Thought for Thursday

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.

Cynthia Ozick

At Button Central this week, we are grateful for excellent teachers, skilled and caring vets, tick bite antidote, our dreaming puppy and a friend with an overlocker when mine is on the blink! What are you grateful for?

Thought for Thursday

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.

Unknown

Thought for Thursday

Hey, I don't have all the answers. In life, to be honest, I failed as much as I have succeeded. But I love my wife. I love my life. And I wish you my kind of success.

Dicky Fox – Jerry Maguire

With all the end of year hoo-har that is happening about the place, I find myself reflecting on things that have happened this year, where I'm at and where I want to go. When I first watched Jerry Maguire, longer ago than I care to remember, this quote stuck with me. I remember having quite an in depth conversation with some of my cousins about what it is to succeed and the need to match our values with our measure of success.

I think, at this time of year, we can sometimes get quite caught up in really crazy measures of success...how many presents are wrapped, how many jobs are ticked off on the Christmas list, when you mailed your cards...IF you mailed your cards. It's good to take a minute and just remember what success really means for me. How about you?

Thought for Thursday

I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun.

Katharine Hepburn

Just in case you need reminding!

Thought for Thursday

Love life and life will love you back.

Arthur Rubenstein

Life is grand at our place. Hope nice things are happening wherever you are. Wet on the roads today when I headed out to the launch of Kaleidoscope Markets. Some very fearless Mums braving the elements and managing to keep their little ones dry as they made their way into the spacious Lake Kawana Civic Centre. Fiona, you assembled the friendliest crew of helpers and it was really interesting to do a daytime weekday market. Hope you are well on your way to that rest!

More markets happening this weekend. Visit here to find out more. As soon as I find the cord for my camera, I will pop some photos into this space...feeling a bit nude without the visuals!

Thought for Thursday

Never see a need without doing something about it.

St Mary of the Cross

Words to live a life by - and without doubt, that is what she did. We've been very excited about Australia's first saint at Button Central and the little folk I have been teaching were awed and amazed to see their teacher singing on the steps of the Vatican as part of the celebration. He taught them a song based on this quote before he left. As I listened to them singing it, I couldn't help but think we have a wonderful future in store if this generation take St Mary's motto as their own. Challenging, too, if we are to lead by example. It's a challenge I like!

Thought for Thursday

Soulmates are people who bring out the best in you. They are not perfect but are always perfect for you.

Anonymous

Happy Anniversary, Soulmate! Thank you for this lovely life. xxx

Thought for Thursday

Thoughts are like boomerangs.

Eileen Caddy

It's amazing how true this quote is, isn't it? We say it in a million different ways; Positivity breeds positivity; Karma will take care of it; What we think we create, and I am sure there are more. I'm going to use this as my benchmark today and before I embark on a train of thought I will decide if I want it coming back to stay with me. I spent last night lying awake thinking far too much so today is a new day full of great boomerang thoughts.

If you are a reader who is not familiar with boomerangs, you can find an explanation here.

Thought for Thursday

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"

Robin Williams

Do you feel like a springtime party? Come and join me at the Boutique Markets at Portside on Sunday where I will be celebrating with loads of new Spring designs and maybe one or two celebratory Authentic French Macaroons.

Thought for Thursday

A really great talent finds its happiness in execution.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Oodles of happy and talented people loitering about St Augustine's Church grounds for this Saturday's BiDM. For a sneak preview of the lovelies to be snapped up, visit here. How's your Christmas list looking? They've also got Fathers Day covered.

Thought for Thursday

Do ordinary things with extraordinary love.

Mother Teresa

When I wander through blogland, I find so many examples of this sentiment. I know when I make from love I am always prouder of the results...I even think the photographs I take in love turn out so much nicer!

Mr Button getting a bit of love because he found a new playground.

This post prompted my choice of quote for today. How loved is that little poppet? There's more love here, and here, and here.

What ordinary things did you do with love, today?

P.S. I've decided to be a bit more relaxed about using photos of my children on the blog. It'll be fine - won't it?

Sometimes the most urgent thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest.

Ashleigh Brilliant

Do you ever read something that seems it was meant just for you? I did when I found this quote. Resting is a part of life that I think we sometimes undervalue. Did you know that Maria Montessori was the first educator to 'recognize children's innate need for intervals of stillness to nourish their inner peace'? (Wolf 2007, via our school newsletter) I think the universe is telling me I need to take care of my own need for rest and inner peace. How about you?

Thought for Thursday

Happiness is like a kiss...you must share it to enjoy it.

Unknown

Today was a very happy day at my place. Lots of time in the sun, lovely people about the place and plenty of cuddles and kisses to boot! I hope that you had someone to share your day with and that happiness and kisses abounded.

