All Ready for theTree

Well as you may have heard we had  the Mother of all tropical storms here in Brisbane on Thursday afternoon.....the skies went dark and the wind howled!
These are photos from the storm that others have taken.

Huge hail pummeled the city...

We were lucky where we live that we only got the fringe of the storm. Not far from where my poor school teacher daughter was bunkered down with 50 students and 3 other teachers for a school sleepover planes were flipped on their roof at Archerfield airfield.

My husband boarded his train from the city at 4.19pm and rang me at 4.30 pm to say they were stranded on the train without power several stops from the CBD. They got off the train on to buses at 9.45 pm and he got home at 11.10 pm very tired and as he is a diabetic and only jelly beans to sustain him a little worse for wear. Loads of people were stranded in this way. I couldn't go to get him as the roads were chaos and roads were closed everywhere. So all in all a fun night! Thankfully though all things considered our home and ourselves are intact unlike lots of Brissymites whose homes and properties sustained terrible damage.
So a relatively easy weekend for us.
Most of my decorating is done...

This Nativity scene is one of our oldest family pieces and gets put out each year. I just love it and it was something my Mum picked up somewhere for us and she told us it was very inexpensive. I think it's simplicity says it all.
My dining room table is still a riot but today I am going to put up our Christmas trees all ready to decorate December 1st. The tree skirt (also verrrry old) is all set to go!

Do you have decorations and items that are old or special to your family? I was watching a show about recycling things for your Christmas decorating and I thought gee I have put up the same decorations for years and any new ones are usually special gifts or handmade piece from friends....definitely not a trendy here! But I think that is what I love about it, bringing to mind my beloved family and friends who have contributed to the celebration of Christmas in my home every year. Well musn't tarry! The tree awaits!
I thought I would leave you with some of my tropical beauties just to counter the gloom from the storm.
Enjoy your weekend.

 Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx

Not Much Doin'

Yesterday as I didn't feel to crash hot I finished getting my FHFS parcels all done and ready to post....

All done! I also finished my little gingie house ornament too.

The rest of the day I spent curled up with my box easel and pencils....meet the Mr & Mrs...

I just love drawing animals.....
A Little Show And Tell :
the lovely Dasha from Patching Pixies asked me if she could run a little workshop at her church to make my "Christmas Hearts" and she has given me permission to share a couple of pics...
The ladies busy at work:

and what they were making...

Lovely job! I am so glad you all enjoyed making them. Thanks so much Dasha for being polite and asking. I so appreciated that and thanks for sharing your day too.
Happy Hump day!

Namaste and Blessings
Michelle xxx

OMG! My FHFS Parcel Arrived!

Good morning all. Now I am a girl who really tries hard to live in the moment but the next two and half weeks until We can open our 1st FHFS giftie is going to test my resolve. Yesterday the postie bought me this BIG box! I was so excited I couldn't keep the camera still, so you will excuse the fuzzy photo.

Much haste in opening the box and Viola!

Under that gorgeous parcel many more treasures were revealed...

LOVE!!!! This frosty box!....want to see inside?

Ohhh!

Now the sweet little Elf with the big heart who put all this gorgeousness together was Keryn  from Christmas Creations by Keryn....just makes you feel all jingley! Boy it's going to be a long two and a half weeks!!!
Seems as all that trying so hard to be good in case Santa's Elves were watching paid off and I made it to the VERY GOOD GIRL list. Thank you so much Keryn xxxx
What have I been doing besides drooling over my gift? Well I have my Christmas decorating done except for the mess on my dining room table which hopefully will soon be resolved and I have been playing with a little felt.....seems I am in a "Gingie" frame of mind....must be all those Gingies on my dresser.

  Enjoy your Tuesday,

Namaste and blessings
Michelle xxx

FNSI & 800th Post

Friday night was

Hosted by the lovely Wendy at Sugar Lane Quilts I had a little task in mind. A young friend of mine is going to be a Mum in the very near future and as we know what the new little person is my colour choice was made. I had drawn a "boyish" letter  "J" and wanted to stitch in a soft blue....

As you can see I got it all done. Thanks Wendy for having us at your place again. I have been visiting here and there to see what you all got up to. So nice stitching with you all.  I did start early though after a lovely visit from my bestie Ann. I had asked Ann to make me a special card for a special friend (not a blogger) and I have to share as it is gorgeous!

Sorry it is not a better photo but I love it and I know my friend will too!
NEW PATTERNS:
Aunty M and I are very happy to tell you that

"Bear Hugs Alphabet" is ready. The cost $14.00 Aus plus postage for overseas customers.
I am sure all you "bear' lovers out there will enjoy my drawings as I loved creating them.
I also have "8 Quilt Labels" pattern ready too. There are 8 different designs including several Christmas ones. Perfect little stocking stuffer  for your stitchy friends or a gift for yourself.

The cost is $10.00 Aus plus postage for overseas customers. If you would like either of these just email me.
***Please be aware that there are no projects included in either of these patterns. They are my line drawings only for you to use in your own projects.
***800th POST***
Yes folks this is my 800th post and I want to thank you all so much for being such a wonderful part of my blogging and friendship journey. I just love being able to express myself and share with you all.
Now I have a little celebratory giveaway.....
This year I decided to really appreciate all my lovely Gingie themed decorations etc.

and so I have decorated the area off my kitchen in all things "Gingie"

This is where all my Frosties usually go but it is toooo hot this year and I don't want them to melt so a small contingent are going to be in a cooler spot.... anyway I digress (must be the rush of sugar from the Gingie corner) The two patterns in the draw have a gingie or two so it seemed fitting.
I thought therefore you might like a copy of my "Christmas Fixin's" booklet, my new "8 Quilt Labels" pattern and 3 festive fat quarters ( one of them I have to say must have been chewed instead of cut lol!) bit crooked. So there you are if you would like to be in the giveaway leave me a comment and tell me what you love about blogging. OVERSEAS FRIENDS... I will do an extra draw for you but no fabrics I am sorry due to postage cost restrictions, just the patterns. So make sure you tell me where your hail from!
Thank you one and all for reading my sometimes loooong epistles and responding with such affection. I appreciate each and everyone of you.

