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!

The Tree In Boonah

So last Saturday night, we had the honour of seeing The Tree at the Cultural Centre in Boonah.

It was so breathtakingly beautiful to see familiar local scenery and landmarks of The Scenic Rim on the big screen. The cast and crew, including leading actors Charlotte Gainsbourg, Morgana Davies and Marton Csokas were our customers during filming last year. Whoever would have thought little ol' Boonah would have more than it's fifteen minutes of fame... Josiah was an extra in the funeral scene, so we tried to keep an eye out, I didn't catch it, but Shannyn swears she saw his red hair in the background!

Here we are, Shannyn, Matt and I.Umm....Please excuse Matt, he doesn't quite know how to behave at a red carpet event.

Shannyn chatted for ages with the gorgeous 8 year old Morgana Davies, who shined in the film as Simone.

Thanks to Sue Taylor, Australian Producer,we have a limited number of copies of The Tree Screenplay.

If you want a copy, all you need to do is come in to the store and make a book purchase, let us know you want one, and it's yours!

We are currently in the process of getting in copies of the novel by Judy Pascoe which the film is based on, reprinted and released this week. Orders welcome:)

The film will be screening inBrisbane and Gold Coast, click on link for more info:

http://www.thetreefilm.com/

If you've never been to Boonah and live in Brissy or the Gold Coast, come check us and the scenery out...it's the perfect saturday drive. I'd say Sunday, but The Sory Tree is closed, Saturday is better! 

A Quiet Night In

These days we've been watching tv pretty much every evening. Tonight, however Matt's been belting out some tunes...I'm thinking we should start planning a gig for The Story Tree...

He has enough originals now for an EP. Plus some pub songs. It could be fun, I reckon.

The Loveliness That Is Life

I must confess straight up my gratitude for ye olde iphone. 99.9% of our life is captured on its camera, and I'm yet to download any fancy apps...I know, I can't believe it either. Shannyn has more than once showed me all the great things I could do, if I actually utilized the potential....

But, that's really beside my point here. I wanted to pay tribute to days gone by. So many joyous moments, so much beauty everyday, if I'm paying attention....here are a few I noticed and captured....

Loveliness is picking flowers from the garden and putting them in jars around the house. Extra lovely is when the boys join me...Here is Oskar creating an original arrangement (and I am absolutely NOT allowed to rearrange).

Loveliness is a beach holiday in Agnes Water in winter....the kids do not let the chilly breeze at dusk stop them from getting wet with their new friend.

Loveliness is Op shopping. Collecting preloved tablecloths is becoming at bit of an addiction...I will dedicate a whole blog to all the joy the treasures bring...crockery,lamps,dresses etc.,etc.

Loveliness is art and craft. Mess allowing is mandatory, as paint is by no means restricted to paper...just come check out our front porch, and the furniture on it...Oh and the gate, and the railings...

Obviously sunsets are loveliness. However, this one would not have been noticed if I hadn't come outside and stopped fussing around the house.

Watching Tobey and Oskar play with their friends is sheer loveliness.

So I have documented the loveliness here. Do not worry, there's plenty of horrid,stressful,crazy moments in life, by no means misunderstand...I don't tend to take photos of them, they pass and the Loveliness remains....

What an Unusual Day

Boonah is very quiet today.  It's also been raining since this morning so everything is very dull and wet looking outside.

So if you're at home enjoying the weather, maybe curled up with a favourite book, we've got plenty more in here waiting for you when you're ready for a new read :)

This months Book Club book is The Woman Who Thought Too Much by Joanne Limburg

The Woman Who Thought Too Much is a memoir in which the author tries to understand and manage her Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.  Limburg takes the reader through the various tests and experiments and internet research she has done, while trying to come to terms with her illness.

The Winter of Our Disconnect by Susan Maushart is one that grabbed my attention when it arrived.  

As someone who grew up in this techno age and loves it, I have often wondered what we used to do without it.  In this book a mother (Maushart) and her three teenage techo-addict daughters give up technology for 6 months and talk about how it changed their perspective of technology and of themselves along the way.

Since we've opened our doors again, there have been lots of new books coming in to fill up our shelves.  Our second hand range is also expanding for those of you keen for our book-swap.

