Swan vs Goose

Am spending today in front of the fire reading an interesting book I found on the history of Crown Lynn. And was just thinking, what is my obsession with white swans? I don't even think I like swans. Aren't they the ones that bite when you try to feed the ducks? Or is that geese? What a horrible experience feeding ducks, I remember spending most of the visit standing on the picnic table trying to empty the bread bag as fast as possible. At least the ceramic version won't be chasing me around the house.

Anyway here's some cuteness for a rainy day, enjoy!

Au revoir xx

Photo Photography

Is it in my genes? I just had a thought today as I drove in to town for my weekly op-shop fix, maybe I could create something. Something beautiful. With a camera? The fact that I only own a point and shoot hand-me-down and have no training in the subject shouldn't get in my way. As a child my mother constantly took photos of me, and of random things. As I got older she acquired a dark room and developed stunning prints. Imagine being an artist, having such control over capturing what you see around you.

Anyway, more about my weekly fix...The most interesting thing I found on my outing today was two medium sized glass cake domes. These really could create a neat display. I have a found an amazing little shop in the suburb of Fitzroy, 'Faded Fancy' and it is simply beautiful. Especially if you love antique buttons and linens. She also has a collection of purses, china, shoes and pictures. This is one place I will be taking you to visit. I have another favourite in Eltham. It is called 'fortyseven - Lifestyle Fusion'. Well... she has a swonderful mix of old and new. A large collection of furniture, home decor and CROWN LYNN! However, she also has a few new pieces which were created to look antique. For example she stocks large white swans - but only look-a-likes. I think this is mighty impressive for Eltham, who hosted its first ever cheese scone baking competition last week. Rural is making a come back!

I found this beautiful foot stool at fortyseven, with this lovely tapestry fabric on the top. I now use it for a bedside table. xx

Frilly Doilies

My obsession with homely things continues with a small collection of cake plates, doilies and pretty embroidered cloths. Every time mum comes to stay my collection grows. I still haven't got my hands on a tiered cake stand... but I'm working on it! Have so far found a couple of treasures at an op-shop back home. So maybe this is the new age of hunting and gathering! No longer for meat and berries, but for cheap, pre-loved pieces in need of a loving home!

Beauties Every Day

Beautiful moon setting, early morning last week. Just had to share this one x

A Virtuous Person

What to do with one's life? To gain some meaning to my own life I spent the morning at the local SPCA shelter. My own volunteering career is fairly pathetic, and the last time I bothered to donate my time and skills was at High School, but what a rewarding experience. I felt a little egocentric knowing that I had split reasons for turning up at 8 am. I love animals, and it is a great cause, however, I was also desperate for a social occasion, a chance to meet local people, and a chance to play with kittens and walk dogs. Does this still make me a good person? I guess that depends on which ethical theory you stand by. Was I acting out of duty? If everyone volunteered would it make the world a better place, yes. In other words it was my duty to turn up, and I should think of my volunteering work in no other light. Or was I acting for the consequences? If so, the fact that all animals under my watch this morning now have fresh water, full bellies and clean houses, shows I produced good consequences. But the consequences of my action also include feeling good about myself - is this virtuous?

'I will come home and make you crepes, then i will...'

Look what I found in my mail box this morning! Hunting and Gathering! A beautiful French film and a typewritten letter from a close friend. This brings back memories of an art house theater in the middle of the afternoon, and a walk in Aro park through in the yellow and orange hues of autumn.

Thank you Ton xx

On Collecting Things So Far

Since moving to the country the desire to want Crown Lynn adorning my shelves and featuring as the centre piece of my kitchen table has been discovered. I have been influenced by stylish home magazines which show collections of crown Lynn gathered on any available surface. Homes of distinction are riddled with the stuff. These pieces were once the making of a fabulous wedding or house warming present and now, I want some!

I have also discovered the beauty of second hand stores and antique shops. My house so far is filled (sparsely) with miss matching wooden chairs, a second-hand couch, a retro formica kitchen table and a collection of old and new prints and photographs. My kitchen holds mainly things passed down from family members, and it is probably my favourite room as it is where i become a baking goddess! (More on this to come!)

My French salt and pepper shakers (no reason to believe they are French, but how could they not be!) p.s. Thank you to an aunty for these!

Lilly and Henry

Our two little adopted kittens, Henrietta the tabby and Lilly the fluffy one. Just so you know!

So where do I live now? In a farm cottage in the middle of a dairy farm. And this is my view...

Number One

Bonjour!

I'm a city girl who has recently followed a boy to the country side. Instead of bright lights I now see the stars. Instead of traffic I now hear nature. Instead of daily social occasions I now have a broadband connection, a cheap national call plan and a medium sized mail box. But the point of all this is to show that a place is really what you make it, so let's begin...

This is where I used to live, Chillington.