Over 100 years ago. The Cathedral Tower now lies in ruin. 

A week of profound sadness has almost passed. So many have been deeply affected by the earthquake last Tuesday, many lives taken, homes and livelihoods damaged and ruined, a city brought to its knees. Like many others I watched in disbelief the images on the news, and contacted family and friends there to make sure they were okay. The wait for their replies seemed to take an eternity but we knew they had survived within 48hours, or as one put it "shaken not stirred". A huge relief; for others less fortunate this has not been the case. 

It has made me pause and appreciate the things I'm grateful for; having a roof over my head, food in the cupboards, electricity, a toilet that flushes, but most of all the people in my life. I'm thankful I have children that are healthy and happy, for having my beloved to share my life and love with, good and bad, and my dear friends for their love, patience and encouragement. 

It will take years for the pain of some to heal and for the city to be rebuilt. It will never be the same, it will evolve because it has to. Hopefully the outpouring of love and generosity that continues to be shown will go some way to help in that healing and recovery. 

Acknowledge the past that shaped us, live in the present with gusto and look forward to the promise the future holds. Never lose hope.

xxx

  

Some of the lovely things about living in an old neighbourhood are the history of the homes, the plants that have survived many generations and the mature trees, and sometimes making new discoveries.

Hanging down above the clothesline was this mystery that I had never come across before. At first I thought it was a pear, but thanks to the wonders of Google I found out it's a Quince. The crop isn't huge, only six fruit hang down ripening in the sun, so I think I'll just admire them this season. Can you make anything with six Quince?

Life is just settling back into its normal rhythm. The children are all back to their schools for the year, three different ones so lots of different drop off and collections to do until my baby finishes kindergarten and goes to "real" school in July, which will make things easier for me. The house is quiet, just the sound of paws and claws on wooden floors as my new shadow follows me round from room to room, and the cicadas humming away outside.

This is a cover I made for my diary/notebook a few months ago out of some leftover calico, a fabric marker, and embroidery thread. I pulled it out from the depths of my bag a few days ago (it already has a few coffee stains so it's looking lived in) and realised it's been too long since I've played with needles and thread, so there's a new project in the pipeline.

About time I became a busy bee again. Day to day happenings take over sometimes and what I want to do gets lost along the way. I'm sure it happens to most of us.

But I wanted this year to be a year of harmony, so I'll have to make some harmony of my own. I'm off now to start searching through my ever growing collection of remnant fabrics, my personal stash of treasures.

xx