18 July 2008

forever

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for my Dad & King...

I'll worship at Your throne
Whisper my own love song
With all my heart I'll sing
For You my Dad and King

I'll live for all my days
To put a smile on Your face
And when we finally meet
It'll be for eternity

And oh, how wide You open up Your arms
When I need Your love
How far You would come
If ever I was lost
You said that all You feel for me
Was undying love
That You showed me through the cross


I'll worship You my God
I'll worship You my God
I love You, I love You
Forever I will sing
Forever I will be with You
Be with You

Love your daughter, Nel xx

14 July 2008

George Carlin

Thought you might like to read this e-mail I received today.

Nel xx

What a difference a sad event in someone's life makes.   
GEORGE CARLIN (His wife recently died...)                     


Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.

                                      A Message by George Carlin:  Mimeattachment

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

If you don't send this to at least 8 people....Who cares?

                     George Carlin


13 July 2008

these boots are made for walkin

I have been looking for some nice brown boots for a few weeks now but didn't want to pay a fortune for them and had to find some to fit nicely around my legs... not an easy task, they are always too tight!  I don't buy new shoes very often, so I tend to go through phases where my old ones have all worn out and I need to replace them.  They usually last a few seasons.  So this year, it was time for some new boots.

Today, I found some and I am so pleased with them... take a look

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Not only are they so comfortable, but they were on sale!  I got them for 35% off, always love a bargain.

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Can't wait to wear them :)

 

And to my precious Chloe who turned 12 yesterday...

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Happy Birthday my beautiful girl, I love you very  much. xoxo

Hope you all had a great weekend,

Love Nel xo

08 July 2008

behind closed doors

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I have been cleaning out my walk in robe.  It was at the point where you couldn't walk in... literally!  Things had been throw in and stashed away that it was barely usable as a wardrobe anymore.  It is slowly changing.  My goal is to have my bedroom completely cleaned up and looking beautiful by the weekend so I can post a picture for you to show you how busy I have been.  Besides, I need to give myself a deadline and some accountability or I'll just procrastinate and it'll never get done and this house will never get sold! 

So that's my goal by Monday.  To have posted a photo of my nice, neat, clean bedroom.  If I haven't, I give you permission to nag me until I do, lol!

Have a lovely few days... Nel xo
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03 July 2008

hello

Do you ever struggle with what to call a post?  Obviously I did today because it's very uncreative.  I think my brain has been wrung dry from starting work this week.  My new job is going well.  It's quite an easy job but just a lot of detail to remember.  I am enjoying working again and my boss is lovely and it's giving some structure to my very unstructured life; and an income which is kinda handy if you want to eat!  My house is suffering though, housework is falling behind as I get used to a new schedule.  Oh well, I'm sure that will all fall into place in time (sound worried, don't I? lol)

It's amazing how one small change in your life, like getting a part time job, can change other aspects of your life.  I found myself with way too much time on my hands before and now I can feel myself better prioritising my time.  When my spare time is limited I can start to see more clearly the things that are important to me that I really want to spend time nurturing.  Family, friends, interests... they have all become clearer and more refined which really surprised me.  I thought with less time I might become more stressed to fit things in.  Some things though, I have had to really let go of... and I feel really good about it.

One thing I have found time for and have really enjoyed doing is creating a new banner.  Yes, I have changed it again.  That's twice in the last week.  This time though, it's  my own creation and I really like it.  I have been wanting to know how to do this for a while and I found the link to the instructions through Corey's blog, who has also posted a new banner she created herself.  It was really simple and fun.  Now I know the basics there's no stopping me lol.

I went on my walk last week to Cronulla Beach.  It was such a beautiful day and I took a few snapshots of
my day.    Hope you enjoy the photos of one of Sydney's beautiful beaches.

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I also visited my favorite gift shop, Eclectic.  It has the most gorgeous things.  Vintage, french, outdoor giftware, feminine and girly.  Absolutely gorgeous.  If you ever come to  Sydney I will take you there... it's well worth the visit.

