Rain!

...well, it happens so rarely I thought I had better document it!

Shell xx

Morning Bird

Always was a morning bird,

Up with the sun, 

And flown away, 

To see the world,

New, and free,

Embracing the miraculous morning!

That magical light,

So new and right,

And clean, and bright,

Given freely, as a gift from the Lord,

Across the dew, and mist I soared...

On hills I stand, and sing unheard,

Always was a morning bird.

Shell xx

Late lunches, and spring's sunshine...

There is something wonderful about a late lunch...  When you're really hungry.  

When you were thoughtful enough to take the container of soup out of the freezer in the morning, so it could wait patiently for you to heat it on the stove and serve yourself this masterpiece when you get home...

Oh yes.  It were good.

Spring is so very close now, and there have been a few wonderful previews given by the sun on Canberra afternoons of late.

I am looking forward to sunshine, heat, outdoor eating, BBQ's sizzling, ice block licking!  And wearing clothes as brightly exotic as the lilies on my table...

I am singing songs by Coldplay this afternoon as I sweep the floor and dream of Summer!

Shell xx

The Servant King

There is a famous quote by Elton John, 'If in doubt, write a hymn...' and though I did not write it, there is a wonderful hymn in my head today written by Graham Kendrick and it is not so much even the melody, but the words that explained our purpose here on earth, to my heart today...

The Servant King

From heaven you came helpless babe,

Entered our world, your glory veiled,

Not to be served, but to serve,

And give your life, that we might live...

Chorus -

This is our God, the servant king,

He calls us now, to follow him,

To bring our lives, as a daily offering

Of worship to the servant king

There in the garden of tears,

My heavy load, you chose to bear,

His heart with sorrow was torn,

'Yet not my will, but yours', he said

Come see his hands and his feet,

The scars that speak of sacrifice

Hands that flung stars into space

To cruel nails surrendered...

**Interruption!  This last verse I can never get out of my head - I think it is so instructive and beautiful**

So let us learn how to serve,

And in out lives enthrone him,

Each others needs to prefer

For it is Christ, we're serving.

By Graham Kendrick

I only just decided to google the title of the song this afternoon, therefore learning the name of the songwriter, as I'm not ordinarily a worship music listener.  I learned this song for a wedding ceremony several years ago, but, unlike so many songs I've had to perform for clients, this one has always stayed in my mind, impressed upon my heart.

Hope it speaks to you also.

Shell xx

Maybe Not Now

This afternoon, the most incredible thing happened!

Tara fell asleep!  So I wrote a song...

Maybe Not Now

I can hear them talking in the hall

I can hear them talking about where they've gone wrong?

I can see it never was their fault-

All it takes is a dose of pride to swallow a young man whole-

And I know, all will be restored that now seems gone...

I can hear the patter of the rain

I can feel him tremble as it blows away again

I can see him working all day long

All I can give is a note and a card, and tell him how much I love him!

And that I know, all will be returned that has been stolen...

Maybe not now, maybe not tomorrow,

Maybe not in our lifetime,

Maybe not in our children's, children's,

Maybe not now, maybe not tomorrow,

Maybe not now-

Maybe not now...

It's actually a song I started to write about a year ago, but today there was just enough peace and quiet to put it all together and call it finished.  I have so many half written songs, like half finished knitting projects I suppose...  It is so satisfying to get one completed and ready for performing and recording.

Ah, I love my job!

I shall record it and post it on this blog very soon so you can hear was well as read it.

Shell xx

The village green...

I heard today from a good friend & musician from Canberra, who played with us (The Tullys) for many years after Lawson went to the US.  He did our sound for Tullys gigs and even played on the album Twelve Short Stories - so all the beautiful organ you hear on TSS was provided by, overseas explorer and fellow blogger Mr Phil Daniel.

It's funny how you can just meet up for a chat online...  I find it always, deliciously comforting to keep in touch with friends, from school, or chaps who've made your coffee for years - you find out you're related to!... people you've only met twice, or only online...  

