At least one of us is doing something creative lately!!

Photographs by Eloise (age 3), taken with a Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital Camera.

(Top to Bottom: Mummy, self portrait, Thomas in Maldon, Pa Pa and friends, Baby Caitlin, Nanny, still life, Daddy, Aunty Kelly, Laurie & Tiny Puppy, Seagull, Abbie, Caitlin, Mummy, Daddy at the hairdresser, Aunty Kel at Tathra, Wiggly Ballet, Aunty Shins)

Featured Gem 15
Real Photo Postcard
‘Xmas 1913’

Date: 1913
People pictured: Jessie
Postcard Back: Addressed to ‘Miss Anderson From Jessie’. Wishing you a very happy Xmas.

Notes: An unusual Christmas portrait. I really like the composition, the curtains and the collection of potted plants! The chair back could almost be mistaken for fairy/angel wings! The card was purchased from a seller in the UK. I am not sure of its origin.

I love and collect samples of handwriting. The writing on this card is gorgeous. Just look at the word ‘Wishing’. We just don’t write like that anymore!

Our lovely Caitlin Rose arrived at 5.58pm, Friday January 25th.
All 9lb 13oz of her!

Such a surreal, overwhelming and incredible experience. I am still trying to come to terms with the fact that she is out and I am home already. I wasn’t due until this week but I was starting to feel like I was going to be pregnant forever!

Eloise is taking it all in her stride. She is beside herself with excitement at being a ‘big sister’ and we’re all settling into life with a newborn in the house. Having a 3 year old serves as a constant reminder that time flies by so very quickly. I can peek into her room in the middle of yet another sleepless night and be reminded that it all turns out okay in the long run…that’s how I aim to keep my sanity this time around anyway!

For the second year in a row we headed off to catch Dan Zanes and Friends at the Melbourne International Arts Festival. Wow! It lived up to all my expectations! We’ve been listening to the back catalogue of CD’s all year and the whole family has fallen in love with them.

My folks came down from Sydney to join us and we attended 3 shows in total. (The photos are from the final show on Sunday October 14th). The first event was the opening night at Federation Square, which was unfortunately accompanied by lovely rainy Melbourne weather. Eloise enjoyed the afternoon soundcheck and then dancing in the rain at the 6pm show. My Dad was absolutely thrilled at the opportunity to hear Dan’s rendition of Boonaroo.

For the weekend shows The Arts House Meat Market proved to be an awesome venue. I was a little apprehensive as the venue last year was so small and intimate, but my fears were quickly rested. It is an impressive space and the ambiance was immediate. As always Eloise enjoyed herself immensely. She insisted she take her uke (which Dan kindly signed after the show) and was adamant she wear her DZ Tee…..a Christmas pressie last year.

Dan was joined on stage by Father Goose (much to Miss E’s delight!), Sonia De Los Santos, Colin Brooks, John Foti, Saskia Sunshine Lane and Elena Moon Park. Such a formidable lineup of talented musicians, a real thrill to hear live. Like last year, Dan and the rest of the band were extremely generous with their time and stayed after the shows to chat to the audience and sign CDs.

It was an enjoyable and memorable experience for the entire family!

(photos © Rohan Durrant)