tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73313814783107632012024-03-14T02:23:15.796+10:00Children of the New ForestChild of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-67898019439235962282010-08-15T09:24:00.001+10:002010-08-15T09:26:23.766+10:00Weekending<div align="center">A profusion of purple</div>
<p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505410720322160114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 466px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TGcl4ZduBfI/AAAAAAAAAjY/jpiCHxZkdz0/s400/easter+daisies.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Easter daisies from the markets
</p>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-23234388989189234122010-08-13T13:48:00.006+10:002010-08-13T14:04:48.665+10:00Friday Favourites and a FOA perfect sunny late-winters day. Sky so blue you could reach right out and touch it.
<p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504738979753763218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 363px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 425px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TGTC7814IZI/AAAAAAAAAjI/K0oOSIO8tMc/s400/winters+day.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p>
</p>
Dancing angels to watch over the wee one as he sleeps.
<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504738983414163010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 340px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TGTC8KelZkI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/l8X7dqUuMrc/s400/dancing+angels.JPG" border="0" />Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-55851729827097770442010-08-01T08:07:00.004+10:002010-08-01T08:25:10.331+10:00Happy Imbolc!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TFSitYZrheI/AAAAAAAAAjA/hxtMHX8myxk/s1600/starlight.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500199945454192098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TFSitYZrheI/AAAAAAAAAjA/hxtMHX8myxk/s400/starlight.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<p>Today we're celebrating Imbolc/Candlemas. I don't know if these two festivals are actually the same thing, but in my mind they are. It's a time to celebrate the promise of spring and new beginnings. I have taken down all our winter decorations. Our nature table is bare, save for a plain white silk and a single candle. For the time being candles are our only decorations to symbolise that this is a time of preparation, hope an expectancy. They also serve as a reminder of the little flicker of flame burning inside the earth ready to burst forth in new life at spring. </p>
<p>The six weeks between Imbolc and Ostara are when I embark upon a thorough spring clean of the house. Trying to get everything sparkling and decluttered so we can enjoy the lightness of the summer months without having to do any major housework (it's waaaay to hot in summer for that!!). It's also a time to dig over and prepare the garden beds. </p>
<p>This is also said to be an ideal time to visualise and dream about what you hope to bring forth this coming year. </p>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-44640204833688694542010-07-30T09:57:00.002+10:002010-07-30T10:02:59.573+10:00Finished Object Friday<div>Finished the little gnome celebration circle. Here they are dancing away:</div>
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<div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499482950807064370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TFIWmzMsDzI/AAAAAAAAAi4/ATmsboib0SE/s400/rainbow+gnomes.JPG" border="0" />
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div align="center"><em>10 little gnomes stand up straight
</em></div>
<div align="center"><em>10 little gnomes make a gate
</em></div>
<div align="center"><em>10 little gnomes make a ring
</em></div>
<div align="center"><em>10 little gnomes bow to the king
</em></div>
<div align="center"><em>10 little gnomes dance all day
</em></div>
<div align="center"><em>10 little gnomes hide away
</em></div>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-46035898095797172242010-07-28T10:13:00.003+10:002010-07-28T10:17:56.890+10:00WIP Wednesday<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TE93HY84cvI/AAAAAAAAAiw/1Z0B_57IYrk/s1600/celebration+circle+wip.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498744638883263218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TE93HY84cvI/AAAAAAAAAiw/1Z0B_57IYrk/s400/celebration+circle+wip.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<div>The wee one took an early nap so I got in a little bit of morning crafting. Taking a break from the red socks (one down!!) and working on one of these gorgeous little <a href="http://motherrhythm.blogspot.com/2010/05/celebration-ring-tutorial.html">rainbow gnome celebration circles.</a> </div>
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<div></div>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-620657141214746642010-07-26T20:03:00.001+10:002010-07-28T08:56:32.551+10:00Waldorf Mondays<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TE9X-B5ZLeI/AAAAAAAAAio/_5aCdrI6U3g/s1600/beeswax+lantern.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498710393215331810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TE9X-B5ZLeI/AAAAAAAAAio/_5aCdrI6U3g/s400/beeswax+lantern.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<div>On Monday night I made beeswax lanterns with my oldest son using <a href="http://morningsunrae.blogspot.com/2009/11/beeswax-lantern-tutorial.html">Morning Sun Rae's tutorial</a>. </div>
