{bittersweet}

The week after my birthday is always a strange time. After the celebrations are done, and the presents are put away, another anniversary looms.

My dear friend Richard passed away tragically, just a few days after my birthday and just a few days before his own 28th birthday. It's been 9 years now, but at times it still feels so raw. Rich was one of the most complex and beautiful people I've ever known. Incredibly smart and talented, funny and kind, painfully shy and guarded. He was one of my best friends and still is. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him and wish he was around in a more tangible way.

So I'm having a quiet week over here. Taking time to just be. Remembering, and honouring grief.

She Played A Mean Piano

Ms L's dear friend Peaches passed away on NYE

A consummate performer,
an extraordinary woman,
a mother to 3 amazing young women

we are very sad to say farewell
travel safely dear friend
you will be greatly missed

The Fifth Take

You've probably read all about my trip to Sewjourn over at Hoppo Bumpo, CurlyPops, Beccasauras or Reenie-su but I've been wanting to add my spin on it too. In fact, having talked and laughed on the weekend about what a narcissistic pursuit blogging is, I have to assume that you've been waiting with anticipation to hear my take on it!! You have, haven't you?


What can I add to the reports of my crafty posse? How about I tell you about waking up on Saturday morning to the sound of women chatting and laughing, and thinking to myself that there's something so magical about the company of women. How I'm always amazed by the space that's created when women get together away from their daily lives and obligations. When we stop being partners, mothers, corporate girls, worker bees, carers, nurturers (not that we ever truly stop being all or some of those things).


Those rare moments when we just stop. And Be. Ourselves. I love that space. The space that women occupy together. It seems so ancient and so much bigger than any of us. It makes me feel privileged and lucky to be a part of it.



It makes me feel passionate about seeking ways to create more of those opportunities for myself and other women. That's a dream in progress, that one.


I was there laughing and chatting on the weekend but I was absent too. I'm finding that a lot at the moment. Wherever I am, I'm never quite there. Part of me is always locked away with my grief. Part of me is lost in the past, trying to understand and let go. I'm trying to find my way back, to start moving forward again but it's hard work. Some days I can hardly speak the pain is so overwhelming. I've said it before, the only cure for grief is time. Do I dare wish away time?

Friends Who Play Together

Hang together. Hee, hee, hee ....

Do Sewing Machines Have Birthdays

This one certainly does. Happy Birthday my friend. I hope you have an absolutely fabulous day.