Warm and wonderful

Today I just had to have porridge for lunch!  It was just cold enough outside, and I was in need of heavy duty cream, whole beautiful oats and simply desperate for dried apple on top!

Ahh....

Now it has started to sprinkle with rain, and here am I, inside with my cup of tea, feeling altogether pretty warm and wonderful...

Only wish I could have it again for dinner!

Shell xx

Gifts for the giving...

I feel I have come a long way in my life from a little girl in a broken home with few opportunities.  To have now become a grown up, part of a big happy family, raising my own little family on foundations of honesty and purity, with the love and support of the most wonderful husband and friend!  I know I am very biased!!!!! 

: )

But it's true!  I always try to remember to look at my life and really understand how blessed I am.  When I hear about what is happening to people who simply want to vote for the opposition in Zimbabwe, I know we here in Australia are so so lucky, that it doesn't seem fair...

So why am I so blessed?  Well, I have thought about this long and hard and my answer is - I dunno?!  All I know is, I don't think I got a happy, safe and prosperous life because I deserve it - I think it seems to have been given to me.  That gift can only come from God.

So if prosperity is a gift, then I believe I have to share it!  I think happiness is always a choice.  But that can be hard to see sometimes...

I try to give, by being my very best 'Mechelle' everyday, so that I'm always 'on my game' and can 'be there' for anyone who might need help.  I think we all have different gifts for helping in this world.  My gift is lyrical and musical, using insight, and sometimes prophecy through music that can penetrate through walls when 'talking, and words' cannot.

I hope what I say is clear.  I just feel extra sensitive to all this today.  I hope this blog is an encouragement to someone, even just once.  It is meant as a gift. 

Shell xx

All seems well with the world tonight

Today has been wildly busy.  I took all the curtains down first thing this morning, washed them, hung them out, brought them in, ironed them and rehung them this evening...  Phew!  Now that I am sitting here having done all the work, I feel so pleased with my little self!  I love that feeling of having worked hard, then the reward of reaping what you've sewn.

Another beautiful metaphor for life!

I love to work hard, I love planning to fit too much into a day, and getting it all done!  I find for myself, that if I don't work hard, I get a bit crazy, I feel a bit anxious and angry!  I hope that makes some sense!  I think I need a cup of tea!

This picture is just so you can see me smile to myself at a good days work all done!  And all seems well with the world tonight. 

: )

Shell xx

You're the one I love...

I feel uneasy about you,

I feel a divide.

Feel like I should be taking sides,

But I can't, because I love you

You're my family.

And if there was a side to take,

If there was a choice to make,

I choose you, you're the one I love.

I feel confused about you-

I am still the same,

I am still here, I have gifts to give you.

When you go off to see the world,

I know He will speak to your heart,

and here at home will miss you so,

Beautiful girl.

If there was a choice to make, 

I choose you!

You're the one I love.

For Josie,

Shell xx

The Smallest of Them All

It's been a very cold day here in Canberra.  I do think Canberra gets a bit of bad press for being a really, really cold place.  It is one of the hottest places in the country in the summer!  As there is no coast like Sydney, we rarely get a sea breeze on summer nights and it can generally be very hot.  I would say it has been a mild winter here so far, but today is really cold.  Time for a jumper and coat indeed!

The wind and the cold didn't stop me from walking this morning though, I was one of only a very few at 7am willing to brave the wild weather.  What fun it is to walk through wild weather!  Sometimes I pretend I am a lone traveller, on a quest, I've been trekking for days on a journey to save the world - maybe I have the one ring!

I wrote a song about The Lord Of The Rings, I wrote it from Frodo's perspective;

The Smallest of Them All...

Mechelle Tully

Lonely nights and early mornings,

Just time enough before I face the trail again,

It's cold and hard and never ending...

I've a brother to my right, and others at the other side

but I'm alone, only I hold the key...

How could you, the smallest of them all,

take on this path with courage?

A journey still unknown, but all you know,

is that it's coming for you...

And still you hold it tight, 

The object of desire that evil hunts-

and it's ugly and it's oh, so beautiful, all at once...

The night is cold and it will get colder,

Always looking over my shoulder,

tomorrow this time, I don't know if I'll be living or dying!

