C'est beau la vie

As the winter's sun draws two best friends out for lunch in the village cafe, my camera captures their insouciant laughter. Hugs on the sofa with Buddy. Moments to hold on to as moves to the big city are discussed, plans are made and kids stretch their wings in all directions.

Posters of Faith

I have just started my collection of posters with inspirational quotes and sayings. Adorn your walls with beautiful pictures accompanied of a special message for your daily intake.

A selection will be available to purchase online very soon. For any enquiry you can email me on maisonmalou@bigpond.com

La Vallee en Automne

Les temperatures sont en basse ce matin alors que l'aiguille du barometre vacille entre 9 et 11 degres dehors sur la verandah. Le brouillard est present et l'air est humide d'un nuage passager, mais la vallee possede toujours cet air magique quelque soient les saisons. Bien sur notre maison etant sur le marche de vente et la realite de la scarcite des locations a present apportent une certaine inquietude dans mon programme journalier.
Je cherche assidument une nouvelle demeure ou je pourrai assouvir mes penchants de decoratrice. Une porte se ferme, une autre va s'ouvrir sur de nouvelles possibilites…


The temperatures are dropping this morning as the barometer sways between 9 and 11 degrees outside on the verandah. The fog is present and the air damp from a passing cloud but the valley still possesses this air of magic whatever the seasons might be. Our house is on the market and the reality of the scarcity of rentals here has brought a sense of worries hovering over my daily schedule. I am actively searching for a new home in which I could quench my love of decor. A door shuts, another is bound to open on new possibilities...

Maugan ~ Happy 20th B'day

Had an awesome day today with my youngest son Maugan; We had sushi for lunch and hunted the shops for a longboard, the latest craze in the world of young men it seems. I know that all mothers cringe at the mere thought of a fall but the healthy outdoors trend convinced me in the end and Maugan was quite happy! The autumn sun was present to our rendez-vous and a 'whole entire day' with my beautiful boy was just wonderful. Tonight on the menu, his favourite = lasagna and chocolate cake :-}

L'Automne

Ernest Bieber

Le brouillard ce matin rajuste au decor une note romantique et le feu crepite dans le poele a combustion. Les couleurs de miel, rouille et paprika des feuillages ne cessent de m'extasier alors que je trace les kilometres jusqu'au college. Mes yeux s'imbibent des beautes alentour et je respire a pleins poumons tandis que je longe la baie ou les effluves marines s'epanchent. Encore un bel Automne, grandiose et eclatant de couleurs.

To all the mothers of the world

Givers all year through...
Mending socks and hearts, backstage praying, baking or trying not to burn home cooked meals, creating loving homes and keeping up with its never ending dusting and picking of abandoned shoes, toys or dirty laundry.
For their unrelenting patience and dedication, their unmeasurable daily chores, their taxi driving skills, their limitless gifts, their zillions kisses and hugs, their repeated forgiveness, their hopes and seeds firmly planted…

Happy Mother's Day

This little jewel has bewitched me even though I am not an astute tea drinker. With its lollipop colours and its gorgeous displays of floral tea cups, selection of mouth watering homemade cookies. What a pleasant stop over as I tutor French to a young HSC student. Berry is unveiling its back streets shops and enticing me to relocate… A move in on the cards!

La Joie de Vivre

So the French are getting a chance to revive their 'Joie de Vivre' with a brand new President. All eyes are on Francois Hollande and his promises. Let's hope that the country finds its roots again, embedded in traditions and history and provides for its people a decent way of life in equal portions...

Soaking up the Autumn Sun

The last days of Autumn and Georgia, Amelia, Cassandra, Milla and I were heading to Gerroa to soak up some sun. Walking on the rocks and collecting myriad of beautiful shells, inhaling the fresh marine air and the day just simply was wonderful ~ improvised, delivered with magic and simplicity ~ 

Vintage posters...and in need of chocolate

In study mode and visiting vintage posters ~ one of my favourite movies of all time Harold &Maude. Choosing to create a French poster of course!
I wish I had a chocolate bar to gnaw on whilst I study...
Thanks to my wonderful gracious Graphic Design teacher Amy, the light bulb just came on as I venture more confidently in Illustrator...
Poster on its way to creation, to be followed!

As rain charged clouds as thick as woollen scarves hover around the house, immersing everything in lashes of dark grey dullest tones, it is time to enchant the home with sweet yellows. Worries are like that; they can invade your surroundings unannounced and permeate a sudden chill. It really doesn't matter that your attitude is built up to resiliency. I have to 'think and feel yellow' and bring my sorrows and burdens once again to the Lord. The trusting bit is always a tad difficult...but

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is his faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22

14 April 1985

"Love never gives up,  never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

Many ups and downs, broken dreams, struggles and disillusions but in the end love never fails.

From darkness to light...

A dash of Hope to help you with the conversion

Happy Easter!

Working the raw format

l'Art Nouveau ~ Revel and revelation

Manuel Orazi

Totally obsessed by Art Nouveau at the moment! well, after doing research needed for my last assignment it was quite interesting and revealing to find out that Art Nouveau was the period that truly attracted and inspired me with their curves and elegance, simplicity and striking hues.
I guess I am being quite French after all...

Enjoy xo

Monday and its possibilities

M.Amandine & M.Augustine

Berry

Angles and colours

Au dela des reves

Benedicte Garnier-Fihey

Transiting to Autumn

Day off today ~ well not exactly a relaxing one as I take the opportunity to catch up with doctors appointments, getting new school shoes for Mimi and working on the upcoming design projects ...phew! will take time out later on in the day
I thought I'd shared a pic of this perfect view in which I revel each day on my way back and fro to college. Presently swept by downpours of heavy rain, the ocean has disappeared under a white thick veil. Rain, rain go away!
 First day of Autumn and we haven't really caught up with Mrs Summer yet!

Tree of life ~ Act II

You may have noticed that I have a fondness for trees ~ I wear one on my right arm as a symbol of my walk in life. Trees represent strength and are firmly grounded. They renew themselves and display harmonious and stunning effects throughout the seasons. They can be tossed in the wind, licked by the fire, drenched in rain or frozen in ice and each time they adapt to the surrounding elements. Their gracious shapes define the beauty of a landscape and at a closer look, the details of their bark whisper an inspiring story. 

They have that certain stillness, a wisdom carried throughout the ages and a renewable energy.

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord whose confidence is in him. 

He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes, its leaves are always green

It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

Jeremiah 17:7

"J'ai tendu des cordes de clocher a clocher; des guirlandes de fenetre a fenetre; des chaines d'or d'etoile a etoile, et je danse."
"I have hung ropes from steeple to steeple; garlands from window to window; golden chains from star to star, and I am dancing."

Arthur Rimbaud