simple gifts

I'm such a sucker for a simple, handmade, heartfelt gift. I'm not too sure exactly why that is, maybe it's the time and effort that goes in to each and every aspect of them. Like with this super sweet bag with little cross stitch embellishment - made by my biggest girl (almost 12) as a gift for her Mumma before her latest trip away (see my last post for the details). 

You see, the fabric is one from my stash that I've been hording for quite some time (waiting for the perfect project), the cross stitch is her first ever attempt at that craft, the simple timber beads and natural leather strap were carefully chosen for their 'earthy rawness' and to tone the whole project down, the size and shape of the bag were designed to fit perfectly into my favourite handbag (and to house just the right amount of yarn for a decent sized project), and the whole thing was made with the most important ingredient - love!   

So, are you like me?

Do you value simple, heartfelt things in your life?

Do you take the time to make gifts like these for those who you hold near and dear too?

If you're not a craft-y type to you give heartfelt gifts of another kind? 

lost my voice

I know that I don't frequent this space as much as I'd hoped to this year, for many reasons, but the main one is that I feel my blog writing voice has somehow been lost.

On a recent trip down south I had the pleasure of sitting and chatting all manner of things with the gorgeous Kate over knitting. We touched on the topic of expressing ourselves in a way that escaped the instant realm of other social media types and I mentioned how I missed actually 'writing', and that the Instant-ness of Instagram has somehow lost its shine. Typing meaningful words, as in a journal entry, and publishing them without instant recognition can be daunting, but to me it's therapeutic, somewhat releasing, and a wonderful way to clear and free the mind. 

Her words of advice to me to find my blog writing voice were simple, just 'write', don't think about it, the words will just come.

So, here I am, just simply writing, not about too much, just life as it is today on this chilly Winters morning. 

Today I'm .....

Plating : : the first of my Spring plantings with my littlest two, early I know, but each year I seem to be wishing I had started earlier so this year I am!

Missing : : my biggest girl very much!!! She has embarked on a 10 day father daughter trip, the first of many I'm sure. Where they are there's no mobile coverage or television. Their days will be filled with adventures and their nights will be mostly spent around campfires with other friends, chatting and playing cards. She's been gone for 2 days now and I'm sure that they're both having a wonderful time.

Reading : : this incredible book that's making so much sense to me and where my life is at the moment.

Baking : : so many things from this divine book, and wondering why it has sat unused for so many months on my shelf!

Creating : : my first ever 'for sale' crochet patterns and marveling at how wonderful it has made me feel on the inside.

Dreaming : : about how wonderful a window planter box would be, hanging outside the window at my kitchen sink, the one that frames my favourite part of my garden.

Loving : : that a simple, restrained, purchase of a sweet leather bracelet on a recent trip away is bringing me joy daily.

So, how about you?
Have you lost your writing voice before?
If so, how did you get it back?
Or, maybe you haven't yet? xx