And men have come with hands to lend, 

but I don't know which ones are my friends-

since I have something they all want...

How could you, the smallest of them all,

take on this path with courage?

A journey still unknown, but all you know,

Is they're coming for you...

Still you hold it tight,

The object of desire that evil, wants!

and it's ugly and it's oh, so beautiful, all at once...

(now available on iTunes!)

Shell xx

Chasing Sunshine

I can understand why my Father-in-law says he can really only think, and pray clearly outside.  

The first time I ever heard of such a thing I thought it in theory, to be a bit strange.  Surely your brain is no different when you're outside!  And perhaps it isn't, but maybe your heart is...  I know I've said this before, but there is something about the fresh air and being able to see the sky, and hear the wind move through the trees, that really does inspire my heart.

I love the room at the back of my house, it's a sunroom, which I have mentioned before as well.  It is one of my favorite places in the world to sit and think.  Because I can see so much of outside while I am in!

This photo was taken years ago, but it is one of best shots I have through the vase and out the window.

The position of the glass room is all wrong of course!  The windows are facing full west - so it's steaming hot on Summer afternoons, and freezing cold most of the winter.  But somehow, that is part of it's charm...

Today I feel like I need a walk outside to clear my head and get me all inspired.  The best medicine in the world I think!

Hope you get time to chase some sunshine today as well!

Shell xx

The cat that came back!

Late last night just before bed I heard a meow!  Then I heard her bell!

We all feel very luck today to have her back.  My daughter Emma, who is ten, has learned that God does answer our prayers when it is good for us...

This is a photo of Sean as a baby, he is three now.  And Delilah cuddled up next to him - I am so happy that she came home to us!

Shell xx

The Spirit and the law...

As I go about my tasks each day, I am always debating with myself in my head...  Coming up with theories on life...  Today I have been thinking about religion.  About what the word means really...

I am a Christian, but I am not religious.  I believe in the kindness, and goodness, and generosity and love of Jesus Christ.  I give God credit for having created the world, and everything in it.

I think Christianity is about being good when there is nobody else around.  Because it's right!  Not because it's easier or it suits you.  I think it's time spent with loved ones, and time spent marveling at the sky...

I think it is about the love, and the pursuit of living a long and happy life.  Which lets face it, is what we all want, don't we?  I do think the only way to real happiness is by walking this path, and getting back on it when we fall off to the side in our normal, human way!  Not spending time self loathing when we make mistakes, God doesn't want that from us.  He loves us, like a lovely Dad!

My fear, is that religion gets caught up in "law" meaning that you have to do this or that in order to feel good about your status with God.

I just think it's very simple - it's about being a good person, which also means speaking up at times when wrong is being done...

Theory, and thoughts still in progress...

On another note, we put up LOST posters of our cat 'Delilah' this afternoon.  I pray she comes home...

Shell xx

Poem from my heart

My house is quiet this afternoon, the troops have headed off to Sydney to watch the Soccoroos - no idea if I spelt that right!  Also, not much of an idea about soccer have I!

I am feeling restful at the end of a busy week.  The only knot in my stomach is that I cannot find my cat, she has been gone for three days...  I hope it's not an untimely goodbye, here is a poem that has just entered my heart;

The art of saying goodbye is graceful,

don't slam a door, or go calling names...

It is quiet, and thoughtful,

not full of noise and confusing games...

Goodbye is for long, but not for good,

Time is most misunderstood.

The art of goodbye is strong when sad,

don't neglect the things that need to be said...

And go if you need to go,

In order to turn around and come back again...

Goodbye is for long, but not for good,

For when love is most misunderstood.

Shell xx

Waffles after dinner...

...are good for my creative soul!  I really, really, like food - and home made waffles with real maple syrup are something that should be indulged in every so often after dinner. 

We all worked together in the garden today, braved the cold and got stuck in building a rustic fence for outside one of the farm's original cottages.  I enjoyed making my little family a hot and wonderful dinner afterwards (pork spare ribs with swede and carrot mash, green beens and a creamy leak and pepper sauce to be poured all over the top!)  

I have grown to realise that this is what life is all about - good hard work, time spent with people you love, who love you, and are on your side.  And pride taken in good food - one of life's most enjoyable things!

