I knit shit

The Best of 2011 in Pictures

2012-01-02T09:43:00.001+11:00

I did't think that I had many happy memories of 201l, however; looking back over the photographs I have taken, it is kind of easy to dismiss the shitty stuff and enjoy the good parts.

The good parts include but are not limited to; Crafternoon Tea, Bangalow Road Trips, Woodchops, visits to the park, new tattoos, breakfast with friends, parties and makeovers.

For Courtney

2011-09-02T20:44:00.002+10:00

a day in the life..

shooting my friends new shop

and little miss gets and award :)

when inconsiderate people ruin your therapy

2011-07-11T07:10:00.003+10:00

Things in my world are moving along slowly and I, with the help of my therapist

are gently moulding me into a stronger human being.

We are walking in baby steps, but they are defiantly forward... well they were until Saturday.

My mother, knowing that it was a weekend I didn't have my kids, and knowing that this is a particularly difficult thing for me to cope with, decided to take me to the next town over to look at a quilt and art exhibition, clearly she knows me well.

Creativity = Awesome distraction for Lisa

We wandered around admiring the unbelievable talent from members of our community.

Under Water 3d Embroidery

Vintage Braids

Felted 3d Fairygarden

My FAVOURITE 1930's flowers.

Until, I turned the corner of the next aisle of work...

I stopped

Vomit rose up in my throat

I was nauseous

There were no words

Just 10 weeks of feelings welling up inside me

10 weeks of working HARD to get well again

there hanging on display for all the Valley to see...

MY WEDDING QUILT

hanging there like nothing had changed

how could someone be so inconsiderate

to think that it would be OK to hang such a personal item

on public display.

And an item no less that represented a union that was now

past crisis point, past recovery point

just plain past.

I am thinking of passing on my next therapy account........

This is how we roll......

2011-06-22T19:22:00.001+10:00

Knittin'

2011-06-18T15:15:00.002+10:00

Yep that's right folks,

I cast on a new project at the park today,

and until i returned home i had

completely forgotten that it is

World Wide Knit in Public Day !

oh and i wanted to show my new bling off

this was a get well/get smiley gift

from one of the girls at work !

Citrine and Silver

Preparing for Cast On

In the beginning.

Extreme Ferry's and Lollyshops

2011-06-07T19:32:00.003+10:00

Two ferry rides and a trip to Maclean and Yamba.

Result = Fun, Lollies and....

AN OFFER TO EXHIBIT MY ART!!!!

stay tunes for more details....

Journaling on the Inside

2011-05-23T13:49:00.002+10:00

What I did, saw and wrote @ the LDU.

18/4 - 10/5

Planking for Beginners

2011-05-23T07:54:00.002+10:00

Ok; so i am not usually one to follow trends like the rest of the herd,

but how could i let such a "non-statement" such as planking pass by without

at least photographing some planking action.

Tri-level Plank

Dali Inspired Plank

Two-tier Plank

Fresh Ink

2011-05-19T21:35:00.002+10:00

Fresh Ink

We're all mad here - circa 15/4/2011

Alice - circa 30/4/2011

what in the world happened to Lola?

2011-05-11T15:44:00.003+10:00

where have i been and what have i been doing?

I have been absent, from my blog, my mind and my life for a period of time now, but i am happy to report that i am back on track now, albeit a different track than i was on before.

my new track involves a new diagnosis - bipolar II disorder,

a 3 week rebirthing process, in a mental health facility,

a marriage separation,

shared care of my children,

and the inception of a beautiful new friendship.

I will admit, it has been a bumpy ride and there have been many ups and downs in the last 8 weeks, it has not always gone to plan. I have learnt that once a chapter is written, it can not be unwritten, that sometimes you just have to end the chapter, and move on to the next one, start a fresh and just keep writing because things can and will improve.

I am becoming a master of my own destiny, i want to write a happy story, one filled with adventures and journey's and light and love.

My new chapter starts here:

Stick around if you want to find out what happens next...

More Art Journaling

2011-04-03T15:00:00.003+10:00

i have been spending my evenings indulging my creative self and reviving my soul.

Today's Playlist

2011-03-13T14:43:00.004+11:00

Images from my week away 7 - 10 March, 11.

Clicky Clicky for Youtube Videos !!

