Happy New Year

2010 is gone and we've welcomed in 2011 with a prayer for just a little less rain.  Don't get me wrong, I love the rain but over Christmas the knowledge that I may not be able to see my loved ones because of a "little" flooding came as a shock.  Especially when I drove down the roads that had only been recently opened and saw how high the water had been.

On a brighter note, The Story Tree is open again after our Christmas break and it has been lovely to see all of our regular customers again, and a few new faces too!  Our Wednesday mornings which were taken up by storytelling before the holidays - and which will commence again when school starts back - have been no less busy than usual as all the mums have become accustomed to their weekly coffee fix and gossip catchup with Susie's amazing treats.  It has become a bit of a "mum's and bub's" day, so feel free to join in.

As we usher back in the new school year we would like to let you all know that we are offering 20% off the Bobble Art lunch boxes and backpacks, for new school arrivals or replacing that item that just isn't going to last another year  :)

I'll leave it there today with the hope that the booming outside is someone moving ridiculously large furniture next door and not more thunder...

This Time of Year

Long time no hear, Rachel here. So I blog in spits and spats. Actually, I do most of life in much the same way I've come to realise. There are times of motivation and energy, and there are times of tiredness and retreat. Lately, I've been feeling quiet. I have been so grateful to have Matt and Shannyn hold the fort at The Story Tree. I had a miscarriage a few weeks ago and have been feeling like a turtle in it's shell, retreating into home, quiet, alone and healing. I am so grateful that my life has so much in it that fills it with joy. I have been sad and happy at the same time. I have grieved the loss of what could have been, while rejoicing in all that already is. Both are true-joy and sadness, light and dark. I have needed to trust the process of healing, trust the quiet emptiness inside, and the noise of day to day that is the what life is with our two precious boys.

This blog site really is a mix of the shop and of my personal life. It's the way life is. The two are inseparable. The Story Tree is a part of me and I am also more than my work; and The Story Tree is more than me, it is everyone who comes in and makes it a part of their life. I wouldn't have it any other way. It is a blessing to me and I love that it is a blessing for others.

This time of year I like to reflect. I realise, as I look back on all that's happened just how much I have to be grateful for. It is the love of family and friends that sustains me.

Papo

Just in time for Christmas, Papo - a French toy company specialising in hand-painted figurines - have been introduced to The Story Tree.  Aimed to enhance and develop a child's imagination, these beautiful and unique figurines are sure to be a welcome present this month.

At The Story Tree we have four different collections of hand-painted figurines:  dinosaurs, knights and warhorses, farm animals, and fairies and princesses. 

For the full Papo collections visit http://www.papo-france.com/Index.asp

 

 

Red Pear

We've got some amazingly talented women in Boonah.  First Pollen, then Hippy Wild Child, and now we'd like to introduce 'Red Pear', the beautiful work of local super woman/mum, Amanda Willman.

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Amanda uses vintage and hand screen-printed fabrics by MelBomba, Sydney, to make her handbags.

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Cozy Corners

It's amazing how many people have been coming into The Story Tree lately and were so surprised and amazed at our ultra cozy back area, so we've decided to take a few snaps for those of you who haven't had the pleasure.

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From an emplyees perspective the 'back' of the shop is by far my favourite place.  The customers out there are always smiling, and the children are almost always happy to fend for themselves in our childrens area - which i'm sure is the reason for the majority of the smiles from our mums!

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Some of our customers remember and were frequently visiting the shop while the back was being created.  It's amazing looking at the before and after pictures and even more so looking at where it has come since being opened up.

We run storytelling out there every Wednesday morning and have a bookclub once a month.  At the moment there's an Aromatherapy workshop running every Thursday and we've also had a few children's birthday parties!

From Sunday Chutney to Huckleberry Finn

The Story Tree has had lots of new children's books arrive the the past few days.  One of my favourites, Sunday Chutney, written from the perspective of a young girl whose family travels often and has to make new friends everytime they do so, was a joy to read once again.  

Another of Aaron Blabey's books, Stanley Paste takes a look at a young boy who believes he is too short and the friend he makes who believes she is too tall, and who both come to realise that it doesn't really matter.

 The Adventures Huckleberry Finn is a much beloved classic that has also arrived.  

At the moment we've also got some amazing pop-up books, even one with music - because pop-up pictures alone are just not entertaining enough these days!

Something Special

It's so nice working somewhere that really promotes hand-made, fair trade, and organic goodies.  I always know the clothes have been made with care, and the delicious home made surprises from Susie Bell have been baked with lots - and lots - of love.  

This is Susie's Chocolate Coffee and Zucchini cake

Another favourite at the moment is Cobs Organic Popcorn - lightly salted, slightly sweet.  It has an unusual taste, not unlike caramel popcorn, but without the overwhelming sweetness after only two bites.

If this confused weather continues to sit over Boonah and you find yourself wanting to get out of the house, come in for our amazing fair trade organic coffee, you never know, there might even be some cake left!