It’s been a long week since my the family’s number one family member (or at least I like to think he was) passed away. It’s sad to say that my little Marley had a few struggling days prior to his passing that left my parents and i heart broken. I understand that to some it may seem strange to be quite attached to an animal that isn’t a normal household pet. But as my mum still says he brought our family “such joy” with that cute little butt of his and that adorable face that looked up at us for food. I’ll admit, till now, I still miss that scratch by my window in the morning telling me he’s up and is ready for breakfast. Not sure if I did my duty as an owner as I never taught him how to jump or climb or chase after little animals. He stayed in his home area in the backyard and never really left after a while. Even with a hole under the fence, he never got curious. He was the baby of the house and I don’t think any other animal could ever quite replace his sweetness embedded in our hearts. We had our fair share of tears but we’re good now. Mama is good and I’m good and even dad misses him which I’ll always find strange.

And my goodness I still don’t like my neighbour very much as we stood there for Marley’s burial, having our moment, and my neighbour knew exactly what we were doing. Yet, he takes his dog and brings her to us and doesn’t even have the decency to let us be for at least 10 minutes. So uncool. 
Anyway, I don’t care much for him anyway. Dad and mum thought of getting new babies and yes, even my dad allowed -still, I can never understand. So yesterday, we introduced my dad to two new hyper-energenic and rather clever babies. I’m sure to post later about them along with some pictures too. 

It’s Jay’s EP. It sounds amazing and I urge you to buy it on Bandcamp

Mmmm… in any occasion and whatever the day, dad will simply put together his camera and equipment and take a photo or two. Though we can never get them right and he refuses to stand anywhere but in direct sunlight unless sneered at, I think that’s just how our family works. A remote and a timer to capture a family of three in the same arrangement, faces and smiles. Dad’s collection has grown and though it can be a pain, I’m thankful that he takes all the effort to do all this, whether his skills are up to scratch or not… or never.

Yesterday was mother’s day. I think it was probably one of the best ones I’ve celebrated that I can remember. My mama received a pair of Bambi pyjamas just as a small gift of gratitude and all she’s done is strut the house in them. Though it’s not much, to her it’s more than enough. I took Peter, his mum and sister to Enjoy for the morning to celebrate and honour the mums and women. It’s a privilege to know that they had enjoyed themselves and loved the service too. Ahh… the mamas… they’re so lovely.

I think we can all agree that our mama birds are absolute supermums. There’s really nothing else that describes them most accurately in one word. They have had their fair share of challenges as we’ve grown up to know them and somehow, hey still manage the load they work with everyday. Without complaint! Well… most of the time anyway but I mean, they deserve to once in a while. A family with a provider is complete when there is a supporter. And I’m so thankful that my parents still hold that union for the love of each other and our family. In honour of our supermums, I would like to just say thank you. Thank you for your love, wisdom, motivation, strength, faith and… oh I could go on. But we are all blessed by you and through you and no matter the distance, we will always love you.

Though there are rarely any trends I really like to follow, whether I like them all or not, I’ve recently been eyeing dresses with white collars for this season. This dress from Choies is some serious eye-candy with it’s sweet pinspot detail and white roses. The dress somehow reminds me of a barefoot, picnic or a wander into a strawberry field. I’m quite fond of tulle and the dress itself.

Sorting, sewing, cutting, ironing, counting, checking, pinning, wrapping, sending, tracking and writing are pretty much what consumed my morning following through to the afternoon. There’s nothing like strutting into the post office with piles of bags that are ready to send out to customers. Recently, I’d like to say that this Bluebird’s feathers have been really busy and in some cases I’m actually enjoying it. In others, not so much. But I did treat myself to my new copy of Frankie Magazine. I managed to enjoy some skittles on the side and watched the new episode of Supernatural and a couple of new Awkward. ones along with some reruns of New Girl. You know, prepping up for tomorrow when the new episode releases. Relaxing right now is a good feeling. 