Fidelity - Regina Spektor

Whole Lotta Love - Led Zeppelin

Fake Plastic Trees - Radiohead

Close To Me - the Cure

The Waitress - The Waifs

I wanna be your Joey Ramone - Sleater Kinney

exposed...(not a photographic post)

2011-03-12T21:13:00.002+11:00

i feel exposed

vulnerable

and clinical again.

my mind works me into crazy places

i can feel the black waves coming again

and this time

it is my fault

i put myself there.

i feel like i am standing, naked, shivering, in the dark, yet everyone can see.

they don't point

they just watch me drown...

1 month

2011-03-01T20:01:00.003+11:00

It's been one month.

My little princess has been a kindergarten- er for 1 month.

This evening I took the opportunity to have a quick flick back through those important

first day of school photo's I* captured.

Goodness me, we have come a long way in 4 weeks.

4 weeks ago - she could write her name, that was about it , a little bit of copying words, but more out of enthusiasm than anything else.

NOW, she can spell words out on a page using nearly every letter in the alphabet,

can add items that are illustrated on a page, and can read 8 sight words,

I, DAD, MUM, LITTLE, BIG, HERE, A & IS!!!

She is excited and enthusiastic about reading her home readers each night and is already bringing home library books and "reading" them.

I am a proud mummy!!

The night before, she had her uniform and backpack ready to go.

Ready to leave, little brother just as excited as she was.

At nanny and poppy's, getting a bit nervous

With Mummy

Market Sunday

2011-02-21T07:06:00.002+11:00

Ashby Markets and Sweet Vintage in Yamba

What an awesome Sunday Morning.

Things that made me smile today:

Henry Miller books - $5

Coffee - $4

Chocolate Lips - Complimentary

Alice Cooper - Priceless

Cloud Staring and Butterfly Chasing

2011-02-19T20:18:00.003+11:00

My soul feels revived after spending the afternoon

lying on a blanket staring at the sky and chatting with my beautiful friend Flick.

We munched on Chokito Cookies

and watched my 3 children (3,5&33)

catch butterflies in the bug catcher and play on the equipment.

Saturday afternoons just don't get any better that this.

a sunny saturday

2011-02-12T18:41:00.003+11:00

with not much to do, or should i say while procrastinating on cleaning all the things today,

i enjoyed a latte @ Gym Beans with Felix and the kidlets, then we headed to the park for some fun, lollipops, jellybeans and crochet. Ahoy!

In celebration of an amazing day of friendship and adventure !

2011-02-11T19:39:00.004+11:00

What a fantastic day, books, antiques, boutiques, treasures, food, chatting, laughing and sharing.

there was a schedule; however it was only loosely adhered to.

our first stop was the Maclean Rotary Book Fair - SCORE= 1 BOX of books $5 for Lola and a bag of books for Felix.

Books @ Eclectika, Maclean

second stop was "on the bite"

a delightfully warm and inviting cafe on the main strip in Maclean

- SCORE = 1 x skinny latte for Lola and 1 x skinny flat white for Felix

Skinny Latte @ On the Bite, Maclean

we unswiftly followed out coffee with a visit to "OUR" favorite gem of Maclean "Eclectika"

when Lola became engaged in taking photo's of the unique and beautiful store and Felix engaged in a deep and revealing conversation with "Eclectika's" owner about food and restaurants of the area only to discover that said owner, once owned and ran the most successful restaurant in our region. the things you discover when on an adventure in your own back yard !

Felix @ Eclectika

stop number three, Bangalow and lunch at "ate" OMG the most delicious food.

- SCORE = Pumpkin and burnt spinach lasagna and Organic Lemonade for Lola

hmmm i can't recall a delicious looking pie with crispy brown pastry and an Organic Lemonade for Felix.

Felix deep in the pages of a cookbook @ Ate, Bangalow

Then we wandered the streets and boutiques of Bangalow

giggling, enjoying and embracing the culture of doing not very much.

I have had the most amazing day!

Saturday Creative Space

2011-02-05T19:44:00.001+11:00

My little nook of creativity on a Saturday afternoon.

JD goes to (pre) School

2011-02-01T18:29:00.005+11:00

My little man started "big" little school today,

and was very excited to be doing so.

He did find his backpack a little heavy

(more on that below)

When we arrived he headed straight for the playdoh table and set to work,

like he had been going there forever.

and when i arrived home from work this afternoon, this is where i found my big boy,

exhausted for his first big day at pre-school.

