Friday 13 June 2014

More Birthday Treats!

Hello all you lovely folks out there and thank you for being here with me again! I've really been enjoying all your lovely messages, as I always do: thank you so much!

Gosh, it's almost a month since my birthday - I've really stretched it out and it's all been very lovely! Anyway I'm prepared to put it to bed now - I mean, really, I can't keep this up much longer can I, but I do want to show you a couple of the lovely gifts that I received:  


This is a painting that my artist daughter, Melissa, did for me - I do apologise (sorry Mel!) that my photography does not do it justice - it is a beautifully worked piece but I had difficulty shooting it in a badly lit situation, and attempting to capture it without reflections made the undertaking even more difficult, however it does give you a wee look at one of the types of work she does, and if you'd like to see more then please link onto her here! I am absolutely delighted with this beautiful gift and it really makes a strong statement hanging on the wall! Several people wanted to buy it recently when she had   an exhibition and I consider myself really privileged to be the proud owner, thank you so much Mel! xo


My daughter Tracy also gave me some beautiful surprises, among which are this beautiful stole and book (the gorgeous owl earrings are too small to feature but I'm sure you can imagine a couple of very dainty little silver birds perched on my ears!). The biggest surprise was that Tracy flew down from Perth to spend the day and night with us, and we had a wonderful time together with her and the rest of the family down here. Many thanks to you also Trace! xo



Below are a couple of the birthday salads Mel put together - ahhhh, delicious!



My dear hubby, Jeff, bought me a lovely new camera! What a beauty it is, but so much learning I have to do - and that comes after I've become properly acquainted with it .. .. ..  oh yeah, I'm getting there, little by little! They call this a 'bridge' camera - a step up from point and shoot but not quite a DSLR - that would still be a bit scary for me yet! The professional photographers among you may think I'm a bit daft but I am making some progress, and I'm very keen to learn - any advice gratefully received, thank you!



Look at that 50x optical zoom - it's magic!

Here are some views around Denmark that I practiced on, and, I might add, that magpie was soooooo far away and the camera allowed me to view it better than I could with the naked eye. Yes, okay, I am a bit taken with it .. .. ..



I received a lovely gift from my dear friend Hannapat - thank you so much my dear - Hannapat told me she was sending me a little card .. .. ..  there was considerably more than a card when the package arrived .. .. ..


So in that package I found a lovely card with beautiful birthday wishes enclosed, plus that gorgeous piece of fabric - look at that design, I love it; a lovely decorative hoop for me to fill and hang on the wall, and two beautiful pictures to which I am to add threads, ribbons, etc., however much or little I fancy doing. They already are beautiful and I'm a bit worried that I may spoil them but Hannapat's Ma is a very accomplished embroiderer (among other things) so she is going to send me pics of her work which will give me a better idea of what I should do. These types of works are quite new to me you see, and I've never seen any like them in Australia - although that's not to say they aren't around somewhere, of course!

If you don't already know Hannapat's blog, do pop over and have a look, you will not be disappointed, although I'd better add that Hannapat has been having computer problems these past couple of weeks so hasn't been able to post - we miss you lovely!


I really have been spoiled lately for, apart from celebrating my birthday, I have been fortunate enough to win another lovely gift in a giveaway - this time held by the lovely Robin; she's such a sweetheart too so do pop on over and visit with her if you haven't already; here is the lovely tea towel that Robin so kindly sent me, thank you again Robin!


I haven't yet decided what to make with this lovely thing but I certainly can't bring myself to dry dishes with it. Isn't that little bird paper clip so cute - I haven't seen one like that before - maybe it's a Robin!


I haven't finished yet, please be patient and indulge me: I bought some new fabrics with birthday money, some of which is Japanese cotton which had been imported by Japan Made in Melbourne and oh it is so beautiful! I have been sewing up a storm with some of this gorgeous stuff but can't show you until next post as it may spoil someone's surprise! 


The bottom pic shows the Japanese fabrics quite clearly, and if you look to the top left pic you'll see a collection of various designers' work including Kaffe Fassett for Liberty with those two paisley style prints, and the teapot design, all at great sale prices! I knew Melissa would love the teapots so I made her a cushion this week .. .. ..  


You would probably recognise the backing fabric as one that has found its way into several of my little quilting projects here and there! Didn't it go well with the teapot fabric! And yes, Mel loves her new cushion!


Have you had enough? Too long a post? Just a wee bit longer please, after all I do have a lot of catching up to do after slacking off over the past few weeks .. .. .. 


I just have to show you Mel's lemon tree - it is a Mayer and rarely is it ever without the most juicy healthy fruit .. .. .. 



To finish off, something from my garden from a couple of weeks ago .. .. .. 



Thank you so much, you did indulge me right to the end my friends!

