Merry Christmas everyone!

I know it's a bit early - but at the rate I'm posting, I may not be back before Easter.

So many things have been happening since my last post, not many of them are big important things. Just a collection of the day to day highs and lows that keep a working mum busy - too busy.

Let me fill you in on the highlights.

First piece of really good news is that NOS auditioned for music programs and was accepted. I can't tell you how thrilled he was - he was a changed man overnight - I could see how it had been weighing on him all year. It is very difficult to get into a program. They audition around 90-100 guitarists of all ages and levels of experience, and take about 4, so it is a great achievement. Second piece of news, he has now departed on a trip OS with friends, he has been to Malaysia and now should be somewhere in India. Won't be back until early Feb. I can tell you it was so hard to watch him go.........and since he will be gone for the holidays the entire household is a little sad.

My lovely NOD finished up a great year at school and is now social butterflying. She is so gorgeous to have around - especially now that she has adjusted to braces and isn't in quite so much pain. We are planning a week away together, just the girls, hopefully getting up to a bit of mischief on the way.

Remember this time last year when I had terrible car trouble? Well it all started to happen again - but this time my "I've had enough" switch got flicked and I had sold the old car and bought another within a couple of days. Haven't taken a photo yet. It's a swish black VW Jetta avec sunroof. NOD and I will be tres chic cruising up the highway I can tell you (even if we are the only ones who think so!).

Since my last post I have been back up to Sydney twice (unexpected trips) and back to Malaysia, so I have been really busy. So busy I missed the SSS Christmas party - really not happy about that! I vow to not go near an airport for some time. It's been a busy year.

On the sewing front, haven't had much time or headspace. To be honest something just had to take a backseat - I'm hoping to regain some energy and motivation over the next few weeks. I've even taken leave on Christmas Eve (first time in about 10 years I think).

So that's enough of that. I have a couple of photos. First Sallie Ann. I should have been finished this centre a month ago - but hey - can only do so many things before the brain starts to fry.


It's a little bit pink at the moment, but there is more red and less pink around the outside so I think it will balance out. Can't wait to move on to the next bit.

Only other sewing I have done is to start on this Kim McLean design.

I bought the brown background ages ago (when the pattern was first available) and a starter pack of fabric. I cut and basted a large amount of the blocks and then promptly forgot about it and started something else. But the Glorious Applique blog inspired me to pull it out, and I'm enjoying the contrast of colours and shapes.

Well that's me done. Hope to be back soon with these two blocks finished. Until then I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season surrounded by your loved ones.

With much affection,

Deb