I feel like I am visiting the village green, when I log on to see how friends are going with their loves and their lives.  And you only need to type a few words to say you're still around, still sane; and hope from them, you'll hear the same...

I stroll all over the place from my MacBook Pro sitting in the sunroom, in beautiful Canberra.  I have met some absolute lovlies from all over, and I am so chuffed with the response I have had from so many of them over this little blog, which I enjoy writing so much everyday!

Well Tuesday seems to be becoming my morning sunrise photo day, so here is what the sun said to me when I went up the hill to see him this morning!

Shell xx

Together

Coffee and Chords went very well yesterday.  It is heart warming to see people come down to hear me play and sing.  I am also really excited to keep The Tullys band in people's minds by displaying the band's banner when I perform; and I have to laugh at myself each time I say "we" instead of "I" when I talk to the audience about the songs - unused to being a solo performer I am!

I look forward to all the band gigs that are booked for the spring and summer ahead.  The winter has been nice and quiet, and I have enjoyed playing Coffee & Chords so very much.  

I have also had a break with one of my songs 'Together' which will be used by the Australian Defense Force in a DVD to encourage women to join the army!   I love the idea of being used on a soundtrack!  It has always been a dream of mine to have my music used in a movie, or an advert, so perhaps I am on my way!

I will leave you today with a photo which was taken in 2002 of the four original Tullys who formed the band...

(From Left to right - Mechelle Tully, Jamie Tully, Cameron Tully, Lawson Tully)

...and as the song goes, "we've gotta stick together, cause we're nothing apart"

Shell xx

Lunch in the garden after gig...

Sometimes lunch is a song too!

Shell xx

"These are a few of my favourite things!"

There is a taste of spring, twinkling in Canberra today.  Unless of course you go outside in the icy breeze that is!  But from inside my cosy cottage at home, with the heater on, I am really enjoying the sunshine.

I cannot wait for spring.  To have picnics, and wear summer dresses, (which is a new endeavor for me, since I have for years been a pants kind of person).  There is something so feminine and graceful about a pretty dress though - I have bought a couple already, which are waiting impatiently for some warm weather in my wardrobe...

Earrings; cardis, (which is short for cardigans) - I have lots of them, in every colour, and I am a little bit obsessed you could say!  

Shoes - did I mention I also have an obsession with shoes?  Well I do...

I just think that enjoying beautiful things (which don't have to be of great expense) make you feel good.  And when you feel good, you create, you love, you smile, and in my opinion, you truly live!

I am now suddenly over come by the urge to dance around the house like Julie Andrews (which actually happens to me often) and sing, "these are a few of my favourite things!"

Hope you're having a sunny Saturday!

Shell xx

Outside Looking In...

As I sit here sipping my afternoon tea, it's amazing what creative photo opportunities present themselves...

This view from outside looking into the sunroom makes me think of a song I wrote for a friend several years ago just before spring had blossomed in her life...

Outside Looking In

Scary on the outside looking in,

Too good to leave, too bad to stay is that the problem?

You're doing your thing and that's okay,

But all I really want to say

Is I know it's scary on the outside looking in...

I know you're barely even starting to begin,

I see the tide go in and out based on your feelings,

You're taking your time, need to be sure,

But with all the planning in the world-

Sometimes nothing is fair,

Nothing is fine,

Nothing is perfect,

Nothing is nice!

Nothing is pure, nothing tastes sweet,

Nothing is new, nothing is neat!

....

Sometimes I don't even know if I can carry on!

Sometimes I don't even know if this is what I want...

You make a move you then regret,

Too many noises in your head...

Sometimes it feels like,

Nothing is fare, nothing is fine

Nothing is perfect, nothing is nice

Nothing is pure, nothing minus one,

Nothing is new under the sun...

Shell xx

Beautiful Blur...