JD's awesome pre-school sent home a great memory page

it's titled "My Day"

and it includes a list of the things JD did today

- JD likes the bathroom. JD spent a long time washing his hands with soap. JD did this often thoughout the day

- JD was so hungry this morning that he went and found something to eat and sat on the verandah while the other kids played. ( see there was lots of food in that bag)

- JD spent a long time playing with the train set with T, L and H.

- JD showed everyone his big muscles at talking time

- JD sat with H and J to finish his morning tea

- JD is great at waiting his turn

- JD showed everyone that he could sing "Where is Thumbkin" by himself ! WELL DONE JD!

- "I just think pre-school is a crack up" JD said this afternoon.

no tears just BIG smiles from JD and Mummy !!!

Family Lovin'

2011-01-31T21:13:00.003+11:00

Saturday Evenin'

Pizza in the Park

Good, wholesome, old fashion, family fun!

Crafternoon Chaos

2011-01-29T20:18:00.003+11:00

Valentine's Crafternoon of delight

Featuring:

Little L

FelixExplody

and

Lola

downloadables from:

Kiddley ( Paper Dolls and Little People);

Creature Comforts ( Tea Note Flats )

KaiserCraft Digital Freebies in Gypsy Sisters

Australia Day McStyle

2011-01-27T20:36:00.004+11:00

..catching shrimp to help catch fish..

...reeling in the big ones with daddy...

..kickin' around in the water at Wooli...

.....chasing away the fish daddy is trying to catch..

...and just generally rockin' out on a public holiday

Day 22 - Darkness

2011-01-22T19:55:00.002+11:00

I missed a shitload of days, i am not good at rules...

i took this while i was on holidays, it is a fairly good representation of how i am feeling today.....

Day 11 - Why i don't believe in religious figures

2011-01-11T19:43:00.004+11:00

Having a few quiet moments thinking of those who lost their lives in Toowoomba yesterday, while watching the water of the Clarence River fill the paddocks behind our house.

Floods in Qld, NSW, fires in WA.......

GOD if you do exist summer break is OVER get off your arse and sort this shit out!!

View from my verandah at 7am - 11.1.11, - 4.82mtrs @ Prince St Gauge

River breeching the banks at 1.15pm - 11.1.11 - 6.0mtrs @ Prince Street Gauge

The view when i arrived home from work 4.45pm - 11.1.11 - 6.62mtrs @ Prince Street Gauge

Latest Reading - 5.15pm - 6.7mtrs @ Prince Street Gauge

Day 8 - Bitchin' New Wheelz

2011-01-08T19:43:00.002+11:00

Day 7 - Fluttering By

2011-01-08T19:36:00.002+11:00

Day 6 - A drive in the clouds

2011-01-07T13:34:00.002+11:00

Day 5 - Uralla's Hidden Gems

2011-01-07T13:32:00.001+11:00

Day 4 - Let them eat cake

2011-01-07T13:30:00.001+11:00

Happy Birthday Tara May !!!

Day 3 - New Shoes

2011-01-03T18:13:00.002+11:00

Day 2 - The long awaited..

2011-01-02T21:17:00.002+11:00

Picture of my children together !!!!!!

Every parent, photographer or not knows how difficult it is to capture

that on perfect image of your children TOGETHER.

you know the one WITHOUT silly faces, closed eyes, fake smiles, tears.....

i did it, i finally captured that PERFECT photo.

Day 1 - Happy New Year

2011-01-01T16:43:00.003+11:00

Welcome to 2011 @ iknitshit

i am kicking the year off with my snapping buddies by participating in "a photo a day"

Today's photo was actually shot last nite, we are holidaying in a sweet little seaside village at my Grandparent in Law's beach house with aunties, uncles, neices, nephews, grandparents etc etc. it's a full house and a family that i am over joyed to be a part of.....anyway back to the photo, as is customary while holidaying at the beach we take family walks after dinner or as it happens this year - bike rides.

New Years Eve is no exception, my little people just love the salt air and the sun.

Christmas Lights

2010-12-13T20:19:00.001+11:00

took a drive around town last night checking out the Christmas lights with the kids !!

sometimes i wonder...

2010-12-09T20:40:00.001+11:00

..if i am a single mother of three.....

Crafty Delivery

2010-12-08T17:30:00.003+11:00

I love a good crafty delivery, today in my mail box - a delivery of paper craft bits and pieces.

Hanging @ Minnie

2010-11-21T21:51:00.001+11:00

Hanging out at Minnie, awaiting the warm weather.

