Stories from Porter (& beyond)

Jan 30.

2012-01-29T22:38:00.004-06:00

I'm remembering my Dad today.

He was never one for big birthday events. Last year's 60th bash was out of the ordinary, allowing his girls to throw a party to toast his life with family & friends.

But in years gone past he wasn't one for a lot of attention or fuss in the form of birthday praise. I really liked that about him. Perhaps our early hand-made gifts taught him to lower his standards? A maroon & blue knitted glasses case will do that...

While I won't break with tradition & pour out a heap of glowing remarks about my precious dad on his birthday - he would shake his head & joke that nobody want's to read that! - I do want to mark the significance of today & the person I'm missing so very much.

Wayman was a unique personality that drew our family together & formed a unity that has continued-on in his absence... Dad's intense devotion to us girls, passionate enthusiasm for our husband's different spirits, & great love for mum was a treasured gift. And all founded on his salvation in Jesus - not as an after thought, but as an anchor for his soul.

Today I am remembering & missing so many things about Dad. Here I will remember just one to mark the day - he loved to know other people's stories. When I sit down with a stranger & ask about their lives I remember my dad taught me that. I can vividly picture him leaning-in to ask a question & listen with genuine interest & a desire to learn. He valued people.

I am deeply thankful for the Dad God gave me.

A Day Beside the Sea

2012-01-26T10:42:00.076-06:00

{Brighton Beach, South Australia}
{A Saturday Afternoon}

In Days Past... This was the scene of many summer beach days as a little girl. Dad & mum would load up the car, with the vintage green & cream striped beach tent & a cooler of food, to drive 3 daughters to the seaside.

I would sit in the back, hot & impatient*, itching to catch a glimpse of the blue sea down each suburb street as we got near.

Present Day... I still relish a day at Brighton, with it's long, wide stretch of sand & clear, calm waters. It is one of my favorite beaches to laze & soak, especially when it includes my love & a bundle of family members.

{We did eventually update the beach tent; it still has the same ankle-catching strings that trip-up every unsuspecting small person.}

As we packed to leave & the sun was slowly making it's way to the ocean line, I couldn't help but have a moment of doubt about our return to land-locked TN...

I had to remind myself that this beautiful shell-lined shore isn't going anywhere, even if I am. It's a wonderful slice of what makes-up my Australian home, there for me to visit each & every time. I'm learning to appreciate the fond affections that come from long absences.

And yes, I do still get a little buzz when I see the bright blue slice of sea appear as we make the drive there.

{*Apparently 20mins to the ocean was just TOO much to bear.}

Sydney Scenes (part 2)

2012-01-23T17:24:00.002-06:00

We climbed a bell tower.
Can't say that's a common occurrence in my usual week!

These are the little adventures that come with fantastical friends like Justin and game friends who don't mind a late-night climb (Rich & Kate, we salute you!)

I, for one, was not so brave. A little trembly at times, to be honest! My long dress & flip flops didn't really assist balancing on the old ladders, nor did my desire to snap pictures mid-climb.

Turns-out I have quite a crush on old, enormous, ear-splitting bells - they are a beautiful work of art, both to hear & see!

Two tiny spiral staircases & three ladders later, we were a-top the tower. After I'd recovered my composure & stopped the knee wobblies, it was breathtaking.

{Justin, Kate & Nate}

{York St: old & new}

We spied on Sydney, in the warm evening air, from the bell tower of the oldest church in the city. Accompanied by Justin's historical gems & overall group wonder, it was marvelous.

And to know that age has not been a hurdle to the vitality & life within these church walls is even more marvelous!

{St Philips in the daylight}

x

Sydney Scenes

2012-01-18T12:53:00.003-06:00

We crammed our Sydney trip full of all sorts, bits & bobs, people & places. Here is the first of a few snippets...

A Saturday morning date in The Rocks with dear friends.

It begins with coffee & sweet sustenance at Central Baking Depot. This is a new favorite - full of fresh-baked goodies straight-out of the oven right next to our table; great tasting coffee; an interior designed with the perfect mix between industrial & homely warmth.

{Nate & Justin. There is no explanation.}

And then a wander through one of Sydney's oldest, most interesting neighborhood's - winding through tiny streets in The Rocks; up countless steps; past old buildings; the new Sydney city & blue harbor glinting just in the distance.

{Nate & 2 of the kiddly-winks.}

I love this beautiful city & the friends that inhabit it!

Dialing back in

2012-01-10T09:00:00.010-06:00

After a couple of weeks off the grid, we have returned to civilization! I wont lie, re-entry has been sloooow. Lazy summer days without an agenda & copious amounts of Australian chocolate have turned my brain to mush.

I will give this dear little blog my best effort & recap...

Despite a few nerves about this Christmas - reaching a milestone without Dad & reconnecting with family after a tumultuous few months - I'm thankful to say it was a joy-filled & lovely day. Three excitable youngins definitely help to keep things upbeat & boisterous - nothing like a few randomly fired nerf bullets to keep you on your toes!

We dined in style & abundance thanks to my talented mum & sisters...

{I will return to this salad in a future blog. It's a winner.}

And the boys played in style thanks to Shano's adult-size go kart...

Post-Christmas we wasted no time in taking ourselves offline & into the pretty SA countryside for 2 weeks of reclusive vacation. It may be a humble abode & the water somewhat brown-ish at times, but our shack at Teal Flat, on the River Murray, is one of our ALL-time favorite places on the planet.

Here below - the summer-afternoon sit & gaze, evening banter & feasting; time with family & friends - sums-up our time, interspersed with small bursts of energy for wake-boarding & other youthful (foolish) water-sport endeavors.

I wont wax lyrical about New Years Eve. It goes without saying that the turn of the calendar page was significant & very welcomed by all of us. Mum lit our sparklers & set-off a record amount of poppers (she knows how to part-y) & we raised a glass to a fresh set of 12 months.

In God’s hands we walk forward with hope & renewed wonder.

x

Home for the Holidays

2011-12-26T17:09:00.000-06:00

Nate & I are about to disappear for a week or two, into the land of no internet access.

Shocking for some*, wonderfully relaxing & freeing for me!

*Nate is a teeny bit part of the 'some'... He eventually stops twitching & relaxes.

We have come home to Australia for Christmas & the New Year. It felt important that we all be together to celebrate Christmas as a family, the first one without Dad. And for Nate & I to have some recharge time, with the ones we love, is especially good as we farewell this particularly poopey year!

[Soaking-up the Southern Hemipshere summer season might've been an arm twister too.]

There will definitely be updates & pictures & stories from our time here - but I apologize in advance for the delay, as we set-off for the holiday house today & check-out from the world wide web.

Weekend Festivities

2011-12-21T23:45:00.005-06:00

Tis the season! We've had a busy weekend of Christmas festivities & celebrations, the perfect counter-balance to how our hearts have been feeling some days this month.

I am happily weary from time spent with dear friends, new friends, talented musicians & soul-warming songs. The Yoder Family Christmas party kicked things off on Friday evening & we didn't look back.

{with lovely friends, Will & Ruthie Sayles}

Nate was away on Sautrday night & I took-in my first ever viewing of "It's a Wonderful Life" at the Belcourt Theatre. Oh-me, oh-my. I am in love - and slow on the uptake, for certain! If you've not indulged in some Christmas viewing yet, please go & rent this now. It is a pure delight.

In the quieter moments, between mistletoe & egg nog & itchy Christmas sweaters (none of which actually appeared over the weekend) I got my craft-on again. And this time, no kindy kids were going to one-up me!

Please meet my first ever bunting banner & contribution to Todd's surprise 40th birthday party (more on that in a minute).

Come Sunday evening we took-in the annual Andrew Peterson Christmas concert ("Behold the Lamb of God") held at the Ryman. This is a favorite for us every year, for many reasons - heart-stirring songs, talented musicians, friends who are the talented musicians, Nate's manager Christie orchestrating the night, & the story of Christmas, God with us, proclaimed with great joy & hope.

{No matter my mood, scrooge or elf, this concert helps to focus my heart during the silly season}

Now, back to the 40th p-arty. To cap it all off & really tip this weekend over the edge, we stayed around at the Ryman after the concert to celebrate 40 years of life for our precious friend Todd, surprise-style.

{Yep, that's my banner. Could we say it was the vital heartbeat of the whole evening? The salt to the party pepper? Who am I to say.... :) }

Before I sign-off, it must be announced: Nate & I have made a new friend!*. The wonderful Ms. Sally Lloyd Jones, children's book author extraordinaire & all-round fabulous lady. (*no coercion or bribery took place.)

Sally took-up residence for an evening at our home & graciously kept us company throughout a lot of the above, attending the parties & reading at Andrew's concert. I believe Sally is HIGH on the list of 2011 'good things'.

How do you not love a lady who will do this with you... Making you laugh until you cry...

{Todd's primary-school self was good enough to appear with us in the 2nd frame, in case the boy seems a random addition... Because, of course, everything else in these pictures looks totally normal}

SO, anybody else worn-out from the activities & social interactions??! Good-golly molly. I could stay in my pajamas for a week.

As full as my heart might be from this season of friendship & celebration, I am excited about the pending plane ride - 14+hrs of uninterrupted, passive time, delivering us to family.

The end. And very joy-filled Christmas to you all!

Christmas Spirit

2011-12-11T15:00:00.000-06:00

Umm... I think I just got my craft-on !!

I do like creative things, but usually on a larger scale, like, ah, painting the living room. This little project was at the other end of the spectrum & not my usual forte. The alphabet set from Emily got my crafty juices flowing (artsy-crafty, not evil-crafty) and the new Paper Source Nashville store tipped me over the edge with their wall of pretty stamps & colored paper. They really ARE a source of all things paper.

I thought it was time to get Porter Rd in the Christmas spirit, so I took my peppermint tea & poopey-nugget looking chocolate treats to settle-in for some delicate creativity, making my own gift tags.

I realize it's a simple place to start with my crafting endeavors, nothing more complicated than inking & stamping.. Preeetty sure kids in kindergarten are doing the same thing right this minute, with half a potato & some craft paper.

BUT, it's a start! And I'm liking how pretty they look, & that the ink went where it should & not all over my fingers & the table (bet you can't claim THAT, kindy kids?!)

Each one is different, just like a snow flake.
Let the season of Christmas begin!

xx

Porter Rd Happenings

2011-12-05T08:00:00.005-06:00

2 faMiLy ViSiToRs:

{Beth & Fletcher, snapped at Jeni's Ice Creamery. They popped-by on their way home from Central America, providing a week of fun family times. So delightful!}

4 LiTTle TreATs:

{New Food Truck discovery - Bang Candy. Owned by an Irish lady from Tipperary - and yes, she graciously allowed us to sing a bit of the tune to her, as if that's never happened before! - she makes divine little squares of marshmallow in all sorts of fancy combination's.}

1 WeDDiNg aNNiVerSARy:

{My beloved & I celebrated 7 wedded years on Sunday. We kept it low-key, with a morning at Crema & a sneaky gift from Nate, despite the no gift rule *sigh*. Thankful beyond belief for my precious husbando.}

Calendar Days

2011-11-28T14:30:00.000-06:00

Last week was Thanksgiving - an American holiday I wholeheartedly embrace & have come to love! Tasty turkey & pumpkin pie, & the excuse to hang with friends mid-week - what's not to enjoy?

Here is one of our dear friends & generous hosts - Courtney - & the turkey she perfected..

We had a wonderful evening, attaching ourselves to her extended family for a big, boisterous Thanksgiving meal [Courtney's family consists of three sisters plus husbands, children & grandparents, so Nate & I felt right at home].

Thanksgiving is a milestone we are pleased to have passed, as it marked in our minds the anticipated arrival of the twins. Around these calendar days we expected either (a) 2 little bundles depriving us of sleep or (b) 1 enormous belly depriving me of sleep. Either away, we miss every part of the picture.

I've found it important to not let my mind wander too often in the direction of how life could be right now had things gone smoothly. Life is busy & full & we are delighting in so much of it! But I did want to acknowledge this particular time of the year.

