Art and the celebration of nature!

Tremello by Stevi Cannon

I did not watch the Royal Wedding last night, instead I had the very real pleasure of helping a dear friend celebrate the opening of her current exhibition at Newcastle's Lock Up Gallery.

Stevi, who's natural tendency is toward sculpting, joined voices with a peer who's interest is in wood block prints. Therefore the current exhibition is a combination of beautiful wooden sculptures depicting the artists love and appreciation of the natural environment, the Australian Bush and all it's forces of nature, and the prints of an artist who is challenged by urban development and the drowning out of the natural environment. The artists so beautifully compliment each other in this display, I found it a space that I wanted to stay in a while longer.

If you're near Newcastle - try and visit - but if you're not, I highly recommend that you find some time in the next month to visit your local gallery and discovery something new, perhaps a local talent. I really enjoyed my new discoveries last night.

Today I went searching for another piece of art - I was searching for the right gift for another friend who is tomorrow being ordained in the Anglican Church as a female Priest. We're so proud of her, for overcoming obstacles and achieving this life long quest. I found her a small earthenware vase with random imperfections, something that I feel reminds me that we are beautiful, with our flaws, and we each have our purpose/s in this life. I pray that my friend will always know how to determine her purpose and that she is beautiful in what ever path she takes. Romans 9:20-25.

Follow Me - Winners!

It's terribly slack of me, but back in March I invited new followers on the promise of a prize. I am very sorry for the delay- however today I have randomly selected two winners from my new Followers link.

Congratulations
Kelly - at Kelly's [Former] France Blog, and
Sabrina - at Thinking About Loud

I'll be popping a small surprise into the post for you sooner rather than later! (promise).

Garlic by the dozens!

I found this gorgeous picture here along with useful tips on gr owning garlic.

I was inspired to grow a crop of garlic this year by a few bloggers - including Thyme to Garden Now who is a northern hemisphere gardener, so when they reported on their crop surviving winter I thought maybe now's the time to get my garlic in. Today I've cleared the site, tilled the earth and added fresh compost. Then I planted more that 30 garlic bulbs!

I found these articles helpful in planning my garlic planning - Covertess, Kitchen gardeners (and this youtube) but mostly I appreciate the advice of some Australian organic gardeners like green harvest.

So, now I sit back and relax as my garlic will take up to 8 months to mature. Then I probably wont need to buy garlic ever again!

I have a few bulbs left that I couldn't find room to plant - anyone with a favourite garlic recipe for me to try??

Friday Fill-ins

And...here we go! (a little late)
1. In the near darkness , I light the candles and settle back into the bath with nothing on my mind but to listen to the stillness, and the ocean roaring in the distance.
2. There's no need to panic - til further notice.
3. But this was supposed to be profound!
4. Sometimes I just let go, and allow myself to floatt in the stream. (and I should let it happen more often)
5. It's always nice to have dinner with friends.....
6. Because there's nothing better that a glass of wine and pleasant company.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to my Friday night ride with my man, tomorrow my plans include my own ride - setting my own speed, and Sunday, I want to find a little time to read, garden and journal.

Check out Friday Fillins for more.