Broken Down Heart

Heartpoet is the poet in our family however lately I have been dabbling...


Broken Down Heart

Broken down heart
patch-worked too many times
The patches were weathered and torn
from the passage of time -
that had definitely not been kind
Broken down heart
of a once high spirited girl
so trusting and kind
a more loving soul
you would be hard pressed to find
Not appreciated for the blessing that she was
she was taken advantage of
and her heart was not tenderly held with kid gloves
She was not valued
for the love that she gave
she was not treasured or protected
like a precious gem from a pirates cave
She had her heart stomped on too many times
it was battered and bruised
by the deception and lies
It was weary and numb
from the lack of respect
it was sad and weighted down
from the love she did not get
Broken down girl
with her broken down heart
sighed her last sigh
instinctively she knew the end was nigh
Her heart simply refused to start
the medico's said
as those who "loved" her
crowded round her bed
As the angels lovingly lifted her
to the heavens above
those below spent time pondering
why they hadn't invested in kid gloves


Kimmie April 2010

*Piccie is of our gorgeous Rhiannon who kindly offered it up to be posted with this poem.

Sneaky Heartpoet

Sneaky Heartpoet knows I am not a huge fan of having my piccie taken. Whilst sitting on our front veranda basking in the glorious sunshine and sending a text today who appeared from nowhere but "Mr Snap Happy" himself Heartpoet lol. He was singing a silly song and pulling silly faces at me and I could not help but smile :]



Hugs


Kimmie
x

Nature's Peace

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”

Quote ~John Muir~

*Piccie from my romantic break.

A Woman Should Have

Although often wrongly attributed to one of my fav poets Maya Angelou, Snopes states that this piece was actually written by Pamela Redmond Satran. What do you think of this piece and her views on what a woman should have?

Hugs

Kimmie
x



A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
something perfect to wear
if the employer, or date of her dreams
wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward
to retelling it in her old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and...
a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
one friend who always makes her laugh..
and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a good piece of furniture
not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
a feeling of control
over her destiny..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love
without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend,
without ruining the friendship...


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder...
and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.....
that she can't change the length of her calves,
he width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...
but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do... for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.....
how to live alone...
even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table..
or a charming Inn in the woods....
when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
What she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month... and a year...


Pamela Redmond Satran

Back To Earth With A Thud

Ok my feet are now firmly planted back on the ground again - washing a large suitcase of dirty clothes, cleaning up after pets again and the usual day to day hum drum will quickly do that to you hey what~! hehehehe.

Just when I was getting used to being waited on hand and foot, soaking away any mild exertion (always the fun kind hehehe) in the spa, relaxing by the fire as the temperature was pleasantly brisk, dining on gourmet fare, soaking up the magical atmosphere and inhaling the crisp, clean air of the rainforest I am hurtled back into reality of day to day life. So not fair, don't you wish every day could be as luxurious and relaxed as when you are on hols? Eating, sleeping, living and loving by mood and not the clock or based around life and its commitments - sigh~!

Off to pour Heartpoet a port and nibble on a homemade fruit/cheese platter and recreate some of that magic from our break~! ;] :]


Hugs to you all and much thanks for your lovely, warm comments welcoming me back~!

Hugs


Kimmie
x

Love's Lighthouse

For Kimmie


In later years when we look back
the memories will glow
Incandescent light will burn
to spell I love you so
Each day each smile a longing touch
a globe upon the hill
A lighthouse built for you and me
our memories will spill
And time will last for evermore
for you and I are one
Though separate upon our path
our hearts still beat as one
So take a moment now my dear
and treasure second's skip
As together in this universe
we sail our own love's ship


Heartpoet

More Piccies From Our Getaway~!

Piccies From Our Getaway~!

Blissful Romantic Getaway

Morning blogging pals~!

You have probably noticed my lack of posts over the last week. I have been away on a much anticipated and long overdue romantic trip with my honey~! What can I say but it was divine, the most romantic and blissful holiday I have ever been on~! I will post some more re this when my feet come back down to earth ;]

Have missed you all~!

Hugs


Kimmie
xxx

A Kiss

"A kiss can be a comma, a question mark, or an exclamation point. That's basic spelling that every woman ought to know." - Mistinguett

Homemade firestarters

Homemade fire starters from empty egg cartons (cardboard only for this); to accomplish this, melt old candle scraps in a double boiler, then fill each cup in the carton halfway with sawdust and/or wood chips or small dried twigs. Carefully ladle the melted wax over the sawdust/wood mixture,and let it cool until it's hardened. Store these in a cool place until you need them to take camping or for your fireplace etc; to use as a fire starter, just light the edge of the carton.

Just Breathe

Heartpoet considers this our special song, melts my heart each time I hear it~!

Kimmie
x


Just Breathe

"Yes I understand that every life must end, aw huh,..
As we sit alone, I know someday we must go, aw huh,..
I’m a lucky man to count on both hands
The ones I love,..

Some folks just have one,
Others they got none, aw huh,..

Stay with me,..
Let’s just breathe.