This little Elf is taking it easy today in this heat.....a bit more tiding around the Christmas decorating may or am not happen. Only the Christmas tree to go but I like to do that on December 1st and really take my time as so many of my loved ones, family and friends are a part of my Christmas tree and I love to treasure and think about everyone who has contributed to it and what they mean to my family and I.

Enjoy your Sunday.
Namaste and Blessings
Michelle xxx

Random Acts Of Kindness

This week I have been truly blessed with "Random Acts of Kindness". Yesterday the postie left me a parcel from a very lovely lady Joy from Bundaberg. Joy knows I love to draw and look what was inside...

A lovely tin of pencils (all grades) and a great sketch book. Joy has made be a gorgeous bag to carry them in as well. They fit in perfectly so I can take them with me whenever I want to. Thank you so much Joy. You are kindness itself. If we had more people like Joy in the world it would be a much better place xxx
On the subject of drawing I have been doing a little. Are you ever looking for a quilt label to stitch for that special quilt or handmade Christmas gift? Well I know I am and so I decided to draw a series of  8. I will always have them at hand then.....there a couple of Christmas ones, stitching ones and ones  to use for any occassion....want a peek at the drawings?

  I hope to have the drawings ready in a little packet along with the Bears Alphabet very soon.
What do you think?
Ok I am off to unwrap my new pencils and smell that brand new paper...weird I know but hey I like weird!
Please be kind to one another as it really does have the power to lift others up.

Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx

Tying up Loose Ends

I guess all of you out there are doing the same thing...you know finishing off those gifties (or starting them!) and those Christmas projects. Well I have been doing the same. I seem to be strangling in binding lately.

A spot of quilting in the ditch....I don't know how you clever girls do it. My ears were up by my shoulders by the end of it....and it is only very small! But it is done and binding is on. I also attached the binding to my
"Bluebirds" quilt...

It is going to kill me to wait to show you Fiona's gorgeous quilting on it....oh LOVE it!!
I made my "Life is Beautiful" free stitchery from Bakercourt.blogspot.com into a simple cushion because I didn't want to detract from the gorgeous design....plus I know where it is going.

 I really loved stitching this design. Thank you so much Stacey for sharing it.
Speaking of sharing, I have been very blessed this week. Firstly my DD gave me an early Christmas gift. I have a modest collection of Old Country Roses Christmas decorations which I try and add to each year. DD came upon a little bargain and I get to have them now so I can hang them this year....sooo pretty!

The very lovely Kiwikid - Sue whilst on her recent fantastic trip to the UK sent me postcards from some fabulous Tea Shops she visited as she knows I love them...

Beautiful! Sue also indulged my love all things "Gingie" and sent me this delightful Theadora Cleve Gingie button...

I really want to make an ornie to pop him on for my "Gingie" Christmas tree. Isn't he cute??
Thanks so much for spoiling me xxx
I am off to play amongst the Teacups with my lovely friends today at my stitching group....might even get a stitch or two in.
Whilst waiting outside a local shopping mall for Mr R I just happened to be seated in front of these beautiful blooms and being a dedicated blogger just happened to have the old camera in my bag...so "Snap!" Got some funny looks but hey beauty is all around us and all you have to do is notice.

Have a lovely day all.
Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx

It's Nice When Projects Work Out

Do you remember this little pile???

Well I discarded some things and added others...did a bit of drawing and stitching...

and I love how it turned out....just a bit of a peek now. I am afraid you'll have to wait a wee while but I am sure you are going to like it.

Ok Gotta fly! Have a wonderful Monday.

You know who you are!
Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx

Linen and Lace Revisited

I had such a lovely time at the last....

That I had to go again and I took a friend....you may know her. Teresa from All Things Vintage .....

Such lovely company and much oohing and aahing over all the lovely treasures. Coffee had to be taken of course.....I think i almost love this bit the best...almost! Beautiful roses from Marilyn's very own garden adorned our table.

Of course special teacups were the order of the day.....which one will we have?

Our vintage tea cloth was just gorgeous.....hand embroidered with cross stitch.

I can't show you my purchases because they are gifties but they did come from here....

My friend Tracey White's lovely table and of course Marilyn's beautiful shop.

I had to have a quiet word with the little people who lived on this gorgeous stall...

and tell them I was Christmas shopping and I was very sad that they couldn't come home with me today  :(
Thank you Teresa for your lovely company today.
Ok on the stitching front this little phrase has been running continually in my head -
"I'm late! I'm Late for a very important date!!!" So it has been head down and tail to the wind...sew! sew! sew!

and then .....quilting, quilting quilting!!!

Hopefully tonight will see me finished and then a tiny bit of binding and I will be done...Yay! Phew! I think I am actually going to make it.
Would you like to know what has been side tracking me...apart from instruction writing?
Lovely brand new pencils and drawing paper...

For me it is like having chocolate in the cupboard and saying "I'll just have one"....can't be done!
Well that's me caught up. I am off to hop in the pool for the second time since I arrived home to cool off. A bit of a scorcher here today.
Take care,
Namaste and blessings,
Michelle xxx