Snaps for the snaps

We've never had 'professional' family photographs taken, even of the Tsunamis. And definitely not of me. I even shied away from having a typical wedding photographer. I'm just so... shy... who me?... having my picture taken. I get stressed, or act the ham or my hair just threatens to take over the entire world. I just never look the way I think I look in my head. Reality check needed, anyone?

Anyway, you can imagine how nervous I was at the thought of snapper-extraordinaire (and soon to be famous given the love he is deservedly receiving in our blogging world) Tim Coulson coming over to our place yesterday to record our family 'doing what we do'. You mean, like, reality? You want the 'real' us? Really?

Oh, why not? I suddenly thought. Why not?

So glad. So glad I just decided to go for it. Tim put me at ease within about 5 seconds of coming in our front door at 8am on Saturday. We were all in our jamies. The porridge was threatening to bubble over on the stove. I was baking disastrous-looking (but not bad-eating) cinnamon scrolls. In he came.

So glad. We spent the most terrific morning showing him around our place and then taking him to a little spot that we love to go to as often as possible. It was just so wonderful when he loved everything we love almost as much as us. Snap snap snap away he went and I wasn't nervous or silly or hammy at all. I was just me. I have no idea what the majority of the photos look like yet, but I'm loving the sneak preview Tim has posted... and I will do a 'big reveal' post in the next couple of days to show you more of the good stuff.

So glad. Tim does a different sort of photography. He really does just capture a family doing what they do. No posed, awkward, matchy-match shots. Just 'a day in the life' stuff and a beautiful record of home and family life as we know it. It felt like a lovely morning with a lovely friend and I'm hoping that the resulting images capture the beauty of the day. Can't wait to show you more.

Have you had professional shots taken of your family before? 

(If you've blogged them, share a link as we'd love to take a peek.)

Do you like having your picture taken?

[Image by Tim Coulson]

Comfort

It occurs to me that above all else, the blessed ones in this life are the ones who reach out and offer the quiet gift of comfort.

Of reassurance, of taking time to notice, of hearing.

Such a warm, golden, often-overlooked treasure.

How long has it been since you've comforted another?

[Image from here. The girl in the picture needs a sandwich. Even a cracker might help. Some comfort food? Just saying.]

On the road again

Imagine my joy when LOML turned to me earlier this year and said "Where are you going on your annual road trip this year?"

It's annual! My once-in-a-lifetime escape by myself  is actually annual!

He's a good man, my man. He understands me and he knows how to make me sing.

The question remained: where am I going to go this year?

I'm heading out towards the end of July and I've always wanted to go to Tassie, so that was on the cards. I planned to visit Jane in Hobart and then mosey around the coast a little bit. But then LOML and I decided that we want to go to Tasmania for the first time as a family, so I've parked that idea for later in the year.

So now, I'm driving from Sydney to Daylesford and poking around there before driving home. A trip like that is going to be inspiration, creativity and promise all wrapped up in a handmade rug to warm the soul.

 Any suggestions on where to stay, where to visit, what to do? I'm all excited ears!

__________________________________________________
Edited on 2.6.2011

Just wanted to say OF COURSE I'll be giving big smooches to Allison at Lark whilst in Daylesford (I am an avid eshopper already!). And I would have been having a cuppa at Kate's place too, but she'll be inconveniently off having a marvellous caravanning hol with the fam...

[Image by Margaret Metcalfe]

The praise junkie

Most of the posts I write have my incessant need for praise buried in them somewhere (go on, you'll find it). It's quite possible that I wouldn't even get out of bed in the mornings if LOML wasn't there with a swift 'you look gorgeous today, honey'. I'm such a praise-junkie that part of me even believes him.

Growing up I would seek praise like a heat-missile seeks prey. The need to please others was ingrained and impossible to shake. Which of course led to gushes of tears should I actually go the opposite way and disappoint someone. My poor parents, disciplining their daughter through a sea of snot. (Don't worry, Mum and Dad, karma came calling... Cappers is exactly the same as me. It's tragic.)

