Felted

My Needle felting is improving...

This three headed monster was a quick birth!

Most wooly things end mangled or tangled by dear kidlings...

So friends, I have just figured out how to "open comments" to everyone, these things take me awhile to nut out!

Yarn Along- Mossy Patchwork Blanket!

Joining in a Yarn along- Thanks to Ginny at Small Things

Crowned Lady of the unfinished item, I have not one, but 5 projects I could share with you this day.

5 hopelessly sad little piles of knits, purls and moss all vying for my attention. All wanting completion…  To be made whole.

Time is running out, what is most important? 

What is most enjoyable?

Actually, what wins the game, is the project that is the most mindless!

This bring me to my would be, moss stitched blanket, of many pieces. 

All in shades of grey and white, there is some baby Alpaca, mohair, soy, Italian yarn and a bit of plain thrifted going into this. 

Take a look, it’s a mess!

This is a Fantastic project for stash busting also fun to play jigsaw with.

Reading a few books- but loving these two-

Wild sourdough by Yoke Mardewi, as I am trying to grow my own starter again.

and Start Spinning by Maggie Casey- I have this day dream that I bring along a spinning wheel, on our overseas adventure such as the Ashford "Joy or traveller", and that I whip it out, meditatively spinning inspired yarn, from freshly shorn mountain sheep or goats wool, whilst looking at the high mountains... Ahhh, not going to happen! But I will take my drop spindle with me anyway. 
Remember to enter my giveaway all the suggestions for travel games are really helpful thanks...

The Natural Child, a Giveaway!

So, because I am in such a good mood- Orgasmic air ticket in hand, and because I would like to invite you all to follow along with my adventures here- I thought I'd gift the world with a beautiful book…

The Natural Child- Parenting from the heart By Jan Hunt

Hand signed by her… Her work may be well known amongst you gentle parent/ unschooler types. (Although It is not just for home-schoolers It relates well to all Parents)

This book was ordered with you in mind, I got the audio version and someone out there can have the written one.

It’s a book about attachment parenting, child advocacy and some home schooling philosophy’s; it talks about consistent approaches to raising loving, trusting and confident children…

It is a wise book, everyone can benefit from reading her beautiful take on parenting.

So well, how to do this- ( This is my first give away)

Leave a comment telling me of an entertaining game you play with children on long journeys…

People reading that don't have a Google account, sign up or email me an entry, I will include you in the hat draw.

I will randomly draw a winner next Sunday- open anywhere in the world.

Good Luck!

Comments closed!
Winner is Happy Whimsical Hearts

Wind changes!

It’s about Time…

We dust of our suitcases, pop a new feather into our felted travelling hats and air our capes in the sun…

We are moving on… we will come back…

Well maybe, one never knows these things for sure…

East coast from Melbourne to Sunshine coast- Queensland

We need a local trip before tackling the world.

As for the big trip, lips are sealed- Where we go and when, I will tell you this- it is on earth.
And as one person said what about the cow … and the puppy!

I am what I am! in words

I recently wrote an about me page I am what I am- it felt wickedly narcissistic, If you are a reader or visit once in awhile, feel free to put a link to your own site and a little about yourself- that would be nice.

Of course I have a million versions of who I am, don't we all, this is the version that came out this time, it's rather nice and vague... this blog for me is transforming, I often forget that someone is reading and it's better that way- oblivious creativity!

I am what I am!

Starr on Earth!

Once upon a time, deep in her mind a girl dwelt, she thought many thoughts and wondered continually about the world, about her life and all things.

She tried so hard to figure it all out, to feel free and shine, she felt that as soon as something was worked out in her mind, that her view would change and a feeling of beginning would come again.

During these years of wondering hopelessly, she came upon a Himalayan village in India and here, she met her artist faery man, whom she had wished for, many years before. Karma and the strong force of attraction kept them together and brought them 2 children to love and share their whimsical life with!

Him a nomad, her taken to flight and change, drifted around Australia and occasionally India- with youthful hope, until they came to a small mountain which was pretty and peaceful and here they still are, some 3 years later- neo peasants, starving artists, parents… Still wondering, still wishing, still hoping, still dreaming!

These days!

I like to make things, write things, and, forever more- I love to travel. This mountain life sees me as Queen of the cauldron- preserving jar and stirring spoon in hand, I spend a lot of time working with earths bountiful gifts- Herbs, fruit, vegetables. 

I have 2 cows and a bull baby, who I am sure, are just large faery creature, that go flying around by their magical ears, when I am not looking…

As for where I fit in with parenting styles- I have no idea and make it up as I go... One thing is, I don't do hospitals, band aids and disposables unless I have to, and I whip my breast out every chance I can! Oh and maybe just a bit of a fibre, toy and food snob too.

...Proudly Punk.

I am a flag maker- I started out making traditional Tibetan prayer flags, but have now included in my range some artistic flags featuring faerys in rainbows of colours. I knit and take photos and write- much of these things I do badly. Oh well!

