Coastal Cruising

Last week, I was bitten by a white-tailed spider.
It wasn’t big enough to do much damage - unlike the large ones seen around the house lately.
But, along with the recent heatwave, and sleepless, hot nights, it was enough to make me cranky, whiney, irritated, itchy and… bitchy.

Saturday night, hubby took pity on (or, was fed up with) my pathetic keening, and suggested a drive down to the Peninsula, with the promise of, “breakfast somewhere” on Sunday.
A welcome cool coastal change would mean a very pleasant outing, and a distraction to my incessant focus on the bite.
I gladly accepted.

We woke to a drizzly grey morning, after a delicious sleep in.
Usually, on market days, we are up at 4:30am to allow for the one hour trip and the 45 minute set-up before early bird customers arrive. Our monthly trips down to Red Hill, mean “work” for me at the markets, so it was very nice to be tourists for the day instead.

The bay greeted us with silver-grey hues and a misty morning salty kiss on our cheeks.

Flinders Bight, looking out to West Head, Phillip Island in the distance, and out beyond to Bass Strait

We revelled in the empty beach – especially Jack, as he sniffed the air and watched the gulls, content to let them go about their beachy business and just observe.

As I snapped away, I heard a familiar, heartwarming trill among the dense low shrubs. And, was delighted to see this little fellow.

At first, I thought he’d be elusive and too quick to get a non-blurry photo. But as I sat quietly waiting, he came out to sing his song and pose for his audience of one.

I can’t even begin to express how much I adore wrens.


We continued our drive further down the coast and came to a viewing platform overlooking the notoriously wild waters of Bass Strait.
I spied three daring souls braving the biting wind. Kitesurfers. 

click on the image to see them a little clearer

Beneath the waves is the Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary. An unusual intertidal coastal landform, which is a naturally protected home to multitudes of unique and diverse marine life, as well as being a valuable natural feeding/roosting habitat for shore birds.
Low tide exposes the mushroom shaped cobbled platform, revealing small bays and many sheltered rock pools, providing places to hide within crevices and under loose rocks for the many species of crabs, fish, sea stars and anemones.
The bottoms of the rock pools are covered in dense meadows of bright green seagrass and brown seaweed - perfect camouflage for the delicately beautiful Weedy Seadragon - Victoria’s marine state emblem.

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The reef is also home to exquisitely beautiful, but potentially deadly, Blue Ringed Octopus.

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For landlubbers, there’s the Flinders golf course on the cliffs – a pretty spiffy place to play, I’d say.

As the sky grew blue, we grew hungry. We headed inland to the sweet, sleepy coastal town of Flinders, and saw a welcome sight.

Lovely atmosphere. Cute historical cottage. Friendly service. Great food.

And… dogs are very welcome in the courtyard.
What’s not to like? Perfect!

With tummies replete, we moved on.
And, then got lost.
No matter, it was fun finding our way.

Following the coast for a while, we pulled off the road and stopped to admire the view.
In the distance, I saw what I now know to be Cape Schanck Lighthouse.
Built in 1859, it’s the second oldest coastal lighthouse in Victoria, and sits on the southernmost tip, overlooking Bass Strait.

Still a “working lighthouse”, it keeps the shipping lanes safe, as boats pass the Peninsula to and from Melbourne.

Don’t know why, but I’ve always been super fascinated by lighthouses, and love images of them. Something about the wild and lonely seas they shine out on.
Perhaps I was a salty sea dog, or a lone lighthouse keeper in a previous lifetime.

Sadly, as it is within the Mornington Peninsula National Park, we could go no further to see it, as dogs aren’t allowed. So, the long range resolution taken from the road is pretty awful. Sorry folks.

You can just see the lighthouse upon the rocky headland.

Here’s a better image...

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One day, hopefully soon, we’ll return to take a tour around the lighthouse and keeper’s cottages.


We headed back up the other side of the peninsula, along the Port Phillip Bay foreshore, stopping from time to time to take advantage of a surprisingly non-crowded day and gaze once more at the beautiful water, before heading inland and home.

