Here is my current workspace (sometimes known as the kitchen table) mid art journal page the other day:

[clicky for biggy, you really want to see some of this!]

I cannot create in a sterile space.  I also find it very difficult to leave white space in my art. (An art teacher commented on this negatively – to which I replied “And which part of BIPOLAR DISORDER are you not understanding?”)

And there must be tea. Lots of tea.

So -how about you? Do you DARE show your workspace in full fling? And do you crave chaotic clutter to create, or seek serenity in your space?  I personally subscribe to at least three of the Guiding Principles of the Institute of Backyard Studies:

• A big mess in the shed or the backyard is only a problem for those without a clue.
• Reticence, mumbling and disorganisation are the signs of a deep and enquiring mind.
• Good ideas are precious beyond rubies but if not shared freely are as useless as tits on a bull.

My art spaces and sewing piles are my “shed” .  If you haven’t heard of the Institute before, do go and visit – make sure you check out the youtube of Hoke’s Random Excuse Generator working, it is a Thing Of Beauty.

And in further backyard news… we went and looked at chooks today!!  Hoping to have the run built and the snake (and fox) proof wire costed within this fortnight…

No related posts.

On to the Things I Now Know:

I need a MINIMUM of 12 hours sleep.  Any less than that and I am running a sleep deficit which eventually leads to my falling into bed and losing a day.

Despite all good intentions, I didn’t sew.  After Mum carted her machines all the way to Adelaide! But I did get Ju’s measurements, did the alteration, and Mum started the dress. I slept a LOT while Mum sewed!

Bantam Langshans don’t go cluck cluck, they almost purr. Bantam Australorps are also very pretty.

top: Berys; middle: Mrs Bantam-Langshan; bottom: Mrs Bantam-Australorp

White Leghorns and Isabrowns act just like cliquey teenage girls. They like to do everything the “in” crowd is doing, but they are terrible gossips, and can spend hours chatting.

Mrs Isabrown: A good layer but a terrible gossip

For some reason (possibly based in his troubled childhood ducklinghood), Adam (seen here sporting his trademark D.A.coiffure) Does Not Like the dominant white chook, Mrs Leghorn.  Who is now called Berys – for reasons which may be obvious in the photo of the three girls – if you thought “something’s not quite right with the bare bum of that white chook” you’d be right.  Adam “Drake” Khaki-Campbell was held in Duck Gaol for assault, and is currently on parole with a good behaviour bond.

Adam and Eve Khaki-Campbell

(and watching Chook TV is a very pleasant way to spend time.)

I have also found The Hen of My Dreams: well, not found her yet, but I know what she is:

Silver Laced Wyandotte Bantam Hen

pretty, yes? Wyandottes are a very hen-shaped hen, I reckon.  And If I’m going to enjoy them, I want them to be really pretty! They’re not brilliant layers, but we don’t eat heaps of eggs anyway – we mainly want them for their help in the garden and our watching pleasure.

After watching the chooks at my brother and sister-in-law’s place, I’m somewhat in awe of the digging capability of the bigger chooks, and like the amenability of the bantams.

Gordon: Not a Morning Person either

My brother, Gordon, works as a fruiterer.  And has to start Very Early a lot.  Despite the fact that Not Being A Morning Person seems to run in the family…

(I didn’t get a single photo of Dad!  Arrgh! Or one of Mum and Dad together!)

We didn’t see much of my nephew, Hunneal, either.  He was either at work (extra shifts to earn money since this will be his final year at school, and he’s studying hard for the big UMAT exams in July) or like this:

My Nephew, Hunneal - too tired to move!

3 pairs of shoes ( 1 flats, 1 heels, 1 walking sneakers) was just right.  Yay! Also – my white walking sneakers are Not Suitable for jogging. I need more bounce than they provide. Hmmm.

It is impossible to tire out a Border Collie, no matter how long the walk or how many sticks you throw in the river.

Bidgee The Indefatigable

Some people DON’T EVEN OWN IRONING BOARDS, let alone good irons, and a sewist should take this into account! Packing one simple dress that needs ironing is not too bad.  Packing a dress that needs complicated ironing – not so good.  Lesson: Never assume your obsessions will be the same as your host’s!

IKEA =totally amazing. For just about EVERYTHING.

Shellfish and my tummy DO NOT GET ALONG. Ahem.  Ooops.

My great-great-great ( is that enough greats?) Grandfather built a heap of buildings in Glenelg.  I have stood at what was Miller’s  corner, where his timberyard business once stood. I have seen the grand building in the middle of Adelaide where he had his office. Gordon reckons that makes us practically locals!

Bay Discovery Centre at Glenelg - built by David Miller

If the suitcase is full on the way TO the holiday, it’s going to be touch and go whether it bursts a zip on the way home… Thankfully it didn’t.

I miss Mr Beloved a LOT when I am away! Our phone bills will be huge, but it was worth it.  We had to talk to each other a couple of times a day, and 20 days was really stretching the limit of time away from each other.  I’m very glad I went, and I loved spending time with my family, but gee it’s good to be home!

Related posts:

1. Because there has been a serious lack of POODLE posts…