Days of significance deepen our experience of loss & my icky questions circle around more frequently...

I don't know why I'm here writing about loss, instead of deliriously describing a new baby's fingers & toes.
I don't know why we're having to wait to experience the joy of being new parents.
I don't know why others sail through pregnancy with ease.
I don't know why Jack & Lucy can't be here in our family.

Being a follower of God hasn't given me the answers to a lot of our questions. Instead, it's given me Jesus. I don't say that lightly or as a cliche. I wander from this truth daily & have to bring myself back - "I have Jesus".

He is more than enough to fill the void of unanswered questions; to carry the weight of my anxiety; to bring joy through times of sadness; & offer true hope in our bleakest days. He has come like a light in the darkness & I am thankful.

MIA

2011-11-23T12:06:00.000-06:00

Dearest blog-friends... I've been a bad communicator the last few weeks. It is poor form & I truly have no good or valid excuse [not that I didn't trial a few.... "a family of squirrels stole my laptop*"... "I temporarily lost all feeling in my fingers & couldn't type"... "the scrubbing of our shower required my undivided, devoted housewifey attention**"...]

Things have been fairly quiet & uneventful at Porter Rd. I've been searching the deep recesses of my brain to come-up with something to share, but alas, it turns-out the recesses are empty [or my brain is not that deep!]

ANYWAY, to keep things here simmering along, I will pop-up a few pics & mini-stories from the last week, care-of my iphone.

LAST MONDAY: We road-tripped to Atlanta for the day to visit with a precious friend, Laurel. She's an American, married to an Australian, living in Australia, who was visiting America. You still with me?

She & her husband Justin are near & dear to us, so the 4hr trek there & back was no sweat. We cherished the chance to catch-up on all of life from the last 6 months, hear about our cheeky godson & indulge in some laughs.

THIS PAST WKEND: we were off to Oklahoma - where the wind really-truly does comes sweeping down the plain. I don't how it knows to live-up to it's name so completely.

This time it was an 11hr+ road-trip, which again was no sweat thanks to Nate's demon-like driving focus & the bottomless store of optimism radiating from the backseat. Todd & Peter (drums & bass) joined the Tasker circus for the weekend, & apart from musical talent they bought a joyful road-tripping enthusiasm that shamed Nate & I. Can't you tell from this picture...

Perhaps the 11+ hr drive wasn't such a chore because waiting at the other end, like a little sugar-filled beacon, was Cuppies & Joe. Truly a place of raindbows & buttercups & the most adorable store owners, making the most delectable cupcakes known to man. E-ver.

Elizabeth & her family have been running C&J for 3 years & we landed on their doorstep fairly early-on, thanks to Kelsey. It was love at first bite. I could wax-lyrical about their perfect little house-shop, the friendly staff, great coffee & PERFECT cakes. But instead I'll just give you a close-up of the Boom Boom Pow....

Vanilla bean cuppie w/chocolate buttercream, caramel, and sea salt. Yes please.

That was Oklahoma. [Oh, Nate & the guys did play a youth convention too. They did splendid!]

And so we find ourselves at Thanksgiving week, rushing head-long into Christmas. The leaves here are just about all gone, the sky is covered-over with gray clouds & I'm starting to get very familiar with my ugg boots.

[*this one is really quite valid. Seriously. They are organized, scheming, industrious little fellows. I do believe if they sense any weakness they will stage a coup & take over the house.]

[**this one should be valid, but my delicate lady-hands prevent such an endeavor]

From My Ears to Yours

2011-11-06T23:08:00.001-06:00

After the cantaloupe incident of 2011 I was banned from running for a good month or two. This was welcome news for me - I'd been looking for a decent excuse to break from strenuous exercise for, ooh, about 3 years.

In it's place I have spent time walking each morning. While the weather is yet not butt-cake freezing I wander East Nashville with music playing in my ears, a more sedate, reflective sound track than my running tunes. And I had a little thought.... If I found what I'm listening to an encouragement, then maybe others might to.

I'm here to pass-along just a few of the artists & albums that have nurtured my soul these past few months, in the hope that they might do the same for you - either now or in future days.

I did originally write my own little personal descriptions for each & why I love them so. But I think I'd enjoy it more if I knew you just went ahead, clicked their songs & discovered the goodness for yourself...

Andrew Peterson - Far Country or Counting Stars

Caedmon's Call - Back Home or In The Company of Angels

Sandra McCracken - In Feast or Fallow

Sara Groves - Add To The Beauty

[N. Tasker is known to sneak-in there too]

I realize today's suggestions are all of the Christian variety & this is not the direction I always look to jump (believe it or not!). Music is a warm place for me to rest, & during this season, Christian music is especially where I find myself looking to lay down. I can settle-in, feel the weight lifted & let truth wash over me in a way that is often more powerful than if it were spoken to me plainly.

These artists & their songs are suffused with an ache for home & deep sympathy for our broken human condition... All the while, brimming with the love of a Savior that is so beautiful & restoring & needed.

[Healthy] Almond & Banana Muffins

2011-10-27T11:29:00.001-05:00

ONCE again I have let fruit languish without proper care or consumption.

Apparently I'm too cool for the cool raw-food movement!

When it comes to mushy, brown, old banana's I'm secretly cheering inside when we're unable to eat them in time. There are some perfect banana baking recipes around (the most obvious go-to being Nate's beloved banana bread).

But, that is not where we're headed today... Instead, I have had my eye on a pretty looking Almond & Banana muffin recipe care-of Honest Fare. It's particularly appealing because of the "healthy" element - no butter, oil or flour. The fresh-made almond meal & mushy banana's do all the work...

[This is a more honest shot of my shameful banana situation. Nooot so shiny & yellow...]

The extra beauty of this recipe is it's almost entirely prepared in a food processor - no other kitchen utensils required aside from a mixing bowl & muffin tins. Being a self-confessed lazy-baker, this is music to my ears!

If you're feeling a wee-bit inspired, you can add the chocolately, cocoa brown center - a lil something extra that I was pleased to see actually worked [again, the lazy-baker in me usually skips such "trickery"].

These muffins are dense but not dry. Healthy tasting but not dull. A fulfilling little snack, with enough sweetness to satisfy but not cause jiggly-belly guilt!

I am a fan.

Sunset Fashion

2011-10-21T08:51:00.003-05:00

We were cruising down Sunset Blvd earlier in the week (can you cruise in a Chevy Malibu hire car?) and there in the display window of 'Live On Sunset', all big & blown-up to full-screen proportions, was my dear friends clothing label - Bec & Bridge.

Yes, I did flip-out juuuust a teeny bit, grinning from ear-to-ear & snapping photo's like a total dork... [So much for trendster detachment...]

The new pop-up store had opened only several days earlier, making the timing with our LA visit just perfect. It was very exciting to see Bridge's (& Bec's) clothes displayed for the other side of the world to see.

I have been wearing B&B with dedication for years. I couldn't love their clothes more (or the gal-pal who designs them) & am so thankful for Bridge's willingness to keep me stocked each time I visit Sydney. She lets me be cool by association.

I did indulge in a little moment of reflection, remembering back to one of their first fashion show's at the end of University & the enthusiasm we all shared for their talent (& wondering if I'd ever be brave enough to wear the "new trend" of the skinny jean included in their range... So daring!)

I felt very proud of my creative & inspiring friend as I wandered the store & chin-wagged with the sales assistant - who confirmed my suspicion...

Bec & Bridge are as loved here in the States, as they are on home soil. Looking at their signature candy-colored Akubra's, I'm not surprised!

The Cantaloupe vs The Cherry Pepper*

2011-10-14T18:36:00.000-05:00

Over the past half a year the size of things growing inside me have regularly been compared to food.

Baby books just loooove to categorize a growing baby each month with this method - from grapes, to pears, to lemons, to avocados, to heirloom tomatoes, to naval oranges... Truly, depending on where you shop, your growing baby could seem to be getting smaller some months, not larger!

I found this particularly confusing when pregnant with the twins & started to ignore the monthly comparisons. But in the last few weeks, this food / size / internal organs phenom has came in handy, in quite a new & alarming way...

[I could be about to step into semi-blush-worthy territory for the male population. I will not be offended if you exit the building & stop back another time].

As hinted at previously, I had a return visit to hospital for a little surgery. I wont go-into all the details, and lucky for you I'm not an avid hospital photographer - honestly, it was all quite straight-forward & minor. But I am a sharer, it's true. So...

Here is what my Dr discovered after making 4 little incisions in my belly to deal with an aggravated ovary...

What should be about the size of a cherry pepper* -

Was the size of a cantaloupe -

Say WHAT??!!

No lie. My ovary had super-charged itself to the point of a hostile take-over.

I have no clue how I continued to move-around like a normal person, but I certainly have a very good & valid reason for why my favorite pair of jeans would not zip-up!

My "cantaloupe" is now under control & any associated, excruciating pain has been sent packing. I am on the mend, & probably going to pass on eating melons for the next little while.

*It was previously mentioned that this would involve a walnut, but a whole walnut is a hard little sucker to track down! Even as we head into Fall & US stores go bonkers for whole nuts, I was out of luck. I found the next best thing - & if you ask me, a lil red cherry pepper is a touch more cute & colorful anyway.

Heartfelt

2011-10-08T21:00:00.002-05:00

While I search-out the right "visual" for another blog I'm writing - it involves a walnut & my recent return trip to hospital. Compelling, yes? - I thought I'd share honestly from this week.

Even as all signs point to brighter days, with pretty baked fruit & my palette project, there have been some really sad times around Porter Rd of late.

After an extremely tumultuous & wretched few months, the dust has started to settle. I believe this means the shock has worn off... I've been contemplating the fragmented pieces of our family & future plans, & have floundered in my efforts to piece it back together neatly.

While I watch others world's move forward, and they become mums with growing families, I'm left standing still, missing the twins. I'm wrestling with God's unique timing & longing to feel at peace with what He has for me in the months ahead. Two little lives have left an enormous gap.

In thinking this through, my immediate, heart-wrenching desire is to pick-up the phone & talk to my precious dad - to seek his wise & calm opinion; receive his loving counsel; hear his laughter - as I work through doubts & disappointments. His absence is being felt with renewed depth.

And in the midst of this, I'm weakened by a body that wont quite behave! So I sit for another week in my comfy pants (ugh) & rest. Nooooot one of my favorite Doctors orders.

All combined together it has been enough to make me seriously contemplate pulling the curtains tightly shut & watching reruns of "Friends" until 2012 arrives.

BUT [thankfully there is always a 'but'] no need to send-in search & rescue for me. I have found that God graciously continues to pull me out each day to see His beauty & experience His love in small & wonderful ways...

Be it the glorious Fall weather, enjoyed with the doors flung open...

Sharing a belly-laugh with my sister over the phone...

Drinking my morning coffee on the front porch chair, alongside a man that patiently loves me...

Being spoiled by friend's inspired home-cooking...

Although I may be having teary times & wondering how to make sense of each new & painful change within our world, I know there is One who will not let me go. Every morning I mull things over & end-up reminding my heart of the truth of my Savior...

He see's the whole picture perfectly; He provides for me daily; He gifts me these moments of simple but delightful joy; He promises a beautiful redemption & reunion of all that is broken & lost.

Come Lord Jesus, Come!

xx

Palette Project

2011-10-04T19:23:00.000-05:00

I am just a wee-bit excited about my first project for the Fall. It's been quite a long hiatus from remodels & clean-ups here at Porter Rd.

The months of upheaval have naturally caused a dip in creativity & inspiration for me... There is usually great delight to be found in taking something old & making it new & pretty again. So, I've had my eye out for the right piece to get me back into things and last week I think I may have found it.

While on the search for old caster wheels I stumbled upon a 'for sale' post for these 1920's industrial palettes...

If my dad were around to comment, I know he would congratulate me on finding good pieces of wood for a winter bonfire! Rusty & old they may be, but this is my favorite kind of challenge - plenty of character & history to work with.

Despite some painful health concerns over the past week, which eventually landed me in hospital [a story for another time?], I could not be deterred from grabbing 2 palettes & letting creativity creep-back into Porter Rd.