Here's hoping for a sunny Spring day tomorrow :)

It's Been Too Long

It really has been too long since I, Rachel posted. You know the longer it's been since catching up with an old friend, the harder it seems to be...hmm what to talk about. The trouble is, throughout any given day, little or big ideas float through my mind and I will write an imaginary blog, and then it's as though I've already done it, it's old news, or not really even news worthy.

For example, many months ago I had numerous conversations with a wide range of people about odd socks. I thought, oh I should write a blog about this. But then I had discussed it that many times, that I got over it. However, I will tell you the gist, cos it's a good one: Odd socks are a good thing. They are an important reminder that some things just aren't that big of a deal.

I came to this conclusion after many a morning trying to find Tobey and Oskar a proper pair of socks each. As our clean washing tends to live in various piles around the place (dirty washing lives in various piles on the laundry floor, oh and bathroom floor), this task was rather time consuming. Not only that, the boys would at times argue over the same pair, and me, trying to be fair and minimise escalating emotions, would split the pairs so that they had one of each-cos that's fair,right? So, odd socks won the day. But that's just a side note, the real epiphany for me was the WHY? Why does it matter if the kids are wearing odd socks? Just cos that's not what you do. It's a just cos that's the way it is, that's what people do thing. THIS IS NOT A GOOD ENOUGH REASON. It does not harm anyone, it is not disrespectful. Those are important reasons to do things. If Tobey or Oskar specifically wanted a proper pair of socks, if it mattered to them, well then I would respect that. But they don't give two hoots. So, my conclusion folks is this: Odd socks are a reminder to say no to pointless rules of 'just cos that's how it is'. Be free to make your own decisions. Heck, break a few 'just cos that's how it's always been' rules! It's liberating, trust me!

So, after that super deep revelation that I am glad to have shared again and again, let me fill you in. I feel like we have been running The Story Tree at about 80%. I have chosen to be okay with this because my family and my health and wellbeing, and my need for connection are important,they require time. I do not want to be a workaholic, it is not sustainable. When I am too busy,the people I love most get the dregs of me at the end of the day. I put my energy, my best self out there to strangers, and dear Matt and the kids pay the price. When I say 80%, I mean that not everything gets done when it should, to the standard that I would like.

The good news is, change is in the air. Matt has retired from running his own concreting business and is now in partnership with me. YAYNESS. Seriously, this is huge. Double energy into one business, double energy into raising the boys, double energy into our LIFE-FULLSTOP. Do you know what makes me sad? That stress has been the everpresent vibe around here for so long, we forgot what it's like to live without it. Malaise of our society's culture, the norm-just how it is,hey? No sirree, not around here no more. The culture at our place is one of odd socks.

And falling asleep with a good book is also something we encourage

















A few more 'norms' around here:




Sundays in pyjamas until we need to leave the house to go have a picnic, or walk up the street to visit neighbours;




Playing in the sandpit for as many hours as desired(read:kids in sandpit, parents pottering);




Picking daisies and lavender to put in little jars around the house;




Having a bubblebath at whatever time of day you feel like it;




Matt singing and playing the guitar during kids bathtime;




Vacuuming the loungeroom carpet three times a day cos I let them eat toast, fruit etc, while playing lego or watching ABC Kids, and the crumbs attract wildlife cos we live in the sticks;







last but not least, siestas are a personal fave:)

The 80% life makes sense to me, leave 20% time for pleasure, fun, relaxation and creativity

12th - 26th August

Hello there Story Tree goers :)
Just a blog to let everyone know that from the above dates, we at the Story Tree are closing our doors for some much deserved rest, relaxation, and family time (and probably a bit of a spring clean!)
We're looking forward to seeing you all again after the 26th August :)

We will also be closed Monday 9th August for the show holiday, but will be open Tuesday and Wednesday so come in for your Story Tree fix before the 12th!

Pollen...that is all

This morning Amanda Richmond popped in with a lovely surprise. Three brand new pollen dresses!
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Presenting the "Lily Tunic Dress"
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Handmade with care from 100% cotton fabric, these stunning dresses are unique and eye catching.
It doesn't matter whether it's summer or winter either, just team it up with some tights and a snug jumper in this chilly weather!
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Must it also be windy?

I'm not a huge fan of winter. The cold weather does not make me feel like sitting in front of a cozy fire in my PJs all day. It makes me want to hibernate and hide away until I can walk outside without a jumper on again. As if dealing with the cold wasn't enough, the wind has come rushing through little Boonah the last few days to top of the complete "winter" feeling.
Thankfully, with the door of the Story Tree closed and the heater on, I can quite successfully pretend that it isn't winter outside. Top it off with hot chocolate and homemade treats, and there really is no other place I'd rather be on a day like today.

