tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62988412707605755342024-03-04T23:58:21.893-08:00Apple trees in the cloudsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-66251687360452778962015-03-10T05:29:00.001-07:002015-03-10T05:29:39.242-07:00Just draw<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSGJAAiq1n3-UciLW7sBGQ1rp8QX-e8eBFZGLMTslyxolM_7AMeYRvbj4hwN861fxNdguDeNlb5RZs6aGl96DDIj5gwr1rNoJbQ-uq14xVw8G9RFtzwE2bX1N0qWoF71IKmburnlIEUI/s1600/DrawBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSGJAAiq1n3-UciLW7sBGQ1rp8QX-e8eBFZGLMTslyxolM_7AMeYRvbj4hwN861fxNdguDeNlb5RZs6aGl96DDIj5gwr1rNoJbQ-uq14xVw8G9RFtzwE2bX1N0qWoF71IKmburnlIEUI/s1600/DrawBlog.jpg" title="Just draw! www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
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Sometimes the process of drawing is more important than the final product. Like a meditation, you can get lost in the flow of creativity. Even if you're out of practice, it's great to have a go at drawing from time to time. Don't think too much about it - just draw!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-64912735071776932432015-03-01T03:56:00.000-08:002015-03-01T04:05:16.580-08:00Attachment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFGKDQp_YzBbRkmr0FFvyo3S7bvcSuuj5_F5Ura9G8Wa2jEJmoHMCREFBsnhl7X9V2SrxjyI__W2_AeZ5DtT1LNXrnVqVyGuXgXhGs-LuOEpk7ioQ7TV1lPmhyphenhyphen3Y8W-bC_Q2sk9Xq6-o/s1600/TropicalJug215cm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFGKDQp_YzBbRkmr0FFvyo3S7bvcSuuj5_F5Ura9G8Wa2jEJmoHMCREFBsnhl7X9V2SrxjyI__W2_AeZ5DtT1LNXrnVqVyGuXgXhGs-LuOEpk7ioQ7TV1lPmhyphenhyphen3Y8W-bC_Q2sk9Xq6-o/s1600/TropicalJug215cm.jpg" title="Tropical jug, stoneware ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.com.au" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_cJQq7MdiDghR8U1aNTJaY3i2jshH81m95Nd8W4d3Xx9HSYwpZ9A-bYcxPmBjcWNxLuUvacagCKNz7Vy48RYQ6mivv_r9rlrJcmihEHxqwAGz1JTYCLCfhVEE9vriKtJul7MtziyY_k/s1600/TropicalJug115cm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_cJQq7MdiDghR8U1aNTJaY3i2jshH81m95Nd8W4d3Xx9HSYwpZ9A-bYcxPmBjcWNxLuUvacagCKNz7Vy48RYQ6mivv_r9rlrJcmihEHxqwAGz1JTYCLCfhVEE9vriKtJul7MtziyY_k/s1600/TropicalJug115cm.jpg" title="Tropical jug, stoneware ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.com.au" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">I do this thing where I make something, intending to let it go and then I become quite attached. Then the idea of letting it go becomes difficult. Like this 'Tropical jug'. I created it on the wheel and hand painted the design. Now I love it too much!</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">But I can't keep everything I make. Unless I want to be featured in one of those terrible 'Hoarders from Hell' TV shows. I have to let things go. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Maybe it's not always about the stuff? Maybe I need to let other things go. Like the fact that I simply do not have enough hours in the day to achieve what I want to do. Or that I really want to be a bright and cheerful person even when I've had only two hours sleep (having a night owl baby, well, that's a whole other story). But most of all, there are people that I miss who are no longer in my life and I have to let go of that attachment. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">All that from a jug? What a wise and sensible jug you really are. I think I'll keep you for a while.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-59480947842053548312015-02-18T20:59:00.001-08:002015-02-18T20:59:42.338-08:00Winter house sculpture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRQFyDorqElLPwmi7cK92gUY_jwMtVEnNd9e7Pn9_GnPHjUFWWaR-nqJuj8HP-iHHW6YzK6SnPMPuU3wDFQI61_UoNfNzH_K-h77TY1LXcrl4mMNqT3Cu-NZRgqLu8C3hx1P1engKzxA/s1600/House1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="www.etsy.com/au/shop/AppleTreeCloudShop" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRQFyDorqElLPwmi7cK92gUY_jwMtVEnNd9e7Pn9_GnPHjUFWWaR-nqJuj8HP-iHHW6YzK6SnPMPuU3wDFQI61_UoNfNzH_K-h77TY1LXcrl4mMNqT3Cu-NZRgqLu8C3hx1P1engKzxA/s1600/House1.jpg" title="Winter house, porcelain sculpture by Jenni at Apple Tree Cloud" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFdVubzJ7zaIF3ldXHScmkXjrl9iMZLftIJ7TlURSOatwvCrCrPT_xNnM0I3ES-mUZqi8GC4zlUP08OaOKAPfHSMrG4Hd0HDTnMCgejvJ5d6PSX5qM-QoKnoYHKURMk_RwXe7gil2BCg/s1600/HouseGroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="www.etsy.com/au/shop/AppleTreeCloudShop" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFdVubzJ7zaIF3ldXHScmkXjrl9iMZLftIJ7TlURSOatwvCrCrPT_xNnM0I3ES-mUZqi8GC4zlUP08OaOKAPfHSMrG4Hd0HDTnMCgejvJ5d6PSX5qM-QoKnoYHKURMk_RwXe7gil2BCg/s1600/HouseGroup.jpg" title="Winter house in group of little hills and tree, porcelain sculpture by Jenni at Apple Tree Cloud" /></a></div>