Once I'm back on my feet I'll post an update. And until then I'm going to mull-over ideas of what I should [& shouldn't!] change about them.

Your thoughts?

Tasty Simplicity

2011-09-28T13:37:00.001-05:00

It's a new week, and we continue to take each day as it comes. Although sometimes it's a stumble, we are moving forward with renewed hope & experiencing deeper peace as we balance the old with a new.

I hope you understand if I continue to blog within this balance... Sharing our sorrow at times, and at others writing as I have been for years - the happening's of Porter Rd, new tasty foods & road-trip travels.

Today, it's the latter - I am diving back-in with the help of my long-lost kitchen & some long lost fruit.

I've had apples & plums languishing in my fruit draw for about 2 weeks now. Yikes. They're not alone either, they live downstairs from a pair of mushy-brown bananas that are awaiting conversion into a loaf or muffins. But that's for another time!

(And noooo, I don't neglect my fruits on purpose so I can have baked treats in my belly. Tut tut).

This time I'm opting for something non-floured or egged, with Donna Hay's simple...

.... Baked Winter Fruits

I searched-out this little gem thanks to our local favorite breakfast spot, Marche. They serve warm fruits throughout the cooler months & I order it every. single. time. It warms you from the inside out. Delightful!

Now, I admit I've not followed this recipe closely... If at all... Apart from the oven temperature & cooking time! BUT it was inspiration enough & thankfully you can't go too wrong when baking fruits.

Fruit choices can be almost anything that takes your fancy - rhubarb, raspberries, cranberries, pears, blackberries, apricots...

I threw-in some frozen blueberries this time, along with a sprinkle of sugar here & there as I layered the fruit. The sugar quantity is up to you, depending on your sweet tooth & the tartness of the fruit you pick. And I used brown not caster - because, you know, it's "better" for you. A-hem.

The changes-up don't have to stop there either...

A small sprinkle of spices & essence can really, well, spice things up! Try a dash of Vanilla, or Almond essence, or a shake of Cinnamon or Nutmeg, even a sprinkle of Ginger for that very Fall weather feeling.

This is a wonderful accompaniment, especially as the leaves start to turn, the weather cools & keeping fruit in the diet becomes a bit more challenging.

Serve with some rustic granola & greek yogurt OR plain porridge OR muesli & milk OR warm custard OR pancakes OR french toast.. On & On..

Don't you just love versatile & easy recipes?

xx

Florida Weekender

2011-09-22T22:30:00.000-05:00

Oh my.. I have only one picture to share from our Florida weekend...

And it's a picture not even taken IN Florida.

This is Octane Coffee, Atlanta GA. The best coffee on-route from FL to TN.

It's like a little promise of goodness on the long road home.

Can you see the sparkly glint of glee in Nate's eyes?!

My apologies for the overall lame blogging this week.

We've been a little house of sickness & sleep in-between travels. Boo.

Hopefully we'll be back on form next week.

Chicago Weekender

2011-09-14T22:04:00.000-05:00

A road trip is one of the best ways for us to exhale.

Even more so if the road is headed for Chicago in the Fall...

I rolled down the windows at dusk to smell the seasonal air as we trekked through corn country.

Nate drove & choose endless, random ipod playlists from years past.

We talked a-plenty. And sat in silence for miles too.

I read pages & pages of books*.

And Nate drove some more...

[INSTAGRAM SNAPS]

[a road somewhere in the corn fields of Illinois.]

[my "spa" efforts to help quicken the journey through the corn fields of Illinois.]

[waiting for us at the other end - Intelligentsia Coffee. Be still my beating heart.]

[plate-fulls of breakfast goodness to fill our rumbling bellies, anytime of day.]

[Chicago downtown, late afternoon.]

*The pages = "Kings Cross" by Tim Keller - this book has been food for my soul.

I picked it up because it wasn't written specifically for times of grief or sorrow. I wanted to read about Jesus. And it shouldn't surprise me that in reading about Jesus, I am finding the comfort, truth & promises I need for this time of grief & sorrow...

"If the sight of Jesus bowing His head into the ultimate storm (the cross) is burned into the core of your being, you will never say "God don't you care?" And if you know that He did not abandon you in that ultimate storm, what makes you think He would abandon you in the much smaller storms you're experiencing right now? And, someday, of course, He will return and still all storms for eternity....

Jesus is the ultimate Parent who has you by the hand & will bring you through the darkest night."

xx

1 Month On

2011-09-08T10:25:00.001-05:00

I've started, stopped & deleted my blog over & again this week. I know that this is one of the best ways I can keep-up with a few of you, especially over the ocean, so this morning I'll just dive-in & type...

Yesterday marked 1 month of life without the twins. I mention it only because it marks time & I am thankful to see the days add-up. It is helpful to gain distance from the trauma of losing Jack & Lucy, & there is a chance to exhale as we re-enter some of the normal parts of life.

On the weekend we packed-away the baby clothes, toys & blankets we'd been given over the last 6 months, along with the things sent home with us from the hospital. This included Jack & Lucy's hand & foot prints. Despite my nervousness, seeing the prints caused me to smile - I cherish the reminder that these are our twin babes & they are part of our family in a very real & unique way.

I know they are small, but when I saw their foot prints for the first time it amazed me to see that Jack has my feet (which are my dads!), wide with high arches. And Lucy has Nate's, narrow & long. We miss-out on getting to know what else the twins inherited from Nate & I, & that will always be a knot of grief for us. To have those small feet distinctly mark them as ours is very special.

The ache of emptiness left by their absence has not eased. Nor have I ceased to experience moments of shocking sadness at the realization of what we've lost. Nate & I continue each day to lament & question with one another, eventually turning to wrestle with God & throwing Him our painful bafflement. I am thankful His love is deep & constant & His grace eternal throughout.

I pray we can find rest. Rest with where God has us. Patience for working through the quietness & solitude of loss. And an openness to continue to allow Him to enter in to our days.

xx

Memorial

2011-08-31T21:00:00.003-05:00

I didn't expect a memorial to be such a significant part of the healing process...

Following the advice of our Pastor, Craig, Nate & I ventured a little out of our comfort zone & planned a memorial - both to honor Jack & Lucy & remember God in the midst of sorrow.

I had doubts of how we could accurately share the weight of the loss we carry, along with the hope we hold as Christian's. I feared making our friends uncomfortable in our effort to appropriately remember the twins, who we knew for so little time. I felt daunted by the overall idea of a service "for us".

In the end, my hesitations were unfounded...

On Monday night, in the family Chapel of dear friends the Yoder's, we gathered with a small group from our community & held a simple service.

Aaron read with tender conviction Psalm 34, the same passage he read for us the morning I went into hospital.... Nate shared honestly from his heart our experience of faith & hope during the past few weeks.... With great compassion, Craig reminded us that we can confidently place our lives in the hands of a Savior who knows our heartache, though answers & perspective may be scarce.... Katherine & Wes prayed over us with empathetic love, grace & future hope.... And we sang together - one of my favorite expressions of faith as the people of God!

This time together ministered to my heart & fixed my eyes on God again, teared-filled as they may be.

I felt thankful as I sat in the sweet little chapel, surrounded by friends* who have not shied-away from our pain but hurt along with us. And thankful afterward, as we shared supper together & laughed & told stories.

Jack & Lucy's impact on Nate & I is indelible & I don't assume to now neatly gather-up the loss & leave it behind. But there is definite healing in having acknowledged their lives & in allowing God's promises & love to be spoken over us by others.

xx

[*I am mindful of the family who are always missed & others who we wish didn't live so far away]

8 Little Letters

2011-08-23T21:00:00.002-05:00

A dear friend gave me this gift recently... Two names I can keep near to my heart in a tangible way, as I do intangibly every day.

There isn't a family legacy with these names nor any biblical significance. Nate & I picked them because they sounded like the people we'd hoped the twins would be.

Lucy - our little lady, spirited & kind was our prayer (& cute-as-a-button with pigtails was our imagining!). She was only a girl in our minds for a few days before I headed into hospital - at an earlier scan she'd been declared a boy! So we had spent 3 weeks between scans very set on a very different name. I am sad we didn't get more time to dream over her... But as I think about it, when Twin A was declared a girl, there wasn't much else we needed to know - she was she, and we were thrilled.

Jack - bearing the nickname of C.S Lewis. He was a boy for a lot longer than Lucy was a girl & therefore held more in my minds eye. I wont go into every imagining, except to say his name to me is gracious, strong & sure. Please don't misunderstand that to mean we imagined him as physically imposing - it was his character we prayed would be gracious & strong. We prayed that Jack would be a faithful, courageous man of God & keen to serve Him above all else.

I find their names will steal my breath sometimes, for love weighs heavily on me at the sight of 8 little letters. I grieve a lifetime of watching the people they would've become. But even when it hurts, I am so thankful for this new love they have placed in my heart.

I'm praying for joy in the knowledge that, although Lucy & Jack didn't get to carry their earthly names here with us, they have been given far greater, more meaningful names by their Creator.

One Foot Infront of the Other

2011-08-18T17:51:00.137-05:00

It's been a week since Nate & I left the hospital just the two of us...

Each day we wake to difficult questions & a discouraged faith. Our hearts ache with the loss of our baby girl & boy. Our minds circle around recent memories of two heart beats & of joyful expectations abruptly removed. If I can be honest, their absence has left us stumbling in the dark a lot of the time, with a complex bundle of grief.

For the first few days of being home I didn't know where to begin. So Nate got me out onto the sidewalk, where we could work to untie some of it together as we walked.

I am thankful for this time in the early evenings as we slowly & delicately add-up the days between ourselves & the loss of our precious babes. I haven't discovered answers for what we've been plunged into, but the walks aren't really about that. It's about starting somewhere...

It's remembering to put one foot in front of the other.

It's remembering we have a Savior who also walked with heartbreaking sorrows & for a time knew the pain of the silence of God.

xx

[Thank you for your continued prayers & notes of love & support. The effect is tangible - in our utter weakness you have helped to keep our eyes up & our hearts anchored in truth]

[Nate's Blog]

"You Have Collected All My Tears..." ps 56:8

2011-08-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

The overwhelming support & love we have been shown over the last 2 weeks of upheaval has lead me to write today. As heartbreaking & painful as it is, I want to share with you the next part of our journey.

Despite the abundant prayers of the saints, the amazing care of doctors & our own small efforts, late on Wednesday afternoon August 10 we lost both our dear babies.

During the earlier, dark hours of the morning I started contracting mildly. Nate sat by my bed, praying & reading from Psalms for us, hoping that new mercies would come with the morning light. Sadly, by midday the contractions had intensified & it was clear I was going into labor.

Our little girl arrived first & she was stillborn. Although they had hoped to save our little boy, my body continued to contract & he arrived about 1hr later. His tiny heart was still beating as they placed him on my chest & we had a few precious moments of life with him in this world.

As evening approached they bought our babies back to the room. Nate & I both got to hold them & pray over them for a while. We marveled at how perfectly formed they were, right down to their tiny fingers & toes, eyebrows & sweet little lips.

I can say without hesitation - as we looked over them then & kissed their tiny heads, & also now as we think of them - we are so thankful to know that they are at home with Jesus, even as we desperately long to have them here with us.

But at the same time, right down to our core, we are utterly devastated. The loss & sadness is too deep to express well in words. And even though I truly desire to share with you everything I am going to miss about them, & everything they meant to us, there just aren't enough hours in a day.

The most complete picture I can give without writing endlessly, is to say...

She is our little girl Lucy.

He is our little boy Jack.

And they both now wait for us with Jesus. Oh, what a day when we finally get to be where they are & hold them in our arms!

Please pray for comfort for Nate & I. Please pray for a deepening trust in God's love & goodness.

xx

[If you would like to read things from Nate's perspective, please check-out his blog too - http://www.nathantasker.com/blog/]

Blue Skies

2011-08-08T23:59:00.011-05:00

It can rain all day, every day that I'm here in hospital - gray skies, stormy clouds, big fat rain drops - yes please! I'm cozy & dry in my bubble on the 3rd floor, & will happily sit & watch as rain washes the city clean.