I spotted a juvenile Pacific Gull and Little Pied Cormorant on rocks dipped in the sparkling blue-green shallows.

Jack had quite the day. Sensory experiences galore.
In and out of the car at regular intervals eventually took its toll, and he slept deeply all the way home.

dear old soul

I was literally buoyed (pun intended) after our trip to the coast. And promised myself, that it wouldn’t be too long before we do it again.
There’s something about the sea air that blows the mind’s cobwebs away.

Speaking of cobwebs...

♥

Dog Days: February

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The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog.

~ Senator George Graham Vest

If you have time, please go to the link I'll provide below to read (then lawyer) Vest's heartwarming, and rending, eulogy of the dog, in response to the sad shooting of a beautiful hound dog.

His speech delivered to the court at the trial of Old Drum, became known as, "one of the most enduring passages of purple prose in American courtroom history", and the most memorable tribute in modern history to dogs, reducing the jury and most of the court to tears.

Click here and scroll down to read his eulogy and more about the trial.

Interesting to note, this speech is the origin of the phrase known the world over...

"man's best friend is his dog".

If you are interested in learning more about the trial in full, you can read further, here.

♥

So true

A quick post today, as I'm about to unload the kiln and then reload it with more glazed pieces for next Saturday's markets.

I found this quote last week and wanted to post it here:

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And so, for those who do buy handmade...

thank you

♥

Too Darn Hot

This song, written by Cole Porter for his musical Kiss Me, Kate is on high rotation in my head, but not leaving my lips - it’s even too darn hot to sing out loud.

Here in Victoria, we're entering the fourth day of a heatwave. Yesterday and today again will be 44°C (111.2°F).
Residents in rural areas, bushland suburbs and firefighters are very nervous. Everyone is on high alert.
Erratic wind changes and predicted thunderstorms present threat of lightening strikes, which can create their own problems with spot fires or downed powerlines.

And, I won’t even begin on the subject of fire starters. There aren’t enough words (mostly expletives) to describe how I feel about these low-lifes.

As I look outside, and see the tall towering gums surrounding our home bend as their volatile oil-filled canopies sway, showering the house with discarded tinder dry leaves, I hold my breath.

I always worry about the creatures of the bush. Large to small. They all have their place in this world, and fire is fatal.

They adapt to the heat, I know, but I like to ensure that I keep the bird baths topped up with cool water for the birds (insects and possums too) when they visit, to refresh and stay a short while before they seek shade.
Their beaks open to pant, and wings part from their bodies to allow air flow to their skin, and I wish them well as they fly off.

Jack finds a nice cool spot on the kitchen tiles and doesn't budge, except to drink from his (ice cubed) water bowl, and a quick dash outside for a wee.
At night, the portable fan (no air con) is positioned so he also benefits from what air - these nights, warm air - comes our way.
Our fur kids, especially those with thick coats, suffer so in these hot conditions.
I despair when I hear reports that distressed, heatstruck dogs have been found left in cars in high summer - again, another subject I'll keep away from right now, as it makes my blood boil.

My studio is located on the north side of our home. The heat radiating through the walls during the day turns it into a Swedish dry sauna. Ugh.
And I have to be in there (avoiding it at the moment) to create and prepare for markets on Feb 1st.

And so, I've been grumpy the past few days.


But, this morning, I found myself ashamed at my grumpiness and whinging about the heat and lack of sleep.
This heatwave will pass. And, a cooler change will be here in a day or so. Relief.

As much as I'm SO not a summer girl, and dislike the heat, I remind myself it is summer after all. It is as necessary as the slumbering cold of winter.

The wheel of life. Seasonal cycles that are a part of this unique, beautiful planet.
I just dislike the potential devastation from the extremes.


I find myself thinking of the people of Adelaide. With sweltering temperatures soaring to 46°C (114.8°F) as they enter their sixth day of Hades heat.
Now officially declared the, “hottest major city on the planet today”.
I worry about the city’s elderly, ill and infirm, hoping and praying that they get through without the health dangers that high heat can bring.

My heart goes out to the people and animals (domestic and wild) that suffered as fires recently raged through the hills of Perth, our previous home city on the other side of the country.


