Project 52: fifty-two

Fin.

(You can see all the posts in the project by following this tag.
And now I'm cooking up a plan for my next Project 52-esque endeavour, so stay tuned.)

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Conversations:

The First Rose -- wow! Congratulations on this awesome milestone! You must be relishing in the feeling of being done... even though it looks like you haven't got too much time left in your schedule to sit breathing long sighs of relief. Your Summer looks to be amazing. Enjoy!

Andrea -- haha, among "the best in the web" according to one blog, that is. :)

Katie -- I have pondered this very dilemma myself. There would be so many more hours in which to Do Things if sleep wasn't so darn essential!

Abbie -- you're absolutely right. I guess if life is a journey, then it makes sense that we feel like we're always on the move?

Thelittlebluefishy -- if your own cafe dream ever comes true, please let us know so we can all haunt your delightful haven of bookishness and coffee! Wouldn't it be the best?

Meaghan -- and you are delightful.

Rebecca Simon -- don't tempt me!! Okay, and by "don't tempt me" I probably mean "don't make me think more about opening this cafe because at this point the only way I could do so would be to rob a bank in order to finance such a project and I'm sure that wouldn't end very well..." So yes, a happy dream! But who knows what's in the future? (I'll let you know if I get the little ebay store happening, though; I'm thinking end-of-semester project?) Oh, and contentment is always an amazing goal to be working towards. God bless you in that!

Project 52: fifty-one

It's an internet cliche, but I can't help it: here, have a picture of a kitten.

PS. Next week is the last of the Project 52 pictures! I'm already cooking up my next weekly (or thereabouts) project. This time it'll be more to do with words than photos, but you know I can't blog without pictures, so there'll still be plenty of those around. Oh, and speaking of pictures, some happy snaps from the lovely end-of-uni party my family threw are over at my tumblr.

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Conversations:

Carla & Alastair -- "thefeeling'smutual,darling,thefeeling'smutual."

Lauren -- it's easy when I'm writing about a cool thing :).

Laura Elizabeth -- We missed your lovely presence but there will be other times! <3 

Abbie -- thank you so much, lovely friend!

Andrea -- yes, it really was :D

Meaghan -- the feeling sunk in and then fled! But I'm looking forward to tidying my papers and packing some of my stuff away.

Project 52: forty-eight, forty-nine, and fifty

48: bits and pieces from the Housie; 49: argh! 50: everlasting gobstopper!

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Conversations:

Wow -- so many comments! Thank you for sharing in the appreciation for that amazing hero whose name we don't even know.

Project 52: forty-six and forty-seven (plus bonus!)

The top picture (#46 of my Project 52) is an accurate representation of how my little brother sees life.* The middle picture (#47) is an accurate representation of my life currently, and for the next couple of weeks. And the bottom picture (a bonus!) is an accurate representation of the small furred thing that has been distracting the lot of us since she joined our family on Saturday. Her name is Taxi, she is eight weeks old, and she has single-handedly turned this household of frankly-we're-ambivalent-about-cats-people into -- simply -- cat people.

*When I saw that little scene on my parents' hall table, I cracked up. The soldier is so hardcore there with his military stance and his khaki. Pooh, on the other hand, is thinking, "If I just stand here smiling, this is all going to be just fine."

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Conversations:

Andrea -- that comment sounded very Seussian! I'm impressed.

Lauren -- Maybe the blonde hair zigzags generations? You're the zag, and Mum and Abby are the zigs :D.

Domesticwarriorgoddess -- I think grace is a battle for all of us. It's a gift, and it's a struggle. For what it's worth, however, I think you are an excellent embodiment of charis.
Sarah -- yes, His grace is sufficient. Always good to be reminded of that. xx

Staish -- you are a beloved "anyway" in my world. Love you. PS. I love your "epitaph" question. That one'll take some serious mulling.

Elizabeth Simard -- You are precious. I almost sobbed writing it so we're even.

Project 52: forty-four and forty-five

Two of my most favourite people in the world --
my Mum and my wee youngest niece, both blue-eyed blondies.