If you've been past the shop lately you'll have noticed the childrens' clothes on sale. They are all reduced from their original prices and that's all we have left folks, so get in quick for a bargain!
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Oobi Red Apple Jacket was $59.95 now $39.95
with Oobi Apple Bottom Jeans were $45 now $27

As I finish off today, the sun has finally come out from sulking and it's looking quite lovely outside.

Hot Chocolates and New Faces

With all this cold weather rolling into little Boonah town the first thing many of us find ourselves doing is turning on the coffee machine and making hot chocolates and delicious coffee!
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I'd like to introduce one of our new crew members, Sophia Valenzuela!

Hey, my name is Sophia and i now work in the Story Tree, having one heck of a time, loving it ;) there are some lovely people who work with me!! I go to Boonah High, favourite subject is art! (of course) my twin Elissa is my little minion :) haha joking shes amazing, i have some awesome friends and i am looking forward to many more Sunday's at the Story Tree! (; catcha's laterz!
Sophia x

p.s. come visit the Story Tree, I'll make you a coffee ;)
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Welcoming ME!!!!!!!!!! :)

As the latest edition to The Story Tree, I would just like to introduce my self...
Im 15 and go to Boonah High. My best subject would be Drama. In my spare time I play guitar, bass, and learning piano. I also enjoy music, movies, chilling out with friends, and working at The Story Tree (extra merit points?).

When I leave school I'd like to study creative arts. But for now Im happy hanging out at The Story Tree every Saturday.

So now you know a little about me, swing by The Story Tree and have a coffee.

Josiah Hayton signing out

So they say it comes in three's??

So here I am waiting waiting waiting... I've been having a bad run with stuff falling you see.

It all started yesterday afternoon when I was getting ready to close the shop. As Susie had just made a beautiful Toblerone Cheesecake, I wanted to make sure presentation was at its best. I carefully put the cake on the counter and turned to wash the cake display plate, when right next to me I see the cake fall, UPSIDE DOWN... SPLAT. And that was it... It happened too quickly for me to react, It's like I just had to watch it happen!

So after trying to clean something that perhaps didn't necessarily need to be cleaned, resulted in extra cleaning time I have kind of, a little bit, come to the conclussion "Next time just carry on with life and don't worry about the smudges".

THEN TODAY "carrying on with life", was making a cappuccino and as I went to sprinkle the chocolate on top, the hole flippin lid fell in the coffee and mountains of chocolate! It was like one part of me was completly devastated, like why now? Why am I now one of those clumsey people that this sort of stuff happens to all the time?? ... And the other part were saying sarcasticly "would you like some coffee with that?". So now I'm kind of playing the waiting game, what's going to happen next I wonder?? So while I'm wondering I'm also unpacking new stock with the greatest of care, and thought that the readers of this blog may like to know we are now stocking "Made by White" products.

Beautiful, beautiful designs of necklaces, brooches, earings and boby pins. The products are very girlie. Bringing back memories of some of my own childhood.... I've included some pictures of the day for your viewing pleasure.

So wish me luck on my adventure of the third and hopefully last fall, Ann-Marie

Curious Girl Necklace

A few of the Bobby Pins

Bookclub

The next bookclub book is in store!
Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey
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"Late on a hot summer night at the tail-end of 1965, Charlie Bucktin, a precocious and bookish boy of thirteen, is startled by an urgent knock on the window of his sleepout.
His visitor is Jasper Jones, an outcast in the mining town of Corrigan. Rebellious, mixed-race and solitary, Jasper is a distant figure of danger and intrigue for Charlie.
So when Jasper begs for his help, Charlie steals into the night by his side, terrified but desperate to impress.
Jasper takes him through town to his secret glade in the bush, and it's here that Charlie bears witness to Jasper's horrible discovery."

For the Indoors!

Winter is coming in and with it lots of cold and windy days. The kids are looking for activities inside rather than running around in the sun and to stop all the mothers out there pulling out their hair from stress, The Story Tree has several options to entertain!

