Last weekend Ethan and I went out for brunch with my friend Jen. She spotted these beautiful flowers at fruit and veg shop, we decided they must be waterlillies.
Some random photos from the weekend...
We scored some baby-sitting on friday night so Steve and I spent a few hours wandering the city. On saturday we drove to Newcastle for a birthday party at a nature reserve. The koala babies were so adorable, curled up asleep! The cute little insect was hiding in the mint my Mum was chopping up to make mint sauce.
My baby son has had three teeth break through today, so he is not his usual happy self.
Motherhood
I completely enjoy being a mother. I am rewarded every day with my son’s smiles and laughter! He has lots of energy and curiosity and is so friendly with everyone, even with strangers. I think there is a little of my beloved Nan in him. She used to chat with anyone she met, just like my son does now in his own baby talk. Nan passed away last year when I was pregnant so she never got to meet him, not even as a bump.
I notified my work that I would not be returning. I have mixed feelings about that, but for the most part I am very happy. If I did go back to work I would feel such a pang everyday leaving my son in the care of someone else.
Our days are becoming very full. Monday is playgroup in the morning and my pilates class in the afternoon.
Tuesday is mother's group in the afternoon. Wednesday morning we have my son’s swimming class. Friday is storytime at the library. And of course other fun stuff like catching up with friends.
More flowers
I know, I know, I'm obsessed with flowers... but another Orchid is in bloom! If these were in season when I got married I would have put them in my hair. We got married in Autumn.
And a Waratah, these are quite difficult to grow. Mum has two in flower on her plant, I can't wait for it to open fully!
In our garden
The block of units we are living in has some beautiful gum trees, a jacaranda tree and some paperbarks out the front. There is also a hodge podge of flowers and plants that many residents have added over the years. I kinda love the garden. Here are some beautiful flowers in bloom right now.
Mum's Orchid
Spring is coming and lots of flowers are starting to bloom at Mum's house!
Retrospective
Some photos because I'm missing Perth. I love this area in our old stomping grounds of North Perth, Mount Hawthorn and Leederville.
Milkd cafe was cozy and in walking distance from home.
On my walks I loved to look at the colourful glass vases in this antique shop window.
I bought some of my favourite clothes in this fun shop in Oxford Street, Leederville. It has a CD shop at the front and fashion and gifts in the back. Karen Cheng has a blog post about this area and it's shopping if you are interested.
I love the window designs on this office for Little Design Horse.
I always loved to see this old stone house on Angove Street and thought it deserved a prettier garden.
The junk house has some charm to it.
This treehouse would have been heaven to me as a child! The garden was littered with toys, rope swings and palm fronds, I could imagine children playing pirates here.
This old Auto Electronics place was around the corner from our home. The faded old car was a permanent fixture as was the old man that runs the place.
Milkd cafe was cozy and in walking distance from home.
On my walks I loved to look at the colourful glass vases in this antique shop window.
I bought some of my favourite clothes in this fun shop in Oxford Street, Leederville. It has a CD shop at the front and fashion and gifts in the back. Karen Cheng has a blog post about this area and it's shopping if you are interested.
I love the window designs on this office for Little Design Horse.
I always loved to see this old stone house on Angove Street and thought it deserved a prettier garden.
The junk house has some charm to it.
This treehouse would have been heaven to me as a child! The garden was littered with toys, rope swings and palm fronds, I could imagine children playing pirates here.
This old Auto Electronics place was around the corner from our home. The faded old car was a permanent fixture as was the old man that runs the place.
In limbo
Well we made it to Sydney in one piece and we are camping at my Mum 's place until our apartment is available to move in. I can't wait! I miss my things and I miss, well... being sort of organised! Steve wrapped up all the last bits and pieces back in Perth and is getting accustomed to his new workplace here in Sydney.
I have so far caught up with most of my family and my mates Jen, Fi, Kathryn and Anne. Fionna's little 3 month old boy, William is adorable! Jen and I caught up for brunch in Newtown last Saturday. It was great to spend time with Jen and I hope to catch up with her often. We visited a fun new button shop and some of my old favourite stores in Newtown.
Next week my sister Frances arrives back from a year and a half abroad. I can't wait to see her and fiance Kristian, and for her to finally meet her nephew Ethan.
I have so far caught up with most of my family and my mates Jen, Fi, Kathryn and Anne. Fionna's little 3 month old boy, William is adorable! Jen and I caught up for brunch in Newtown last Saturday. It was great to spend time with Jen and I hope to catch up with her often. We visited a fun new button shop and some of my old favourite stores in Newtown.
Next week my sister Frances arrives back from a year and a half abroad. I can't wait to see her and fiance Kristian, and for her to finally meet her nephew Ethan.
soft blocks
I made this block when Ethan was just a bump. I need to make some more so he can stack them...
IF Interview - Jenny Kostecki Shaw
Artwork by Jenny Kostecki Shaw
I don't post about my favourite artists very often, but I just had to mention this interview by Illustration Friday creator Penelope Dullaghan. She spoke to the amazing Jenny Kostecki Shaw and I think she has a lot of wise things to say about being an illustrator.
My favourite quote is...
In my illustration, sometimes I paint more dreamy and narrative; other times it’s more graphic and kid-spirited. It just depends on the project. I think if you are true to yourself, your work is going to feel like ‘you’ no matter what you create, and no matter what medium you use.
I have recently felt like I need to find my signature medium. However I love using so many different mediums such as pencils, ink, watercolour, collage, acrylic and digital or a combination. I feel very limited by picking just one. Jenny is right, developing a personal style or viewpoint is more important.