This used to be a craft blog BUT

today I read a really important article over on Mia Freedman's blog, and as part of my role at PANDA I posted it to the PANDA facebook page. At PANDA we are supporters of "It's Ok to talk about it" but mainly it came from my own experience and the guilty relief that others have gone through this. So what is this? Anti depressants and how they can ruin intimacy.
I wish I had known a lot more about this topic several years ago.

The thing is...

it seems that no matter how good my intentions, new year resolutions or personal goal setting is this liitle blog is continually neglected. So I thought I'd come clean to you the few folks who loyally pop back on the rare occassions a post appears. Life at the moment has taken a turn that I hadn't seen coming, was ill prepared for but excited to take. As those of you who have been with me for a while know, for the past few years I have been involved with PANDA.
I started there as a volunteer counsellor, moved to working admin 2 days a week until august last year I was given the opportunity to oversee a funded project for a year. This role change has been exciting and challenging but most of all it has brought about some readjustments for the Whizzme clan. Now at work 4 days a week, I find very little time to do any crafting, let alone reading, writing or browsing! It seems the project has slowly consumed my mental capacity leaving little at the moment for my personal pursuits. I am frequently frustrated by this, sometimes even angry but on the whole I am resigned to the fact that it is a temporary situation. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy the work, and even passionate about its creation, I just wish I could fit a little more 'me' into each day! Miss Whizzme has been most effected by the role change. She often voices her longing for the mum who was constantly available, attended all school events and was free during holidays. This too pulls at my heart, and sometimes makes me wonder about my choices. The realist in me however, is quick to remind me of all the pluses this involvement has brought; self-esteem, use of my latent degree, challenging new content and overall a deep satisfaction of creating something that will be useful for the wider community. I guess what I am hoping you my loyal reader will understand, that for the present this little blog will be altered from its original crafty purpose. I will post when I can. I will share what I can, but I can't promise any creative content for the time being! I hope when the project ends that my dreams of bringing you more creative pursuits might be possible. Until then, thanks again for sticking around.

oh where oh where has the author gone?!

I know, I know I have gone beyond the whole missing in action thing, but I have several, very good excuses, really! First the material love of my life died - that's right the iMac gave up the ghost so that I was left with a screen and the spinning beach ball of death.  Now I have a brand new iMac, very sleek and stylish, very whizz bang, but still with some problems that my apple shop need to work out or there is going to be blood, no computer chips spilt. Second, I have worked some extra days at PANDA which has completely thrown out my 'getting ready for market' schedule. Ha! I know as if I even had a schedule, but if I did it would have completely been thrown out and it would still be now only 4 days away and close to panic mode.  The stupid thing being that I work so much better in panic mode, and 4 crazy days later I will be at the Elwood Market with my first ever stall.  Confidence people, confidence!

While I have been A.W.A.Y (absent without asking you) from the blog, we (as in me and 8 girl friends) had a very lovely time at the PANDA fundraising dinner

.  

I managed to score some great aunty cookie stuff in the silent auction, and my little bed ensemble sold for $150 so I was very pleased.

But really I have to love you and leave you, as it is only 4 days until market day so panic mode must continue for a while.  And lets face it - there's never been any real routine around here anyway!! 

Ciao

Recovery

I think I may have finally recovered from Miss Whizzme's birthday party! I would love to tell you all the hilarious chaotic adventures we had for it, but I need Mr Whizzme to remain talking to me! Let's just say 26 girls being diva's (it was a movie star party but they certainly took to the theme!), a candy bar with no system, a cake with melted cream and a daughter who lost the dvd remote control, meant that not many things went to plan. However, Miss Whizzme and her friends had a good time and I guess at the end of the day, that is all it's about!! The postscript to this was that Miss Whizzme then accidently deleted all the photos from the camera! Some things are best for memories only I guess.

The next ordeal is the presents. We have a 'one in, one out' policy, with the outs being given to a local op shop. I will confess it isn't always the easiest process to go through with Miss Whizzme (and don't even get me started on Mr Whizzme!) but we get there. This year however, the swag of goodies has reached ridiculous proportions and even I'm having trouble culling old toys to meet the quota. Seriously, how much does one 7 year old need?!

Otherwise, I am still working on a couple of secret projects (I hope to share soon) and some not so secret projects: Finished presents for people, orders from others and even some clothing repairs. I also put a little rainy idea in the latest PANDA newsletter which you can view here (opens pdf).

Leaving me now counting down the weeks to my Elwood June market stall. Cripes!!

