Penrose Park

The Church © 2009 Peek into My World

 

Penrose Park is a beautiful place situated in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales (in Australia). It is home to the Pauline Fathers. I still remember way back in 1992, when the Pauline Fathers had a humble small private chapel and monastery.

  

Stained Glass Window 1 © 2009 Peek into My World
  

One Sunday in Winter of 1993, we attended a mass in the chapel and afterwards, the priests invited us to have some coffee in the kitchen. It makes you realized life can be simple.
  

The Altar © 2009 Peek into My World
  

In mid-1994, thanks to the wonderful response of pilgrims who come to Penrose Park in large numbers, a beautiful church was built. The property grounds is also host to international chapels.  
      

Stained Glass Window 2 © 2009 Peek into My World

Its been over two years since we last visited and so today, we decided to take a trip to visit and attend Mass. 
  

Angel © 2009 Peek into My World

We love coming to Penrose Park because it is a sanctuary of peace for us.

International Chapels © 2009 Peek into My World

Far Yet So Close

Far from the city yet so close, that's where I live. On weekdays, a 40 minute train ride will get you to the city and and a cruising 30 minute drive on the weekends. Not bad, considering that even if you live only 20 minutes away from the city, to get there, it will still take you more than half an hour because of the traffic.

Macquarie Links Drive © 2009 Peek into My World

Living at Macquarie Links takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. When you're tired from work, sometimes the trip home seems forever and I must admit that sometimes I wished it would only take me 10 mins to get home. But as soon as I arrived, the travel time makes it worth it.

The Link Pick Up Point © 2009 Peek into My World

I love taking the train although I hate the old carriages where it is so hot when you want it cold and so cold when you want it hot. It can be uncomfortable at times but the good thing about it is that I get to relax. I can sit down and enjoy the trip and think of nothing if I want to. I can close my eyes and listen to music. I can get a power nap. It's funny how it can be relaxing.

Horizon (Houses) © 2009 Peek into My World

The train ride is MY time. This is the only time when there are no unwashed dishes staring at me, no vacuum cleaner calling me and no poor succulent plant begging to be freed from the weeds. This is the time when I get to do what I want. Thanks to my Blackberry, I can send tweets, I can check out my friends on facebook, I can read, and get on top of news (and celebrity gossip!) and can even chat. And when you can do all these, the 40 minute ride seems like 10 minutes.

Boundary Sign © 2009 Peek into My World

When you live in the city, space is always a problem. You'd be lucky to hear the birds in the morning or enjoy the view of the bush. The trees that line along the streets are a rare sight. And the noise from everywhere, it will make you nuts (or am I just getting old??). Weekends are precious to me and I love to enjoy peace and quiet.

The Pond © 2009 Peek into My World

As they say, you can't have it all. So I'd rather have my space, travel to work everyday and go home in my own little paradise. Yes, it's far, yet it is so close.

Collection of Quotes on Life

I'd like to share some of my favorite quotes on Life. These will make you think, give you inspiration or motivation. I hope you will like them!

~

The best things in life are unseen,
that's why we close our eyes when we kiss, wish, and dream!
~

Why is it that the most beautiful things in life are the most dangerous?
Sunlight, trust & love are just a few...
In life there will be sunburn, broken promises, & of course, broken hearts.

It's true you never know what the future holds,
but if you live your life for what could be you will only end up
missing out on all the fun that can be had in the here and now.
I live my life not in the past, thinking about what was,
not in the future, thinking about what could be,
I live my life in the present, enjoying every second.
~

Who could ask for more than to live the moment they would die for?

~

Don't be afraid of death; be afraid of an unlived life.
You don't have to live forever; you just have to live.

~

One day u will come to me n ask "What's more important, your life or mine?"
I will say "mine" and you will walk away never knowing you are my life...

~

Times change, people grow, things don't always go our way.
But life is only what you make it, and life is here to stay!"

Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men
who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore
the power they have to change it.
Impossible is not a fact.
It's an option.
Impossible is not a declaration.
It's a dare.
Impossible is potential.
Impossible is temporary.

Impossible is nothing.

Featured Artist - Roxy

This week's indie artist is Roxy. She makes really nice jewelry. Read more about her ...



1. Tell me something about yourself.
I am a 55 year mom of 5, 3 girls and 2 boys, and grandma to 5, 1 girl and 4 boys. I have a "day job" as a customer service, internet, agent at a higher end women's clothing retailer. I am trying to establish my presence as a jewelry artisan online and I hope to eventually make a living making and selling handmade jewelry so I can work from home and maybe only part time at my "day job" only because I like to do what I do there and because right now, my coworkers are my best customers.