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A postcript: I've kind of dropped into unintentional hibernation as the end-of-semester tidal wave approaches (not just end-of-semester, but end of degree (yay!)). I had optimistic visions of myself sprinting gleefully to the finish line*, but 2012 has been a crazy whirlwind** (in the best possible way), and it feels more like I'm limping to the end instead. Regardless, it's been a good journey***, and I'm both sad and happy to see it concluded. Roll on postgrad studies (please, Jesus?)!

Anyway, just letting you know I might be a bit more absent than usual over the next few weeks. Also, thank you for your continued excellence in being the best real life and bloggy friends a girl could ask for. The last few weeks have been sprinkled with lovely acts of grace from people who probably don't realise just how giving they are. Getting a beautiful handwritten letter in the mail from someone across-the-sea (when I have been an incredibly poor correspondent) is just one example of grace upon grace. This, like other grace-gifts, points me back to the bigger picture of amazing grace. 

And so I've been thinking a bit about how grace, even the grace of a friend's unexpected letter, takes the bad news about me -- my inadequacies, my failings, my lack of -- and replaces it with another's good. Grace says, 'Whatever your failing may be, it doesn't matter anymore. I will give regardless.' Grace is the anyway, and that's a very beautiful thing.

So thanks, friends known and friends unknown, for your graces in my life, graces made evident through your reading, your comments, your shared creativity, your time, your words, and your warmth. You are a pretty fantastic bunch.

* the metaphor suddenly switched from the ocean to a marathon. Because that makes sense.

** and now we're couching it in terms of the weather.

*** and now it's a trip?

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Conversations:

Thank you, brilliant friends, for your excellent questions for my About page. Can't wait to dive in! You're all so cool and creative. xx

Andrea -- you're welcome. NOW POST AGAIN ALREADY.

Abbie -- I'm loving that the 'girls' are all blogging, too. I keep dreaming of a family blog project, but so far no brilliant ideas :).

Caitlin -- books are just a necessary part of growing up, hey? xx

Katie -- your "when" rather than "if" in your published author question brightened me considerably :D.

Carla and Alastair -- we practically are related, aren't we? I mean, it feels like we are! Ooh, that would be so fun to write your "about" page! I'll email you about it after a few weeks, when school is done. Warning: it may turn out rather silly indeed.

livingintheshadowlands -- you're precious. Thank you.

harriet coombe -- I miss you, too! I was just reminiscing about your wedding, the other day. So beautiful...

Lauren -- haha!! Andrew Peterson's mum and dad, I guess :D PS. No, that effect was done with an app. Totally cheated.

HCH -- I love that you could relate to this.

Sarah -- rather like you girls -- a family of blogging ladies! By the way, I've really enjoyed keeping up with you girls (at least in my own meagre way) online.

Bloss -- you write the best blog comments. And of course I'll use your questions; they were awesome! Ugh, like you, I couldn't believe that someone would respond so negatively to the ad that Pete Peterson wrote. I'm discovering that some people really get joy out of raining on others' creative parades. It's such a shame! Love to you, lovely lady. xx

Project 52: forty-three

Lunch date with my favourite Laura.

(Let's pretend I posted this at the start of the week, okay?)

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Conversations:

Amanda -- I find myself looking for that little "like" button everywhere these days! :)

Joy -- thank you so much for that beautiful comment! You're exactly right. Waiting, working, and worshipping is the way to find satisfaction in our calling.

Katie -- I love moments when the external world -- even the world of blogs -- collides with exctly what we've been thinking about internally. Cheers to you and your writing dream; may it be just as fulfilling now in the "during" process as it will be when it is realised in that concrete sense.

Sarah -- YES! In fact, your comment reminded me of the verse which says something along the lines of, 'do not despise the day of small beginnings...'

Rebecca -- thank you, my friend :).

