Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 20 June 2021

Sunday Selections #538

 


Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
 
Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image.
 
The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life.  Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle. 
 
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
 

I usually run with a theme. Years ago reading an essay the author said that the ambiance of her home was 'cluttered and dusty'.  I winced in rueful recognition.  The same could be said of our home (and my head).

It is decidedly cooler here, so I broke out the winter doona (duvet) cover of stylised frogs which I made years ago.  Yes, it needs (and didn't get) ironing but I hope you can see the frogs.


It occurred to me as I put the cover on (and those curves were a beast to sew) that despite firmly categorising myself as not creative there are other things in the house which I have made.  Here are some of them.




 

I made this for himself's mother.  When she was forced to move to a nursing home it was one of the items she insisted on taking with her, which was a huge compliment.  After her death it came back to us, and I think of her with affection when I see it.



How I wish I had spent the extra money and got non reflective glass when I got these framed...



This one makes me think of a cat we had, the late and much lamented Medlyn.  I had completed about three quarters of the tapestry when he, resenting the attention I was paying to it and not him, piddled on it.  I sponged it down but was afraid that if I washed it I would lose the pattern.  Completing the tapestry was smelly and not fun.  I was very glad to put the last stitch in and give it a good wash.

And now I am going to return to a more usual Sunday Selections theme for me.  The king parrots have started returning from the hills in which they breed.  We are getting small flocks of them visiting most days.  I assume that the adults are returning visitors, and they bring the young ones with them which is lovely.  The adult males have the red heads and the females the green but it is harder to tell what sex the young ones are.  The males have an red beak and over the next few months their plumage will change too.  They look quite bizarre in the process and I will try and capture some photos as they transition to adult plumage.






I hope your week is healthy, happy, colourful (and even creative).

176 comments:

  1. Lovely pictures, and the Parrots are beautiful EC.

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    1. Bob Bushell: The King parrots are really beautiful aren't they?

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  2. All of the things you made are absolutely gorgeous, I think you are quite creative whether you think so or not. Oh and I can see the frogs on the cover, love it! The birds sure are beautiful. I can't wait to see more of them. I hope you have a wonderful week too. :)

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    1. Martha: You are likely to see a LOT more of the king parrots.

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  3. Feeding the parrots. How fun!

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    1. Mike: It is an incredible privilege. Many of the birds who visit us love apple (though they have to be green apples). As a consequence, green apples are always on our shopping list.

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  4. A fun memory every time you look at your cat tapestry...not fun at the time, though! lol Cats do have their own special ways about them! Who needs words when actions say it all? :)

    I love your creations...and, my dear, doonas do not need ironing...not in my household, anyway!! Doing so would be going well over way and beyond for me!

    Have yourself a happy and good week ahead...cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: I don't iron the doona - but the cover would look better without the 'set-in' wrinkles. Medlyn has been gone for years but I still miss him. I hope you and the furry overlords are warm and comfortable.

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  5. You are more than a little talented! I love the numerous cats and the wonderful transition of the parrots. And I can see why himself's mother wanted that framed picture with her. It's so wonderful and sends out a delightful vibe.

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    1. DJan: She was very limited in what she could take, so the fact that she took that piece I made (and another) was a very big complement.

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  6. I like your needlework and love your quilt. You are obviously very artistic. Otherwise, I don't think you would have the appreciation of art that you do.
    I love the birds. Ours are a bit more skittish but we have had some blue varieties to move closer to our home this year.

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    1. Ann Bennett: We are very grateful that so many of the birds have become used to us and that some (by no means all) will eat from our hands. Lots more happily eat the sustenance we put out (or grow) for them. And thank you.

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  7. What a delightful treat to see some of your creative accomplishments, dear EC! Thank you for sharing them. They are all beautifully done, but of course a person always thinks "my favourites are . . ." so I will tell you which ones are mine - the frog, the black cats, and the tiger. Although the flowers in vases one is close behind. Can you tell us more about the figurine? (kind of material used, when you made it, or the like)

    You're a better person than I for finishing the tapestry after Medlyn christened it :)

    You literally have birds eating out of your hand - I imagine the thrill never gets old.

