Sights, smells and sounds of this Christmas...

A gift of Christmassy baby booties, from my beloved friend Lynn, (which baby didn't arrive in time for)!

None the less, with my abject disbelief in rushing these things before their God given timing, I waited (sometimes patiently) and still smiled all Christmas long!

{photo duo by Emma} 

Plenty of caroling went on, with Emma at the piano, giving singing lessons to all of the children!

It was a very calm and peaceful Christmas for me, I spent much time cuddling with my babes with my swollen feet up! 

Argyle was dressed and decorated in festive flair!  My guests were thrilled with it's Christmassy touches!

On Christmas eve, Jamie and I lined up the stockings, and laid gifts under the tree for our four small people - and were overcome by how much we love them - Christmas surrounded by children, makes everything feel sweeter...

Christmas morning was wonderful.  

We try to strike a healthy balance between the generosity of Christ, exampled by the figure of Santa - to show the love we have for one another, through the exchanging of gifts, in honour of Jesus, whose birthday and perfect love, is the inspiration everyday, to be better and better.

I pray you too, got everything you hoped for from the season.

Shell xx

a Song for Christmas...

I recorded this last christmas, (right now I'm not able to reach the piano keys so easily)!

But with this song, I wanted to say to you from my heart, that I wish all such a Merry Christmas - where ever in the world you be, whatever in the world you do - do it with such a joy for living, and in whichever way, remember to take a moment to thank our God, for this beautiful life.



Merry Christmas blogging friends,

I love you.

And I can think of nothing more exciting (even on consideration of my Mother-In-Law's Christmas dinner!) than sharing another year, sharing posts and comments, with you.

God Bless,

Shell xx

In my house...

Christmas is coming along nicely...

Shell xx

Fourteen Years...

...and counting.

I love you my husband, thank you for a wonderful anniversary.

{Photo taken in 1995, when we were kids}.

Shell xx

Five Hundred Reasons...

I started this blog because I was inspired to share my life, though my music - my newest album at the time called Twelve Short Stories - my camera lens and my family.

This post is number 500 in the saga - 

and I feel I am just hitting my stride baby..!

I never could have anticipated the dearest friends I would make, the encouraging comments I would receive, and the vastness of where in the world my words, and my songs would travel...  

In short, it has been so much more than I planned for - so much more than Twelve Short Stories.

I love this place, here with you.  

I almost always well up with tears while writing & reading posts, I always try to share what is on and in my heart.  I come to you when I'm inspired, excited, enraptured, disheartened, empty or fulfilled.  

...I come to you from where ever I am.

And today I am here!  

Yikes!  and yes, this is as big as it looks!

(And twice as heavy)!

Shall we drink (something non alcoholic please!) to 500 more?

Posts, not babies!

; )

Shell xx

a Beautiful Storm...

It has barely rained in my part of the world for nearly fifteen years.  But this week, a week of solid rain has enveloped us.  It is so beautiful.  So cool and wet, storms have been wild, which always remind me of the power of this world, and this life.

And at the same time I am facing a beautiful storm...

I can tell you my mind and my heart are both ready.  My body too, is telling me it is nearly time to give someone I know so well, and have not yet met, their birth.

Wish me luck.

Shell xx

We are...

...Out in the sun,

breathing in the spring!

Rejoicing that the rains have finally fallen,

And our garden therefore, has grown.

We are eating our spinach,

broad beans,

snow peas,

coriander,

thyme,

&

sage...

Finding recipes to honour these amazing berries

Ripening with unbelievable abundance!

But they ain't the only things a-ripening!

I am so gleefully anticipating this new babe.

I know he/she is so special,

so epic,

and so -

nearly here.

Shell xx

The Business of Making Memories...

I've learned that when you're a parent, you're automatically in the business of making memories for your small people.  My Sean has always been enamored with trains, and as such, last Sunday we booked tickets to take our set of small people for a day trip aboard a 1930's diesel engine from Canberra, ACT to Bungendore, NSW.

We clattered slowly along, and the children marveled at every little thing inside the cabin, the wooden interior, the leather seats, and most importantly their ride up front with the engine driver!

Jamie and I sat together, held hands, chatted about this and that, enjoyed the views, and made some of our own memories...

We had lunch in the country town, ate French food, then hurried back for our return journey...

And when we returned to Canberra station, I had Sean stand next to the train and pose for the camera... because he looked so cute in his cotton shirt and navy shorts!

And because I sort of hoped he would have a memory of this day always, along with the picture on the wall in his house when he was an old man.

Shell xx

Oh dusky light...

Oh, dusty light.

So much is how you renew me

remind me

that there has been so much beauty already this day.

And then

you go ahead and outdo yourself for the finale!

and even when I am weary

when the colours run
and I see a blur

I still see you
unfailing sun

and know you're there

to heave that last burst of perfect light

alive like fire

before restful night.

Shell xx

My Girl...

Suffice it to say, she had the most wonderful birthday in the history of the whole world.  

Ever.

Shell xx

The cat in the hat, comes back..!

Dear Friends,

The storm has (I am forever metaphorical) finally begun to ease.

I am venturing out of doors again to look at the light, repair the damages, and make a new season filled with high hopes, adventures and all of Spring's delights.  With big lessons learned, I feel new, and ready to be with you again.

All, and everyone is well - but such stresses did take away my creative breath for a little while there - please know, if you wondered, that I am returned.  New and blooming.

So to celebrate this new season, my fabulous clan and I dressed up (as fictionally themed characters) and gathered last night for a bit of silliness, good food, and ample fun and dancing for All Hallows Eve...

And in short, 

the cat in the hat, comes back!

Shell xx

"But, Brethren, my own garden is but small, and in the middle of a bare hillside.  It has borne no fruit fit to offer any of you.  And also my heart is troubled about many things, and God has humbled me.  I ask you, therefore, to bear with me for a time while I break through the bonds of custom in order to try to provide you with food.  Should I fail in this, I shall make room for a better man.  But for your bread today, I go gleaning openly in other men's fields..."

Excerpt from 'The Curate's Awakening' by George MacDonald 1876

With all my love, and apologies for recent silence.

Shell xx