2. What are your sources of inspiration?
My sources of inspiration are mostly from customers placing orders with me. Another source is online on websites I will see some component and think ooohh, I have that and I can do this or that with that bead or component, and when I decide what color I want use I will go look at all the beads that I have in that color and start running my hands through the beads and a picture will pop into my head. I also have quite a few books that I look through.
I consider myself a hardcore jewelry artist because I even dream about beads and jewelry. Lol. I also love to make pendants and beads from polymer clay. I have been dabbling in the poly clay and now I have stepped up my involvement so I can have more unique jewelry so I can have a bigger presence online.



3. Where and when did you learn your craft? Who taught you?
I started making jewelry about 3-4 years ago when I was still only dabbling in poly clay and I would see something on tv about poly clay and jewelry. Where I work we sell fashion jewelry as well and I got started selling my trinkets at work because I saw a bracelet that we sell and I said to a coworker that I could make that bracelet. She said you should and sell it. I made one and it sold and I got lots of orders for those and the rest, they say is history. I am a self taught jewelry artist.

4. Aside from your craft, what else do you enjoy doing?
Other than making jewelry, I like to garden my flower beds, read, surf the web, hang out with my granddaughter. She is 6 and loves to watch me make my pretties.




5. What piece of advise can you give to other artists?

I think, so far, the best piece of advice that I can give other artists is take the best pictures of your items, one for online pictures and also so you can keep a picture diary of your work. Also have an edge over other artists, for example, I love my poly clay and I also want to learn more about chainmaille.

Persistance and practice!! I have only sold one item from my shops but I keep listing items and wait patiently. One day I will sell some more.

Last but not least, don't join so many sites to promote your items than you cannot be able to make the items because you are trying to maintain your pages. It will consume you and you will run out of time to make anything.

ooopps! I'm think I'm guilty with Roxy's last advice and I admire her patience and dedication. Go Roxy!


Check out Roxy's shop at Artfire and Made It Myself.

Carry All Bag 'Wildflowers'

My bag for the week is this classic Carry-All Bag which I sometimes call 'Bowling Bag'. It comes in Black Suede Fabric with front pockets in 100% cotton with prints of colorful 'wildflowers' in black background.

Aside from the 2 front pockets, on the back is a zippered secret pocket and the white piping completes the look!

Don't be deceived by the picture, this looks small but it actually measures 30 cms x 21 cms (11 3/4" x 8 1/2") and super spacious inside.


It's a carry anywhere, carry all bag!

5 Best Kept Secrets

In the past few weeks, I've thought about a few projects and I think it's time to make it public and make a commitment. So here's my 5 best kept secrets:

1) New Look Blog - In the last couple of weeks I've been looking around for a new (free) blog template. My current template is kinda getting boring and it's time for change. I have yet to find what I like. If you have any suggestions or ideas on where I could find free templates, please share! Can't wait to get a fresh new look!

2) Handmade Sightings - My daughter once told me that looking for stuff at Dawanda or Etsy is like looking for a needle in a haystack. It can be frustrating especially if you lose track of what you found. It instantly hit me - how about I make a site that is dedicated to keeping all our favorite "handmade sightings" in one place. Instead of putting them in our 'favorites' or 'hearts' in every online selling venue, we'll put them all in "one basket". And so 'Handmade Sightings' was born. There are so many beautiful stuff out there just waiting to be discovered. Keeping them in one place makes it easy to find and we're sharing it with you. Check it out and don't forget to follow so you don't miss out. And most of all enjoy browsing with us!

3) One Bag a Week Self-Campaign - with christmas just around the corner, it's time to gear up for the crazy shopping season. But how do I do it? Make 1 bag a day? but that would asking for trouble. 3 bags a week? achievable, but that is if I don't go to work 5 days a week. 1 bag a month? now that's a bit slack! How about 2 bags a week? Hmmmmm ... or 1 bag a week? sounds reasonable! So yes, expect to see 1 new bag every week from Kikay! Good luck to me!

4) Peek into my World - not quite a secret anymore. I've previously blogged about this and I've since been trying to post regularly as time permits. So please drop by Peek into my world. If you feel like browsing an art gallery, visit my Photoart Gallery.

Winter Wildflowers © 2009 Peek into My World

5) Newsletter - I recently got an email from a subscriber wondering if she's been missing out on Kikay newsletter. Well, actually no! In the last few weeks I've been working on a fresh new look kikay e-zine which is coming out soon. Are you a subscriber yet? This elite group of subscriber's are special and just like our facebook fans, they get pampered with discounts and giveaways too! What are you waiting for? Join now and keep an eye on your inbox!