<div>Although we didn't decorate ours, the soft golden glow of the beeswax looks unbelievably beautiful in a dark room. </div>
<div></div>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-21539108107832829102010-07-20T14:07:00.004+10:002010-07-20T14:21:37.592+10:00Waldorf MondaysOn Mondays we do wet-on-wet watercolour painting. As its winter we are currently working only with blue. <div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495835788248978594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 273px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TEUhh_51lKI/AAAAAAAAAiY/lCt_GF4CE-8/s400/painting+1.JPG" border="0" />
<p> I paint alongside the little one. As an adult I sometimes find it hard to let go of the need to create 'form' in my painting, so before I begin I like to keep in mind these words from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sharifa</span> Oppenheimer (Heaven on Earth) <em><strong>"I paint, slowly and with curiosity, watching as the red moves around the page. my purpose is not to crate a formed image, but rather to really experience the feeling of red!" </p></strong></em>
<p><em><strong></strong></em> </p><p><strong><em><p> </em></strong>And a picture of my beautiful yellow roses bought from the farmers markets on the weekend, because I love them so much. </p></p>
<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495835804421437186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TEUhi8JptwI/AAAAAAAAAig/ylzrm_O665I/s400/yellow+roses.JPG" border="0" />Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-79871445715362994872010-07-19T08:31:00.003+10:002010-07-19T08:33:51.211+10:00Weekending<p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TEOA7sv_54I/AAAAAAAAAiI/wDUlT7lXdJw/s1600/sunrise+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495377733435254658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TEOA7sv_54I/AAAAAAAAAiI/wDUlT7lXdJw/s400/sunrise+1.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><p>In a matter of seconds the sky was blazing with a hundred tiny fires.</p><p> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495377737213350514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TEOA760xEnI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/3W4SgpKnwRU/s400/sunrise+2.JPG" border="0" /></p>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-26011037385449248592010-07-16T15:43:00.004+10:002010-07-16T15:57:49.398+10:00Friday Finished Object<p>No crafting to show for this week, still going with the socks.</p>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TD_0rQYaHFI/AAAAAAAAAiA/qn6A0Hsi_Qs/s1600/apricot++biss+balls.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 330px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TD_0rQYaHFI/AAAAAAAAAiA/qn6A0Hsi_Qs/s400/apricot++biss+balls.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494379094384188498" /></a>
Here's some apricot cashew bliss balls instead. Bliss balls are the latest craze around here in my search for healthy snack food. <br />
<br />
<strong> To make: </strong>br />
<br />
Place the following in the bowl of your food processor:<br />
1.5 cups raw cashews<br />
1.5 cups dried apricots<br />
1/3 cup of desiccated coconut<br />
2 tblsp honey<br />
juice of half a lemon<br/>
<br />
Process on highest speed until the mixture is well combined and starting to stick together. If your mixture is too sticky add a little more desiccated coconut, if it's too dry, a little more lemon juice or water. <br />
Roll into balls then roll in extra desiccated coconut.Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-80599199192969708792010-07-14T16:37:00.008+10:002010-07-14T16:40:44.894+10:00WIP WednesdayStill going with the red socks...
<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493647525207186114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TD1bUU0tmsI/AAAAAAAAAh4/ilVPiPtnGec/s400/red+socks+2.JPG" border="0" />
Working the heel of sock #1 at present. <br />
<br />
Progress is slow, but that's why I like knitting.Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-20668566368313558132010-07-12T13:19:00.003+10:002010-07-12T13:39:23.522+10:00Waldorf MondaysTwinkle moon and twinkle star
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TDqOLQYmsWI/AAAAAAAAAhw/2OziVfvgYB4/s1600/twinkle+star.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492859019559612770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TDqOLQYmsWI/AAAAAAAAAhw/2OziVfvgYB4/s400/twinkle+star.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<div>
<p></p><p></p><p>It doesn't snow here in Brisbane, so to me Winter is a time to celebrate the dark of night. </p></div>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-9789909587946405852010-07-11T19:38:00.006+10:002010-07-12T09:06:26.004+10:00WeekendingA trip to the farmers markets for some new additions to the herb garden <div><div>
<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492788596756412066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TDpOIG_7dqI/AAAAAAAAAhY/MbWLLAGUG9s/s400/herbs.JPG" border="0" />
<div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>and enough red onions to make <a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1404/red-onion-marmalade">red onion marmalade</a>.</div>
<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492788604075298194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TDpOIiQ4zZI/AAAAAAAAAhg/x9x-a0VAGaI/s400/red+onions.JPG" border="0" />