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I know it's summer, but here is a little Winter house to cool us all down a bit. I've been working on ceramic pieces for some time now and I'll start adding them to my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/AppleTreeCloudShop" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop. Have a peek if you like!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-24573854266498550222015-01-18T04:44:00.000-08:002015-01-18T04:44:18.290-08:00I have a voice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Er5RhyEjFY4JQcFM6q9lSXBjdfNBl_LOlHVm4h3_sWXgCJjuOEoDSZgcPncGV8JhpCM2wlt5F_xIvNkxp14T_cXfZQ-g8OT58Fy0g7axTVoL8UVzJMYxxfpzHBgjHKBe7Fkx_h89bg4/s1600/BertiesQuote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Er5RhyEjFY4JQcFM6q9lSXBjdfNBl_LOlHVm4h3_sWXgCJjuOEoDSZgcPncGV8JhpCM2wlt5F_xIvNkxp14T_cXfZQ-g8OT58Fy0g7axTVoL8UVzJMYxxfpzHBgjHKBe7Fkx_h89bg4/s1600/BertiesQuote.jpg" title="Bertie's quote, appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_zcfm5ZvKuDywO7vjy_uaObA3FAl0-TgRj9ehaTWZ6alchxlV6dTODkyvoPc3gk2yogSGSxqz4mXX-Jp5tX7hy7Zb2PG0TOdtdFntAEX2m3Z5oSil4dSaK7CUSKNBFkfnDBvyDLZOlI/s1600/LionelsQuote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_zcfm5ZvKuDywO7vjy_uaObA3FAl0-TgRj9ehaTWZ6alchxlV6dTODkyvoPc3gk2yogSGSxqz4mXX-Jp5tX7hy7Zb2PG0TOdtdFntAEX2m3Z5oSil4dSaK7CUSKNBFkfnDBvyDLZOlI/s1600/LionelsQuote.jpg" title="Lionel's quote, appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
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I can see why it's had such an impact. The film, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_King%27s_Speech" target="_blank">'The King's Speech'</a> shows Bertie's struggle to overcome his stammer and inner conflicts to take the role of King of England. Lionel, his speech therapist helps him, not just to give speeches without being hampered by his stammer, but to feel that he has a right to speak.<br />
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'The King's Speech' reinforces that we all have a voice. As Lionel says to Bertie, we all 'have a right to be bloody well heard'. For those who have struggled to stand in their true power, to take the life that they want to lead, this film is not a gentle reminder, but rather, a grand push.<br />
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Bertie struggles to stand in the role of King which he feels so unworthy and unprepared for. We may not have an upcoming coronation to feel nervous about, but plenty of moments in life can feel as momentous and overwhelming, taking the courage to speak from us.<br />
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Speak your truth, because if you don't use your voice in the way you're meant to, your words will spill out regardless. Perhaps not in the way you planned. The words you've squashed down with your doubt and worry will instead drop from your mouth and fall to the ground with a thud in places where they are not intended - at work, or at pilates, or at your child's playgroup. Unspoken words will fill you and fill you up until you are so filled with chatter that you can't even think straight.<br />
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Be brave enough to risk rejection, embarrassment and defeat. Not everyone will like what you have to say, but it is your truth, your words and you have a right to be heard. Speak now.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-8416976096825702072015-01-15T03:50:00.002-08:002015-01-15T03:50:28.479-08:00Supermarket love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5tvFSUjFy76OR1LarVNCKOc8widN3jXa_dt2KewH_iiEI-IKHhLDfxrXwCbJJnmmVMd9irLiIAtVuXekLudMSsT4Zoq1-TG_6xuGq3koPjlPNKeRmroe0hTajSbjnA6f7kkGzBw7WeE/s1600/SupermarketLove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5tvFSUjFy76OR1LarVNCKOc8widN3jXa_dt2KewH_iiEI-IKHhLDfxrXwCbJJnmmVMd9irLiIAtVuXekLudMSsT4Zoq1-TG_6xuGq3koPjlPNKeRmroe0hTajSbjnA6f7kkGzBw7WeE/s1600/SupermarketLove.jpg" /></a></div>
Ah, love, love, lovitty love, love. I love love, it's, um, lovely.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-11213938816993809362014-11-23T00:17:00.000-08:002014-11-23T00:17:19.025-08:00Feelings?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnrhJ5KzjmPA0_UDa_g_fAZ5_JZ8_srabxLA8rtAzwZdyoc3Run7Zn9yPfp5Z123cOK4EL25c6wHAqm81KbFEZR9JaUtBLmRtpYHusjugGbj1KbZBkZiy1-08C-60dufQRjpuUQQRCf8/s1600/BirdFeelings14cm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnrhJ5KzjmPA0_UDa_g_fAZ5_JZ8_srabxLA8rtAzwZdyoc3Run7Zn9yPfp5Z123cOK4EL25c6wHAqm81KbFEZR9JaUtBLmRtpYHusjugGbj1KbZBkZiy1-08C-60dufQRjpuUQQRCf8/s1600/BirdFeelings14cm.jpg" /></a></div>
We sometimes expect a lot of kids. A lot of adults still don't know how they feel much of the time, let alone know how to express their feelings. So when my little boy expresses 10 different emotions all at the same time, I try to be understanding. Hugs are a good solution for most things.