I want to hear about KIKAY cool updates and exclusive offers!

* required

Email Address: *



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So there! The secret is out.

Now where have all my elves gone? Yoohoo ... I need some help here ...

Must Have Tote 'Ostrich Flower'

After weeks of being distracted by my camera, I'm so proud to have finished another individually design Tote, sewn to perfection.

This tote is a must have!

Great for uni ... imagine your books and mini notebook inside this bag. Care to bring it with you on a lazy saturday morning at the markets? This Tote is just perfect. And oh, your skinny jeans will look great with this.

As usual lots of space and pockets. On the outside there's a supersized pocket which closes with a magnetic snap. Inside 2 small, 1 medium and 1 large pockets. Is there anything else? This is a dream come true!

This 'Ostrich Flower' Tote Bag is now available at Dawanda, Etsy and in my new shop at Create, Invent and Sell. What are you waiting for? Check it out now!

Featured Artist - Snug-n-Luv

This talented artist makes beautiful things for babies and children. Learn more about her and her creations ...

Tell me something about yourself

My name is Stacey White and am Canadian. I have two daughters, a three year old and one year old. Paris, Ontario is where I live with my husband, our girls, and Ralph (our Pug). I've been a teacher for ten years and have focused on special education and advocacy for people with disabilities. I started my business while on maternity leave from my teaching job.

Snug-n-luv sells quilt kits, sewing patterns, knitting patterns, and other useful items for babies and children.

What are your sources of inspiration?

I find inspiration in many places. The first time I laid eyes on Amy Butler fabric, I was smitten. I decided to create one of a kind items from her fabrics with a focus on babies and children. I started creating unsual and unique baby quilts with funky fabric. I'm also inspired by other handmade artisans.

Handmade is the best. Every time you buy handmade you are getting a unique piece of art. Usually items are one of a kind and created with care. The craftmanship is at a level that mass producers can’t possibly achieve. It is also more environmentally friendly and community based, which I love.

Where and when did you learn your craft? Who taught you?

I learned to knit from my grandmother at the age of six. We still write most of our knitting patterns collaboratively! I remember being stuck for a show and tell item in grade five. As I frantically looked around the room searching for something, I noticed that I had knitted the sweater I was wearing. That was my show and tell and after that I never looked back.

Six years ago I taught my entire grade five class to knit. I learned to sew a few years ago. My mother in law is an avid quilter and she would come over with tips and advice to help me along the way. I also learned by trial and error.

Aside from your craft, what else do you enjoy doing?

I love music. My husband is a professional musician/music teacher and he has been teaching me to play the guitar. I hope it helps when I return to teach Junior and Senior Kindergarten in the Fall. :)

I've also been trying to learn crochet. It's not as easy as it looks. I admire the skills some people have with a crochet hook.

What piece of advise can you give to other artists?

Don't give up. Be confident in your art, there is always someone who will absolutely love it!

... and I totally agree with Stacey!

Please visit Stacey's shop at www.snugnluv.etsy.com

or follow her blog at www.snug-n-luv.blogspot.com

To get in touch with her, send her an email at snugnluv@gmail.com

Peek into My World

I have always been an artist (in my own little way!). Although I have no professional training, I've always managed to teach myself all sorts of art.

A few years ago, I took lessons in painting but that did not last long. I was so impatient and I just wanted to paint away! Photography, like painting, have always interest me but since I am busier than a bee, I could not find time to learn it.

Three months ago, my daughter broke my brand new point and shoot camera which gave me the chance (and excuse!) to buy a Digital SLR camera. As usual, I am teaching myself how to use it and hopefully learn to capture beautiful pictures. Again, all in my own time.

Since getting the camera, I haven't had the chance to really use it full on. In between my full time job and Kikay Designs, I am slowly learning at a snail's pace but so far it's been good. No pressure, no stress. Just pure enjoyment and satisfaction!

I have created a personal photo blog to record my progress but mainly to have a place to post snapshots of anything, from my "point of view". Join me in my journey as I learn photography on my own ... peek into my world!

We have a Winner

Congratulations to Bing Yuan, the lucky fan who won the $50 shopping spree giveaway.

Thanks to all the fans who participated. We had fun reading all your comments. It was good to know what your favorites were and why. But most especially, you have given us a glimpse of what fans love about our creations.

Congrats to Bing and THANK YOU to all Kikay Facebook Fans for your continued support. Every KIKAY FAN is SPECIAL.

Until the next exclusive Facebook Fan Page giveaway!