    Wishing you a good week on the health front, my friend.

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    1. jenny_o: The figurine is the older piece there. I made it while I was at school. Fired and glazed pottery. I had expended many hours into that tapestry before Medlyn made his mark. He wasn't going to defeat me - though it came close.
      I am (again) hoping for answers and solutions from the medicos this week.

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    2. Thanks for the additional information, EC. The figurine is a wonderful piece.
      And I realized that's not a tiger, it's a ... leopard? jaguar? but definitely not a tiger :)

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    3. jenny_o: Thank you for coming back. A leopard - though I have a tiger head on another of my pieces. And completed a white tiger for one of my brothers.

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  8. Those are beautiful, the items you created, and the birds. Don't sell yourself short on the creative department.

    My selections will be over here.

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    1. messymimi: Thank you. Persistence is the key I think. On both fronts.

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  9. I love the doona cover and you do have an artistic eye. It must be exciting to have the king parrots make their first appearance and bring along their young.

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    1. Andrew: It is very, very exciting to see the Kings again - and lovely to see the young ones with them.

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  10. Oh my but your stuff is gorgeous, and I love the gift to your partner's mother! You are talented. Have a wonderful week.

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    1. e: She loved that piece too - which was after all the intent. I hope you and Lukas have a great week.

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  11. I think you are very creative ! And The Bird eating from your hand isn allaient ! https://gattinawritercramps.blogspot.com/2021/06/sunday-selection_20.html

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    1. Gattina: Having the birds eat from our hands never gets old. Never ever.

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  12. I am impressed with your talent!! I am definitely not that creative.

    The birds are gorgeous.

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    1. Caterina: Thank you. And the birds ARE gorgeous. It is lovely to have them visit.

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  13. The King Parrots are so gorgeous; you clearly love having them visit. What a privilege!
    I was delighted to see examples of your handiwork. I made numerous cross stitch pieces when my kids were young, and still have many of them. I can't just sit and watch television, but have to be doing something at the same time. I haven't done any for years now, and although I sometimes think about starting one, I think that my eyes would not handle it. I love the country cottage one - I remember doing one very similar to it.
    Have a good week, and enjoy your winged visitors :)

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    1. Alexia: I do love seeing the Kings. Up to seven at a time are visiting at the moment which is lovely. Some will eat from our hands and some watch.
      It is my hands which are the stopping point for needlework now. They shake. Ah well.

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  14. You made all those things?? I see a lot of hand stitching that would have my carpal tunnels screaming. I love them all. I see the frogs on your quilt and who cares about ironing? I have winterised my bed too, with the usual feather quilt between mattress and bottom sheet and another between top sheet and top quilt. I am cocooned and Lola is loving the extra warmth.
    I'm glad the king parrots are back and still feeding from your hands.

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    1. River: I did make them, and my hands wouldn't let me now. Your winterised bed sounds like something which himself (and Jazz) would love, but it sounds too cosy for me.

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  15. I really love this post... Your good taste and talents is evident. All your creations are beautiful. I love the cats, and I can see why you persisted in finishing it until you could wash it. Decorating your home with your own creations makes it extra special and interesting. I was wondering if the glazed figurine was earthenware or stoneware and did you shaped it yourself. It's lovely.
    Enjoy the new week.
    Hugs, Julia

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    1. Julia: Thank you. The figurine was clay which I shaped, glazed and was fired. Finishing the smelly cat tapestry wasn't fun, but I am glad I persisted.

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  16. I always enjoy the birds you feature but today was such a special treat with glimpses of your creativity!! Thank you so much for sharing them. You are definitely multi-talented and bursting with creative juices. I can't imagine that you would ever consider yourself lacking in that area - although I know you do that with your writing as well. ;) I love your inner vision on all counts. It takes a mind which sees a different path from the norm. Cherish it and be glad. There is such a thing as being too humble, you know... Hugs to you and the furry fusspot.