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-57444580820363841162014-05-19T21:20:00.000-07:002014-05-19T21:22:51.828-07:00Making stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPsrLv8gDua2CMZipV7Tybj-UAhQheVCRt691JUnddTGbIWEUtAxpqHCV-Jgj7HcJrLMR73f_VZiP5mKubTxdYRZDnezCQ9HcNZo3a2elmEkf3_LJklPh5FNCApdtgeCtVRVWz9niRSM/s1600/PotteryJugs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPsrLv8gDua2CMZipV7Tybj-UAhQheVCRt691JUnddTGbIWEUtAxpqHCV-Jgj7HcJrLMR73f_VZiP5mKubTxdYRZDnezCQ9HcNZo3a2elmEkf3_LJklPh5FNCApdtgeCtVRVWz9niRSM/s1600/PotteryJugs1.jpg" title="Pottery jugs ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5D8xyItQA_m2heKXQtICZZVgwc5t8gJkvBegQDGTLv3Lju2FW3gNt1fGpfg-X2Lw_rsTLiW3Twv5cvm3y3CBMG0tw6jmUTStRAhyphenhyphen8_e4X60VBRAEmpURmbd2665NH0kOWxLyvyivCfb4/s1600/PotteryJug2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5D8xyItQA_m2heKXQtICZZVgwc5t8gJkvBegQDGTLv3Lju2FW3gNt1fGpfg-X2Lw_rsTLiW3Twv5cvm3y3CBMG0tw6jmUTStRAhyphenhyphen8_e4X60VBRAEmpURmbd2665NH0kOWxLyvyivCfb4/s1600/PotteryJug2.jpg" title="Pottery jug ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXnvQ7UVr6js1PBIhnJ0NVwZq1cjEIBe5NqOModyMQ3m8KHodctVKXqnfiAB5jeoqzkwjE1b6bByqeIn4Oe6XWogeB364evmqkQ8iInVJHsaIeF5yHVqYISK2Y9cAT-sfNhU7kC56BQo/s1600/PotteryJugs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXnvQ7UVr6js1PBIhnJ0NVwZq1cjEIBe5NqOModyMQ3m8KHodctVKXqnfiAB5jeoqzkwjE1b6bByqeIn4Oe6XWogeB364evmqkQ8iInVJHsaIeF5yHVqYISK2Y9cAT-sfNhU7kC56BQo/s1600/PotteryJugs3.jpg" title="Pottery jugs ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
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What is this drive we have, to create something from nothing, to make concrete our ideas, to make stuff? I'm happiest when my hands are busy and my mind is focussed on solving a creative problem. It just makes sense to me to create what I want to see in the world.<br />
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I'm sure there are others who can relate to the tossing and turning at night when an idea just won't go to sleep and you have to grab your sketchbook and get it out of your head.<br />
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There are times when I have sat on the train, the rhythm and pace of the carriages on tracks lulling me into a creative mind space and my ideas flow out of my brain, through my hand and pen onto my sketchbook. It's one of the greatest feelings.<br />
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Other times I battle with the process, when I'm tired, or cranky or trying to meet a deadline that I've set for myself and it feels like hard work.<br />
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No matter where my life has taken me, I always return to the part of me that creates something from nothing. It's not always about making something practical or beautiful or commercially viable. It's not for praise or award. It's the way my mind works. A drive that I can't ignore, it's part of who I am. I make stuff.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-64247090040271941152014-04-22T05:57:00.000-07:002014-04-22T05:57:24.685-07:00Home made<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTpaSG1AX3ATXaV8Mqy_7nqTqyqwrVAqg7KCJc6AB1qicQO8DORokDvsYM1jrUc5KlGHpw3SSDwaIvswkfZRhiiraCmi8B8e3jTlk8WBkABhtHkcWU_SVYvDFWK_0Q4enrhOqnE0brUk/s1600/HomemadeCupcakes,jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTpaSG1AX3ATXaV8Mqy_7nqTqyqwrVAqg7KCJc6AB1qicQO8DORokDvsYM1jrUc5KlGHpw3SSDwaIvswkfZRhiiraCmi8B8e3jTlk8WBkABhtHkcWU_SVYvDFWK_0Q4enrhOqnE0brUk/s1600/HomemadeCupcakes,jpg.jpg" title="Homemade cupcakes ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
They’re wonky. The jam is running down the
side. No two are the same. They sit quietly in anticipation, waiting to be
chosen.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The very best cupcakes in the world possess
these qualities because they are usually made by someone who loves you. Or like
these cupcakes, they are made by some very clever and dedicated women who make
and sell them at various markets, community events and fundraiser cake stalls.
These particular cupcakes were made for a small local community event some time
ago, and I couldn’t resist taking a photo of the sweet edible treasures.
Despite the very humble protestations from the women who made them, I could
tell they were just a little bit proud that someone had appreciated their home
made efforts.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Do not underestimate the power of a home
made cake. It has the potential to warm your heart and make you smile even
before you eat it.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-41332473392126098792014-03-28T17:34:00.003-07:002014-03-28T17:36:28.724-07:00I hate nice biscuits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaZnkOEcJ5nQvhK8SIWWJG-nWRehgMd6KLE-5dGPrJXg6rn7vbyUz9ZK-cKtt6w6hyphenhyphen-bEA0JX9MPQ96iDZSxONu76GLHg1OsAPo-lUFD3ukRIub2jhzoA_MH-aq9Vb_UJ9aFOiMldCBU/s1600/NotNiceBiscuit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaZnkOEcJ5nQvhK8SIWWJG-nWRehgMd6KLE-5dGPrJXg6rn7vbyUz9ZK-cKtt6w6hyphenhyphen-bEA0JX9MPQ96iDZSxONu76GLHg1OsAPo-lUFD3ukRIub2jhzoA_MH-aq9Vb_UJ9aFOiMldCBU/s1600/NotNiceBiscuit.jpg" title="Not nice biscuit, watercolour and fineliner ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGrZiJg9ijvbxNnmB2ibGmf4qrHlBDI-o4uPtSV5U_uXA4hHoG3WoPn7-BYqoN8rqdhlA6GuwSGwFxEdLkjc9ikvfdgT_zGTQ6W2p4kBEG3k4zy0kpU73lJVz5lYZdpk2ts9khOO-qJI/s1600/NotNiceBiscuitCloseUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGrZiJg9ijvbxNnmB2ibGmf4qrHlBDI-o4uPtSV5U_uXA4hHoG3WoPn7-BYqoN8rqdhlA6GuwSGwFxEdLkjc9ikvfdgT_zGTQ6W2p4kBEG3k4zy0kpU73lJVz5lYZdpk2ts9khOO-qJI/s1600/NotNiceBiscuitCloseUp.jpg" title="Not nice biscuit (detail) ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes I don’t want to be nice.