So, help me out a little. I've been nominated (by my sister, don't get too excited) for the People's Choice Awards in the Sydney Writers' Centre Best Australian Blogs 2011. It's very exciting as besides realising my dream of drowning in an avalanche of praise-sweet-praise, I could also win a creative writing course. Yes, I really could!

So, please. Vote for me. Then I will stop with this incessant groveling, I promise. Oh, at least until the Kidspot Best Blogs award comes out 'cos I've been nommed in that one too... why, yes, yes I have.

Click on the image to vote. I'm on page 2 (I always wanted to say that, or was it page 3 that had the chicks?).

[Image via weheartit and I can't for the life of me work out why searching for 'praise' just ended up with a whole lot of pics of dogs. Well, maybe I could work it out, but still.]

Is it easier to be nice in blogland?

On Friday night an exchange occurred that made me realise that it's easier to be a nice person in blogland.

We were at the school 'Icebreaker' function, where the grown-ups hang out without their cling-ons and have an uninterrupted conversation for longer than 30 seconds. It was fun. I mean, it was held under the covered area in the school playground with a couple of candles for 'atmosphere' and there was a lot of standing up involved and I couldn't shake the P+C President who insisted on being her own version of a cling-on, but, hey, a night out is a night out, right?

But I was complimenting a woman on how beautifully she was dressed and half-way through realised: Too Much. She was staring at me like I was a perverted stalker (and I wasn't even looking at her boobs!). This is what I said:

"You look so gorgeous tonight. I love how you've put that necklace with that dress... such a stylish touch. Really unique and special."

Weird IRL, huh? But a comment like that on, say, Kymmie's 'Fancy Pants' link would be just the warm-up, right? We'd go on to discuss the cute shoe, the hair, the studied pose. IRL, a casual 'you look nice tonight' is about the maximum expected or appreciated.

How often do you randomly go around complimenting people? Noticing the details? How often do you go out of your way to let someone know that they've made your day? That they're unique and special and talented and kind? That they are insightful, clever and fun? 

No wonder we are all addicted to this special blogging community. It's probably not that we're all more caring and thoughtful - just that blogging allows us to be!

[Image via weheartit... I gotta get off weheartit because I hate not being able to find the correct source! Those darn tumblrs...]

Adopt a Softie

You've seen the 'Pay it Forward' posts, right? Well, instead of sending out something handmade to her top five respondees, Brenda at Mira Narnie has offered to make a softie to donate on your behalf to the Hope Softies drive run by Mon Petit Poppet.

So if you love the idea of the Hope Softies but are HOPELESS at SOFTIES, this is your opportunity to contribute.

Pop over to Brenda's and be one of her five!

Remember, when you're paying it forward, 'handmade' is a very generous word. Made by hand, remember? Bake a slice, make a pet rock, buy some pretty ribbon and tie it in a bow... you don't have to wear clever crafty clogs to be a 'handmade' guru.

Pay it forward.

Oh, and speaking of being really, really nice, do you think if you have a moment, you could pop over to Sugar Coat It and vote for my sister And then there were four in the side bar? She really wants a blog makeover and if she doesn't win Melissa's then I will have to do it... so, pretty please?!

[Softie image is by Revoluzzza - my fave - which may or may not be indicative of what Brenda has in store for your donated softie...]

Pay it forward: oh, go on!

I must have bypassed about 10 blogs all paying it forward before I caved. So, I'm in.

MultipleMum is to blame. If you can't pay it forward for your sister, who can you pay it forward for? And because I've been thinking of dear Lulu missing her own sister, here I am.

Well, MultipleMum got it from Cate, who got it from Felicity, who got it from Vic, who got it from MilkyMumma, which must have been ages ago because I can't find her Pay it Forward post. So here the trail begins...