Over 100 bushfires are burning across the east coast in these extreme conditions.

Here in Victoria, 11,000 hectares currently rage out of control in the Grampians – rugged mountain ranges of jaw dropping splendour.

I wish for the safety and protection of our firefighters. Brave souls who face danger as they strive tirelessly around the clock to dampen and contain the hungry flames that leap up to 100 feet in the air and raze the landscape, consuming all in their path.

I mourn the loss of wildlife. And it hurts to think of the panic and pain they experience. Baby birds and animals are just venturing forth and experiencing the world around them. Oh, the tears.
Wildlife workers have been inundated with animals and birds suffering from injuries and heat stress.

Many of you will remember this photo of sweet “Sam” the koala, found amid the charred and smoking forest, once her home. Rescued by the kindhearted Victorian fire fighter after the Black Saturday fires.

The image melted hearts around the world.
She was one of the fortunate few.

This vast country of extraordinary, unique, diverse beauty is suffering under a cruel weather pattern. As it always has. Some summers are worse than others. Nature’s gifts, and her burdens.

So, my personal complaints are truly minor.

I am grateful that I can take a shower when I can’t bear my own armpits any longer.
And I can fill my tall glass of water with frosty ice cubes to keep hydrated and cool.
Pot plants can be watered and kept alive.
I can get through these languid days, knowing it’s not forever.


Only, as I look out my window, I close my eyes and ask the Universe to please, keep our forest valley and all the creatures I’ve come to know that dwell here, safe.

Dog Days

I love calendars. There are always more than one in our house.
I have one by the computer, which serves to remind me when market and other associated fees are due, and supplies need to be bought, seeing as I pay online.

One in my studio, always art related, where I make little notes on what I create, what I need to prepare for, and which days I will be either bisque or glaze firing.

And, one main calendar in the kitchen, on the pantry door. This is the household day keeper. Where birthdays, appointments, events and general reminders are written.

Ever since Jack came into our lives, we've had a "Blue Heelers" version every year - it's now a tradition. Any other calendar just wouldn't be right somehow :)

I try to avoid the big shopping centres before Christmas (shudder), and after the New Year sales craze has died down, I'll venture in and find the sole remaining calendar vendor, usually near the food court.
By then, the calendars are up to 50% off. And there are always plenty of dog/cat/animals still available.
The calendars we buy usually have short quotes at the bottom of the month - lovely odes from man to dog.

This year, I thought it might be nice to include them here on my blog.

When I turn the page on the first of each month, I'd like to post the quote as well.
I'm sorry to be so dog-centric, and perhaps it might be nice if I also found some quotes to add in from time to time, on beautiful cats and other dear animals. Goats too, I love goats. But not too sure how many quotes there are on goats. I should look that up... goat quotes :D

And so, here is January's quote:

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.

~Anatole France

This one speaks for all animals, not just dogs. And I so agree, don't you?

♥

Should auld (and new) acquaintance be forgot

As twilight descended on the last ever evening of 2013, I grew pensive.

My thoughts turned to my beautiful far away friends on the other side of this wide brown land. How much they are so like sisters to me in every sense.
And, I poured a drink.
Now, I would’ve liked a drop of Drambuie, or even better, an aged Scotch whisky - which seemed fitting on the eve of a new year - but, as this was my second choice, my tipple was Kahlua. On the rocks. 

My gorgeous friends, I cherish our many memories, and miss you each and every day. With tears in my eyes, I sing to you,

For old long ago, my dear
For old long ago,
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet
For old long ago.

May the bonds of love and sister-ship stay strong and never be broken, as time erodes the years.
Til we meet again ♥


And, to my new, lovely friends here in blogland, I wish you all…

laughter and joy,

comfort and contentment,

good health in abundance, 

personal fulfillment and prosperity, 

kind words and gentle hugs to soothe the tears that may dampen your cheek, 
great company when you seek it, quiet solitude when you need it,
precious time to follow your dreams, and may your inspirational muse be always by your side.