But when those pretty blue Nashville skies break through & the warm sun starts shining, you can guarantee my mood will follow the color of the sky & I get fidgety.

Today is one of those blue-sky days. So I decided to use my wheelchair privileges & roll-on down to the serenity garden. Yes, you heard correctly - privileges to be wheeled is my new norm AND they have a garden of sereneness here...

[Lady Gaga - I bet you don't own pajama pants as stylish as these?!]

[My "willing" outdoor accomplice... I'm pretty sure his stop-watch was on]

It was my first breath of fresh air in 10 days! Sometimes it's the little things in life...

Speaking of little things - the babes are well, bumping around inside with strong heartbeats. I had a scan last week & at that time the baby girl didn't have any new fluid around her, but they assure us she continues to make it (I am drinking & carrying more water than a desert camel).

Please pray she can hold onto the fluid she makes for a little while each day before splish-splashing it out, especially for the sake of her lungs.

And praise God for the start of a new week & no signs of infection or contractions.

Thank you for your messages of encouragement & assurances of prayer over the last week. It has been humbling to know we are carried by our community, both here & far-away.

Hospital Fashion Fact #1

2011-08-06T10:23:00.024-05:00

Compression tights make me feel like a granny....

.... & Captain Cook*, when paired with Ugg loafers.

You know you want a pair.

[I shall not entertain any "who is he" questions, since my Australian pride refuses to accept that you might not have heard of him!]

Adapting to the Unexpected

2011-08-03T10:48:00.001-05:00

How quickly life changes.

Five days ago the unexpected happened & today I find myself in a hospital bed.. Indefinitely...
For someone that had previously never been admitted to hospital, that's quite a turn-around!

Until the weekend, I had been blessed with 5 months of drama-free pregnancy & two growing bubs of good health. Sadly, on Saturday morning our little girl's sack ruptured & started leaking fluid vital for her growth & survival. We headed straight to hospital for hours of test & scans, and the heartbreaking expectation of losing both babies.

A more sorrowful & scary day could not be imagined for Nate & I.
How thankful we are that the story doesn't end there.

We are certainly not in the clear, but have been granted a fighting chance & now enter a giant game of waiting... Our doctors & nurses work to keep my body clear of infection & the baby girl from delivering before she is able to survive. For my part, I lie-like-broccoli - which movie?! - for what we hope will be a very long time to give both babes a calm & contraction-free environment. And Nate? He is the bed-rest police. Truly. I think he's got little camera's & hidden microphones strategically placed to keep me in-line! He knows my impatient self too well.

We obviously deeply covet your prayers for these two littlies. Shall I introduce you to them?

Here is Twin A, our girl. Don't fret, she does contain more than a leg, but this is the clearest she allowed during her acrobatic routine...

And Twin B, our boy - a much slower-moving chap, & therefore easier to snap...

All four of us have a long road ahead, & one that I know is not assured of being free of heartache or loss. These babes are Gods, He loves them more than we do, & we are praying every day to trust what He has in-store.

Please pray with us that time will pass without incident, that they will grow to be as big as possible & that we may delight in the two babes that God has graciously gifted us with. And thank God for the days He has granted us already.

OK, I best go! There are important bed-resting jobs to attend to - blanket arranging can only be ignored for so long.

Thanks for stopping-by.

Summer by the Sea

2011-07-29T23:19:00.004-05:00

Nate & I hadn't been on a holiday, just the two of us - without a to-do list, or a guitar, or merchandise, or friends, or family - since our honeymoon. Our H.O.N.E.Y.M.O.O.N.

That's 6.5 years & counting, dear friends...

I'm a little ashamed to admit I had become quite a disgruntled employee, desperately in need of a break. This was not at all helped by the US summer having plunged us into a furnace & Nashville's distinct lack of coastline.

So... Sweet Nate heard my oh-so subtle (whingey) hints & last week we tripped away to Florida for a holiday beside the sea!

We stayed pretty settled in the resort most days, but when we did venture out we zipped-around on bikes & explored the many super-tasty local places to eat.

[A rooster at Blue Heaven keeping watch over brunch]

A brief dorky travel fact: Key West is the Southern most point of the USA, with the next stop being Cuba!

I would have picture proof of the Southern Tip landmark if it hadn't been for the patient line of tourists also waiting to do the same, combined with the 100 degree weather melting my skin-off. The pool won-out every time.

As is necessary from any good holiday, here follows a few 'posing' pics - especially good to do when there are bambino's to document...

[Don't fret, I was careful not to boil them]

... Or more accurately - when there are final lazy-duo-days to document.

Key West - with it's sunny skies & swaying palm trees - did not disappoint.

We are rested & thankful.

The two of us & the two of them...

2011-07-14T21:32:00.025-05:00

18-ish weeks

A little update for all those interested in how the Porter Rd additions are coming-along!

When I say "all" I could be overstating the fact :)

[Since this pic we've taken ourselves off for some fun-in-the-sun in lovely Floridaaaaa. I do hope to share some of the sights if I can peel myself off the sun lounger]

#13: Find 5 new favorite blogs

2011-07-05T04:17:00.000-05:00

This is a simple one, that I'm proud to say includes a new-found friend!

If you're not a big blog surfer, I will not be offended if you skip today & stop-by another time. But if you are interested in peeking-in on other people's lovely homes, their cooking genius & fashion fancies, here a some new blogs that I have loved in the last month...

Style Files - exactly as it sounds! Design & Style.

Mark Bittman - food enthusaist & food writer, Mark was the source for my first ever try at baking bread.

Tartelette - another great food blog, written by French expatriate Helena. Her food photography alone will keep you coming back for another slice!

Lay Baby Lay - a great source of inspiration as I endeavor in the next 6 months to flip one of our rooms into a space for two small people. I never mind a good excuse to decorate!

And finally - the one I'm most excited about...

Kendi Everyday - written by a lovely lady I recently met in Texas (that's her right there). Kendi has taken her fabulous fashion taste, eye for a bargain & small-town time to post colorful & pretty wardrobe ideas for a fraction of the cost.

Happy clicking!
xx

#25: Reconnect with Old Friends

2011-06-26T15:04:00.001-05:00

I've been super lucky recently to reconnect with old friends while visiting London & Adelaide. Having moved several times in 30 years, there is something special about time spent with those who knew you then & love you now (especially when the "then" was a loud & over-excitable pre-teen!)

Kelly & Julie are no exception. These lovely ladies have known me since primary & middle school respectively - which means they have seen me through many hair styles & fashion fads, right up to walking down the aisle with Nate.

Most memorably, between my teen-hood & adulthood, we backpacked together through parts of Germany. Out of 5 months of Euro travels, the time spent with them is still one of my all time favorites. (And not just because I got to sport some of my most colorful knitted wardrobe items! I clearly feared getting lost & freezing to death in the Berlin night).

Berlin, Germany 2002

These are the friends that can make me laugh till I pee my pants, and then switch gears & challenge me to think about the world differently. Their brains wave hello to mine from a VERY far distance! And they are always gracious & kind in spending time with me.

When our paths crossed recently in London, & we could make a dinner date, I was thrilled. They hadn't changed a bit, just as you would hope with dear friends. Yet their lives were new & different, just as you would dream for dear friends.

London, UK 2011

#26: Be expecting a baby... Or two...*

2011-06-21T14:43:00.000-05:00

15 weeks

Awww... Come-on... Some of you were probably thinking it... When my '30 Things' list needed suggestions, this was itching to be thrown-into the mix as an idea, was it not?!

So we thought we'd fulfill that challenge two-times over. Nothing like reeaallllly making sure the baby-base is covered - we are expecting twins!

God-willing they will arrive healthy & well in early December.

xx

*There were still 5 empty spots at the kick-off of my list, & as we've journeyed through the last few months there have been occasions that have made me think 'this is exactly what I'd want to do before I'm 30'. As a result, there will be a few late entries to the list, this being one of them!

#22: Sample a Sweet & a Savory from the Borough Markets

2011-06-16T22:21:00.000-05:00

I'm rewinding the clock just a little way to post about these treats - one of my Birthday '30 Things' that I have been very much looking forward to completing

The Borough Market is one of my all time favorite London markets, nestled right-up next to the London Bridge & brimming with almost every kind of fresh food you could wish to fill your belly with.

I have previously extolled the virtues of this lovely market on my blog, so I will refrain from doing that again now & get straight to the picking & choosing.

With great consideration, Nate & I perused the markets first, before committing ourselves to the savory & sweet items. We didn't want to make a rash decision!

The savory choice didn't take long - the smell, hearty goodness & festive vibe of the Guildable Manor stall won hands-down.

Their hot gourmet baguettes are absolutely delish. Made to order with your choice of meat & toppings, & definitely not for the dainty eater, they make for a very fulfilling, fresh & flavorful lunch.

Next-up - a sweet thing. Argh, so many choices! Plates & baskets FULL of pastries, cookies, cakes, brownies, baklava, puddings, eclairs, mini pies and.....

Portuguese Tarts. The pick of the day!

These little ones may be small, but they are oh-so-perfect - flaky, sweet, golden & fresh. And yes, I did share with the lovely fellow sitting in the background. This is one '30 Thing' he didn't mind getting dragged into!

Another birthday deed is done & I am just a little more jiggly around the edges because of it :)

#4: Finish off my pancake blogs with an all-time winner

2011-05-31T04:06:00.002-05:00

I fear the clock has WELL & truly ticked-down for my 30th Birthday 30 Things challenge!! It would take a superwoman effort to finish-off my list in the next 6 hrs (not to mention time & space travel!)

But there are still a few left up my sleeve to share with you, which I managed to accomplish before the deadline. Including this syrupy one...

Last Saturday morning, at the end of a tiring week & with crisp winter weather closing-in, mum, Nate & I decided it was a perfect stay-in-pj's-and-make-pancake's morning.

I had been searching for just the right one to finish-off my pancake blogs when this gem popped-up - Gingerbread Pancakes care-of A Cozy Kitchen. Ooo, how I have come to love gingerbread flavors since moving to Nashville. American's have wonderfully perfected this taste & put it into all sorts of goodies. Cloves, ginger & nutmeg are ideal for cold-weather days.

Despite the specific recipe instructions, this was quite an easy mix. It does take a bit of patience & forethought - since cold coffee isn't top of my accessible kitchen ingredients - but if you're not in a hurry & there's friendly company in the kitchen, who's to mind?!

The batter is just the right consistency & easy to cook, the flavors spot-on, and with a little covering of walnuts, you'll be a very happy little pancake-eater!

Yum! I could gobble-up another plate right this second.

If I may ask for grace with the rest of my list, I'd love to carry-on with a few more during my 30th birthday month... Just don't go calling me a cheater-cheater-pumpkin-eater!

Saying Goodbye

2011-05-26T05:45:00.002-05:00

We held my precious Dad's funeral on a chilly Monday in May.

Wayman Douglas Chapman

Dad had red & white roses on his coffin, to match those in his garden at Oakbank.

The beautiful historic church of Holy Trinity was filled with family, friends, work colleagues & church communities - from both here & Sydney.

We sang old hymns of great truth & stirring melody.

Dear friends of Dad's read the bible & prayed victoriously.

Great men lead the service & faithfully gave the message.

Dad was remembered & God was honored.

His sons-in-law & nephew's carried his coffin.

And each of us missed him so very deeply.

I couldn't glance at his picture too often that day, or any day after either. It so perfectly captures who he was - his strong & attractive personality, good sense of humor, open nature & genuine desire to hear what new story I had to tell him.

I love my dad. And am so very thankful I was given to him as a child for a time, & a friend for the remainder.

I will miss him always.

For a Time We Must Journey Apart...

2011-05-19T00:47:00.000-05:00

My dear dad went home to to be with Jesus on Monday afternoon.

In so many ways I can't understand or reconcile this loss... My only choice is to hold onto God & trust that He saw fit to call dad home far sooner than any of us would've have liked.