Sometimes I feel like kicking a tree or yelling at my noisy neighbour. There
are days when I’m in shopping centres waiting in a long queue to be served and
I swear I am going to scream.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But I don’t. Because I am nice. Also, it
wouldn’t make me feel any better, in fact, I know I’d feel worse. Plus I’d make
someone else’s day take a downward turn. And that’s not cool. People have
always told me that I’m nice. I’d like to keep it that way. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Which reminds me. A friend once declared
that he hated nice biscuits. How can that be, you ask, when the very point of
biscuits is that they are, well, nice. Did that mean that he only liked mean
biscuits? No, he meant to say ‘Nice’ as in the French town which sounds like
‘niece’. Instead he said ‘Nice’ which rhymes with rice. I’m not sure if Arnotts
are aware of the confusion which this biscuit creates. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I wonder if Nice biscuits ever get sick of
the pronunciation confusion around their name? Maybe while they sit innocently
on a plate, waiting to be eaten, they’re looking forward to dropping crumbs and
making a mess just to aggravate someone for calling them Nice instead of Nice.
‘Merde’, the biscuits would yell, ‘I’m French, don’t insult me or I’ll cut
you.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Well, I guess it’s OK to be nice. It’s what
keeps the wheels of our society oiled. And it means that you get to have
friends and birthday presents and other nice stuff. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Just don’t mess with the biscuits, I’m
telling you, they’ve got issues.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">(P.S. I’m not implying that the French
swear and want to cut people when they’re angry, it’s just the biscuits
talking.)</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-34788648580194464852014-03-16T23:52:00.000-07:002014-03-16T23:56:25.789-07:00The great icy pole disaster of Saturday afternoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDEBoQXApM1vR-AbmtYslMC26fwAMfgnes4jHqaJK3korKMaD4g-TeKGXy5zRWbSpveup1Epf5nNZ6SnUPHhuTig_gixsypAkQdqyysKVIFXXwRq0qUr5D8Ww47EcFqC6Wz-Y5rVAEtE/s1600/IcyPoleAngle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDEBoQXApM1vR-AbmtYslMC26fwAMfgnes4jHqaJK3korKMaD4g-TeKGXy5zRWbSpveup1Epf5nNZ6SnUPHhuTig_gixsypAkQdqyysKVIFXXwRq0qUr5D8Ww47EcFqC6Wz-Y5rVAEtE/s1600/IcyPoleAngle.jpg" title="Icy pole disaster ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiXmojtxUL7-crnvLuu7MuSTG07H1yL7DQwJBRHG7OU21aE-UuDZFlYCFn-9nqWUCN465sWGzR57K9TfaeSgVWT881PaH0cKf-GQ_J7CmtChLZUK7Bv3290k0FzYCWSOjCf2wms9qAW0/s1600/IcyPoleCloseUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiXmojtxUL7-crnvLuu7MuSTG07H1yL7DQwJBRHG7OU21aE-UuDZFlYCFn-9nqWUCN465sWGzR57K9TfaeSgVWT881PaH0cKf-GQ_J7CmtChLZUK7Bv3290k0FzYCWSOjCf2wms9qAW0/s1600/IcyPoleCloseUp.jpg" title="Icy pole disaster, close up ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two 8 year old boys were walking along
happily enjoying their icy poles, on a warm sunny afternoon. ‘Life is pretty
good’ said the look on one boy’s face. ‘I am totally living in the moment and I
don’t even have to try’ said the look on the other boy’s face. Side by side,
the brothers delighted in a treat that made a good day even sweeter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And then it happened.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Half of the red icy pole had broken off and
fallen with a dull splat onto the footpath. The boy didn’t notice at first, and
kept walking. But when he did notice, his face fell, and the contentment turned
to sorrow. He stopped. Paused. Half turned and kept looking backwards and
forwards from the remainder of his icy pole in his hand to the now melting mess
on the warm ground.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He stepped to go back, to do what? Retrieve
it? But no, he knew it was a lost cause and so accepting his fate, he continued
walking and didn’t look back again. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Loss is a harsh lesson to learn, especially
when it’s unexpected, on a perfect and sunny summer’s afternoon when you’re an
8 year old boy eating an icy pole.</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-76686849724911567862014-03-10T03:25:00.000-07:002014-03-10T03:25:48.410-07:00New greeting cards available!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5JG0X1AXclZEecW9wDPobqt_G_xwIcDtZbBmOmT-9e8_fBM4pBri3i8Iu9cm86x6cjMtDjehRLENGHh2v5NndT07kUkTvDQy_xSUNdehZi1d4E-21NrzLoi_CejFEiDQrzcXdi_zWS8/s1600/Cards72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5JG0X1AXclZEecW9wDPobqt_G_xwIcDtZbBmOmT-9e8_fBM4pBri3i8Iu9cm86x6cjMtDjehRLENGHh2v5NndT07kUkTvDQy_xSUNdehZi1d4E-21NrzLoi_CejFEiDQrzcXdi_zWS8/s1600/Cards72.jpg" title="Greeting cards,©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
<br />
I am very pleased to say that I now have some of my illustrations available as greeting cards. I've always found that the best way to express myself is through words and pictures together, and now you can too! I'll provide the pictures, but it's up to you to add the words! The cards are blank inside so that you can write your lovely messages to your favourite people. Also, you can feel good about yourself because the cards are printed on 100% recycled paper with a 100% recycled envelope too! Have a peek at my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/AppleTreeCloudShop" target="_blank">Apple Tree Cloud Shop</a> on Etsy for more info.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-76365163992514500772014-02-13T23:54:00.000-08:002014-02-13T23:54:40.965-08:00Beard love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0qP0xhhqJSTK0ILekKUID4y1AqLv6fWQqGw89-uovRsfKcacjHaAohgnoZYO2ynZ6nAWN5rgmYGWCxtjHWEqc6p5Rn8huaoFNOTYztB0TO2Ko5Q5DOXHZuR51QEhcWRUUSfLZ8UXoZk/s1600/BeardLove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0qP0xhhqJSTK0ILekKUID4y1AqLv6fWQqGw89-uovRsfKcacjHaAohgnoZYO2ynZ6nAWN5rgmYGWCxtjHWEqc6p5Rn8huaoFNOTYztB0TO2Ko5Q5DOXHZuR51QEhcWRUUSfLZ8UXoZk/s1600/BeardLove.jpg" title="Beard love, fineliner and watercolour ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Valentines Day everyone!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-39041302923799301292014-02-10T17:37:00.000-08:002014-02-10T17:37:25.224-08:00Cat love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjurgLkdQJ8UELyBAFdymjKJM9WdG9znz_wWc-rEcQLHFlqO_3dTGBsLnKfcNHahm8D0I_eavIwalY5krL0LQV3NaVZOwhFVk8c7KI3wF7Gd1Ycwidb_BhROVTROU0hmwtl6HfSI7-wfI/s1600/CatLove72.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjurgLkdQJ8UELyBAFdymjKJM9WdG9znz_wWc-rEcQLHFlqO_3dTGBsLnKfcNHahm8D0I_eavIwalY5krL0LQV3NaVZOwhFVk8c7KI3wF7Gd1Ycwidb_BhROVTROU0hmwtl6HfSI7-wfI/s1600/CatLove72.jpg" title="Cat love, fineliner and watercolour ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
