Intentions for 2012

It's a new year and this week is especially busy as the kids are headed back to school. I love summer holidays. Eight weeks (December-January) to kick back and enjoy my family, being together, dates with my husband, sleeping in, reading copious amounts of happy romantic fiction, beach time, and hanging out with friends. 

This year I'm pretty loose about my plans. Being a mum is my first focus. I can't do much else with these awesome three boys practically filling my head and heart and days.  My youngest is off to kindy this year and by the second term, I'll be free to look at 'what's next'. 

I had a prayerful time over the break and felt that this year its important to continue to 'do the small things well'. I'm by nature, ambitious and its easy for me to become unhappy because of nature of work that comes as a full-time parent. You know, lots of mundane day-in day-out stuff. Felt very confused the last few years because my desire to become 'something' was undone by my inability to do lots of things well. So this years its 'keep it simple' and make sure that I'm doing things that really matter instead of just responding to my nature or other peoples expectations. 

One of those small things is keeping my inner workings ok. Mind, spirit body. My own personal daily devotional life is a rich one and I love that first hour when I've got a great coffee and my bible, spending time listening to God. I love the peace and centredness that comes from just hanging out with God. It's all about relationship for me with my heavenly Father. It makes me a better woman, mother, wife and friend. 

I have a workshop next week, go HERE for more information. Becoming a workshop tutor is new for me. I love making and I love sharing with others the joy of making. Does one have to be incredibly organised or is random ok? I hope so. I want to encourage others to help them find their own flavour. I don't just want to make beautiful things visually, but hopefully impart the ability to create meaningful narratives as well. Already I have a couple of workshops ready to roll out for Christmas, my favourite time of year. I love handmade Christmas decorations, and for the past several years have organised a swap with fellow makers. 

With more time on my hands, its my aim to establish an online shop as well, as I get asked if I'm selling things that I make. I'm looking forward to spending more time on this blog too because I love writing. Designing and developing new 'makes' will also be on the agenda. 

Community work is on the agenda too with the possibility of a parenting programme here in Porirua. I've started a women's group for prayer and encouragement a couple of weeks ago. So many single parents doing it hard. We've got to work towards solutions for them. I salute their efforts.

In the meantime, here are a few pics I snapped from around my home on my new phone. Smartphones are great and hopefully with Google synching all their programmes, it should become easier all round for me. I'm so not technical. Have a great week. xxx

 Thrifty finds. Blue willow china, a silver flower holder, pale blue handmade cups and a spotty saucer.

 Thrifty find. This praying lady. I enjoy vintage religious pictures. A little tacky but they have great appeal.

 Thrifted. This beautiful chunky knit fellow in lovely muted tones was FREE!

 Thrifted. The wooden letters and brown bottle. The green vase from a friend. The flowers from our garden. 

 Thrifted. The typewriter. I think I own five of them. This one cost me $5, its metallic and totes vintage. 

 My xmas tree. I had three of them. Handmade and gifted decorations. I tend to be heavy handed and decorate them to the max! I adore xmas. I had three trees this year. Just small ones. All with a different theme. I've already started next years decotations.

My favourite painting 'hiapo' by Naomi Chase. I love this hiapo. Now I own two. This one and the one inked on my arm. Looking forward to getting more ink this year.