But of course you only realise this if you listen to the wind once in a while in a quiet place, and spend time digging soil and getting your hands dirty.  I suppose to thrive in life, you must thrive on truth and love...  Love never fails...

Shell xx

More than twelve short stories...

I am really enjoying this blog!  It is more than just talking about my artistic endeavors - it's celebrating a love of life, a love of the world we live it in, and a love of love!

I feel good!

Have you noticed?!!!

Shell xx

an album, on iTunes!

Well it's a grey day in Canberra today, but mine has been nothing but sunshine - the album has finally been released for sale on iTunes!

It has been a long road to get here, and between you and me, I don't know if anyone will buy it... but I am so excited to have my art on display and for sale in the worlds biggest music store!  If you feel like a peek, just search for 'The Tullys' in the iTunes online store.

Here are a couple of snaps taken at Studios 301 in Sydney where we recorded the bulk of the album...

And this is the beautiful cover, graphic art done by Maureen, my beautiful Mother-in-law.

I just think it's cool that my kids and  my grand kids and great grand kids will all be able to hear what we recorded that summer in the studio!

Shell xx

Death, and a new friend...

I have been listening to and getting to know Coldplay's album, Viva La Vida. Like a new friend I am learning the songs, choosing my favorites, and playing the whole thing from start to finish on high rotation! Today the lyrics from the song 'Death and all his friends' struck my unsuspecting heart;

"no I don't want a battle from beginning to end,

I don't wanna cycle and recycle revenge,

I don't wanna follow death and all of his friends!"

Even now, the beauty of this makes me want to cry and run to the piano to write my own masterpiece! Which I'm shortly off to do!

The words make me think about relationships torn, and in need of mending... Makes me think of injustices suffered, and wrongs un-righted - but in the end it doesn't matter. Those resentments will only lead you off to follow death, (and all of his friends...)

Whenever it is in my power to do so, it makes me feel like trying to mend things that have been broken with a soft word, not a harsh one. And a smile instead of a complaint. In short, this poem has made my heart feel soft and warm tonight...

Shell xx

The long and winding road...

'The long and winding road, that leads to your door...' Sir Paul McCartney

All I have to do in order to get to the top is stay with it, keep walking. Stay on the track, not give up when it gets hard...

No matter what happens, or how I feel, keep walking...

And soon enough I'm nearly there... Only the deepest determination will carry me up the last few steps...

At the top it is windy and wild, and the view is unbelievably beautiful!

But the best thing of all is that I did it myself, no one can take it away from me.

My heart is racing.

Then I feel still, and proud that I stayed on the track, and didn't give up, it makes my spirit sing!

The pain is forgotten, only happiness remains.

This is the meaning of life! It seems...

Shell xx

Dancing in public with headphones on!

I have been for a walk up the hill this morning - I usually walk by myself and listen to the birds, the wind and anything else that there is to hear.  But this morning I put on my headphones, whacked on my iPod and danced all the way up and back to the new Coldplay album!

I have always been someone who has danced in public, and sung... whether I am by myself or not - sometimes, I just can't help it!

There are few things more wonderful than uninhibited joy, and good music always takes me there...

Remember to dance in your day - you will find true happiness there!

Shell xx

Sunday inspirations...

I just have to show you what I can see from the top of my hill on a beautiful morning!

There is nothing like a walk in the cold wind with your coat, scarf and gloves...  Then home for a hot shower, and hot breakfast consisting of scrambled eggs and orange juice - followed very soon after by strong tea and toast with butter and raspberry jam.  These are the  things that make me feel happy and inspired.

I try to remember to feel everything in life.  Not put things aside if they're painful, or hard.  And not to forget about enjoying the good things, which are abundant, and prosperous even when we don't notice.

On Sundays I especially like to ponder life with my hands wrapped around a cup of tea looking out the window...  I thoroughly recommend it.

Shell xx

Words, in my head

I am always amazed that when I listen to good music, as I hear someone else's inspiration, I begin to get in touch with my own...

The new album by Coldplay came out in Australia today.  Wonderful.  Colourful, and inspirational.  