I promise something handmade to the FIRST 5 people who leave a comment here. However, to be eligible, you must repost this message, offering something handmade to 5 other people. The rules are that it must be handmade by you, and it must be sent to your 5 giftees sometime in 2011. Ready, set, GO!

I can't promise anything amazing, but I will try my best to make you something to love.

Join me?

[Image by Kristi]

Merry merries to all

In a show of enormous Christmas spirit,  you all overwhelmingly made the decision to send the Gorgeous Giveaway prizes to Jane from My Pear Tree House.* Merry Christmas from us all and Godspeed, dear Jane. We are all thinking of you and wishing you a smooth journey on your challenging road ahead.

This is my final post for Twenty Zen. It's been a great year for me, strengthened by my desire to make it my 'slow down' year. I have practised living in the moment and cherishing the things that I already have, rather than focusing so much on what is to come. I've worked on being less busy with things that aren't important or interesting and taking time out to just be. It's been a lesson in happiness and I will continue to practise these valuable skills all my life.

I'm taking a little blogcation. Not sure how long for... back sometime in early Jan. I'm going to let the Summer Tsunamis wash over me and see where they take me.

Very best wishes to you and yours for a merry Christmas from me and my three little elves** (and LOML too, of course). See you in the bright and sparkly and really-rather-ravishing new year. I am working on what kind of year it will be... I like to theme these things you see. It will be hard to top 20Zen, but I'll do my best!

Enjoy yourself.

x

* I'm sorry if you missed out on having a say...
** If you haven't encountered 'ElfYourself' from OfficeMax before, pop over there now to make your own hysterical Christmas fun. It's free to create and email out to family and friends.

__________________________________

Edited a little later on Monday...

PS - No, wait, there is more of me to love. On Thursday I'm guest posting at Gina's blog Acute Designs. She has asked me what 'five (material) things I can't live without'. I wrote the post only three days ago but already I can't remember what I wrote and definitely won't remember by Thursday. December does that to a person, right? Anyway, check it out as I'm sure it's bloody brilliant and even if it isn't, Gina's a fab, fab gal.

And then again a little bit later... (alright, would you just get off now, Maxabella. You said you were going...)

PPS - Just heard from Jane and she is recovering from surgery. Her spirits seem very high (probably the drugs) and she is overwhelmed by the generosity shown by all of us involved in the Gorgeous Giveaway present. That's you, too, by the way... thanks for giving up your entry to offer a little bit of light in a dark, dark day for Jane. x

A change of plan?

I wonder... I wonder if it would be okay with everyone if instead of using random.org to generate a winner for the Gorgeous Giveaway, we just very unrandomly choose Jane at My Pear Tree House.  Jane is a long-time follower of Maxabella loves... and a fun, generous supporter of many of our blogs. And, oh my, she's going through a really, really tough time right now. 

Please let me know via comment if you are okay to forfeit your entry and send all the prizes to Jane. If I get a enough comments saying 'yes' then that is what we will do. We'll send her a care package full of all these lovely handmade presents from all of us in the blogging community. 

Thank you Posie Patchwork, Scissors Paper Rock, Mira Narnie, Ivy Designs and Loved for being open to this idea.

Please let us know.

x

A Lusciously Lush, Fabulously Fab GORGEOUS GIVEAWAY!

I've been blogging since April this year and it's been such a pleasure. Just a delight, you know? I feel like it's given me an outlet to be creative, to be thoughtful, to be a part of something special. Blogging may be 'big wide world' stuff, but to me Maxabella loves... just feels like a warm-hearted little village. A little village that has welcomed over 500 neighbours. Five hundred! I think that's a milestone worthy of a big celebration!

Lucky for me (and even luckier for you), five of our Maxabella lovelies... are wearers of those smart, shiny crafty-clogs and they just happen to be as generous as they are talented. And that's really, really, really OMFG talented.