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    1. River Fairchild: Thank you. I credit the creativity on these pieces to the designer. I essentially 'coloured them in'. Which I don't think is just me being humble. I was/am persistent. The furry beast thanks you. He is fed, warm and cosy so he is feeling benign at the moment.

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  17. Your displayed artwork is impressive, and so is the douvet cover. Yes, the frogs are front and center on it. Did you cut the frogs from a pattern?

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    1. Joanne Noragon: Thank you. I saw the frog pattern in a magazine and adjusted the size to suit what I wanted to do with it. I made the templates out of heavy duty cardboard and cut around them. I probably still have those templates. Somewhere.

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  18. Adore las fotos de los pajaros y del cuadro d e gatitos. Te mando un beso

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  19. Love your artwork, it's just beautiful so good to see it hanging and displayed - well done.

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    1. Margaret D.: There is more of it around. I did mention that the house is clutttered. And thank you.

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  20. Beautiful journey in your world and love your quilt cover, as I love frogs I just love it. Your beautiful wall hangings and nature wee a pleasure to see...keep warm and hugs. xx

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    1. aussie aNNie: Thank you. I am fond of frogs too and it is too long since I have seen them.

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  21. Amazing tapestries! Love them.

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  22. Looking at the things other people display extends a friendship, I think. You need not like the same things, but the kindred spirit benefits.

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    1. dinahmow: I think you are right. We have a very eclectic collection on display here but all of them mean something to one (or both) of us.

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  23. What in the heck, EC?! You've been holding out on us with all that creativity!!!! Your work is absolutely beautiful, and to sew an entire blanket is something to be commended. My goodness, I'm super impressed with everything that you've done! I do have to admit that I'm not a fan of frogs when they get up close and personal. One got into a house I lived in back in 2013, jumped on the dresser and pretty much just stared at me.(lol) I was horrified until the landlord came to put him back into the forest. Sending lots and lots of hugs your way! RO

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    1. RO: I suspect that your frog was glad to be taken back to the forest. I like them, but I know that others do not. And thank you. And hugs.

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  24. Your work is excellent--- beautiful. And very imaginative! A gold star for you, Sue. Please take care of yourself.

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    1. Bill: Thank you. Most of the imagination came from designers rather than me, but I did put in the hours to recreate (hopefully) their vision.

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  25. looks to me like you have many creative talents... and with clay too! Love the stitching with the vases outlined.

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    1. Anna: I made that clay piece a long time ago, but remember the fun of playing with clay. Such a wonderful tactile substance...

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  26. Dear EC
    I agree with the other commenters - you are totally creative! Let's not forget your way with words and your garden - all creative activities and skills.
    I smiled at the story of the cat piddling - our cat has a habit of doing that too (especially if he is cross with me!)
    Our house is filled with clutter - there was recognition for me too - my craft activities have completely taken over the sitting room and you would be hard pressed to find a seat. Now, if I could just magic up a craft room, everything would be wonderful!
    Have a lovely creative week
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Medlyn piddled to show his displeasure too. If we talked on the phone too long he would march down to the bathroom, drag the towels down and let fly. He really didn't like house guests either and given half a chance would defile their suitcases. He was in some ways a very endearing cat - and he needed to be.

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  27. Gosh EC – you’ve shown us some wonderful personal nostalgic works of art – the frogs are so creative … what fun. I was/am never that artistic … then your pressed flowers into drawn vases … unless it’s another beautiful artist’s expression. The sofa reminds me of famous art works – not sure … if I’m thinking American … the sculpture … is it pottery – it looks like bronze.
    The ‘home samplers’ are delightful … a bygone era – and how wonderful your MIL treasured the one you’d made. The leopard is just brilliant – that African landscape … while the frog perched awaiting ‘what’ we’ll never know … and the cats – aren’t they fun – while Medlyn’s escapade is rather unfortunate to think about … I can almost smell it now!
    Beautiful King Parrots … the week is being fine – nothing so pretty or creative going on here … storms galore – but we needed the rain, and it’s broken that heat – well of course – it’s the tennis season! Thanks for this wonderful interesting happy post … such fun – cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Many thanks. Many, many thanks. And of course it is raining for the tennis. It is almost a rule.

