Last Holiday Snaps I Promise!

Thank you for all your lovely comments. I  have had several people that I cannot reply to....so thank you to you also.
I  promise some stitching next time!
We noticed some little pieces of art had appeared since our last visit and I  thought I  would share them with you.
This beautiful mosaic bench was just lovely to sit and watch the river from.

It featured lots of beautiful butterflies and some dolphins which visit the river regularly.

On our wanders up town we noticed a young man painting the picnic tables. We got talking and  he has told us several different people had done the art on the tables.
Luckily for you I can't show you them all because people were actually eating their lunch and picnics from them. I thought that perhaps they wouldn't appreciate me asking tgem to clear the table lol! I snapped a couple. It was hard to get a good photo thta showed them off as they truly were.

Most had little environmental messages on them as well....little reminders to take care of our oceans and waterways.

Some were painted all over and some just the tops.

This one was my absolute favourite. The bolts on the table were the whales eyes.

It had a lovely poem too...not sure if you can read it.

Just loved the mother and baby....it was so nice to see peoples reactions when they arrived at a table to sit. Just goes to show art and handwork really do cheer the soul!

That's all folks!
I'm off to stitching with some friends.
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Minyan Falls NSW

My little brother came to visit us whilst away and we journeyed inland from where we were staying to a beautiful place called Minyan Falls. Mr R. and I  had tried twice before to find it and got completely lost. So it was good to have a guide. I warn you lots of photos.

It's a very long way down...

The view was spectacular......brother and yours truly.

Husband and brother.

We wandered around the falls and across pretty creeks.

Up bush tracks...

Another view of the falls.

Some wiseacre....namely ones younger brother decided a walk down into the valley for another perspective was a good idea! Yes right down there!

We made it to the bottom and it was a gorgeous place....

But as they say "going down is easy"....coming back up? Well a bit of a slog!
Glad to get to the top!

It was pretty special though and worth the effort......

If you made it to the end I thank you.
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

I am Back

I have throughly enjoyed my relaxing break and feel chilled out and refreshed. We chose a favourite spot to spend some time....

Mr R. got lots of practice in with his new toy....even caught dinner a few nights!

I settled in with some reading...this was one of several...bliss!

Beach walks....so wonderful to see whales out at sea and dolphins frolicking at the river mouth...of course no camera those days!

Family visited...

I caught up on some of the hand stitched Splendid Sampler blocks....very, very behind but I am enjoying the journey.

Did a little drawing too. The local wildlife wouldn't stay still long enough to draw from life so this pretty wattle near by was a beautiful model.

Just love all the different wattle starting to bloom. I did another pretty shrub but forgot a piccie. I will share it later.
It's been so nice just pleasing myself.....
I will share a few other doings in future posts.
I hope all you lovely folk have been well and happy in my absence.....if not I hope you are being kind to yourself and the healing process has begun.

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Pencil Action

My pencils are very busy at the moment and I seem to be spending lots of time sharpening them.

I have tasked myself to do a couple of special pieces which I will hopefully elaborate on at a later date. My first subject is our poor koala....whose homes are disappearing at a fearful rate. This little person was snapped a number of years ago.

Looks a bit messy my rough drawing doesn't it. But it has now been transferred on to beautiful Archers paper and is starting to look much better.

I haven't totally neglected my stitching.....inside that folder are lots of Splendid Sampler blocks all prepped and ready to pickup and stitch.

I am also going to be taking a little blogging break.....time to recharge,  ponder and rest.

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Show and Tell

As promised yesterday a very pretty show and tell from my friend Monica. This gorgeous box is a gift for someone very special.

It is a beautiful Faeries in my Garden pattern. Monica is an exquisite embroiderer and this is completely hand sewn. The embroidery is all worked in one strand of thread......oh my! So beautiful!

There is also a very special label inside worked by 3 generations....Great Grandmother, Grandmother and Mother.....such a treasure!

It never ceases to amaze me, the beauty a needle and thread and a clever needle woman can create. Thank you so much Monica for allowing me to share your exquisite work. You know where I live so just pop it on the doorstop...that will be fine lol! I know its true recipient will adore it xx
Bit of art from me to finish.....
I seem to be stuck in branches with little birdies at the moment. Loved drawing this beautiful creature. Loten's Purple Sunbird. Unfortunately I couldn't quite get the hint of purple iridescence with my pencils but I am happy with it.

Short and sweet today.
Enjoy your day.
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Some Stitching at Last

Well, sort of! Today I had a lovely day stitching and wiling the day away with very nice friends. It was fun catching up with our returning travellers, solving the worlds issues, talking stitching, laughter and having some delicious treats too. Thank you Robyn P.

I worked on my Splendid Sampler block and almost completed it. I  have 3 finishes.

I still have a few to catch up on....2 of the above are bonus  blocks that I liked.
I  also have some show and tell from friend Monica but will save it for next post.
My birthday is continuing on...which is delightful!
Today the girls spoilt me rotten with these gorgeous gifts. Love my new Fairy Wren teacups, teabags in a gorgeous tin, devine fabrics, threads, buttons and books....plus a handy compact iron for caravanning.

Thank you soooo very much Monica, Diane, Robyn and Jan mwah xxx
Last week my dear friend Fiona sent me a delicious parcel of goodies too.

So many pretties to play with. I loved my parcel.  Thank you Fiona xx
Tarnyia from Birthday Club sent me some nice creamies and yummy treats. Don't you just love red ric rac! Thank you Tarnyia.

AND today the postie bought me another giftie, from my lovely friend Cheryl.

I love dragonflies.....such pretty fabric and my fav DMC 816. Thank you Cheryl. So folks feeling truly spoilt rotten around here. Thank you all, gorgeous friends.
"Time spent with a friend over a cuppa is time well spent" I have spent my day very well indeed!
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx