy friday afternoon. I worked for a few solid hours on cards today.. butterfly ones for my sister. They are real pretty put them in the post. Same with nicolas. I made her bird ones... im making purple ones for a friend too. I have almost used all the card stock up. Which means ill have to start cutting my own or go to Dragonfly Dreams myself. Its tram no5 that takes me to high street. I have to pack tonight.. perhaps some thermals to boot. I think I shall wear my boots even though that makes me rather warm/ my ski boot type shoes. I am not sure.

I had a productive day. Posted all my letters. Had lunch with mum.. did the grocery shopping. Came home.. worked on cards a little more. I am a little tired now think its just cause its so warm in the house. I hate being cold. I cant find my moonstone ring.. *sighs* oh well. Im sure it will turn up. The dog is on her toes as mum is out. I will take my journal with me tomorrow.. so i can write any goings on.

Im quite in a reflective mood this evening. I will leave it here... nighty night.

Glorious Paper

Got some stunning paper from the scrapbooking shop today. Will use it wisely..to make more gift sets for people. Especially the bird ones. They look stunning. I found this amazing butterfly paper too. I turned this paper over i didnt notice that on the back has more little scrapbook sayings.. but i wont use them. Im not fond. ALthough i do like the shiny things subtly placed on cards.. bling them up a bit. I also bought my frist cd in months since about march. Its really lovely.. a bit commercial.. but oh well. Its this guy called Newton Faulkner i mainly got it for that dream catch me song. The album is a bit of a chill one.

So how much paper can i colllect? Im heading to brunswick st this weekend. hehe YAY for me. Going to go to a paper store. (imagine that) (heaven?!!) Anyhow on with the show...

muchly

suchly

albell

Cardaholic

U know what i did with nearly all of the cards i have made... i found some spare boxes and made some writing sets... with about 7 cards in each. One for lucy and the other one for Kylie.. i hope they like it. I included a little note too and a pen. I figure id like to do that for most of my cards. Think i will make a bird set next and sell it at the market for maybe 10/12 dollars.

Im looking forward to doing the market after a six month break! I have new stock.. as i gave a lot of my shadow boxes away as gifts for peoples houses... and birthdays and all that jazz. I love making cards.. its so relaxing... and its only limited (As most things in art) by the imagination.

I have just finished writing my letters... i have now got to concerntrate on more cards later.. this is my lunch break.. It looks nice outside although there is a whopping great big grey cloud. The sun is out.

You know i went into a shop full of cards and paper on sunday and I did not buy anything.. that has to b some kind of record for me. I can walk into op shops and not come back with anything. Although I look forward to fossicking and finding things.
Its awlays good to look. Looking never harmed anyone. Although some of the looks you get from shop keepers... are glares. *Shrugs shoulders* Oh well. Who cares. Thats precisely why i have my walkman on so i dont get asked if i need any help.

So there you have. Cuts both ways really. I watched a Hitchcock film yesterday.. gee it was good. Loved it. I want my boxed set of that back. I know someone has it somewhere. I will just have to buy another one. Oh well. I will have to save no and really put my foot down. However this month u may as well say I am broke! I have to buy a few more presents for people and thats it. Plus make their cards. I want something that will suit each persons colour sense and personality. Say if they like butterflies or dragonflies. I have them. Boys will probably get bird cards.

So today im going to do some wrapping paper test it out on the brown paper and pink tissue paper. If it works maybe i can wrap peoples gifts up at the market.! Yay.
I have a whole tin of ribbons, on of rhinstones and another of bits and bobs.. plus i found my good silver ink whilst checking outside.

Anyhow.. For now.. think ill be on with the show.

love albell