Here is my contribution to Valentines Day. The print is available in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/AppleTreeCloudShop" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> which you might like if you're a cat loving, fish head giving, face licking type of person.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-46965842703336165992014-02-05T21:47:00.000-08:002014-02-05T21:47:20.790-08:00Yoghurt Yoga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2hUXwFXNZmJPOkmhW7vZVeHdzihfNac1xKN2h4qCDNgqENNgwozKdZT4p6q5bSAUIYuGNOCPC82gb3ur8o3JgseZb73o8bFq2PURfNk9TQfwQlrq0lYSuemmlAnB4TZhFaQuIvZwutc/s1600/YoghurtYoga72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2hUXwFXNZmJPOkmhW7vZVeHdzihfNac1xKN2h4qCDNgqENNgwozKdZT4p6q5bSAUIYuGNOCPC82gb3ur8o3JgseZb73o8bFq2PURfNk9TQfwQlrq0lYSuemmlAnB4TZhFaQuIvZwutc/s1600/YoghurtYoga72.jpg" title="First time at Yoga class, watercolour and fineliner ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
I hope this has never happened to you, because that would be, well, you know, awkward.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-5279442536385122502014-01-28T03:30:00.000-08:002014-01-28T03:30:25.262-08:00Please rain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsAHKNfwHHRRBlUiMWy5pSX_Sh9AdwvtZGMimoiQYRfS5F29EHo1rk-_x8mJRoLXXC-FHh14K_e5JF4ccqZ_SNnroZgTEgge2YR_9yaynWLThH3YTujiawtd_vQadMU7k-Hy-DnWpLf0/s1600/PleaseRain72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsAHKNfwHHRRBlUiMWy5pSX_Sh9AdwvtZGMimoiQYRfS5F29EHo1rk-_x8mJRoLXXC-FHh14K_e5JF4ccqZ_SNnroZgTEgge2YR_9yaynWLThH3YTujiawtd_vQadMU7k-Hy-DnWpLf0/s1600/PleaseRain72.jpg" title="Please rain, ink and watercolour ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Dear people of Melbourne,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">How are you today?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">This heat wave is really</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">A bit of a pain.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">Have you sweated in places</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">You’d rather not name?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">Are you desperate,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">Like me</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">For the sweet smell of rain?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s 41 degrees</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">Is it real? Is it true?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">We don’t have air-con,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">What about you?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">We’ve run through the sprinkler,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">Eaten icy poles all day,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">Shut all the blinds,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">Used a spray bottle for play.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">Yes, summer is great</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">But I’m going insane</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">Enough of this heat wave</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">Come on now, please rain!</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-42352515911943732712013-11-22T21:03:00.000-08:002013-11-22T21:04:48.474-08:00Did I mention that I love pottery?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZqei14rpzGz_B_UjzZBRwCYFLuGC2angd-aRnm7MNwYkd2T0QkB_0uEkgj-C46QPzLx7V6tv5xVhlV5I9DofLyYahT6jb2sldeOXvRXBI4S3qDcI_4-SnWvvRDbIwtpaKJOjBB22OUk/s1600/Potterycollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZqei14rpzGz_B_UjzZBRwCYFLuGC2angd-aRnm7MNwYkd2T0QkB_0uEkgj-C46QPzLx7V6tv5xVhlV5I9DofLyYahT6jb2sldeOXvRXBI4S3qDcI_4-SnWvvRDbIwtpaKJOjBB22OUk/s1600/Potterycollage.jpg" title="Pottery collage ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
<br />
The joy of working with clay has been keeping my hands and thoughts busy lately. I wait impatiently until each pottery class comes around, my head buzzing with ideas that I want to try. What if I try this shape, or will it work if I use this amount of clay? How will it look after it's fired? Will this glaze allow the drawing to show through?<br />
<br />
I've been making jugs mostly. I love the idea of focusing on one type of object and trying the different variations that are possible within this constraint. I'm attracted to utilitarian objects, ones which have a use but can also be unashamedly decorative too. Also, I saw an exhibition once where an artist used an empty jug as a metaphor for art. She described how art can only exist where there is a void, and artists are driven to fill that void through creating art. The creation of art fills a void, whether it's an internal void, an absence of something in our environment or society. I wish I could remember the artist's name because this concept has stayed with me for a few years now. So now as I'm making jugs I think of voids and art and the intense pleasure that art making brings.<br />
<br />
