Advent Joyce

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Advent.  

It is a time of waiting for the birth of Jesus.  

A time of repentance, a time to reflect.

For me it is a time to be mindful.
Mindful of self.
Mindful of others.
Clearing the clutter from the inside.

I am going to take control of my stress levels.

It is totally up to me, what and who I allow into my life, and maybe by me taking control of my surroundings and what energies I accept from those around me, then I can begin to share my own positive and less stressed energy for calm.
That does not mean pushing people away from me, it just means when they dump on me, to nod politely, help them if they ask/want it, but not to absorb their negativity into myself.
To try and leave them feeling better, to try to share positive energy towards them.
Sort of like how a tree absorbs carbon dioxide and then emits oxygen.
(my way for words is ugg and iewww) *ahem*

Understanding that by stressing about 'all the things I have to do', does not make the task easier, it just fills my head with more crap.  It's pointless crap too.  If the job/task is not done, then get over it, tomorrow is there.  Look at what I HAVE achieved TODAY!  

Starting with my family.  

Taking time out, shutting out the negative, shutting out the rush.

Welcoming the calm, taking control, and what we allow in.

Cleansing my thoughts, tidying up my mind space, dusting out the unwanted energy,

baking batches of calm, that I can share with those around me.  

Extending the above to my workspace and colleagues.

Sharing the positive and calm with the children in the classroom.
By my actions and reactions, hopefully all positive and good, the children also learn to be calm, and keep stress out of their own little lives.  

Instead of absorbing the commercial Christmas,

 I am going to begin to exude, in simple things.  

A hug.

A 'how are you?'

Sitting in quiet.

Taking control of ME.

I am queen of my castle.
My castle is my whole self.
It's up to ME.

Happy first day of Summer Southern Hemisphere.

Hugs to you.  

Handmade

I love to make.  

  It's what makes me the me that I am.  

It's why I was born with fingers.

It's in the blood that runs through my body.

It's in the little particles of oxygen that get sucked in through my nose.

If I didn't make, then I would not be me.

I love it.

I love the texture.

I love the preparing.

I love the colours.

I love the planning.

I love the variety.

I love the shapes.

I love the thoughts.

I love the beginning,

and,

I love the ending.

For years I have made for family and friends and taken custom orders for items, but it was only December 2011 that I took the plunge and booked my own table at a very unique Made With Love Markets locally.

It was the beginning of something wonderful.

I am part of an ever growing community of some of the most amazing and gifted crafters, artists and market organisers in this most beautiful region of the Mid North Coast of NSW.

It is such an honour - I am having the time of my life.  

 Thank you to the ever growing surge of lovers of handmade.

Thank you for being part of my 'dreams come true'.

Thank you for loving items made by hand.

Cinderella knew what she was saying when she said,

'A dream is a wish your heart makes.'

xx

A is for Apron

I like my aprons.

I like them alot.

So I made some aprons,

To share in my 'shop'.

These little cuties are for sale.  AUD$10.00 each, excluding postage.

If you would like one, just pop me an email at frangapani04@yahoo.com.au

or you can find me on facebook at  Just Joyce

The first three aprons are full aprons with no pocket.

The last apron is a half apron with a little embroidered vintage kerchief pocket and braid trim.

Happy baking and cooking to you all.

xx

Everyone's A Winner Baby!

I cannot help myself.

There were a stack of bags I had packed up to take to the local charity store.

Instead of being a good girl and just dropping off the items, I went inside.

Yes.

I went inside, and look what ended up coming home with me!

It's a win win - they get stuff - I get stuff.

xx

A Rainbow Bouquet

How to put the icing on the cake of the day?

Come home from work to find a parcel from the postie had been delivered.

Here is some of what it contains - it's a bouquet of beautiful felt.

Thank you Sandie and Narissa from Winterwood Steiner Inspired Toys

Oh such beautiful colours.  

*happy dance*

xx

Grateful October - Day 31

Grateful today for the first Poppy of the season has bloomed in my little garden.  

They were planted for a reason, and every year, they flower.

xx

Grateful October - Day 30

Grateful that the last few weeks have had me feeling I have been viewing the world from this angle is now over and I am back on my feet again.  After a very brief meeting, I feel I have done what I can, and to leave the rest to the universe, it is now really quite out of my hands and I need to accept what comes.

'Put it out there' I was told, and so I did.  

(The photo above is of my Mini.  Just turned 1, and found that he was quite clever at his gymnastics on the glass-top coffee table at every opportunity he could find.  That chubby, giggly, cheeky little bubby will be 8 at the end of this year. xx)

xx