Spending Sunday morning...

Today it was decided that a breakfast outing, followed by a market visit in our cold, but beautiful city would be just the ticket to relax, and spend a Sunday morning wisely.

I just needed a break from breakfast dishes, and domesticity in general for a few hours, so we went for breakfast at Ricardo's in Macquarie {who didn't seem to have their own website I could link to}, after which we ventured into the Kingston Markets to find some fresh produce, perhaps local art, and on the way in, we found this very small door..!

And these sizable windows...

We did eventually find an opening big enough for us all to get in! And emerged some time later with these treasures...

Including a paisley wrap dress for moi! Made by a local seamstress specialising in stretch fabrics {which I find perfect for "wrapping" around my curves} as well as being a beautiful line {as I am obsessed with dresses at the moment} and they're extremely comfortable!

Morning tea was a bounty of raspberry tarts and and fresh strawberries, hot tea, thick cream and pure bliss!

I have taken time to feel blessed by this day. Having survived a long week, or should I not say 'survived' but indeed 'triumphed' and infact 'prospered'.

Shell xx

The Canberra Show

Being a pioneer farming family, The Tullys always go to The Canberra Show held on the last weekend in February.  It is always a gorgeously fun day.  Where you trawl through endless stalls of innovative gadgets, (and some not so...), get handed flyers for things you don't want, wander through pavilions showcasing perfectly harvested vegetables, admiring the winning pumpkin, capsicum, tomato!  Gaze lovingly at beautiful handmade quilts, cross stitches, photography, costume design, pot

tery, wood work; and get inspired to enter something of your own each year (but never seem to do it)!

It's always crowded and hot, as you make your way to look at perfect specimens of livestock, and give them a friendly smile as you walk by.  The smell of cow sheds, and horses is so wonderful, and while not too far from what we actually have at home, I always take a moment to appreciate these beautiful creatures at the show, where I may overlook or forget to marvel at them in the everydayness, of home...

We take the kids to the baby animal sheds, where hundreds of children are squealing with delight at puppies, and kittens, lambs, rabbits, (to name a few), and Sean's favourite (and my favourite photo of the day) the pigs!

"Yay I'm a Llama again!  No, wait..." - you'll get that if you've ever seen Disney kids film The Emeror's New Groove.

And finally you walk through the side show, and buy the children show bags before heading home with sore feet, a little sunburn and a great time had by all!

Shell xx

Power of music...

I have had the most wonderful day!  

The Tullys had the first of our end of year "holiday season" gigs last night, and we were in fine musical and entertaining form!  There are a lot of gigs booked for the end this year, and beginning of the next, and I always look forward to entertaining people, it's a great job.

Today I did Coffee & Chords, it was marvellous!  I had so many wonderful responses, which made me so happy.  I'm not even sure why I do it sometimes, as I don't get paid!  But I suppose the benefits for me have been that I can promote the band, and my name as a local singer/songwriter, also it has kept me "fit" as a musician and vocalist, and performer throughout the quieter, winter months.

But there is something more important than the above that drives me to perform solo at the coffee shop, I can hardly explain it, but I know I am supposed to do it.  I love to do it.  The smiles I get from passers by, the people that sometimes stand there and sing along, or just watch with delight, and the fans and friends I have made have been phenomenal.  I hope I am giving something back to my own community.  A gift that has worked it's way back to me, for I am so blessed to be able to communicate the power of music.

Thank you to all of you (so many!) who came today!

Shell xx

Floriade Pt 1

This afternoon, we took a trip to Floriade.  

It is a flower festival held every spring in Canberra from mid September to mid October.  It always is one of my favourite family excursions, not just because I adore all of the gorgeous spring bulbs in bloom, bringing the children out for a day of floral splendor!  But because every Floriade marks the true beginning of spring.  The colour, and the magic of this wonderful season, our gift of new life after a cold grey(ish) winter!

And I get a chance to take ridiculously picturesque photographs like these...

I thought this looked like two ladies in yellow bonnets chatting gaily in the afternoon sun!

And how can you not be in awe at the beauty of poppies?

...and of Sean?

And the best news I have saved for last.  My beautiful friend is home, as Lynn so kindly expressed, where he belongs...

*happy sigh*

Shell xx

Take a bow!

Well I hope my week of poetry has been well enjoyed.  I know I have certainly loved expressing my daily thoughts in poetic verse!  If only every day could be spent doing so!

I have added a new song to my little 'widget' which can be found at the left of your screen.  (If you're reading an RSS of this blog somewhere else then click here!)

I am also beginning work on a new album of songs.  I have been performing early renditions of them at Coffee & Chords recently, and people have been nodding and clapping, so either they're very polite, or they like them!  I plan to record some more demos soon, and share them with you here.