My lovely pottery teacher asked me a while ago if I had got into 'the zone' as I was working on the wheel, throwing another jug. At the time I was still battling with the wheel, with centrifugal force and trying desperately to make a piece that looked half decent. I told her that I was most definitely not in the zone yet. Then one day as I moved my body forward gently cupping and shaping the spinning clay, it happened easily. It felt as though the clay had started to yield as I had yielded, letting go of what I thought should be happening and worked with what the wheel offered. As the rhythmic spinning seduced my ears I lost awareness of my surroundings and I saw only what was in front of me. I'm now OK with a bit of wonkiness here and there, but more importantly, I can now say with confidence that I had found 'the pottery zone'.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-25023913397840993392013-11-01T05:01:00.000-07:002013-11-01T05:01:18.576-07:00New prints in shop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaXbw4X4r55KybwohuzLLxFRNxf5nF_maFzdPtE_iVkJeZGu9DAh4NqpkNapMAKFN6Av-4iMMi5atIFtH763EUA2oxI75UxyEo0J_-x53Bg7Tdtb848PVN90o_CVF8sbrB2hJeJGcGZ4/s1600/Treedirtcollage72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaXbw4X4r55KybwohuzLLxFRNxf5nF_maFzdPtE_iVkJeZGu9DAh4NqpkNapMAKFN6Av-4iMMi5atIFtH763EUA2oxI75UxyEo0J_-x53Bg7Tdtb848PVN90o_CVF8sbrB2hJeJGcGZ4/s1600/Treedirtcollage72.jpg" title="Tree dirt collage ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
<br />
Yeah, I like trees. What about you? Do you love to sit under the generous, cool shade of an elm tree on a hot day? With your bare feet placed gently in the grass and your back pressed firmly against the rough bark, it's easy to feel all is right with the world.<br />
<br />
There are four new prints about trees in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/AppleTreeCloudShop" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>. Well, some of the trees have been chopped into logs, but they're still parts of trees nevertheless.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-75125538572381600802013-10-22T02:36:00.001-07:002013-10-22T02:38:31.770-07:00When cherry blossoms don't wait for festivals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RCKxCtj-VFghYFvRJODuISZgJU0x61xinS8laqUWaxftvyWrD-bMj90zgZiePkL1Ypf2QDBmQiv8dBsXDOuu2ll0p6fh-C_l8-e9uHHtAKfkiODg9ipA77LIarrf_PvGvYjPjscQvXU/s1600/HanamiFestival72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RCKxCtj-VFghYFvRJODuISZgJU0x61xinS8laqUWaxftvyWrD-bMj90zgZiePkL1Ypf2QDBmQiv8dBsXDOuu2ll0p6fh-C_l8-e9uHHtAKfkiODg9ipA77LIarrf_PvGvYjPjscQvXU/s1600/HanamiFestival72.jpg" title="Hanami festival ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
<br />
Those cherry blossoms just didn't get the memo. They bloomed too early. So by the time the Hanami Festival Day arrived at the <a href="http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/national-rhododendron-garden" target="_blank">National Rhododendron Gardens</a>, only a smattering of blossoms were left on the trees.<br />
<br />
The day was exquisite regardless and as we walked along the path, following the trail of lanterns, it felt as though we were swept along by the happy chatting crowd.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvJ5x8sMaRLIadmGReMOLHXQW-HE-uuItN-s-oHEp-53Xvr3MUmu8PmY_KMOuCQF30t8uN4M7Lvob3mmjeaA5BXiG5FP3nf3Djbeg_JvMzdxsQqlABGrX-Si1TXK2ABoJ5BIxddHEygI/s1600/HanamiCollage72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvJ5x8sMaRLIadmGReMOLHXQW-HE-uuItN-s-oHEp-53Xvr3MUmu8PmY_KMOuCQF30t8uN4M7Lvob3mmjeaA5BXiG5FP3nf3Djbeg_JvMzdxsQqlABGrX-Si1TXK2ABoJ5BIxddHEygI/s1600/HanamiCollage72.jpg" title="Hanami collage ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
<br />
It was a good way to celebrate Spring, filling our nostrils with fresh mountain air, knowing that warmer weather will reach us soon.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-76348284133568169582013-10-07T06:10:00.001-07:002013-10-07T06:18:28.260-07:00Being gentle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__XXxy1p13MwjNwfb4dNSmHq2QOPJtzsV94gX222x3LadW6IqWE-M8oYuCSZaBQHlDR-jwFPcy2TfyEzexZzSyMrVPFAFwy_QzoNL5_FWQuBS2FmVLL7iYsJMHJHXVelnftKo88BYO9Y/s1600/Gentlehousecrop72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__XXxy1p13MwjNwfb4dNSmHq2QOPJtzsV94gX222x3LadW6IqWE-M8oYuCSZaBQHlDR-jwFPcy2TfyEzexZzSyMrVPFAFwy_QzoNL5_FWQuBS2FmVLL7iYsJMHJHXVelnftKo88BYO9Y/s1600/Gentlehousecrop72.jpg" title="Gentle house, fineliner and watercolour ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, we build up an armor. A shield against
all that is painful and careless and cruel in the world. We think the armor
protects us and makes us strong. But after a while, that armor can weigh us
down and before we know it, we walk around with heavy bodies, ready for
conflict and waiting to act.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">True strength lies in the ability to take a
deep breath and cast aside all of that armor and to be gentle with yourself,
and the people around you. Ultimately, there are no clever tactics you need to get
through life other than to be kind. We forget that sometimes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">People will hurt you, things will not go
your way and there will be days when you feel so lost that even your closest
friend cannot comfort you. But if you can lie in bed at night and in the
darkness you can say to yourself that you have been gentle with yourself and
with people’s hearts today, then that is a great achievement.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-89961887992514711312013-10-02T02:25:00.000-07:002013-10-02T02:25:01.594-07:00Mean teacher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywhlkQ-XgKSE1d5jWGE6TLs6FLxjHh63-_bDFRsLKNgPSmNxXzBNZOzStHvckTFgcxE8VrsRnXjO3bwxichX5bXQQCunHdZYB6pQqRzcrNR2dXij9m8khROo-BKupWm_gXOo7UwMKWwU/s1600/Sourteachercrop72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywhlkQ-XgKSE1d5jWGE6TLs6FLxjHh63-_bDFRsLKNgPSmNxXzBNZOzStHvckTFgcxE8VrsRnXjO3bwxichX5bXQQCunHdZYB6pQqRzcrNR2dXij9m8khROo-BKupWm_gXOo7UwMKWwU/s1600/Sourteachercrop72.jpg" title="Sour teacher, fineliner and watercolour ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I bumped into Mrs D the other day. It was
at the shops. She pretended that she couldn’t remember my name. Which is a bit
ridiculous because she was my teacher in prep and grade 2. She remembered my
surname, sibling’s names and my parent’s names. She was my mum’s friend for a
while. And I’m one of those people who kinda look the same as when I was a kid.
