Alannah Hill's Words of Wisdom

Sweetie-Pie Bec made a comment, in the self-portrait post, about me looking like Alannah Hill. No doubt it was because of all that (usually) red hair! Anyway I did rather like hearing it because I have been a BIG fan of Ms Hill's for quite some time.

During the inevitable Allanah-Hill-Google-search I found this quote from her that I really liked, and felt that I really needed to hear. I can totally relate to what she has said. It has been a funny few days for me, roller coaster days, and reading this helped put things into perspective. It was indeed nice to know that I am not alone.

Something tells me that the path to happiness is to believe – in a faith or a hobby. I used to have a big, empty hole inside myself and a little dream to be successful. I thought it would make me happy. And it has. I thought having a child would make me happy [Hill’s son, Edward, is four]. And it has.

But I’ve realised that all these goals and achievements also bring lots of new little holes. So the one thing that really stands out for me is to have kindness, love and understanding towards yourself. We can’t be happy all the time. We can’t be achieving and winning all the time. We have to have times when life feels like it’s closing in around us and that we’re all alone in the world. But we have to realise that everybody feels the same. And this is what makes us strong and able to cope.

It’s the little things that make the tough times bearable – a Tim Tam, a new pair of shoes, an invitation to a party, a cheeky smile from your child, the sun on your back. Look forward to the little things, be strong in yourself and when you feel like you’re falling apart, know that you’re not alone.

Article published March 2006

Sweet Project Runway

It is amazing I haven't mentioned Project Runway (season 4) until now. Maybe it is because I know who wins (damn E News)! I'm enjoying watching it regardless. I find the creativity so inspiring. This week's episode was extra special because the designers made outfits out of candy. More specifically, candy, candy wrappers and candy related products. Could it be a more perfect marriage? LOVED IT.

The winning outfit (pictured) was my favourite. I would so wear that (if I had that figure of course. But still...).

Self-Portrait Wednesday

I had to photograph myself today. It is not the first time I have done this, but this time it was a little different because the image was going to be published (magazine). Anyway, it ended up being a bit trickier than I had anticipated (perhaps because I'm not twenty anymore and looking decent now requires some effort). Frankly it was driving me a bit mad too. So I decided to give it a rest and have some fun instead! The results of my 'fun' are posted above and below. Now I must get back to some serious work...

Junk In My Trunk

I took a trip today to a lovely lady who gave me lots of her junk. She was happy to give it away and I was happy to take it away. I like the robots best, so I'll have to do something special with those.

Almost weekly now someone is sending me something or other. Things that are so perfect, and so perfectly useful. Plastic lids, knitting needles, Tupperware, odd little toys, buttons and all manner of other plasticy goodness are coming my way.

So thank you to everyone who has thought of me. I appreciate it greatly and just LOVE getting those funny little parcels in the post. Kisses to all of you!

My Happy Place

SOMEONE deleted the recording of Stranger Than Fiction! OK, it was most likely me, but I'm sooo not happy about it. The film contains my 'happy place' and I really just can't wait until I record it again.

Everyone needs a happy place. These scenes are mine.

ohh!

yeah!

This posting is really just for me, and for Zoe too, and maybe for Mark as well (because he hasn't seen the film & that is just plain wrong).

Love & Such Things

Sorting through photos the other day I came across this one. I'm with my first born and I've just had baby number two (she must be asleep inside, wedged between pillows). Probably in the past I would have hated this photo. Most likely focusing on how big I am. When I saw this now I really didn't care about that I just though I looked in love. That's what love looks like, and it was nice to see it captured.

One of my friends was saying the other day that life is easy/simple and that we make it hard. Well I don't know if I agree completely with that. Life can be hard and lots of terrible things do happen. I do agree that we often make it harder than it needs to be, through unrealistic wants and dwelling on the negatives. I guess I used to be a lot more like that too. But lately I'm wondering what's wrong with focusing on the nice things, the simple joys, a little more often?

Paula Leal Egaña

Paula from Chile sent me an email regarding joining my mailing list and thoughtfully attached some images of her own work. I was very glad she did because I found her pieces to be intriguing and beautiful. I asked her more about them. Here is what she said:

I'm an architect that loves this wonderful handicraft made in Chile.
This technique it´s has been developing for 200 years in 300 kms to
the south of Santiago, in a place called Rari. The artisans "recycle"
the horse hair, dying it and the weaving them. Normally their designs
are figurative, but mine are quite abstract.

I started 2 years ago, and I'm trying to commercialize them, but I
never get the time to develop a line. At the moment I'm working on a
catalog that refers to this technique, and to my designs. Recently 2 of
my pieces obtained a Unesco Prize for Excellence in handicrafts, which I'm really proud of, so I think it´s a good start. I'm also working in projects related to recycling and focused in handicrafts and design. I´m very interested in the work you develop, because I find it BEAUTIFUL, and accessible to make, but also because the jewelry you develop is something that anyone would love to have and wear, and is MADE OF PLASTIC!! Congratulations.

Have you ever planned to come to Chile? I know its not a common place to go (or end), but you never know...(I wish!)

Lomo Loco

I NEED this! Really I do.

Just Another Work Day

Tomorrow I'll spend the day with my friend Kylie J. We shall probably sit on her balcony, drink tea and chat about her recent trip to Japan. While we do that we will both be working too. I'll make brooches and Kylie will make her gorgeous poetry pots.

When you work for yourself it is important not to isolate yourself. It can be pretty hard going working alone everyday. I do like days alone, but only if there are also days when I'm not alone. Thank goodness I have MoB and good friends/colleagues like Kylie J.

pictured above - what Kylie sent me in the post recently - obviously reads my blog! Sweetheart!

Aeroplanes, Hospitals & Cafeterias

I went to Ikea with my friend yesterday. I needed some frames and the odd assortment of plastic things. Mostly it was just to have a day out. It was an adventure of sorts. A couple of exhausting hours into our 'adventure' we decided to have a rest and a bite to eat. Of course we went to the Ikea cafeteria. This is where I became terribly excited, and my friend became increasingly distressed. Our reactions were polar opposites. She hates cafeterias and I adore them. We both agreed the food was bad. No argument there.

With the extremeness of our reactions I thought a bit more about my own excitement. I care about quality food and probably can be a bit of a food snob. My mother is Italian for goodness sake! But still I love aeroplane, hospital and cafeteria food. Actually I really don't love this food. It is usually awful, but I do love the experience of it, the concept of it. Everything neat and packaged. Your choices are minimal or non existent. Maybe it's the surprise of it. What will be in this little container? It's kitschy and tacky, and just so much damn fun.

As a school aged child I flew to Europe with my dad and brother. There are lots of things I remember about that trip, but one thing I particularly remember is a dessert I had on Lufthansa airlines. It was a mousse in the prettiest shade of bubblegum pink. It looked so glorious in its pinkness, in its little cup, with its strawberry on top. Unfortunately it tasted like toothpaste. Maybe that is why I remember it so clearly. If it tasted like strawberry mousse it may have not been so remarkable. I try not to define things as being good or bad, or in such absolutes, because bad experiences can lead to good memories, or are just plain memories, and often the best stories to tell.

My new favourite website - Airline meals.