To be honest, I’m not 100% sure what mojo is exactly…but whatever it is, it’s deserted me. I need to take a bit of a break to recharge, and part of that will be stepping away from the computer in my non-work time. I know you’ll understand if I don’t visit for a while. I have another trip to Newcastle next week…this time for mum’s eye surgery. Sigh.

In the meantime, do you like my new necklace? Red Phoenix Emporium…pretty in instagram J

I know my site is coming up with a malware warning. I have checked it out and it's not me! We're all protected here so please continue to visit while I try to get it sorted.

Take care and I'll see you in a week or two... 

image; tranquiltownhouse on instagram

That's the sound of my zen disappearing in a puff of smoke. I'm going through a bit of a rough time at the moment, but I'll be back as soon as I feel I can. Hopefully that won't be long :)

Until then, enjoy this painting I did a long time ago, but more importantly please pop over and say bon voyage to Charlotta. She's given me the honour of writing her last blog post from Australia....I'm not sure if she's brave or just momentarily muddled! She and her lovely family are heading back to Sweden. Sob and sigh.

Morning all. I just had an email from a lovely woman I met on Shannon Fricke's Styling workshop last month. Nic was sitting next to me and we got to talking...and then more talking with Kerri with an 'i'...(because is there such a thing as too much gas bagging? I think not). And we kept in touch as like minded people do.  Nic didn't have a blog. But she does now! 

She's blaming Kerri and me for her entry into bloggy world, and I'm happy to be blamed. Bet Kerri is too. Thank goodness Nic's not a Kerrie with an 'ie' or there'd be mass confusion.

Nic's a colour girl like me, and lucky for me she's doing the same Cert IV course I am, so I'll be making a nuisance of myself asking for advice. These are some pics from her very first blog post...

How about you pop over, see the rest and make her welcome...that'd be lovely :)
Have a terrific weekend everyone. I'm very hopeful that I'll be doing a great deal of not a lot!

Warning Will Robinson: there are a lot of words in this post. 876. It took me a while to write them and it might take you a while to read. I found the 'writing down' very helpful. Perhaps you might find something in this post for you too...I hope so. I've thrown in some pictures as well...consider this a de facto top ten or so for this week :)

I said that I was going to do some navel gazing over this long combined Easter/Anzac break. And I did. I also told you that I would have a cunning plan by the end of it...a plan to transform my life into some sort of organised miracle. And I tried that too. Much more difficult than the navel gazing bit!
In my 'real life' I'm a consultant. I'm not too bad at it. So I attempted to put my consulting skills to work on me, instead of some poor unsuspecting client. It appears that I'm a difficult customer... as the 22 year old will no doubt confirm!

Heaven forbid that I give away my trade secrets, but suffice to say I asked myself a lot of questions. I probed. I poked. I suggested alternatives. I asked myself why, what was important, what was stopping me, what was supporting me, what was giving pleasure, what should I start doing/stop doing/change, where were the frustrations...were they worth it? On and on I went...for most of the long weekend. I was a pain in my own butt!
One of the things I try to do in my work is help people see through the complexity of the issue they're dealing with to the simplicity on the other side. It's almost always there somewhere. So that's what I tried to do for myself. I got clear...well, pretty clear. And I decided that I have four areas of focus (loved ones and paid work aside). 
Four discretionary areas of focus if you like. I'm not going to give you the details (you'll probably see some of them emerge over time anyway) but I will say that two are creative, one is about health and one is financial. And I'm very comfortable with them. I could have had a heap more but I thought it was important to set some sort of limit...simplicity remember!

What I will share with you is this. Having found my areas of focus, I now have two questions I can use to keep me...well, focused. And they are: 
"is doing this/spending time or money on this/investing your effort in this going to have a positive impact on one or more of those four foci Kez?" 
(ok, I don't actually say foci...who would!!) AND...here's the second question kicker...
"will it enrich your life or someone else's in the process?" 
Except in the case of the financial focus...because if it's enriching someone or something else external to my life, (especially a bank) and it's not enriching me as well...then that's a big no- no!
So you're probably wondering what's all this got to do with blogging and the title of this post? It's this. I've been blogging for a bit over a year now. It's been a fabulous thing to do. It's introduced me to new things, masses of ideas, made me laugh and sometimes cry, shown me that I can do some things, and not others...and most importantly helped me find lovely people who weren't in my life before this experience began.