Historic Buildings

2010-11-19T18:12:00.001+11:00

I just adore old buildings

if only the walls of these beauties could talk

what amazing stories they would tell.

Interesting Things

2010-11-14T18:55:00.002+11:00

After a busy morning doing a photo shoot with the gorgeous little Bailey.

I returned home and we decided the pack up the car and take a trip to a little village about 30 minutes away.

Nymboida was just a blip on the map until last year when Russell Crowe decided to buy the local pub and build himself a museum.

"The Museum of Interesting Things" is really just a place for Russ to store is excess wardrobe I am sure, with most of the "interesting things" being costumes and props from his movies.

And obviously Russ only has a small garage at home because he has park a half dozen of his personal motorcycles at the museum too.

But there is something a little bit special about this museum,

something a little bit personal, you see, my dad is a car man...... no that is an understatement, he is a car NUT, you see my dad owns a Robinson Jaguar, it is his pride and joy, I don't know a lot about cars, but I know I like this one, it's red and it's shiny !

The kids were very excited to see "Poppy's Racing Car"

although Lillian was reluctant to have her photo taken with it

(she was distracted my the mannequins in the stage coach, after we had just explained the process of taxidermy and the giant horses pulling Russ's Gladiator Carriage, she was a bit concerned that the people had been taxidermed too ! )

ParkLife

2010-11-13T21:55:00.002+11:00

I jus tlove a good saturday afternoon at the park with the husbeast and the kids!

to see my favorite photo pop over here to my photography blog

100 Stars !!!

2010-11-05T20:39:00.005+11:00

Miss Lilli has been working on her star chart all year.

She earnt stars for good manners and for helping others,

for setting the table and clearing up after dinner, tidying her room,

helping pack her school bag each preschool day,

and other efforts she made throughout the year both large and small

Her self determined goal was 100 stars, her self determined reward, Seaworld.

Well last week, Lilli made it to 100 stars,

and not a parent to go back on my word

and wanting to give her the reward in a timely manner

i booked in to take a flex day and we took

Miss Lilli and Mstr JD to Seaworld yesterday

and i don't really know who had the most fun ...... i think it was ... me :)

I took ALOT ( 281 ) of photos and of course

i can't show them all here, so here are a brief selection from the day.

why you should not take your children to work..

2010-11-02T16:45:00.003+11:00

... because the co-worker who's chair you tied all the balloons too that were left over from safety week last week will offer said balloons to your child, and you child will not be able to refuse the delighful gift that said co-worker is offering and will accept with a squeal of ecstacy, you will have to shove the ballons in the rear of your station wagon and use only your side mirrors to navigate your way home, and once home you will be requested to "take pictures of me mummy, with my lovely ballons, please mummy, i love them, i feel like a bug"

Boys and Toys

2010-10-31T12:40:00.002+11:00

Took JD to check out the Grafton Aero Club Jacaranda Rally this morning.

I think he wants to be a pilot...

She's a Poser

2010-10-25T17:48:00.001+11:00

Oh dear.. look what a photography obsessed mumma has created.......

a little poser

Jacaranda

2010-10-24T16:46:00.001+11:00

Jacaranda Childrens Party

2010-10-23T16:52:00.003+11:00

Inspiration comes in many forms

2010-10-19T19:38:00.002+11:00

Images from an inspiring weekend with the most amazing women i know xxx

BEES!!!

2010-10-18T20:34:00.003+11:00

While i wish i could claim credit for these awesome shots, I can not.

My amazing hubby captured these images this afternoon as a swarm of buzzy bees moved into our front yard.

the sweet melody of tears

2010-10-17T08:45:00.003+11:00

there are no words, only tears for the lost beauty of the sweet tunes she once played

all the pretty things ...

2010-10-16T21:21:00.002+11:00

....at Em's house

Something that makes me smile

2010-10-14T20:31:00.003+11:00

a REAL yarn store in the Northern Rivers !!!!!!!!!

The delightful and talented Elissa from Evoke Yarn and Fabric has opened a delightful little store in Carrington Street, Lismore, NSW.

I was blessed enough to be able to attend on opening day - it was a wonderful morning and i was very impressed to see soooooo many people in the store, so many infact, i whipped i said my hello's, bagged some yarn and and left to grab a coffee.. (not before having a champers of course)

Selfie day

2010-10-13T18:25:00.000+11:00

JD turns 3!

