daybook xiv:

It's been a while since I did one of these things.

Outside my window, it's dark right now. But Queensland has been at her furious best over the past few days, making sure that Brisbane has once again had a memorable January. Over the Australia Day weekend, the sky let loose with a barrage of wind and rain, overflowing riverways and sending tides into a wind-whipped frenzy. The storm left behind bits of peoples' broken lives in its wake but for some reason, our house seems to be in a little storm-safe pocket. Our fence blew over in one spot, and a tree fell on one side of the housie, but the only true casualty was the tree. People lost their lives, though, and that's just hard to comprehend.

I have been listening to lots and lots of different stuff, a bunch of things at friends' recommendations, and some old favourites. Josh Garrels continues to be so brilliant and so lovely and every song is like this haunting, lyrical painting in notes. Then there's the Les Miserables soundtrack because, well, because. The Classic Crime is a new favourite after the continued selling by a dedicated friend (she was right; I love them). Mumford & Sons is just right. And haunting the music stands at the library has yielded The Rubens, The Dandy Warhols, and The Smiths. And then there's podcasts... But maybe I'll save those for another time.

I have been wearing I don't know... clothes. I'm a bit uninspired lately. My wardrobe needs a revamp. I have nice tops without the right skirt to wear with them, or a great dress, but no slip that goes with it right. You know how it gets sometimes. And today's muggy Summer Air Sauna Of Doom does not help anything.

I am thankful for amazing words that make my own world crisper, clearer, and more whole.

I am pondering... guh. Too many things and not enough.

I am reading -- well, I'm actually re-reading a lot of things at the moment. I'm not really sure why the re-read quest, as for the last few years I've been on a greedy mission read a bunch of new stuff, but lately I think I am craving the rich familiarity of books that are old friends. What's been good about this has been realising that the books I once loved are still so, so love-worthy. In my current-rereading pile: The Ask & the Answer by Patrick Ness (my emotions! ugh, his characters repeatedly punch me in the guts), The Green Branch by Edith Pargeter (Welsh history has never been so wringing, nor so resoundingly human), and Keep A Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot (I think of her as a mentor I've never actually met).

I am creating lesson plans and copious piles of rainy day activities to do with students.

A picture-thought I'm sharing is from this weekend and all the crazy. Right after I took that shot, a wave came up over the shore siding and swished through the open window of the car. Adventures!

Daybook #13

Outside my window the sky is bright, clear blue with just a fringe of low-hanging fluffy white clouds.

I have been listening to a bit of everything lately. Sometimes I'll be in an enthusiastic phase for a group or artist in particular, and other times I'm happy to put my iPod on shuffle and see what pops up. According to my last.fm account, over the past seven days I've listened to The Civil Wars, Sondre Lerche, Jars of Clay, Newboys, Relient K, Plumb, Josh Ritter, Rosie Thomas, Sara Groves, and Anberlin -- so there's an insight into current (or perennial) favourites.

I have been wearing... sloppies at home and nicies when I'm out. It just makes more sense, when dashing around in this heat, to wear clothes you don't care about.

I am thankful for the rest that comes from trusting in something that's bigger even than the universe, for the underlying understanding that life has a purpose, and that there is some significance and meaning bigger than the horrible stuff that can come and rattle our worlds.

I am pondering romance. It's Valentine's Day next week, and all my bittersweet pink-tinged thoughts have been poured into an article for YLCF which should appear soon.

I am reading The Maze Runner, by James Dashner. I've seen lots of reviews popping up all over the internet and I'm curious to see what I think. I'm only a few chapters in, but I admire the world-building that the author has created, as well as the complete sense of bewilderment. I feel like the prose is a bit overwritten (I like my fiction crisp and spare) but I'll hold off on a full review till I'm done.

I am creating lists and schedules.

I am looking forward to the start of school next week -- my final BA semester!

A picture-thought I'm sharing actually moves! This is my perfect summer sky. I was doing some reading outside (last fling holiday luxuries!). The clouds were moving fast and everything felt summery and perfect. You can hear some birdsong in the video, and I think a couple of bees flit on by.