May your struggles be minor, and successes be great.
May you be blessed with a richness in mind, body and spirit to rival all the kingdoms of gold.
And, may inner peace and balance calm you at times when the world around seems in turmoil.

Keep your family and friends close, and hug your furkids a lot!


I raise my glass and toast to friends, old and new ~ you're welcome at my table, anytime.

♥

Christmas wrap

I like to take early morning snaps of my stall set-up before the crowds arrive.

Phew! A whirlwind of back to back Christmas markets for the past five weeks is over!
And, I'm exhausted.
Near sell-outs at every market left me gob-smacked and ecstatic that people oohed and aahed, and happily purchased my wares.
And yet devastated, knowing that I would be working into the wee hours at the beginning of each week glazing madly for the kiln, to ensure a fully stocked stall the following weekend.
Even though there were plenty of items in boxes under the table to replenish, at each day's end, the boxes were practically empty!

A meltdown after the third market, had me ingesting copious amounts of coffee and chocolate to get me through. In fact, this was my mantra during the last few weeks...

Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate this. Clearly. As, at the beginning of it all, I honestly thought I had made enough to stretch over five weekends. My studio was overflowing!
This has made me realise that if I am to take on the same amount of markets next year, then, I'll need to begin Christmas production just after Easter! That is, if I'm to be as fortunate with sales next year.
It's been a learning curve for sure.
And, I'm not complaining - I'm very grateful indeed.
Just, weary.

It's not over yet, one more to go. The big summer holiday market on the coast is on in two weeks. And, I'm still in production mode.
No rest for the wicked, as they say ;)


I've thought often about my favourite blogs here in blogland. And, sad that I've missed so many posts. I hope to catch up on reading what everyone has been up to the past month or so.

It's been important that Jack gets his walks, and that hubby and I catch up over coffee and short drives around the mountain when we could.
Hubby and son have been very patient with my "absence", and our boy has provided delicious meals regularly when he is home. What a joy.

When I could remember my camera, I've tried to capture micro moments in time, and would like to share a few recent random snapshots...

We have been blessed with glorious weather on market days, which ensured great turnouts.

A peaceful return to quiet after a bustling twilight market at a local racecourse.

Although, there have been some chilly weekdays when we've asked each other, "isn't this meant to be mid-summer?"
But, I'm not complaining. Cool weather, instead of blistering heat, is welcome anytime :)

And, there have been warm, sultry days which brings the critters inside.
After shaking out our bedding one morning, this little fellow fell on the floor.

Even though his sting isn't (apparently) much worse than a bullant's, I'd rather not test the theory - something about being grasped by pincers and lashed from the hypodermic-like tail end, gives me shivers.
He was removed promptly, and safely, to a far corner of the garden and scuttled under some bark.


Perfect partners - roses and rustic rails.

This garden sculpture made me think of my full focus and current tunnel vision.

Hello kitty.

When I spotted this sweet silver tabby sunning herself in a local (stock-feed) shop window, I had to go over and say hello.
I know that her official title must be "resident mouser", but I couldn't help feeling that all she wanted was company and to play.

She was a friendly wee thing, and I wished I could could rescue her and bring her home and lavish her with cuddles. But, after a while, she settled down and seemed content.

Though, my heart went out to her all the same.


Great coffee, and occasional breakfasts on a café balcony have been much looked forward to treats, and fuel for the day.

Jack believes his job is "taste tester" whenever we go out.

Hard to resist that face, isn't it?

All in all, it has been a great wrap up to a wonderfully productive year. I am so grateful to the Universe. Truly grateful.


And so, I want to wish you all a very heartfelt, happy Christmas and a safe, cheer-filled holiday season.
May your days indeed, be merry and bright, wherever you are in this great wide world.

Yule Dog

See you in 2014!

♥

Sights, delights and a Grimm reminder

Yesterday, before I headed into the studio for the day, hubby and I took Jack for a "sensory overload" walk.

Lots to smell and explore.

As the nocturnal creatures of the forest slumber for the day, their recent tracks provide a never ending delight for him.