2010-10-10T20:06:00.002+11:00

My little man is three!

where did the last 3 years go?

It feels like just yesterday that the Dr was retreiving him from my womb and placing

a perfect little man with a shock of black hair on my chest and into my arms for the first time.

We have had some ups and downs in those 3 years,

but everytime he pulls through, he is a tough little bloke my JD!

I love you buddy xxxx

Pearls of Wisdom # 6

2010-10-06T19:47:00.002+11:00

a favorite that still gets air time at casa de la mcphee

there are no stupid questions

just stupid people

Pearls of Wisdom #5

2010-10-06T19:37:00.002+11:00

Sometimes

being

bitch

all

woman

has

hold

onto

Pearls of Wisdom #4

2010-10-06T19:34:00.003+11:00

today's pearl of wisdom is bought to you by the letters A,N,G,S,T and the number 1

I wish that i could sleep

but i can't lay on my back

because there is a knife

for everyday that

i have known you

Pearls of Wisdom #3

2010-10-06T19:24:00.002+11:00

kicking dead whales

down the beach

is a slow, messy

and difficult process*

*no whales where harmed in the coining of this phrase it is a metaphor

Pearls of Wisdom #2

2010-10-04T20:40:00.003+11:00

so one of my favorite movies in highschool was called Gia,

it is the life story of Gia Carangi, one of the first "supermodels",

she was interesting, delightful and dangerous,

lots of sex and lots of drugs.

She died from AIDS, a disease which at the time was an unknown..

Gia had an interesting take on life..

life is like a book,

a book is like a box,

a box has six sides,

an inside

and an outside,

so how do you get to whats inside?

and

how do you get whats inside out?

Pearls of Wisdom #1

2010-10-04T20:25:00.004+11:00

one of my favorite things to record in my notebook was quotes

movie quotes, song lyrics, friends quotes, short sentences that captured moments,

things that inspired me or that i could relate to.

reading back on some of them - they are quite profound.

so i will shed my skin and share some of these pearls of wisdom with the world

Nothing in this book is told as it happened

only as i remember it

History

2010-10-03T17:12:00.004+11:00

a long time ago i keep a journal, only i didn't call it a journal, it was just a note book i carried around constantly, i scribbled, doodled, wrote, whinged, raged, cried, laughed and shared with the paper all the thoughts and feelings which i had no other way of expressing.

It was highschool, so it was angsty, angry, mushy, misguided, illinformed and my favorite way to say fuck you to the world, without the world actually hearing.

I got it out ans started reading it yesterday, it bought back memories, so good, some bad, some my mind had completely misplaced.

I had tears running down my face as i read some of it, and truth be told, on the inside i am still and angst ridden 16 year old, with a chip on my shoulder and the desire to understand the ultimate question - Why?

My sketch book looked like this:

it has some unfinished doodles in it...

My sketchbook had a motto on the first page:

sometimes i wrote around hte page, not down it...

there are bright colours and dark thoughts

most of all in the pages is me, just me, how i was and how i will always be

10 Pin Bowling !!!

2010-10-02T16:49:00.002+10:00

what do you do on a rainy saturday morning with a 2yo and a 5yo???

GO BOWLING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So much fun - huge congrats to Lilli who won on 90 points, JD how came second on 76 points and poor mummy came last on 68 points.......and i was actually trying !!!!!

Miss Lilli turns 5 !!!

2010-09-28T06:32:00.001+10:00

My little girl is 5!!!!!

Miss J turns 5 !!

2010-09-26T19:23:00.001+10:00

Birthday Party, Big Chair and Bubbles = AWESOME

MORE RENO's

2010-09-19T20:24:00.002+10:00

Floor finish going on...

TA - DA ( yes there is more painting to do but we already had the floor sander booked :) )

RENOVATIONS !!!!

2010-09-19T19:59:00.003+10:00

Farewell 1968 shagpile carpet........ i will miss you .

CAUTION - Lady with handtools !!!

Look - carpet, staples and carpet strips - GONE!!!!!

mmm look - the wallpaper is already dying to get off the wall

Glenn gives it a help along with the steam machine

Busy doing my homework wil Glenn patches the nail holes in the walls

Undercoat goes up !
GREEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Floor is sanded.... YAY

Spring into Skinner Street

2010-09-04T16:38:00.003+10:00

Finally the revival of the Southside is complete !