PS. I just want to give a wee shout-out to any new blog readers who've meandered by. I've noticed the subscriber numbers climbing at Google reader, and I want to thank you for taking the time to read -- especially when I've been less posty than usual. This blog is meant to be a conversation, not a monologue, so it means a lot to me when newcomers join the readership. Here's to you guys!

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Conversations:

Laura Elizabeth -- I've been loving the photo-a-day challenge, too! If I'm doing really well, I look at the list each evening so I'm prepared to be on the watch for a photo opportunity throughout the day. It's creatively fun and challening!

Sarah -- it was definitely as yummy as it looked!

Un -- :)

Lauren -- you're welcome. NOW POST MORE.

Joy -- it's a berry compote with a rosewater syrup, and marscapone on top. So good! Oh, and I'm so glad you like the new blog design :). Blessings!

Katie -- thank you! I've done the knocking-on-doors, now comes the waiting (and knocking on other doors in the meantime).

Mrs. Pedersen -- and indeed it was delicious :).

Daybook #12

Outside my window it's been rainy and grey and wet and green and... so not summery. Dare I admit that I've been loving it?

I have been listening to not so much. I wonder why?

I have been wearing... here I confess: pyjamas. Yes, today I took a sickie and wore pyjamas.

I am thankful that school is over for the year; that a scary thing didn't eventuate; for little people.

I am pondering the idea of making a living from art, whether it's even possible in the current financial climate, and how scary it is to dive back into worlds you've been absent from.

I am reading, finally, the first of the delicious Penguin paperbacks I won. You will hear more about this.

I am creating plans for the new year, a Christmas newsletter, and a stream of half-ideas which I hope find their way to Somewhere Useful.

I am looking forward to spending time with my babies! After Christmas both my sisters and all my nieces and nephews will be here in the one place with me, my parents, and my little brother. We we we we so excited!

A picture-thought I'm sharing is her Toothy Highness, Abby Victoria. Look at her cheeks! Look at her biceps! Look at her pearlies!

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Conversations:

Meg ;) -- <3 <3 <3

BushMaid -- I'm glad you enjoyed them :).

Katie -- keep me posted on whether Nancy Drew stands the test of time! Sometimes I'm scared to approach books I loved in childhood because occasionally they don't impact me the same way, or I discover they're not brilliant like I thought they were. Now I want to re-read Anne of Green Gables. I've only read it, oh, about fifteen times. But it's been a few years...

Laura Elizabeth -- once I've seen the movie of something, I usually find it impossible to make myself read the book. I'm reading a book at the moment and we have the movie nearby, but I'm resisting the urge because if I watch that movie, I WILL NOT finish the book. It's terrible! Ah, I'm glad you're going to watch Little Women again. Maybe you, too, will become more reconciled to the professor this time round.

Staish -- your blog comments always sound so creative and poetic, and occasionally I don't know how to reply. I love you!

Emily -- I like that! Sometimes I feel like Jo is the every-girl, which can sometimes make her seem like the nothing-girl. It's nice to know there are girls who've identified better with others of the March sisters. PS. I'm so glad you dropped by to leave a comment! x

Rebecca Simon -- :')

Carla -- thank you, sweet one! I loved the Christmas mail you sent! xx

Rach da Axe -- Growing up isn't always easy, but it is good. xx

Bethany -- we will both love and resonate with Jo forever, I am sure.

Eweight -- it's definitely that time of the year. I hope you get the chance to rewatch and enjoy. xx

Daybook #11

Outside my window the sky is grey, the grass is wet, the air is cold, the mood is distinctly... sleepy.

I have been listening to less music than usual over the last few weeks. Any recommendations?

I have been wearing anything hurriedly pulled from my wardrobe, it seems. Since things have been summery and wintry, warm and cool, I never quite know what to wear. Today it's denim and cardigans.

I am thankful for the very cute little outdoor setting my parents set up on the Housie verandah. I foresee quiet moments with tea and books out there.

I am pondering thoughts on passion with a purpose, what it means to be made in the image of God, the tension between the real and the ideal in Renaissance literature (an essay that needs to be written), and why rainy days make me so drowsy.

I am reading Red Spikes, a collection of short stories by Margo Lanagan. Each story has something ethereal, even unsettling, about it. The words are delicious, the characters intriguing and often introspective. And there is just enough creepiness to make me want to keep reading, but tentatively.