Thought for Thursday

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

For oodles of enthusiasm and inspiration you can't go past the BrisStyle Eco Market at St Augustine's church on Racecourse Rd at Hamilton. The BrisStylers have outdone themselves with lots of eco friendly wares. Pop over here to check out some of the goodies on offer. I've been taking advantage of the posts to further my Christmas shopping list.

On Sunday there'll be even more inspiration at the Boutique Markets where I'll be enjoying the sun and company of other enthusiastic and talented folk. Do stop in and say, "Hello!".

Thought for Thursday

Let a joy keep you. Reach out your hands and take it when it runs by.

Carl Sandburg

This morning my two little ones spent almost an hour in the bath. They were a bit sandy after their morning play and when my Molly Girl said, "Bath", I couldn't refuse. Talking is a new skill for our girl and it was the first time she'd said that word. Her new word total for the week is 3 so we are on fire!

Once they'd given themselves a bit of a hoozle to remove the dirt they grabbed the basket of bath toys and selected cups and paint brushes. Listening to the giggles and squeals of joy as they painted the tub and the walls with the bubbles was magic. We could have played that game all day! I hope your day was joyous, too.

Thought for Thursday

I only feel angry when I see waste. When I see people throwing away things we could use.

Mother Teresa

Stumbling across clever and passionate recyclers is one of the fantastic side benefits of this crafty, handmade, sub-culture that exists in blogland. There are so many people finding ways to love and reuse things that someone else has thrown away that you can't help but be inspired. The BrisStyle Eco Market on July 10th is a one stop shop for Earth friendly, recycled, goodness. Be sure to pop that date in your diary. I'm taking along my Christmas list and hoping to cross off one or two or five more gifts. Hope I see you there!

Thought for Thursday

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.

Edith Sitwell

Oh, I do love winter. My week held; a comforting coffee and chat courtesy of Liesa when I popped into Handmade Heaven to drop off some orders. I also bought some of the snuggly flannelette pyjamas she has in the shop for the little buttons and I am predicting a comfy night's sleep for all.

Good food this week was a knockout batch of Apricot Chicken. One of those old favourites that is yummy and delicious on a cold winter's night. Your Mum probably made it for you when you were a wee one.

COAT 1.5kg of chicken pieces in flour.

COMBINE a 405g tin of apricot nectar with a packet of French Onion soup mix in a small saucepan.

STIR until it thickens.

PLACE chicken in a casserole dish.

POUR nectar mixture over chicken.

BAKE in a moderate oven for 1.5hrs.

GARNISH with toasted almonds and fresh green herbs.

Which brings me to tonight. Whilst we don't have a friendly fire to sit beside, Mr Button does have the heater roaring and we are wrapped in blankets and sipping tea as I am working on this post. It is a picture of domestic bliss. Ahh, there really is no place like home!

Thought for Thursday

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.

Anne Frank

Simple, eloquent and something to aspire to. Cuddling a small child, returning the shopping trolley to the bay, being patient on the roads, giving a genuine compliment to an acquaintance. So many achievable things I can do to make the world better. It's a nice thought to take to bed!

Thought for Thursday

Friends, they are kind to each other's hopes and cherish each other's dreams.

Thoreau

This week has been a mighty friendly one at my place. Mothers Day markets with family and friends at Portside, a road trip with Denim by Deborah to visit Handmade Heaven and restock and a natter with Cathy from Peg and Kate, catch ups by phone and in person with friends during the week and seeing all The Handmade Expo folk on Saturday at the Ipswich Turf Club.

Made for Me Bathtowel in Handmade Heaven

Image: Denim by Deborah

Towel stock in Handmade Heaven

Image: Denim by Deborah

Deb's delightful bags

Image: Denim by Deborah

I'm a lucky duck, don't you think?

Thought for Thursday

Celebrate what you want to see more of.

Thomas J. Peters

The weekend is almost upon us and aside from two days of play, we're celebrating a couple of other things at our place. The 6yr old button lost his first tooth today and is absolutely ecstatic and more than happy to pose for photos.

On Saturday he is playing his first, official, soccer game and he's equally excited about that. We may have a problem getting the boots and shin pads off the small sister whose fashion sense is taking quite an alarming turn.

Cute as Buttons won't be at The Handmade Expo on Saturday because I will be cheering for the soccer players but you should definitely pop along and have a bit of a look at the many lovely things on display. There are lots of new things there as well as many of the old familiar stalls. It's important to support and attend these great local markets - celebrate them! That way they'll know we want them to keep coming back.

While I am celebrating things I like, welcome to lots of lovely, new, blog followers. It's nice to know I'm talking to someone! Thank you to Kathy from Sweet Simplicitee for your Sunshine Award. I'm as proud as the toothless one!