Luna

Bigger than than the sum of it's parts? For Ruby's bedroom I made this chandelier, combining two of our favourite things - Kokeshi dolls and an old chandelier -a lucky junk shop pick up for $5. The kokechi dolls more expensive than we would have liked but by then we were fixed on the idea.

About a year ago,Archie made a sudden switch to his Dad as Most Favoured Parent, as boys do around this age. That's a while ago now but doesn't mean I have given up trying. In fact I have come up with a brilliant reverse psychology strategy that involves going in to say goodnight, after story time with Dad, and saying I just want to give him a little cuddle, but please no kisses . It goes like this. Me: Goodnight. I'm just going to give you a quick cuddle. Remember though no kisses. Him: (confused, and hiding under the covers to resist my cuddle): No kisses? Why not? You love kisses. Me: Yeah, I used to. But not any more. Him: (still confused) But why? Me: (casual) I don't know why. I just don't like them. So just a very quick cuddle. What happens then is I get covered in hundreds of little delicious quick kisses ("just to annoy you"). I know what you're thinking: I really should write a parenting book.

Here is the mother's day card I received today from Archie. The theme appears to be "ways mum neglects us"- drawing, painting, sculpting - juxtaposed with a secondary, more insect related theme - a mid air supremacy battle between a bee and dragon fly. I just love getting my hand made cards from the children but especially this year as it was starting to look doubtful. On Wednesday I had heard the "hushed' arguments between Ruby and Archie. Ruby had just been deluged with assignment due dates for school and, worried she would not have time for card making, was trying to ensure her brother would do one. Disagreements ensued, voices raised and then I hear the words no mother wants to hear from their little boy's sweet lips "So when will I get the money?"...Hmmmmm I did have to intervene and explain no one wants a card under those circumstances and we all let the vexed situation pass. So it was with delight today I recieved a handmade card from each

I now have a sculpture that doesn't look unlike me (the goal) and if you are brave enough scroll down to see it's latest progress. I'm only just brave enough to put it up. I actually think it looks more like Special Agent Dana Scully from the TV show The X-Files I also confronted my fears of lino and just committed to doing the best with what I had available -an artists book titled Intimate/Obscure which uses lino print self portraiture to hint at aspects of yourself. Lastly a couple of photos from my mothers birthday brunch last week. Mum has been unwell lately so dad took control of the festivities and produced an impressive effort of a birthday cake. My little boy had also put in requests for his favourite foods - waffles and fresh donuts with sugar and cinnamon. My overriding image from the day is him sitting up at the bar eating waffle after waffle after waffle long after everyone else had finished. Then springing up on the news there would be no school the next d

We seem to have survived the first week back at school. A huge one for Ruby - starting high school - but she seems to have thrived in the new environment and hopefully there's no looking back now. Business as usual for Archie but plans ramping up to hold his birthday party for 17 six and seven year olds at an establishment so aptly called "Monkey Mania". The planning alone has him in high spirits next week is keeping him in high spirits. I practised making him a dinosaur cake yesterday and lucky I did. Why is it so hard to make it look like the picture in the book? I am sure they are leaving out vital information. Something like "Must use professional food colourants available only at industrial outlets on the outskirt of town" or "Just outsource the cake!" Lets hope the actual party effort is an improvement.

Yesterday, Archie gave Ruby some advice. Fashion type advice for her first day at high school next week. I can't be sure but I think she took it on board. Like any twelve year old girl Ruby can be very particular about what she wears and I try not to intervene. I did insist on our week down the coast however that she choose a hat and we found a really nice one she was happy to wear, even with a small nautical motif embroidered on the side. Driving home yesterday I suggested she might even wear it at school (we live near the only public school in the state that has no school uniform or dress code) to protect from the heat. No? Bad idea. I offer to embroider some black felt skulls over the nautical motif for a more morbid take on summer. No again. Then Archie, listening in, offers up his advice "You could get one with a monkey or dinosaur on it" he suggests. "They are very pop'lar wight now". which made Ruby smile. Which means, like I say, that she must be tak

Archie has just turned Seven and is all into his Dad at the moment, not so much me. He just puts up with my hugs and cuddles at most. He only wants Dad to read him stories. Last night I went in to to say goodnight after his Dad had finished reading and turned out the light. I crept in. "Goodnight Archie", I said softly and hopefully, giving the little bundle a quick cuddle. He growled and out from underneath the sheets came his cross little voice, "Oh look! See this is why I can't get to sleep at night!". Which reminds me of a bit of a shameful incident a couple of weeks back. I'd counselled myself that I couldn't keep forcing hugs on Archie and would find a different way to love him until he was ready to appreciate his mum again. As I walked up the hall I decided I would not feel rejected but instead sit at his bedside and explain that much to his relief I would not be forcing cuddles on him anymore but would still be loving him and when he was read