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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...
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.
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.
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. * * Amanda uses vintage and hand screen-printed fabrics by MelBomba, Sydney, to make her handbags. *
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. * * 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! * * 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!
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!
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!
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:
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!
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.
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....
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 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
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!
This morning Amanda Richmond popped in with a lovely surprise. Three brand new pollen dresses!
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* Presenting the "Lily Tunic Dress" *  * 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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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! *  * 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.
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! *  * 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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