Helping out - if you are not too weary

Once again I have been busy developing, sewing, sticking, knitting, weighing and cutting but the results of all this activity will have to stay secret just for a while longer. What I can share with you however, is one project that is underway and will end up similar to this one I made last year.


Here's one I prepared earlier!!

It will be for the Silent Auction at the PANDA fundraising night.
If you would like to be involved in this in a crafty way, then you need to see Shannon's post here. If you would like to be a sponsor or donate items then can you please email: info@panda.org.au requesting information for sponsoring Night Off Night Out or if you have any questions regarding donations email me: whizzme@bigpond.net.au

We can really use your help - and would dearly love some fabulousness to put in the showbags for attendees.

If you would like to receive a showbag and have a fabulous girls' night out then see the invite here or email amanda@panda.org.au for tickets. I have already polished up my very fabulous miu mius' for the night!

How to help - Victorian Bushfires

I collated this information at work today for our clients but thought there might be others of you out there who find this useful.

Below is some of the latest information to come out from the relevant aid agencies regarding donations and assistance for the Victorian Bushfires.

Red Cross response (9am, 11 February)

• Over 160 lives lost with the number expected to increase as authorities access more homes and discover vehicles in which people attempted to escape the fires.
  
• Two centres in the Beechworth area were re-opened Monday night with fires and ember strikes threatening the area.
  
• The Red Cross enquiry centre is continuing to receive a large volume of calls from people concerned about family and friends and we are seeing an increase in calls from overseas as international news services relay the news.
  
• There are still significant numbers of people registering with us so that family and friends can check on their wellbeing. One whole community that was surrounded by fire but spared, came forward to register with us late Monday so their loved ones know they are ok.
  
• Over 400 volunteers and staff continue to work in shifts, Red Cross call centres in WA, ACT and NSW have opened to help deal with the volume of calls from people checking on the welfare of evacuees.
  
• Red Cross will not deduct any funds from this appeal for administration costs. All funds received will be kept in a Trust Fund set up by the Victorian Government.
  
• The Red Cross is not accepting material donations – please see the information below for details of where to take material goods.
  

From the State Government & Associated Agencies

• People should ring 1800 727 077 or email inquiries@redcross.org.au only if they are unable to contact someone in the affected areas.
  
• Financial Donations to The Bushfire Appeal Fund by calling 1800 811 700 or go to the website at: www.redcross.org.au
• Commercial Donations Large commercial donations should be offered to the Victorian Bushfire Public Accommodation Donation Line Call: 1800 006 468. 8am - 8pm.
• Volunteers People wishing to donate their time should contact Go Volunteer on 1300 366 356 or register on their website at: www.govolunteer.com.au
• Accommodation People wishing to donate accommodation should contact the Victorian Bushfire Public Accommodation Donation Line by calling 1800 006 468. 8am - 8pm.
• Blood donations The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is not presently calling for emergency donations. Nonetheless, the Blood Service encourages all Victorians wanting to assist possible victims of this weekend's bushfires to call 13 14 95 or use the online registration form at the Blood Service website to make an appointment to donate blood in the coming and days and weeks. These pledges will ensure blood stocks remain at safe levels, including additional coverage for use by burns and other victims resulting from this weekend's bushfire emergency.
• Fundraising If you want to hold a fundraiser, please contact the fundraising department of Red Cross in your state or territory. please be patient if it takes some time for your call to be returned, we are receiving a large volume of enquiries. If your fundraiser is approved, you will be asked to read and follow the requirements of the community fundraising kit, downloadable from the Red Cross website.
• Assistance with Horses If you are not in an area that is under threat and think you can offer assistance please complete the Offer of Assistance after Victorian Bushfires form on the Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria website: http://www.phhwv.org.au/emergency.html
  

From St Vincent de Paul Society:

• Financial Donations Call: 13 18 12 Online: www.vinnies.org.au/vic
• Donation of Goods Victorian Disaster Appeal Warehouse Lot 7 Henderson Road, Rowville Open- Mon to Fri 8am – 8pm and Sat 8am – 4 pm *Communities affected are particularly in need of large size clothing (XXL) for men and women, new underwear & socks. Personal toiletries such as baby dummies, baby bottles, baby formula, nappy wipes, sanitary products, deodorant etc.
• Donation of Food Vic Relief Foodbank 4/2 Summerville Road, Yarraville Call: 9362 8300 *Non-perishable food items please
• Housing Assistance If you can offer emergency housing please call or email:   Call: 9895 5800 Email: reception @svdp-vic.org.au

From the Salvation Army

The Salvation Army’s Salvos Stores in Victoria will be providing clothing and other goods to assist those affected by the Victorian bushfire through its Emergency Relief Program.

