Altered Image - Begonia

I am not sure where the days are going lately.  

There has been little time for stitching but I thought I would just play with this photo of a begonia from my garden.  I used adobe photo shop - filter - plastic wrap option.  It gives an interesting depth to the pic but I think I like the original better.  It is hard to improve on nature.

This week has been particularly busy with the little twins I mind suffering from a nasty tummy virus.  This has meant that my usual babysitting has not happened but there has been lots of intermittent childcare needed and attendance at appointments and other help required.   

Everything seems to have settled down now but the lack of routine and the concern have rather messed up my week.

I will post in a day or two to let you know how I went at the Frankston Waterfront Festival last week.

In the meantime it is Australia Day today and also my youngest daughter's birthday so there is much to reflect on and celebrate.

The weather is continuing to challenge many of us with floods in parts of Queensland as well as the most unusual occurance of tornadoes up that way too.  Fires are still burning in areas of our state of Victoria as well as other parts of this vast land. 

I notice it is cold and snowing in parts of the UK, Europe and USA with many suffering as a consequence.

My thoughts are with those who are distressed and suffering, although these thoughts seem so inadequate.

Take care, keep safe and create something beautiful when you can.  

flood relief appeals

Many people are trying to think of ways to help the victims of the terrible floods engulfing Queensland and New South Wales.  


Visit the two blogs below if you want to help.

Jenny of ELEFANTZ: FLOOD RELIEF - auctioning two of my handmade original Shabby Roses quilts!

Among The Gum Trees: We need your help!!!


 

Last minute projects

I have been busy making little note book covers as last minute gifts.  I found a tutorial the other day  
and have been inspired to make a few in my own way.  I will post some pics in a day or to.
http://weddingdressblue.wordpress.com/2010/12/01/idea-notebook-tutorial/

I hope the link works.

Christmas is almost here and I am having trouble capturing the mood.  The weather here has been cold and not at all the sort of thing we look forward to for the holidays.  This country is so vast and the range of weather is amazing.  Floods up in the southern parts of Queensland and in parts of Western Australia.  The Snowy Mountains in NSW have Snow!!!! even though it is summer.

Today is the summer solstice (longest day) - I must go outside and have a look as I believe there is a lunar exclipse tonight.