Sunday splendour: 17 April 2011

Source: iStockphoto

Oh, sweet Planetarians, how I’ve missed you! It’s been one of the most tumultuous weeks of my life and blogging has had to take a back seat. Fortunately, Dad has recovered a little and is hopeful of leaving hospital shortly. He’s had a rare blood disorder for some time which seems to be worsening so we’re not sure what the future holds. My brother flew over from interstate for the weekend which really lifted Dad’s spirits. With all this going on, Mr PB and I have found it hard to actually grasp and celebrate the fact that we're buying our house! However, the pixies are extremely excited which has been a joy to witness. Anyway, in the midst of all this turbulence, here are some of the more pleasant highlights of my week.

*I feasted upon* fresh crumbed Tasmanian scallops last night with my dear friend Sarah from Oesch & Doots (at Flathead, for the locals) over a glass of crisp Tasmanian riesling. They were absolutely scrumptious. Even better than the ones I ate here. But her company was even better. I am so blessed to have Sarah as my friend. We had so much to catch up on that even after the restaurant had closed, we stayed outside in the cold for 45 minutes, talking our heads off about our bloggy friends – yes, I’m looking at you, fair Planetarians! Ah, the funny things we do in this bloggy caper ☺.

* I discovered* this pretty floral stapler here.

Oh, my stars! Isn’t it just delicious? Hmm, I can see one winging its way to Planet Baby with a little luck…

* I enjoyed* reading this tutorial about creating silhouette stencils on Easter eggs. I’m such a sucker for silhouettes and Vana Chupp is so talented at them. Aren’t they just the sweetest little things? Do you think you might have a go at them?

Hmm, maybe we might try them with the pixies this week…

 * I created* some watercolour paintings for the first time in months. Nothing studied but merely washes and blotches. Ah, the sweet serenity which engulfed me as the brush slid across the paper. I’d forgotten how good it feels, that freedom of creativity. Of not having any rules to follow (the antithesis of my perfectionist nature). Of just being in the moment. Here’s one of them. Notice the blues and greens, my calming and favourite colours.

I also whipped up some ribbon holders like the ones you saw on my mood board. Featuring my favourite grosgrain ribbon, naturally. Oh, and some friendly butterflies!

* I read this* little message from the Brave Girls’ Club which was just what I needed to hear right now.

* I watched* India and Sam delight in some painting together. After days of teeming rain and cabin fever rampant, I set them up with all the equipment and let them go for it. Sam started out tentatively.

As did India.

And then it all turned messy. Very. But I *restrained myself* from cleaning up and just watched their pleasure in the sensations of finger-painting. It was Sam’s first time.

India revelled in it, too.

Witness the aftermath! Hmm, nothing some Windex and an old teatowel can’t fix…

So, my trusty Planetarians, thanks for all your support and kindness this week. You have no idea how much you have all helped lift my spirits when they’ve been sagging. This week, I hope to catch my breath, focus on all the tasks which lie ahead (giving notice to our landlord, finding new school and daycare spots etc) and maybe, just maybe, get around to organising a certain giveaway! Anyone want to guess what it might feature?