I trust you are all well and enjoying your crafting/gardening/house renovations - whatever is keeping you busy and happy - and I hope the sun is shining brightly for you!

Until next time .. .. .. 

sending my love,

Joy xoxo

48 comments:

  1. Well Joy, you certainly know how to make your birthday celebrations last a long time! More lovely presents! Wow! A new camera too. Wonderful. You will have lots of fun with that! You've already captured some lovely scenes. How lovely to have an artist in the family with a home-painted gift from your daughter! Have a lovely weekend playing with all your new gifts!

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    1. Hello Sandra and yes, I've spun out the birthday, haven't I! I am very happy with the new camera and really looking forward to spending lots more time with it - it will have to be very clever and help me along! I am enjoying Mel's painting and appreciating the changes in her style over the years - and of course styles do change as our experiences in this big world multiply, don't they. Enjoy your weekend, xoJ

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  2. Love Mel's painting Joy, I really enjoy abstract paintings and have painted a few of my own, usually using one of my photos as inspiration. You were lucky to spend so much time with your girls, really that's the best gift of all oui !

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    1. Ah that's very interesting Grace - perhaps you can show us sometime, I'd love to see! I always wanted to 'loosen up' when going through my painting period, but never could - now it seems like playing with little bits of fabric is doing the trick for me!
      I do appreciate every moment spent with my girls - and learn so much from them! And they spoil me!
      Lovely weekend to you,
      xoJ

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  3. P.s. Your new camera looks fab.. 50x zoom, impressive.. and all without having to change lenses.. You're going to have so much fun I can just tell :)

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    1. Oh yes, I am rather excited (and a bit scared) about it Grace, and really looking forward to it becoming my best friend! xJ

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  4. Of course you were spoiled! You deserve each and every treasure whether it be gifts, visits or yummy food to eat. I am so happy you have had such a lovely time Joy, you deserved it and appear to be much loved.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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    1. Ah Meredith, you really are so very sweet, thank you so much!
      Warm hugs, xoJoy

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  5. It looks like you had a lovely birthday. I'm glad you were spoiled because you certainly deserve to be. :)

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    1. Jennifer - many thanks for your lovely message, xoJ

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  6. You lucky thing Joy so many lovely gifts but you deserve each and every one. I'm so impressed with your photo skills I wouldn't have a clue I can't wait to see all your lovely pictures, your garden is looking beautiful,. Have a great weekend. xxx

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    1. Thank you Linda, and I hope I don't disappoint you with my shots - but really I think the camera is too clever to let me produce something that's not at least 'nice' - I hope!!!
      xoJ

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  7. What wonderful gifts and stories of your birthday celebrations Joy! Your camera looks amazing-I would love one like that, mine is so basic but like you mention I wouldn't know where to start. I hope you will enjoy learning all about it. Gorgeous fabrics! The tea-pot cushion is so cute I'm sure your daughter loved it. It looks so wonderful there in Australia, such beautiful flowers around. Have a lovely weekend, Alison xx

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    1. Thank you Alison! I have to jump in off the deep end with this little beauty I think, for the longer I think about it the more daunting it could become - but I am excited to finally have such a camera in my hands and looking forward to experimenting with it. Australia is a beautiful country but I don't bear the heat too well - a lovely climate where we are though, with not too many hot days - and so much beauty around us, we are blessed! xoJ

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  8. I always love your garden shots at the end even though I tune in to see your makes! I love that Amy Butler fabric, I have made a skirt and the girls peasant tops in it and I think I still have some left over. It is always a shame to cut into a big pattern like that isn't it. thanks for always stopping by my blog. Jo x

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    1. Oh thank you Jo - the garden shot almost seems to be a habit now! So it's an Amy Butler, thanks for that - and I will think carefully about what I make with it for it would indeed be a shame to 'chop it up'! xoJ

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  9. Not surprised you wanted to share your wonderful gifts - you lucky thing - your garden photos are gorgeous as usual and I am green with envy at your new camera! xx

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    1. I can't help myself Hawthorn, just so delighted to have 'bragging rights' this long after the actual birthday! I am very fortunate and very spoiled! xoJ

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  10. It's been lovely to see all your gifts Joy, thanks for sharing with us :-) Those fabrics are absolutely stunning! I sorely miss not having a lemon tree...there's nothing more lemony than the fruit picked ripe off the tree. Your daughter's painting is very interesting... I'm going back up to the link so that I can see some more. And yes...tis very hard to photograph artwork once it's been framed.
    Have a lovely weekend Joy :-)
    Tracey xxx

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    1. Hello Tracey, and thank you for being here, allowing me to share with you! Lemons from the tree are wonderful indeed - my hubby often clips off a couple of them along with their little bit of branch and decorates the kitchen shelves with them, until the leaves drop off and make a mess! I hope you enjoyed looking at Mel's site. Happy days to you, xoJ

