:: finding positives and putting my feet up ::

from the day that i started this blog i felt that i was fairly clear in my mind about what i wanted from it. i had been a long time reader of great blogs. i knew what i liked. i love gorgeous photos that capture moments in time. i like short narratives and i appreciate humour. it was on this basis that i threw caution to the wind and plucked up the courage to tap tap my way into the bloggy kingdom.
sometimes my blog has a purpose.

it facilitated a daily record of our caravan adventure. when we got home after three months on the road it was a gift to be able to look back at my posts and go back to the moment when those magical days were lived by our little family.
upon our return i converted my blog posts of the road trip into a book to gift to mr midge for christmas.we are all so thrilled with the result. it is better that any photo album with words and pictures of three months of exploration and adventure captured in 220 pages of glossy goodness.

on the other hand sometimes my blog is about absolutely nothing. sometimes it's about a rainy day at home with the kids, an afternoon playing games or watching movies or baking biscuits.
when it's about the simple things in our home life it's all about helping me to focus on a small but positive aspect of the day.
recently a negative comment made me question what i do in this space. it robbed me of my confidence and my purpose. it took away the pleasure of spending time here.
i have thought about it for the past week or so and have decided that letting another person's negativity creep in and invade something that you love is a waste of time.
this space was never about making an announcement to the world that i can bake biscuits. it is about loving my family and my home, my craft and my friends and  it is especially the bloggy people who understand it. 
and so it goes. i will continue to look for good things to blog. i will smile at the lovely comments and friendly emails that come my way from the blogging community. and i will try to develop a thicker skin when it comes to negative people who feel the need to spread their grumpy ill will.
on a lighter and much happier (and more positive) note we have been kicking back and enjoying the holidays here at club midge.

the new chook house has been constructed (well converted from it's flat pack state) and awaits some occupants.

 my dear brother hung my shelf in the crafty cottage giving me the impetus to get sorting and organising.

 and the same dear brother gave me this cheeky snail pot that he found abandoned on the nature strip.
it was grubby and had weeds growing in it but it scrubbed up beautifully to be the new caddy for my hooky friends.
i hope that you are finding some time to kick back.
i hope that your day is packed to the rafters with positive comments and cups half full. 

  and loads of homemade pizza for lunch.

Comments

[CurlyPops]

Why would anyone leave a negative comment for you over here? That is soooooo not nice!
Loving that amazing shelf!

[Bron]

You are right not to give into negative comments...there are so many that enjoy your blog and what you have to share.
Your travel book is amazing what a fabulous keepsake full of beautiful memories.
Look forward to reading along with your continued life journey.

[Kellie]

I'm so sorry to hear you had a not-nice comment. Cannot fathom the reason behind it.
However, I love the book. That's so cool. And that's one great chook house. Shan't show my girls - they'll be jealous.

[Kirsty]

Bit late getting around the blogs this week, but man, seriously? A negative comment about YOUR blog? Which is always so stocked with great photos and well considered posts? What the? I'm glad you've decided to make like a duck and let it just roll right off your back, as life is too short to let these little barbs ruin a day. I don't really understand why folks feel it necessary to make a critical comment on blogs they don't like - if you don't like it, don't read it. Simple.
Anyhoo - love the photo book, such a great idea. I have a friend who does a book each year to show what they've been up to. You've got a great reminder of the trip of a lifetime.
Love the snail - can't believe what good nick he's in. And the pizza, drool, is that goat's cheese on top? Yummo!

[aracne]

Michelle,
I really can not see why people should feel like leaving negative comments: we are not obliged to visit blogs, read posts or leave comments. Envy is widely spread, everywhere, do not take any notice.
You are such an amazing, creative, funny and warm person. On top of my wish list is the desire to meet you in person one day.

[aracne]

PS: the book is awsome, great idea.