Surprise! I am Still Breathing

 Hello friends. It's been so long since I posted. A dear friend (you know who you are) reminded me just how long...so hear I am. It will probably be a long novel so I apologise in advance.

Spring has arrived in my little corner of the world and I am very thankful for all that pretty cheerfulness. My orchids both old and new have been putting on a show as you can see above. How they still thrive despite my neglect never ceases to amaze me!

Life has kept me busy. My youngest Granddaughter....our little drummer girl was rushed to hospital in June and was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. She was quite ill and in hospital for 8 days. This has been quite the life altering change for my Daughter making sure Miss E has everything she needs and as my Daughter does all the heavy lifting in the parenting department, quite the challenge. There was so much to learn and understand. So I gave support when I was needed.

Miss E has been just a rock star, getting across everything she needs to do. She never ceases to amaze me that kid. Not to mention my Daughter Seriously! So proud of them both!

I also celebrated my birthday out and about in my city which was such a fun day. Ticking off several things on my bucket list. Why is it when you live somewhere you often don't partake of its offerings.....well we changed that! My Daughter and family gifted me a champagne high tea at historic Customs House (one of my favourite Brissie landmarks) on the Brisbane River, a cruise down the river and back on a city cat ferry and finished with a ride on the large Ferris wheel at Southbank. Not to mention tea and cake with my sons family on my actual birthday. So very spoilt!

I had a lovely weekend away in July with some of the Sunday Stitchers and with the help of Miss Helen FINALLY got my Postcards quilt top together. It had been languishing in a box waiting for me to get my act together to assemble it. The blocks represent all the trips, places and experiences my husband and I shared road tripping around Australia. Its quite special to me as we collabrated together over where and what would be included. I finished the last blocks sitting with him when he was ill. So it was a bit emotional getting it together but I am so glad that I did.

I also have my long term framed hexie quilt together. Still makes me happy looking at all the fabrics in this one. Lots of friends represented too xx This quilt helped me keep stitching when my mojo went walkabout without me.

However due to very LITTLE encouragement from fellow Sunday Stitcher De (although I am laying blame at her door) I have begun another one using pieces of old doilies this time. I fancied making one for a long time. After seeing De's gorgeous efforts....couldn't resist! Have to say loving this one too. Making all the framed hexies at present. Love that although slightly damaged their beauty and some other needle woman's work gets a new life rather than ending up in landfill!

Turns out this one is also bring aided and abetted by friends. Lol!

Do you ever have silly things you wished you'd done when young but then think shame I'm too old for that now? Well lucky for me I have Grandies who think that's nonsense I.e. you are never TOO OLD. So Granddaughter Miss C and I made a pact....she would be brave and get a helix piercing in her ear she desperately wanted but was scared to do if I got my nostril pierced like I had always fancied but also too scared to do, especially as a very old chicky You know...what would people think and all that....SO WE DID. Public opinion and terror be damned.....and then we celebrated with lunch with the rest of our girl family ( I can admit here when the needle went in I was certainly we thinking my actions lol) 

But never to young to learn we girls can do scary things! GIRL POWER and all that!

Speaking of scary things my youngest Grandson won his first Muay Thai fight....cannot believe that this is my littlest Grandson. Bit terrifying watching that unfold. Both lads were great respectful competitors.

OK so to jump in yet another direction. Are you dizzy yet? Some art spam.....currently working on a sweet little Scarlet Honeyeater. Lots and lots of leaves! Plus red in coloured pencil is a challenge trying to create depth of colour but he's coming along.

I think perhaps I have sort of caught you up with what I  have been up to.

I am currently dog sitting my old gentleman Grand Dog for his family....

He's not a bit interested in my stitching lol!

Until next time....hopefully not as long between drinks.....I  wish you some little sparkles of joy amongst the difficult times.

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx