Sunday, January 5, 2020

2020...A New Year, A New Decade


A beautiful New Year welcome to all you lovely lovelies♥ Auld Lang Syne has wafted softly off into the final moments of 2019 and January has arrived. A brand new year, a brand new decade. Here in Australia it has been a devastating beginning to the year. Catastrophic fires are raging; combusting and consuming everything that lay in their path. Nothing thwarts their progress. So, so many towns have been decimated by raging bush fires. It seems the progress of the summer inferno cannot be stopped....they are just too extreme. Although bush fires in Australia are not new during the summer months, this time there are fires raging in every state. Never has this happened before on this scale.  Fires raging all at one time is unprecedented. This year the fires are bigger spreading in multiple directions, engulfing all before them, wherever they will. What is needed is for the heavens to open up, to cut through the dense, smoky canopy and inundate the country with a deluge of drenching rain. But the forecasters say that is not likely to happen for a while yet. 

Though at times my little place has an umbrella of thick smoke looming above, we are fire-free. There are fires here in Tassie, but thus far not to the extent as being experienced in mainland Australia. Would you believe the smoke from Australian fires has wafted over to New Zealand....unbelievable, really. Regardless of what is happening elsewhere, our little garden is  flowering beautiful surprise after beautiful surprise. There is no lack of water here....one of the reasons why we decided to up-sticks from the cacophonous, concrete jungle of Sydney and deposit all our goods and chattels here, in this little corner of the world. As I sit in the garden, to drink in the beauty before me my mind cannot help but wander to those who have no such place to sit, to gather their terrified thoughts and reflect, and be safe. They are caught up in the grief, confusion and displacement of communities that happens when you lose all that you own. At the moment, all they see is the total destruction of their homes, the loss of their animals, their livelihood; some even the loss of loved ones. Also, the Australia fauna whose habitat is the bush, the sweet koalas, kangaroos.....so many have perished. So, so very sad. I read today that 1/3 of Australia is groaning with fires. Hopefully, the  weather conditions will improve  and the exhausted firefighters and volunteers who are on the ground will be able to stop the fiery 'jaws of hell' progress.

My friend, about whom I wrote my thoughts on what our homes mean to each one of us here, is once again packed ready to evacuate at a moment's notice. My friend didn't rebuild but bought another property. The costs and legislation to rebuild where they were was just too prohibitive. Another life long friend of mine evacuated her home that she and her husband built over forty years ago, a couple of days ago and though fires swept up her road, randomly choosing it's targets, everything.....her beautiful home, sheds, caravan etc etc are still standing. Amazing really!! So, very thankful that she and her family can once again go back to her home and pen many more chapters to her home's story. 

Here at my  little place I have begun my new year with the fashioning of a birthday present for a beautiful friend. She and me enjoy birthdays a few weeks apart. Why, we are 'twins'! Twins that only a mother could tell apart. =) I wanted to fashion something specially for her, so I decided upon a bag. A bag oozing pretty, velvety fabrics,  ruched ribbon flowers, swirls and twirls of ribbons, vintage laces and a vintage butterfly broach. My friend is a gal who loves fashion and always looks as if she has just stepped out of  a fancy boutique, where in fact she has time after time, stepped out of an op shop with some gorgeous pretty peeking from her handbag. You see, my beautiful friend is one of those gals who has an intrinsic ability to throw together an ensemble and look like a million dollars. Every time we meet I love to see what delectable outfit she has thrown together. She never fails to make me smile with the outfit she has concocted.

As I wanted to fashion something especially for her, I decided upon a bag. A bag oozing with pretty velvet fabrics, ruched and swirls and twirls of ribbons, vintage laces, tassel fringing  and a pretty butterfly. So, as I always do I gathered together a smattering of pretties that I could perhaps use....to play with, and then when an eye pleasing arrangement magically happened I pinned each pretty down to the bag and began to hand stitch.






