Bye Bye 2015!

Don't let the door hit you on your way out!

As the sun sets on this year, I have to be totally honest and say that the challenges definitely have outweighed the highlights for me this year. But as all difficult periods teach us....there are lessons within them.

Lots of these I already believed and were validated for me.....I'd like to share them with you if you will indulge me one last time this year.......ok!
There are many, many more kind people in the world than not.
All the latest modcons, money and trappings of so called success that we define ourselves by mean nothing when calamity comes knocking on your door.
Love for one another is everything. Tell them! Show them! Life can Change in a moment.
See your friends for the gold they are and appreciate each and every one of them.
Good health and aging are treasures not to be taken for granted.
Being still in nature soothes the soul.
Treading lightly on our planet and treating all it's inhabitants with respect are imperative goals.
Creating beauty with your hands is such a blessing for yourself and others no matter how insignificant you think your efforts are....it never existed before you bought it into being....sacred!
Admire and love talent in others....you are not lessened by it but rather uplifted by it.
You are NEVER to old to put your foot on to the path towards your dreams. You may just get a huge surprise at what's waiting for you......

My wish for 2016 is for my family and myself to experience the joy of good health. I wish the same for all of you. I am looking forward to extending myself and creating and learning new things and having more fun with you lovely people out there.
I would like to thank you all for visiting my blog, leaving me lovely comments....I appreciate each and every one, the encouragement and support you give me with regards to my work...LOVE that you love them!
Thank you also for the encouragement and friendship and kindness you have shown myself and my family during the health scares we have endured with our son this year....means so much.
SO! Bring on 2016! 2015 and I are done!

May the long time sun shine upon you,
All love surround you,
And the pure light within,
Guide your way on.
Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx

Charlotte's Rose

Just a quick little post to show you the drawing I finished whilst taking some quiet time. This rose was gifted to my Son and Daughter-in-law by a family member to celebrate my eldest Granddaughters birth. It just blooms it's little leaves off and when my son sent me a photo I knew I really wanted to draw it.

I did have a little trouble trying to get the colour right with my pencils but had to settle for this in the end.
This is the drawing and photo side by side.

So it's not too bad. Even though it was challenging I really enjoyed it. The best bit is that my Son and DIL love it. I am so blessed to have children that are so supportive of what their crazy Mother does!
My next project is a bit different from what I usually do and I am just trying to work out some composition for it.
I think a bit of stitching is in order while I have a little think.

Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx

Christmas Family Fun!

Well this poor chap would not have lasted very long here on our very warm Boxing Day which is when we celebrated with our family....warning photo heavy!
Presents to unwrap!

Cousin fun...

Star Wars vs Batman...

Fun in the pool.

Mr. R. is known for his excessive crazy hat and blow up pool toy purchases (we have tried to stem the tide to no avail) This year Crocs reigned supreme...but we did insist he blow them up!

Me? I just tried really hard to avoid the paparazzi! Thank goodness that was a huge Croc!

So nice seeing these rascals enjoying some Christmas treats together.

and icy poles to cool down!

Of course we all ate too much and thankfully no piccies to incriminate us LOL!
The Christmas blessing for us was to be all together and for this I am truly grateful.

My heart goes out to all those who have lost their homes in the terrible Victorian bushfires...we do live in a beautiful but often savage land....I pray there will be no more this season.
Take care friends,
Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx

I opened my parcel from Marica in Sweden that was under the  Christmas tree. ..

Soo beautiful. I love it! Marica also sent me to sweet patchwork heart ornaments which are now hanging on my special tree...

Thank you so much Marica for being my secret Santa xxx
I sent my parcel to Marika in Germany and I stitched my little tree decoratoring gingie..

And the ornament. ..

Plus a couple of little extras.

Big thanks to Chookyblue and her elves for organising this wonderful swap.
I was also very spoilt by Melody in our FHFS with lots of gorgeous gifts leading up to Christmas .....I had a pressie under the tree as well.
An oh so cute Nodder made by Mel at a workshop by very clever and creative Keryn from Keryn's Creations.....

I just love him! I am very lucky to have a "Keryn Family" gifted to me by Keryn and Mel's Nodder has joined right in.

Thank you so very much Mel for all your spoiling big hugs xxx
A quick shot of my special friends tree from blogland ....

Thank you lovely friends.
I must dash away as I  am to be invaded shortly by 4 gorgeous little rascals....we are having our family celebration today.
I hope you are enjoying your Christmas festivities.
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Signing Off

I know two posts in one day....but this will be my last post before Christmas.
A big thank you to my dear friend Fiona from Bubzrugz for my delightful mail this morning....so very gorgeous! Now residing on the tree xxx

Thank you to everyone for all your festive wishes and lovely mail. You have all added joy to my Christmas. If you are going away travel safely. Better to be there late than not!
Cherish and enjoy those you love....it is not about the "presents" it's about your "presence" and the gift that truly is. Have a wonderful day. My Christmas wish is Peace and Health for you all and this planet we call home.
To those of you who for whatever reason find this a difficult time you are in my heart and prayers. I wish you peace in your reflections.

Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx

Almost the Last Jingle

Today I just thought I would share a couple of favourite Christmas pics with you.... I always decorate the shelf in my kitchen above my sink.

