new things everywhere

I've been doing a lot of illustrating today, mainly in the aim to complete jobs that have seemed to take me forever, but then also making cards to sell, and a small book for my best friend to take with him to London. He leaves tomorrow to live there for at least two years.



I've also been enjoying the rain today. I've watched the light spray of water soak the lawn, and weigh down the trees.


I'll be picking up my new car today, before heading to "Pippa May Cook"... the very new cafe, produce store {opening tomorrow at 719 High Street, Northcote}. The creator of the gorgeous store is Pippa, one of my friends. Chris and I will be popping in to help her label her preserves. After that we'll be heading to Federation Square for a performance by The Glass Percussion Project, a collaborative duo I studied for my honours thesis, comprising of a glass blower and a musician. The results of the fiesty mixture will astound! I can't wait.
Camilla Engman has a beautiful post today about the textures of paper.
{LOVE}

Feeling out of Pocket

I've decided on my new vehicle, a Honda Jazz, lots of room in the back for all my installation works, and very fuel efficient. Hoorah!
Feeling proud but terrified I placed my deposit today, a new silver manual..... and I've begun learning manual today. Yes, I have possibly left it far too late, but I have mastered up to third gear, and my current weaknesses, apart from not entering the road yet, seem to be my initial beginnings. My heavy-footed habits have me either surging, or stalling. Give me a few more lessons and I'll be fine {please}.

Catching up with friends down at the local bar, for T's 24th birthday, enabled a glimpse of the "Counterfeit Gypsies" and a whale of a time. Much to my earlier negligence, I failed to notice my brother and boyfriend slip beer glasses into my bag. The guilt has worn off finally, and I'm now enjoying the frosted image of a dashing stag in the cusp of my hand.

Delightful family catch-ups were had, before the back-to-work drag, including an exciting spotting of two tawny frog-mouths, camouflaging in the trees around them.

My image does not do the beautiful creatures any justice, as the digital camera was zoomed in, and a binocular lens further capturing the vision. The hazy result is romantic rather than documentary.


I'm about to write my component for an Australian Council arts grant. Wish me luck.
{LOVE}

it's a new dawn its a new day

And I'm feeling good, albeit, slightly afraid of what this year will bring. It will be my first year without study, away from the institutional system, since I was five. I have decided to work this year, finding a full-time financial occupation, to aid my {yet to be begun} funds towards a trip to Europe. I feel my plans may be delayed, however, as my little red civic, after 6 good years, has finally left us. I can't decide whether to begin to jump onto the bus/train/tram, or instead save up for a new car. I'm toying with the idea of applying for a masters degree at the Glasgow School of Art for next year.... just an idea for now, I don't think I'd be able to leave Chris {although it is only for nine months}.
My christmas was highly enjoyable, spent with family, extended members included. I felt quite the glutton, and am sure my stomach has grown a little too much for my liking over the december period. My little wooden boy is made by 'love' and was a gift for christmas {that i happen to be aware was purchased from Little Salon in Gertrude Street}.
Happy week {or so}
{LOVE}