Jikana Damaru

Child labour

When is the right time for kids to be responsible for their own stuff?

If I never have to clear up Cappers' 'craft table' again, it will be too soon. That table, that craft, that girl... they are impossible. Little bits of all the little bits that I foolishly purchased and gave to her. All those little bits of little.

Everything ends up on that table. Everything.

I threaten to sweep the whole lot into the bin if she doesn't keep it tidy and then wish I hadn't because I have to sweep the whole lot into the bin. Later I have to get it out of the bin. It then creeps back into her room like a child in the night. All snug and cosy and randomly scattered everywhere.

I see it creeping and a little part of me sighs loudly. Then I allow it because it allows her free access to the art and craft she adores. I love giving her free expression, but I don't want to have to clean it up. Why can't she clean it up herself?

When do you think that will happen?

When will I be free?

the petal jar...

A stroll through Yaralla Estate led us to this garden bed - a pretty mix of bark, twigs, leaves, fresh and dried petals. As if some happy soul had accidentally tripped and spilt their oversized bucket of potpourri. Good thing I still had one of these jars in the boot of the car.

Meanwhile, our Internet has choked. We're back to full speed at the beginning of March which seems so far away. How did we ever survive with just dialup? I've read some lovely posts but it's via my phone so struggling to leave a decent comment. Bloggers new word verification doesn't help. Do we really need to type 12 letters to prove we're human?!
Anyway, I hope the weekend has been kind to you, friends.

Summer fruit mousse

For the last gluten free recipe from my mini dessert tower I bring you a pretty pink fruit mousse.

Summer fruit mousse (makes 6 jars)

Ingredients

600ml double cream (heavy cream)
150g strawberries
150g raspberries
150g cherries, pitted
150g red currants
4 tbsp of caster sugar ("superfine" sugar in US)
2 tbsp water

What you will need

Small glass jars

Cooking instructions

Blend fruit in a blender until you have a puree
In a small saucepan place blended fruit, water and sugar and heat on medium heat until fruit begins to soften and sugar has dissolved
Place in cup to cool
Whip double cream until soft peaks form
Fold in fruit and whip until you have a firm consistency
Spoon mousse into a piping bag fitted with a large round nozzle and fill jars with mousse
Leave in fridge until ready to serve

Have a sweet day!

Instagram Friday & New Baby

mini shoot. hanging out at work with momma. getting lunch with Auntie Lori.

first strawberry- biggest hit ever. "oh hey mom". baby girl passed out while mommy edits photos.

Oh and here is my new 'baby' :) :)

She is AWESOME.

These were the first photos.

I had the ISO high for these- I think around 1000. I was shocked at the low noise level when I zoomed in on the computer. She is sharp and freaking fast. I was waiting for a second 'click' then realized the picture was taken twenty seconds prior. Oh I am in l.o.v.e. I have the stomach flu, thinking it's the "norovirus" going around (aka I'm sick as a dog). So I've barely moved from the couch but I can't wait to play some more- preferably in better light to showcase her skills!

in the picture {february} write on

this months in the picture theme is 'write on' so i have written a little note to myself. i took this picture while on a morning walk. something i try to do at the start of everyday. time just for me where i can clear my mind ready to take on what the rest of the day involves!

click on the button below to learn more about the self portrait journey @ the urban muser blog

previous months portraits: january

tonight

was one of those perfect hot Summers nights & was made all that more special by it being a friday night. so we ate our dinner. jumped in the car & stopped at one of our favourite swimming spots. with just enough time to enjoy the beach while the sun was going 'to the other side of the world' {as my eldest likes to say!}. happy weekend to you all xx

52 Weeks of Grateful: Courage

It takes a long time for me to work up to something. I'm that kid standing on the edge of the pool saying 'count me in, count me in' and then not getting in. It can take many, many counts. Still not in.

And that's just fear of cold water.

Confidence, belief, trust, security - these are all the things that make you brave. And then there is something more, something indefinable. We are either leapers or we are not. I don't think there is a middle ground.

But, recently I did something scary and I did it without hesitating and I haven't over-analysed it and I haven't looked back (I actually haven't looked forward either - that's probably the main reason for my sudden bravery!).

So, this week I'm grateful for...

212. Courage - The absolute knowing that something must be done. Trust in that knowledge, grit your teeth, square your shoulders... and you can do anything.

213. Generosity - So many people are so willing to share their expertise and experience. Thank goodness for generous hearts.

214. Maxibon icecreams - There is simply no better non-alcoholic way to celebrate.

Don't forget to visit me at our Kidspot Grateful group where I am talking about Dress-Ups!

I'd be interested to know what you think.

So, what's making you smile today? Add your post to the list below (and please, we love you, but it really does matter that your post is a Grateful one and not just a random) and pretty-please add a link back to this linky. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are spreading a little sunshine.

[Image by Aya Smith via Flickr]