This morning was a morning like I remember spending in South Grafton in the 80's, it was reminiscent of the old " Carnival Capers Wednesday"

Markets, community cheer, fun, frivolity, dancing, delicious food, delightful coffee, families, music, love love love !!

a quick snap of Miss Flick the preserve queen watching the cooking demo

Family McPhee
Craft Display - sign balancing delicately on a quilt that was made by my husbeast DAD !!!
Go Da, you are my hero !!!

JD Checking out the handicrafts for sale

Glenn and Lilli enjoy the streetscape

crossing our fingers for spring

2010-08-29T20:17:00.004+10:00

we are so hopeful that the warmer weather is just around the corner we stole away this weekend and had a family weekend at Minnie Water,

joyously joined by my dear friend Tara and her family.

JD digging in the sand.

Mummy & Lilli -

Walk not in my footsteps, but beside them,

hold not my hand, but my heart

The McPhees and Mitchells - catching beach worms

Lilli and her pippi "Butterfly"

Sand Sculpture

Spinning Camp

2010-08-22T17:20:00.003+10:00

YAY Spinning camp !!!!!!!

huge shout out to Em, Emm, Courts, T, Eryn, Becky and Mabs - thanks for awesome times!

Even huger shout out to Miss Ellbell - i missed you sooooo much, you humor, your smile and your drunken slurs xxxx i love you miss xxx

My Special Little Guy

2010-07-29T18:14:00.002+10:00

My special little guy is growing up, today was his first day ever without a day sleep, a sign that he is turning into a big boy :)

Sunday in the Park

2010-07-25T15:05:00.002+10:00

An afternoon at the park with the kids and Glenn = Delightful, I sat in the sun knitting for a while as they played on the equipment, then we took a stroll around the ducks pond and feed them some bread.

JD is becoming such a character, posing and pulling faces when i take photos of him; and miss Lilli was as coy as ever!

New Crafty Digs

2010-07-15T14:16:00.003+10:00

Celebrating my new crafty digs, my kido's evicted me from my giant craft room in to the

ex-nursery!! it's not all bad, i have had a chance to go through all my things and make som semblance of order!

So a preview of the new room .....

My fave pic ever - My Fraternal Grandparents wedding photo

Mmmmmm Bobbin collection !!

Fabric+Books= Heaven

My new workstation!

Still here just busy

2010-07-10T17:46:00.002+10:00

Wow, possibly my longest hiatus from my beloved blog.

But rest assured, i have be busily crafting away :)

I have been spinning - like this delisious black, yellow, orange, pink combo

And this squaoohalisiousness from The Bird and the Fish < 3 you Jo xxx
And knitting too, i finally finished my Ishbel, i made an error on section D :(
you can't really tell when it;s on so i left it that way,
happy to get it off the needles and onto my neck :)
The stunning yarn for this project was purchased from my
bestest friend Courtney at The Inner Stitch the colourway is called " the Writer"

Lachlan Valley Railway

2010-05-29T20:25:00.001+10:00

Last weekend the Laclan valley Railway Steam train visited Grafton, we decided to take the kids on a 2hr steam train ride, it was fantastic !!! my little brother tagged along to which was lovely !

Don t just sit there

2010-05-17T20:11:00.000+10:00

DON'T JUST SIT THERE !

2010-05-17T18:08:00.004+10:00

I have a confession to make

It has been 7 years since my last pap smear, this in not something I am proud of, but i loathe the speculum and scrape so much i made many efforts to avoid it until my dear sweet knit nite girlfriends convinced me to go and have one.

I am so glad they were so persistant and that i finally went and had the dreaded test on the 29th of April and thought no more of it.

At 5.45pm on the 4th of May my phone rang and my heart dropped, it was my GP telling me that my Pap Smear results was back and showed some abnormalities and he wanted to see me first thing in the morning.

Dr H was fantastic, he explained everything to me and that i the i had a High Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions ( HSIL ) and that he was going to refer me to my OBGYN for a colposcopy and biopsy. The following day i went off the the OBGYN and he explained the colposcopy procedure, what would happen, how it's done and why it's done and booked me in for Wednesday the 12th to have the procedure done.

I had to wait 6 days, in this time of course I stupidly consulted my friend "Dr Google", who of course is of no help as he is not a real Dr, but at least i knew what we were looking for the grades, the prognosis and all the other details about the procedure i was about to have and what to expect.