<div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Then a little fabric shopping, inspired by this great <a href="http://blueyonderranch.com/family-fun/family-games-checkers/">checkerboard</a>. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492788587049677842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TDpOHi1qdBI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/1TsfL-xdPo8/s400/fabric.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-45706378121917913682010-07-09T11:31:00.003+10:002010-07-09T11:36:43.479+10:00Friday Favourites<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TDZ89Yu1xXI/AAAAAAAAAgw/_XxE8HFsNaY/s1600/toddler+picnic.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491714189677675890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TDZ89Yu1xXI/AAAAAAAAAgw/_XxE8HFsNaY/s400/toddler+picnic.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<div>A picnic morning tea with the little ones.</div>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-17735814987913239072010-07-07T19:31:00.003+10:002010-07-07T19:38:11.480+10:00WIP Wednesday<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TDRKy6K_nII/AAAAAAAAAgo/Ib3aYkPFSpA/s1600/red+socks.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491096084140760194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 290px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/TDRKy6K_nII/AAAAAAAAAgo/Ib3aYkPFSpA/s400/red+socks.JPG" border="0" /></a>
The <a href="http://theknitter.nicolehindes.com/2007/06/23/workin-9-to-5-a-free-pattern/">red socks</a>. <br/>
My first attempt at socks.Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-86851019150634301872010-05-06T14:11:00.006+10:002010-05-06T14:38:27.647+10:00Mothers Day Crafting<p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/S-JFVSW6DWI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/UTEoOtPs9kY/s1600/fabric+notepads.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468009129588690274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/S-JFVSW6DWI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/UTEoOtPs9kY/s400/fabric+notepads.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<p>I like to give mothers day gifts that are genuine and from the heart. Something hand crafted or often a pretty flowering plant or a pot of herbs. </p>
<p>This year I've made a pair of fabric covered A5 notebooks (one each for my mum and MIL) following <a href="http://craftblog.com.au/2008/07/21/notebook-cover-tutorial/">this great tutorial </a>on Craft Blog. The fabric I used is Ginger Blossom by Sandi Henderson for Michael Miller, which I got on special for $11 per meter at Peppermint Stitches. Can you believe it?? I want to go back and buy all they have left! </p><p></p><p>
<p>I couldn't resist posting a picture of this gorgeous little note card set I picked up at the newsagents this morning when purchasing the blank notepads. That sweet little tin it comes in is going to be perfect for storing craft bits and pieces. </p><p></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468009134284127858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 297px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/S-JFVj2YvnI/AAAAAAAAAgY/CtGXNomHH68/s400/notecards.JPG" border="0" /></p>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-55185481743946946142010-04-24T14:40:00.000+10:002010-05-06T14:42:14.475+10:0024.04.2010<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/S9KFHymiw3I/AAAAAAAAAgA/YLkRPSrBhCE/s1600/morning+rain2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463575666842846066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/S9KFHymiw3I/AAAAAAAAAgA/YLkRPSrBhCE/s400/morning+rain2.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<div><div align="center"><span style="color:#33cc00;">Early morning rain makes me feel cosy and warm inside my home.</span></div></div>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-9464723061699960332009-12-29T08:19:00.004+10:002009-12-29T08:37:12.251+10:00Playing in the Rain<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/Szky1vNExAI/AAAAAAAAAfs/UK2Ti8OKxMw/s1600-h/playing+in+the+rain.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420419525302862850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/Szky1vNExAI/AAAAAAAAAfs/UK2Ti8OKxMw/s400/playing+in+the+rain.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<p>After months of feeling as parched as the landscape, we are finally getting some decent rain here.</p>
<p>This morning the little one raced out for a turn on the swing, it had just started drizzling, but I thought "what the heck, we were about to have our shower anyway". So I popped him on the swing. As I sat out there pushing him the rain fell upon us. Lightly at first, then quite heavily. We stayed out there as the rain drenched our clothes and skin and hair. It felt so nice the pitter patter of rain drops on bare skin. </P!>
<p>When the rain eased up we headed inside to dry off. I felt so refreshed and energised, like that feeling you get after swimming in a brisk ocean. Then the sun came out turning all the raindrops into tiny crystals. Everything looked all the more beautiful for us having just been out there. </p>
<p>I wonder why people have become so afraid of going out in the rain? It's only water! The only thing that would have made our splash in the rain more perfect is if we were naked, then I wouldn't have been left with a pile of soggy clothes to deal with :) </p>
