The End of Winter

It seems like not that long ago, 

I was starting my countdown till Spring.

Although the Winter days were long and cold,

The season seems to have gone by quickly.

I almost cannot believe I am sitting here writing 

that today is the last day of Winter.

But I am.

It is.

Pale Blue Daydreams

I know it isn't quite September yet, but since it is finished, 

and it really feels like Spring is in the air,

I wanted to share it.

So here you are, my 2013 calendar.

Each of the 13 pages (a cover and one for each month) is a 5x7" photo like last year, 

but this year I decided to add a small white border around the photos.

I have a few new packaging treats, 

so each will arrive wrapped like a delightful present.

 

This year I want to pass on the support,

so $5 from each 2013 calendar sold

will be donated to the Grace Yeats Trust. 
You can read more about Grace's story here.

I have shared the page over on my own FB page,

hoping that her story will touch hearts and people will "like" the page

and show Grace and her family some love from around the world.

 

I really do love making the calendars.  

They are my way of creating something for my customers,

to whom I am so grateful,

to enjoy throughout the year.

 And these Pale Blue Daydreams,

they are my favourite.

A change

After a year with this laptop skin, 

I decided I was over the green,

it was starting my make me feel dreary, 

and I wanted something fresh to suit my 'it's soon to be spring and summer' mood,

and inspire me to work.

And so I ordered a new cover from Society6, and within a week it was here.

I love it.

Now I feel like working, and even when the sky is grey outside my window, 

I can see blue sky and pink blossoms.

Artful Blogging

The Autumn issue of Artful Blogging is out now,

and oh my, it is full of beautiful photos and amazing articles.

To say I am thrilled to have been asked to participate is an understatement.

Here's how it happened....

 

A few months ago, the lovely editor, Jennifer Jackson Taylor, emailed me 

and asked if I would be interested in being included.

'Wow, yes, of course' I said!

And I was asked to write an article.

um, me, write?  

My first instinct was to say thank you, but no.

Too afraid to write, to be rejected.

But, I realised there comes a point where you have to push your own boundaries.

To try something, and if you fail, well it isn't a failure, but a lesson learnt.

And if you succeed, then that is exhilarating.

So I sat down the next afternoon and wrote.

Basically I wrote about not being a writer, but having a blog, 

and being ok with who you are in this blogging world.

It is titled 'The Daydreaming Girl'

I skim read it back to myself, and emailed it off.  

And was so surprised when I received such a positive, warm response from Jennifer.

 

And so, here we are, the issue is out now,

that is my blossom photo on the cover,

and my article (8 pages!!!!) is nestled in amongst all the other gorgeous, breathtakingly beautiful articles.

This has been a definite highlight of my journey so far.  

August

August marks the beginning of the end of the countdown ~

only one more month of cold until Spring officially begins.

After spending June and July admiring the rows of country trees,

bare against the empty sky, 

I have realised I only have a few weeks left to capture them.

And so my mission now is to add to The Winter Trees,

because soon, these trees will no longer be bare.