Moo

Much excitements! The Moo cards I ordered two weeks ago arrived today. So very happy with the results.

More wip

Ahh, what a fabulous weekend. Breakfast in bed, some thrifty finds at Bunnings (more on that later), Christmas in July festivities, Flight of the Conchords, a market run, homemade pizza and a sewing project.

I've probably had the fabric for about a year, it had been washed and dried and it was ready to go. I knew I wanted to make a pair of pants, but I wasn't too sure what pattern to use. Probably because I hate patterns and tend to make it up as I go, which usually ends in disaster, or unfinished business. I've taken sewing lessons before and I remember my teacher encouraging us to take apart a favourite skirt/shirt/pants once they'd had their final wear. So that's what I did. I pulled apart my favourite pair of pants. At close to five years old they'd certainly gone the distance. They were well made too - it took me forever to unpick them!

I am close to finishing. It took me a while to work out how to do the fake pockets, but they're done and in. Pointless, sure, but a good exercise nevertheless. I've joined the legs together and just need to sew the waistband together and attached that. And then hem, which would have to be my nemisis in this whole process. Fingers crossed I can get it right. If all goes well, I will be tempted to make a pair in every colour!

WIP

I know Saturday is meant to be a showcase of sketches. And I have no doubt in time it will. Just not this week, or last. I did put pen to paper a few times, but nothing came of it. Hopefully the Foundation Art Class that I've signed up for, which starts on Monday night will help. I'm very excited about the whole concept of being in a creative environment again. Anyway I thought I'd leave you with a wip, something I've been working on when I can. I'm not sure I'll be happy with the final result, but I'm happy enough to learn from the process.

Yellow and grey

Yay for Friday. My short working week has felt looong. As the weekend stretches out before me, there's a sense of relief that I don't have to watch the weather forecast to work out when I'm going to get a 2+ hour run in. Mr T has already booked a sleep-in for tomorrow, even though I am notoriously bad at sleeping past 7:30am. I love being up early, I love that it gives you a chance to fit that much more in your day. There's so much to do.

After almost a year of sitting on bean bags, Mr T's new couches arrived about a month ago. They're sorely in need of some decorative cushions, and perhaps a throw for the cold winter nights. The couch is a cream leather and under our current lighting looks to have yellow undertones. As a result I can't get the combination of yellow and grey out of my mind. So this weekend may well involve sourcing material so I can make some cushions. Here's hoping.

Tasty

Admittedly, I wear far too much black. Most Melburnians do. I love that this brooch by elk accessories* makes things a little less boring. And I love that it's a gift from Mr T.

* I do find the website to be rather irritating, there's far too much backwards and forwards going on for my liking; you've been warned.

Home before dark

Last night was productive, indeed. Finally nailed a muffin recipe that isn't too sweet for Mr T but sweet enough for me. Was able to use up the baby pak choy in this recipe. Crocheted another square, gosh it's slow progress on that one and spent some quality time on an arty project. Ahh the joys of finishing work on time.

Night / morning

We got to the Gold Coast late on Friday night, I didn't capture the shimmering lights particularly well! But it was quite a nice view riverside from our hotel room. Surfers Paradise held little attraction for us, but strolling to Broadbeach and basking in gloriously mild weather was enough. The marathon was a success, in that I finished, and enjoyed the experience so much that I've entertained thoughts of doing another one. That said, I'm excited to be back and looking forward to spending some quality time in my sewing/drawing room, amongst other things.

Cross that off the list

There are nine things on my list of 'Things to do in 09'. Running a stand alone marathon is one of them. That's happening this weekend. I'm dragging Mr T to the Gold Coast and running 42km on Sunday. Racing means a fairly quiet weekend taking it very easy. I've done my research and found all the decent cafes that serve good coffee within walking distance from our hotel, so that should keep the boy happy.

This has been a tough event to train for, particularly these last few weeks as the weather has become colder, wetter and windier. Running and I have a love/hate relationship. I hate that it hangs over my head when it's a training day, it's frustrating that I am not a natural born runner but I love being outside in glorious sunshine and I relish the satisfaction of completing a long run. And who could forget the endorphins!

Back in 04, I started training for my first ever triathlon. Four years later I completed Ironman (3.8km swim, 180km ride, 42km run). It's an incredibly selfish sport, sometimes all consuming, but gives you an incredible sense of achievement. It requires dedication, determination, self belief and toughness - mainly mental, but also physical. Sunday marks the end of this craziness for now. I believe exercise is a really important part of my life. But I'd like to see more balance in my time between the active and the creative. I look forward to getting back on my bike that's been sorely neglected these past few months, visiting the yoga shed just up the road from home more often and having more time during the week and on weekends to take up creative pursuits. This is why I started this blog to document the transition and following results.

Enjoy your weekend whatever you're pursuing.
And viva le tour!

With jam and cream

My Mum is also quite taken with Masterchef. She whipped up a batch of date & lemon scones as demonstrated by Gary on Friday night's episode. I was only too happy to oblige. Indeed they were delicious. Definitely assisting in the carbo loading before this weekend's marathon!

Longing for summer

It's grey and dreary in Melbourne town today. The antithesis of this photo.

I cannot wait until it's warm enough to wear the shoes my Dad bought back as a gift from his trip to India.