I haven't always been a Coldplay fan, I remember when Yellow was all over the radio a decade or so ago, I couldn't bear to hear it another time, I thought the lyrics were just amateurish and bad!  And in some ways I still think that about that particular song.  But as they make more money from music than I do, I'll be quiet now on that score!

I am now a complete Coldplay fan - I even got to see them play in Sydney a couple of years ago.  I am in love with the writing and the way they get better and better, like true artists do...

As I am in the kitchen cooking this evening words have been dancing around my head - I have had to dart into the next room and write in my little lyric book as phrases and poetic thoughts come to me!  

Whenever I hear a new album, or see an emotive film, or painting, I usually write several new songs out of the new burst of inspiration they bring with them.

So I am looking forward to later tonight when it all goes quiet again, and I can sit down and make my poems into songs.  And maybe one day they will be a burst of inspiration for someone!

Shell xx

Friday night shopping...

Sometimes on a Friday night "we" as in Jamie, myself and our four children go out and have dinner and a shop in the city centre.  It is hectic, but lovely when we're all together.  Now that the two little ones are getting a little bigger it is more of a human experience!  Sean, 3 and Tara nearly 2 years old, were born 16 months apart.  You wouldn't believe how shocked I was to find I was pregnant again when I already had a baby of 8 months!

It was a difficult but wonderful time when they were both very very little - you never know your strengths until you get trialled and tested in a big way.  Little Sean didn't sleep very much for the first 2 and a half years if his life, and Tara wasn't much better at sleeping either!  It's amazing how well you can do with very little sleep.  It taught us that so much in life is attitude based.  I believe that success in life doesn't depend on what happens to you, but on how you respond to it.

Here are a couple of photos which I hope convey the fruits of all our hard yakka!

Shell xx

Red!

Gosh, I love the colour red!  

It is so brave and vibrant, attention seeking, yet all class...  I always feel outrageously good when I wear a bit of red!

Today has been a busy and interesting day, I have been to a dressmaker this morning.  In previous blogs I have talked about wanting to feel feminine and 'flowy' in a dress, but I cannot ever find what I want in the shops.  So for my 30th birthday this year, my family surprised me with the gift of having one made, so today I got to go and discuss what I wanted with a lovely and extremely talented dressmaking lady!  I feel very lucky and blessed today!

One of my many dear sisters-in-law, is having a dress made too.  A wedding dress.  I have known her since she was 12, and this spring she is going to be married to a boy she loves - very sweet, and emotional and wonderful it is!

I never know what I'm going to write about when I come to this place where I promised to share my strange, wonderful and interesting life, but there it is - a Tully wedding is on the horizon.

I have a lot to do with weddings with the band - but family weddings are always different, a mixture of wonderful and emotional.  I think because it is brought to your attention that one season has ended, and another is soon to begin...  A wedding can bring a lot of emotional moments when everyone stops and thinks about their own lives, as they watch someone begin a new part of theirs.

I have been married for nearly 12 years now, and because I am lucky enough to be married to my best friend, it has been more wonderful, than it has been difficult.  And because we were married when we were very young, we have had all the trials, and then the triumph, of growing up together - and the rest of our lives to enjoy the fruit!

Shell xx

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

When are you gonna come down?

When are you going to land?

I should've stayed on the farm, 

should've listened to my old man....

You know you can't hold me forever,

I didn't sign up for you!

I'm not a present for your friends to open,

This boy's too young to be singing the blues -

So, goodbye yellow brick road!

Where the dogs of society howl,

You can't put me in your penthouse

I'm going back to my plow-

Back to the howling old owl in the woods,

Hunting the horny back toad...

Oh, I finally decided my future lies,

Beyond the yellow brick road...

Elton John, ah....

I saw him play at the entertainment centre in Sydney about two years ago - it was magical.

I hope in heaven I get put somewhere close to him and we can write songs together...

Until then I'd better keep practicing my piano!

Shell xx

My wearable art!

Well Monday evening's festivities cooled off over night, and a spot of rain put an end to the bonfire's flames.  The new winter season is cool, and grey, and beautiful...

I know it's sort of a childish thought, but it still blows my mind when I think that Summer is only just beginning on the other side of the world.  That we are getting out our scarves and gloves, and people on the other side of this planet are getting out their sandals and sun hats!  