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  11. Wonderful post! There are just too many things to comment on lol so I'll just say you have had a wonderful birthday and you have some precious gifts. Your daughter is certainly talented and I can imagine what a statement the painting makes on your wall. The fabrics you've selected with your birthday money are beautiful and I'd love a camera like the one you got so I can take photos like those of your beautiful garden. Have a very wonderful weekend. As for me, I'm going off to eat now because your salads made me hungry, lol. xx

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    1. Hello Joyful, lovely to have you here again, thank you, and for your very kind message although I do apologise for making you hungry! I hope you too can have a lovely camera like this one - you really do deserve it! xoJoy

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  12. So much loveliness in your post. Your birthday gifts are great. It is so nice to have a painting from your daughter. I hadn't heard about "bridge" cameras and I think I need to put this on my wish list. Your practice photos are quite beautiful. Oh and all that gorgeous fabric. Like being in a candy shop. Your garden is quite pretty also. I hope you enjoyed every day of your birthday celebration. I always enjoy reading you posts.

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    1. Ah thank you Cathie, you're very kind! I've been well and truly spoiled, had a wonderful time, and now I am having an exciting time learning more about this gorgeous piece of equipment - I only hope my brain can take in all that it needs to know in order to get the very best out of it (the camera that is)! Technology is not a natural for me!!!! I hope your weekend is a good one!
      xoJ

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  13. Sorry I am late in my comment....had to have a short lay down after reading your birthday novelette.....lol......I am a shocking teaser so please excuse me if I am a bit clunky with my humour. Now I remember a wise lady telling me how I would get better with my photography, and I will return the favour. The best tip I have found is practice, practice, practice. How awesome that these days we can do just that with no expenses development costs. The other tip and I don't know if you already do this but a little tweaking of images will bring out a bit more. I use pic monkey to crop my images and alter the colour or lighting and it works a treat. In fact my dear friend that is what I will go and blog about now......you are a great inspiration every time I read your blog I get great ideas for mine........mwah....that's a cyber kiss.....your family sound awesome and as talented as their brilliant mum. Lemons don't fall far from the tree as they say, or was that acorns....you get the drift!

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    1. You are so funny Susan, and I always get a laugh from your lovely messages, thank you. So sorry you were feeling so jolly worn out after your little read - girl, you need an energy booster, haha!
      I agree that practice is the way to go - I was saying to my hubby earlier that I still seem to have a fear of failure when it comes to such things as cameras and good shots, and his answer was "Just get out there and do it" Yes indeedy, the more you practice the better you become .. .. .. I haven't used PicMonkey, Susan, but know of it and believe it's very helpful - I have a 'fix-it-up programme on my computer, iPhoto, which does those jobs that you just mentioned but somewhere down the track I may have to step up the action a bit! I really appreciate you mentioning all these points, thanks so much!
      Thanks also for saying such lovely things about my family (and me!) and yeah, I'm not sure whether it's lemons or acorns, but I do get your drift and thank you!
      So I'll be looking for your next post and will most likely learn a lot from it so all the best with it - inspire me into more action!
      Mwah to you too you lovely thing you! xoJ

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  14. Hello Joy! So glad that you found my blog and came to visit because now I have found your blog and it is lovely! I can see that I am going to enjoy following it! x

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    1. Hello again Christine - I'm very happy we have now found each other - now for some good times .. .. .. xoJ

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  15. What fabulous gifts from your friends and family Joy, obviously all given with such love because you are such a lovely and joyful, kind and caring person!!!!! I hope that you love your new camera, it looks as though it is very zoomy indeed, so you will be able to capture all sorts of things from afar. It will be fun for you experimenting and taking lots of pictures. Happy crafting with all of your new fabrics and gifts as well! xx

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    1. You are so kind Amy - I really am blushing! I am looking forward to spending lots of time with my new friend and I'm hopeful it'll lead me in the right direction - watch this space, haha! Thank you so much for always leaving such lovely messages my dear! xoJ

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  16. You received such lovely gifts Joy, The camera looks great I need one as I must move on from the point & shoot option but Ii am far to happy spending my money on the garden or crafting. Love you fabric selections & that lemon tree is just fantastic.

