Council Pick me Up

On the way to yet another breast related appointment last Saturday, I was feeling cynical, fed up and mourning the big bucks I had just forked out for some lymphatic massage. (Don't ask.) The lights changed and I crossed the road to meet this 'sign' plonked at the end of the crossing. 

Non- Brisbanians note there has been a delightful project underway for years for artists to decorate the electrical boxes near traffic lights.

It was time for a photo and a deep breath. What's not to love? It's how you look, not what you see. This very ordinary intersection has some great lines in it. If I can find a fine line ink pen somewhere, I will follow the urge to draw this. It's been a while but a red light got me to STOP and think about it.

The week end was full of life loving me. The sight of sleeping chillun always gives me pause to be thankful.

 Even the primary school party circuit was fun this week end. One was a dress up party. Lala opted to go as a rugby player. For once I appreciated her tom boy tendencies a it was the easiest costume ever and she won best dressed. LIke Nicole Kidamn in that movie where she wore a big rubber nose and got an Oscar, they'll give you a prize for anything if they think you've sacrificed your pretties for your art.

 So I was blithely skipping through the week end loving life and, would  you believe, it started loving me back via the local council collection.

Remember the Icky-yaya (Ikea) chair? I found it a companion a few doors up in perfect condition!

This one ended up back by the bin after the Big Fella saw it until I explained that it was me that had found it not the chillun and that I would perform magical feats to restore it to funky loveliness. He rolled his eyes. Ye of little faith! Suggestions re colour and shades are welcome?

We have been looking for a wicker bedhead for Lala for a long time. This one was being carried out by a woman who said she was finally dismantling her grown up daughter's room.

Here it is in situ. Lala wants to paint it yellow or turquoise. The latter matches her room better. Thoughts???

 'Tis a bit shabby chic with the lime wash. Not that there's anything wrong with that!!!

 Throw in a little West German Tiger, Tiger burning bright.....

 a  summer hat from a friend and a new crochet project and I was feeling well loved by life. 

Just as well as I have the first radiotherapy session today and then every day for the next six weeks. BUT it doesn't make you sick and it's quick. You've got to love that.

It's a sign...

Signs

Yesterday was a busy day of biopsies, birthdays and, yes, bumps. This was on the side of the road on the way back from Nanna Freddo's. Is it just me or does that look a lot like Lefty staring at the ceiling of the biopsy room. The only way is up, Lefty. There were more signs.Having had quite enough of the 'Keep Kate' PR in our local Ashgrove elections, this sign rang a truer note for me. Keeping Lefty is a higher priority today.
Another sign that all will be well was seeing these two bonny boys turning thirteen yesterday. They have grown into such funny, life loving, vigorous people and I love being around them.
They were even kind enough to accept the humble offering of a single birthday cake baked by their eleven year old brother. The offspring ate every crumb of that e-numbered up delicacy.
I came home from needle city to find sisterly love and support and friendship, child minding and cheerful people.
They all had the restraint and kindness not to 'talk about the war' as my Mum says because, frankly, I was over it. We drank tea and laughed and opened gifts.
These sweet people are a sign that all will be fine in our corner of the world.
So I watched my big boys...... being the loveable, affectionate energetic teenagers they are.
They chose to go to their favourite epicurean palace for dinner. Big Fella took this photo on his phone. He likes it because of the salt and pepper in the foreground. It's like them- completely opposite in some ways but perfect together. It's a sign!

Go West, Young Man

My homey and I went on a forty minute road trip today. We went West on one of our favourite country drives to a shopping centre in a smaller town. The city ones here are too busy and we hadn't had a chat alone for a while.There are lots of things not to hit on this particular drive. Apart from the usual suburban obstacles,

and the gratuitous iconic ones for overseas readers
there are some incongruous ones for lost Canadians. (Surprise 1)

On closer inspection we agreed it was, indeed, a jolly reindeer that we should avoid running down at this time of year in particular. This photo may soon find its way into envelopes masquerading as a Christmas card if I ever get around to writing any.
There were cows and horses and ducks- oh My!

There's a bit of the river that was under in the floods last Christmas which has still not recovered. (Surprise 2)

Of course there was the obligatory country, corner store.

I know these are everywhere but if the husband hadn't zealously thrown out all the discarded palings I'd rather love to make one of these for the front gate! (Surprise 3)

Then we were back in one of these places but it was considerably quieter and, strangely, cheaper, than the city. Flossy RAN to Santa's lap to tell him she is M, she is two and she would like lol-lols for Christmas. She loves Santa! (Surprise 4)

After driving back and swapping the toddler for three more boys we headed to Ramp Attack which after another forty minute drive turned out to be closed tonight to scooter riders. After returning again, I remembered the Street of Many Christmas Lights where we have been going for ten years. So instead of barrelling at Ramp Attack we ended up carolling at Lamp Attack. (Surprise 5)

There was a lot of tumbling, wrestling and laughter from this hefty bundle of testosterone. They are still not too old or too cool to enjoy the happy contagion of some pretty lights.
These people all decorate their homes as a neighbourhood tradition now and every year there are more lights and more neighbours involved.
I do believe the lads were singing in front of this one although it may only have been on the inside!
And, surprise 6, I finished shopping for all the Christmas carnage with one swoop of my be-tinselled broomstick today! Bah, humbug, hooray!