The Top

Lucie wanted to make a top for Max. I just gave her some thread and material and she went about creating a pattern, cutting it and sewing together. I think it's awesome! The best thing was seeing her sit down in a bookshop in Daylesford on Sunday to finish it off. It's like she just couldn't wait!! Max wore it all day, he was so pleased with it.

The 'Zine'-olution

I love this magazine my daughter Lucie has made called Waterfalls of Watermelons. What a crazy name for a magazine and what a fabulously adorned cover it has! I don't mind Taylor Swift, either (believe it or not). If anyone out there has ever made their own magazine, send me a pic of your cover - Lucie and I would love to see what other kids are creating in the way of 'Zines'. If you are not sure what a 'zine' is, it is a handmade publication (like a magazine), which has been put together using collage, cut-and-paste writing and other bits and pieces to decorate it; and then you have the option of photocopying it and distributing to people who might be interested in reading your stuff. There's a great place in Melbourne (in the subway at Flinders St), where you can create your own zine on the spot. Their website is:
www.stickyinstitute.com.au
Check it out. But of course there is nothing stopping you from making your own zine at home and then photocopying it at school. You could even start charging money for your zine if it becomes popular and people like your stuff!
Here's a pic of L's zine, which is made from pics of some of her favourite singers, pieces of fabric and  paper from other mags:

Life can be cruel . . . but at least there's coffee?

The washing machine blew up.
The hot water service blew up.
Childcare fees went up.
The rates are due.

Oh, and did I mention that we had to pay the tenth of about five hundred instalments for an operation on our cat - and he's dead?!!!  

But at least there's my morning coffee at the cafe across the road from work. Well . . . only if you have some SPARE CHANGE!!!
There are a few times during the year I actually contemplate an instant coffee. Today was one of those times. I consoled myself that at least there would be an Arrowroot biscuit in the tub to dunk into my cup of poison a la morning tiramisu style. NUP!! Not even a solitary bleedin' Arrowroot. Seriously . . .
I do have a secret indulgence, however, that saved me from the cruel fact that I am penniless. I did have one PROPER coffee this morning.
I always buy a bag of freshly ground Columbian blend from McIvers in the Queen Vic Market that usually lasts me a month (just enough from paycheck to paycheck). And my secret weapon - an ASCASO coffee machine from my dear neighbour. For some unknown reason he chooses to chug down the instant goo in favour of the real stuff and passed this little silver beauty on to me. Thank you, Gary!
So . . . bottoms up to neighbourly charity and Columbian blend.
(And thank God it's fruit day at school tomorrow - my cupboards are bare!)