...written when I was in an unusual mood.  It's a funny, but addictive feeling, to write a song.  You're not alone when you create.  Inspiration must be the name of the angel God sends with the gift of creativity...

Jamie, and Richard (Lush) brought this song to life though, in the recording process.  They saw it for all of it's wondrous glory.  And it is still one of my favourite songs from the album.  It is heaven when the band rocks it out, and it is like a confiding friend when done acoustically on the piano.  In short, I love it and am very proud of it's beauty now that it's all grown up and streaming from the music player to your left, and waiting for you to buy her on iTunes!

Reviews welcome...

* * *

Beautiful Blur...

You've been so abnormal and out of control,

I know where these things go...

Take a guess, it isn't good

Have you been told, you will not surely die

Tonight?

What have you done, with all the beautiful things about you?

What have you done with all the love..?

You've been so paranoid and anti-social!

(Nobody understands, and they're all out to get you!)

Take a breath, look at the light-

It's all a bluff, to "fuzzy up" your sight

Tonight.

What have you done, with all the beautiful things about you?

What have you done with all the love...?

And we go from day to day

With firm ideas about life and love,

And nothing seems to change until we want, what we want,

Become a law, unto ourselves!

And you've got new things, she picked out for you-

As well as a whole set of new ideas,

Funny how when you know nothing you know it all..!

What have you done?

Take a guess,

It isn't good,

If you've been told you will not surely die;

It's a lie.

Shell xx

Anna

She is not so good at saying, 'hello, and how are you?'

and I bet she is much worse at good byes,

She may catch your eye and say a thousand things in silence,

I've lived for those periodic times...

Anna, you've been twice as sweet as I thought you'd be,

And I know you've never been so far away from home;

I know we will see you again,

I know I will be your friend,

And I know now, this is not the last time.

She is wiser than she ever has to convince you of,

And she is smarter than she's letting on!

She'll catch your eye and say a thousand things in silence, 

 don't understand her, but I like her.

Anna, you are more beautiful than I thought you'd be,

And I know you've never been more in love-

than you are now,

I know we will see you again,

And I know you will be my friend,

And I know now...

She is not so good at saying 'hello, and how are you?'

But she knows this is not really goodbye...

Shell xx

ps: this is my 100th post!

A poetic day!

I have been doing a little decorating here at MT12SS, and I think the place has come up nicely!  After three months of blogging here it has only just occurred to me that I should include a sample of my music, and a link to iTunes so that my readers can go shopping if they so wish!

I am not a very good promoter.  I think my brain spends all it's time writing poetry, and allows no space for advertising and promotion!  Oh well, it's the art that counts hey!  But I must say I am delighted with my little music player - which only took about nine hours to embed onto this blog!  But, I am up with all the computer jargon now, I know words like 'embed' and 'import' - scary!

But all is well, and before I go I must show you these two photos of the ice on Canberra's Mount Painter this morning...

Have a poetic day!

Shell xx

iTunes sales!

I have received the stats from iTunes, and it looks like the album 'Twelve Short Stories" is selling well, which is very exciting!  It's funny what individual songs appeal to different people - I've had the song "Anna" be purchased by several people in Germany!  Perhaps it's time for a European tour?!  

I have never been to Europe.  Looking forward to the day I get to go.  Especially England, how I would love to meet her!  I think every Australian who realises that we are an English colony, is keen to meet their parent nation, I know I am!

And anyone who has read, or watched BBC adaptions of Jane Austen or Dickens, has a longing to meet the country where such inspiration has sprung...

Pemberley...

And this is Miss Austen herself.  I just adore the idea that long after you have left this world, your artistic endeavors live on, and keep inspiring people.  I believe that art and inspiration are gifts from God.  So the artistry we leave behind in this world, is like a piece of life, left to inspire anew.

So don't forget who you are as artists dear readers, for your works shall be left here in the world to keep it turning round for ever more!

Shell xx

Ridiculous self portrait series!