My memories of dad are endless. The things that I miss about him will probably never lessen. He was the person we all gravitated toward, who's voice on the other end of the phone could make a bad day good again, who's loyalty to his girls was inspiring & love for Jesus saturated every part of his life.

And truly, that's just the beginning...

When the earth beneath me crumbles & quakes

not a sparrow falls nor a hair from my head

Without His hand to guide me, my shield & my strength

In joy or in sorrow, in life or in death

In the harvest feast or the fallow ground

my certain hope is in Jesus found

My lot, my cup, my portion sure

whatever comes we shall endure,
whatever comes we shall endure

"In Feast or Fallow" - Sandra McCracken

#19: Discover a New London Coffee Haunt

2011-05-10T11:59:00.001-05:00

It probably comes as no surprise that this '30 Things' task was accomplished within about 30 nano-seconds of touching-down in London!

The city seems to specialize in trendy little coffee shops serving great coffee, so we had plenty of new places to choose from. And I can't help but proudly mention that a lot of these are run by Aussie's! They have done their best to create a little piece of home in the heart of London.

The haunt of choice this time was Kaffeine. And it was totally worth the multiple tube-ride, weary walk on Sunday between church services.

(Nate can be obsessive at times.... For my part, I dragged my feet & declared it better be THE best coffee I'd tasted).

Luckily, they serve a perfect latte! Along with the most delectable array of baked goods. Furthermore, when we visited the next day (yes... obsessive...) we were greeted by this sign -

I am utterly & totally sold! Kaffeine has my heart & I only wish I could pack it into my suitcase & fly it back to Nashville when we leave...

#6: Hang the wallpaper I bought 4 long months ago

2011-05-01T10:45:00.003-05:00

Drum roll please........

Ta-Da!

I have overcome my papering fears & can finally tick this off my "30 Things" list! With the patient help of 2 friends, 1 husband & an overseas wallpaper company* I have avoided gluing my hands to the wall, or the wallpaper to myself, and added a little hypnotic swirl to our upstairs loft.

{how do you like THOSE tracky-dacks. Mm-hmmm...}

Confession #1: this is only a 3/4 high wall, so the trickery of ladders & such did not have to be overcome in this instance.

Confession #2: modern wallpaper lets you stick, un-stick, re-align, mess around & pretty-much start all over again if you so desire! As a result, lining-up & getting straight this decorative pattern wasn't panic-inducing.

I've been needing the push-along to do this for ages, which makes it a genuine "30 Things" challenge & I'm totally thrilled to have taken the plunge! I love the uniqueness of wallpaper, how it changes the room & eliminates the need for many other features in the space.

Now we just have to hold-on through the summer & pray the paper doesn't slide-off the wall in the sweltering upstairs heat!

*since my wall is miniature I ordered just 1 roll of paper.... Only to run-out with 1 strip to go. Yes, indeed! What followed was a frantic/sweaty/heart-pounding search for the now "out of print" paper & a long wait for it to fly itself from London to Nashville. Yowzers. Note to all - miniature walls + large-repeat-pattern papers makes for a lot of wasted paper.

#10: Reading... & #14: Sunrising...

2011-04-28T21:21:00.000-05:00

I've decided to combine two of my "30 Things" for this blog. They are simple & sweet stories, with limited photographical evidence, so they make a perfect pair!

#10: Read "To Kill A Mockingbird"

What a true pleasure this has been! I have loved diving into the story of Scout, Atticus & Boo Radley all over again...

High school did not quite do this book justice, thanks to the distraction of plot development or character comparisons or whatever was required once I was done reading! Now I'm free to simply sail away with Harper Lee's amazing storytelling, and I can see why it remains so well loved & respected. It's a beautifully crafted story, a mixture of childlike innocence & adult depth.

And best of all, its the favorite book of one of my favorite friends. There is goodness in sharing.

#14: Watch the sunrise with Nate...

As it turns out, this wasn't as difficult as I first thought! (convincing Nate to rise before the sun was making me nervous).

Easter Sunday means Easter sunrise service.... We headed out to Shelby Park with a group from church to read from the bible & pray together as the sun rose over East Nashville.

It was a clear, warm & peaceful morning, filled with joy in the story of a risen Savior. What better way to see the sunrise with Nate than that?

#1: Learn How To Make Macaroons

2011-04-25T09:11:00.000-05:00

Time for numero uno!

It may be poor-form to begin with a disclaimer, but I do feel it's necessary to point-out my utter lack of cultural understanding, & therefore minor error in the macaroon department!

My cousin, Pixie, was quick on the up-take with the suggestion of macaroon's for my '30 Things' list & I boldly jumped-in one night last week. I'd had my eye on a tasty looking Ambrosia Macaroon recipe from Bon Appetite for quite some time...

It wasn't till weeeeelll after mixing, baking & tasting that I realized there are actually TWO types of macaroons... Or should I say - lest I offend the French - one real type of macaroon, & then the coconut macaroon.

For this challenge, coconuts were my choice of 'roon & so that is my 30th birthday achievement - I hope it still counts Pixie?!

Since I accidentally chose to make the more simple member of the macaroon family, there is not much to report from this cooking endeavor.

It's quite an easy combination of butter, coconut, egg, sugar & a few other goodies baked with ease.

Although, if I may say-so myself, I did employ some pretty tricky swishing with a fork, to create a most delectiable covering of chocolate.

The hint of orange zest mixed with dark chocolate & coconut made for a very satisfying little macaroon lump.

I shall file-away the challenge of the more fancy, coloruful cookie-style macaroon's for another day...

x

#2: Watch the Movie "Giant" staring Elizabeth Taylor & James Dean

2011-04-21T22:31:00.000-05:00

I thought it was time to tick-off something from my '30 Things' list other than food! And what better choice than a classic 1950's movie...

'Giant' is one of my Dad's favorite movies and that in itself is enough reason for me to watch it. He has been encouraging us to check it out since moving to America & enjoying our fair-share of Texas time (a top-notch US State, might I add!)

Having visited the Lone Star State years ago himself, & then chuckling at our own first-ever experience of Texas - oil-pumps, tumbleweeds & not a tree in sight - he was all the more keen for us to watch an iconic movie saturated in Texan culture.

'Giant' is an epic movie spanning 3 generations. Elizabeth Taylor is beautiful, dramatic & perfect with her teeny-tiny waist... James Dean is fresh-faced, enthralling & sadly wouldn't make another movie after this one... And Rock Hudson is imposing & everything you hope for in a 1950's cattle rancher.

Should it take your fancy, hold onto your ten-gallon hats. This movie has some major YEE-HAWS!, whoops, cattle-ranching good times & oil-splurting drama.

I loved it entirely & am so pleased I took the time to watch it - even if it was over 3 viewings. Yep :)

[Dad - we still remember your vivid descriptions of this movie & your own Texas visit. We love & miss you!]

#18: Track Down & Try Nashville's Grilled Cheeserie Van

2011-04-19T10:38:00.005-05:00

I'm on a roll! As was the Grilled Cheeserie van making it's way to Cummins Station on thursday.

(How'd you like that bit of literary trickery?!)

Onto #18 of my '30 Things'. This was a particular favorite for a number of reasons...

(1) Food van's are a fascination to me in their unique menu ideas, teeny-tiny-ness & ability to keep you guessing as to when & where they'll next turn-up!

(2) I absolutely love & adore grilled cheese. It is comfort food at it's most basic & good. Two slices of bread hugging a piece of melted cheese in toasted perfection. Yes. Please.

(3) I'm all about the outside lunch date with Nate when the sun appears after a few days of gloom. This was a cheeky way to take time out with my love & shake-off the inside blues.

So.... Another item is crossed-off the list & another week begins.

And I promise, wallpaper is "in progress". I can tell you are eagerly awaiting the results - be-it straight, crooked, stuck or unstuck!

Sometimes it's the little things...

2011-04-13T15:48:00.001-05:00

Over the past week there have been a few moments of particular goodness that have caused me to pause & hold-back the rush of life...

{reading a book with my precious Miss P on the other side of the sea}

For these simple, fleeting & beautiful moments, I am thankful.

{fresh berries & homemade muffins with nate}

They remind me of God's goodness & provision.
His hand of artistry.
How near He is in every moment of every day.

{twilight in Franklin TN}

And of His abundant grace in giving us a glimpse of Heaven.
These promises of true beauty, joy & peace are refreshing for my soul.

#11: Spring-clean my closet

2011-04-10T16:21:00.005-05:00

Another week begins, I am 1 more week closer to June 1st, & there is still quite a list of "30 Things" left to go! Today #11 got the call-up.

I love purging my wardrobe, & finally coming to grips with the fact that some items really-truly may never cycle back around in the world of fashion (a term I use loosely when referring to the below bundle!). No matter how hard I envisage re-inventing / adjusting / dying the item in question, there always comes a day when I must accept my extremely limited seamstress skills & let it go....

(I know you're spying that dashing rainbow-inspired turtle-neck at the top of the pile, & wondering to yourself how I could be so quick to send it packing... Call me crazy, but it's suction tight fit & encircling brightness do me no favors.)

Heading into this week, I feel conquering wallpaper should be on the agenda. Cannot wait!

#15: Learn How To Make No-Knead Bread

2011-04-07T20:58:00.007-05:00

1 down, 29 to go!

I wont lie, I have experienced a few technical difficulties this week while trying to accomplish several items on my "30 Things" list*. Sure, they were minor hiccups, easily overcome, but I do feel it's quite an indication of my lack of experience for the role of a 30-year-old.

SO, I was very relieved to start and finish one thing this week. That being... #15: Learn How To Make No-knead Bread. Mm-hmmm, definitely didn't take much convincing to give it a go!

This recipe is care-of Mark Bittman, a New York Times food writer. He has delivered a devilishly easy way to make bread, eliminating kneading, dough-hooks, bread makers & overall anxiety.

It takes just 4 ingredients - flour, salt, water & yeast - 20 hours of "rest" time (that means rest for the baker too!), a few simple folds (see above) & 45mins in a hot oven.

Viola! A round, golden bundle of love, with a crispy crust & soft center.

Simple as it is, the bread lacks nothing in taste & texture & is good both fresh & toasted. Truly, you will want to marry this little loaf & ride-off into the sunset.

Our loaf was almost that lucky - a dinner date with Paige & Chase! What better way to enjoy & savor fresh baked goods than with sweet, Mississippian friends?

Chase & Nate, Me & Paige.
And Maggie Beer's divine Barossa Dukkah for dipping (say that fast 10 times!)

I hope this has inspired you to try your hand at something new & fill your kitchen with the scent of fresh-made bread.

Thanks for stopping-by... x

*An enthusiastic trip to the farmers market in search of fresh herb plants was short lived since they aren't even in season yet (*blush*). And completing the wallpaper job does actually requires a full quantity of wallpaper... Don't even ask.

30 Things

2011-04-01T22:26:00.004-05:00

Thank you for answering my cry for help & providing some '30 things' assistance! I can't tell you what a delight it was to receive a response & to have suggestions far better than my own scrappy attempts.

I now have a healthy list that ranges from easily attainable to somewhat optimistic, to absolute pie-in-the-sky. (Literally - see #12, care-of dear Anne-Marie. She would have me falling fast from a plane!)

'30 Things to do before I turn 30':

1. Learn how to make Macaroons

2. Watch the movie Giant staring Elizabeth Taylor & James Dean

3. Start a herb/veggie patch so I can make fresh bruschetta this summer

4. Finish off my pancake blogs with an all-time winner

5. Watch 30 of my all-time favorite movies

6. Hang the wallpaper I bought 4 long months ago (I'm a scardy-cat)

7. Start going to the Yoga classes I keep talking about going to (again, scaredy-cat!)

8. Re-Upholster our bedroom chair

9. Take a Spring bike ride around Radnor Lake

10. Read 'To Kill A Mockingbird'

11. Spring-clean my closet & give the 'dont-need' to Goodwill

12. Sky-dive. Ahem.

13. Find 5 new favorite blogs

14. Watch the sunrise with Nate

15. Learn how to make No-Knead bread

16. Listen to "There's a Hippo in my Bathtub" record, beginning to end.

17. Host afternoon tea for a couple of girlfriends

18. Track down & try Nashville's "Grilled Chesserie" van

19. Discover a new London coffee haunt

20. Have a hit of tennis with Nate
21. Learn how to straighten my hair
22. Sample a sweet thing & a savory thing from the Borough Food Markets

23. Write & send a note to some of the people who have been influential over my 30yrs
24. Take a short but sweet vacation with Nate, sans guitar/merch/van/gig contract. Yee-haw!
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.

