The Librarian

Sometimes it really hits me just how many and varied are the responsibilities of parenting. There's stuff like the values we model, and then there's other stuff like making sure they get to all their teeth when they brush. It's a big gig. It's a gig that gives me infinite joy, ( oh, and sleepless nights occasionally too ) but I don't take the responsibility lightly. I'm conscientious, that's just how I'm wired. And I'm also a librarian.  So, imagine this: I go to my daughter's parent/teacher interview, and am told that my child is doing just fine (good), but....there's one thing....(uh oh) she could do with extending her reading . As I walk past the empty playground after the meeting I erupt; "bwah hahahaha". Because the irony certainly isn't lost on me.  But, I'm so glad for that parent/teacher meeting.  It got me to thinking. Both my older children have been hooked on reading book series - ch...

I know, I may as well set up camp in their promotions department, but I just love them so.   Cross-stitch and Embroidery for Babies, Toddlers and Children  by Isabelle LeLoup has some really sweet little projects....and even though I haven't made anything from it, I am happy to just gaze at the beautiful styling, and feel inspired (to tidy my house and make it pretty like in the book) . x Library Girl

The Language of Flowers   by Vanessa Diffenbaugh was recommended to me by several friends, and after another phase of reading non fiction, it was an extra special treat to have a compelling bit of fiction to look forward to at the end of each day....  to be honest, I didn't always limit myself to bedtime reading - a few chores were ignored in the reading of this book!  Victoria Jones overcomes the emotional scars of a tumultuous and bleak childhood in foster care through a love of flowers, and the messages that they convey. The tale, told in a dual narrative between her child and adult self, weaves a story where struggle is intertwined with little glimpses of hope, and carried along by an underlying tension - she has done something that she fears she will never be forgiven for.   Victoria's tentative move towards happiness and love unfolds rather like a delicate flower - it's subtle and affecting.

I'm unashamedly soft when it comes to 'music moments'. Nothing gets me in the same way as the right song, in the right place, at the right moment. Nothing. I've got a stockpile of memories, magical spots of time, when music has got me. Those moments can't be manufactured - it's the show of human qualities that make the magic. I like that - a lot. So, I take my hat off to people who commit themselves to making music. Who work at their craft even when it's going badly, who commit themselves to daily practice, who turn up for the weekly band practice. I've never been one of those people - a proper musician - so I can only imagine that it's not always a picnic, but that perhaps the lure of being part of (or the cause of) one of those special moments can go a long way. Here's my pick for this month's top three hard working New Zealand bands, bringing the magic. (Click on their names to check out their video)        1. Nightchoir - who are a...

My dear friend Gin (of bake club fame) has supplied me with just about every beautiful recipe book I own. I consider myself spoilt - I've been a grateful recipient of some real classics.  Last Christmas Gin bought me the Ripe deli book  Ripe Recipes  by Angela Redfern.  I've looked through plenty of recipe books in my time. While most inspire me to dream,  it takes a special cookbook to inspire me to action. This one did. I have used it numerous times in the last six months, and absolutely love it. I made brioche for the first time, a little tentatively (my husband is half-french and he's got a frenchman's taste for brioche!), but I needn't have worried, they were such a hit. The recipe was really straight forward, and the filling (rhubarb and custard) was divine! I'll be making them again. To continue the rhubarb theme, I also made the rhubarb butterscotch layer cake. It wasn't quite as straightforward (it took me three tries to get t...

I have been reveling in holiday calm the last few days. Released for a moment from my full-time role as family taxi driver, I am amazed with how much free time and domestic energy it has left me with. I have cleaned, run along the beach, baked bread, taken long baths, and even managed an afternoon nap tucked up with a Joan Trollope book, ( Other People's Children) , and a cup of rooibus. Inspired by my current fave home and interior magazine (library issues only, often out-of-date, not complaining, at all. I love it), Homes and Antiques , I thought I'd share with you some nursery pictures I shot during my day of domesticity. Hope you are having a nice week too. x Library Girl

I've made excited exclamations about the Made in France series before. I love the way they put these craft books together, the styling is beautiful, the craft ideas are gorgeous, and I'm always inspired. Cross-stitch samplers by Marjorie Massey is as stylish as all the others, and with a focus on linen, and white, blue and red, it has a distinctly french feel. I've never managed to complete a cross-stitch project (I still have the unfinished rooster I was cross stitching for my older brother's 10th birthday, and he just turned 40. I did contemplate finishing it for his birthday this year, but I decided the time had well passed since it was appropriate to give my brother a cross-stitched rooster ), but if  I ever get inspired to start a new cross-stitch project, I think I'll begin right here with one of the loose leaf patterns in this book.                    x Library Girl