<p>Hope you had a good Christmas!</p><p> </p><p><p> Photo credit <a href="http://30secondrule.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/rain-puddle.jpg"><em>http://30secondrule.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/rain-puddle.jpg</em></a></p></p>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-61969737591180138652009-12-03T09:01:00.003+10:002009-12-03T14:59:43.768+10:00Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/SxbzH6eCQGI/AAAAAAAAAfk/iCfrYvjNhoo/s1600-h/kookaburra.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410779319612096610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/SxbzH6eCQGI/AAAAAAAAAfk/iCfrYvjNhoo/s400/kookaburra.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<div>We don't get a lot of kookaburras here in the suburbs, but lately there's been a group of three of them hanging around. I snapped this magnificent one sitting on the neighbors clothes line this morning.</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-64041165738391153652009-12-02T06:33:00.005+10:002009-12-02T07:13:31.944+10:00"Nature and the Human Soul" a Book Review of Sorts<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/SxWGnMwfgVI/AAAAAAAAAfc/7x0KwhDz1X8/s1600/nature+and+the+human+soul.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410378535353155922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 303px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/SxWGnMwfgVI/AAAAAAAAAfc/7x0KwhDz1X8/s400/nature+and+the+human+soul.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<p>I read a lot of books. Too many books really. Any time I want to know something I immediately turn to a book. Which is fine, but all this reading takes a lot of time. Time in which I could be actually doing things. So in a way reading about something is a form of procrastination for me. An excuse. I can put off actually doing something until I've finished reading about it. Which is not really fine. Because often reading about it is as far as I'll get.</p>
<p>I've also come to realise that there are a lot of ordinary books out there, and life really is too short to waste time reading an ordinary book. I also find that I invest many hours reading a book, only to have it tell me something I already know. So with free time at a premium, I could save myself a lot of time by just listen to my inner wisdom first. Too much reading is just clutter for the mind. </p>
<p>You could say that "Nature and the Human Soul" by Bill Plotkin has changed my life. This is IT. This is the one book that I have been looking for my whole life. This is the book that I have been searching for in all my readings, all the ecology, sustainability, spirituality, pagan/wiccan books I have been reading to date have just been skirting around the issue. This book is the real deal. I admit that I haven't read the whole thing yet, but what I have read so far I am mighty impressed by. So impressed that I took all my other library books back. So impressed that I actually ordered a copy of it from Amazon to have for my own. I know I will be referring back to this book again and again. </p>
<p>"Nature and the Human Soul" offers a model for the life long spiritual development of our wild selves. The parts of our selves that are denied in our current culture of unremitting production and consumption. But the best thing about this book is that it's not just a theoretical model Plotkin's offering. There are actual practical guidelines for the "tasks" of each stage of development. I intend to work closely with the advice offered in this book. I don't know about you but I feel keenly that there's some dimension sorely lacking in my current life, and I hope the exercises in this book will help to address that. </p>
<p>This book is deep and dense and not always an easy read. But don't let that put you off. See if your local library has a copy. If you live in Brisbane, it definitely will (because I've currently got it!). </p>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-54338290087895286692009-11-25T07:13:00.005+10:002009-11-25T07:22:11.372+10:00What Did You Do?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/SwxN9ZKdBQI/AAAAAAAAAfU/mbbKE9pxjuE/s1600/child.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407782969687213314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 331px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/SwxN9ZKdBQI/AAAAAAAAAfU/mbbKE9pxjuE/s400/child.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<div>it's 3:2 in the morning <br />
and I'm awake <br />
because my great great grandchildren <br />
won't let me sleep <br />
my great great grandchildren <br />
ask me in dreams <br />
what did you do while the planet was plundered? <br />
what did you do when the earth was unraveling? <br />
<br />
surely you did something <br />
when the seasons started failing? <br />
<br />
as the mammals, reptiles, birds were all dying? <br />
<br />
did you fill the streets with protest? <br />
when democracy was stolen? <br />
<br />
what did you do <br />
once <br />
you <br />
knew?... <br />
<br />
DREW <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DELLINGER</span>, "HIEROGLYPHIC STAIRWAY" <br />
<br />
<div align="left"><em>Photo from </em><a href="http://static.squidoo.com/resize/squidoo_images/-1/lens1766242_1227240845Last_Child_in_the_Woods.jpg"><em>http://static.squidoo.com/resize/squidoo_images/-1/lens1766242_1227240845Last_Child_in_the_Woods.jpg</em></a></div></div>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-90000583968479989062009-11-24T17:23:00.001+10:002009-11-24T17:25:08.318+10:00Deep Ecology<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ii8wTCFEIuI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ii8wTCFEIuI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-64135789112925966562009-11-04T10:58:00.005+10:002009-11-04T11:25:31.433+10:00Small Steps - Disposing of Garden Poisons<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/SvDVx6YY6_I/AAAAAAAAAe8/bnLfaMd0LPI/s1600-h/gardenpoison.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400051006679084018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 291px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/SvDVx6YY6_I/AAAAAAAAAe8/bnLfaMd0LPI/s400/gardenpoison.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<p>Spurred into action by reading Silent Spring and having a very inquisitive toddler on the loose, I decided it was time to get together and dispose of all the bottles of garden chemicals that have been lurking in the garage for who-knows-how-long (certainly longer than DH and I have been together...) These chemicals are not the sort of things I want to be using in my garden, and honestly I don't see why anyone needs to be using poisons in their garden. Seems like overkill to me. </p>