My friend loves her little bag. Soon, she has a wedding to attend and her pretty bag will make it's first public appearance. Oh, and about the dress my beautiful friend will wear; why she has found a to-die-for concoction of a Laura Ashley frock in an op shop. And what did she pay for her one-of-a-kind frock?? $200?? $300?? Why.......she paid the princely sum of $10!! Can you believe it!! I truly do not know how she does it!!

Thank you for popping by my little place♥️ It is a place I hope, that each time you visit throughout this new year, a little beauty may be sprinkled into your day. As I sit here reflecting on these past few days I am reminded, I know not what tomorrow will bring. I know not what this year will bring. I know not what this decade will leave at my bright pink, front door. But this I know, I have God's grace to sustain me each moment of each new day.

If you are so inclined please keep those who are suffering such hardships, sadness and calamitous events, down here at the  bottom of the world, in your thoughts and prayers. There are several more months of summer down here, with no forecast of rain on the horizon. I fear it is going to be a very long, very dry and very hot summer.

Until the next time.......



Linking up this week to Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching as it is Sunday and I think I am in the mood to twirl and swirl a few lengths of  luscious ribbon and fashion some pretty flowers and leaves for my next new pretty.



55 comments:

  1. The bag you made your friend is just gorgeous dear Kim. As is everything you create. How special that you made her that beautiful bag. Yes the fires are just dreadful. We have a light smoke haze here all the way across the oceans & the miles. I cannot bear it when I see the news - all those poor displaced souls & the animals ... my heart breaks for them all. I pray for rain & for this terrible time to come to an end for them all my friend xxx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi,dear Kim! I am so sorry for the Australian fires and its consequences...Sending prayers for all of you. What a gorgeous bag,unique and charming! Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Although this post was not totally about stitching, I was hoping that you would link with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching, and tell how you and others are fairing both close and a distance away from the tragic Australian fires. It is heartbreaking news, but a reality. Lucky is your friend to have you as a 'gifted twin' who makes and sews gorgeous items that ooze with floral delights. Take care, dear Kim!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Kim,
    I'm so sorry to hear about the fires and loss of lives, both human and little furry creatures...and the displacement of so many precious lives...will pray and hope especially for rain...and safety of the fire fighters...that is a beautiful bag you made for your friend...take care and thank you for always making the world a beautiful place with your precious words and caring, love,Diana and boo...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello lovely Diana (and boo)♥ Thank you for the gift of your beautiful words. Yes, the fire fighters do the most amazing job. They go beyond the call of duty to protect people and their homes and businesses....and the bush. They must be exhausted. The logistical problems of these fires must be astronomical. I hear that fire fighters from the USA and Canada have come over to help with the enormous load. It is a most wonderful thing that the world is thinking of Australia, right now. We are such a small country, way down here at the bottom of the world that it is easy to forget we are here. Why, I read that Australia's fires had made it to the front page of the New York Times. I wish it was for a better reason, though. Kim Xx

      Delete
  5. Dear Kim, I will be keeping your beautiful homeland in my prayers. My heart breaks for everyone and the animals too. Your bag is absolutely a treasure and your friend is truly blessed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the prayers of many would be wonderful for all those who have been blind-sided by this catastrophe. Thank you for yours, lovely Gina♥ The magnitude of the destruction is unprecedented. So many little country towns that have been in existence for well over a hundred years have been decimated. Gorgeous, old buildings with fabulous histories and character that cannot be replaced. Now that you are blogging again I will have to visit you and see your lovely new home. Kim Xx

      Delete
  6. Hi Kim yes the fires are frightening and the damage is devastating,they need the rain badly,fingers crossed that their prayers are answered.
    Oh my this bag is gorgeous I can see why your friend loved it,the fabrics and lace are perfect,hope your day is a lovely one my friend xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a beautiful bag you have created for your friend ~inside and out! You are an amazing artist! I would love to see her dressed in her Laura Ashley frock and carrying that oh-so-gorgeous bag! The fires are just so dreadfully horrible. The news says the wildfires may have killed half a billion animals and plants, even many to extinction. It is my prayer that rain will come soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, a week of rain would be a most wonderful event, Mary. There are such dreadful images of dead animals on the TV....the roads are strewn with their carcasses; it is devastating. As for my friend dressed in her Laura Ashley frock with her pretty bag slung over her shoulder....she will look a picture. Kim Xx

      Delete
  8. Of course your friend loves this gorgeous bag, Kim. Well done, my dear friend.
    I am so sorry for Australian fires and let's hope that they will stop immediately. HAPPY NEW YEAR, sweetie.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Kim !
    Glad you started the Year far away from those terrible fires...We see on tv what it's going on in Australia...it's catastrophic...
    Lovely bag you made !!! Love it !!!!
    Have a great week !
    Hug
    Anna
    ps : the new decade start next year ;)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Kim, so sorry to see all the fires on tv. We all prey for everyone’s safety and a turn in the weather. Hope they can get control but it looks horrific.
    Love the bag your friend must have been thrilled to receive it. Have a wonderful birthday.
    Happy healthy safe new year.
    Love Kay cxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The weather has improved a little today which is a relief for the fire fighters and those whose homes are in the path of the fires. I think my friend loved her little bag. =) Thank you for your birthday wishes, Kay, it is on the 20th 2020.....kinda cool. May you have a happy, healthy and safe new year too, lovely Kay. KimXx

      Delete
  11. Lovely bag, I understand why your friend love it ;) Happy new decade to you!

    ReplyDelete
  12. That bag is gorgeous! Keep safe and our thoughts are with you and everyone on mainland Australia.

    ReplyDelete
  13. That bag you made is lovely. I have been watching the devastation in Australia and it makes me so very sad. I am glad that you are safe and I continuously pray for all the people and wildlife. How devastating.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Reports of the devastating fires in Australia are indeed widely shown in the US news. It is mind-boggling and so much worse than the California fires from last year. And to think that Townsville and the surrounding area were suffering from flooding due to the monsoons last year.
    The beautiful bag you created for your "almost win" must have delighted her.
    May you stay safe and may Mother Nature bring the rains soon to end the monstrous burning.
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  15. Gorgeous bag you made! I have read about those wildfires, just terrible. We in California have had this happening every year. Praying they get containment soon. Happy New Year though!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Such a lovely bag to take to a special event!
    Hoping for lots of rain for your country this year!
    And lots of stitching time for you!

    ReplyDelete
  17. The fires in Australia are scary and they remain in my thoughts. Your bag is so beautiful. Your friend must be special indeed to receive it, and it sounds like it is going to have a wonderful debut.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Happy New Year. I am so glad to hear that you are safe from the fires. I was wondering about that. I love the adorable bag you made your friend. It is so beautiful. I still have the heart you made in front of my desk and I just love it.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I just wrote you a mail Kim - thank God you are not engulfed with the fires! An immense tragedy, devastating... We are praying for you and hopefully everything ends soon.
    Last but not the least, I wish you a stunningly creative year filled with love, happiness and laughter!

    ReplyDelete
  20. So happy to read that you are safe from the fires. Prayers that the fires will be contained soon. Wishing you a New Year of always being surrounded by your love ones, the comfort of your home and the glory of your beautiful garden.
    God Bless
    Marion

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'm watching with great sadness the devastation of peoples homes and lives in NSW, VIC and SA The poor wildlife must be suffering so much.
    I do like the pretty bag you have fashioned for your friend, gorgeous colours.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Glad that you are safe from the fires. Prayers for a rainfall and containment of the fires. The gift you made for your friend's birthday sounds so lovely. You are one talented lady. Wishing you and yours a blessed,happy,safe and healthy 2020. God Bless.
    Marilyn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, lovely Marilyn♥ AND....may you and yours enjoy a blessed, happy, safe and healthy 2020 God Bless you, lovely lady. Kim Xx

      Delete
  23. Those fires are terrifying and no end in sight. I cannot begin to imagine the fear and distress this must cause in so many communities. I am glad that you are safe at least.