Don’t forget to swing by our nest and check out The Brown Sparrow’s new site. All designs while stock lasts. 

here

A rustle of leaves disturbs the moss-endured paddock, puncturing into the silence of a rich meadow. Small grunts echo out from the woods as a little pink creature scampers out and slowly finds itself lost in a mossy field. More rustling follows and a lady in her dirt-stained nightgown appears from the trees running after the piglet. Barefoot with brown hair flowing down to her waist, she gracefully walks towards a cry and calls out “George! You silly piglet. You’re quite lucky I ran after you. You’d be all alone and lost in the woodlands.” She bends down to see his snout covered in dirt, smiling as she rubs it off. She picks him up and sways him around as if they were dancing. Enchanted by his happy jumps of small grunts she quiets down and stands still. Realising she was not in a place familiar to her own, she searches the trees and looks around curiously. Wriggling her toes, she looks down and sees them buried into the soft cold soil found all around. Wandering here and there, over the small boulders and under the shade of an old leaf-less sycamore tree. No evidence of another’s presence, confused but very much aware of the life in her surroundings, she begins to yell. She yells at the top of her lungs until she begins to feel fits of laughter echoing off the wall of trees around. She puts George down gently and recomposes her posture only to fall on her back onto the supple ground below. Biting her lip in excitement, she covers both her eyes in case this was another one of her whimsical dreams and opening them to find the exact opulence of green surrounding her once again. Scheming adventures to explore further into the woods far beyond. 

She hears a faint calling from behind the trees. They seem to be approaching very closely. “Flooooooraaaaa… Flooooooraaaaa. Where aaaaaare you? Floooooraaaa” the distinct voice begins to sound too familiar and so she sits up. More dirt rubbing into her gown along with green stains on her back. “Lily?” She whispers. Entering into the meadow she catches a glimpse of Flora’s figure within the grass. “Flora! Flora!” She holds her own night gown to reach Flora on the ground. “Lily, how’d you find me?” Flora asked. Puffing from her short run she replies, “Not entirely sure. I had been searching for you for a while now and saw a path I hadn’t taken which I thought I should follow and I know that seems dangerous but I didn’t really have a choice and I couldn’t find Jasper to help me out so I went on my own instead and—” struggling to catch her breath “-and I’m sorry”. Standing up, Flora takes hold of Lily’s shoulders to ease her breathing down. Flora looks around once again it’s much darker now an a glint of the sky’s gloomy orange flare seeps through the treetops. A slight fog beginning crawl around them. “You know Lily, this place is beautiful when the sun is out but we mustn’t keep the dark company now. Perhaps we can return tomorrow and I’ll show you the things that I saw.” Lily nods in agreement feeling threatened by the cold of the dark. Flora ensures her with safety as she flashes her bewitching smile. They both turn around and headed back into the trees. Lily picks up little George and with each foot behind the other, the three venture home. 

In a couple of months time it’ll be back to uni I go. I’m super excited to return into the hectic life of study and assignments (not). But it will be something to get these feathers busy all over again. Books, lectures and more and more writing. Just the thought excites me. In the meanwhile, I’ve always been a great fan for stationary but I’ve always been so careful to abstain myself from buying anything out of impulse. So no stationary for me than what I’ve already got but I am willing to replace my old backpack that is fraying and tearing all over the place. Unihood has plenty of leather accented pieces with classical colours that I’ve been looking for -for years. Casually I’d find them around the city but I’ve never considered paying $400 for one to be honest. I’ve been looking for flat zipped bags and have always been fond of buckles so I think I’ve found the right place.

Our friend who moved up to Queensland a couple of years ago came down to visit for a week to stay at her brother’s house. And since she’s around, we thought to shower her with our company since we’ve missed her completely. Not to mention we all envy her sunny coastal home so it’s good that she experiences Melbourne weather once more. We had some fun taking turns with the camera and mucked around with it after The Brown Sparrow shoot which wasn’t too serious anyway.

I’ve started my collection of skinnies for the coming season as I promised myself I would. But that doesn’t mean I’d be ditching my dresses entirely. However, I’m really liking the sound of warmth and comfortability in basics and a good old jacket to shield me. I want this red woollen one for a casual set and it can join the parka in my closet. 

Casually Warm by thelittlequirks featuring skinny leg jeans

Top, skinny leg jeans, tote, Habour - Boots - Novo Shoes

here

Ben couldn’t keep still as he stared down at the dim-lit screen of his phone, awaiting a prompt to unlock it and type away. He crosses his arms atop of the counter only to separate them and scratch his head with slight vexation. Beside him sits an empty cup with a scarf on the seat left behind by its owner, perhaps never to be collected. Out the window and tied to a bench is an unkempt terrier, distressed and aware of a nearby dog approaching. Once at ease, his shivers began to slow down and though his eyes are barely noticeable, Ben felt the mutt glaring at his direction and somehow felt rather uncomfortable with the confrontation. A buzz vibrates through the bench and Ben’s phone faintly lightens up. Finally, what else would it have been but a message from Anne.