Just look at what Brenda, Wynona, Mel, Jennie and Claire are offering to one lucky Maxabella loves... follower. Be sure to check out both the blog and the store for each of these special gals. Their work is beautiful and so are they.

♥

Mira Narnie

Oh so handy Key Chain.  Made with natural webbing, gorgeous linen blend leaf printed cotton fabric and secured to metal hardware. Simply attach your keys and slip over your wrist.  You hands will be free and keys always remain handy!  RRP $10.

Custom-Made Maxabella loves Ornamental Bird.  Made with linen blend fabric, complete with printed twill tape, crochet wing and cord and beaded detail! RRP $Priceless!

Thank you Brenda! ESPECIALLY for the Maxabella loves... customisation. How cute is that! And the key chain is so VERY clever - "how did I ever live without that?"

♥

Scissors Paper Rock

An inspirational and grounding 'Life is Beautiful'. Print is 30cm x 40cm, printed on a silk finished paper. It comes unframed and the winner can select the colour of the print. RRP $22

And... a 'Live Laugh Love' 5 x 7 (inches) print, perfect for a standard photo frame. Printed on a silk finished paper. It comes unframed and the winner can select the colour of the print. RRP $10

AND a packet of sweet little Lunch Box Notes. As a child, Claire's Mum would leave little notes of love and encouragement in her lunchbox to brighten her day. Now you can do the same! RRP $5.

Thank you so much, Claire! I love your inspiring prints and the lunch box notes are just such a sweet touch.

♥

Loved

Delicate crocheted necklace, lovingly handmade using a soft charcoal cotton.

Worn draped around the neck, as you would a scarf, with shell buttons adding weight to hang elegantly down your front.  The perfect summertime accessory. RRP $22.

Thank you Mel! I am the proud owner of this very piece, so I know how versatile and special it is. Bring on the compliments!

♥

Posie Patchwork

A whole pack of deliciousness!


Handmade Living, autographed by Tania, Julie & Tina (editor, founder and illustrator respectively)
Tasmanian Oak knitting needles with polka dots
Sweet gelato-coloured floral hair slides
Pretty fabric Christmas decoration
Adorable Humpty Dumpty coin purse
Vintage learn to sew card set
Little brooches and badges.  
RRP Over $100!

Thank you so much Jennie! I am so disappointed that I can't be in it to win this bag of goodies myself.

Look out for Posie Patchwork at a handmade market near you or pop by her online store. She is the Queen of Special.

♥

Ivy Designs

'Little Red' 40cm x 40cm, 100% cotton designer fabric, Original Illustration by Ivy Designs, framed with Japanese cotton fabric with deers. RRP $40

Thank you Wynona! As readers of this blog will know, I adore your pieces to pieces (sorry about that!)

♥

See, I told you it's a Gorgeous Giveaway!

One lucky duck will win the lot! All you have to do is be a follower of Maxabella loves... and leave a comment on this post. 

Tell me: Who is in your 'village'? Who do you rely on to get through your days?

One 'village' comment only please. You can earn extra entries if you spread the word by:

♥ putting my giveaway button in your sidebar (it's over there in my sidebar if you want to grab it); 

♥ or write a post with a link back to this giveaway post; 

♥ or write a post with a link through to one or all of these five lovely crafty blogs; 

♥ or link to this post on facebook; 

♥ or send out a tweety tweet

... or you can do all five! 

Remember to leave a comment below with a link for each extra entry. 

Giveaway is open until midnight 20 December (Sydney time... whatever that is in international time lingo). I'll post the winner (drawn using random.org) on Tuesday, 21 December. Best of luck, my lovelies! 

Oh, and thank you so much  for being a part of my village.

[Giveaway button image is from Upon a Fold - stationery lust!]

PS - if you don't have a blog that links back to your name, don't forget to leave an email addy!

___________________________________________________________

EDITED 20/12/2010

In a show of community spirit, we asked entrants to the Gorgeous Giveway if they would be willing to give up their entries to allow us to send all the prizes to Jane from My Pear Tree House. And they collectively shouted YES.

