Their loss is my gain ...

It is not nice to be smug about gaining from someone else's loss, however ...

As many know, Borders and Angus & Robertson, who are owned by the company Red Group, went into receivership recently. At the moment not all A&R stores are closing, but the one at Erina Fair - which is closest to me - is. All stock is 50% off!

I picked up these two books, both of which I have been coveting for some time.

I am a fan of Royal Historical Books, and I have anxiously awaited the release of the second in Philippa Gregory's War of the Roses Trilogy (the royals immediately prior to the Tudors), The Red Queen.

Blossoms and Shadows by Lian Hearn, has captured my attention the last few times I've been into book shops, but as a book-buyer-aholic I have to curb myself. She is an Australian writer, and has a very nice website - www.lianhearn.com,

Blossoms and Shadows is the story of the birth of modern Japan, told by Tsuru, a young woman who breaks every stereotype of the Japanese lady. We meet her on the day of her sister's wedding, and soon realise that she will not accept the same domestic role that her sister is about to take on. Instead, Tsuru is ready to embrace the new world, defend her beliefs, look for love, and follow her career as a doctor working alongside her husband on the battlefields.

In the mid 1860s Japan was in the grip of a revolution almost as tumultuous as the French Revolution 100 years earlier, yet we in the West know very little about it. This book lets readers feel they are there among the revolutionaries, guided by the engaging character of Tsuru. By the end of the first chapter readers will feel they know her, and want to fight with her as she battles against the conventions of the day and falls into a forbidden love.

so, if one near you is closing, and you love books as much as I do, pop in and bag a bargain!
xdls

Farewell to a quilt pioneer - Jean Ray Laury

Last week, one of the world's most talented and influential quilters, Jean Ray Laury, passed away at age 82.

Not only was she instrumental in reviving quilting in the 70 & 80s, she uplifted women's souls and expectations with her kindness, support and encouragement.

Jean made her first quilt in 1956 and went on to write more than 20 books about quilts and quilt making and taught classes throughout the world, including Australia.

Among her many accolades, are ...

Her quilt, Barefoot and Pregnant, was considered one of the twentieth century's best American Quilts, and is listed here, as #52. In 1999 these quilts were included in a Houston installation titled ‘America's 100 Best Quilts of the 20th Century’

Her name appears in the book 88 Leaders in the Quilt World Today .

In 1982 she was elected into the Quilter's Hall of Fame

and in 2002 she was one of ‘30 Distinguished Quilters’ selected for inclusion in the International Great Quilt Festival in Tokyo.

One of her books, No Dragons on My Quilt, is one of our family favourites ...

Rest in Peace ....
xdls

Louis Vuitton Hand-crafted Banana fibreTrunks

Loius Vuitton stores around the world dedicated their window displays to Diwali — The festival of Lights in India, from November 1 to January 1.

While holidaying on the Gold Coast I was fortunate to see some of these amazing 'trunks', designed by Indian designer Rajeev Sethi. The trunks were crafted and hand-painted in India on banana fibre paper, glowing from within like Diwali lanterns.

(Rajeev Sethi is one of South Asia’s leading designers and is noted internationally for his innovative contribution to preserving and celebrating the subcontinent’s rich cultural heritage. For more than 35 years, through his work in design and architecture, performances and festivals, exhibitions, publications and policy, he has identified ways to bring contemporary relevance to the traditional skills of vulnerable artisan communities and creative professionals. )

Their luminosity was gorgeous in the night hours, even in these photos you can appreciate the effect.

xdls

one last Christmas Post

quick, quick, one last thing before I jump in the car and head north to the camp site... I have to make a Christmas dress for Eloise, I hope she likes it. I made one for Sadie last week, and Eloise helped me sew the bow on.

15 mins later

Ok, that's done, no time to take a photo and share it with you, must away! Ill post photos of Eloise and Sadie wearing their dresses when I get back.

MWAH - have a merry Christmas xxxxx

it's starting to look a lot like Christmas

From one side of the world to the other - from Holly Bush to Christmas bush,
may you enjoy the season's floral blessings!

In two days I am off to Manning Point, camping for nigh-on two weeks. We will be there for Christmas day, which has been a bit of a challenge to say the least - the food preparations, the redirection for Santa etc - you get the picture!

I'm not fond of camping, as anyone who knows me can tell you, but I must say that today I am excited! To have some lovely relaxed time (after a hectic six months) with my family is an exciting thought. We are near the beach and the river and there is a pool, so all bases are covered! The kids are getting boogie boards from Santa, and they already have fishing rods. What fun we will have. I am even looking forward to fishing, go figure!

Then we are off to the Gold Coast to visit mummy/granny! I haven't been there for a holiday for sooooo long. The kids will spend some time with Granny and Aunty, while we stay at a friend's apartment, and then we will ALL go to the theme parks - YIPEEE.

It's starting to feel a lot like FAMILY!

which is, let's face it, what Christmas really does look like!

to you all, and your loved ones, have a happy and wholesome Christmas with much love, serenity and joy!!!

xxxxxxxdls

The down side of Down Under Quilts ...

there's only one thing wrong with the next issue of Down Under Quilts - its so darn full of great stuff!


why is that a problem?

'cause i know, that like me, you will be pretty busy at this time of year and you are going to struggle to find time to read all those fabulous articles, let alone start a new project.

However, I am going to suggest that you stoically set aside a little time and indulge yourself. My top pick, if you only have a little time, is the International Quilt Week Yokohama photos, OMG those Japanese girls can make quilts!!!!

There is heaps of other great stuff. If you haven't got time to pop out and buy a copy - SUBSCRIBE - either to the print version (call us 02 4365 2995) or the FREE online version - visit www.creativelivingmedia.com.au - tell your friends too!
xdls

White = new begginings

... or so I discovered when I searched the meaning of 'white flowers'. "White signifies purity and perfection and can represent a successful beginning." hmm, that sounds significant!

A few days ago I was standing at my bedroom window, admiring the amazing Magnolia Grandiflora tree in the front yard which is about 10m high and wide! It is an amazing tree and is currently flowering. The flowers don't seem to last long, but they are splendid!

Magnolia Grandiflora

It was then that I noticed another fragrance, it took me a few minutes to recognise it - Gardenia! Oh bliss. I love that flower.

Gardenia jasminoides

When we moved here it was winter and as I do not have a huge knowledge of gardening I didn't recognise any of the trees, except the majestic Liquid Ambers, so as the trees around the property flower I am having all sorts of lovely surprises.

I took these photos of my lovely trees, and I continue to enjoy their beauty and fragrance!