I am creating words and deadlines and deadlines and words.

I am looking forward to the arrival, in eight days, of one of my best friends, Meaghan. We get to have three days together and we intend to talk, eat unhealthy things, watch stuff, soak up sunshine, explore, rule the Housie, and just be together. I'm so looking forward to this.

A picture-thought I'm sharing is not one, but three. Hayley was in town on Monday and, though I knew her back when we were both in primary school, we hadn't met since we'd become grownups and bloggy pals. We stormed Sunnybank Hills, everyone's favourite little-Asia-in-Brisbane, and I introduced Hayley to the delights of EasyWay bubble tea and BreadTop. Also on Monday, I got to watch The Help with Ruth and then we stayed at McDonald's for hours, talking together until we saw the menu board switch over to the breakfast meal options. It was a good day.

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Conversations:

Laura Elizabeth -- I agree with you wholeheartedly. Every Sunday afternoon should be lazy, in my opinion.

Esther -- I want to ask you to forgive me for posting tantalising food pictures but I feel sure I may spring some on you again. You have been warned! ;) Your list of Sunday afternoon activities is fabulous, and honestly I can't think of a better way for you to have introduced yourself than in sharing that. Bravo and thank you for your lovely comment!

Chantel -- you are so sweet. Thank you.

Katie -- it definitely seems that the consensus for a great Sunday afternoon involves going slow, with good things to do and nice people to do them with.

Bek Axe -- B-D

Un -- nice long comment!! Of particular note: calling me a dag, Brian McFadden reference, Favourite Noodle reference, your so-called awkwardness disbelief.

Jessica -- actually, I'm much the same. I'd love to have done my chores on Saturday, but usually Things Happen, and Sunday afternoon becomes a time for small jobs here and there. Weirdly, though, I quite enjoy that.

Rebecca Simon -- fish and chips feels like such a great Aussie tradition, doesn't it (though, having said that, I'm sure we stole it from the Brits)?

Daybook #10

Outside my window it's been bright and clear and sunny -- but so cold! It's a surprising departure from the weather lately, as if Winter's come out in full force for one last fling.

I have been listening to lots of Brandon Heath, Leeland, and Ben Rector. So good.

I have been wearing summer clothes, winter clothes, my school hoodie, pretty new earrings (a birthday gift from Mum), scungy clothes, dressy clothes. It's a weird confused season.

I am thankful for the weekend! for chilled family times; for reading in bed; for to-do lists even partially completed; for my little brother, even when he jumps out from corners and attacks me.

I am pondering all the responsibilities and obligations I have not yet fulfilled.

I am reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Normally I find books written in dialect to be awkward and unwieldy, but this one is proving to be a delight so far. I can hear the narrator's voice so clearly and so full of character!

I am creating space and order -- even if future-tense -- in The Housie. As time passes, things get re-shuffled and rearranged in the quest for better organisation. It's an ongoing process.

I am looking forward to sleeping in. So much.

A picture-thought I'm sharing is of one of the lovely, lovely birthday parcels that arrived in the mail this week. I know some truly warm and generous people.

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Conversations:

Laura Elizabeth -- I know! I was over the moon when I discovered the "White" half of Strunk & White was that E.B. White! I remember being shocked, too, when I discovered years ago that E.B. was a he. I just truly thought that Charlotte's Web had to have been written by a woman.

Ruth -- that picture is a delight. It makes me want to turn all Hemingway and find a little cabin with a seaview window and tap away at a typewriter. Ooh, you read The Help? How have we not discussed this? I'm very much looking forward to the movie.

Samantha R -- it was full of loveliness :)

Staish -- me, too. I've read Eats, Shoots, & Leaves before but pounced on the chance to read it again since it's a required text for school. Punctuation and humour? Winner. I've actually started on The Help but if I'm finding I'm moving through it slowly, I'll pass it on to you and save you the loooong wait. Otherwise I'll read it quickly and pass it on to you anyway!

Daybook #9

Outside my window it's dark and grey and actually really, really cold. I didn't know Queensland does cold.