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  28. WOW, in addition to your photography skills, your artistic flair is clearly shown in your pieces. The winter doona looked abstract but once you mentioned frogs, I can see the froggies holding hands! I think you dried flowers in the string/rope bottles is lovely. Tedious work with the vases and bottles. I do tapestry too but nothing as intricate and colourful as yours. Real creativity you have 👍👍

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    1. kestrel: My mother did some incredible work - and she designed a lot of hers too. I am glad that you can see my frogs.

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  29. Never heard of the word "doona" and I can't imagine having winter in June/July. We came to Oz in October and it was very pleasant comapred to late Autumn in the UK.

    :o)

    Cheers

    PM

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    1. Plastic Mancunian: You came to Oz in Spring - which is usually delightful. Doona is the common term for a feather/down quilt. You might know it better as a duvet.

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  30. I'd say your talent knows no bounds! Very impressive.

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  31. Please dispel instantly, banish from your mind right now, any thoughts about your lack of creativity. Do you have any idea how many of us would love to have created any of the wonderful selection you show us here? I feel quite smug that I know what a doona is! My Australian acculturisation (is that even a word?) is complete! Glad to see that the Australian King Parrots have returned, and I hope that they will soon be joined by other members of their extended family including my Sulphur-crested Angels/Vandals. I have instructed them to be on their best behaviour but they don't always listen I fear.

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    1. David M. Gascoigne: Fear not, the sulphur crested vandals are year round visitors here. They arrive at first light, and pop in at intervals during the day. Some of them also drop by for a top up shortly before sunset before they go home to roost (which I suspect is often in the parkland quite close to us). And thank you.

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  32. What beautiful, creative work you’ve done, EC. You describe your home as cluttered and dusty. Your art work makes up for any of that. Gorgeous!

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    1. Marie Smith: My work is a small part of the clutter. The house is packed with things which appealed to one or other (or both of us).

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  33. I am not at all surprised that you are an incredibly creative artist in many media! Your work is gorgeous, as are you. ❤️ I'm also not surprised by the stacks of books next to your bed -- yet another thing we have in common (and, as we US people say, "I plead the fifth," as far as cluttered and dusty are concerned 😉).
    -Marty K

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    1. musicalsciencedoggies: Dear Marty, of course there are stacks of books next to the bed. Next to both sides of the bed. And elswhere...

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  34. You are super creative in so many ways. The quilt is amazing. Love the tapestries. Hope you have a wonderful safe week my friend.

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    1. Mason Canyon: Thank you. This coming week will be busy (more medical appointments) but I hope productive. I hope your week is wonderful too.

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  35. I enjoyed the tour of your collectibles, from the frogs on the quilt you made (awesome) to the art on your walls. Those embroidered works you made and gave to your mum-in-law, I can understand why she loved them so much. They are the kind of treasures given that have such love behind them. I would be over the moon to have one of your birds feeding out of my hand! Delightful and interesting birds.

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    1. DeniseinVA: Thank you. We are definitely over the moon when any of the visiting birds trust us enough to eat from our hands. And pander to them shamelessly.

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  36. Wow, you are very creative! That Buddha, how did you make that? Carve it? I love the king parrots. They remind me of clowns. And you stitched the frog quilt? You do beautiful work. I don't have the hands for stitching anymore, with arthritis in some joints. I am in awe!

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    1. Strayer: I shaped that piece from clay. A sharp knife (for carving) and I would never have been a safe mix and even less so now. Stitching is a major challenge for me now, and is limited to sewing buttons etc on. We love the King Parrots too, and welcome them whenever they drop by.

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  37. You are immensely talented and creative! Thank you for sharing!

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  38. OMGoodness, EC. You put my art to shame. You have created some amazing collages, some beautiful drawings, great paintings, a beautiful duvet, and that Buddha that is beyond belief. The cats tapestry shows you are good with your needle as well as your paintbrush and sewing machine. You absolutely amaze me with your incredible talent. Thank you for this beautiful tour of your art. I feel like I have been to a museum today.