Amanda (2) -- me, too. xx

Bethany -- "Dream big dreams but then hand them to God and tell Him it's His to do with as He likes." That is brilliant. Thank you for sharing it. xx

Jessica -- that's a really good point. Because dreams are often a process rather than a result, it can feel less fulfilling when we "get there" than it did while we were working towards it. A good reminder to (and permit a hackneyed cliche to work its way in here) enjoy the journey.

Rebecca Simon -- exactly! So, so true. And doing what we're meant to do is about so much more than the finish line or a grand gesture, isn't it?

Hannah -- you're a sweetheart. Thank YOU for your encouragement.

Samantha R -- your comment reminded me of that old catchphrase: it doesn't matter whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game. Works in life as well as in sports :).

Project 52: forty-two

This is not a great photo, but it sure is a great piglet.

Please can I have one? Pleasepleaseplease?

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Conversations:

Meaghan -- it totally was fun times! I'm so glad I got to see that with youuuu.

Jessica -- totally Dumaresq St Cinema! You nailed it. Good memories, hey?

Katie -- would life be worth living if we actually made it to the bottom of the books-I-want-to-read pile? I guess the answer is yes, but books definitely add a lot of flavour to living.

Rebecca Simon -- close! I took the picture and that's Abby and her mama :)

Hannah -- for anyone with a connection to Queensland, it's a pretty incredible thing to look back on. I hope you find a copy of Flood for your own.

Tarissa -- thank you for dropping by and leaving your lovely comment. Enjoy your Dickens -- he's one of my favourites!

Project 52: forty-one

-- the little cinema where I saw The Hunger Games with my mum, 

one of my dearest friends, and her mum.

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Conversations:

Jess Axelby -- what are you talking about, woman? Your pictures are far superior!

Bethany -- you know the Max Brenner menu crazily well!

Un -- it was :)

Hannah -- :D

Joy -- I agree, gorgeous smiles from both Lauren and Abby :).

Sarah -- I'm honoured you tagged me! I love those fun surveys. xx

Project 52: forty

-- technically I'm cheating here, since obviously I didn't take this picture.
But it was taken with my camera, by my sister Lauren, at my request,
so it totally counts, right? This is my beautiful friend Kat and I,
at Sara's 21st party -- 90s themed! Kat is Daria; I'm Denise Huxtable.

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Conversations:

Hannah -- that's SO true. There are seasons of quietness, and then seasons of intense creative fury!

Project 52: thirty-nine

Happy graduation day, Staish!

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Conversations:

thelittlebluefishy -- yes! The changing is the nicest part. Even the leaves know it's a new season! I'm jealous your birthday's in Autumn. My birthday's in the blusteriest, greyest part of Winter.

Brenda -- yay! I hope you do :).

Jess Axelby -- you should totally do a photoaday, especially since you're in an amazing new environment :D.

Cara -- YAY! I'm glad you'll be joining in the photo project! I agree with you; practice has to help, surely. At least, I hope it does (otherwise I'd have not even a faint whisper of a chance to improve). I'm so glad you've been off adventuring to see your wee chubby nephew. What fun :D.

Katie -- I'll share them!

Un -- I'm ridiculously excited that you and Sam are thinking of doing the photo challenge! It really is fun, and it's a good reminder to take pictures each day. Thanks for being keen; I'll put my attempts on my blog just for you. They are grainy iPod photos, but that's rustic and charming... right?

Caitlin -- it's not too much trouble at all :D. I'll maybe post them in weekly batches, I think.

Laura Elizabeth -- Okay, I really need to try and finish The Shifting Fog, since you love it so much. I think maybe I've turned into a lazy reader? The size alone intimidates me! PS. Thank you for today. It was super cool hanging out with you and discussing great books and movies. PPS. It is more imperative that you post a vlog than that I do. Simply because I say it is.

Bloss -- August babies UNITE! You wrangled it pretty well getting two winters this year -- champion! Although maybe, as a result, Spring will be even more beloved for you when it comes around in September. Mm, meaty books like Knowing God definitely require a re-read to take all the solid stuff in. I didn't read as much as I would've liked to over the Summer so it's hard to pick a favourite, but I've just started reading Veneer and it's so good. It's a discussion of how so much of our interactions these days involve us presenting a "profile" to the world, and how that really has nothing in common with genuine Christianity. It's intriguing.