    I can understand that you swapped big city life for Tasmania. I love it so much when I visited in 1997, I could happily live on the island. Instead I ended up in Scotland, which is not dissimilar to some parts of Tasmania. There is still time

    I love the bag you made for your friend. It is at once playful, elegant and sophisticated.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Whole communities have been obliterated by these fires, Christina. One little town, with beautiful buildings that are over a hundred years old have all gone. These cannot be built with the same charm that they once displayed. Not to mention the heartbreak of the people who owned them...just so, so sad. How funny you visited Tassie all those years ago and ended up making your home in Scotland....what a small world it is. From what I have seen of Scotland in books and on the TV, your part of the world is glorious too. With all the kerfuffle over there in the UK at the moment you might want to think about Tassie, but then, there is our government to deal with and probably exasperate you. Perhaps home where you are is a better alternative. =) Re my friend's little bag...."playful, elegant and sophisticated" you say.....why thank you. Hope you and your family enjoy a great new year, Christina. Kim Xx

      Delete
  24. I just read another long blog regarding the fires and devastation. I cannot even imagine what it's like. I read about poor little Lewis that couldn't be saved and sadly there are so many more wildlife losing their lives also. Prayers for an end to the fire and for the first responders. The other blog said a plane arrived from America to help out. It does a heart good to hear how people from all walks of life and sometimes from all over the world, come together during a tragedy. Wouldn't it be beautiful if people did that daily when there wasn't a tragedy? I hope you and your friend, well everyone, will be safe. Some days bad things happen and you almost wish you had stayed in bed all day. My brother was hit by a car a couple days after Christmas and has a long battle ahead of him trying to mend. I'm sure he probably wishes he had stayed in bed or at least that he hadn't gone anywhere that day. God Bless....stay safe and continue to enjoy God's blessings. xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi Kim,
    So very sorry to see and read about the devastating fires in Australia. We--me and countless people from all over the world have been praying for rain, and apparently it is raining there as I type. I just saw a pic of firefighters jumping for joy in the rain.
    What a lovely bag you made for your friend.
    I'm happy you are safe and I hope the fires end soon.
    My best wishes to you and your family for 2020.


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's heartbreaking, Dixie, to see the devastation these fires have reaped. Yes, today has brought with it better weather conditions. I too have seen those images of the firefighters jumping for joy....they could do with a break. They are amazing people! Thank you for your prayers. The world is filled with beautiful people, such as you♥ May I send you and your family my very best wishes during this new year, too. Kim Xx

      Delete

      Delete
  26. Thank you for letting us know how you are doing in your little peace of heaven, dear Kim. Yes, it’s such a tragedy of how the fires have destroyed so much in your part of the world. Prayers are being said for for people, animals, homes and vegetation.
    You brighten our world with your pretty creations, and your “twin’s” purse will be the perfect accent for her ensemble. $10...what a steal! Maybe she’ll send you a picture so that we can see the total effect??
    God bless and protect you in this New Year of 2020. 😘

    ReplyDelete
  27. All the best wishes for the new year!
    We follow the news of the forest fires in Australia, how terrible and unprecedented and devastating they are. So much suffering that there is, we saw images of dead animals and people who lost everything, it is a disaster. We pray for rain and that the hell fires will stop.
    Dear Kim, what have you made a beautiful and exclusive bag for your friend, a special girl who can choose her clothes well.
    All those beautiful pictures, that is really enjoying.
    Hugs !!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The images being relayed are devastating, aren't they. I think they will burn for many more weeks, if months. Yes, to be deluged with rain would be a wonderful thing. Thank you for your best wishes and beautiful thoughts, lovely Loes. Many best wishes to you for the new year, too. Kim Xx