    Those king parrots are beautiful. I'm amazed they will eat out of your hand. Very impressive and great photos, as always.

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    1. I fear I'm a dufus. I didn't realize many of those pieces you showed were tapestries. I thought they were collages. That will teach me to enlarge BEFORE I leave a comment, as I usually do with any of your incredible art/photos.

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    2. Bleubeard and Elizabeth: Many, many thanks. Tapestries and needlework rather than drawings. Work that I made using the patterns that 'real' artists created. The duvet cover is patchwork, two sided. Sadly the material I used on the other side was substandard and fell into holes. I still like the frogs though.

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  39. I love the parrots. They are beautiful as is your creativity. You are a wonderful and accomplished artist. I've been busy moving cross country and that's definitely not a work of art. Once settled I hope to resume writing and drawing.
    Have a wonderful week.

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    1. Unknown: Do I know you? I feel that I should. Moving? Shudder. Not for the faint-hearted. When you have settled I hope that you can resume writing and drawing.

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  40. I sure am glad I popped in in time to see some of your artwork. You are one talented and creative lady! (Not that I'm surprised.) LOVE the frogs on your duvet, and all of the wall hangings and the sculpture are wonderful, too. Your clay figure reminds me of some of the African artwork showing mother and child. And oh my goodness! The parrots!!! How awesome that they will sometimes take food from your hand. I'd never grow tired of that. It's so good to check in on you. Take care, sweet lady.

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    1. Susan: Thank you. It is lovely to see you back in the blogosphere - and happy too. And no, we never do tire of the trust of the King Parrots. It is an incredible privilege.

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  41. That forg quilt is just wonderful. I just scrolled through to see the photos, and thougt Frogs! and yes, they were. Don't ever say again taht you are not creative - or go wash your mouth with lye soap.

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    1. Charlotte (MotherOwl): Thank you - but I will pass on washing my mouth out. With any soap let alone lye soap.

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    2. Hehe, I'd like to make a doona cover with those frogs on it - Hubby loves frogs.

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    3. ... and all soaps are lye soap (lie soap?) You can't make soap without lye ;) Mine are as 'tasty' as they come, but actually edible. I'd send you some if not the price was forbidding and I could be certain the customs and import people did not confiscate it on sight (which I'm sure they would).
      I really love your creativity!.

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    4. Charlotte (MotherOwl): If I could make that frog doona cover I am very sure you could. Your sewing expertise is much greater than mine. And thank you for correcting my ignorance. I had thought (wrongly it seems) that lye was only used in making 'heavier duty' soaps. I wish you could send some of yours. Commercially manufactured soap and my skin often don't get on.

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  42. I loved all your examples of your creativity, super, and you said you weren't creative, you were wrong! And I had to chuckle after reading the story of naughty Medlyn peeing on your work! Bad Cat! The frogs are fun, are the legs made from the drunkard's path pattern pieces?
    And the King Parrots are lovely, I had some eating out of my hand when I was in the Blue Mountains at Katoomba. Very exciting!

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    1. Shammickite: The frog legs could well be an adaptation from the drunkard's path. I saw the pattern in a magazine and set about working out how to fit it together. Cutting curves is a challenge and sewing them together a bigger one.
      I am still excited when the king parrots deign to hand feed.

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  43. What a nice post this is.
    You have been hiding your creativity ...
    I think all of your pieces hare look great.

    I enjoyed seeing the king parrots and how wonderful that they will eat out of your hand.

    Wishing you a good week ahead.

    All the best Jan

    PS Eddie says thank you for the Father's Day wishes.

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. I hope Eddie's day was wonderful.

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  44. You're talented and I love the parrots.

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  45. You've created many lovely items. How sweet that your mother-in-law wanted your gift with her.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Janie Junebug: We have never married (which bothered her) so she was not my mother-in-law, but we grew close. I was incredibly flattered that she wanted my gifts with her.