I have been listening to Lecrae's Rehab, and I keep going to make a big post raving about how good this album is -- and maybe I still will. But for now, let me just say that it's excellent. I've been ridiculously reticent to confess that I actually like hip hop and rap, but this guy's music is forcing me out of the closet. So good. So Scripture-soaked. So worshipful. I'm loving it.

I have been wearing tights and boots and cardigans and dangly earrings.

I am thankful for my four-week-old niece's sudden discovery that she can smile -- and how. Seriously, what a cute little imp! Her cheeks puff out and her eyes turn into these adorable little half-moons. SO CUTE.

I am pondering how best to arrange maximum stuff in minimum space.

I am reading Oh Me of Little Faith by Jason Boyett. In word: excellent. I'm only part way through, but I could have written the personal anecdotes myself. I love how the author is very real about his doubts and overthinkyness in regards to Christianity. He's honest, but he doesn't kill hope. It's doubt without the despair, candour with faithfulness, always pointing back to the truth. We need more books like this.

I am creating letters. Actually, I'm writing letters, but it's been so long since I last sat down to write mail, on actual paper, by hand, that it feels akin to a work of artistic creation. (I'm odd).

I am looking forward to hanging out with my down-south niece and nephew next week. I hate leaving home, but I like being with them :). There will be crafts and cooking and reading and cold toes, I am sure.

A picture-thought I'm sharing is nothing special to look at, but it's from last weekend's local folk festival. A printmaker had set up a little workshop which was open to anybody who wanted to go and make prints of leaves and feathers. Favourite.

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Conversations:

Laura Elizabeth -- I'm so happy you'll be playing along! Your theme's awesome (I think I already said that). Starting this weekend -- how does that sound?

Caitlin -- indeed! :D

Samantha R -- I'm so excited we're doing this together!

Asea -- I'm anti-chemicals so I'm thinking henna. I really need to do some research! Aw, I would love to hit the op shops with you. We'd have so much fun :).

Rebecca -- ooh, I would love someone to do the dye job for me! Although I'm shy about my hair, one of the main reasons I end up doing everything to it myself (that, and saving the money otherwise spent on hairdressers).

Daybook #8

Outside my window it's Autumn -- really, truly, finally, delicious Autumn! The days are bright and sunny, crisp and fair, and the nights are cool and cosy. Also, there's lots and lots of rain. FAVOURITE.

I have been listening to old music lately. You know how you overplay music until you really need a break, and then you rediscover it again -- gleefully -- later? Yep. I've been enjoying Kutless's Strong Tower, an awesome worship album with some newer worship tracks as well as covers of songs I remember from the days when I freezed my knees off at Sunday school classes in the old CWA hall in Singleton.

I have been wearing cardigans. Cardigan weather hurrah!

I am thankful for my beautiful niece, who turns four in just eight days. I never expected to love this extraordinary little person so much, but everything she says and does amazes and impresses me. And I love that already we can be BFFs and share our delight for good books and art supplies.

I am pondering -- and have been pondering for the last week, in full essay-writing immersion -- Karl Marx's theory of social change. Ah Marx, you thought you were so scientific but inside you were such a Utopian dreamer!

I am reading When We Were Young, a collection of writers' reminiscences of their childhoods. I have a thing for childhood stories, as well as a weird penchant for processes -- especially tales of how creative people came into their gifts. This book combines both.

I am creating a schedule and a day-to-day plan as life in the new Housie settles into something of a normal routine.

I am hoping and praying for opportunities and for courage.

I am looking forward to a shopping trip with my mother and little bro tomorrow; being done with this essay; a cheeseburger date with Ruth on Friday.

A picture-thought I'm sharing is of paper starlight, part of the happy-sparkly decor at a friend's engagement party on the weekend.

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Conversations:

You all -- had such excellent, thoughtful things to say in response to my last post that I can't possibly reply to all that wisdom here. But thank you. I think Katie summed it up nicely: Vengeance never solved any problems ever.

Daybook #7

Outside my window it's really not Autumn enough yet. Wherefore art thou, season of my heart?

I have been listening (between lectures on Hegel and political theory and Sigurd and Brynnhild) to Marc Streitenfeld's Robin Hood soundtrack. It's instrumental music that tells a story, and it yanks at my imagination and pulls me in.

