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....