      Delete
  28. Your fires have been just horrid this year. It is just dreadful that the loss of lives and homes has been so high there. Our prayers have been with everyone. Your gift is stunning and will be treasured. The detail is amazing. You have such an eye for beauty.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Oh Kim, everyone there has surely been in my thoughts every day and in my prayers also, I have been praying for rain so hard. So thankful to hear that your friend and her home made it through ok, so sorry for all the destruction and loss of life both human and animal.
    your beautiful purse creation is just stunning and I am so sure that your friend will be so excited and thankful for your thoughtfulness and beautiful stitch work that went into this awesome gift!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. i am swooning over the bag, it really is the perfect accessory for a little black dress. is it a little black dress for only 10 buck-a-roos, it is what i imagined!!!

    we have been praying for you and everyone, 2 legged and 4 legged in australia and beyond. we have had so much rain, i wish we could send you some!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I have been following the fires there in Australia and it is just so heartbreaking! I am praying that relief comes soon and that God sustains all those effected by it.

    I love the bag you made for your friend! I love the colors and textures.

    And yes! God's grace sustains each and everyday! Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Annie, I know you know that God's grace sustains each and every day....how joyous! May your New Year be filled with God's beauty. Kim Xx

      Delete
  32. Oh the bag is so cute and adorable. I've seen lace flowers like that for sale on Etsy. I think should buy some and have them to use like you are, just here and there and everywhere. Yes, we all need to pray for Australians and these fires. It breaks my heart. I'm hoping to hear that some are contained soon.

    ReplyDelete
  33. What we're seeing on our news here in Canada about the fires is beyond heartbreaking and I'm sure we're not seeing the entire picture. I'm so glad to know you are safe and pray that will continue...as the prayers continue for your entire country. All you can do is continue to create pretties and try to not dwell on what's happening. Love and hugs to you my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I follow the weather forecasts and the news releases about the awful fires you are experiencing - so, so devastating. May you stay safe from harm and may your garden continue to bless you with beauty. The bag you made is truly exquisite; not surprising that your friend is over-joyed with it. My hope and prayers are for the rains to come - forecasts be gone!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am so happy to have the news that you are safe from the fires, although it is so so sad about the other parts of your country and the animals. There just has to be some beauty left after all this for when I finally make my trip there! The bag for your stylish friend is gorgeous. I can just picture her beauty just by the way you made her bag :-)

    ReplyDelete
  36. Kim, I hear about the fires in Australia every day on the news. It is so sad and so scary. But your post has really touched my heart.

    You do such beautiful work. The bag for your friend is absolutely beautiful. It's so unique, so special.

    Wishing you a very Happy New Year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How very kind of you, Melba....thank you so much. The heartfelt, beautiful wishes from all over the world, to those who have suffered such devastating losses, must surely help them to feel not so alone. May your New Year in that beautiful cabin of yours be a beautiful one, lovely lady. Kim Xx

      Delete
  37. Kim, your country has been in my thoughts continually with social media streaming so many photos of the ravaging fires and fauna fate. I will definitely add Australia to my prayer list. It is very sad to see. I am glad you are not currently in danger, and hope you will remain so. Beautiful bag for your friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Rita, for your beautiful thoughts. Kim Xx

      Delete
  38. I have been praying for all of you in your part of the world and pray that God shower you with protection, mercy and rain. The bag you made for your friend is gorgeous! What a treasure. I loved seeing your photos of your process of putting the beautiful creation together. Peace to you, Kim.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Kim - my heart just breaks for everyone in Australia that has been affected by the fires, especially the poor animals. We have some appreciation for forest fires here in Montana - they are uber scary and have an impact for many miles.

    Your bag is gorgeous - no big surprise there! I am glad you can experience some summer enjoyment at your home.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I am so horrified by the news of the bush fires in Australia, Kim. We've had some bush fires here and they were awful but nothing compared to yours. I hope that you are keeping safe. And also, I absolutely love the bag you made your friend, love the pink and black combo, she must treasure it.
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  41. The news of the fires in your country is appalling! So many natural beauties lost and so much pain at the beginning of the new year!
    But your lovely creation brings back beauty into this world. Congratulations, Kim!

    ReplyDelete