"Real isn't how you are made,"said the Skin Horse. It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with but REALLY loves you, then you become real"

"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit

"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."

"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"

It doesn't happen all at once,"said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who are carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."

--from THE VELVETEEN RABBIT by Margery Williams

Kirry's tonsils

My poor niece in the USA has been having quite a few health problems in the past year. Seems like the doctor felt that taking out her tonsils might alleviate some of those problems. So as not to be without, I have sent her another pair. Wishing you love Kiersten!!!xoxox

Flower fairy

We currently have two members of our family in hospital. My daughter and my Mother-in-law. My Mother-in-law, June is the most amazing giving woman, and I have learned so much from her. I've just crocheted her this little flower fairy to bring a little joy into her hospital room. Love you very much June and wishing you a speedy recovery!

Michael Leunig

Michael Leunig is an Australian National Treasure. He has enriched our lives with his poetic visions. We are fortunate enough to own several of his original pieces. Bless you Mr. Leunig!

Melbourne Graffiti

Yes, I know....graffiti is destructive and a violation of other people's property, but gee there are some AMAZING artists out there! These works are close to the studio I work in during the week, in Carlton.

Pearl's finished.....

Just finished the Pearl cardigan last night. It's a fun pattern and easy to make. So much so, I've started a second one!!!

Thai elephant!!

Spring is here in Melbourne!!! I've been enjoying a bit of gardening with the weather being so nice. Ever since we went to Thailand late last year, I have wanted to make a topiary elephant like they have throughout Bangkok. Knowing that these take many years to grow, I've made my own short cut version. With a metal armature and chicken wire to shape, I've then planted maiden hair creeper. Knowing the verocity that the creeper grows in our garden, I'm hoping that within a few months my wire form with be covered with small soft leaves!!! I'll keep you posted on how it grows!!! (By the way, my elephant is about the size of a small dog!)