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  46. Where did you get the idea that you're not creative? Those stitcheries are beautiful! And yes, I see the frogs and know full well what a beast it is to sew those curves! I love the sculpture too. Not creative? Perish the thought!

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    1. molly: The not creative label is one I have always worn. Sewing curves into patchwork is very, very challenging isn't it? And thank you.

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  47. And now I have more things to admire about you. You are most creative, EC. I love birds and those parrots are gorgeous with all that color. A beautiful cardinal flew against my window this week. He hit so hard, I thought a limb had fallen on the house. He died immediately. I love the cardinals I have here, but those parrots feeding from your hands are great.

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    1. Glenda Beall: Oh how sad to lose a cardinal in that way. They are gorgeous birds and I do envy those of you who can see them. And am endlessly grateful for our king parrots.

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  48. That mother and child sculpture is so lovely. I could see my mom having something like that.

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    1. John Wiswell: What a lovely thing to say. She is chunky and anatomically incorrect but I think/hope that the feeling I was trying for is there.

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  49. I think the sculpture is wonderful. The frog quilt reflects your aesthetic, I think but I suspect your garden is your greatest work.
    I'm a mess maker and that's about it most of the time.
    Have a good week!

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    1. kylie: Thank you. I muddle along mostly. The garden certainly is one of my major obsessions but it is by no means a work of art. A work in progress.
      I hope your week is wonderful and that your poor swollen tootsies are going down.

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  50. You are such a talented and creative artist and blogger. Blessings!

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  51. You are very creative to have made so many things - and what a sweet story about the one you made for your mother in law! :) The parrots are beautiful too, so friendly!


    Hope that your week is off to a good start :)

    Away From The Blue

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    1. Mica: I was (and am) so very glad that she liked it so much.
      My week is going to be busy, but I hope positive. I hope yours is going well.

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  52. You may not have been fishing for it, Sue, but here is my com(pli)ment.
    My eyes are pleased, and so is my mind.

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    1. Sean Jeating: Thank you - and no, I wasn't fishing for compliments (I am a woeful angler).

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  53. How can you say you're 'not creative'? You do wonderful work! I can only imagine how tricky the duvet-frogs were, and I love the needle-point frog, too. (I love frogs almost as much as I love cats.) I also love your black-cat needlework, but the cat-pee story brings back far too many malodorous memories. I'm glad you got it finished and cleaned; and Medlyn accomplished his goal: You'll NEVER forget him! ;-)

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    1. Diane Henders: Medlyn was (mostly affectionately) also known as bucket bladder. A bladder he used to chastise us. I still miss him and would have remembered him even without that stunt.

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  54. Oh my goodness EC. If you're not creative I don't know what that makes the rest of us! You deserve a medal for working on the "Medlyn" (meddling or something else?) tapestry.

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    1. Kim: I wasn't going to let him win. And I wasn't going to let the hours I had already put into the tapestry go to waste... His name came from the street we got him from (and he was a meddler).

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  55. Love your frogs! My King says "hi!"
    You made this?! Wow!!!
    You are so creative and I love that man!
    Nice you have fond memories of your MIL.
    I see why Ingo does not want a cat (but I do still!).
    Sweet, beautiful birds.

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    1. Iris Flavia: I have lots of fond memories of himself's mother, and think of her often. I hope you can share your life with a cat. Medlyn was much loved and is missed. Still.

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  56. You made all of these? That's amazing.. so beautiful.
    Love those birds!

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    1. Hena Tayeb: I did. There are more too. I hadn't realised just how many till I started wandering round with the camera. We love the king parrots too.

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  57. Ooooh! Delightful! I love the things you've made, I don't know why you say you're not creative. Please don't iron the frog quilt...it looks like ripples in the water.

    Haha, Medlyn saw cats, and he was jellis!

    I'm happy to see the birds are making babies. :-)

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    1. neena maiya (guyana gyal): What a brilliant reason not to do the ironing. Thank you. We are thrilled that the birds are having babies - and that they bring them to visit.