I have been wearing whatever keeps me cool; away, deathly humidity!

I am thankful for interesting things yet to come.

I am pondering just why Words With Friends is so addictive. Also, how can I get more done in a day? And before you suggest that solutions to both ponderings may be linked, I hasten to assure you that I only play games during my breaks. Promise.

I am reading lots of little fluffy things in between meatier stuff, but also lots and lots of Icelandic sagas, and a Viking tale (not school-related) called Wolf Cry.

I am creating a really long to-do list.

I am hoping and praying for Japan.

I am looking forward to going to the movies with my folks tonight.

One of my favourite things, newly instituted, is cheeseburger date night with Ruth. One down, many to go, I hope.

A picture-thought I'm sharing is of this dude's latest work of art. It's sculpture, painting, and garden fusion. Cutting edge stuff.

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Conversations:

Lachlan -- I love that Crowder song, and I've been singing it pretty much since you posted the lyrics. It's a great one to hold onto.

HCH -- <3

Amanda -- I'm glad you were encouraged.

BushMaid -- it really is; it's been such a strengthening thing in my life.

Mitanika -- that definitely wins as the best surprise church happening ever. How cool! And such an awesome song.

Daybook #6

Outside my window it's been bright, blue, and sunny all day, with a bit of breeze as respite from the February heat.

I have been listening to Brooke Fraser's Flags. I *finally* bought the album and have only just heard bits of it but I'm sure I'll love it. I mean, it's Brooke.

I have been wearing denim and sailor stripes.

I am thankful that uni has started for another year. Learning! Books! Writing! Excuses to read lots and lots of children's stories!

I am pondering Valentine's Day and what it means for different people.

I am reading Darius Bell and the Glitter Pool. If the title is not enough to pull you in, it's by Odo Hirsch, you know.

I am thinking about Tom Hanks' youthful demeanour (Sleepless in Seattle is on, okay?).

I am creating mess -- constantly, it would seem.

I am hoping and praying that I will learn to find the roots of my identity in the unchanging reality of who I am in God, instead of basing it on what I do, or how people see me, or what I fail to do.

One of my favourite things is finding little facebook messages from my excellent cousins.

A picture-thought I'm sharing is from an art lesson with little brother on Friday. The theme of our exercise was 'calm'; the one brush in each hand thing was his idea. Ambidextrous art!

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Conversations:

Carla -- I did indeed, Carla-girl :D.

Bette -- I want to be hugged by you within an inch of my life!

Asea -- I will even go so far as to be your fairy godmother!!

Samantha R. -- :D

Daybook #5

Outside my window, it's the perfect picture of what I want the entire world to be like, all year round (with occasional exceptional thunderstorm). The sky is blue and cloudless, the sun is warming, but a fresh, cool breeze is floating in off the bay. I'm loving it.

I have been listening to Kasey Chambers' Carnival and -- in defence of my own loud proclamations -- it really doesn't feel like country music. I'm especially intrigued by how much of the album is devoted to thoughts about sin, redemption, salvation, and saviours.

I have been wearing lots of flowy cotton dresses, with gladiator sandals.

I am thankful that I got to chat to my cousin Annie, via Skype, all the way over in Canada. I love you, internet.

I am pondering the truth that sometimes I think a little too much about unnecessary things. I look for patterns in pretty much everything, and sometimes things just are. God has a plan; I don't necessarily need to know the minutiae of that plan.

I am reading Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris. Some of you might be saying "Still?" because I'm sure I've mentioned it before. But somehow it got lost in my pile of current reading, and starting back into it is like a happy discovery. It's such a great work for addressing the bold, bare details of Christian theology.

I am thinking about writing poems. This happens whenever I receive the latest issue of Poetry magazine. Also, I am thinking about $1.2 million mansions. I kid you not.

I am creating small bits of nonsense with paint and paper.

I am hoping and praying that I will fear less and trust more.

One of my favourite things is talking to my niece and nephew on the telephone. 3-year-old niece told me today that she's "a nutcase and a funny bunny." Gold.

