Tru luv..

Simple. Tranquil. True.

xx Charlotta

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Via: Kiss the Groom

Photos: Elizabeth Messina

Event: Lisa Vorce

Life, love, and Elvis lands on my gate..

G'day darlings!

Today is one of those rare days when I am allowing my self some 'time off'. It's been intense lately and life has pulled me left, right and center for sure. But right now and here I am sitting down with a delicious 'Latte' to tell you a wonderful true story.. xx

The other day when the kids and I came home from school there was a beautiful 'Cockatiel' (bird) sitting on our front gate. I adore birds (!) - in fact I see them as my 'totem animal' - and was thrilled to see such stunning visitor. It was clear that this little friend was tame and that it had escaped from its home, so I gently took it inside to keep it safe whilst we called the vet.

The kids donated one of their beloved shoe boxes (the things they collect..sigh), punched lots of holes in the lid and lined it with a comfy tea towel - the perfect vessel for our new friend as we took him down to the vet's practice.

Cut to the next day.. I couldn't get the bird off my mind and so I went to see if it was still there. I was told that it had reconnected with it's rightful owner (relief!) and that she was going to call me, which she indeed did that same afternoon. Not only does it turn out that this girl is a former work friend (she works for Elle magazine) but the core of my (somewhat long winded) story is this..

A year ago this mother of two was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She was given six months to live and though she is still alive (having come out of intense chemo) there is the prevailing likelihood of the cancer spreading to other parts of her body. To give her sons some comfort (and much needed distraction) they decided to by them each a bird. - as such two beautiful Cockatiels moved in.  Slowly these birds become symbolic of their mother's health and fight for her life, and their presence in the family grew more significant.

 

The other day their cages were placed on the lawn in their garden so that the birds could enjoy a bit of fresh air (aaww..). By accident one of the boys' visiting friends left the door to one of cages  open and 'Elvis' escaped (the other bird was in a separate cage)... The devastation was total! They all realized just how much the birds had come to mean to them as they continue to fight for a future & life together. The boys were  beyond distraught and my friend temporarily felt her strength & health deteriorate. They searched every tree in the area, called local pet stores and generally did everything they could to find their beloved friend.. They had nearly given up when the call came through from the vet telling them that Elvis (his name..) had found his way back, via a hole-punched shoebox in the hands of my children.. Can you imagine the relief..!?

When she called and told me the full story I was struck by how significant every action in life is. A twist of fate and a seemingly small act of kindness can make a huge impact on someone's life. I certainly didn't expect to be awarded with the knowledge that what we did meant so much, but now that I do I feel so full of love and light. The children and I are invited over to my friend's house next week so that we can all hug and talk about how & why this bird brought us to reconnect.. and I can't wait!

Live life laughing together people & pet friends, for every day counts!

xx Charlotta

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P.S.

This morning I received an email from my dear friend Lene (of 'The Essence of the Good Life'). 

She mentioned she had found my 'art blog' (HERE) and that she wanted to post some of my works over at her cyber corner. Little did I know that she would do such generous feature and I felt so appreciated and wrapped up in love when I had read her post. Thank you again Lene, you have a heart of gold! xx

 P.P.S

Click HERE for more information

Prunie hands and pretty pictures..

Hello friends. All day today I have cleaned my studio.. Every corner has been attacked by me and my bucket of hot soapy water, every shelf culled and re-arranged, and my desk completely emptied of all debris. I am pleased, exhausted and in dire need of a manicure..! :)

via Sunday in Bed

Thought that une petite parade of random eye-candy would be just what we need tonight..xx

I think every home should have a wall just like this one, that I found over at sweet 'Slumber Designs'.

The heavenly table decor is via 'Petite Soeur' - simply amazing colours don't you think..!?

Aaaawww! How I feel with my children..! Both of them, and deeply so. My 'baby', Isabella, turns 5 in just a few days.. I have a major crush on her at the moment.. Of course I ALWAYS love her, but every parent out there will know what I mean when I say I have re-fallen for her right now! It's simply divine and we are sharing some very special moments these days..!

Oh feather cloth, you divine feather cloth, where can I buy you? Anyone..?

 No words needed really.. The scale..! Love it! Though I have to say that the soft furnishings don't really do it for me.. Perhaps if the camera pulled back and we got to see the entire room they would make sense..?! In this crop they look too washed out for me.. Wish there was more contrast and depth.

Heavenly artwork and quirky mutton leg stools.. Just heaven spotted over at 'Slumber Designs' (another woman I am loving so much at the moment!).

To sit here and drink the light.. and the coffee.. and just 'be'..! This sunny loveliness seen over at 'My Design Chic'. A gorgeous blog I only recently discovered and that you will love!

One can always count on 'Coco +  Kelley' to serve up dish after dish of splendid style. This stunning table top is no exception. Loving the zingy yellow/green!

The unexpected result of a 'stressed hostess moment'..? In her sleep-deprived and anxious state she rammed the fork into the table... She was shocked by her own behaviour.. it was not like her..! But oh, wait..! She stopped in amazement at the sight of the fork, and thought..'Oh, I rather like that..!' So goes (the totally not true) tale for this picture that I saw over at the gorgeous St Barbara Chic.. :)
And also, aren't the little menu cards nice? I am making a whole range of place cards in various patterns and colours for my mother to use over the holiday season. She entertains like no other, and I love making her little 'socialite treats and trinkets'. One can never have enough.. right!? x

More table beauty from 'Are so Happy' and 'Desserts for Breakfast'. I love simplicity and these two hit the mark for me. And just generally I have a revived addiction for foodie blogs at the moment.. 'Sunday Suppers', Cannelle et Vanille', 'My Tartlette', 'Safferon & Blueberry' and many other mouthwatering destinations..!

 Photo Frances Janisch for Sweet Paul

Speaking of which.. Foodie magician that is 'Sweet Paul' has just released the 'Holiday issue' of his magazine. Jam packed with delightful treats for eyes and tummies. Eat BEFORE you read though..! :) Oh, and look out for a dear and special someone who is featured in there..! Hint...

I am loving this simple artwork on the wall.. I just love the freshness of the red/white combination, with accents of lime and all that natural light. Just delicious, don't you think..!?! xx

La Belle Vie

And speaking of colours.. Isn't this room nice too.. It's got a 'happy energy' somehow.  So cute. Love love..

More gorgeous tangerine / white divinity.. And that dress colour, plus one fabulous fox! Instant love for this little foxy friend..!

Rooms that whisper.. where we can withdraw.. where it's always quiet.. You can hear a snowflake fall here!.. Aaaaahhh!

And OMG..! To sit here and listen to someone play that grand piano.. The decor... niieeew, not so good.. but who cares with those windows!!

Not true actually, having completed a total clean-out of my studio in one day.. Miracles happen! :)
 

This makes me want to adopt your gorgeous US Thanksgiving tradition just for the fun of making a paper-bag turkey with popcorn stuffing..! One of many great ideas found over at 'One Charming Party'.

Yes yes my darlings, this is me and Oscar on daily trip to the marina after school.. Note my casual joyfulness, effortless body, and glistening skin..! And see Oscar's relaxed 'tude, and easy-to-do post-school-snack..  May I take this opportunity to thank ms Dust Jacket Attic for publishing it on her blog..! :)

Ok, that's all for today folks. Can't stand the look of my poor post-cleaning fingers on the keyboard any longer and am going to have a 'hand cream moment' and then tuck myself into bed. 

xx Charlotta