Instead of joining in on NaBloPoMo I didn’t post once during November…in all honesty that wasn’t my intention! I have had to keep telling myself ‘the blog is for me’ ‘don’t stress’ ‘it’s meant to be fun!’ to try and ease my anxiety over not posting. I am just not very good at short quick diary like snippets of interest!

I did complete my Christmas Postcard Swap, and although 10 of these cards are winging their way around the world I fear some may not arrive at their destinations in time. I am crossing my fingers and toes! I have a good excuse though….I had a little drama and I decided it was the perfect time of year to get my wisdom teeth yanked out in the hospital….really NOT NOT good and I still cannot feel my chin over 2 weeks later! (Is that normal? It is driving me a little crazy!)

I don’t think the photos do the postcard justice as you can’t see the subtleties and textures in the papers. The doll is printed on some translucent paper and she is holding a little book attached with a split pin that contains five pages of vintage Christmas snippets from my collection of greeting cards and photos. I love the sentiments in the old style verses.

I unearthed an interesting book in my local secondhand bookshop the week the postcard sign up was announced, so I have had ‘vintage cards’ on my mind for months! It’s a fascinating book called ‘The History of the Christmas Card‘ by George Buday and was first published in 1954 by Spring Books.

That’s it for tonight! I may not have been blogging but I have still been thrifting so I will post about some of my favourite finds over the next few days. I also want to share some of the gorgeous swaps that I have received including the most delicious bundle of goodies from the lovely and talented Pyglet who must be very close to giving birth!! Thinking of you Dani and thank you so much for the unexpected treats!

My little Eloise turned two today. Two!!! It’s gone so very quickly (well except that first six months…that felt like one long blurry day!!). If you ask her how old she is she’ll say ‘two seconds’ …that would be my fault as I often tell her I will ‘just be two seconds’. Oh dear! I then tried to explain to her that it was ‘two years’ and she paused, looked at me and said ‘Ohhhh, two eeeaarrs’ and pointed to her ears. It’s so much fun getting to know her and watching this special, funny, happy, confident, kind, delightful little person emerge!

Anyone who sings about thrifting must be pretty good huh? We were lucky enough to catch Dan Zanes and Friends twice last week at the Melbourne International Arts Festival. Both shows were simply fantastic and Eloise was totally impressed! When Dan Zanes appeared she squealed ‘ring ring doorbell‘ pointing enthusiastically to make sure we had noticed (I think she thinks that’s his name….but anyway!).

Zanes appears to be gathering quite a steady following in Australia, especially since he started appearing on Playhouse Disney earlier in the year. At both shows he was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd who were kept singing and dancing for the entire show!

Eloise got right in there and danced up a storm at the front of the stage. For a not-quite-two-year-old she pulled off some impressive moves! So uninhibited and full of joy. It was lovely to watch her clapping with delight and singing along to the songs she knew. The band play many different instruments (ukulele, double bass, drums, piano accordion, banjo, guitars, mandolin) and Eloise was enthralled. After the show Dan and the band chatted with the audience and signed autographs. They were really generous with their time and it was really special for the kids.

To be honest I have become a bit of a Dan Zanes fan myself…even more so after seeing their impressive live performance. His music is infectious, well crafted and feel good. A rich combination of original tunes and traditional folk. Have a look at his website, it’s worth a visit and it’s beautifully designed. Donald Saafs illustrations are absolutely gorgeous (lots of whimsical insects and dancing animals!). How sweet is this alligator t-shirt!

If anyone’s interested there’s a great video interview with Dan Zanes {here} by Camp Jinx and for more about Eloise’s Dan Zanes adventures {click here}

A couple of weeks ago a friend asked if I would like to contribute an illustration to a calendar she was producing as a fundraiser for the ASRC (Asylum Seeker Resource Centre). I jumped at the chance! It really is such a worthy cause.

Each image in the calendar illustrates an article from the International Declaration of Human Rights, and highlights one of the ASRC’s programmes. The calendar features the work of some wonderful illustrators and artists including Judy Horacek, Terry Denton, Ann Howie, Greg Mallyon, Andrew Weldon, Kate Durham and more! I feel like a bit of a fraud sneaking in amongst such fine company!

If you are interested in purchasing a calendar they will be available online through Readings at the beginning of next month. $10 from the proceeds of each calendar will go directly to the ASRC.

Featured Gem 9
Real Photo Postcard

‘Clowning Around’

Date: Unspecified
People: Unidentified
Studio: Unidentified
Postcard Back: Blank

Notes: Clown/Pierrot and carnival costumes are another favourite theme of mine, so I was excited to find this wonderful ‘gem’ whilst scouring a toy fair with my sister. I know very little about the image as there are absolutely no identifying markings! It appears to have been kept safely in an album for many years (yellowing in the bottom left). It is in lovely condition!

I do love the detail of this costume and the pose is perfect.
Just check out that wig!!