Too distracted to sit still for a photo when the forest is alive with sights, sounds and smells :)

We didn't have time for a "sit down" coffee, so decided to get take away.
As hubby headed off to the cafe, I turned and saw something you don't see every day - well, I don't anyway :)

Curiosity overtook me and I had to stop the gentleman with the donkeys.

To my delight, there atop one of the donkeys, as comfy as can be, was a wee doggy! With the cutest face, and, as I was about to find out, sweetest disposition.

I was introduced to the wonderful trio - Edward (on the left), Francesca (on the right) and their canine companion, Hayley.


As a long-time fan of the Brothers Grimm, I was reminded of the tale, The Town Musicians of Bremen.

I've linked to the story here.

The dog in the sculpture looks a little like Jack.

All they needed now was a cat and a rooster to complete their own picture of the fairytale.
I doubt little Hayley could handle the combined weight of a cat and a rooster on her tiny back :)

It turns out, that Francesca and Edward were attending a school fete for the morning, giving rides to the local children.

Although, personally, I think Edward would much rather have the tiny Hayley on his back, for they seemed inseparable.


What a delightful way to start my busy day!

*****

And, I'd be remiss if I didn't pass on a big "thank you" from Jack to all of you lovely people who sent him words of comfort... and loads of hugs!
He appreciates them very much.
Woof!

♥

A message from Jack

If you think I look a little forlorn, you'd be right.
I am.

I feel sorely neglected and have been spending lots of time sleeping on mum and dad's bed and the couch and in the doorway to mum's studio.

She has been spending an awful lot of time in there as she makes lots of things.
So many, I've lost count.
And interest... because they take her away from me.

I've been staying up into the dark night, keeping one eye on her for signs that she's ready to go to bed. But, the nights seem to be getting later and later.

She keeps muttering something about, "market deadlines" when dad looks in on her.
I just look up at him, and he down at me, and we sigh.

And, I heard her say the other day, that she is so sad that she hasn't been able to read all of her lovely favourite blogs, and comment on their posts.

I think she really misses you all.
She sure has a lot of catching up to do.

Oh well, I'm still getting fed. That's the main thing.
And, at least I get to go on walks and visit my favourite posts, and read the wee-mail.

But, between you and me, I'll be glad when all this Christmas clay stuff is over, and she can go back to fussing over me as much as she used to.

Bah, Humbug.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Only 51 47 days to go!

 
Uh huh, I said it. Shudder.

And what's with the song titles? Jeez Louise.

The months, weeks, days are flying by, aren't they? Or is it just me, as I get older :)

Thoughts of "the big day", begin much earlier in the year for me as I plan, create, bisque, glaze, continually fire and put the finishing touches to my ceramics for the round of pre-Christmas markets.
And, because I sell many various styles of tree ornaments, along with my usual pieces, there is so much to do.

On Saturday, I attended the very popular Red Hill - well known as the "grand dame" of Victoria's craft markets.
My table was laden with the first of my Christmas goodies, with a great range to choose from.

The pavilions and vast grounds were filled to brimming with colourful stalls and marquees, creating a fantastic atmosphere. And the day was blessed with blue skies and sunshine, enticing people from miles away.

Market trading hours were 8am to 1pm. I sold almost all of my stock by 11:30! Incredible!
There were hardly any times to sit for a spell in between customers. So many lovely people, patiently waiting to buy.
I feel truly honoured and so, so grateful to them all.

Such a wonderful (and welcome) change from the quiet of mid-winter markets, when customers, and purchases, are considerably less.

I can see I will be, "under the pump" to produce much, much more for the rest of the holiday season.
I'm fighting the (slightly) rising panic that I might have bitten off more than I can chew in accepting, and pre-paying stall fees for, so many back to back markets in the coming weeks.

Oh well, sink or swim, here I go. I've got my inflatable armbands, AKA, "floaties" on, so I don't intend to go under, heh heh.

I'll probably continue to be a little scarce here in blogland, as I step up production.
I'll touch base with you, dear blog friends, and leave comments whenever I come up for air - oh dear, does that mean I'll be under water after all? Better not have a puncture in those floaties :)

Warm wishes to you all. See you soon!

♥