Happiness is:

1. Crossing something off the to-do list – especially when it has been sitting on the list for over a month. I’ve finally listed some new prints from the show at Hudson in my shop:

2. And a GIVEAWAY!

One free print of your choice from my shop (choose from any in this category) and one mini-cushie of your choice (choose from Owl, Peg Bear, Woodland Girl or Woodland Boy).

If you’re interested, please leave a comment on this post listing one song that always, never fails, to get you in a happy state. Leave the comment by midnight on Sunday, 9th November (AEST), and I will draw the winner (via random number generator) on Wednesday, 12th November.

A Week of Happy hosted by Pip.

A couple of things that made me happy today:

1. Admiring the “Field Guide (Tennessee)” print from Dolan Geiman recently received in the mail. Absolutely stunning – just need to find the perfect frame. It was packaged so nicely too, with some additional goodies and a very sweet handwritten note!

There is so much I love about Dolan’s work: the subjects, the use of mixed media, the skilled re-use/up-cycle of materials, a distinct sense of rawness, warmth, fun and un-preciousness mixed together. Here are just a few of his amazing pieces:

[Construction from the Songbird Collection; Venetian Wallpaper mixed-media collage; Country Fair print]

His website is here, shop is here and his blog is here. Thank you Dolan, Ali and Danny for the kind words about One Red Robin too :-)

2. Proof reading samples of my patterns put together by Pattern Press before they go into full production . . . whilst sitting on the floor eating strawberry ice-cream . . . and a copy of Craft’s latest issue nearby (all about Green craft).

3. Ava enjoying her first orientation session for Prep at the school she will be attending next year.

5. Excellent customer service and friendly staff. There are 3 places in the city that I frequent often when I am in need of a coffee or a sweet treat – despite other alternatives – simply because the staff are fantastic, know me by name, and know what I want to order before I even say anything (yes, I am a little bit predictable :-)).

A Week of Happy hosted by Pip.

. . . on my desk.

Off to work, back soon!

Edited to add -

Pip has just kicked off “A Week of Happy“. In the current climate of gloomy predictions and uncertainty, it is a good time as any to remember the things that make you happy and to share it with others. I couldn’t resist joining in.

So here’s my first post for the Happy Week. Lots of little things make me happy. So, on my desk at work:

A good cup of coffee and a sweet treat (in this case, an already half eaten vanilla yo-yo) brings a good portion of happiness into my day – especially when consumed just before going into a 3-hour workshop!

Join in here.

But not to be eaten together :-)

Thanks to Angela for the theme this week: “This is . . . a favourite recipe I would like to share“. Firstly, I must admit that I am a terrible cook – I have no passion for cooking. I will cook only because I have too – it is not something I enjoy. Of all the acts of domesticity, it is at the bottom on my list, right next to ironing clothes :-) (Baking, on the other hand, is something I do enjoy). So I am always on the look out for quick and easy recipes that do end up tasting great.

I recently stumbled across an easy recipe for Thai Green Chicken Curry and it’s a hit with hubby – meaning it’s definitely a keeper! I made up a batch last night and it was heartily enjoyed – though too hot/spicy for the kiddies. (And my apologies, I am also a terrible photographer of food . . .)

Green Chicken Curry
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 500 g chicken, cut into strips
* 1/2 cup of chicken broth
* 2 tablespoons green curry paste
* 1 (400 ml) can coconut milk
* 2 tablespoon brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon fish sauce
* 200 g green beans

Directions
1. Heat up sesame oil. Fry chicken until golden.
2. Add curry paste and chicken broth and let simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so that the paste is mixed in well.
3. Stir in coconut milk, fish sauce and brown sugar.
4. When well combined add green beans.
5. Let simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve with Jasmine rice.

In non-cooking news, I finally finished up a Patchwork Seahorse – a sample for the the Pattern Press booth at the upcoming AQM:

Mostly made of Japanese fabrics and this very cool Letterhead print from Aunty Cookie.

These two Peggies were also completed and are on their way to the USA for a crafty book due out late next year:

Thanks so much for your lovely comments on my last post. Each one provided me with an extra boost of motivation and energy – 6 weeks and counting!