But it takes up so much time. If I were to add up all the hours I've spent composing blog posts, thinking about posts, rewriting blog posts, reading other people's blog posts, 'cutting and pasting' beautiful pictures to put into blog posts, squirreling away ideas for things to make, projects to attempt....well, let's just say that I could probably point to a few 'lost' weeks, or more. 
So I asked myself those two questions. Does blogging have a positive impact on one or more of my areas of focus and does it enrich my life? The answer was yes...and no.
It really does take up too much time, when time is one of those increasingly precious and rare commodities...especially now that I'm back working full time. It does actually steal time from other things that are important to me...especially now that I have that focus. And sometimes you just have to wise up. So I'm not going to stop, but I am going to cut back.  I'm not entirely sure how...as we all know it can be slightly addictive...but I know I have to. So there'll be fewer posts and possibly, unfortunately, fewer comments on your posts. I will keep commenting I promise, I think that's a really important thing to do, but it's not going to be as frequently as I'd like, and certainly not every day. I'm going to restrict my blogging activity to some set times...not sure what they are yet. So if you don't hear from me as much as you used to...it's not personal. Well, it is...but not in that way. It's about me taking control of 'my personal'. 

So there you go. That's where I'm at. Extra long weekend well spent? I think so :)
first image: chasing satellites; others from weheartit

from here

Dear blog,

Happy birthday to you. One year hey?

You've come quite a long way haven't you?

You've covered a bit of ground...those top ten pretty picture posts are a bit of alright aren't they...

You've made me do projects I would never have dreamed of doing this time last year...silly ones too...who could forget the frou-frou juju :)

I've always pondered, but you've made it into a public pondering now...and haven't people been kind when I've done that...

You've kept me up far too late at night.

You've distracted me no end.

You put a stop to my prolific reading (but don't you get all smug, I'm on to it so don't worry your little bloggy head about that)...

You've educated me...

You've frustrated me...

You've inspired me...

But do you want to know what the best thing you've done has been?

Simple really...you've introduced me to wonderful people, helped me to make new friends. People who've given me so, so much. Encouragement, wit, wisdom, compassion, nonsense...all of that and more. 
I especially love the nonsense.

I've loved every bit of it...thank you blog. You can stick around for a while yet if you like.

So let's say we tell everyone how we feel shall we...how much we love 'em...it is Valentine's day soon after all...even though you and I really don't go in for that particular nonsense...

Please don't take this to mean that the blog or I want to marry you or anything...it's just a song we love...go with the general vibe and enjoy the Pride and Prejudice images while you're at it...no Colin in these ones though, sorry about that :)

Thank you everyone.  I've said it before, I'll say it again, and now I've even put  it on the follower thingamy...you're a top lot.

I have a confession. I did (and please excuse my French) stuff-all this weekend. Things I should have been doing, didn't get done. I stayed in my pyjamas until after lunch on Saturday and Sunday. 

we heart it

I didn't put my washing away, much less touch an iron.

we heart it

I really didn't think much about blogging...which I'm trying to tell myself is a good thing...only every now and then...of course ;)

we heart it

I didn't go and play volleyball as I promised myself I would.

google images

I didn't do the financial paperwork that I really must do, and I didn't start an assignment that absolutely needs to be started.

we heart it

I did the barest amount of grocery shopping that I could get away with. And I didn't do a whole lot of other things that I won't bore you with.
But here's what I did do. I enjoyed the solitude of having the house to myself. The 22 year old was in Sydney for the weekend helping the first born move out of an apartment she shared with a very odd French man and into a house with four other women...in 40 degree plus heat...poor loves.

google images

I thought about my upcoming trip to New York (thank you so much for the suggestions...please keep them coming). 
I read. I read lots. I watched old movies. I did a bit more to the Ballets Russes painting. Biting off more than I can chew comes to mind when I look at this...many, many more hours required until it's decent...but I will persevere thanks to some lovely encouragement from my blogging/facebook friends!

I went out for dinner with my man on Friday...we had fabulous salt and pepper squid. I made a nice dinner at home for us on Saturday. I went out for dinner at my lovely friends Chris and Terry's on Sunday...I'll photograph their house one day...you'll love it. So, I guess, in effect what I did was stop...and in a life full of constantly doing stuff...enjoy, for the moment, being a sloth. Like the vampire slayer does every single day of her life! 

 Now I just need to work out how to do that without feeling guilty. Any hints?

I found this awesome drawing tool over at Gennine's blog...only a few minutes ago but I had to share. Immediately. This is my first ham fisted attempt...it's such fun and probably the best time waster I've found for a very long time!