She knew who I was but for some reason, she looked awkward and paused for a
long time looking up into the air. ‘It’s Jenni’, I said and looked her straight
in the eye. Then I realized that she hadn’t changed in all these years.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Mrs D was a mean teacher. She was mean to
me and others and she always seemed to hate her job. As a 5 year old preppy,
when a group of girls kicked and punched me at school, I ran crying to Mrs D,
expecting some kind of comfort when I told her what had happened. Her reply
was, ‘Nobody likes a dibber dobber.’ Mean. In class when my friend Sarah had
some new textas and offered to share them with me, Mrs D walked past and said
to my friend, ‘You know, Sarah, you don’t have to share with people you don’t
like.’ Mean. I felt victimized by her, she made me feel confused because she
treated me as though I was a bad kid even though I was admittedly a bit of a
goody two shoes. She’d always refer to me as the ‘ringleader’ in my close group
of three friends and I thought that word meant I was horrible. And so it made
me want to be a naughty kid. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But it wasn’t just me she was unnecessarily
cruel to. One day when we were sitting in a circle on the floor for story time,
one of the girls kept telling Mrs D with increased urgency that she needed to
go to the toilet. She kept on repeating to the girl, ‘No, you should have gone
to the toilet at recess.’ Even as a 5 year old with a trust in the wisdom of
authority figures, I knew this was extreme. Finally, it was too much for the
girl and she stood up and in the middle of our story time circle, she wet
herself much to her distress and humilation. But I’ll never forget Mrs D’s
reaction. She was angry. Angry with the poor girl. Mean teacher.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So as I briefly chatted with Mrs D at the
shopping centre, I realized that I wasn’t angry with her, I didn’t even feel
hurt anymore. I felt sad and sorry for her. Looking at her with my adult eyes,
I saw a strange and awkward woman who may have even been a bit afraid of me.
Maybe she thought I was going to tell her off. But I wished her well and said
goodbye wondering what had made her the way she was. Thankfully, over the years
I had many fantastic teachers to balance out the meanness of Mrs D and I never
had such a mean teacher again, oh except for my high school maths teacher Mr P.
Now if I ever bump into that guy I’ve got some choice words for him…</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-85535609761554383862013-09-28T05:59:00.000-07:002013-09-28T05:59:29.603-07:00Please excuse my blog while it freaks out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXr6qeGmbMnPgAN6NCSbhYlEtPDNjUDOFMp-2yql0jQxuFNccTK_7g8XtAxeIlamZ4rXTz8tChBSD7GdmlEaaSlJYeNqsRk82xHbhjF155c18NDpX4Q5xGtLGjPoS6zskuA1TE3ZE0VY/s1600/NotOKComputerCrop72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXr6qeGmbMnPgAN6NCSbhYlEtPDNjUDOFMp-2yql0jQxuFNccTK_7g8XtAxeIlamZ4rXTz8tChBSD7GdmlEaaSlJYeNqsRk82xHbhjF155c18NDpX4Q5xGtLGjPoS6zskuA1TE3ZE0VY/s1600/NotOKComputerCrop72.jpg" style="cursor: move;" title="The not OK computer, fineliner and watercolour ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
So, I'm having a bit of trouble with the formatting on my blog at the moment. It looks OK on the mobile but the web version is freaking out. I don't know if you've noticed, but some of the images seem to be overlapping my very important and extremely interesting text. Apparently I have a degree in graphic design, but this has proven to be of no practical use whatsoever when it comes to blogger. Has anyone else experienced this with their blog? Maybe my computer has picked up a virus after I was keeping up to date with Kylie Minogue's or Sandra Bullock's latest adventures? (I've heard that their sites have the most viruses.) If anyone has any helpful suggestions I would be greatly appreciative. In the meantime, whilst I try to sort out this technical hitch, here is some waiting music, 'La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la...'</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
P.S. I also apologise for the cheap Radiohead pun.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-33438157993365510102013-09-22T05:46:00.001-07:002013-09-22T05:47:43.032-07:00More from Lorne...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42SdeTYB2v49NEHjzdt6ozdS0uzhhXfH1_14YDQ9H_L14T9InBTR9k8IXkdpmc80fGHcTQP3A4oGgq1-9Xqc3CUFwECcgXDupbtoWNWl3grltxGgEx1Ax_7owU-Llgdb1JTQkpXngXjI/s1600/Moss72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42SdeTYB2v49NEHjzdt6ozdS0uzhhXfH1_14YDQ9H_L14T9InBTR9k8IXkdpmc80fGHcTQP3A4oGgq1-9Xqc3CUFwECcgXDupbtoWNWl3grltxGgEx1Ax_7owU-Llgdb1JTQkpXngXjI/s1600/Moss72.jpg" title="Moss ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
<br />
Just pretend that it's the 1980's. And that I'm your Aunt Velma. And that I've come to visit you. And I've brought all of my slides from my recent holiday in Lorne. You sit down politely to watch the slide show, because you know that after the slide show there will be cake. And you really want that cake.<br />
<br />