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In my last post I shared with you one of my favorite Bible verses about being hidden beneath the feathers of God's wings.  I posted it just before I went to Cronulla.  In Eclectic as I was browsing I found these gorgeous angel wings and inside the card attached was quoted the very same verse.  I think maybe someone wanted me to know He has me sheltered in His wings :)  Naturally, I bought them and they are now a treasured item in my home.  I also bought some yummy brown sugar and vanilla tea light candles for my candle holder.  They smell divine.

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Well, tomorrow I am going to take Beck shopping.  She has been waiting for ages and we have finally organised a day where we are both free.  I have set a limit (lol!) and I am determined not to go over it.  Actually, I can't afford to go over it so that's just how it is.  Should be fun and it will be nice spending time with Beck.  On Saturday Chloe has the grand final for her softball team.  It's her first grand final and I am really excited for her.  Should be a good day.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend,
Love Nel x

29 June 2008

church

I went to a new church last Sunday.  The girls and I went together and we loved it.  It was big, vibrant, alive and the praise and worship and teaching was great.  I had planned to go again this Sunday by myself as the girls are with their Dad this weekend, but I just can't bring myself to do it.

Sometimes it's just so hard walking in somewhere alone, knowing that you have no choice but to go alone.  There's no-one else to fall back on and when you meet new people they naturally want to know about who you are and if you're with someone or did you come ALONE.  Sometimes that word can seem so ominous and confronting.  Sometimes it doesn't bother me but some days, like today, I just don't want to answer their questions, so I don't go.  Problem is, the more you don't go alone, the more you end up at home alone, and the vicious circle just keeps going around.

Maybe for now, I'll just go every fortnight when I have the girls with me and can slowly build up to going alone when they're not with me.  Sounds alright to me :)  And maybe I just have to let myself off the hook for not going those other weekends when I'm alone and stop expecting too much of myself.  Perhaps I just need to learn to like my own company for a while and find a balance between the two.

Well now that I've thought that through (lol) do you like my new banner?  I don't know how long it will last, but for now it's nice and fresh and simple and I like a little of that in my life.

I think I need a walk today.  It's another gorgeous sunny winter's day in Sydney and I am going to go out and enjoy it!  Perhaps a lovely coffee shop by the beach somewhere, with a good book or magazine and a nice scarf to keep me warm.  Sounds just lovely to me :)

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scarf & brooch made by Nel

Hope you enjoy your day too,
See you soon,
Nel xo

27 June 2008

blog meet, tulips and a beautiful city

I had my first blog meet yesterday!  How exciting!!  It was really fun to meet up with Sarah after so long planning and trying to oragnise a time that suited us both.  Finally it happened and it was a gorgeous day.  Sydney harbour is truly the most beautiful city in the world (no I'm not bias lol)  It was a beautiful, sunny winter day and we had coffee by the harbour and I received a beautiful bunch of tulips from Sarah, which I nearly left in the cafe, lol... not good!  So glad I didn't.   Aren't they are a gorgeous color?  Thank you Sarah :) 

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We both said how funny it was meeting up with somebody you already know so much about through their blog but didn't know who you were looking for... kinda like a blind date... but not.   Sarah was gorgeous... so friendly and lovely to be with.  It was really nice and I look forward to doing it again.  (you'll have to check her blog to see if she agrees with me, lol!!)

I have a weekend to myself.  I am going to lie in the sunshine on my bedroom floor and read.  No better place to be in the winter time than in the warm sunshine on a gorgeous day.  Maybe i'll watch a DVD or two.  I have no commitments or responsibilities this weekend and I really need the time out to myself.  I'm not complaining, but sometimes being a single mum is tough.  Actually, being a mum in general can be tough and we all need time out.  I really value this time to myself and I want to be relaxed and refreshed before I start my new job on Tuesday.

"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you can hide.  His truth will be your shield and protection"  Psalm 91:4

That's where I want to be this weekend... under my Heavenly Father's wings, wrapped up in His feathers, in His safety.   How beautiful that He also wants me to be there with Him.

Have a lovely weekend,

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Nel xx


 

13 June 2008

pears, polka dots and a w.i.p.

