Some happy things...

First on the happy list...


Reading the new edition of MixTape. Such a satisfying read, and a great review of one of my favourite non-fiction books, Buddhism for Mothers: a calm approach to caring for yourself and your children, by Sarah Napthali (which almost made it into my last post, but was finally left out when I decided it would be just too hard to explain in one post why it is so good, and why I like it so much. Basically - the review in MixTape says everything I would like to have said (if I was more articulate).

Second on the happy list...


Slippers for Kate knitted by my Aunty, with bells sewn on by my mum. They are SOOOOOOO cute, and the bells make such a gorgeous tinkling noise. And Kate really really loves them...except....


BOY are they slippery suckers. I have had to hide them until I can get my hands on some puffy paint (unless anyone else has any ideas for non-slip soles????) because baby alpaca wool and polished floorboards really don't mix!

Third on the happy list...

The Lovely Flossy-P has tagged me for a blogging meme, so here goes:

1. Why did you start your blog?



For fun! I had just started sewing, and I wanted to be able to track my progress. I also thought it would help me stay inspired and motivated to make things. Oh, and I liked how reading blogs helped me to notice all the small and mundane things that were inspiring, or pretty. I remember reading a whole post about someone who had been having a terrible morning with kids fighting etc, then she opened a kitchen cupboard and noticed a rainbow of light shining across the opening. So she took a photo of it and blogged it. It was her reminder to slow down. It also reminded me of how often I am so busy worrying about what comes next that I miss noticing good stuff that is happening right now. So yeah, I am definitely more open to noticing the colour and wonder in the world, now that I am viewing it though a blogger's eyes. And plus, I like to write. It's a fun gig!

2. How did you come up with your blog name?

I wanted an open name that would leave me free to write about anything, and include all the things I was interested in - sewing, baking, gardening, kids, and being a more calm, and 'present' person.

3. Do your friends and family know about your blog? What do they think about it?


Yes they do, and they're not very excited about it. I have some relatives in Melbourne that go in and read occasionally to catch up with what I'm doing. But usually I have to bully my family into reading stuff...eg. THEM: "oh, you'll have to email me the photos you took of the dinner we made the other night"... ME: Well I BLOGGED it - I'll send you a link. Again!!!" My husband actively avoids reading it in case he finds something cringe-worthy in it. We are exact opposites in that I am very earnest and tend to share everything (in terms of my thoughts) with everyone, whereas Matt likes to keep himself to himself. Actually, this is the sort of thing he would find cringe-worthy :P.

4. How do you write posts?


I sit at the kitchen bench with a cup of tea and I type like blazes. Doesn't take long really. But then I edit. And that can take about five times as long! That's why the less time I have, the longer and more rambling my posts are.

5. Have you ever had a troll or had to delete unkind comments?


No. Not so far. I do mostly try and stay away from controversial topics and keep this blog as my happy place, so I guess so far there has been not too much opportunity for people to get upset about anything I have written. And as for viruses and trolls, I guess I've just been lucky. Or more likely my blog is just not popular enough to be a worthwhile target. And I'm very cool with that.

6. Do you check your stats? Do you care how many people read your blog? If you do care, how do you increase traffic?

I probably last checked my stats about 3 weeks ago. I probably check them monthly, out of interest. I am interested to see how this all evolves organically. So no, I don't try and increase traffic - somehow I feel it would put a bad vibe into my happy place.

7. What kind of blogs/posts interest you?


Boy this is hard. Blogs that are well-written. Blogs with beautiful photography (although I must like the written content too). Blogs about sewing and crafting. Blogs that make me laugh. Blogs that introduce me to new things. Get the picture???
Actually, if I really really think about it, my all-time favourite blogs, are those that convey the personality of the writer to me, and through that I've made a connection with that person. There are many bloggers now that I feel are kind of 'blogger friends' and these are always the first blogs I read in my bloglines, and the ones that make me happiest when I see new posts.

8. What do you like and dislike about blogging?

LIKE - the people I have met through blogging, the creative inspiration it provides me, the ability to see progress I am making in my crafty endeavors, and the way it reminds me to notice little things around me and not take them for granted.

DISLIKE - the time it takes up. The pressure I put on myself to write something when I can't be bothered. The stress of trying to decide who to tag for a meme - crazy really because I like being tagged myself, but actually feel very uncomfortable tagging others (for fear that they might in turn feel pressure to do something they don't want to do).

SO WHO TO TAG NEXT?
Well, in light of my last little revelation (which was actually something I hadn't really realised myself until I wrote it down) I'm going to tag no-one. Nada. Or rather - I am making it an open invitation. Most blogs I read have been getting tagged quite a lot for different memes at the moment. So no pressure anyone. Just play if you want! Peace, love and all that jazz.