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February 2011

Back into the swing of things for 2011 ...

Hello my lovely blog readers. Happy 2011 to you and your families. Time for me to post a big blog update don't you think? I've enjoyed some commitment free time at home with the boys over the last 4 weeks (interspersed with some arghhhh moments like many can relate to I am sure!), but it's starting to feel like time to get back into the swing of things for the year ahead. I am looking forward to posting a little more frequently too. I thought I would start by sharing some creations and stories and pics. Before we move onto that, I wanted to mention this:

The Queensland Floods

It is totally devastating and unbelievable what many Australians have been going through over the last few weeks in Australia with the natural disasters of the floods in Queensland, South Australia and now Victoria. So many people have lost their homes and their livelihoods but most sad of all there has been loss of 16 lives so far with many more still missing. My hearts go out to you all and I pray for your families and your strength to get through this. It's been 15 years since I worked and lived in Toowoomba, but I still recognized many of the buildings and streets affected by the particularly terrifying flash floods there and in the Lockyer Valley.  My heart is breaking for those families who have lost loved ones and children.

If you can spare a few dollars PLEASE give to the Queensland Premiers Flood Relief Appeal. This money will be vital in helping Queenslanders get back on their feet, especially those who for whatever reason are not covered by insurance. Anna Bligh the Queensland Premier has indicated the flood relief money will go to the people who need it, not to fixing roads and infrastructure. People will need so much.

Stampin' Up! have also announced a flood relief appeal where they will donate $2 from every stamp set sold (over $30 sets) between January 15th and February 15th. I will also personally be donating $3 of my commsion for every stamp set, making the total donation $5 per stamp set. That of course covers the first three weeks of Saleabration where you can also earn free sets. Just email me if you would like to place an order.

Thankyou for doing all that you can to help, and if you are affected by these floods, please know I am thinking of you so very much.

Family News Catch Up

We spent Christmas with Paul's family and the boys were suitably impressed with Santa's efforts. Josh received a real microphone and stand (because every Mum wants her 8 year old to be louder right?). He was very impressed, especially since he had been using a broom handle and torch taped together up to that point! Mum needs to have a bit of a chat to Santa, because among other things, Sam received a drum set. Thanks Santa. So now we have a rock band in our loungeroom.

In all seriousness we had a lovely Christmas with family and saw some amazing new light displays and enjoyed our own. That's always a highlight for us. Josh already has a list for next years lights :) After Christmas we received a visit from my niece Cassie from Perth which was lovely. I haven't seen her for ages and I don't think Sam let her go all night.

New Years Eve we went into Paul's work to watch the fireworks from the 32nd floor of the ANZ building which has floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Yarra River and many of the buildings that they place the firewaorks on top of. It was very spectatcular.

Sm Me NYE 2010 

Sm Sam admiring view ANZ tower NYE 2010 

Other that that we have been pottering around just hanging out and the boys have been riding the bikes and scooters around and have had a few swims, although we haven't had much in the way of hot weather yet. Hopefully there will be some warm weather for our week at the beach this week.

Papercraft Creations

I have managed a few creations. I had a lovely day crafting with some friends last week and have managed to squeeze some things in here and there. There are also a few things I haven't posted yet so I can do that here.

I've had a play with my favourite pre-ordered set 'Bliss' from the upcoming Saleabration promotion (starts in just 9 days!). I made my sister a birthday card (the soft sude and red one) and another birthday card using the Island Oasis DSP from the Summer Mini Catalogue:

Sab 1 

Sab 2 

I've also been having a play with the Tropical Party stamp set which matches Island Oasis. I came up with thos card for a friend. I've used a double layer of the Fancy Flower punch to mat the image.

Island card 

The Island Oasis papers are nice and bright and summery and great for holiday photos. I have been using them throughout my scraobook pages of my Hamilton Island trip from October. I have 24 pages on the go using a combination of divided page protectors and 12x12 pages. I have plans to share the whole thing with you when I am finished, but for now here is one of the 12x12 pages:

Chalkies beach layout 

Here's a few more creations from a while back as well. First up is a birthday card I made for a dear friend. I really love how this one turned out, especially how the Belle Toile background stamp looks clear embossed onto Cherry Cobbler cardstock - yummm.

Judys card 

This one was one of my coloured Christmas cards which I just had to post to show my friend Kerry that I made a card using a cutesy stamp. I didn't think I was into them but have been having some fun with them lately! This card winged it's way to my sister for Christmas.

Kate Christmas card 

and this one was for my Mum but I think I might have overdone the colouring on this one!

Mums Christmas card 

and this birthday card with some watercolouring.

Green and purple 

and finally, I want to tell you about my

One Little Word for 2011

 At the start of the year I enrolled in Ali Edwards One Little Word class at Big Picture Scrapbooking. Ali has been the person who has most influenced my scrapbooking style since way back when I started scrapbooking. I love her focus on journalling, memories and words. I have followed her One Little Word concept for a few years, so jumped at the chance when it bacame a class. I like the idea that it will encourage me to revisit my word often throughout the year, and for me this is much better than making a resolution.

My one little word is Nourish.

That is exactly how I choose to live my life this year. To nourish my soul, my spirit, my body, my senses, my intellect, my passions and of course to nourish my family and friends. I want to surround myself with people who nourish me and who share this philisophy and the depth of a true friendship where you see and want the best for people.

I want to continue to live a life of gratitude and be grateful for all I have in my life. I want to follow my passions and live a meaningful and purposeful life and enjoy the inner peace that brings. I want to be healthy is so many ways, not just my body, but a true holistic health where good foood, fresh air, activity and relaxation are balanced with nurturing relationships, a true appreciation of life and doing things that matter to the life of others. That's what nourish means to me.

I feel like the last few months I have already been on this journey, and a lovely person said to me this week that I seem in a really 'good place' which was a nice thing to hear.

As well as the activities Ali has planned for us, I want to make this word a focus of my blog this year too. I want this to be a place which is a true relection of me and my passions and not just a Stampin' Up! blog. Over the next little while I will be making some changes to my blog to reflect this . I'll still be posting some Stampin' Up! creations of course and still remain a demonstrator, but there are lots more scarpbooking and journalling and other projects I want to do as well. 

I want to get back to my blog as it was many years ago, a place where I share what I make and share what inspires me and nourishes me and hopefully my readers.

On that note I wanted to post something that has definitely been nourishing my senses, this beautiful rose bush which is right next to the front door at our new house. The blooms are just so amazing and people always comment on them. At first I thought it was Paradise, but now I am not so sure. Anyone care to identify it for me? Whatever it is, it nourishes my senses daily!

Rose 2 

Roses small 

Have a fabulous day and thanks for visiting my little piece of cyberspace. I hope you left happy :)

Be back soon,

Claire xx