: )

Shell xx

Love is the greatest

From our wedding in 1996

Jamie's parents Maurice and Maureen (the best parents ever!)

My favourite poem about love is from the bible;

Love is the greatest

Love is patient and kind.

Love is not boastful or proud, or rude,

It does not demand it's own way.

It is not irritable, and keeps no record of being wronged.

It does not rejoice about injustice,

But rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

Love never gives up, never loses faith,

Is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Prophecy, and speaking in unknown languages,

And special knowledge will become useless.

But love will last forever!

Now, our knowledge is partial and incomplete,

And even the gift of prophesy reveals only part of the picture...

But when full understanding comes,

The partial things become useless.

When I was a child, I spoke and thought

and reasoned as a child.

But when I grew up, I put away childish things.

Now I see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror,

But then, will see everything with perfect clarity.

All that I know now is partial and incomplete,

But then, I will know everything completely,

Just as God knows me completely.

Three things will last forever;

Faith, hope and love.

And the greatest of these, is love.

1 Corinthians 4-13

Shell xx

Before, and After...

This is me in 1998...

And this is me in 2008..!

Only by changing one's heart, can one change their mind,

Only by changing one's mind, can one change their spirit,

And only by changing one's spirit, 

Can one change their life!

Shell xx

A tale of denim woe!

Today Jamie and I went jeans shopping...

We walk into the first shop and Jamie tries on the most beautiful pair in the place.  Comes out, women faint, and gay sales assistants begin looming to talk to him at length about how well they fit, and I stand back with Tara in the pram, who is screaming to get out, has kicked off her shoes...  We pay, we leave.

Second shop.  I take in three different pairs in the largest three sizes when the sales assistant isn't looking because I am sure they won't fit and I want to avoid the embarrassment caused by the question they ask when you come out of the change room; "how did you go?"  And no, it didn't go well.

I don't know why the fashion industry is seemingly not interested in dressing people?  I love fashion.  Love clothes, and fabric and accessaries.  I am a confident woman, but I find shopping for clothes, with curves, sometimes a little unnerving.  

As I have talked about before, I used to be fat.  (I must unearth one of my old photos from ten years ago so you can see.)  I am now a size 14-16.  I still exercise everyday.  I think I look nice.  But every time I go looking for jeans I honestly cannot get the size 18 over my hips and that's just silly!

End of rant.

Luckily, this story has a happy ending.  I walked into Jag and realised I had been the singer at the wedding of the lady who worked in the shop!  We hugged, and giggled, and I told her my tale of denim woe.  She gave me the most beautiful pair in the place to try on...  I came out, women fainted,  and gay sales assistants (probably if there had been any) would have tutted!  Jamie stood back this time, with Tara running around the shop (wearing no shoes) and admired me!  We payed, we left.

Now that I have finished this story I am not quite sure what the moral is?!  

As I stood in Jag today and looked in the mirror at myself, I felt proud.  I was proud of all the mornings I have made the effort to walk up the hill all these years.  Proud of all the chocolate that I have resisted.  And most proud of the health of mind, body and spirit which learning self control brings.  The jeans were a nice reward today.

Shell xx

Tea, and toast

What!?

It seems this is the official 'tea and...' series for the blog this week.  And if it is, then what better addition could there be than tea and toast?  

One of life's simple pleasures is a perfect cup of tea and some beautiful, brownish, seed garnished bread with (my favourite) red raspberry jam!

I had always been a 'white bread' person until recently, when I was handed a steak sandwich on whole meal for lunch by my sister in law.  It was SO good, I vowed then and there to change my ways!  So now I must officially be a grown up if I like the taste of brown bread - I would go so far as to argue that I now enjoy the taste of bread!  Since that white stuff didn't taste like anything compared to this heavenly cape seed loaf fresh from Baker's Delight...  Mmmm.

