Grateful - Big Rain, Little Poem

The rain has been relentless here in Queensland, coming and going all week.

We've been very fortunate in the area we live, only having to contend with a few road closures, a little cabin fever, wet school dropoffs and wet washing hanging on the line. But aside from any inconvenience, I am grateful for the rain.  Here's a little verse I just wrote as I gaze through the window out to a fine mist sprinkling over the trees which are greener than ever..

"Rain, rain, you come again,

soaking, drenching, feeding, cleansing.

At night I fall asleep to your lullaby

softy falling from the sky.

Watching through the window pane,

how I long to see the sun again.

Tomorrow you'll return I know,

atleast the pretty flowers grow"

 

How does the rain make you feel?

Joining in with Maxabella Loves for grateful today

xSam



Cake Therapy

Cake decorating is fast becoming one of my favourite forms of therapy.  In fact, I may even enjoy baking cakes more than eating them (gasp, well, I did say I wanted to get healthy this year)!

Last year, I purchased Planet Cake, by Paris Cutler, an amazing book for beginners (like me), which steps you through all of the basics you need to know about decorating cakes with fondant.   I'm afraid I've spent more time ogling the pictures in this book than baking, but because I have a liking for cupcakes, I have attempted a few of the techniques and designs.  If you've never used cake fondant before, I would say it's a little like playdough for grown ups, so much fun to work with, but tastes alot better.

I've wanted to try making these baby cupcakes for ages..

What do you think?  Too cute to eat right?  I couldn't bring myself to eat one, aside from those cute little faces looking up at me,  I am one focussed lady right now, my health is a priority this year, but that's a whole other post!

So for now, I'm enjoying cooking up sweet things for anyone who's not watching their waistline.

P.S. I also added a page to my blog which includes a gallery of the cakes I bake, in case you're interested in some eye candy.   I plan on adding to this gallery regularly, and hope there'll be plenty of opportunities to bake special things throughout the year.

Do you find cake decorating relaxing or just hard work?

Joining in again with ourcreativespaces, why not pop over to see what others are creating?
xSam

Getting Out There

It's been ages since we went on a bushwalk as a family.

Lately hubby has gone on a few long bushwalks by himself,

 I guess it's his way of switching off and he loves exploring, especially mountains!

We've talked about going together for a while now, it's just been tricky with a toddler.

The last time we went on a bushwalk altogether was a couple of years ago, 

so we thought it was about time we got back out there!

  

Ok, so the toddler backpack wasn't really necessary afterall!

"Mum, this tree looks like it has eyes"

"Mummy, I talk to the birds"

So much learning to be had,  plenty of opportunities

to talk about looking after and respecting the environment

 and it's inhabitants, also how to stay safe.

Figured out where we are yet?  Here's one more clue..

Guessed yet?

We visited Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve (Maleny, Queensland).

If you live in Brisbane or up to the Sunshine Coast, you should check it out.

There's a cafe, playground, bbq's and lookout with amazing views.  

The walk itself is really safe (no steep dropoffs, clear tracks etc)

and takes between 45 minutes to an hour,

so it's easy for little ones (but long enough to tire them out of course).

Where do you and your family like to explore?

xSam

2012 Here We Come

After the build up and excitement of Christmas has died down, this last week I've had the chance to reflect upon the year that was, the things I've learned, the wonderful people I've met, the great times, and the not so great.  I'm amazed by how my kids have grown, and feel that I've become more grateful for my family and friends.

This year I'm looking forward to new beginnings, setting goals, positive changes, making new friends, learning something new, strengthening my relationships, revelling in the unknown, there are so many possibilities, things to learn, and places to go.

Although few things are certain, I know one thing, that I'll continue blogging as it's had such a positive impact on my life.  I really enjoy chatting with and being inspired by all of the friendly, creative and thoughtful people in the blogging community.  Your comments on my blog offer great support, encouragement and inspiration to me, which I really appreciate.
No New Years Resolutions here, as such, just to focus on a healthy lifestyle, hope for the health & wellbeing of my family, and find a little joy in each day.  This is what I hope for my 2012.

A new year brings a renewed sense of hope, of new possibilities, so I'm wishing you and your families all the very best for the coming year and that you have the strength, courage, sense of humour, and love in your heart to deal with whatever lies ahead. 

Happy New Year!

xSam