30.

As you can see, I'm still 6 short, so if anything springs to mind, I'm all ears!

And please continue to stop-by & check my progress if it takes your fancy. I will endeavor to blog on as many of these as I can.

Bubby's for Brunch

2011-03-28T21:21:00.001-05:00

Bubby's goes hand-in-hand with Keely Marie, family, NYC & brunch - a fantastical combination of people, places & food!

Bubby's Pies is a restaurant in NYC that cooks-up good 'ole fashioned comfort food & has a reputation to boot. We first visited for dinner as a family over Christmas break 2009, care-of Keely's recommendation (she is a food/style/shopping guide extraordinaire who I would like to carry in my pocket everywhere I go please!).

We decided to try the Brooklyn location for a change of scenery & loved it. Bubby's is the perfect spot for a family of 8 adults & 3 kiddies. The food choices are warmly familiar & full of flavor & the view of Manhattan across the East River is truly something.

Sadly, I have limited pictures of this outing as it was F-REEZING cold & I wasn't too keen on becoming a popsicle in the middle of the street. What I did take was blurred by my shivering little hands. Case in point -

It was only one visit, but Bubby's holds a special place in my heart and this past Christmas Keely gifted me the Bubby's Brunch Cookbook, which I didn't even know existed. [I tell you, extraordinaire!]

It is jammed-packed FULL of great muffin & bread recipes, egg dishes, pancake, griddle & potato delights. It inspires a brunch experience that can last half the day & ensures you won't want to change-out of your elastic-waisted pajama pant's in a hurry.

Yesterday morning we did just that, cooking-up a storm & lingering over the New York Times. Being about as decisive as a house plant, I opted for both sweet & savory and did not regret a crumb!

[Zucchini, Tomato & Parmesan Omelet]

[Strawberry & Chocolate Muffins]

It was a delightfully tasty homecoming after spending weeks away from Porter Rd. Bubby's food is very flavorful, with echos of Grandma's comfort cooking. And the recipes super easy to follow, which is key when tiredness is combined with morning-hunger.

But one of my favorite things from what Bubby's has to share is in the opening chapter, where he lists a dozen or so different brunch "occasions" & the menu recommendations for each one dependent on the number of guests. Like Valentines Day for 2 or a Spring Picnic for 20!

So..... I'm just going to pretend that we cant eat enough Bubby's food for 20 people and ask - anyone want to come for brunch next Sunday?

x

Friday Inspiration

2011-03-25T11:54:00.017-05:00

I recently created a specky looking inspiration board. I lovingly filled it with artsy bits & bobs, pictures from magazines & things that took my fancy, all with the aim of fueling my inner creative being.

4 hours later that board unstuck itself from the wall & fell gracelessly in a heap on the floor.

Hmph.

BUT inspiration shall not be defeated! It lives-on, as I share a little with you to kick-off the weekend & break my blogging drought. Enjoy...

[NYC, Elle Decor Magazine]

[Anthropologie Home]

[Tasty colored spoons by Sabre]

That's a kitchen I could spend the entire weekend in, especially if this Nashville rain hangs-about.

In other news, I was encouraged by a fellow blogger to list 30 things to do before I turn 30 this June. So far, my list has 1 thing on it. Yep. 1. That is the sum total of fabulous, must-do things I could muster. And I'm actually a little too embarrassed to tell you what it is, such is its tragic nature!

Actually, now that I think about it, as if turning 30 wasn't sad enough for me, having a list of 1 reeeeally tops it off.

Any suggestions for "30 things" are extremely welcome!

x

They said he'd never make it...

2011-03-17T06:21:00.007-05:00

... And he was booed, heckled, discouraged & laughed-at throughout -

[Click here for the YouTube Link]

But Big Shano's commitment to the art was unwavering & wrist-hand flair truly quite impressive - especially when you consider he was an ice-skating alligator.

I love my family, the friends they introduce me to & the many belly laughs we get to share together...

xx

Lovely Stamps

2011-03-06T03:44:00.008-06:00

Yesterday the simplest of ideas in the most quaint sizes took my fancy & made my creative heart pitter-patter.

And so I shall share it with you! The most adorable range of stamps, many with matching pegs & paper clips, by kiki.K Stationary..

Goodnight - xx

A New Blue Hue

2011-02-23T16:46:00.000-06:00

Blue is slowly taking over our home.

Back before Christmas, when there was snow on the ground & we had a day of going nowhere, I thought it would be dandy-good timing to paint our living-room. For the 2nd time.

(because Christmas shopping, & packing for a month in Australia, & hosting family, & pre-Christmas social outings & finishing-up work all in 1 week wasn't quite enough. LOCO.)

{Before}

There truly is no point in trying to explain my logic & desire for this task.. As I type I realize how absurd it sounds. And how relieved so many of you must be that you don’t have to live with me!!

In short - paint+bee+bonnet+me.

The result - a breathe of fresh-air.

{After}

Welcome “Salt Glaze” to Porter Rd. I will admit I'm still trying it on for size. BUT even my enthusiasm for painting is not quite enough to consider dipping another paint brush for these walls - so Salt Glaze it shall remain!

Oh, I do hope you like! And I promise to keep my paint-insecurities to a minimum.

(But you like it, yes??!)

Photo Retrospect

2011-02-18T19:33:00.002-06:00

There are still a few lil photo's from our sojourn home that didn't get my loving attention in previous posts. I've ummed & ahhed about posting them, due to their TOTAL date irrelevance. And utter lack of compelling byline!

But dear friends, in the end, the love of my home country cannot be suppressed. It has bubbled over with all that makes my Aussie heart go pitter-patter....

Twilight: Sydney Harbor

European styling: Balmoral, NSW

Ah! Now this one DOES have a somewhat interesting Tasker fun-fact..
The Queen Victoria Building, Sydney City - home of our fantastical wedding feast, Dec '04.

Nate Styling: Balmoral, NSW :)

1 very dear sister out of 2

Shelly Beach, NSW

And finally... A precious P, who I want to smuggle home in my luggage & tickle till she can't breathe cause her laugh is pure delight.

The End. x

Food for my Valentine

2011-02-16T09:26:00.001-06:00

After 7 weeks of playing hooky from my own kitchen & happily stuffing myself full on other peoples food creations, it was a simple pleasure to shake out my apron & be back in the cooking game again.

I'm not the most hopeless of romantics, but Valentines Day is a fabulous excuse to try something new for my love. Due to my rusty skill-set I kept things simple this year, trying a new salad served with salmon. It turned-out a treat & I wanted to share it with you...

Roast Tomato & White Bean Salad

I can highly recommend this colorful combination, whether its warm or chilly months you're living through. It's flavorful, requires minimal cooking and best of all, apart from a fancy purple lettuce, it doesn't involve a long list of new ingredients!

Thank you Taste magazine..

Feb 14...

2011-02-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

Scene from a Transfer Line

2011-02-13T13:49:00.000-06:00

Sometimes the route home takes you on a journey you weren't expecting...

And sometimes that journey includes a ukulele, some colorful shirts & a cheery "Bula!"...

Being our SECOND round of Fijian serenading - because don't forget, every return trip is the result of a first trip! - we were emotionally prepared, steeled against the warm salty air & able to laugh at our Pacific misfortune.

We have promised ourselves that one day we will stop for a while.
We will lay on the Fijian white sand.
We will soak-up the sunshine & blue sea.
We will trek the pretty green jungles.
We will reap the reward for enduring a Pacific Air beef sandwich.

One day...

x

60 Years Worth Celebrating

2011-02-02T22:01:00.022-06:00

My dear dad turned 60 this week, & quite out of character he allowed us to throw a big, fancy shindig to celebrate with family & friends. Since his last official birthday party was his 8th (!) we had some making-up to do.

Location: the ever-so-beautiful Oakbank. Company: fantastic people from near & far. Food: tasty & locally grown. Mood: mutual delight in celebrating dad!

{Walking from drinks to dinner in early evening}

It was a sweet time together with the people who have been journeying alongside dad throughout his life. Those who knew him as a boy, helped him build great businesses, watched him become a believer, shared in bringing-up a young family, & those from moving to Sydney & back again.

{Dinner}

I loved being able to look around the room at the people who cherish my dad. There was joy & laughter throughout the whole evening, amongst both friends & strangers, & I can't think of anything more fitting to represent my dad than that!

As midnight rolled-around we sat-up in the warm summer air to swap stories & reflect on what was a splendid evening. I'm thrilled dad had the opportunity to connect with so many people that are important to him, and that we had the chance to honor who he is & what he means to us as a dad, friend & Christian man.

{And thank you decorating / lighting / heavy-lifting / cleaning / maintenance committee comprised of family members. We dined & socialized in glittery style thanks to you!}

Zoooooo

2011-01-27T18:25:00.001-06:00

Sydney has once again charmed & exhausted us! After 4 days of meetings, catch-ups & logistical nightmares between 2 people, 1 car & 1 cell phone, we were delighted to take a breather & soak-in what we truly love about the city.

The catalyst came in the form of Steph, Shane & Jonty, who decided to join us for a 3-day escape [and I FINALLY got to spread my wings as tour guide extraordinaire...]

First on the list was a ferry ride & visit to Taronga Zoo, where we sweated our way around the beautiful park to look at bare-bottomed monkeys & lazy lions. And generally enjoy goofing around together.

And that was just the beginning. It might have been a short trip, but it wasn't short on outings, sight-seeing & laughs. And I'm sure that once Shane has slept for a week & Steph has recovered from all the humid-weather walking, they'll feel the same way too!

I look forward to sharing a little more with you soon.

[Oh, & if by chance you meet my nephew & he lets you know I "wet my pants" - do not be alarmed! He's referring to my fear of Crocodiles, without the actual Crocodile part. Nice.]

x

Hipstamtic Rd Trip to Melbourne

2011-01-18T00:35:00.011-06:00

In an attempt to keep this blog going while feeling like I have a head full of cotton wool, here is my latest offering - iPhone snaps from the road.

Nate & I dodged the looming Victorian floods to visit Melbourne for 2 nights and it was truly worth the extra hours of detoured driving. There is nowhere quite like Melbourne...

{somewhere in country victoria, with the grampian's far in the distance}

{essential snackage}

{hotel windsor 1883}

{coffee in centre place}

{parliament house}

By the way, upon recent reflection, I can attribute my cotton-wool-head to 3 major factors - summer break, a tragic failure in list creation & my dear Dad being sick. This last one, & the effect it's had on my gray matter, has been most surprising...

x

Australia, part 1

2011-01-10T17:50:00.015-06:00

Goodness me, I am WELL behind with a blog update & fear I've missed the boat altogether! That's what happens when you wander-off into the never-never land of rural South Australia.

I could give you a day-by-day breakdown of happenings, but you would be reading for a week, and I daresay that's testing the friendship! So instead, I'll squish it down to a few snapshots & one-liners from our time here thus far - because I love ya & love this crazy thing called blogging...

{ First-up - Christmas & all the trimmings }

{ Cuddle time with some cute kiddly-winks }

{ Splash-splashing in the fit-to-burst Murray River }

{ Precious time with family }

{ Food, food & more food }

{ And sweet time with my luv... }

There is still a ways to go with our great winter-escape of 2011 and I hope to be more dedicated with sharing our mis-adventures along the way.

Happy New Year dear friends... x

Look Who Came To Visit

2010-12-19T16:47:00.000-06:00

Nate, Beth & Fletch (& our 1st snowfall!)

These two did sneak-in to the Thanksgiving post a few back but had yet to receive their very own post.

And a post all their own is so rightly deserved! You see, they thought a visit to the South was all peach pie & rocking chairs & the summer-sound of cicada's.