Speaking of growing up - I wondered if I was the only person on the planet who sometimes looked at themselves in the mirror, and were amazed to see an adult looking back?  I sometimes ask myself; is this still me?  Did I make it?!  Am I not a child anymore..?  And this is precisely why I cannot take myself too seriously in this life!  And nor should anyone who saw my school photos from my posts, here and here a few weeks ago!

I have settled that in many ways I am still a child.  And I think we need to be 'child like' in our lives, not 'childish'.  Playful and sensitive, without the selfishness and thoughtlessness of a child.  To overcome immaturity and embrace the honesty, the laughter, the fun loving and life lovingness of children.  For this is the only way to reach maturity, and stay youthful, in my opinion...

Shell xx

Tea and satisfaction

Is there anything better than the cup of tea you have in the wake of hard work, and a job well done?

I sit here this morning with tea and a sense of such satisfaction having been for an early morning walk...

Which I must confess I didn't feel like doing when I woke up!  I felt a little fuzzy, my head a little heavy - but I put on my jacket and went anyway to find the sun and say good morning to him!

And did he not put on a marvelous welcome..?

When I got home I realised that the days I don't feel like going to see the sun and the trees on the hill, are the days I need them most.  Hard work makes you feel alive!  And makes the pleasure from the cuppa enjoyed afterwards, all the more immense.  

Shell xx

A thousand thank you's!

I received an email last night from a lovely fan who had taken photos of me yesterday at the gig.  I thought I would feature them in today's post...

Love to all on this beautiful morning.

A thousand thank you's to all who were kind enough to show support yesterday!  It was an honor for me!

Shell xx

Living the life!

I sat down to have my breakfast this morning, looked out the window, and realised the rain was turning white!  

As I went outside with my camera, and my ridiculously excited children, I noticed my sister in law across the way, taking photos of the snow from her house as well!  (Note: Kathleen's photo above.)  So I suppose this means snow is not a frequent occurrence in Canberra!  

It was so beautiful I had to go outside in it, stretch out both my arms and embrace the icy perfection falling upon my face, hair and dressing gown!

This gave me inspiration for my gig today, another edition of Coffee & Chords at Gloria Jeans.  There were lots of people there, with big smiles for my songs, and it made me, and my heart, sing!  

Days like this make me feel like the luckiest girl in the world, dancing in snow, singing for friends, living the life!

Viva La Vida!

Shell xx

Into the blog world...

Sincerest apologies for not posting yesterday.

I jumped in the car with my mother & father in law at 6am, they were doing a quick day trip dash to Sydney.  And when I got home late last night I spent the rest of the evening, and early morning watching the opening ceremony.  Wasn't it marvelous!

I am a most un-athletic person, but I absolutely love the Olympics.  I think every Aussie kid does.  It always blows my mind that we have only just over twenty million people in this country and yet we seem to dominate the world of sport.  Not just in the Cricket, but just about everything!  Less winter sports I grant you, but you've just got to love the competitive Aussie spirit no matter what you think of sport.  I have to say, I am not a fan of strange games with balls, and bats or hoops or cheer leaders!?  But I respect athleticism, people who train for their sport everyday, come rain or shine, give it their all, and represent their country.  Mmm!  Props for that!

In other news, this is my 90th post!  It went so fast!  I hope it has been all that I promised it would be in my first post which can be reviewed here.

I hope that my musings about being in a large family, having strong beliefs about how I think we can best fare in this world, my big earrings (!) and musical endeavors have sought to inspire many.  I have learned so much already on this journey into the blog world, and I am utterly addicted many wonderful blogs I have found while being here, written by amazing people, with amazing insights.  Do refer to my blog list on the left hand side of this post.

Well I am to away just for now!  I have a gig tomorrow which I will share all about when I come home.

I am only just getting started on this blog, and I will give you all of my heart, each day, for as long as you will have me.

Shell xx

Rock and a hard place

You've been breezing in and out like windy weather,

I pretend that it's okay,

And we sit there all alone, together,

Trying desperately to think of nothing to say;

Do you ever find, we only seem to hate the ones we love?

