Now that I've figured out how to upload images to this thing, I'm going to load all sorts of things.

Although, unlike my other half, I have never written a book, I have appeared on the cover of one.

Back in 2003 when I was doing some reasearch, I came across a website that offered all sorts of things. They also encouraged people to submit sexy photographs of themselves. I'd had an Ex-B/F take some photo's of me early in 2003 and some of them actually turned out really well. So, I submitted my favoutrite. It was uploaded to the site & I thought that would be that.

A few days later I got an email from the site owner who asked if I minded if he used my pic for the cover of his new book - a compilation of erotic poetry. Mind? Hell no! He explained that the book was at the printers & he wanted to add my pic at the 11th hour, so to speak. I was thrilled! At this stage I was galloping into my late 30's & it was a HUGE ego boost. I even have my name on the back cover, however they spelt it wrong. Bugger.

Anyway, here it is!




You can buy the book by following this link

These are a few of my favorite things, not least of which because I made them :-)

As you will see, Decoupage has been a hobby of mine for some time. I have made several pieces, many of which won't be pictured here, because I made them for my Sister-in-Law (who has now separated from my Brother)

I often create 'themed items'. The first being a mirror frame. Constructed of a wide decoupaged border with inner and outer gilded mouldings. The mirror itself is purely decorative. It's so small you can't see anything in it. The decoupage comprises pictures of well....pictures. Paintings to be more accurate. Painstakingly cut from many catalogues and magazines that I used to collect. Note the words 'used to'. Upon moving a couple of times and moving storage units I discarded approximately 9 boxes of magazines and catalogues. I still miss them sometimes. My other half rolls his eyes whenever I buy a magazine in the fear that he will become over-run by them & there'll be nowhere left to sit. Anyway, back to the mirror. I originally made a pair, but stupidly gave the other one to my ex-husband. What a goose!



Next is a similar item, comprising pictures of Snoopy, that I made for my other half a few years ago as a Christmas Present

Another Decoupaged item. This time a decoupaged female form. The pictures used are of gold jewellery with Diamonds, rubies, pearls and amethysts. The picture cutting for this one took ages as they were so small and fiddly. Turned out well though I thought.


This one is a fairly recent creation. A Clock clock. A large clock decoupaged with pictures of clocks. This is one of my favourites and had been on the drawing board for 7 years folllowing the creation of the next item, A clock briefcase.

I made this in 1999 and have used it every week day since. It's a bit battered now, but has held up well considering the amount of use it has had. I had so many pictures of clocks left over, that I came up with the idea of making a clock clock. That's part of my problem. I am a collector by nature and don't know when to stop. I STILL find myself cutting out pictures of clocks!

This next one is not decoupage - just a little paint job on a box I bought at a market. It would make a great little goth handbag. If anyone want's this, let me know.

This last item is also a paint/restoration job. When my other half acquired this, I thought he had taken leave of his senses. Not only was it totally kitsch, but it was very worse for wear with numerous chips and flaking paint and a god-awful beige shade. Poor Harpo only had half a nose and some of both Harpo's and Chico's hats were missing. I immediately offered to restore it, needing a bit of a challenge at the time. I was met with doubtful looks, but didn't let that deter me. My other half was very impressed with the job I'd done (& so was I). Funnily enough, this is now one of my favourite things. A couple of years ago, we found another which had had a really bad repaint job done on it & I completely repainted it to match the one we already had. That was a much loved Christmas present for my M-I-L.

I've also Decoupaged a couple of trays, but they are in Storage. I also made a Butlers Tray table out of timber - without a pattern. Stay tuned for a picture of that. Other items I have decouplaged - boxes, Tassels (the wooden bit - in small pictures of blue & white china - but made the entire tassel myself), trays, frames, Hat boxes, Jewellery.......

I have an old Bentwood chair in storage and am thinking that might get a comic themed decoupage job and it can live in the study.

So, if you have any ideas, or have anything you want made, let me know.

This painting is called The Scapegoat. It is an Oil on canvas and was painted in 1854 by William Holman Hunt, an artist more commonly associated with the Pre-Raphaelite movement.

This painting is our official 'Mascot' in our office. I work in Police Intelligence, and as most would probably be aware, Intelligence Units are blamed for absolutely everything, everywhere! Remember 911? That was blamed on the Intelligence, or lack thereof. Personally, from my experience, it's usually not the lack of Intelligence holdings, but the lack of anyone to take you seriously enough to take action with respect to it.

Example: We had been advising our Drug Unit of a prolific drug dealer in various reports during the last few years. Nobody was interested. Wouldn't even go have a look. A member of CIB get's a 'hot tip' and off they go, warrants in hand, and seize shitloads of drugs and cash. It makes the papers and there was much chest-beating. .....And we were left to simply say 'we told you so'. But how many lives did this guy ruin in the last few years with all the drugs when nothing was being done???? I hate to think.

Anyway, the painting is always handy to have on hand when you're being told it's all you're fault (and it's not)

I've decided to get in early on a few New Years Resolutions. I usually don't make them, because I never stick to them. I usually pick things like losing weight or going to gym. Let's face it, it's not gonna happen.

The reason for this sudden enthusiasm? My One & Only sat me down the other day and told me I frustrated him. He went on to explain why. It was so succinct, that I couldn't help but take it as a wake-up call. This is an approximation of what he said.....
"You're a good photographer and have won awards for it - but you don't take photographs...
You have great drawing ability - but you don't draw...
You are a good writer - but you don't write....
You've made furniture - but you don't do that....
You are very creative - but you rarely make anything...
You are capable of doing anything you put your mind to - but you don't"

There was probably more, but you get the general idea. He's right of course. He has this uncanny knack of being right a lot actually... I have wasted too many years being so afraid of not being good enough (at my job, as a wife, as a girlfriend, in bed, as a photographer, as a writer, as an artist, as the one that came before me, the next person etc...) Fear of failure has paralysed me. Disbelief that I CAN do all these things, has paralysed me. It's time all of that stopped. We only get one shot at this, and I owe it to myself and others, to make the best of it, rather than just survive it.

One of my first projects is to start working on a book about wrought iron in cemeteries. Have you ever noticed it? The organic forms of rusted old metal enclosing the graves of the long departed? I find it very beautiful. Hopefully others will also. Should be a hit with the Gothic market at least.

I'm also going to start drawing and/or painting. Drawings are likely to be still life or people. Paintings are likely to be abstracts or modern art.

I'm also goint to post on here, pictures of some of the items I have made. If anyone wants to commission me to make something - unique and especially for them - then I'm more than happy to do so. Use your imagination - ask me anything and it probably can be done.

I'm going to write on here more - even if it bores you all to tears. Just what I'll write about, I don't know. Sex maybe?

I might even finally create an E-Book of all the very useful sexual tips & tricks I amassed when did some research upon leaving my Husband. (well, I wanted to see what the current state of play was & I planned to re-invent myself - and yes, I succeeded at that). Would people pay money for it?

I might even lose weight & go to the gym.

You just never know *wink*

For some reason, the staff carpark appeals to birds. Each year, a pair of ducks migrate up to the carpark, from the Torrens, seemingly to nest. just what the facination is I'll never know. But wach year, they return. Personally I love ducks and would have on as a pet if they didn't shit everywhere.

The carpark, specifically the third row, is also home to a pair of wood doves. they have been there for years. Each afternoon when I leave I see them sitting together just underneath a car, but still where they can catch the sun. They are always together. That was until a few weeks ago. Now there is only the one, and s/he looks incredibly sad and lonely. I'm hoping that it's mate is nesting in the nearby trees and hasn't met with foul play.

I'll keep you posted.