My gift in life is to imagine possibilities, which I do hundreds of times a day- this girl is the one to ask, if you are in need of an idea…

I also am a practitioner of Buddhism specifically Dzogchen, but find inspiration and insight in all systems and ways. I am an agreeable skeptic!

I don’t believe life is that easy, it’s hard for me to swallow all the injustice and suffering that occurs… My heart is broken from what I see here on earth. So I do my best to help whom I can, to respect this planet, and keep myself open, light and loving… it’s a hard job.

Carding Alpaca and Applesauce!

While Dakini spent the day cruising the river on a motorboat with her friends, (she is a lady of leisure) and Chimme had his usually afternoon nap, I finished off bottling the applesauce and carded brown alpaca wool for his vest, all until, I broke the thick, red carding belt...
I then spent the remaining 15 minutes nap time, searching on line for a replacement…

I fit so much into the short nap period, you would think, I had 6 arms! 2 bottles of apple sauce didn’t make it, somehow leaking its contents into the water, but the rest will be stored away, mostly as baby food for Chimme.

As for the vest I was thinking... that felting may be a whole lot quicker than knitting (until the belt broke) and if so, I will have the children’s winter warmy’s done in record time- this is my theory, which I will soon find out is true or not. I am not giving up knitting, I have several projects on the go, its just that I have so many other plans for this coming cold season, each project finished means more projects can be began.

Faery School fun!

We play with rainbows all the time!

Garden Art, weather was bad, inspiration hit us, freshly picked things...

RAINBOW LIFE!

Day Trippers

A little way down the road (1 hour drive) a cute festival took place last weekend, while the children watched an enthusiastic gospel choir led by 2 wild conductors with the lady Elaine. I scouted around, with my big-ish looking camera, (compared to all the iphones snapping away) I might just of passed off as a photographer from the local paper, lucky for me no one asked, because I would of felt a little silly, if it was known, I was strutting around, snap happy and on location for my little faerymother blog... hehe.

I hustled about and eventually found myself in front of this stunning stall- selling Beautiful hand made dolls-
quickly I flew into a deluge of words, which ended with a new crafting friend and tentative plans to play together. Yippee-

I then took myself and family towards a closing down spinners/ knitters supply shop and while Urgyen sat board and restless in the corner, I picked up some Ashford dyes on sale, but made a hasty exit just before I bought their entire range of Noro yarn at 30 % off…

It was nice to get out see the people- play, hunt and gather a little…

Long ago Losar on Middle Earth

Losar or Tibetan New year, always makes me think of the Himalayan town called Dharamsala. This is a place where the warmth and light of the Tibetan people can be felt like the wind, it is tangible. If you stay long enough you begin to fall in love with the beauty, strength and sadness of a people who have lost everything materially possible and who gracefully pick up the pieces of their lives as best they can... Bless them.

I love this place, and the mountains surrounding the town-  Rhododendron forests, ancient Himalayan cypress tress, the mist!

 A long time ago I read the Hobbit, and when I got to this place It felt like I was walking into some part of that book – like I too, was living a great beautiful adventure... this is my middle earth!

I have been planning to make some traditional Tibetan foods for Losar and was searching through my old photos for ideas and to rekindle memory’s of those sweet days abroad, all the photos I have span 3 trips over two years and are before children. Unfortunately, I lost most of my pictures from the last trip two years ago, where we celebrated Losar for over 1 month… can you imagine New Year celebrations for 30 days? 

Anyway... these are the best of the photos which i'm afraid, are not very interesting- but our faces are full of freshness, new love and possibilities.

Come to think of it, in those days I had a film camera, which might explain why there are so few digital photos around. I found 10 picture of a street dog that we looked after for a few months, before handing him on to another long term India loving foreigner. His name was Jigme and he was cute...

If your still here thanks for bearing with my trip down memory lane and see you soon. 

Happy Losar on Wednesday 22 of February.

Sweet and spicy kidlings!

It’s time for an update on the little ones, all this writing about cows and plans and garlic… and I haven’t got around to sharing the most consuming, challenging and enlightening aspect of my life - 

Chimme is 9 months now, 

Dakini is 6.4 years going on 13.

She who is Miss Dakini, is a SPICY girl- this word describes her perfectly, of course there is the sweet, but the spicy dominates. I can’t keep up with her dynamic ways, each day I reach into my depth to find the patience to keep going, I find it mostly but sometimes it evades.

The babe is all sweet, but a sweet that is sticky and well attached, most of these words are typed with one hand as I hold him asleep. I am sufficiently challenged but value the chance at inner growth and love them without falter.

Lately I have noticed a lack of quality family time- you know the stuff, an hour or two rolling around on the grass, walks with no destination, drawing side by side, making up silly songs together, so we have been trying to slow down a bit to allow such fun… It is such an intense seasonal time with all the harvesting, watering, and processing, I look forward now, to the colder seasons when the hearth and home become more of a nurturing sanctuary instead of mini farmers market. We are a month or more of this yet, every time I turn around another fruit or vegetable comes into readiness.

