Geoffrey Bawa

"Architecture cannot be totally explained but must be experienced"

"Every artist works on a different scale. A page. A painting. A sonata. A film. A novel. A house. A garden. But essentially they all create, in some ways, self-portraits of themselves. Art is a long intimacy. The scale of the achievement might be grand and take years but it has to be personal and carefully pieced together and specific to its culture"

(Micheal Ondaatje, on Lunuganga)

xx

One kind word can warm three winter months...

And one saucepan of this can warm three (or more) winter bellies!

Simple Finnish Cider Gluggi

1.5 litres apple cider (or you can use white wine)
4 tablespoons brown sugar
1 apple
3 cinnamon sticks
6 cloves
Small handful slivered almonds

Optional:
Small handful sultanas
Splash of vodka (or more... depending on the level of drunkenness you wish to achieve!)

Pour cider in a large saucepan and heat it up, but not to boiling - just to bubbling under. Add thinly sliced apple, cinnamon sticks, brown sugar and cloves, turn down heat and simmer for ten minutes at low heat. Add almonds, and sultanas and/or vodka if you like. Strain into glasses. and share with pals. Get tipsy and play charades. Erm... if you like... :)

Happy drinking!

xx

"If you really feel something...

...if there's something really inside you, it's important... it's almost a duty... to tell your story in a different way, and to present your vision"

Harmony Korine

Finally got around to watching 'Beautiful Losers' last week - I had been a little reticent to watch it as I thought it might be a little too full of hipster back-slapping for my tastes, plus the association with Terry Richardson put me off (if you want to know why I would feel this way, read this scathing interwebs takedown written by Tavi last week, which still has me applauding!)

Luckily not only was Terry blissfully absent, but the artists were truly humble and insightful - not only about their art and the state of the art world in general, but also about the wonderful connection they all have with each other. I came away being inspired by their beautiful attitudes to friendship and community as much as by their beautiful art. Both are amazing, so go watch this video! Then make some art AND hug your friends.. :)

Margaret Killagen

Barry McGee

Steve Powers

LOL at that list of demands! Espesh "FREAK STREAK" :)

xx

Color Me Katie

... does AMAZING things with:

Paper!

Chalk!

And hearts!

(That last image is from a KISS BLOWING FLIPBOOK... I kid you not... instructions here!)

Get more Katie here:

Color Me Katie blog!

Color Me Katie photostream!

You're welcome :)

xx

A Room of One's Own...

A while back I posted that I had some exciting news. Literally ones of people (hi Emily!) were curious as to what that news was!! Well I can reveal now that the good news was that... I have a new home! Not just any home, but a cute little (rented, of course!) cottage.

Here's a "sneak peek" of a few of my favourite little corners!

xx

Craft-a-noon!

Wee covered note-books for three of my fave laydeez! I heart hearts. And my fave laydeez... obviously! :)

xx

A Wilderness For You and Me

'A Wilderness For You and Me' is the brain child of the obviously ultra-talented Nyssa Skorji. Not only is the name deliciously evocative, but the "objects and critters" this lady makes are something else! I mean, how could you not fall in love with these little fellows....

Told you! Head over to Nyssa's delightful shop to choose your new woodland friend.... there's some neat purses and bags there too.

Like this sly old fox...

Sorry, couldn't resist one more image! I love these!

And yes, I am the world's worst blogger! Due to a myriad of expensive and frustrating and infuriating (ok... deep breath!) computer issues I STILL don't have the internet at home.... gah!!! And I have so much to share... markets! new house! crafts!

Arrrrrrrrrrgh!!!!!

Did I mention infuriating how this is... :)

But bear with me dear reader(s?) the internet will one day be once again filled with my pointless ramblings I promise!

Until then...

xx