You know how it goes...do yourself a favour! And I bet it'll keep the kids amused for hours as an added bonus :)

Have a lovely weekend everyone. Thanks for visiting and commenting. It's back to work for me on Monday so I'm not sure how the blogging schedule will pan out...like me, it's a work in progress!

UPDATE:

And hooley, dooley...I've just discovered the colour button as well!! And yes, I know your kids will do a better job than this :)

A few weeks ago after I posted a picture of the vampire slayer with her infamous red luggage tag hanging around her neck, Rachael of the beautiful blog A Room for Everyone emailed and said she could stand it no longer and was buying Buffy a new tag. I said "Really? You really want to do that? She's a horrible cat you know!" or words to that effect.
But sure enough, this wonderful, generous, kind hearted blogging friend did just that! And it's Buffy bling...and I love it to bits! And just quietly I think the slayer does too :)

Here she is modelling her gorgeous new tag (and of course I had to go and get her a new collar befitting of the glamour, as the other one was decidedly tatty)

And Rachael also included a lovely, gorgeously wrapped and very thoughtful gift for me...

...a beautiful handmade notebook which will be put to very good use. Oh yes it certainly will.
So thank you Rachael...your kindness and generosity has overwhelmed me.
And thank-you...all of you...for the most wonderful 10 months of blogging friendship. I continue to be amazed by your genuine interest in others, your care and concern when things go pear shaped, your willingness to support and nurture ideas or dreams. The things you write, make, bake and create are a constant source of inspiration...I want to be just like all of you when I grow up :)
I'm going to walk away from the computer for a little while now while I'm in Newcastle with my parents, but I'll see you sometime in the New Year. So I'll let Ben's wonderful graphic say...

Love to you and yours from me and mine. And if you're travelling...stay safe xx

Sometimes it's a bit difficult when lovely people tag you or give you an award; trying to think up what you'll say...(so sometimes I say very little...not today though). Stop that groaning!! That's why I like the tags I've received recently. They come with questions. Oh bliss. The only problem is...two tags...two different lots of questions. 18 questions...I don't think any of you would indulge me while I answer that many (even I'd be sound asleep by the end of that), so I'm combining the tags and choosing half that number, ok? That'll be 9...

Even so, I'm afraid that you are going to be sooooo over me by the end of this post. In fact, you might want to skip to the end right now where I mention a few blogs, because, quite honestly, I'm not all that exciting. And I really wouldn't be offended.
If you're still with me, the first five come from 'Cross the Pond...a New Yorker living in London...how good is that! Okey dokey, here we go...
1. Why blog?
Because I am certifiably mad? This blogging has taken over my life, I am going insane with the pressure...oh, ok...because I really like it and because I have met nice people...reason enough I think. Actually the first born made me do it...you can read why in my very first post here. (it was fun going back and reading that!) But on a serious note, I think that blogging will be instrumental in changing parts of my life...and actually it already has. For the details, you'll have to wait and see..but it's going to be good!

2. Do you have to write or want to write?
Both actually. I have to write quite a lot for work. In fact, it's almost all I do. As a HR consultant I get to write things telling organisations what to do, where they're going wrong, how they can improve...oh it's wonderful except when they tell me I don't know what I'm talking about!

But I want to write as well. I'm no longer sure what form that will take...but I think the desire will always be there. 

3. If you could have coffee with just one person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
These questions that you have asked other people come back to bite you on the bum don't they! I have often used this question when I'm facilitating workshops and have no idea how I'd answer if put on the spot. But gee, now I have been! It probably changes on any given day. 

The slightly shallow answer is Hugh Jackman. Why? Don't be ridiculous...obvious! The slightly less shallow answer is Elizabeth Gilbert. I find her quite inspirational and I would love to have a conversation with her. I love the sound of her voice too...go here for a sample courtesy of Mariska. And yes I could have said Nelson Mandela or the Dalai Lama, but I didn't. And I probably would have said our new PM Julia, but didn't want to appear a complete dag. Don't judge me!

4. Toilet paper roll: over or under?

Oh most definitely over. I have been known to go to the loo in other people's homes or in public conveniences and change it if it isn't right! (sorry, that was me). And while I'm on the subject...I get really annoyed when I go to the loo at work and find the last person used the last of the roll and I have to change it! It's bad enough having to do it at home...who are these people who don't know how to change a toilet roll...shame on them! And unlike the rest of my house...only ever white paper...no dolphins, flowers or whatevers thank you very much!