Project 52: thirty-eight

-- green and white and crisp, crisp blue.

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Conversations:

Katie -- and it's lovely that your work calls for you to use your photography; when I "have" to take pictures, it sort of adds a sense of urgency and legitimacy to the creative pursuit. Not that taking pictures isn't legitimate on its own merit, but -- you know.

Lauren -- thanks! And thanks for having me today :).

Rebecca Simon -- don't ever apologise for lengthy comments. I LOVE THEM. Your lists made me so happy to read. I love getting to have a peek into what's inspiring the minds and hearts of my friends! The handwritten manuscript exhibit (plus classical music!) sounds amazing. And yes! I'll be delighted to post about literary adventures and cooking fun. Thanks for the inspiration :).

Hannah -- running around in the park in the 8pm sun sounds amazing! Not many more days for it, though. Summer is on its way out...

Un -- it really does look like confetti!

Laura Elizabeth -- ooh, I'll have to check out RadioLab! I actually fully understand how a science podcast can be interesting. I feel the same way about Planet Money. I'm entertained and I'm getting smarter (at least, I feel like I am!).

Sarah -- your take-home exam sounds like an epic effort! Wow. It's always such a relief when those kind of assessments are done, isn't it? Your units this semester sound intriguing, too. I'm studying the Europe just prior to the period you're studying. Together, we'll have a good handle on Europe :).

Samantha R -- some seasons it's just hard to find time to crave out for the little extras, isn't it? I'm feeling that way about blogging lately. I really want to get into it, but the more time I'm away, the harder it feels to come back to it.

Project 52: thirty-seven

This week, my Project 52 post is exceptionally late. I've been meaning to get to it since Sunday, but now I'm kind of glad I had to wait until today because, look! These are drops of rain clinging to my window screen, and behold, today is cold and grey and rainy. It's a perfect posting match! The only problem is, on days like these, I just want to eat hot chips and watch old movies, and none of those options are open to me right now.

How is your week panning out? What's made you happy this week? What's got you concerned? What are you reading or watching or listening to? And what would you particularly like to see me post about next? I have a few posts in the pipeline, but I'm always inspired by your suggestions, too.

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Conversations:

Hannah -- your description of my decorating style is an amazing compliment. Thank you! And maybe one day we will be hanging out on the couch together, sipping cocoa?

Abbie -- thank you! Isn't it fun how refreshing a little rearrangement can be?

Katie -- I agree with your decree. Let's make bunting compulsory!

Sarah -- studying is so much fun! What subjects are you taking this semester?

Samantha R -- it was totally yum!

Project 52: thirty-six

-- Summer colour, late afternoon.

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Conversations:

Bek Axe -- colours make for happy!

Un -- I'll have to work on my colouring outside the lines :).

Laura Elizabeth -- I'm an instagrammatic fanatic. It's definitely lots of fun :). Yes, The Civil Wars are amazing. Such a great duo.

Elisabeth -- you got MENSA as your notification because blogger knows how intelligent you are :D. I'd love some Winter, so let's trade for a day or so?

Mothercare -- I'll keep updating that writing page as new bits and pieces (hopefully!) find publication.

Project 52: thirty-five

-- my mother made this fabulous dessert over the weekend.
It made me think of Sunday school picnics
and sitting cross-legged on red-checked blankets.

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Conversations:

Laura Elizabeth -- I managed to completely cheat my way out of taking a stalkerish photo of a stranger by taking a picture of a mannequin's head (with a wig on! in a Harvey Norman store, no less!). That felt weird enough.

Mothercare -- :) (your original comment has disappeared...?)

Un -- it's a feeling of small triumph when a book is finished, isn't it? Especially one that felt like a hard slog. What's next on your list?

