16 December 2015

Mad cyclist

We've been having some biking adventures lately. Getting these old legs working has NOT been easy!

Fortunately Mr Actor is working his way back to fitness as well, so our levels coincide somewhat.

However...I have never really ridden, while the boys and Bushy are expert riders. I bought this bike so I could learn and not be left behind by my family. It has sat in the garage forlornly for years, what with my own health issues lately.

But now it seems all the fates have aligned to allow us to pursue this dream. Yay!

My spirit is soaring and my legs are wobbly and aching!

Of course I had to buy a stylish bike, but unfortunately the tilt of the basket means when I go over a bump everything feels like it will bounce out.

Solution, make a basket liner!

Not just any liner, a super duper one that will take more than the basket will hold! Mr Artist is really impressed with this solution...as am I. It's working beautifully and made out of junk bits of fabric I had in the cupboard.

Winter is impressed, it even matches the car.

Here we are on our morning ride taking a break from the heat in this cool (in both senses) cave inside these bushes. Where is that breeze?

Do you like cycling?

'Til next time, keep on creating!

Love,

Jazzy Jack

 

15 December 2015

BeautyScope 273: Popcorn pop up

 

native violet flower

pops its head up

like a peppy piece of pop corn

 

12 December 2015

Recycled Christmas

Christmas greetings...well almost. We have just finished school (homeschooling here we come!) and I seemed to be working toward the last day of school as my deadline, so I'm pretty much ready now! Although I'll probably live to eat my words :-)

I promised Beate I would put up a photo of our door wreath. Ta Da!

It is comprised of recycled bent coathanger and a few pretty offcuts of fabric from sewing adventures.

A friend gave me a bag to play with...I'm getting a reputation!

"Here, have my rubbish!" No, just joking.

And here is our recycled bed base garden sculpture tree. Also seen here last year.

Mr Actor is carefully adding the finishing touches while Smart Blue watches his serfs work...although momentarily distracted by potential invader birds at the bird bath and fountain. It's a constant battle, but warrior Smart Blue is up for the task!

Actually he is an indoor cat, but he still manages to bring live mice into our living room from his heroic hunting in his outdoor cage and in the roof. Yes, he prowls our roof space.

Bushy managed to get our "tree" to stand up. I gave up after a morning of struggle deciding I would never be patient enough to balance rocks on the sea shore!

We have also decorated our outside pine tree with the junky baubles, and it is nice to see the sparkle as we drive around the corner.

And gave Noddy our guard sculpture a Snoopy scarf!

Are you too embracing "tacky" this Christmas?

'Til next time, keep on creating,

Love,

Jazzy Jack

 

10 December 2015

DIY felted jumper/sweater

Once upon a time there was a soft harmless jumper, waiting quietly in a thrift shop.

Swooped up and scooped up it flew all the way to my house!

It looks cute enough I guess, but I'm not a fan of bunchy waist rib bands. So....

I removed them...all of them, and chucked it in the wash.

Ah, much more me, I can breathe and move...and dance!

'Til next time, keep on creating!

Love,

Jazzy Jack

 

8 December 2015

Crimson reflections and a blogger surprise!

It's me! It's me! Look it's me!

Anne of SpyGirl fame has featured me on her blog this week, by doing a most amazing sketch of me in my crimson outfit from this post.

Have a wee peep!

I didn't know what to do to respond, but then remembered this red outfit and series of photos Mr Actor took recently when we visited The Arboretum in Canberra.

I am standing inside a sculpture which is based on the handwriting of the poet Dorothy Mackellar, who wrote the iconic poem "My Country", which includes the line "wide brown land".

I love the way they've made it 3D.

It must have been a sight as it was trucked up from Melbourne where it was hand forged.

I'm wearing my Asian inspired jacket, held closed with this recently acquired brooch, over a long comfortable embroidered skirt. ( Also seen here.) All thrifted! And my trusty suede hat that lives in my car and you've seen many times. It just happens to also be red!

There are amazing views from the Arboretum.

Don't we live in a pretty city?

And as a bonus, you can even catch clouds!

 

Thanks so much Anne for your artistry and generosity. My page views have gone through the roof!

Linking up to SpyGirl

'Til next time my friends, keep on creating!

Love,

Jazzy Jack

 

3 December 2015

BeautyScope 272: Wisteria dreams

 

what dreamy thoughts arise

when opening up the space behind

to find wisteria blooming

 

1 December 2015

BeautyScope 271: The way home

 

on the way home

squinting into the light

all rushing back

to beat the sun