<p>Unfortunately you can't just dump this stuff in your wheelie bin and forget about it. In landfill the poisons would leech out of their containers and contaminate soil and groundwater (just like what happens when you spray them in your garden!). In Brisbane the council runs designated "collection days" at local tips. Our next one is not until December 5th. So I have gathered the offending items into a box with a big label on it reminding me of the collection date, and placed it somewhere that I definitely won't miss seeing it. I do not want to miss that date! </p><p></p><p><p>Contact your council to find out how garden poisons are to be disposed of in your area. </p><p></p>
<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400051010403872626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/SvDVyIQcr3I/AAAAAAAAAfE/yM8JQy_itrA/s400/forcollection.JPG" border="0" />
<p>And if you haven't read Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, it will frighten the heck out of you. Certainly makes me more committed than ever to purchasing organically grown produce. </p>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-18864579713739495332009-11-01T09:04:00.005+10:002009-11-01T09:32:47.355+10:00Small Steps - Locally Grown Garlic<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/SuzDBnprGJI/AAAAAAAAAe0/PUPcA7rkWuo/s1600-h/garlic.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398904485901441170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/SuzDBnprGJI/AAAAAAAAAe0/PUPcA7rkWuo/s400/garlic.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<div><p>Garlic is one thing we use a lot of but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">unfortunately</span> don't get much of in our <a href="http://www.foodconnect.com.au/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">CSA</span> boxes</a> at the moment. I used to just pick up a bulb or two at the supermarket to make up the shortfall. Unfortunately at nearly all supermarkets and fruit and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">vegie</span> shops around here, the only garlic you'll find is imported. Though it was obvious that the imported stuff looked a lot different to what we get in our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">vegie</span> boxes, what I didn't realise was that all garlic imported into Australia is <a href="http://www.diggers.com.au/articleBewareImportedGarlic.shtml">fumigated with Methyl Bromide</a>. This is not something I want to be ingesting while eating something that is supposed to be good for the health! </p></div><div></div><div><p>Now the only garlic I'll buy is the Aussie grown stuff, which I get at the <a href="http://www.ourbrisbane.com/whats-on/markets/527903.chandler-markets">Chandler Markets</a>. It is a lot more expensive than the imported stuff, but you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">don't</span> need a lot (I paid $1 per bulb for those above). And just look how beautiful it is :) </p></div>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-77063136046686473622009-10-30T21:29:00.005+10:002009-10-30T21:35:40.966+10:00Small Steps - Grey Water Hose<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/SurOQBDx_BI/AAAAAAAAAes/8owpyLeT3b0/s1600-h/greywaterhose.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398353877914483730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/SurOQBDx_BI/AAAAAAAAAes/8owpyLeT3b0/s400/greywaterhose.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<div><p>Finally reconnected the grey water hose! We were using it all the time in the height of the 2007 drought but packed it away while the house was being renovated. Now it's back! Carrying waste water from the washing machine to the herb garden out the front. I wash all our clothes in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lux</span> soap flakes plus Eco Store brand Oxygen Whitener for the nappies, so I'm fairly confident it's safe for the garden. And the herb garden sure could use the extra water. </p></div><div> </div><div><p>Time and effort = about 10 minutes. </p></div><div> </div><div><p>Why hadn't I done this sooner?</p></div><div> </div><div> </div>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7331381478310763201.post-58581815770472031622009-10-14T14:47:00.003+10:002009-10-14T14:49:53.997+10:00It's Raining It's Pouring<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/StVYOE3uHEI/AAAAAAAAAeE/fvRZjOnEc30/s1600-h/rain.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392313127694900290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 305px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EalHD_fa7tw/StVYOE3uHEI/AAAAAAAAAeE/fvRZjOnEc30/s400/rain.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<div>Finally!!</div><div>{From last night's storms}</div>Child of the New Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511237824105195903noreply@blogger.com3