Been sitting at this
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making this apron
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I think the pears add a real gourmet look to it

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and working on this bag
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and cleaning up under my stairs
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The wooden chest was mine when I was a little girl and it's lined with the most gorgeous vintage pink floral wallpaper.  I will take a photo of the inside one day and show you, it's so pretty.  At the moment it's our shoe storage so they're not thrown all over the floor when we walk in the front door!  I am going to put the fabric cover on it more permanently, but at the moment I was just seeing if I liked the color.  I think I do!  And it makes a great, comfy spot to sit and put on your shoes.  I think I'll hang a coat rack on the wall to the left so then we'll be really organised, lol!  Soooo unlike me :)

I am really happy with the way the house is coming together for getting ready to sell.  It's always the way isn't it?  Fix your home up the way you've always wanted it to be just to sell it, lol...  I have been taking before and after photos of things I am having fixed, like my huge back yard!  I will post them next week.

Loving the sewing at the moment... just taking it nice and easy and really enjoying it.  Good news too!  I got a new job... yay!!!  I am working 3 days a week during school hours 10 minutes from home for a financial advisor.  He is a guy from church and he is so lovely and it will be really nice (I hope!) to work with him.  It has come just at the right time.  God never fails to provide.  Even though things have gotten tough at times, I have never once needed for anything.  I am so blessed!

Will be back with more finished goodies soon!
Have a lovely weekend,

Nel x

10 June 2008

breathe

I just wrote a whole post, loaded photos and spent a good 1/2 hour putting it together... and lost it!!! My internet cut out just as I saved it and it is lost, aarrrrrgh!!!

Am I going to try and remember it and rewrite it?  No... some things just aren't meant to be and I don't have the time.  So what now?...  I have nothing else to say, my brain is drained, lol.  Guess I'll go and clean up the kitchen and do the housework, yay!!!!

Back soon!

Nel xo

"You saw me before I was born.  Every day of my life was recorded in Your book.  Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.  How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God!  They are innumerable!  I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!"    Psalm 139:16-18

Reminder to self... every day is a gift, every moment an opportunity, to respond with kindness and grace, to dwell in the blessings of the Lord.  I will clean with a smile on my face :)

03 June 2008

Etsy & Driftwood & Roses

I have been busy cutting fabric and getting some things ready to sew.  It's been so long since I have done any sewing and I am kinda looking forward to it.. I think! lol.  I like to sew in a production line type of way.  Cut it all out first then sew it all.  Otherwise I get over it really quickly if I cut then sew then cut then sew.  I get a little impatient lol!

I have also started to create an etsy shop.  Once I have a few more things finished and I get my shop organised I will post the link in my sidebar along with a link to my blog Driftwood & Roses.  I'm not sure if any of you remember I started my Driftwood & Roses blog about a year ago to post things I had finished creating.  Well that is the name I have chosen to register as my business (otherwise known as D & R for short) and will be posting finished items on there once again.  If you see anything you like you will be able to click the link to my etsy shop and have a look.

Well that's the business side of things done.  One more thing that is so important and I have been very remiss in not doing it so much sooner.

I little while ago I won a giveaway on Beachy's blog.  I received these gorgeous earrings made by Louise in the post and I put them aside to photograph and show you all and I can't believe how much time has gone by and I forgot to do it.  I did remember to thank her personally via e-mail but I wanted to share it with you too.

So here they are... aren't they so pretty!

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They have actually inspired me to put a little more color into my wardrobe.  I usually stick to fairly neutral colors but I have been branching out a little lately (woo hoo... I lead such an exciting life, lol)  and buying some blue items to my wardrobe and getting some compliments on the color, which is always so nice!  So thank you Louise, they are so lovely and I am very happy that I was the lucky recipient.

Just  a quick note too... I have been looking back over older posts and catching up with some of my old blogging friends I had lost contact with.  It is so nice to catch up and I have been updating my sidebar links to add them too.  If you're not there yet and you would like me to add you, just let me know.  I haven't quite finished yet and hope to organise them a little better too.  Please be patient :-) and it will be done asap.  Thanks.

Have a lovely week,
Nel x