I'm playing catch up from a weekend away.

Everyone laughed when I told them I was going to Boonah for the weekend. Another quilting retreat to progress an important sewing project. I'll tell you more about that after xmas.

The other 12 ladies and I dined exquisitely on Saturday night. Here's the type of cuisine they're now serving in the Scenic Rim.

Some of the ladies did visit markets and splurged on some plants.

Back at home, Paul's orchid display is outstanding.

Over in Boston, Nick and Mey will be needing their Dri as a Bones as Hurricane Sandy heads for the east coast.

Mother nature is a force to be reckoned with no matter which way you look at it.

finished my tour of duty at the craft and quilt show

In this blog I don't comment on my work experiences. I sometimes talk about family, and most often I share with you my weekend life. ......And so it is again.

In Brisbane over the past 5 days, the craft and quilt show has dominated my time.
I've been on duty for 4 days. It's been good fun to chat with the general public and to spend time with friends.

I generally start the days with a bracing cup of coffee.

I did some painting on fabric .....

We had to explain our art quilt groups challenges. These are self portraits. Can you see mine?

I did have a piece entered in the show.... called 'Reframing your Dreams'.

Here are a couple of my favourites at the show. This one has thousands of tiny stitches.

... And this one is made from fabric. Yes it is!

Out in the selling zone was an exhibition of Steampunk paraphenalia.

Back at home the orchids are flourishing. They have had a house extension. Backyard renovation has been good for these.

Myles is talking about getting a hobby. He's quite sure it won't be quilting or gardening.
I'll keep you informed.

went to a 60th birthday morning tea

Happy Birthday to Ben.

Happy day, happy year, happy life!!

reflect on a fabulous exhibition

Friday night was the culmination of 18 months creative work for my PPP textile art group.
A grand opening at Gallery 159 The Gap, at which we unveiled our latest challenge exhibition entitled 'Glad Rags'.

Welcome to our show.

Planning is underway for the next one.

took a trip to Tarome

Paul and I were extremely fortunate to be invited back to St Christopher and Goddess Ali's piece of heaven at Tarome in the Scenic Rim.

Here's a peek at the miracles that happened there.

Here I am drawing the splendours, while friends use paint, rollers, an old fence post and a tree to create rubbings.

The wonders of creation were witnessed with these baby Willy Wagtails.

Goddess Ali led her angels Sue, Jane and Suzanne in an exercise of humility.

And the apostle Peter admires his latest text.

All things bright and beautiful.... In our garden.

I'm so grateful for special days like these.

found some special spots in Brisbane

I was shopping in Brisbane city this morning and came upon these.

Lanterns at Southbank

A new decorative facade on the wintergarten arcade.

And some cosmopolitan window decoration.

In family birthday news, Rowan turns 24 on Tuesday.

and Paul's garden grows.

wanted to be in 2 places at once.

This time last year, Paul and I visited the annual SWELL sculpture exhibition held at Currumbin Beach on the Gold Coast.
It's a fantastic festival. As you wander along the waterfront, you find pieces like this.

and this

 

and even this piece from 2011, called the 'Little Mermaid'.

 

 

This year however we had other fish to fry. (and sausages too)

 

 



This 'little mermaid' has just turned 21.
Her parents hosted a fantastical nautically themed do.

There were jelly shots

..... and an entire octopus's garden created by Lizzie, the mermaid's big sister.

On Sunday though it was Paul's turn to mastermind a sausage sizzle at the local Bunnings.
It was a fundraiser for his Community Band. He's fairly chuffed with the results. The dollars will go towards purchasing new music, funding a professional conductor and generally keeping the River City Band organisation afloat.

What a lot of seafaring references in this blog. I'd better cast off from my computer and go and think about dinner. Guess what we're having????