We Cut the Giant Pumkin!

A while ago at work, a giant pumkin was harvested. We, as they say, Here 'tis! Looks a bit like a brontesaurus steak, doesn't itI took home just one slither, even though there is still a pumkin plague in my back yard. (Never could knock back a freebie). That slither has made three meals so far, and there is still a bit left.

Kamishibai Story Cards.

We're all very excited in this part of the world. I have just completed my part in a shared project. My friend, Jackie Kerin, storyteller, had this beautiful Kamishibai box made by our mutual friend, Ted, master-craftsman. Kamishibai is a Japanese word for Paper Theatre. Traditionally sweet sellers would travel from town to town on bicycles, with these boxes attached. They would throw sweets on to the streets and call out to the children to tell stories. They would usually finish the story on a 'cliff-hanger' so that the children would look forward to their next visit. The box opens out to make a miniature theatre. A series of story cards are placed inside. They are pulled out and placed at the back as the story progresses. And my part in the project? I got to illustrate the wonderful Hans Andersen story of The Princess And The Pea. We've tested them on various kids, and also various big kids. We have been given the thumbs-up by all. Here are some of the cards.

Jackie has also illustrated some cards herself. These are of her own stories, the tall Aussie tales of Split-Dog. I think she has a few other artists cooking up some goodies, too. Stay tuned.........

Some Exciting New Workshops and Classes.

Nicole Mallaieu has just released her new catalogue of all her latest courses and workshops. There really are some fabulous offers, so be sure to check them out. But Wait......... There's More.......... I'm running one of them.

Read all about it here.

It is a six week, comprehensive course that will have you drawing like a pro in no time.

Edible Art.

Ahh harvest time. A gardener's greatest reward. These hot little numbers look fabulous on my lime green kitchen wall. They will keep for up to a year like this. All it took was a needle and cotton to thread them together.

Newport Lakes Bush Dance.

Last Sunday's bush dance at Newport Lakes was a fabulous affair. A fun time was had by all.

Highlights for me were the wonderful acts performed by some of our talented locals.

Working as a team to put on a great show. Having a laugh on stage. Putting our musical skills to use. Watching people enjoy themselves, dancing and having fun.

Storytellers Jackie Kerin and Dave Davies.

Some extremely talented younsters. And quite possibly the tallest and the smallest fiddlers in the world,
on stage together!

We already knew that the big feller can play. He is, of course the inimitable Greg O'Leary. His little mate also did a stirling job. Michael Stewart accompanied them on keyboard, and the whole show held us all spellbound

After the show, our lovely Swedish girl, Annette plied us all with shots of schnapps. As is her custom.

We all went home exhausted, but happy. Another splendid event brought to you by the Newport Folk Club.

Artichokes- Three for a Dollar.

When I mentioned to a friend that I had put two Jerusalem Artichokes tubers into the garden, she hastily told me to take them out. Put them in a pot, and a big one! They will take over.

Oh that's fine, plenty of room in my small, suburban back yard.

Well, look how big they grew! All from two small tubers.

The tall boy wouldn't pose for a photo. Apparently he's sick of being used as blog fodder. And sick of being used for height reference. So his lovely friend Hannah hopped in, as well as my own beautiful daughter.

Anyway, the girls are both quite tall, and much prettier than the young feller. Much better models all round. I really should have had less sons and more daughters.

Only joking, of course. I love my boys to bits. They are both quite sweet in their own way.

Its Pumkin Time!

Pumpkin vines have been growing every where at my place. Up the trees, over the shed......... There are even whole pumkins hanging from branches.
So we have been living on a staple diet of pumkin soup and home made bread.
Some things you just never get tired of.

Bush Dance at Newport Lakes.

This Sunday, 20 March, the Newport Fiddle and Folk Club are holding their annual bush dance at Newport Lakes. It will run from 4-7pm.

It is always a fabulous event, in a glorious setting. If you haven't already been to Newport Lakes, you must go. The site of an old quarry that has been re-vegetated, it makes a perfect natural ampitheatre. You would swear you out in the bush, when in fact you are in downtown Newport.

As you can see, we have been practising our fingers to the bone. We're all very excited about it, so come along and join us. Bring a picnic, a blanket or fold up chair and your dancing shoes. Enjoy the ambience, listen to the music of Newport Bush Orchestra and some other fabulous local entertainers.
There will be face painting for the kids. Loads of fun for the whole family. Hope to see you there.

Open Stage, March 2011

Newport Folk Club's monthly Open Stage night went swimmingly. We met some new performers, and enjoyed their music. It was a great mix of regulars, newcomers and a few people trying out new stuff.

Simon kicked off the evening with a selection of his own songs.

Next came Sile (that's pronounced Shiela, there is a squiggly thing in her name, but I don't know how to make the computer do it). This lovely girl, originally from Ireland, now from Fairfield, sang us some of her own songs and one by her Mum.

Alan got the place rocking with Summertime Blues, Love Potion Number 9 and then ditched his guitar for a uke for his next number.

Gordon and Bill played us some beautiful instrumentals.

Zerafina gobsmacked us all with her amazing voice and original songs.

Dave treated us to some Hamlet.

Next was Kayde, followed by Nam, with their fabulous original songs.

Leonie, Rob and Alan did a few numbers and then Chris and Christine arrived on their home made Indian.

Chris tinkled the ivories for us and then they rode off into the sunset.

Michael ended the evening with a few of his favourites.

All in all, a mighty fine evening.