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Bobble Art creates some beautiful, bright pens, notebooks, bookmarks, magnets and even money boxes and musical jewelry boxes! Bobble Art ranges in prices from $3.95 - $29.95
Or perhaps some of Lynn Gordon's range of card packs like "52 Ways to Nurture Your Creativity" or "52 Rainy Day Activities"? $12.95

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Lanka Kade specializes in hand made toys and gifts. They create beautiful puzzles to help young children learn their numbers and letters. There are simple three piece puzzels for very young children and A - Z or 1 - 25 puzzles for a bit more of a challenge.
Lanka Kade puzzles are bright and come in a variety of different animals, trains, and cars. They range in price from $9 - $46.

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Lanka Kade also has several playscenes available. They're challenging enough to put together that even mums and dads find themselves joining in. We also sell Lanka Kade's individual animals if your favourite playscene needs a few more occupants! Lanka Kade individual animals sell for $3 each and the playscenes range from $46 - $140
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Let's B Sirius!

Once again B Sirius has delivered an amazing collection of stunning bags and purses to The Story Tree!
For those of you who already enjoy your very own B Sirius bag there are some beautiful new designs in store. And for everyone out there who is on the lookout for an amazing new bag or purse I would recommend coming in and taking a peek!
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Winter is rolling in...

The days are getting much much cooler in the small town of Boonah. And so it is only appropriate that The Story Tree gets cozier. The coffee is getting hotter and the temperature is definitely being turned up. For me, winter is such a beautiful time of the year, with nearly everyone rugging up adding layers and layers to outfits, only to enter the heated indoors and have to unpeel layer after layer. (It really makes buying that extremely expensive and totally out of "my budget" Coat stand worth it).

This month we are looking forward to inviting all The Story Tree Friends to a night of enjoyment, offering special discounts and great cheese dishes partnered with wine, (or beer I guess if that's your thing). VIP night should be on the 24 June, All will be confirmed in the newsletter, which will most likely be hitting the streets this weekend. - If you would like to receive a copy of our monthly newsletter, let me know your email or address and I'll be sure to have you a copy!

This week has also been the last week of Miss Madeline Blaik working here at The Story Tree, she will be very muchly missed, and we can only wish her the best for everything! Madeline has many great talents and individual qualities that The Story Tree was so happy to embrace.
Along with her duties of "Work place Health and Safety Officer", Story Teller and Great Maker of Things, Maddie was also one of the key people that kicked off Brown Owls.

In memory of Maddie fantastic contributions Rachel has made the executive decision that we will be keeping Bernice the chicken and Edward the Moo-Cow in store permanently. Sorry guys these adorable little companions are not for sale, not on our watch... not now, not ever.

So Maddie good luck with the future, we are looking forward to hearing great great things, and looking forward to seeing you still around the small streets of the Boon and Brown Owls.

We salute you!


... Which leads me to the farewell of this post. A big thank you to everyone that supports our blogging.

Until next time, this has been Ann-Marie with an update of The Story Tree's tales.

We Have A Winner!!!

Good Day, Good Afternoon, Howdy and Hey There!!

This afternoon we had the honour and privilege of revealing the winner of our Mothers day Promo. Congtratulations Vicky Whitfield from Purga. You are the winner!!

Vicky has won a free sitting and print with well known, local photographer Sheila Higgins.

Vicky has promised us she will keep us updated on how the photo's come out.

Thanks so much to all that joined in. Hope you are all enjoying your Monday afternoon.

Signing out - Ann-Marie Lumley

Mum's Day

It's almost that day again, time to spoil mum for a day, for the wonderful things she does for us all year...

We have lots of gift ideas in the store, one of the newer items being Apple & Bee.
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"At Apple & Bee out aim is to make the most beautiful cosmetic, travel and baby bags without harming our environment - that is why we are carbon neutral.
Our exclusive designs are printed onto natural fabrics such as organic cotton, bamboo silk and hemp. Apple & Bee bags are designed with love to last a really long time. Part of our profits are donated to environmental organisations, and we are 100% Australian owned."
www.appleandbee.com
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If you're mum doesn't do the 'bag thing', how about one of our amazing cookbooks? We have a few aimed specifically at all the old recipes our mums used to make, before take-out and microwave dinners took over the world.

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If neither of the above grabs you, don't stress as we've plenty of other ideas in the store! Beautiful ipop magnets for keeping important stuff on the fridge, our new Cecily cards, tea towels and calendas, or perhaps one of our inspiring books for the creatively inclined mothers out there.

However you spend your mother's day, make sure to put a little time aside for the mum in your life.