my park

I was thinking about this yesterday- does everybody have a park that they can call their own? A place where you have lovely memories of getting pushed on a swing by your mum or dad, or sitting on a pincic rug giggling with your cousins while having a family barbeque, or a place where you learnt to ride your first bike, or just a nice place to walk through and feel the fresh air, and the soft grass under your feet. For me, this place is Hardcastle Park in Hawthorne. 

It holds other memories too. Freedom and independence of walking down and catching a CityCat from the ferry terminal here- the first time I went into the city alone to catch up with friends as a teenager, my first day of university, starting a "grown up" job as a graduate.

I took these photos yesterday of "my park". 

floating away

So we hear the world has been watching the Brisbane floods unfold over the past few days, which just so happens to be my home. I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support that has been gushing in from friends and family who live near and far checking that we are okay (which we are, our home sits atop a hill). On Tuesday, we were sent home from work early, as were many businesses all over the city, as the news reported that many roads would be flooded by the end of the day. It was like peak hour on the roads driving home at midday- so chaotic!

The following day, I woke early and walked down to one of my dearest friends Gabby's riverfront property in Hawthorne. At the time, the current flood level predictions suggested the water would reach their downstairs kitchen/living room area. So we proceeded to take all the furniture/valuables from downstairs, upstairs. The view of the Brisbane River from their backyard pool deck was unbelievable- the speed of the current was travelling rapidly, carrying with it debris, pontoons, unmanned boats and more. Gabby and I spent the rest of the day in her pool, viewing the unsightly objects. Below are just a few of what we saw...

 

I'm happy to report Gabby's family property was not flooded out! The flood predictions were over estimated by 1 metre (thanks to no rain yesterday), and as it was, that 1 metre made all the difference. My heart goes out to others that wern't so lucky.

interior crush

OK so I have become slightly obsessed with Lonny mag- a web-based magazine that focuses on lifestyle and home decor.  The best thing about this is that it is free, with the entire magazine avaliable for viewing online!  There are lots of gorgeous interiors, and the below photos are a few of my highlights. This particular story features the interiors of two sisters and their individual homes. See the full article here.

home # 1

home # 2

 

 

credit: lonnymag

holiday windows

I love, love, love holiday windows! I think visual merchandising would be such a lovely job.. it reminds me of when I worked at a department store for 3 years during my university studies, and the VM team would be pottering about adding a reindeer here, a bauble there. The festive season may come and go, but it's nice to let it linger for a while, and I couldn't resist posting this creative genius! I can't believe it was only a few months ago I was standing outside these Berdorf windows... It makes me want to go back to New York.... Oneday we will no doubt reunite.

p.s. how delightful is the soundtrack? follow me by audrianna cole.

tidy me up saturday

Hello! Today is Saturday which means time to get everything in order for my first "real" week back at work. ""Real" as in back to a fully staffed office, client liason and project work that keeps me on my toes. The past week has been a week full of archiving, organising and general tidying up. A and I transformed the office into an organised haven (for the most part)! We were quite proud of our efforts. Now I just need to instil a little of this organisation in my own life. If only I could be as ruthless with discarding clutter- I have been called a "sentimental hoader" which can be true! I like A's idea of taking photos of items I am reluctant to let go of so I can have somewhat of a keepsake. This year I want to change my sentimental ways and start afresh with a clear, clean space. I purchased some gorgeous IKEA white boxes and magazine holders in my holidays so will start organising them.  Inspiration come to me .... 

 

credit: thepioneerwoman

dedication

This blog is dedicated to my dad, Ken. My dad had big bright blue eyes, and his favourite colour was sky blue. He loved to read and write, and passed this onto his daughter. The below photos are a few of my favourite photos of us together. I love and miss you dearly. ♥