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  17. Yes, sometimes we have to make choices that are not easy Jo, but it's better to go with the flow and tend to the most necessary needs and wants first! I didn't HAVE to have a new camera but for soooo long I've wanted to step up and get serious with photography - I hope you have the opportunity to do likewise - when the time is right! Have a great weekend and I hope the sun shines for you! xoJ

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  18. Hi Joy you totaly deserve all your presents and you have won and smashing giveaeays. I also love the painting your daughter painted another talented person x

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    1. Aw shucks, I'm blushing again Joy! Many thanks, and I'm happy you love Mel's work, she certainly is a talented girl - unbiased opinion of course, haha!!! xoJ

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  19. What an absolutely beautiful, joyous post! You are so fortunate to have so much talent and love in your family - what lovely gifts they gave you! (And I've had a peek at Melissa's page, her art is incredible, I only wish she lived nearer so I may purchase one! I especially love the Growing Environment series...) You could write on and on and on about your celebrations and all the thoughtful gifts, and your stunning garden images, and I'd always read and enjoy to the end! Chrissie xxx

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    1. Chrissie, you're always so lovely, thank you! I'm very happy you are so enamoured with Melissa's work. She can ship her paintings anywhere so if you are really keen to own one for yourself then it can be arranged, so I leave that little snippet with you.
      Thank you for your sweet message once again, and it's always so lovely to see your happy face smiling at me - I may just sneak another couple of gifty things into posts as time goes by - can't help myself. I hope your weekend is working out beautifully for you and yours! xoJoy

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  20. What beautiful gifts Joy, it's lovely to read all about them. Your new camera looks complicated but the shots you've shown us look very proficient already.

    ukcitycrafter@live.co.uk

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    1. Hello Chris, and thanks so much for popping in and leaving your kind message! Yes, the camera is a wee bit complicated - lots of new things to familiarise myself with - but lots of fun, thank you! xJoy

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  21. Hi Joy, what beautiful gifts, which I can see are much loved! I too have a Bridge Camera, which I LOVE! You are going to have so much fun. Sarah xo

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    1. Hi Sarah - I am so pleased to hear you also have a bridge camera - did it take you a while to become accustomed to its wonderful features? I am learning something new every time I get into it - "Oh, that's what that does then!" - is the exclamation frequently heard around here these days! Many thanks for dropping by again, it's always so nice to hear from you! xoJoy

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  22. I'm not surprised one jot that you've received such kind and thoughtful gifts, Joy, you strike me as one of the loveliest people in blogland. I bet you're a fab Mum, too!

    I adore the camera I got for my birthday at the end of last year. I would be quite embarrassed taking it out and about at first, just in case people thought I was better at photography than I actually was!! My advice would be just to play with yours and enjoy it! I often set up a little still life and then take heaps of photographs, each time changing the settings ever so slightly and making a note of how the picture differs. It's helped me learn more than any instruction manual ever could.

    Heather xx

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  23. Aw Heather, you are soooo kind, thank you; I do my best and that's as much as we can do isn't it!
    I understand your embarrassment for I feel the same way - silly really isn't it! I do appreciate your advice and thank you for it - I am still learning all the ins and outs of the camera after taking my little point and shoot for granted for so long - and I will take a leaf out of your book and practice just as you suggest, thank you! I do love the camera and don't want to leave it on automatic for the rest of its days for that would be such a shame! BTW which camera did you get - perhaps you posted about it and I've forgotten? I hope your Sunday is proving to be a lovely day for you and yours, xoJ

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  24. So many lovely and well deserved gifts, Joy! I enjoyed reading about each one! I loved seeing the exotic and colourful flowers and plants in this post too, especially the lemon tree. The camera will give you hours of fun and creativity, and your photos are already looking good!
    Wishing you a happy week!
    Helen xox

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    1. Lovely to have your sweet message Helen, many thanks! The gardens are looking good at this time after some lovely rain which has really brightened them, and us, up considerably! I'm having fun becoming acquainted with the camera - it's back to basics to learn the things I never understood before but just took for granted. I hope your week is a happy one too Helen! xoJoy

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  25. Hello Joy long time no see I have resorted to using my phone to comment. With no sign of a new laptop for a while (wedding costs taking priority) I wanted to pop by and say hello. Looks like some wonderful birthday treats. Your daughter is so talented.
    Your new camera looks great and some lovely photos too. Look forward to seeing more lovely photos.
    Hope you enjoy a lovely week and I will hopefully hear from you soon xxx

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  26. Hello lovely FB, it's so lovely to hear from you and I do hope your laptop problems are resolved soon - sometimes we need to make decisions that are not easy but we just get on with it don't we. You must be getting so excited, such a wonderful time of preparation - not long now!
    Thank you so much for your lovely caring message dear, I always enjoy them! Happy days to you and yours, xoJ

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  27. Lovely presents, I love your daughter's painting. That camera looks awesome and I am sure you will have it sussed soon and be taking many beautiful photos. The photo of the magpie made me smile and brought back memories of being dived bombed by a family of them near the deli I used to shop at in Perth when visiting my brother. It was a bit scary! All that fabric looks interesting! Have a good week.

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    1. Hello Zana, lovely to hear from you again, and thank you for your kind message. Oh yes, we remember the magpies dive bombing people - usually when they had young in nests and it certainly is scary as well as dangerous. Naughty magpies! Have a great week, xoJoy

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