Life is good, love is good and everything is enough.

Sensitive!

This is our solar powered mantra wheel.

I always hoped, that as I got older, that naturally, a certain amount of skin thickening would occur.

 so that I could ride through the opinions, projections and complaints from others towards myself with grace and inner peace.

And maybe, I am more capable of dealing with this sort of thing than when I was young, especially looking back at my schooling years, when I was so lacking in social instincts, I could hardly talk.

Collection of Mala's

But I am still not their yet- I had my astrology done at the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute- when I was in India, it took 4 months to complete and generally made me very happy- one thing that I noted fairly, was my karma for relationships with friends and to a point family too, It was clear that I was most susceptible to the energy of people… 

I have done well in the last few years, to surround myself with many beautiful beings, but still sometimes, I become confused and find it hard to stand my ground.

I have picked up a few small tools that help me when I feel hurt and disappointed. 

The tool that I have been using, which has made a come back in my life of late and that had largely been abandon along with meditation, yoga and showers longer than 5 minutes. Is MANTRA. 

I try and saturate my lower emotions and cleanse myself of negativity by a piecing mantra that cuts through the dross… Om mani padme hum (mantra of compassion) is sweet and comforting and I use this at times, yet a stronger more awakening chant can often wipe the slate clean.

During my Yoga teacher training now 10 years ago- I was taught a beautiful little chant that you might like- I will share this with you, it goes

There is a jewel lotus flower unfolding deep within my soul

To be a jewel lotus flower unfolding is my highest goal

Om mani padme hum

Om mani

Om mani padme hummmmm

To brighten your day, here is a magical photo that I believe shows the collective power of mantra and spiritual practice!

LOOK CLOSLY
This photo is a genuine pic brought back by my husband from Tibet last year- Taken during an outdoor prayer festival. Their where many witnesses to the cloud formation!

The Tomatoes!

The leaves are yellowing, some have been condemned to the ground.

The sun sets earlier each day and my thistle paradise has lost its charm…

Apples are ready!

Growth in the vegetable garden is slowing down.

My favourite season is around the corner…

But, But, But

    The tomatoes!

Can you here my lament, over these pale hearts, hanging tragically green in the garden, not a whisper of blush to be seen. Thoughts of them invade my mind, each day as I wake, the anticipation builds… and so I check… and no, and no, and no!

    The Tomatoes!

I find myself steering each conversation I have, towards the woefully spoken tomatoe mantra. 

Today, out of nowhere, I interrupted someone that I didn’t even know and rather strangely exclaimed-

    The Tomatoes!

Then I visited someone, with the reddest, most juicy, perfect looking tomatoes, I have ever seen and I was Jealous- I admit I am jealous of your tomato.

Maybe tomorrow I will awaken and joyfully bellow-

    The Tomatoes!

Garlic Times!

Magical qualities - Protection, Healing, Exorcism, Lust, Anti-Theft, Good weather, Courage. 

Uses—Lowers tension, ease colds, and improve circulation, Shrinks warts, relieves tooth and earaches. Good for high and low blood pressure and removing parasites and infections. Use a garlic paste as poultice for joints. Garlic vinegar can be used to disinfect wounds and soothe rheumatic pain or any common pain. See recipes below.

I will warn you now…if you came to our place… your senses would be assaulted by our nasty garlic breath auras. I am sure you would hold the cup of tea I just handed to you, very very close to your nose… breathing in the vapours like your life depended on it. Um …it could have been a rose farm or maybe lavender, even a cherry farm but a garlic farm, just has no sensual appeal (that is until you taste my pesto).
I love it so… garlic that is! Not its effect on our guests-almost every meal has a whole bulb (not clove) added to it, and so thoroughly saturated- the garlic gang is now immune to each other’s Liliaceae cloud. 

So my tip to you is to order and buy your Australian organic garlic in the next months, from where ever you do, because it is freshly ready- garlic keeps in a dark ventilated area for up to 9 months, freezing cloves or garlic paste is also a wonderful way to have garlic all year round.

Here is my recipe for Garlic / ginger paste, Omit the ginger for plain garlic paste!

Ingredients-

150g of garlic

150g Ginger

2 table spoons of extra virgin olive oil

Pinch of salt

(I make this in much larger quantities)

Directions-

Place ginger and garlic in a food processor or pulverise with a mortar and pestle until smooth, refrigerate or freeze.

Use as you would plain oil, for frying onions or in baked vegetables etc.

Here is a recipe for Garlic vinegar-
Add ten cloves of crushed garlic to one liter of vinegar steeped for at least 10 days...

The team of garlic gnomes, take this perfect certified organic crop, through it’s seeding, growing, harvest, curing, cleaning and packing stages, to a finale result…Here are some photos taken through out the garlic year.