Arty Orla

via A Pattern a Day

Dolls's's' house

There is a lot of excitingment around the place at the moment about this.

Ziggy has been looking at wallpaper options, Saskia is contemplating floor furnishings and Nancy, the husbandido, is going crazy over teeny tiny bits of furniture.

And, moi? Well, I'm a bit ambivalent.

I found the potential masterpiece at Vinnies in East Kew for $9.

Playing along with Sophie and ApronThriftGirl.

Bricks and mortar

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In the Dutch city of Maastricht you will find this beautiful 13th century gothic church. Selexyz Dominicanen, is, however, not what it seems.

See?

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You can read more about it here.

And now look at this bookstore, Livraria da Vila, in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

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The Book Depository? Pah!

Tour de finally over (almost)

Anyone else a Tour De Frenchy widow?

The scenery and commentary are merveilleux and Gabriel Gate's segment is formidable but, I tell you, I am looking forward to having the husbandido in bed with me before 2am.

Only two more soirees. Au revoir vous course de bicyclette folle! Au revoir!

Biscuit?

Do you love Alexander Skarsgard as much as I?

I think nay.

So hunsum. And funny.

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On Friday she ate through one whole ope shope

I discovered a new ope shope on Friday that really is like something from my ope shope dreams. The Uniting Church oppy in Watsonia is open on Fridays only. The people were lovely. The stuff. The stuff! The stuff was copious and delightful.

There was a pile, a whole pile, of boxed condimenty serving things, like the one above. (Praps the result of some unimaginative gift giving during the 60s? Or 70s?)

Two little pots (empty) of Avon cream perfume. Goshles - I lurved Avon when I was a little gell. The catalogue!

A very hungry caterpillar for the strawberry-loving Saskia.

I found this hand painted wooden plaque in Healesville. It's signed and dated 2000 but obviously, in my mindey brain mind, done in the style of rosemaling. Or some similar northern European folksy business. Estelle? ESTELLAH!!

Cute baby Minnie squeaky toy from the Holy Trinity oppy in Kew. Cute teething Sassykah chewing on cute toy - I'm still not sure where she came from.

Very excellent vintage Fisher Price Change a Tune Carousel purchased in Auburn road, Hawthorn for five pieces of gold.

And I have finally become a person who hangs the Desiderata in the toilet. What has taken me so long? (Also from Watsonia Uniting Church.)

Desiderata 

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Playing along with Sophie and ApronThriftGirl.

These small people

Are bringing us much joy. They can stay.

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My stepfather died on Thursday. We're riding the wave of grief - a strange thing. It washes over you at unexpected times. Riding the wave.

Goodbye Ulick. x

Orange you glad it's Mantelpiece Monday?

I have a very sad, sick little boy on the couch today.

Some vitamin C infused citrus for you on this wintery day. Kapow!! xxx

Playing along with Estelle again for Mantelpiece Monday.

This moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember. - Soule Mama