Our Son Emanuel born on 22.9.2012

Our Son Emanuel born on 22.9.2012

Monday 28 January 2013

Boredom and relaxation = creativity.










Here are a few of my art works and what I had time to do today ... paint my toenails! 

We have gone from scorching heat to major rain and floods here lately so it has either been too hot to go outside for long or too wet. Today we have rain wet wet rain.  This made me recall a time a few years ago when I was living by myself in a gorgeous little house on a hill in South West WA.  I had looot''s of time to myself.  It also rained aloooot. It was a very creative time but also full of solitude and boredom.  I wrote lot's of poetry and painted ... took photos, drew and dreamed.

Painting is something that I adore but find really difficult at the same time.  It's a challenge and a delight.  For the last two years in a row,  I've done a week long painting course in February at the National Art School and really enjoyed being immersed in splodging, brushing and mixing paint, getting lost in the focus of painting an object or from life.

Being a new Mum this year means that I won't get to do that week long course which seems like such an indulgence now but I want, every chance moment I get to be creative and take care of myself whether it be to cook something new, go to a book shop, sit at a cafe, do a quick drawing or take some photographs and I will make a record of those things here.

Now all I have to do is catch those moments between boredom and relaxation!

What do you do to keep creative?  Have you become more or less creative since becoming a Mum?  How do you stay sane and maintain space and time for some of your own interests?  What do you do on rainy/hot days when you can't go outside?

Hope you had a lovely weekend out there.

Liz xox



Wednesday 23 January 2013

3/52


Kumbo tubwa!  That is big belly in Swahili and this is my second photo in the 52 project.

Our little son is not so little any more.  On one hand I want him to grow up big and strong of course... but on the other, I don't want time to go too fast.  I hope that he never shy's away too much from my kisses and hugs as he gets older.  I know that the world will soon give him big challenges.

This photo also makes me think of the relationship between Father and Son.  How important and vital it is.  Even though I am giving him so much care now with breast feeding and my time not working, tending to his every need, it is Eddie that he is going to look up to as a male role model.

This picture makes me think about males in our society and gender stereotyping.  Of course Emanuel will probably love trucks, balls and boisterous play but my hope for him is that, along the way, from his Daddy and Mummy, peers and friends, that he learns to be gentle, loving, affectionate, resilient and attentive.  Is that too much to ask?

Have a wonderful week everyone.

Liz xox

Thursday 17 January 2013

Read to me

Totally clueless.  This picture is side-on because I'm terrible with technology and don't know how to spin it.  But enough self depreciation!

What I do know is how to read stories to children after working in preschool and daycare (I prefer working with the 4-5 age group).

We are already reading to Emanuel at 4mnths and he loves it.  I'm sure he is taking something in even though his attention span is short.  He also loves grabbing at the pages.

I love books with a rhythm such as, 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' ... trust me, it will be stuck in your head in no time.

What are your favourite children's books?  Any recommendations?

Wednesday 16 January 2013

Honey's trying out kikoi - African style baby sling


Okay, so I said to a reader that I would post a pic of Ed carrying Emanuel African style!  Here he is with Manu on his back for the first time.  The piece of material was a beautiful gift from a Kenyan friend.  In Swahili it is, 'kikoi'.  Manu loves being carried by Dad any-old-how but he especially likes this way.  He can look around at the big wide world and when he gets tired, he just rests his head against Dad's back.

I'd love to hear about any other Dad's wearing their babies and how and what they use!

Liz xox

Monday 14 January 2013

Pointless play






The best play is pointless play.  Open ended fun play.

Manu's favourite thing at the moment is playing on his play-mat.  He has just started reaching out for objects and kicking, grabbing, pulling all while making hilarious enthusiastic noises.

I observe him every day and note subtle changes and developments.  It is so amazing!!

My child, giggling, smiling, moving and learning without even realizing.

More antics tomorrow.

Liz xox

2/52


Sunday 13 January 2013

Help!

I've opened my blog this morning.  All good intentions ... and realized that I don't really know what the hell I'm doing.  What is a sidebar?  What's a badge?  How do I create links?  Aaaargh help! 

Other bloggers seem to be so professional and are amazing.

So putting it out there for advice.  Can anyone help me?

Thanks,

Liz xox