Christine - What's in a name

C is for Christine the A - Z Challenge

 

Source: flickr.com via Keri on Pinterest

My current book mark reads:- 

Christine, From the Greek word for 'annointed'. 

With the face of an angel and a personality to match,

she is heaven sent. 

A sensitive friend.

 

 

But I like to think it means

   

Source: centsationalgirl.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Billabong Bliss

Billabong (pron.: /ˈbɪləbɒŋ/, BIL-ə-bong) is an Australian English word meaning a small lake, specifically an oxbow lake, a section of still water adjacent to a river, cut off by a change in the watercourse.^[1] Billabongs are usually formed when the path of a creek or river changes, leaving the former branch with a dead end. Billabongs, reflecting the arid Australian climate in which these "dead rivers" are found, fill with water seasonally and are dry for a greater part of the year.^[2]

 

 

 

Coronet Bay - Victoria, Australia

 

This is my secret wonderland, a small billabong hidden behind a quiet coastal beach.  Walking distance from my beach shack. 

 

This billabong is home to a large paddling of ducks, several white faced heron and I've been warned, a haven for a slither of snakes.  I tread carefully when navigating my way around this tranquil environment.  The Jack Russell pups are on a very short leash when we walk along the track.  The water is fresh and clean [I know, I've tasted it] and far on the other side of this oasis is rich farm land occupied by a herd of wet nosed, sweet faced dairy cows. 

Blue, cloudy skies are a feature of my wonderland and quite frankly, this part of the world, top and bottom, is a tiny bit of heaven.

 

The billabong flows quietly into the ocean, stretching across the sandy beach, digging deep crevices into the sand.  The Jack Russells have finally learnt that sea water does not quench a thirst and a playful race to the meandering billabong overflow will fortify them on their journey home.

 

Ah such bliss ~ my billabong wonderland

 

Sweet dreams ~ Goldie and Lilly

 

A Crazy Quilt

Machine quilting gives the quilt a bubbly effect

After much huffing and puffing about the effort and constant negative thoughts about how I don't have the time or the patience to make a quilt, last year I finally made a quilt.  In fact, I made one and a half quilts.  This is not my first attempt but compared to what I've produced days gone by this is more like what a quilt should be.  I think!  You see this quilt is as stiff as a board and whilst colourful it lacks the comfort factor, a bit like cold soup.

I never really follow a pattern and have little regard for instructions of any type, [probably because I used to write technical training manuals in my hay-day].  Since I'm not a 'quilter' I decided I really needed to at least watch a couple of videos [absolute preferred way to learn these days] if I were ever going to make a 'real quilt' just like the experts.  

I'm ever so grateful for the videos I've sourced on the Internet and I appreciate the time, skill and energy required to create these masterpieces.  [I appreciate them because I used to make video's on how to use databases ~ OMG so boring how did I ever do it?  I cringe whenever I think about those days], and for this reason I'm addicted to purchasing crafty videos in my quest to learn.

I gave my cardboard crazy quilt to my MIL and she really appreciates it and I know it will one day be re-gifted back to me.  I'm mortified that it's not snugly and smoochy and cozy and warm and as comforting as a bowl of soup, but at least I quashed the negative thoughts and got on with the job and FINISHED IT.

My next adventure into the world of high tech teaching videos is MIXED MEDIA.  I just have to get into the zone [whatever that is?] and create something that gives me a warm glow all over.  It's exciting, can't wait to share. 

A Picture Book

Nothing better to do today but clean out some cupboards and what a nice surprise to find these cute treasures.  The book that I took these photos from date back to about 1951 and whilst the binding has all but disintegrated the pages within have survived the test of time.

Red Nose Day Dolls

 

 

My friend Jodie from Ric Rac is a pattern maker of many things, in particular soft toys and even more particularly she makes very small things.  I have made two of her tiny teapot pin cushions, (as well as heaps of her other stuff) they make perfect gifts for friends, pins included.  I think I'll blog about that effort and give Jodie another shout out, another day.  There's a pattern here (pardon the pun) but I am repeating myself.

 

Well, it really is best to visit Jodie's blog to see all that she is doing for the Red Nose Day Doll project.  You won't believe the things she gets up to unless you take a peek yourself at Ric Rac, never a dull post, that's for sure.

 

I love the idea Jodie's gal friends have come up with, Emma Mitchell and Ros Badger and you can see and read all about their fundraising project here at Red Nose Day Dolls FB page.

 

Another lovely blog to read is the  Red Nose Day Dolls Blog, really cute and full of fun and happiness. 

 

Below is an amazing YouTube video you just have to watch and if you like it, why not click the 'Like' button there too.

 

 

 

How clever is this video?

Karen Boatwright must be one of the most patient souls on this planet. 

I love it so much and keep watching it over and over.

 

Cheers from me here

 

Beachcombing and a Dragon

 Last week when I was out walking along this peaceful stretch of beach I came across this dragon. 

Isn't she a beauty?

She sleeps in a gorgeous coastal bay in Victoria, Australia.  She's my new BF.  I can sit beside her and take in the beauty of the ocean, the cliffs and amazing bird life and feel at peace with my life.  She let's me talk with interrupting, keeps me warm and asks no questions.

This is her long and awesome body. See her short legs at the front?  Her beautiful snoozy face is hidden and she just lies there protecting the ocean and yes, letting every living soul walk all over her!!



Such is life - she is my beauty.

Do you see what I see?  Or do you think I've been in the sun too long?