Mwa-ha-ha!! Step into my web...

Such an idyllic picture is warm-weather Nashville... Come in the middle of December & there are leaves to rake; walls to paint; plummeting temperatures; & endless (ENDLESS) episodes of "How I Meet Your Mother" to sit through.

Such gracious guests...

Beth & Fletch, THANK YOU for visiting. Be blessed on your travels - I've got a feeling volunteer work will be a walk-in-the-park after Camp Porter.

x

Quick Snap: St Louis

2010-12-07T17:10:00.003-06:00

By day & by night... Saturday Dec 4

Thankfulness

2010-11-26T16:13:00.014-06:00

I'm thankful for dear friends with an open door & an extra seat (or three!) at their Thanksgiving table.

I'm thankful for family who travel the world & include Nashville on the list of stop-overs.

I'm thankful for warm hospitality with plenty of laughs.

I'm thankful for food that is sumptuous & tasty & brimming with cultural uniqueness.

I'm thankful for conversation that runs well past the time it takes to eat the food on your plate.

And finally, I'm thankful for Americans who live-up to my expectations & fulfill their role in every way we foreigners hope they would... We love you Barry!

Oh, & I'm thankful for Lamingtons - for being super-duper yummy & doing us proud alongside their American counterparts.

Lamington Love

2010-11-25T10:46:00.007-06:00

Today is Thanksgiving & I am wholeheartedly a HUGE fan of this holiday & all the trimmin's that accompany it.

We are heading-off to a lil family lunch in a few hours time & I thought we'd contribute something Australian to the desert options - Lamingtons.

With the help of some extra Aussie hands (Beth!) we successfully baked, dipped & covered a whole lot of little squares of love.

Happy Thanksgiving.. x

Pretty Find...

2010-11-15T11:55:00.001-06:00

Gift cards by Bells and Whiselles...

These colorful, simple & fun cards were unearthed at a craft fair to be stocked in "Balhannah By Design" - a store in, well, Balhannah! I picked up a handful, as they're cheap, cheery & will surely never go to waste as I enter two months of birthday-anniversary-christmas craziness.

{Now, while not being a hugely bustling metropolis, Balhannah does have a devishly tasty bakery & one of the most lovely home/ clothes/ gift stores I've come across. Apparently Balhannah ladies are ladies of style!}

x

Life's A Zoo

2010-11-10T03:30:00.001-06:00

I am beginning to think Oakbank is secretly a menagerie of wild & domestic animals. Each day brings a different furry, feathery, mooing creature by (or into) the house.

So far in our list of cartoon characters - 2 ducks & 4 ducklings, 1 chicken, a herd of cows and, most recently, a koala bear. Add a pair of peacocks & a kangaroo & we could charge for entrance at the gate.

This latest visitor was just sitting by the drive as I pulled-in, not fussed at all by my presence, or the mad dash for my camera. {In haste, I left the long lens behind... and combined with a fear of having my eyes gauged-out by his claws, I could only shoot from a distance. Apologies.}

Strangely enough, I genuinely cannot see a koala such as this one, with his gray fur & black fuzzy nose...

... And not immediately think of my middle sister, dressed comparatively...

Every. Single. Time.

Koala...
Sister dressed as a koala by well-meaning crafty mother...

Try as I might dear sister, such is my mental state. Thankfully you make a very adorable human-koala bear, even if you are wearing a pair of stockings on your head, crutch-side-up.

And with that, I bid Adelaide adieu & turn my face for Nashville...

x

Springtime Roses

2010-11-09T05:07:00.008-06:00

{from my parents garden}

South Australia grows roses in beautiful abundance, & this visit I have been watching-on with envy...

Chicky-chicky-chicky

2010-11-06T19:38:00.001-05:00

I made my way downstairs Saturday morning to a seemingly deserted, quiet kitchen. Still groggy with sleep & headed for the cereal, I turned & met this fine lass wandering in the open backdoor...

Sure, come-on-in.. Peck-around.. Don't mind me - I'm totally adept at dealing with feathered creatures bobbing around in the living room, clucking their way through our human abode.

More accurately, I screamed for my mum & hopped around the living room, sure the chicky would take flight toward my head at any moment.

My parents don't even own chickens...

The neighbors apparently have a runaway.

x

Picture of the Weekend

2010-11-02T05:59:00.004-05:00

Manual labor, with the promise of summer time river house fun...
Totally worth it.

x

Hipstamatic Sydney

2010-10-28T16:15:00.006-05:00

Ode To A Phone

2010-10-22T22:49:00.001-05:00

I had a cell phone, from an era long past
It's hey day was 90's, when N'Sync were cast
A smart little piece of unbreakable plastic
It could call & predicta-text - oh, it's features, fantastic!

The butt of most jokes in the company of Apple
I stuck to my guns, keeping tech-savvies baffled
With a handy string toggle & snazzy ring-tone
My Nokia mobile was no ordinary phone

But now... the 'off' button's stuck & the volume is fading
So I'm selling-out & to iPhone trading
With a hint of sadness & a tear in my eye
I raise a glass to old faithful & wave goodbye

x

Show Time

2010-10-15T11:24:00.001-05:00

I turn my back for 15mins, & this is what becomes of my sweet niece & 2 nephews. One pirate, one Elton John impersonator & one providing "mood" with bubbles. They're like a little cabaret show on wheels...

BUT, I'm getting ahead of myself. Lets start at the beginning.. The more sedate, farm animal beginning...

Then around to the hearty wood-cutting ring.

{Yes.. We did stand & watch sweaty middle-aged men in white pants heave-ho with a saw. You had to be there...}

This, my friends, is the Royal Adelaide Show!
Hold onto your hats, cause it's a ripper!

I'm sure this is a wonderfully familiar memory from many-a-childhood. The city's yearly event of rolling-out all the rides, games, stuffed animals & fun-time food it can for the pure enjoyment of the masses.

{Read - rides of questionable safety, games with a minimal chance of winning, toys that will immediately burst into flames if held near an open heat source & food served on a stick... And we love it all the same!}

What began years ago as an agricultural show (hence the wood-cutting competitions) eventually morphed into a carnival of sugary, spinning proportions. It's an undeniably fun time, all the more so with small people who love anything that takes them in circles & involves plenty of colors & lights...

But let's be honest... ALL of this, the whole bright occasion, truly comes down to one thing - the place where this blog started - and that, my friends, is the Show Bag Hall.

I do believe Nate & I got a little caught-up in the moment... We hurried for stall to stall in an excited manner, reading OUT-LOUD each bag available {yikes} & deliberating over the most valuable loot of Australian treats.

Seriously. Our brains fell-out & for 15mins we utterly forgot that all of this, & more, is available in every single supermarket in Adelaide {where-o-where is the fun in that?}. So we made just a couple of unnecessary {read: essential} purchases.

And if chocolate & lollies aren't you're thing, it is also the perfect spot to pick-up a pirate hat, pink love-heart glasses & a bubble gun. You will not be judged.

x

Goodbye Creative Drought

2010-10-09T18:25:00.005-05:00

During the past 2 weeks my brain has not ventured beyond the pile of accounting that swamped our dining table. All other creative & arty elements of my life were on hold..

{I'd like to say it was due to my accounting diligence & total work focus..}

But more truthfully, the strain of accounting sapped me of all inspiration. I was in a black hole of numbers and, quite honestly, I was a little concerned I would never return!

Enter here - tasty wallpaper sample from Graham & Brown (tick!) & a team of extremely attentive Home Depot paint people (tick!).

And so it is, I have been dragged back in from the cold & once again feel the happy glow of creativeness flowing through Porter Rd.

Take that, Mr Tax Man.

x

Picture of the Day

2010-10-01T12:12:00.002-05:00

From the above I may not fully recover...

Here lies 3 years of accounts (3 YEARS). And I am attempting to wrestle it to the ground. Oh, you didn't know I was an accounting genius?

That's because I. Am. Not.

Being that maths was my least favorite subject at school, I stopped Accounting at Uni as soon as I possibly could and currently have business split over 3 countries, the likelihood of me actually surviving today is tenuous.

And so I've propped-up on my desk a brand new album, fresh from the printers. It is my glimmer of hope. I gaze at it intermittently with a twinkle in my eye. It is a happy reminder of why my dinning room table looks like a filing cabinet spewed-up on it & I'm in tracksuit pants for the 3rd day in a row.

Friday Night Snapshot

2010-09-26T10:05:00.006-05:00

AFL Grand Final:

My heart has eased & is no longer beating outside of my rib cage. Blood is slowly returning to my knuckles. I've almost recovered the sleep lost from sitting-up till 2:30am.

And all for a draw. 63-63.

Absolute heart-attack material.

The cups of coffee to keep me awake probably didn't help my increased anxiety, nor did the sugar-spike of pancakes at 12am... Actually, upon reflection, I'm thankful to still be upright & breathing.

One of the positives I take-away from an evening of cheering till I'm hoarse? 3 hours of uninterrupted living room time with Aussie family, watching the game "together" in real-time via videochat. As long as I waved every few minutes to one of the littlies who sat captivated, everyone was happy!

This Friday night we get to do it all over again with a re-match. And I really feel the coming week of recovery & preparation is just as vital for the players as the supporters.

x

Food, GlorioUS Food #4

2010-09-18T21:58:00.016-05:00

It's been a little (LONG) while since one of these blogs, and it's certainly not been from lack of options! I've just not snapped a picture of my food in many months. But all that changed today...

Food: Loaded Sandwich
Vendor: Lucky's Sandwich Co.
Place: Chicago, IL
Care-of: "Man vs Food" Reality TV Show

We have been following "Man vs Food" all around America for a few years now, laughing in horror as he stuffs himself stupid with every crazy food challenge that American vendors can throw at him. Today we gave-in to the craze, just a little, to give it a go ourselves (minus the "challenge" part, sticking to just one, medium sized sandwich).

Mm-hmm, that's a medium

Lucky's sandwiches - served-up right down the road from Ridley Stadium - are made with soft, white bread, coleslaw, meat, melted cheese &.. fries. That's right. Fries.

I opted for fries on the side. You know, the healthy option. Apparently if I eat the fries while not stuffed in the sandwich, I feel so much better about it!

With or without the fries, it was awesomely tasty & super fresh. Fellow-sandwiches - beware! You have much to live-up to.

x

Melbourne Street Art

2010-09-14T18:47:00.003-05:00

For the following, I take no responsibility:

And I'm pretty sure, for this following, but sweet sister also takes no responsibility:

(I did take the picture, encouraging them further, I am aware of this...)

I love how much Melbourne has embraced the art of graffiti, to the point of heritage protection for some laneways, so these unique pieces of the city wouldn't get lost!

x

Good Old Collingwood For Eeeever

2010-09-08T18:04:00.000-05:00

Melbourne's beating heart is sport, and in winter that sport is Aussie Rules Football. There aren't many things my dad could pass along to his girls in the form of "boy" interests, but football was a non-negotiable. From an early age, the rules of football, players numbers & supporter passion were passed-down to us with enthusiasm.

Case in point... This charming snapshot from The Advertiser with our favorite player at the time, Peter Motley, after he'd been drafted to Carlton (1985).

Apparently being football fans didn't deter our girlie love of over-sized frilly collars, bows, & scrap-booking! ANYway...

During our youth we flitted from team to team, dependent on our favorite colors or city (or... ahem... players physique's). In the end though, Dad's die-hard Collingwood Magpie loyalty won-out, & thankfully we all rather like vertical black & white stripes!

Members Stand @ the MCG...
(It seems I liked my hairstyle from '85 so much, it's back in rotation!)

Last Saturday night we took our cheering & clapping to the mighty Melbourne Cricket Ground, as we've done many happy times in the past, to watch Collingwood play the first round of finals - and thankfully watch them win convincingly!

Walking to the MCG

For the less acquainted to the game, allow me to butcher it with this mini-explanation - 18 players per side; an oval shaped ball, on an oval shaped field; players kick, handball, bounce & mark the ball, all in an attempt to get it through two goal posts at one end... And all done in tiny shorts & sleeveless guernseys. But that's not of major importance to the overall outcome. Or so I'm told...