We will be sending all of the prizes to Jane in the next week or so.

Thank you everyone for your generosity. Please leave any comments concerning this giveaway at this post here.

♥ Loving unexpected kindness

Ivy Designs. I know what you're thinking. You're thinking "doesn't Maxabella mention Wynona and Ivy Designs every other post? What is this, some kind of blog affair?" 

Why yes, yes it is.

A while ago I purchased some really lovely clothes from Wynona's online store. Some sweet little pedal pushers, a top, some hair things and the dress that The Badoo wore to her Christening. My favourite little girl's dress ever (you can see it hanging above the bed here).

I left a little comment on Wynona's blog to tell her about the dress so she could see a picture of The Badoo wearing one of her designs. I thought that if I was a designer, I would love to see pictures of my customers happy in my designs. I left the comment and thought nothing of it...

... until I got a package in the mail. Wrapped beautifully and brimming with all the gorgeous things you see in my (really bad) photo above. A sweet Peony skirt and matching iron-on applique patch. A little lollipop hairclip. A hairband made of the most delicately patterned paisley fabric. All snug in a lovely Ivy Designs calico bag. And a note saying 'You surprised me with The Badoo's dress for her christening, how flattered am I! So here's a surprise for you gorgeous'.

I can't tell you how touched I was. I just adore every one of the gifts that Wynona has sent and her kindness has stayed with me for days. An unexpected kindness really is what makes the world go round. Thank you, thank you, Wynona!

Have you ever been delighted by a surprise in the mail? And do you sometimes feel like you've stumbled into the sweetest place on earth here in blogland?

The November Chronicles: What's on my fridge?

Can you believe a whole October went by and I didn't take photos of my fridge? What's wrong with me?

I know my Fridge Chronicles are probably a little bit boring, but just skip over the post if you're yawning. I like it. The things that accumulate on the fridge are either very important, or very random. Either way, it's a record of life in Maxabellaland and I do treasure it. So please, bear with me.

One of the Secret Blogging Business bits that I hardly mention is just how generous bloggers are. I have won some AMAZING giveaways from some AMAZING blogs.  I received a gorgeous "Carried away by Bats" print from Candace Jean via Rik Rak Studio giveaway. She sent me this sweet note on beautifully illustrated stationery. You gotta love bloggers.

Then there are all the delightful things you can buy from shops like Lark and Rudy and the Dodo. I just love online shopping. The variety. The hunt. The handmade. Once I got over the need to 'touch things' I haven't looked back. The way most stores package their goodies is like getting a birthday gift in the mail (except, you know, you bought if for yourself...)

Capper's friend Lola sent her a thank you letter after coming to her Mermaid Party. Her favourite thing at the party was the "Earthquakes". This is where LOML lies on the trampoline with 27 kids and bounces them all over the place. Many squeals and much laughter later, he collapses with exhaustion. Bless that fun-loving LOML.

Another month, another party invite. This time it was Blake's party up the road. Maxi-Taxi was a bit out of his element (he only knew a couple of the boys) so he instantly regressed into skirt-clinger mode. I had a lovely time being that "mum who won't just do the drop off". You know That Mum.

I was Door Bitch at the School Disco. "Is your mum or dad outside? No? Well, get back in there and have FUN, you hear me?" Some of those kids were downright sneaky, pretending to have a Mum or Dad waiting outside so they could go play on the play equipment. But don't worry, they were soon off my list.

Don't be fooled by the $5 entry fee. I didn't get away from that place without a $23 hole in my pocket.

 sausage sizzle for kids and parents!!! glow bracelets! treats! drinks! iceblocks! 

So, tell me, what's on your fridge / noticeboard / calendar / head this month?*

* I'm not doing the linky anymore. I can't take the pain of a massive white space under my announcement with an average of 3 people linking up. I'm just not strong enough...