Practiced are my sins,
Never gonna let me win, aw huh,..
Under everything, just another human being, aw huh,..
Yeh, I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world
To make me bleed.

Stay with me,..
You’re all I see.

Did I say that I need you?
Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn’t now I’m a fool you see,..
No one knows this more than me.
As I come clean.

I wonder everyday
as I look upon your face, aw huh,..
Everything you gave
And nothing you would take, aw huh,..
Nothing you would take,..
Everything you gave.

Did I say that I need you?
Oh, Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn’t now I’m a fool you see,..
No one know this more than me.
As I come clean.

Nothing you would take,..
everything you gave.
Hold me till I die,..
Meet you on the other side."

~Just Breathe Lyrics - Pearl Jam~

Broccoli & Bacon Pasta Bake

Terry from our friendly forum always has such tasty recipes to share with us all. Her pasta bake is no exception and tis quick/easy to make. A super budget friendly meal the whole family will enjoy~!


Terry's Broccoli & Bacon Pasta Bake

Ingredients

300g pasta shells, 2 tsp olive oil, 4 short cut bacon rashers, chopped, 1 small onion, chopped, 200 g broccoli, 1 cup (150g) frozen peas, 1 cup (250ml) cream, 2 eggs, 1 1/2 cups (120g) grated cheddar cheese.

Method

Preheat oven to 180°c. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Drain, return to the pan. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the bacon and onion, and cook, until soft and lightly browned. Break the broccoli into small florets. Cook the broccoli and peas in a steamer or in the microwave until tender. Use a fork to mix the cream and eggs together in a jug. Add bacon, onion, broccoli, peas and the cream along with 1 cup (80g) cheddar cheese to the pasta. Stir. Spoon into an 8 cup (2 litre) ovenproof dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar. Bake until golden.

Shall we compare our hearts to a garden

Shall we compare our hearts to a garden - with beautiful blooms, straggling weeds, swooping birds and sunshine, rain - and most importantly, seeds.
~Grey Livingston~

Homemade Lavender Linen Spray

You will need...

100 drops of lavender essential oil
1 1/2 ounces vodka
10 drops of spearmint essential oil
2 1/2 cups distilled water

You then need to...

Add oils and vodka to a brand new clean/dry spray pump bottle and swirl the bottle around to combine. Add distilled water and shake well. Shake bottle again before using. Spray onto linens or into your linen closet to refresh and scent sheets, pillowcases and household linens.

Left Over Easter Eggs?

Sick of the look of chocolate yet? We have a fabulous recipe for muffins posted in our friendly forum, to use up the last of your Easter egg stash. A pkt version for convenience and a homemade version if you have time to spare.

To Revisit The Past - A Good Idea Or Not?

Tis not uncommon to have an email in my inbox from my cousin Meagan (pictured) from down south from time to time. This morning I awoke to...

Hi,

Kaye (my other cousin and her sister) and I are taking dad (my uncle) on a 'tour' this morning. We are going to go past all the houses, shops, pubs etc he remembers from his lifetime.

If we take photos I'll send some through.


Love

Meagan


The above pictured home is the one my Nana and Grandad spent their whole married life in, right up to the time they both passed away (within months of each other)- a quaint terrace style house in Victoria. Whilst it looks quite small from the front, looks in this particular case are quite deceptive, it was in fact quite spacious. Meagan sent another email later today with the photo of Nana's house and a note mentioning she was quite sad that the current owner had not maintained the front garden or paintwork in the manner in which Nana had. On viewing the photo I must say I sighed and felt the same. The perfect "picture book cottage" that I have always warmly remembered in my mind over the years has now taken quite the battering. Nana always kept an immaculate home both inside and out. Everything was always in tip top condition and neat as a pin. The now rusted lace fretwork and fence/gate was always freshly painted, the front square of lawn was once neatly mowed, lush, weed free and bordered by pretty annuals and a hedge that was precision trimmed and looked a treat. In many ways I am glad that I cannot see inside as I would no doubt be disappointed if the outside is any indicator of what now lies within. So methinks sometimes memories are best left just as they are and not revisited don't you?


Kim
xxx

Gratitude

“Each day offers us the gift of being a special occasion if we can simply learn that as well as giving, it is blessed to receive with grace and a grateful heart.”
~Sarah Ban Breathnach quotes~

Today I am grateful for Emily aged 16, my sons girlfriend. She has been away on a short break with her family at the Sunshine Coast the past couple of days. Whilst there they visited the Eumundi markets and she very kindly bought me back an unexpected pressie of beautiful handmade soaps (that look and smell divine) - as she knows how much I adore handmade soap. She presented them to me and said, "Here Kim a pressie for you because I consider you my other family." Awwwww that melted my heart that did~! She is a gorgeous sweetheart and we are blessed to have her in our lives.

Kim
xxx

The Child's Soul

“The child-soul is an ever-bubbling fountain in the world of humanity.”
~Friedrich Froebel~

Natural Pest Control

Here in tropical Qld two pests that give us grief are ants and cockroaches. We really hate using chemical nasties so will be trying a few natural methods over coming weeks and will report how we go.