I love this game. It's fast & skillful, exciting, competitive & dynamic. I love to cheer till I feel hoarse & sing the club song with 40,000+ other fans in the stadium. I love the cold air on my cheeks, & hot chips, & team rivalries.

And after a few guernsey mix-ups of what stripe & color we were following, my New South Welshman also came to love the game. Phew.

Now all I have to do is lobby for Aussie Rules on my American Cable and endeavor to pass it along to the next generation - I will prevail over baseball & American football if it's the end of me!

x

Fathers Day Suprise

2010-09-07T07:39:00.003-05:00

This past weekend in Melbourne was an optional family trip, and with four adult couples & three small people it doesn't always work to co-ordinate everyone in one place for one weekend. So when Bel & Gus couldn't make it we were sad, but understanding, for life is busy & full (& often accompanied by ear-infected 4 year olds!).

We went along our merry way, one-couple down, totally unaware of the sneaky surprise they'd planned for Dad (& us) on Father's Day. They were up with the birds on Sunday morning & joined us in Melbourne for a day trip.

It was the ideal way to end an already lovely weekend...

Pictures speak louder than words with such sweet moments...

The end, x

The Beautiful Garden City

2010-09-05T13:41:00.004-05:00

Flinders St. Station

Melbourne has became a winter-holiday tradition for my family. Each time, we barrack for our beloved Magpies, wander the cafe-filled alleys, take-in some art & the beautiful buildings, & gander in the endless choice of downtown stores.

Collingwood vs. W.Bulldogs @ the MCG

But getting our lovely weekend experiences untangled into blog-form is proving a challenge... Since I've changed time zones 4 times in 7 days & spent my Aussie sleep time doing American work things, I could be on the moon sending a telegram to the Queen via pony express.

Tim Burton Exhibit, Federation Sq.

So until I've eaten a truck load of Cadbury Top Deck, slept for a day & restored my world order, these few snapshots & details will fill the void.

Collins St.

I can't wait to share with you more of what we did & saw. The Melbourne Tourism Board will be smitten with me once I'm through!

And now, in closing, the first & last of Nathan's photographic input...

Good-day.
x

Sing-song sing-along

2010-08-28T15:15:00.002-05:00

Upon reflection this afternoon, in my quiet home in music city, I've concluded that Nt's tunes really can span the age & fashion barriers that so often keep us segregated in our musical tastes.

Case in point: this south aussie 2 year old, wearing flannel Elmo jimmy-jams & welding a plastic electric guitar (of which I'm sure no sane person has ever, nor will ever, leave in their childs possession for longer than 5 mins at a time).

[Trouble viewing? Click here for Youtube Link]

I do miss this little chunka-spunk of energy & vocal exuberance.

And now that my damaged ear drum has healed, I really feel ready to share the backseat of a car with him again.

Adelaide here we come!

x

Snap

2010-08-27T21:47:00.011-05:00

We are happily weary at Porter Rd this evening after a half-day shoot with creative gem Micah Kandros. There's no album lead-up like a jam-packed one, and that's how we found ourselves at Micah's studio today, out on the streets of Downtown, & even up in the buildings for a bit!

Truth be told, this is not Nathan's most absolute favorite part of his job... 3 people watching his every move is apparently far less appealing than an auditorium full of strangers.

Thankfully, today he smoldered like a superstar ar-tist & I can't wait to see what Micah sends through. Until then, iPhone quad cam is the best I have!

Happy weekend!
x

All Things Pretty

2010-08-18T22:37:00.001-05:00

As a lovely distraction, I spent time while visiting family in Adelaide giving an unfinished room some finishing touches.

This beautiful & spacious living room is one of my very favorite rooms. It's colors are warm & tasteful, the furniture slightly formal but still welcoming & the fire place in perfect working order for frosty winter days. Plus, it gets A LOT of use - not usually the norm for formal living rooms.

That was all the inspiration I needed to go in search of the little things to fill spare table tops, bare walls & empty cupboards. Here are a few of the pretty & cozy items we added to finish it off!

[... oh, & may I mention not one thing is over $100? That's music to my cheapo, bargain-hunting ears...]

#1 - Fishy, fishy, fishy... I love, love, love this little guy. He's weighty, shiny, curvy & small enough to add a bit of bling to the coffee table.

#2 - Two weather beaten lanterns to add height to the empty fire place.

#3 - these pictures were a very happy find. Just the right colors to match the room (blues & greens) & a touch rustic, to add warmth & a good "lived-in" feeling.

#4 - speaking of warmth, Adelaide winters call for a soft throw or rug. You may mock me & call me an old granny, but this lovely one has been put to good use already...

#5 - on the off chance our fishy got lonely, here is the birdy to keep him company...

And lastly... #6 - time, anyone? This light-weight & inexpensive clock is the ideal way to cover a significant chunk of blank wall, while avoiding the expense of mirrors or artwork.
And that's it! It was wonderful to leave behind a little of me in a room my dad sits in almost every day.

x

A Good Day

2010-08-13T23:56:00.002-05:00

Nate & I arrived home last Thursday, back to a humid summer & driving on the right hand side of the road. We had been gone 3 weeks & I for one was totally thrilled our house hadn't burnt down & the plants had managed to stay alive!

(oh, sure, our AC died mid-trip and we were greeted by an 89 degree sweat-box for a house. BUT since I anticipate death & destruction on the doorstep, a little heat was doable.)

Before jumping the 14hr flight, we enjoyed a lazy afternoon off. We went for a drive & took a walk down Strathalbyn's main street with my mum & dad. I linked my arm through dads & talked about whatever came-up, simply happy to be in his company & to do something that over the years has become second nature.

And let it be noted, there was food involved. ALWAYS food involved with me!

Scones with jam & cream - oh, sweet, tasty, cakey little lumps of love - this is a much favored treat, just the ticket during wintertime & quite the thing to end our Aussie visit.

x

Day-Tripper

2010-08-06T18:36:00.000-05:00

This is the longest visit I've made to my home state of South Australia since I left 8+ years ago. I'm not sure if I'm settling back in with ease, with the comfort of one who has found their center & the sweetness of familiarity... OR if I'm developing a nervous itch, starting to climb the walls & plot my escape.

BUT one of the undeniable blessings of being drawn back to my birth place is the chance to soak-in time with my sisters & their rug-rats. On Friday, that meant a day-trip with Bel, Gus & their two munchkins....

This cheeky little Miss has us stitched. She can tear-up & lip quiver on-que, ensuring my undying servanthood & love. She has developed an endearing hair flick, adorable lisp & monkey grip that means we'll gladly carry her around the world & back.

All the while, her mellow-souled older brother is the best medicine for low self esteem. This 4 yr old is thrilled to see his family every single time - hugs alllll round - even if the absence has been less than 2 hrs. I, for one, will never tire of his enthusiastic reception. And yes, he is exceptionally talented in the field of "Toy Story" reenactments. I have the bruises to prove it.

And so with these two in tow, last Friday we ventured into the rolling, green hills of the Barossa Valley.

This is one of South Australia's gems, a beautiful wine & gourmet food region. We saw just a whisper of what is on offer here & could go back for more anytime.

My favorite was Maggie Beer's famous farm & her pretty birds.
I could have bought absolutely every single item in her store - from jams to chutneys, sauces, dressings & crackers. Yes please! My nephew on the other hand.. He confidently tasted, disliked & "returned" the marmalade I offered, INTO the marmalade sample pot. Not quite the usual behavior of Maggie's fancy-pant establishment [his Aunty & mum made quick purchases & a speedy exit.]

I am thankful for these days & the joy they bring!

x

Rainy Day

2010-08-03T12:30:00.000-05:00

Perfect weather for a wood fire, my ugg slippers & hot tea.

Quick Pic

2010-08-01T10:09:00.001-05:00

Nate & I may currently reside in the country of doughnuts, where all things doughie & fried & sugary reign. BUT I am yet to find & eat a chocolate doughnut as chunky & tasty as an Aussie one. Strange, but true!

x

WARNING: ALL TOY-ANIMAL-FAMILIES

2010-07-26T23:45:00.014-05:00

There is a man-child on the lose, & he has a penchant for wrecking havoc on small farm animal communities & their quaint, calico-decorated homes!

Most recent in the reign of terror - his up-ending & scattering the poor Rabbit & Bear families of Oakbank.

It will be weeks before this community can restore order, repair the damage, find the porcelain toilet & tiny pram so loved by little girls (ahh.. namely me..), & baton the hatches before the next child-tornado of doom.

Sunday Sunshine

2010-07-24T15:38:00.000-05:00

There are benefits to jet lag & being awake for the earrrly hours most loved by birds & the milkman...

...Wintertime sunrise in the Adelaide Hills. Crisp & clear & so peaceful.

After a few days of gray clouds, it's wonderful to see the sun come out.

(The non-benefit of Jet-lag? It's taken me an hour to cohesively type 3 lines & I now need a nap).

x

Altered Axis

2010-07-18T22:05:00.000-05:00

My world has shifted on it's axis & I don't think it will ever sit the same again.

This meandering little blog is about sharing life with friends both around the corner & on the other side of the ocean. And I find tonight, with tears in my eyes, that it means sharing the funny & adventurous, along with the things that sink my heart & shake the foundations of life.

Nate & I are waiting to board a flight back to Australia to be with family, as my dad undergoes tests & treatment for a growth in his brain.

It seems horribly unreal... A broken world brings such a heavy heart.. But our Savior brings healing & hope, & the promise of a future home where the axis is set perfectly right. I long for the day!

Thanks for allowing me to share every part of life.. x

If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
Psalm 139: 9&10

Kaffe 1668

2010-07-12T16:53:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Kaffe 1668 & Nate's iphone.

My personal form yesterday was anything but stellar. I was WAY off... (Or on, if injury & mishap were the aim of the day...)

In brief - I attempted to amputate my right-hand pointer finger with a bread knife; walked myself into three stinging foot blisters; & vigorously shook an open container (unbeknown-est to me!) of balsamic vinegar all over myself.

Needless to say I was hesitant to leave the house this morning (or enter the kitchen).

But I'm pleased I did, because Kaffe 1668 is a treat. They serve-up little blue cups of Monday joy in a light-filled space ripe for all-day sitting & sipping.

NYC Notable - Union Sq Farmers Market

2010-07-10T09:43:00.001-05:00

Following the trend of No Impact Man, we visited the Union Sq. Farmers Markets to take a mosey around the Organic Produce & Farmer-to-table goods that are uber popular in NYC these days.

Despite our good intentions, things here are a liiiittle pricier here than the good 'ole Nashville markets. I'm afraid to admit we had to defy NYC trends & continue to eat Supermarket-to-table instead.

But it's definitely fun for a wander & gander at the pretty produce & specialty homemade goods of jam, cheese & bread.

Brooklyn

2010-07-08T21:04:00.002-05:00

It's been melt-your-skin-off hot in NYC the last few days. The pavement is trying to solder our feet to our flip-flops, and somewhere in the land of Sesame Street I'm sure you'd find young-in's dancing in the spray of a fire hydrant.

BUT we've not been discouraged, & there are still some outings of new discoveries & adventures to share.

Last night we waited until early evening, the "cooler" part of the day, to take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge & eat pizza. Despite numerous visits to NYC, we've never managed to do this very popular tourist outing, & it was as lovely & tasty as promised.

Aww, there we are!

Thanks Dustin & Lis for the encouragement to get our butts off the island!

Now I best trott-off & soak my feet in ice-water while finding the magical solution to curly hair + relentless heat.

x

NYC Notable - Melissa's Cupcakes, Soho

2010-07-07T20:08:00.012-05:00

This magical lady Melissa takes very American treats - like s'mores, red velvet or cinnamon - & squishes them into teeny-tiny, super yummy cupcake's. Then WE squish them into our bellies in one neat gulp!

And how do you like our "perspective" shot, to show-off the mini-ness? ...

I mean really, is that normal?! Before I knew it, that was our effort. The excitement of a pending sugar hit blurred our judgment...

x