Bind them with our toughest chains...

Do you ever find, his body's here, but his heart has been caught,

Between a rock and a hard place.

He's afraid to hear the truth be spoken,

So he stays away from me,

And we rely on the curse, of plastic conversation;

Does he not want the treasures I have for him?

Do you ever find, we only seem to bother hating the ones we love?

Tear them down to save some face!

Do you ever find, we only seem to put the ones we love,

Between a rock and a hear place...

If I tell him no, will he pack his bags and go?

Will I be feeding him to the lion's den?

If I let him stay, pretend everything is okay,

Am I worthy of a mill stone..?

Do you ever find, we only seem to hate the ones we love?

Tear them down to save some face!

Do you ever find, his body's here,

But his heart has been caught

Between a rock and a hard place,

Between a rock and a hard place.

Shell xx

Garden party!

There was a hint of spring in the air today.  And to celebrate, we had afternoon tea out doors in the garden...

Afterwards I went for a walk up the hill, and listened to Feist on my headphones.  I bid good afternoon to every magpie and kangaroo that I saw (!) and as I walked I let the music take my heart on an emotional tour - you know the way you do sometimes?  

I pretend I am in a film, and this is the music in the soundtrack.  I walk, and sometimes dance along, as though the camera is watching my movements.  I mime the words as I explore in the scene.  I must be deeply talented and interesting - or I wouldn't be in this film!

Sometimes I could be Lizzy, from Pride and Prejudice.  Walking along (in cute dress) with a knowing smile at how the world is, and how it perhaps ought to be...

Atop of hill, I play lots of games with myself - I think of song lyrics, and set lists, and shopping lists, and love ones, missed.  I hear the gentle whisper of God's sweet voice, which makes me smile : )

Could this be a recipe for happiness?

Shell xx

This beautiful world...

Shell xx

Campbell Maurice Tully

My handsome son Campbell turned eight today.

So the house has been inundated with toy helicopters, batman merchandise, racing cars, lego - and cousins from all around eager to see the toy helicopters, batman merchandise, racing cars and lego!

The day of celebration is all over now, yet I am still finding bits of chocolate cake and half deflated balloons underfoot.  This makes me smile, because I love birthdays.  I love the cuddles, the presents, the candles, and the traditional birthday song - how often I have sung you...

Campbell is my baby, and my wise old man, all rolled into one!  He loves all of the traditional eight year old things like batman & pocket knives, but he is also a philosopher; he often asks me questions about the world that I had never queried.  He is my part boy, part Legolas, explorer of unknown things, and lands.  An equestrian knight who sometimes wheres a cape, or a hat that looks like it's Robin Hood's...

He is a gentlemen.  And he is just a pleasure to know and love everyday.  

I am exhausted after a day of running around in order to make his birthday something special.  And it has been just that!  A total success!  

As I finally put my feet up I reflect on the knowledge that the celebration is fun, but it's the commitment I have to that boy every day that matters; and hopefully is what he remembers about his childhood in years to come.

I know this magical time of  having young children is fleeting...  so I endeavor to enjoy every day, and every birthday.

Shell xx

Sunday Morning

I love morning; she is the most beautiful time of the day.  I have always had an extra delight for Sunday morning though.  She seems more quiet, more calm.  Maybe because she exudes the spirit of people slowing down a little more, not so many rushing into work.  And maybe through slowing down, more will remember that life is about being alive - about learning to love one another more, and better.

So that is why Sunday is my favourite day!  Also, I get to go to my wonderful Momma's for dinner, church, singing, dancing.  And learning; to love my family and my fellow man, better, and more!

Shell xx

Thinking about New York...

This is Jamie with baby Sean in the pram in central park in 2005...

If you have not been to central park then let me assure you it is every bit as wonderful as 'they' say it is...

...somedays you feel like being in a city, walking around anonymously.  On a hunting expedition for purple shoes...

The travel bug has me wishing I was getting on a plane today...

Shell xx