A picture thought I'm sharing is actually three, if you noticed. The little berry is one I found when I went out for a walk just before sunset (less romantically, I bear a number of mozzie bites as evidence). The second one is of some files I decorated for storing uni stuff. (I love paper. I love paints. I love glue. I will probably never outgrow this.) And the third is of a beautiful card I received in the mail today. It made me smiley -- thank you, Abbie!

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Conversations:

Rachael -- we had a tea set like that, too (to be perfectly honest, it was Andrea's, but I think we were all kind of covetous of it).

Rebecca -- YES! If they were patchwork fabrics, I could legitimately cuddle up to sleep with them.

Katie -- the idea of framing them as is came to me, too! Thank you for making me feel like this idea is actually legitimate, and not just the crazed delusions of a paper addict.

Samantha R -- another paper-lover!

Elizabeth Fay -- I can see you wearing a fifties-style dress made up in similar fabrics to those papers :).

Daybook #4

Outside my window, it's been alternately grey and sunshiny all week, switching from cool and breezy to muggy and humid. Spring is still sorting itself out.

I have been listening to Ben Rector, a new favourite Christian artist whose lovely voice, thoughtful lyrics, and mix of pop rock and folk make for easy listening. Hank, Rector's song for his baby nephew, might make you cry. Well, it made me cry.

I have been wearing a skirt that my sister made from vintage furnishing fabrics. It's so comfy and I love the detail in the pleated front. She's a clever cookie.

I am thankful that I've been able to spend almost two weeks with my Mum and littlest brother, even though the time has gone too swiftly and we've all been unwell.

I am pondering the surprising richness of my friendships with people I've come to know online. There might be a post in this somewhere.

I am reading -- well, actually I just finished -- Gregor the Overlander, an enchanting children's fantasy about a small boy who falls into a mysterious world underneath New York City. It was delicious.

I am thinking about the excellence that is the uni break.

I am creating notes for a story that is simmering on low heat.

I am hoping and praying for the people I care about the most.

One of my favourite things is taking pictures on my new camera, Clive Staples. It still makes me excited.

A picture thought I'm sharing is from the wedding day of my cousin-and-twin, Fran, to her favourite man, Josh. Mum, Lauren, Tain, and I made a whirlwind trip interstate and back (in one day) to see Fran and Josh make their mutual appreciation of each other church-official. It was truly lovely.

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Conversations:

Samantha R -- that recipe sounds amazing! Did the cookies turn out delightful? Yes, if you come to visit me I will feed you sushi and take you to see Despicable Me :).

Caitlin -- stick-togetherness is indeed excellent!

Lizzie B -- YAY! I loved catching up with you! Still resizing photos so some more will be up on facebook soon :).

Staish -- I've missed you this week! Any spaces in your schedule next week?

Daybook #3

Outside my window, it's black and starry, but it's been grey and drizzly all day.

I have been listening to Jimmy Needham's Night Lights. It's so full of joy in God and great lyrics; the album lifts the mood and points my thoughts back to where they ought to be.

I am wearing (on my feet) those orange moccasins. Bright happy feet!

I am thankful for the telephone and the way it connects me to all the women of my family. I'm not a phone person in the least, but I love that my mother and my sisters are just a speed dial away.

I am pondering a whole skein of things that's so tangled up I can't find the start or the end of the thread.

I am reading Madeleine L'Engle's Walking on Water and revelling in this insight into the mind of an artist who loves words and loves Jesus.

I am thinking about God's purposes in solitude.

I am creating a little study space that's slowly growing cosy and organised.

Beauty in the home comes via the amazing soy candles I bought at the markets last weekend. I just sniff them when I walk by, because I'm cool like that.

I am hoping and praying for my unmarried girlfriends who are waiting on God's sovereign plan in their life to become clearer.

One of my favourite things is hauling a huge pile of books and DVDs home from the library.

A picture thought I'm sharing is of a happy corner in my study. Vintage map courtesy of Anastasia. Old typewriter and camera courtesy of council garbage pickup (so I scrounged. Don't judge). Photo board made by my clever sister Lauren. Pictures from Mum and Lauren and Amanda.

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Conversations:

Ruth -- Haha!! You're just being nice.

Mothercarey -- well thank you. *hearts*

Samantha -- too right; I totally have amazing friends.