I absolutely LOVE each part of the year for the different delights that they bring.  I love my shawls and scarves this time of year - and I must confess, I feel like some sort of Victorian lady of considerable means when I wear my green shawl.  And then I feel like an Indian goddess in my pure woolen red, and burgundy shawl which I got from the Canberra Show a couple of years ago - it is awesome!  Don't you just love wearable art?  I am a walking art gallery some days when I go out, between my big earrings and fabulous winter textiles!

They flow along with me as I stroll about doing various things throughout the day - each colour makes me feel good, in a different way.  Colour and texture are two of the most wonderful things...

Shell xx

Bonfire Night

Tonight we celebrated the Queen's birthday long weekend with lots of good company, good food and of course - lots of good fire!

I did think to myself standing outside on this beautiful cold night in front of a fire the size of a small house - why?

What do the queen, and this bonfire have in common?  I am told it has something to do with 

England, and 'Guy Fawkes Night' and the execution of Protestant Martyrs...  Hmm, not very festive...

I also discovered that it may have something to do with a celtic festival, originally called a bone fire, where they burned animal bones to ward off evil spirits...

Note: this is not an evil spirit, this is Jamie!

Anyway, we wished the Queen a happy birthday and had a good strong cup of tea to celebrate!

Shell xx

Sunday Morning

On Sunday morning,

When all was still,

My book and I, went up the hill.

We sat and wrote, 

Of life and song,

and there the two of us belonged...

We watched the birds dance in the sky,

And asked, 'is this how angels fly?'

We were at one, we were at home,

Were within touch, of spirits known...

On Sunday morning, 

While all were still,

My book and I were up the hill.

Shell xx

a love of big earrings...

Now in my first post for this blog I did proclaim a love and passion for big earrings - I have been meaning to get back to this, so let me explain...!

As you know, I am a performer; I think the flamboyant side of me has been realised through stage 'wardrobe' over the years.  Or maybe it has just been the thing that gave me permission to be the diva I am!  I have worn some wonderful and outrageous things on stage - picture gold sequins, red stilettos, and burnt orange, where would I be without burnt orange...?!

One of my favourite things to wear though would be earrings.  More recently, big earrings - and they're getting bigger...  I have lots and lots of pairs of earrings - in fact, I think I may have a problem...!

Here are some of my friends -

...and some little fingers taking delight in my activity...

...caught red handed!  Tara Grace Tully (she has prior convictions for similar offenses!)

Ahh, lovely....!

On another note I am going to be on TV tomorrow morning!  I will be performing one of my songs 'My Brother Charlie' on Rise and Shine, the Christian worship program which is on at 5.30 am.  

If you fancy a lie in tomorrow morning instead, then I will be posting the video of the performance later in the week right here on this blog.

Enjoy the rest of this beautiful Saturday!

Shell xx

the road to Sydney!

Well I've almost only just arrived home, from a day trip to Sydney!  Walked in the door, put down my things, made myself a quick dinner (scrambled eggs with baby spinach & strong cup of tea) kissed my babies and a blogging I have gone!

I absolutely LOVE Sydney, it is the best city in the world!  It feels very close to home, even though I have never lived there, but I have recorded music there, seen several concerts, and had many shopping trips up from Canberra in my time - loved them all!

Today we went to Sweden, I meant IKEA!  Wow, what a place...  I love Ikea, it is the height of organised chaos!  

We did some looking...  and how about those lead pencils...  I love lead pencils...

I even found myself in some of the mirrors...

We are renovating one of the little cottages on the farm here at home, and found there were lots of quaint little sights to see in Ikea today to help complete the provincial look...

Of course we are doing these renovations on a budget, so Ikea seemed the right place to go where we felt like you could afford everything AND the kitchen sink!  We had a great day, and bagged some bargains.  

I enjoyed the time in the car as well, chatting sometimes and listening to music on my iPod, (my iPod and I are very good friends!) jotting down phrases for my own songs as they came to me, (I always carry a note book with me, you never know when inspiration will strike!)  And I must say I have written many an important lyric on the road to Sydney, and today was no exception...

Night night, now off to bed with you!

: )

Shell xx

Solitude, and company...