Now, if there can be one highlight to this story it is this - seeing your own cervix on a big screen TV, i mean WOW, unfortunantley my cervix was not looking terribly pretty :( the lesion is quiet large about 2/3 - 3/4 of the surface, now with out getting gross about it they spray an acid solution, which is basically white viniger onto the cervix as a pre-prep then an iodine solution which stains the healthy parts of the cervix dark brown and leaves the lesion/s yellowish, it's quiet fasinating really.

Now however i began to really worry, having seen the size of the lesion and it's nastiness, and after several nights of worry and anxiety that was making me physically ill, i decided to go to the GP and get some sleeping pills, knowing that it would be another 4 days before i would have any conclusive results. To my suprise the Dr informed me that he had recieved a copy of the results today, i burst into tears, i wanted to know but i didn;t... he put his hand on my shoulder and said " Everything is going to be ok, it's not cancer" and i cried some more.

I have CIN-2 which is Cervical Intraeipithelial Neoplasia it will require some sort of treatment but i won't know what this treatment will be until Thursday when i see the OBGYN.

I am relieved but the reason i am sharing my story is to encourage all women to ensure that they have a pap test every 2 years, don't just sit there !

DON'T JUST SIT THERE !

Blue Ruby Hex Blanket

2010-05-15T11:44:00.001+10:00

Mothers Day

2010-05-09T20:26:00.002+10:00

I love my Mum !!

Grafton Show 2010

2010-05-01T12:47:00.004+10:00

Last night the family and I went to the 144th Grafton Show :)

As always i had some entries in teh Handmade pavillion and came away with a 1st for hand spinning and a HIghly Commended for my Green/Noro Cardi ! YAY Me !!

The kids had an awesome time riding the kiddies rides

Jarvis my big Biker boy with a Vintage " Indian" Motorcycle, he thought this was so gas !!!

He was a little afraid of the baby animals, they were

stampeding for the cup of food that daddy had.

Lilli on the other hand has obviously picked up some animal handling skills by hanging out on the farm with poppy on a regular basis :)

and if anyone is wondering where i get the crazy from, yeah , it's my mum !

Romance

2010-04-24T20:44:00.004+10:00

My gorgeous husband took me on a date today, we left our kids with Nanny and Poppy for the afternoon and went and saw a movie and had dinner out, the fisrt time in months we have spent time alone and it was wonderful, we took a walk on the jetty, held hands and laughed together, i feel truly blessed to share my life with such a great guy :)

what i learnt from Courtney B

2010-04-11T22:02:00.005+10:00

For my birthday this year Miss Courtney gave me a beautiful hand made photo album, after spending the morning crafting with her today i returned home and decided it was time to begin putting my little families memories in to order.

Miss C these are for you my dear xx

Easter

2010-04-05T16:22:00.002+10:00

My little ballerina

2010-03-30T06:30:00.003+11:00

Lillian started Ballet this year and she really enjoys it. It has really bought her out of her shell and she is more confident in herself. Usually parents are not allowed to watch the classes but yesterday we had a special invitiation to watch the class, it was special

Black Rainbow

2010-03-28T07:25:00.003+11:00

Another FO for Miss Lilli, a Black Rainbow, Rainbow Dress. I was lucky enough to score this gorgeous yarn on destash, it is simply stunning and little Miss LOVES it :)

Silk

2010-03-20T09:00:00.002+11:00

My lastest spinning FO for the delightful Emily, 302 mtrs of delish 100% mulberry silk

Girls weekend the Pictures

2010-03-10T19:39:00.003+11:00

Oh how i love a weekend away with my knit girls and yes we really did knit on our weekend away

First stop Tangled Yarns to visit the beautiful Kel and stock up on supplies, i <3>

This is my Ouch face, while getting my new tattoo on my back, silly Lisa wore a dress to the tattooist, lucky for me "corpse" had a great sense of humour and was happy to tattoo me in my granny knickers or out of them so he said ....