Ants

Observe where the ants are coming from and block their entrance, gap filler or duct tape work well, use soapy water to kill the ants and wipe out their trails.

To repel use drops of orange essential oil, a line of cinnamon powder or mix it with water and squirt into gaps, scatter leaves of pennyroyal, spearmint, or slices of cucumber. Pour left over tea leaves on pot plants.

To repel rub a cut lemon over ant tracks, or wherever ants are a problem.

To kill mix 3 cups water and 1 cup sugar with 4 teaspoons of borax, place in dishes along ant trails, refresh every couple of days. * NOTE: Borax is a natural occurring mineral salt BUT is poisonous when swallowed, not recommended for use in homes with children and / or pets.

Cockroaches

Screen windows and doors, seal up cracks and crevices and don’t leave food scraps lying around. Ensure all cupboards and other dark places are thoroughly dry.

To repel wipe benches, floors, shelves, cupboards, drawers, bin, etc with a mixture of 100ml water to 10 drops of eucalyptus oil. Wipe straight eucalyptus oil around drain holes and external door frames.

Place cucumber peelings and / or bay leaves in cupboards where cockroaches are a problem. Replace when dried out.

Cockroach traps. Grease the rim and top 2 cm of a container (round margarine containers work well), with bacon fat or butter / margarine.

Place a banana peel or bacon scraps inside and leave overnight in an infested area. Coackroaches will crawl in but can’t get out because of the grease.

Soak a rag in beer and place in a shallow dish overnight in an infested area. In the morning you can dispose of the drunken cockroaches and silverfish

Cockroach baits. Mix together equal parts of borax (*see note on borax) and sugar and place in lids wherever cockroaches are a problem, will last up to 1 year.

Mix 2/3 cup of mashed potato (boil potato in water and mash in its own juice) with 1/3 cup of baking powder, roll into marble sized balls and place in cupboards. Cockroaches will eat the balls and gas will build up in their guts from the baking powder / potato mix. Because cockroaches can’t burp, their stomachs explode and they die.


http://www.figtree.org.au/natural_pest_control.html

What's Happening In Our Forum This Easter Weekend?

AngrySnail has made some lick ya lips delish cream filled eggs, Mawghan has whipped up a to die for smoked salmon, cream cheese and spinach terrine, Granny has handcrafted a gorgeous knitted wizard and so much more....

Do drop in to our forum and say hi. New members are always warmly welcomed~!


http://lickyalipsdelish.com/

I'm Back

Hi guys and gals.

A happy, relaxing and safe Easter to you all~!

This will only be a short post today as we are feeling a tad sad over the recent news regarding Imogen. Those of you who regularly follow my blog or are a member of our forum will know all about precious Imogen. Sadly things are not looking good and we send heartfelt hugs across the miles to her this weekend as she celebrates her 6th (13th) Birthday. Much love also to Immie's lovely family Fiona, Jason, Kody and baby Ashton as they battle on through this most difficult of times. We are sending super vibes across Australia today for a most memorable birthday party.

No Easter Eggs/Chocs gifted between Stu and myself this year as we have decided to instead make a donation to QLD Cancer.

Much love

Kim, Stuart and Brenton
xxx

The Holme's Family Blog (Imogen)
http://theholmesgang.blogspot.com/2010/03/simply-thoughts.html

Our Daily Visitor

Check out this little fella? (Magpie) Pays us a visit each day and warbles away...he? is ever so friendly and sounds divine~!

Muirin's Chocolate Potato Cake

Muirin's Chocolate Potato Cake

This is a very rich, moist chocolate cake, topped with a thin layer of chocolate icing. Use a good quality plain chocolate for best results and serve with whipped cream.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup caster sugar
240g butter
4 eggs, separated
275g plain chocolate
75g ground almonds
1 3/4cups mashed potato
2 cups self-raising flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
3 tblsp milk
whipped cream, to serve

MAKES A 23CM CAKE

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and base line a 23cm round cake tin with greaseproof paper.

Cream the sugar and 225g of the butter together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time.

Chop or grate 175g of the chocolate and stir into the cake mixture with the ground almonds.

Push the mashed potato through a sieve and stir it into the creamed chocolate mixture.

Sift the flour and cinnamon together and fold into the mixture with the milk.

Whisk the egg whites until stiff, but not dry, and fold into the mixture.

Spoon into the lined tin and bake for 1 1/4 hours.

After 45 minutes, cover with greaseproof paper.

Allow the cake to cool slightly in the tin, then turn out and cool on a wire rack.

Meanwhile, break up the remaining chocolate into a bowl and stand it over a saucepan of hot water.

Add the remaining butter in small pieces and stir well until smooth and glossy.

Trim the top of the cake so that it is level and smooth over the chocolate icing.

Leave to set. Serve with whipped cream.


========================

The BEST chocolate cakes are made with potato!!! But make sure the mash is not runny, it's best just to mash using the least amount of milk or butter possible. Better still, without anything extra.