The sky has been so beautiful this week.  We have had cloud in every shade of grey and white, and at the moment I can see the most beautiful greyish orange, as the sun sets outside my sunroom window and I am looking at it over the computer screen.  I think to myself "don't worry God it has not gone unnoticed!"

I am making roast lamb for dinner, I can smell it cooking as I sit here...  There is something about the smell of Rosemary and soy sauce! 

 It has been a ridiculously busy week, I have not had the chance to go off on my own and walk as often as I have wanted to.  Regrettably it's the quiet, calming activities which are the first casualties on a busy day.  And on a busy day you need nothing more than to have a quiet, calming walk!

The one thing I try never to neglect in a day is a nice cup of tea or coffee, and a chat with people I love.  I am a great lover of solitude, but I believe being in the company of great people for a time is more important if you had to choose one.

I like to go to the shops and have a coffee out with my family, greet people I know and smile at people I don't (since less and less strangers seem to smile anymore!) Then in a very short time I need to escape home and potter around my house!

As I write this dinner is ready, must potter away now..!

Shell xx

a musician's life!

I have been writing poetry overnight and this afternoon. Organising public liability insurance for my coffee house gigs (Coffee and Chords), picking up band posters from the printer, and now finally home sipping a good strong cup of dilmah tea. It's a musician's life isn't it.....!

I have a pile of washing to sort through more to be washed and I don't want to talk about what's waiting for me on the ironing board!

Isn't life wonderful if that's all I have to worry about!

This is a little poem who is hanging around my head -

She's packing up boxes, and putting things in,

That will be forgotten...

She's sitting and waiting for what the day brings,

And doesn't remember...

That nothing is happening

Unless you are someone,

Who makes the day something.

She's not very cautious, with delicate things,

But she's packing up boxes

And putting in things...

Shell xx

Instinctively restful...

Do you ever wake up feeling a little tired and just know instinctively, that it's the sort of day to do less things?  To just make some tea and sit down for as long as you can and do something you enjoy, not something you have to do.

I am someone who pushes myself very hard to do "everything" in a day - but I am learning that sometimes you have to just sit and look out the window for a while... and listen to the birds....

Shell xx

Rainy days and Mondays...

Well, it wasn't really rainy, but it was so beautiful and cloudy...

I got up early this morning and walked up the hill, it was a balmy 8 degrees outside, perfect morning walking weather!  I love having time to think, and listen to the thoughts in my head and beyond...

When I got home a hot air balloon was landing in the paddock - it happens around here often...

I live on a working farm right in the middle of Canberra.  It belongs to my father-in-law & mother-in-law, my husband and I live, with our children in the original farm house cottage which fronts the street and backs onto the most beautiful place in the world, "Hillview."

Every day I can look out of my sunroom window and see my father-in-law working up at his shed.  He is a really cool man!  He is a farmer, through and through - but he is also an artist, a philosopher, a strong Christian and the most honest and decent human on the planet!  

I wish this photo captured his wonderful, blue, most honest eyes...

My mother and father-in-law have been always like parents to me, I love them both so dearly.  Sometimes people ask why do we live so close to our parents, and I don't understand how that could be a bad thing.  I don't like the way our society sometimes puts pressure on young adults to move away from their families and be "independent" if you have a loving family, then don't you want to be close to them?

I think I have only been able find my independence as an adult because of the advice, love and support of great people like my parents in law - I think being able to hear advice and learn from others is the definition of adulthood, and the only way to this "independence" people keep talking about.

Shell xx

Coffee and Chords

Well my solo gig was a success!  I was quite nervous but I worked hard to channel my fear into energy and passion - and I think I did.  When I was a little bit younger I could not have dealt with the "pressure" of a solo gig as opposed to performing with the band - it sounds silly to think that now, I guess I have just grown up a bit...

I am very shy deep down inside, and I used to crumble at the thought of performing a song on my own.  Now I feel compelled to to be myself and show myself, I want to do it - I have to do it!

So today has been the beginning of two new seasons for me, one is the wonderful weatherly transformation into winter, and the other is my new confidence and willingness to just sit there at my piano and play my songs, that I wrote, passionately and fearlessly...

Shell xx