Today I have been shoveling in the garden...  Learning that a pile of cat litter, when left for several years in the yard, can be turned over with a shovel - and rich, dark, fertile soil can be found hiding underneath!  I am very excited to learn this as I am an absolute novice when it comes to gardening.  But I am determined to learn how.

The children and I have been spending a lot of quality time together while Jamie has been away, we have been watching old movies, and cleaning up the garden, the toy room, and enjoying this first taste of spring together.  He returns in a couple of days, so we're all starting to get excited.

I will leave you with a bow, and a word of sincerest thanks, for your visit to this blog!

Shell xx

How happy am I, to be me!

Saw my husband off early in the morning.  Sad smiles...

Took care of the babies.  Changed, fed, loved...

Put on a dress and went out to play my gig.  With love and thanks to Cam and Scott.

Forgot I was at a coffee shop, played like I was at the opera house!

Talked to beautiful friends and fans.  You are the reason I want to sing!

Met a new, new little baby boy.  Very happy smiles, and maybe a little tear of joy...

Came home, and made some tea.

How happy am I, to be me!

Shell xx

ps: Happy Fathers Day, to all the loving Fathers.  Especially mine, Maurice Tully, I love you, thank you for adopting me.

Miss you already...

I miss you already, before you're gone,

Feel slightly anxious; and slightly torn,

Between, happiness for you,

Loneliness for me,

And just excitement in between!

I miss you already, before you're gone, 

But the sooner you go, I suppose,

The sooner you come back home-

Put down your bags,

And smile me a smile,

And miss me too; still while, and before, you go.

Shell xx

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

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

Captain Fantastic!

I am so excited when I see there a new comments on this blog!  It makes me even more inspired to share my life, and my heart with the world.

Today the sun came up, which is wonderful in itself I always say!  It was a cold but bright and beautiful morning.  I am always interested to see what the new day will bring.  Sure we all have our plans and our commitments, but I am ever aware of the bigger picture around our existence on this Earth.  So I know the plans we make often have little to do with what actually becomes of our lives...

Reminds me of the profound John Lennon "life is what happens while you're busy making other plans..."

I have been listening to some wonderful music this week.  I have been on a real album kick, rather than just assorted songs, I really enjoy the whole story you get from a great album.  I have been loving, Sam's Town by The Killers, Blue by Joni Mitchel, and Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy by Elton John.  I just think this is one of the most wonderful album covers ever!

If you haven't ever seen it in the 'flesh' then it's worth a look at the art work if you ever see a copy.  My wonderful Mother in law has the original vinyl edition - and this continuos maze of drawings all intertwined completely cover the front, back and inside of the sleeve.  It's just cool!

Back to life happening while we're busy making other plans; I suppose all we can do is not get too carried away with our own solo existence.  Remember the trees, and the sky, and the people you love.  When you feel empty and bored, do something for someone else, selflessly.  And having given, you will now feel completed yourself.

Shell xx

Time flies...

I find myself tired but happy as I sit down here with you tonight.  Thanks to the miracle of wireless broadband I can sit in my lounge room, with feet up, dressing gown on, and talk to you with laptop, on lap!

It has been a lovely day.  I must say that I insist on every day being a lovely day if I can help it.  And I think that 90% of the time, you can help how you feel, and I choose happy!  I think this is my theme for this weeks blogging - happiness is a choice!  

I wish I was in Sydney so that I could wonder around the city during world youth week and hear the singing, the praising of God and the love of life.  I am not a Catholic, but I believe that if you have love in common with another religion, then you have God in common.  And God is far above, and away from the labels we put on Him...

I am enjoying tidying up the garden in anticipation of visitors for lunch on Saturday.  And I am shocked that tomorrow is Friday!  Where did the week get to?

Time flies when you're having fun I suppose!

Thanks for visiting : )

Shell xx

New gig dates!

I'm very excited to have some new performance dates at Gloria Jeans coffee shop!  All of the PLI paperwork is done (!) and now I just get to play and sing, which is what I do best!

The dates are Sundays July 13 & 27, August 10 & 24, September 7 & 21, October 19, November 2

So if you're in Canberra I'll be there then, then and then!

It's funny not working every weekend in the winter, when inevitably, people have less weddings and corporate functions.  So at this time of the year when there aren't as many bookings, I like to focus on writing, learning new songs - special covers that mean a lot to me and my fans.  I like to do more acoustic gigs, like Coffee & Chords.  I like to stay home on Saturday nights and make soup!  Then watch Grand Designs with Jamie.

Winter certainly has it's perks - the cosiness is great.  But there is always a part of me that wants to go back to America in the winter to the Australian Festival in Nashville, like we did in 2005...

And then stopping over in Tahiti...  how tough that was ; )

But before going home we had three days in New York - and then we know what all the fuss was about...

I think there needs to be an upcoming post totally dedicated to our little trip to NY.  Coming soon, watch this blog!

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

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

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