Chantel looking a little lost and dejected as we await breakfast and 11am on saturday

Jayd being as gorgeous as ever

Vonnie - try wiping the smile off her face - 3 days no kids = bliss

Vonnie happily displaying her choc filled eggs

B munching on a delicious Caramel Slice

My mouth watering Chocolate and Raisin Brownie

The girls admiring the treats at Joclyn's Pastiserie

2010-03-07T19:45:00.002+11:00

Sunday Baking

2010-02-28T18:06:00.004+11:00

At the request of the beautiful Kel K

Mrs Mac's Banana Bread

Ingredients

1 and 3/4 cups of Self raising flour

1/4 cup of Plain flour

2/3 cup of brown sugar ( firmly packed )

2 - 3 over ripe bananas ( if they are huge cavendish ones use 2, if they are lady finger, which are my fave use 3 or 4 )

1/2 cup milk

2 eggs lightly beaten

50gms butter melted and cooled

1tsp Vanilla Essence

50gms of crushed walnuts

Method

Pre-heat oven to 180C - Grease and line a loaf tin

Sift flours into a large bowl and stir in sugar

combine banana, milk , eggs, butter and vanilla in a medium bowl

Add banana mix to the dry ingredients and toss in the walnuts

stir until just combined ( the mixture should be just moist and have lumps in it)

Bake in oven for 45 - 50 min ( at 30 min mark, remove from oven cover with foil and return to oven foe remaining 15 - 20 min, this allows the top to brown but not get burnt !!!)

now get it out cut off the end slice, smear it with butter or honey and ENJOY !

*please note i forgot to stir in my walnuts so i sprinkled them on the top !!

A selections of Finished Objects

2010-02-27T16:21:00.003+11:00

My new blog

2010-02-14T09:35:00.001+11:00

I have created a new blog to exhibit my photopraphy work so that i am able to maitain this as my daily life/knitting blog. If your interested in my photography work please come and visit me at The Black Cats Name is Lola and become a follower !!

A FO and a WIP

2010-02-10T20:55:00.003+11:00

A Slouchy Hat for Me for my bad hair days, made from 12ply Inner Stitch Organic Merino

A Sweater for Lillian as a reward for learning how to write her name independantly

Annie Turns 18 !

2010-01-31T20:28:00.004+11:00

DH's cousin Rhiann turned 18 this week so you know what that means - yep - PARTY and in the usual family style, it's not a party til everyone hula-hoops - with very special thanks to Dani who is the Hula Master for showing us all her moves and letting us all have a go :)

Dani the Hula Master showing us her stuff!!

Auntie Caz

Rhiann - The Birthday Girl

Daz

Rae (SIL)

and even the husbeast had a shot at hula !

Lisa's Most Desired

2010-01-28T19:24:00.005+11:00

A Majacraft Millie Spinning Wheel

( obviously no-one is going to fork out the money required to purchase a new wheel, but some donations would be appreciated and i PROMISE i will sell the Ashford Traveller if i have a Millie)

Ewe Give Me the Knits Gift Voucher or Custom Dye-Up

A Tangled Yarns Gift Voucher

A Spun Out Fibre Store Gift Voucher or some Maude and Me Fibre

Spin Control

Giving Up the Last Days of Sylvia Plath

The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath

A Custom Made "LoveStamp" necklace or bracelet

with an inspirational quote and my kids names

or anything delish from L'Occitane

Hint Hint family!!!!!!! it is my birthday soon, order now to avoid the rush !!

Ok i hope that helps with inspiration

just another day

2010-01-26T09:53:00.000+11:00

Weekend Away

2010-01-25T18:27:00.003+11:00

Knitting By Lisa - Photo by CourtneyBiscuits by Amanda
Floral Arrangement by Mabs - Brownies by Amanda

Tea Cups by Ellie

Vintage Book by Burnetts Books, Uralla, NSW

New Specs

2010-01-19T17:00:00.002+11:00

Check it out !!

serious Lisa

Party fun time Lisa

Lillian

2010-01-10T18:08:00.004+11:00

Just beacuse so is so beautiful and is begining to enjoy playing "photo's with Mummy

the year that was

2010-01-04T08:56:00.002+11:00

Ella

2009-12-26T20:07:00.006+11:00

My gorgeous neice, so beautiful, so photogenic and so damn fun !! Aunty Shelley ( SIL ) and Aunty Lisa took her to the park on christmas day to take some photo's of her in her new outfits !!!

Holiday Post 2 - Australia Zoo

2009-12-20T10:48:00.005+11:00

And my favorite display of all............. HUMANS in CAPTIVITY

Holiday Post 1 - Underwater World

2009-12-20T09:08:00.005+11:00

Ok so there is not a terrible lot to write except that we had a fabulous time on our recent holiday to the Sunshine Coast. Our first Day trip out was to Under Water World at Mooloolabah. I'll let the photos tell the story

And Just for "scale" sake, and to prove what GIANT fish these really are............