Hannah -- THANK YOU! Now I can subscribe to your blog and read it hopefully more regularly. Your URL (moreicingplease) is absolutely adorable.

Project 52: thirty-four

I barely took any pictures this week, thus the somewhat half-hearted photo of my lunch as sole representative for week 34 of Project 52. This feels kind of appropriate. My week was full -- so full -- of good contact with good people, a pattern that's reoccurred throughout these first few weeks of 2012. It's been energising to reconnect with old friends outside of term-time, and to find new inroads into fresh friendships that promise good things in the future.

Queensland has been grey for days, grey and thick and damp and stifling. We've had more rain this January than we did last January -- the month of those fateful floods -- and everything is wet. The damp breeds with damp and creates a kind of breathy claustrophobia that makes me yearn for sun and air movement.

Then there was this weekend, and news upon news of intense grief reaching in and snatching loved ones away from their nests. First, friends of my grandparents and their loss of a grown child. Then, news that a woman who buried her little son only three months ago is now called upon to bury her husband, too. Finally, the incomprehensible report of the tragic accidental death of a five-year-old boy, the firstborn son of a couple we have known since before they were even together, let alone parents. The weight, the intensity, of that kind of grief seems like a heaviness impossible to bear. But that's what I've been praying, in the moments when my prayers make any sense at all.

So that is why having a good photo for my picture project this week doesn't seem that important, not in the scheme of things. And I wonder why I even care that it's too humid or that I have writing deadlines approaching or that I'm going to spend a day with a friend tomorrow, talking and laughing and watching silly movies. But this is life. There's happiness and hard work and silliness and mistakes and hopes -- and sometimes in the middle of it all, there is loss and there is sadness, even the secondhand kind that can only look from a distance at others' sorrows and grieve for their grief.

Project 52: thirty-three

-- it's the little things.

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Conversations:

Katie -- agreed! Although striking a balance is always my challenge. Often, if I start chores in the morning, I'll just keep on doing odd jobs all day because I've gotten into that Betty Homemaker zone and have trouble switching off and getting into other work. I think I figure I'm already hot and sweaty and my hair is falling in my face, so why not? But a little bit of everything really works so much better!

Un -- and I have you to thank for that ;). One day we'll opshop it up together once more.

Lauren -- let's plan an opshop crawl -- and garage saleing! I'm not sure if I can do this Saturday but we should do something SOON.

Sarah -- it's very rare that I'll ever get everything crossed off my to-do list in the one day. Then again, if I don't make a to-do list in the first place, I don't get anything done.

Staish -- yes! Photo walk!

Project 52: thirty-two

-- man vs. wild.

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Conversations:

Laura Elizabeth -- I LOVE this quote and I love the beautiful typography layout of the version you linked to. It's amazing!

Caitlin -- that is a brilliant quote! (PS. It's a pretty cute movie, too).

Project 52: thirty-one

-- this, my friends, is a beautiful vintage Pentax ME Super,
a totally-out-of-the-blue gift from my sister, Lauren.
2012 project: see if I can get this baby up and running.
If not, it's just so pretty to look at.

Project 52: thirty

Because nothing says New Year's Eve like a chubby Australian baby sitting on a picnic rug eating sunscreen, am I right?

Project 52: twenty-nine

Christmas dinner in the Carey household.

(I entirely forgot about uploading any of my Project 52 pictures, so here they are now, belatedly)

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Conversations:

Maddy -- and the same to you! Yes, it was definitely a lovely time with everyone -- so much laughing!

Carla and Alastair -- you are so right. On an episode of Gilmore Girls last night, Luke said something about how Lorelai was happy but she still seemed a bit sad. "Haven't you ever been around a woman?" was Lorelai's reply. I think growing up is kind of similar.

Katie -- as I hope for you :).

Thelittlebluefishy -- and the same to you! Your profile pic is super cute :).

Staish -- let's understand more, together!

Brenda -- if we could only shift the end of the year to a time less busy than the end of the year! ;)

Jessica -- yay! I'm glad it got to you safely.

Un -- :)