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  58. I especially love the one you made for himself's mother. I think somethings carry more love than meets the eye. Your birds are beautiful. Hope you're doing well :)

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    1. Purple Assassin: She was thrilled with it - which made the work involved more than worth while. And thank you.

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  59. You are so talented. Not only are you a bird whisperer, you create beauty outside the home and in. Are all those needlepoint? And you created a statue too. Wow, Sue. I'm in awe.

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    1. Sandra Cox: Thank you. Please save your awe for the creators/designers. I follow (a long way behind) in their footsteps.

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    2. I can't believe I forgot to mention how much I love that duvet. It rocks! And yes, it's obvious that the design is frogs. AND nope. Not saving my awe. You are awesome:)

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    3. Sandra Cox: Thank you. I am very, very pleased that you can see my stylised frogs. It was a challenge to make but I am pleased with it (something I rarely say).

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    4. I love it.
      I like frogs;)
      Hope your day is as special as you.

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    5. Sandra Cox: Many thanks. 'Puter/internet issues made yesterday frustrating. I do hope that today is better.

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    6. I hate it when that happens.
      How are those birds today? Any eating out of your hands?:) And isn't that the most awesome thing in the world?

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    7. Sandra Cox: The technology issues continued yesterday, but we were interrupted (often) by king parrots demanding sustenance. Which was a very welcome interlude. And yes, it is amazing and we never tire of it.

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  60. Oh those parrots are beautiful. And you, girl, are very, very creative. And ironing? What is that? Love the frogs on your bed. xo

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    1. J C: Thank you. Aren't the king parrots gorgeous?

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  61. It's like a gifting process these lovely things we make or not but give to loved ones and friends and how so often they find their way back to us and we're gifted by their memory and those moments we shared with them. I had that same regifting so to speak when my mother in law from my first marriage passed just this year. I can't forget to mention how beautiful all these images are too! Enjoy your week. Take care be happy!

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    1. 21 Wits: You are right. And those memories ARE a gift. A generous one.

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  62. Great birds and I love your doona!

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  63. Your artistic abilities just blows me away. I specially loved the flowers in the vase and the framed cats. Also, a quick question - How you came up with the name as Elephant's Child, I am curious.

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    1. Bhavana Varun: Welcome and thank you. My blog monnicker came from a story I grew up with as a child: Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Like the Elephant's Child I suffer from insatiable curiosity. The story of how the elephant got his trunk is one that I can still recite great slabs of from memory.

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  64. Me encantado saber de estas habilidades artísticas que tienes tan creativa, de las que me gustaría destacar el tapiz de los gatos, y el que le hiciste a tu suegra que en paz descanse, también me gusta mucho.
    En cuanto al edredón te voy a ser sincero, con 36ª C. de calor, que tenemos en estos momentos, cuando he visto el edredón me he echado a temblar. jeje.
    Un cordial saludo, y que disfrutes de una linda semana, estimada amiga.

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    1. Manuel: Many thanks. When our temperatures get to 36C again that quilt will be long gone from the bed. At those temperatures even a sheet can feel too much.
      I hope you find some cool respite in your week. Stay well, stay safe.

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  65. E C. Minnie my twelve year old pussy cat loves me to bits and I return her affection, I have been told by others it is called trust. BTW do you really comprende Espana ?.

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    1. Vest: I am glad that you and Minnie love and trust each other. And no, I don't speak more than a very few words of Spanish. I really on google translate.

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  66. Wow, you are CERTAINLY creative. I couldn't make any of those things if I tried my bestiest best. The frog duvet is nice. Everything is nice. And I'm glad one piece you gifted made its way back to you. The sentiment adds to the already high value.

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    1. mail4rosey: Thank you. You are underrating yourself though - these pieces needed patience and persistence rather than creativity.

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  67. Very creative, EC! For once its a tie between outdoor photos and indoor ones, and only a super talented person could do that. I'm awestruck by the duvet and totally see the frogs! Your artworks are lovely.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose: Thank you. I am glad you can see the frogs. My mother couldn't (and didn't like the colours).