Anne: Hey Ben! I had no idea it was going to take me this long to get there. Kinda never taken the bus before until now. I hope I haven’t kept you waiting or else I’d feel awful :S

Wriggling his thumbs around aimlessly, thinking of a quick reply he tilts his head and strokes the back of it.

Ben: Anne :) I thought you take your bike around with you? Also, how’s the bus for you then? And actually, I’m still a couple of blocks away anyway so I’m not waiting at all.

Send.

A quivering thought shot through him as he realised that she could have been lying too. Perhaps, she hadn’t really taken the bus at all, in hopes she’d get there before he did. Unsure of his own decision to lie about his arrival, his phone buzzes again and he straightens himself.

Anne: Actually, I lent it to my neighbour this morning so I’m sure she’ll be returning it tonight. The bus smells and there’s a man sitting right at the front and I’m assuming he’s fallen asleep because he looks like he’s about to fall into the isle! Ha. Oh, I think I’m almost there Ben :)

“Almost here…” Ben muttered to himself. 

Ben: Take a picture! Show me. Oh And cool, I’m pretty much here now. I’ll just wait for you by the window :)

Send.

Correcting what he felt was his mistake, he put his phone down and sat behind the window, staring at the restless terrier distracted by cars passing by. Squinting his eyes with a curving smile, he thinks about what Anne might be wearing today and how she would have her hair. The barista approaches but only to take the used mug beside him and leaves the scarf unnoticed. As he stares down at the pavement below the window he spots a familiar pair of moccasins heading towards the door. A pause. The small pair of feet walk up to the dog and a hand reaches out to pat him before resuming in her direction. He turns his head and there she was closing the door. Her hair tangled around her face, struggling to tame it back to her shoulders. He remembers Anne mentioning her favourite pair of jeans were fading by the knees and he notices the stain on her grey shirt that she wore last Monday. Someone had ‘accidentally’ wiped their tomato something onto her sleeve. He smiled at her choice in a comforting ensemble, walking towards him returning the gesture. As she greets him with a hug and hello, she pulls the stool out and without even a glance, she slides onto it and off the scarf falls. Delighted in her company, he leans in to see her prove a man almost falling off the seat of a bus. And there they were, in all his contentment.

I’m not exactly set for winter but I’m readily anticipating the days until it does arrive. Frosty mornings and overcast days are fast approaching and I’m yet to buy my sweaters and coats! Oh and my pair of gumboots that I’ve been waiting for like hmm… forever to actually buy.

Take Me For A Walk by thelittlequirks featuring a gloverall

Sheer shirt, 36 AUD / Gloverall, 640 AUD / River Island black jersey skirt, 15 AUD / Hunter boots / Backpacking bag, 135 AUD / Dickins & Jones real leather belt, 40 AUD / White Mountaineering Patterned Knitted Cotton-Blend Socks, 53 AUD

Image here

-Morning-
I suppose it’s not so early now but it sure was when I got up out of bed to perform some of my daily routines which then I decided not to return to the comfort of my bed. Instead, I stayed in the kitchen reading issue 62 of my Yen mag which I purchased for the first time yesterday. Some of the content is ‘mint as’. It’s like a shinier version of Frankie with less stories, more illustrations and pretty pictures. And exchange of messages took place and my mother and I had some small chat about how her placement is going.

-Thoughts-

• I’m still contemplating on whether I should make my way to work and purchase some more fabric for the tartan skirt I’m working on. 
• How long is it going to take for my mum to get ready this morning?
• Such a shame that coat I saw online yesterday sold out in my size. I’ve never been so into green like that before.
• When will my next door neighbour’s dog stop howling? Probably never as she/he does this daily. Sometimes I even feel sorry for the little one.
• I’m excited about the fabric Jeric and I picked for our pockets last night but I feel like I should do a little bit more browsing for it. Spoonflower has such pretty fabric.
• Please nature, I hope it’s not today.

-Day-
I don’t think I have plans today. I mean, if I don’t make my way to buy myself more material, I think I might stay at home and read all day. Another peaceful day to myself. Or… if Peter has finished my beanie he’s been knitting for me *fingers crossed*, it could be a live show today.
Plus, I might just continue window shopping online. Sadly, that is a part of my daily routine.