Salvos Stores are currently using existing stock to support those in need; ensuring people have access to a full range of goods including new items. Members of the public wanting to make donations of goods, in new or as new condition, can be made to any Salvos Store in Victoria.

The Salvation Army is seeking donations of clothing, bed linen and furniture that will be passed on to those coming in for assistance.

“We are accepting donations from the Victorian public which will be held in stock reserves and distributed when required. In the meantime current stock in our stores will be provided to communities in need”, said Allen Dewhirst, CEO of Salvos Stores.

Donations, accepted at all Salvos Stores in Victoria, will ensure we maintain a constant supply of in demand items. We request that donations are taken to Salvos Stores during normal trading hours to reduce the risk of theft of donations left outside stores. Most Salvos Stores trade six days a week and some open on a Sunday to receive donations. For larger donations please call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) to arrange collection.

· Since the weekend 225 Salvation Army Officers, personnel and volunteers in 16 teams worked along side emergency service crews and devastated communities. Providing chaplaincy support to those assisting with emergency and also for those families and individuals who are in shock from the enormity of the disaster.

· Across Victoria The Salvation Army is heavily involved in the response phase of this emergency, assisting those with emergency accommodation, clothing and goods, toiletries and providing catering for firefighters and bushfire victims. It is estimated that over the last four days The Salvation Army has provided more than 7,000 meals.

· We are working out of Whittlesea, assisting those fighting the fires in the Kinglake Complex. We are also supporting the many people who have suffered great loss of life and possessions. For those who have lost loved ones The Salvation Army is offering emotional support through a team of Chaplains here, helping to support them through this extremely difficult time. For the last four days the team at Whittlesea have been providing three meals a day to around 500 people, we will be here as long as it takes to help this community get back on its feet.

· Our team in Wallan cooked breakfast for people each morning with support of local businesses. They are offering emotional support to those who are now coming back to their houses to see what is left. We are hearing stories from people who are left shell shocked, just yesterday afternoon a lady came to John, one of the Salvo team there, she had lost everything except her cat.

· In Horsham Captain Allan Morrison is working with proud farming families who have lost everything. These are people who struggle to get by and rarely ask for help. Now without any food or clothing they are turning to the Salvos for help.

· The Healesville community is dealing with fires edging closer to the town. Here Captain Clint Castley is arranging transport for residents away from the area and preparing for a massive demand for support and assistance once people are able to return to their homes.

· Major Brain Rowe is working with the people in the Traralgon and Moe assembly centres. He is finding accommodation in near by hotels and motels for people who have lost their home and have nowhere to go.

· Yesterday in Warragul Captain Daniel Templeman was supporting those who were returning to assess the damage. The team is busy helping people change linen, providing toiletries and taking calls. Although the alert here has finished and there are minimal losses The Salvation Army here will still need to support the community emotionally as they deal with the disaster.

· These stories are not isolated, right across the state Salvation Army teams are at work ensuring the bushfire victims and emergency service teams are looked after. Whatever the need may be in the community we are working hard to try and meet it.

· The Salvation Army Overdale Rural Rehabilitation Centre in Kilmore has been razed to the ground by the destructive fires in the area. This facility has provided vital rehabilitation services to hundreds of Victorians since its establishment six years ago. It has been totally destroyed, along with vehicles, equipment and medications. Thankfully, and most importantly, the residents had been evacuated on Saturday afternoon and were not harmed.

· The coming days will be critical and it is expected that the fires may take several days to control and extinguish. The Salvation Army will move towards the recovery phase in the next few days, working with the affected communities to help them rebuild their lives.

I know this is a lot of information but so many of us want to help in whatever way we can.  For those of you overseas the phone numbers given are for local calls, but you can visit websites if you would like to make a donation.

here's one I prepared earlier

There is little to show, in fact I am really just here to tell you that.  Mr Whizzme and I are both home nursing ourselves through colds and infections, and generally getting on each others nerves. Him with his cough, cough, coughing, his this hurts, that hurts, and me, well actually I'm a pretty good patient!  Miss Whizzme is still riding on a high from her 6th birthday last weekend, (Little sis I uploaded the photos here!).  The party did go very well, and the Butterfly lady was fantastic.  Finally I can stop dreaming about beetles, bugs and butterflies.  But as there has been a lack of craftiness to show of late, I thought I would whip out this little item I made a while ago. 

The Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Laundry Bag.

Take one thrifted pillowcase. Cut off the small flap of fabric in the pillowcase opening - divide in half to make two fabric ties. Make a slit a small way down from the pillowcase opening, wide enough for children to thrust large amounts of dirty clothes.  Sew around slit edge to stop fraying. Sew pillowcase opening shut, enclosing the two ties.  Tie to end of bed and alert child of its use.  Ta da.

The only trouble is it doesn't wash the large amount of clothes it holds. Bugger!

Apart from head a feeling like jelly, I am preparing myself for some more training this weekend.  Lucky I have a friend to do it with, and for support. There is also another friend who has been sewing, printing and creating up a frenzy of new goods...phew she makes me tired!

Snapshot

yes it has been a while.  So long in fact, that catching you up with all that has been entertaining the whizzme household of late would be overwhelming to have in one post, so here is just a snapshot.

• Finally cutting into the Liberty, after inspiration from here.
• Easter at home: family painting on Good Friday, eating well, lamb roast on Sunday, Ravelry, Miss Whizzme making her own softie, catching up with an old friend on Easter Monday.
  
• Panda: counseling, and finally a survey online for those of you who have used Panda before.
  
• Down the coast with some friends: time spent drawing, gossiping, eating well, trampolining, more drawing, making sock puppets, laughing, more drawing, a little crochet.
  
• Back home: cleaning up the chaos, making items for Miss Whizzme's party, uploading, washing, reminiscing.
  

Once the newly turned 6 year old returns to school next week I am hoping that posting will resume on a more regular basis.  Well anyway, the best laid plans and all that....

nothing ever goes to plan

It has been one of those weeks.  Everything happening at once, but nothing much being achieved.  Well actually that is the whizzme household most weeks!  Mr Whizzme's parents drove over from Adelaide to see Miss L's first school concert.  It was lovely, and for a little girl who last year was incredibly shy, this year she danced and sang with the rest of them.  Unfortunately not long after the end of the concert things began to go downhill, so that by the afternoon Miss L was having a major melt-down.  Tears, tantrums, yelling, throwing toys - apparently I have a diva in the making!  I hoping it is just a stage she is going through, as we had more such dramas today at school pick up.

I also attended my last 'scholarly learning' session for the PANDA counselling, as of next week it will be more hands on.  This is a little scary, but also exciting to be finally contributing something back.  I will miss meeting up with 4 other women to discuss and learn about the linking factor in our lives - depression.  It has been another chance to gain strength from a horrible part of my life.

All these goings on have meant that the Lounge Around Pants I have made recently ready for my etsy shop have only today been listed. Phew! nothing like being 5 days late.  Some of you have already responded to the wonderful write up these pants got.  If your little Princess likes to lounge around (and lets face it, who doesn't?!) please check out my new offerings in sizes 0-1 and 1-2 here.

Finally sneaking in at the very end of the month, is the November giveaway.  Thought I had forgotten didn't you?!  This month's winner will receive a pair of custom made Lounge Around Pants for their little Princess, with some added little goodies.  So go ahead, leave me a comment to be in the draw - you have until Monday.

Me - I'll be busy sewing up 8 nightdresses' by next Friday.  End of School for 2007.

slacking

Miss L impersonating me.

hi folks, remember me?  

Yep I've been living up to my self given label again and been procrastinating nicely at home.  I really have lots of things to post about, and lots of thank yous to give, and some tags to do and well it all just seems to be a bit much at the moment.  I had a nasty bout of food poisoning last weekend, which has been followed with the preciousness of having that monthly female curse.  If I haven't been about to burst into tears I've been reorganising cupboards and sending things off to the op shop. I am really enjoying the counselling training at PANDA, and it has led to some interesting discussions at home about family beliefs, values, myths we have about ourselves etc.  Miss L seems to be going through some sort of 'phase' ("you don't understand mum")- which involves a lot of tears and dramatics. Boy is she going to be a treat for some therapist later on!! Therefore it may be another week before posting really returns to normal here (whatever normal is!) so I think I might just have time to sneak in the October giveaway.

Leave a comment - anything you want to say - just hello is fine.  I will draw a winner and let you know on the 1st of November.  Good luck.  Oh, and the prize - well, there's a craft book or two and who knows what else I might throw in the lucky winners parcel? maybe some chocolate if I can stop myself from eating it!!