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  68. Oh WOW...how CAN you possibly consider yourself not creative? All of these works of art are absolutely fantastic!! WOW again! You have such amazing talent...and I am deeply in awe...😊😊
    That frog duvet is the most unique I have ever seen...I just can't stop gazing at it. 😮
    I love the King Parrots too. Such beautiful birds, unlike any we have here. Thank you so, so much for sharing!😊😊
    Have a super day my dear friend, and I really hope you feel better.
    Sending oceans of love and hugs ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

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    1. Ygraine: Thank you very much. I think the reason I don't consider myself creative is that these pieces almost all rely on other people's creativity and vision. Colour by number springs to mind. I hope that you too are feeling better. Huge hugs.

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  69. I am impressed ... you have created some beautiful tapestries. Some, like the cat look real, like a photograph. Beautiful, Beautiful, Sue. And is that you feeding the parrot from your hand. You are not afraid of a quick nip ... I have been grabbed by a parrot and it is not pleasant. But, I must say your parrots are beautiful. As to being uncomfortable in tight, crowded spaces, I am afraid of that and of heights ... would seem to be very limiting, but I haven't missed out on anything I would have wanted to do, so guess it is okay. Glad you are doing well. Thanks for always stopping by ... don't know how you have the time to take care of all of your followers, but you do one fine job of it :) Stay well and safe :)

    Andrea @ From the Sol

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    1. Andrea @ From The Sol: Thank you. I am the photographer rather than the feeder in these shots. Both of us have been nipped occasionally, but it is worth it. And yes, the King Parrots are beautiful. Very beautiful.

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  70. Wonderful artwork and I love the colorful parrots.

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    1. RasmaSandra: Thank you. We have had a damp day today and the King Parrots have been stopping in for sustenance - and brightening the day considerably.

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  71. i am touched with story about your mother in law and how she wanted your art with her dear EC !

    you have a lovely heart and i can see it through your splendid and beautiful creations :) each has power to touch heart so deep so for me you are so creative .
    parrot are so cute and how amazing they are as friendly even not pet to you just visitor wow
    thank you for making my day friend!
    blessings!

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    1. baili: Himself's mother was lovely. I am still really, really glad that I was able to give her such pleasure. She took another piece I made with her to the nursing home too. And yes, the king parrots are very, very welcome visitors. Demanding but welcome.

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  72. Oh my goodness-you have created a lot of beautiful pieces! I think it is wonderful that your mother in law chose one of your pieces as one of her few items to take with her. How special!

    Thanks for sharing all your pieces with us.

    Yay- the King Parrots visiting sounds like such fun. Beautiful photos.
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~Jess: Thank you. I am still really happy that she chose my pieces as some of her few items from home. And yes, the King Parrot visits ARE a joy.

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  73. Your artwork and stitch work is beautiful! And you MADE THAT SCULPTURE???? Wow! Please join in on my art date lol! :))) The quilt is lovely, I really see the frogs!!!

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    1. Rain: I did make that clay figure. More than forty years ago now. And huge thanks. I am so glad that you can see the frogs - not everyone can.

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  74. Your handwork is so lovely. I wish I could see it close up. My late wife did cross stitch, mostly to give away. I did manage to keep one. And I have two done by my youngest daughters that they gave me for Christmas when they were 13 and 15 respectively.

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    1. The Blog Fodder: I am so glad that you have at least one piece made by your late wife - and love that you have the pieces made by your youngest daughters.

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  75. Love the doona cover! You are certainly very talented!
    How cool to see the king parrots for the first time, especially with their young!

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    1. Veronica Lee: Thank you. The King Parrots are always very welcome here.

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  76. I never stop admiring a parrot.
    Hugs

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  77. orkokki: Neither do we. We welcome them with open arms (and filled seed trays) whenever they drop by.

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  78. EC you are talented girl! Gorgeous items you made! Love the frog duvet and the statue, actually love everything! Love your King Parrots! Big Hugs!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: Thank you so much. And yes, we love the King Parrots too. They are coming every day at the moment - which is lovely.

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