Meaghan -- to infinity and beyooooond! Um, you KNOW why that picture of me jumping isn't there, wicked lady. LOVE.

Julia -- Hee! :D

Staish -- purple eyeshadow ftw!

Daybook #2

Outside my window, the day has been clear, bright, and sunny. I've wandered about in short sleeves and bare feet. Can this really be winter?

I have been listening to Boundless webzine's weekly podcasts, which provide nice meaty food for thought (what are your favourite podcasts? I'm always up for a good recommendation!).

I am wearing a white cardigan, now it's cooling a little, an orange top and a grey skirt.

I am thankful for the overflowing love and kind affection of several friends who helped make my first week without housemates a fun one with parcels full of happy surprises arriving on my doorstep yesterday morning and today. I'm so spoilt in my friends!

I am pondering the difference between knowing God and knowing about Him. Unfortunately I am more knowledgeable in the latter than in the former.

I am reading about a million things, but most recently I've been dipping into Josh Harris's Dug Down Deep. I'm two chapters in and it's excellent.

I am thinking about taking my film camera out for a day of picture-taking.

I am creating very little of late, but I want to get back into full story immersion.

Beauty in the home is in the leftover wedding flowers still hovering around and full of life.

I am hoping and praying for Sono Harris and my Aunty Chris, both of whom are bearing a heavy burden just now.

One of my favorite things is fresh orange juice. It's so normal but it's such a treat.

My plans for the rest of the week involve baking cookies and cream cupcakes, hanging out with excellent friends, doing washing, and hopefully writing some letters.

A picture thought I’m sharing is of the happy 'paper packages tied up with string' courtesy of the excellent and loving Caitlin, Tegan, and Abbie. I love you girls!

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Conversations:

Rachael -- I hope you get some holidays this year at least! And, no, the replies aren't too much work. I love it :).

Tegan -- I prayed! But you already know that, and you already passed with flying colours. Yay, you! Much, much love. xx

Katie -- Hooray! Embrace those holidays with open arms! And I boldly decree you make a blog post about the excellent things you intend to do in your break.

Samantha -- holidays are the best :)

EWeight -- make sure you let me see pictures when you do make your reckless attack on your hair. Bravo to us, I say!

MotherCarey -- only because you helped me to do so! xx

Daybook #1

Today, an intrusive headache assails. So, instead of knuckling in and studying, I'm declaring a mental and physical health day. I've folded two baskets of washing while watching an old war movie (Von Ryan's Express) and was spoilt by my mother who made homemade cheeseburgers for everybody. Now, inspired by Elizabeth, I'm popping in to share some little pieces of my day:

Outside my window, the sky is grey and full, a hazy blanket trapping the warm air in close about us. I hope the rain will come and wash away the stifling thickness.

I have been listening to Patrick O'Brian's Master and Commander on audiobook.

I am wearing a watermelon-coloured gypsy top and a black skirt.

I am thankful that my mother and little brother have been staying for a month. It's been lovely!

I am pondering how to separate wishes from needs and discern God's best plan.

I am reading, among other things, L.M. Montgomery's A Tangled Web and Francine Prose's Reading Like a Writer. The latter is described as "a love letter to the pleasures of reading", and this description is absolutely true.

I am thinking about how to tackle the short story assignment due this semester. The more brilliant short stories I read, the more I become convinced I cannot write anything good myself!

I am creating plans for a bridal shower for my youngest sister.

Beauty in the home comes lately in the form of candles lit at bedtime for reading. Why is everything so much more beautiful by candlelight?

I am hoping and praying for some extended family members going through challenges, and for friends who seek only to walk in God's best path.

One of my favorite things to do in the chill-zone is watch movies with my mum and sister.

My plans for the rest of the week include a girly shoppy evening, study!, a friend's wedding, an evening of acoustic cafe at my church, and yet another airport farewell.

A picture thought I’m sharing is from this weekend just past. This amazing art installation is currently housed in the Queensland Art Gallery and we got to see it last weekend. My twin goddaughters and little brother loved the touchability of this artwork, which encourages gallery visitors to pull from the stack of recycled material and create a piece of their own. I love this!