5. Beach or Mountains/lake?
Hmm, difficult. I am a Cancerian...we love water and I love to be by it. To be honest I prefer looking at it rather than being in it. However, I think that beaches would be a lot better if they had grass rather than sand. I don't like sand. Gets in your cossies...sticks to the sun lotion...ruins the pages of your book. I guess a chair would make it better...

Now...for the next four...you still with me?? If so, you are incredibly nice, patient and kind...and deserving of a medal!  Here's a pretty one.

These 4 came from Jenny at The Five Year Project (good name!) chronicling the renovation of her 100 year old Queenslander (I love Queenslanders...the people are quite nice too!) 
1. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Oh geez, I am struggling with this one. I like where I live but I don't want to live here forever. I have lived in the UK and I harbour a dream to live overseas again for a while. My preference right here, right now? A hill village in Italy...I do believe, that so far at least, it's my favourite country of all apart from Australia.

2. If you could be someone else for a day, who would it be?
Actually I'm very happy being me. Mind you, it's taken quite a few decades to get there. I don't have a single person I'd want to be...more of a concept...I'd want to be someone who had unlimited resources and who used those resources quietly and anonymously to help the truly disadvantaged. Because you know what, sometimes I don't think we realise how incredibly lucky we are.

Ok, if you insist on a person...Helen Mirren...she's awesome!
3. Concert or Broadway show?
Not that I've ever been to the real Broadway, but I've seen quite a few shows. My favourite? Toss up between Starlight Express and Miss Saigon...both in London when I was living in England in 1990...Les Miserables was good too. And Camelot...I would have loved to have seen that on stage not just at the movies. I clearly need to get out more. 

4. Theme song for life?

That's actually easy. The song I chose for the finale of my 50th birthday dance party (it was a good party that one!). Ironically a song by a 20 something...Steer by Missy Higgins..you can watch it here...

The lyrics I love from that song...

"But the search ends here
where the night is totally clear
and your heart is fierce
so now you finally know
that you control where you go
you can steer" 

Nice one Missy!

So there you have it bloggy peeps. And now that I've completely stuffed up both of those tags by not playing by the rules...I'm not going to pass them on. I'm just going to point you in the direction of some new blogs I've found recently that you might not be familiar with and that you might like to visit...if you have the strength after reading all of that!! Well done you! Because it was probably only one of you!! :)
So, off you go, if you haven't already been, to...

Life in a Pink Fibro

Hummingbird's Song

Vintage by LouLou

Miss Sew and So

The Lighthouse

...and say hi from me please!
Thank goodness it's only pictures tomorrow-this week's top ten. You must be exhausted getting through that...I know I am! Sheeesh!
all images from we heart it or google images

Thanks to everyone who suggested that I should just relax this weekend. I took your advice. And did a very great deal of not a lot! Except... I spent a bit of time with the crochet hook perfecting my granny square technique and trying to decide which pattern I liked most....

I went with this one for my first attempt at a crocheted throw, which I do believe the first born has already claimed. She might be waiting a while at the rate I go!

I'm using a variety of colours...and I'm sure you won't be surprised to see they're not pastels! Quite pleased with them though...even though I don't have a clue yet how to put them together...but that surely is why Google was invented!

And I did finish this book...and, as in the days before blogging began, it took me no time at all. This may be because I stayed in bed until 2 o'clock yesterday to read it. And it made me blubber (just like poor old ex Prime Minister Kevin Rudd who I do feel very sorry for). Except unlike him...my blubbering was for no good reason other than a spectacularly happy and cheesy-schmalzy ending!

Forget the Booker and all things literature on a quest for relaxation...there's nothing like a good old girly book for a wintery Canberra day now is there?

...and deciding that I needed (ok don't need, but would very much like) a small collection of silver (ok then, silver plate) I found these while doing a bit of op shopping...and they didn't cost very much at all..about $20 for the lot. And I quite like cleaning silver, not that I did a lot of that on my take-it-easy weekend as you can see. Think they'll scrub up pretty well though and they are lovely shapes.

I'm thinking this lot will make a nice display on my antique chest of drawers in the bedroom. Chuck a few necklaces in one and some flowers in another....might work quite well in a casual, thrown together kind of way.

And I did a good bit of old-fashioned staring into space as well...thinking about life, this blog, work...and I've come to a few decisions. All good. So I guess you could say my project this weekend was me. And sometimes that's absolutely the best thing to be working on. The chandelier cleaning can wait for another time! Here's to a good week bloggy peeps.