So you sit, and watch, wondering what your friends are doing right now. You see an image of twigs with moss on them and you think, 'Oh my goodness, how can Aunt Velma possibly think this is interesting?' Then another image of a beach, a sign, a tree, a piece of hardened tree sap. You fidget and scratch an itch a bit too enthusiastically just to break the monotony. You feel like you are going to explode from boredom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbseBBb58OmxC0smZxiEqHRNBY_NRK9WSfjfGuD3fKXWlojh9VnSH1lJI0WvmIUswZIbp17PVTILkCNWGC7Pw652u4KAd-52K0WY2g-KnDQQD_swa17cmtrXbPHzTbt_P_Qw0KrrIRHA/s1600/LorneCollage272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbseBBb58OmxC0smZxiEqHRNBY_NRK9WSfjfGuD3fKXWlojh9VnSH1lJI0WvmIUswZIbp17PVTILkCNWGC7Pw652u4KAd-52K0WY2g-KnDQQD_swa17cmtrXbPHzTbt_P_Qw0KrrIRHA/s1600/LorneCollage272.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Then fast forward a few decades and now you're the one with the interest in pictures of twigs with moss. And you can have your very own slide show whenever you want because you have a blog. And you find it strange that you are compelled to share your stuff in such a forum, but you do it anyway. Because life is about sharing what makes you happy. And you might just make someone happy for a moment too.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-72080255741019794792013-09-16T00:03:00.000-07:002013-09-16T00:04:45.848-07:00New prints in shop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDIL3fHUWF0s-_UKguhRHzoGNxUuQrim3cz88dLS6TmishFWJIX4MLmQM3qFJC2UGsmYhuwB3PvKhvI7fbONeryeC7r8q7TiekdrX077dyQDe0xrYV7l3UrF9gSSya-7FHiLVu-uBfaU/s1600/forestboat72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDIL3fHUWF0s-_UKguhRHzoGNxUuQrim3cz88dLS6TmishFWJIX4MLmQM3qFJC2UGsmYhuwB3PvKhvI7fbONeryeC7r8q7TiekdrX077dyQDe0xrYV7l3UrF9gSSya-7FHiLVu-uBfaU/s1600/forestboat72.jpg" title="Forest boat, pen and ink ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
<br />
Reality and imagination sit side by side. Everywhere I look I see castles in the clouds, storms in tea cups, mountains made of piles of dirt and forests growing in little boats.<br />
<br />
(This image is inspired by the 2006 movie <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Science_of_Sleep" target="_blank">'The Science of Sleep'</a> written and directed by Michel Gondry.)<br />
<br />
There are now four new limited edition prints in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/au/shop/AppleTreeCloudShop?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>. Feel free to take a peek!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-85944643336600250942013-09-11T01:24:00.001-07:002013-09-11T01:28:43.554-07:00A sojourn in Lorne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0qO1qW-8eIZrT3Iro5xfsHHY0gCjUsKLGqkhejxGhE2GBmqy04BpxWjPY4yq_M-oylhyphenhyphen65qgMCQlt7CJx0ZvAaTAkrqt8ZNtHUTKapfBSjGOIuBnXqIoB9p9EWtZMuiYDEHrHjoFjdM/s1600/AsorjourninLornetext72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0qO1qW-8eIZrT3Iro5xfsHHY0gCjUsKLGqkhejxGhE2GBmqy04BpxWjPY4yq_M-oylhyphenhyphen65qgMCQlt7CJx0ZvAaTAkrqt8ZNtHUTKapfBSjGOIuBnXqIoB9p9EWtZMuiYDEHrHjoFjdM/s1600/AsorjourninLornetext72.jpg" title="A sojourn in Lorne ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is there anything nicer than a short
sojourn, a quick break away from the everyday?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcxoYFiwewrQa9FnkXpoCDGc-qRODNPAgGEitSxE_PXiYHEbigQXBBEJweHMPAO7iFIXqJUID-kY3Zp5xLoGLsDcsXsCE0vl-dyk1KJOIZ5Kcegie7yDOAlUEj9_me4lUH7Jkpa_jgDs/s1600/LorneCollage72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcxoYFiwewrQa9FnkXpoCDGc-qRODNPAgGEitSxE_PXiYHEbigQXBBEJweHMPAO7iFIXqJUID-kY3Zp5xLoGLsDcsXsCE0vl-dyk1KJOIZ5Kcegie7yDOAlUEj9_me4lUH7Jkpa_jgDs/s1600/LorneCollage72.jpg" title="Lorne collage ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US">Even though the skies were grey and it
rained now and then, the wind was balmy and the air was fresh with ocean mist
against our skin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US">We walked along the sand, digging holes and
making sandcastles which were then washed away by a cheeky wave or two.
Carefully treading through rock pools, the fading light of the day sheered off
the water at angles straight into our eyes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US">Where the sand met the land, the grass was
impossibly green and as we stood in the heart of the inlet, we felt embraced by
the headland.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US">A few days by the beach to blow the cobwebs
of winter away.</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
<br />
<!--EndFragment-->
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298841270760575534.post-31553735801741623922013-08-23T00:14:00.000-07:002013-09-22T06:03:32.854-07:00Everything will be OK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOf-Ati2kelXrfBVMjkjgIQcGlBKGTQrVju8S-oWPcnWd00Pbnd3WFhGPd8dNOhvXS1ZAvIy3wT7qAhyHPsvU1t6nZhz5hgDVulb8PK-UhGqBHYYBZq_UDHn7U-D7qdipZZhiB76TO4Q8/s1600/berriesandlogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOf-Ati2kelXrfBVMjkjgIQcGlBKGTQrVju8S-oWPcnWd00Pbnd3WFhGPd8dNOhvXS1ZAvIy3wT7qAhyHPsvU1t6nZhz5hgDVulb8PK-UhGqBHYYBZq_UDHn7U-D7qdipZZhiB76TO4Q8/s1600/berriesandlogo.jpg" title="Berries ©jb www.appletreesintheclouds.blogspot.com.au" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes my heart and body need to slow down a bit and so I go into nature. You can't rush nature. Trees and shrubs and birds and bugs go about their business quietly. Berries are going to sprout when they're good and ready. Spring will come in its own good time. In nature I'm reminded that everything has its place and purpose and that everything will be OK.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>(Image taken at <a href="http://www.zoo.org.au/healesville" target="_blank">Healesville Sanctuary</a> earlier in the year.)</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448035046088447375noreply@blogger.com2