It has some of my old Christmas Treasures like Santa in his sleigh and one special gold reindeer. Scary to think how old they are!

I also adore this cross stitch gifted to me a long time ago by a friend.

It's such good fun!
I love this photo of my four little people making mischief together as cousins and enjoying the Christmas lights.

OK! I am off to face the shops one last time.....

Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx

SSCS & A Little Work of Art

It's arrived! My very 1st one in Chookyblues SSC Swap...all the way from Sweden. My Secret Santa didn't put her name on the back so I will have to wait until Christmas Day to find out.....
I am allowed to open No1 parcel which is a tree ornament.....I was very blessed to receive 2. Gorgeous handmade hearts.

Aren't they sweet. I have been very good and popped the other gift under the Christmas tree as instructed. Thank you so much to my Secret Santa. Thank you also to Chookyblue for organising this swap for us and allowing this joy to reach across the world xxx
My lovely blogging friend Sheila sent me a beautiful card depicting a winter scene by one of their local artists...so beautiful! Inside the card however was the  most beautiful little work of art....one of Sheila's fabric postcard depicting her locality in Novia Scotia in the Summer.

Oh I wish you could see just how beautiful it is in real life. Thank you so much Sheila I shall treasure it xxx
A lovely card and pretty Christmas ribbons arrived from dear Cheryll...thank you xxx

Feeling very blessed and spoilt here.

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

My Erratic Muse

For some bizarre reason my silent partner or Inspiration Muse has decided to pay me a visit of late. Playing with my thoughts and making my hands itch to pick up my pencil and black pen....which means "designing".
Usually at this time of year I am dreaming all things Christmas but bizarrely this is totally "not Christmas ".  SO! While a trilion things need my attention.....I am off with my muse....

Before we meander off again I want to say a big thank you to Sue....from Kiwikid for a beautiful Christmas surprise.  Sue makes these gorgeous Star pin cushions...

And she has sent one to me along with a most gorgeous card. Thank you so much Sue...I love it xxx
Well the Muse and I are off....
Enjoy your day. It won't come again.

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

FNSI

Our last for 2015.

Thank you Wendy for being our lovely hostess over there at Sugarlane Quilts.
After facing the mad hordes and a looooong lovely lunch with friends yesterday at our local Mall I was not very organised to stitch. But it didn't take long to get back into the swing of things. I'm now on to the second Blessings block (you are going to get mighty bored with my progress folks) I spent quite a while removing papers, basting and then basting the ring down onto the background.

I did get the inner circle appliqued down....

Looks crinkly I  know but will press out just fine. I got one scallop appliqued but I just could not stay awake.

There are so many little components to these blocks it doesn't feel repetitive. I may feel differently by the time I get to number 9! I hope everyone else enjoyed their stitching or handwork over at Wendy's too.
I have a very cute new Frosty ornament for my tree from my lovely friend Cheryl. We both have a huge fancy for these cuties.

I  just love it...so cute! Thank you  Cheryl for indulging my love of chilly folk xxx
On the subject of Snowmen. I am often chided by well meaning friends and would love a $$$$ for every time I have heard....."but their not Australian. ..we don't have snow here at Christmas". Well frankly I  don't care....Pizzas not Australian either but I  love it! Besides you surely could not be in any doubt that I love my country and all that it means to be Australian but you know I also love a lot of things from other countries and cultures. It's what brings us together.
So here's to all my Snowman collecting friends out there! Long live Frosty!
Have a lovely weekend,
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

What I Have Been Stitching & Lovely Mail

Now that the recipients have their gifts I can show you what I have been stitching. I made little hexie scissor fobs and attached them to little scissors with a tip guard.

  I love these little scissors NO holes in your sewing caddy or bag! I made them for the girls in my stitching group.
I made a sewing hexagon box for my lovely friend Lorel. this photo doesn't have the tassel...sorry! It does look nice with it's tassel.
I used some of my treasured French General fabrics because she is special. Lorel's scissor fob had to match her sewing box....of course!

I am a big fan of the gorgeous buttons from Yvonne W.Designs and had so much fun making these cute Tree Decorations...an extra with a sweet stocking has gone to my lovely friend Ann's.

Love Aussie made!
You may remember that I made lots of little stockings....

Well 2 of my dear ones love shabby chic....so I made PINK!

Namely my DD and our very own Shez. They do look pretty.
My poor postie tooted his horn because he couldn't fit my mail in the mailbox this morning....lol!
My lovely friend Shez who is generosity personified sent me this beautiful wall hanger with Christmas Kookaburra's and I just love it. I have secretly fancied this pattern to make for myself for ages...very excited! Extra special to have it made by a friend!

Thank you so much Shez xx
Beautiful Barb popped the most gorgeous little Elf ornie in a card for me...oh he is tooo cute!

Thank you Barb for your kindness, I love him to bits xx
I do love a pretty card as I often tell you....well this beautiful one came from the very clever Karen from Sunburnt Quilts.Karen makes gorgeous cards....

Thank you xx
I know it was a very long post but just had to get it all in.....hope you aren't all asleep!
I love this saying -

"If you can't find Christmas in your heart you won't find it under the Christmas Tree"
Have yourself a lovely day,
Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx