Silence Can Only Mean One Thing When You Have A Toddler: Trouble!

Hunter was having a very happy play time with what, through the steamed up shower screen, looked like bubbles. On closer inspection it was a sample pot of Sudocream nappy rash cream. Mum Fail.

Jim Henson's The Labyrinth Tattoo - Featuring Ludo Hoggle Ambrocious and Sir Didymus

Did I mention I recently got a new tattoo? For years I have adored The Labyrinth (have you seen my Labyrinth post from a while ago?) and have drawn heaps of fan art (unpublished).

I finally took my sketches to Aureole at Lust For Life, Fortitude Valley and got her to make them a reality! Six hours later, I have the most beautiful thigh ever!

It's only forever!
Sandi D

Brisbane Play Group for Alternative Indie Parents: Mum Club at Southside Tea Room, Morningside

Mum Club will be held at Southside Tea Room this coming Monday between 10-11:30am, and this month we are celebrating Mother's Day with delicious cakes (including amazing Glutenfreek gluten-free snacks!) and excellent coffee for the Mum's; and playdough for the kidlets.

If you like hanging out with other cool parents like me; and your baby, toddler or child likes to play with other cool kids like Hunter you should come. We would both love to see you there!

Think of it as the mother's group you secretly hoped for, but doubted you'd ever find.

Cool Parents Unite and Take Over,

Sandi D

Southside Tea Room

639 Wynnum Rd Morningside Brisbane. 4170.

PH 3899 5859

southsidetearoom.com/

LadyFest Art Exhibition, Lust For Life Tattoo, Gallery and Espresso Bar, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane

I am excited to announce that my artwork Luna II has been accepted into this years LadyFest!

What is LadyFest you ask? 

"LadyFest Brisbane is a part of an international movement that commenced in the United States in 2000. Ladyfest is a non-profit, community-based event designed by and for women to showcase, celebrate and encourage the artistic, organisational and political work and talents of women. The events are are organised and run by women, but all are welcome to attend."

  The opening night is this Thursday, at Lust For Life Gallery in Fortitude Valley from 7pm.

Lust For Life tattoo, gallery and espresso bar is located at 176 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley in Brisbane, Australia.

I hope I see you there!
Sandi D

ANZAC Day With A Toddler.

This year we celebrated ANZAC Day by watching the Brisbane City ANZAC Day March. We stayed there until the last of the Air Force Squadrons had completed their march, and then we stopped in to Southside Tea Room for a quick pint before heading home.

How did we get through three hours of public time with a toddler? 
Snacks- he ate an entire banana, a handful of Tiny Teddy biscuits and then had a couple of hot chips with me. 
Drinks- I had a bottle and a sippy cup and gave him whatever he wanted whenever he pleased. He usually only gets water or milk but on this day he also had some apple juice. 
Freedom- I let him have some time to run around. A bit of personal freedom for Hunter not only helped him let off steam, it also tuckered him out so he was happy to sit back in his pram. 

Hunter was most fascinated by the Queensland Mounted Infantry Historical Troop and Canine Squadrons. He also loved the marching bands, showing everyone how his KissCat had a camouflage uniform on; and running at full speed into crowds and disappearing down alleyways. It was exhausting and made me very grateful for my friend and neighbour Rebecca's presence, but mostly it was fun.

Next year I will check out the ANZAC March Brisbane website before planning our day. Through the website I can get a copy of the run order so I know when Daddy is walking past. This will give me time to get Hunter in a position to see him, and point him out in the crowd.

As a side note, I also find it weird that I am such a bleeding heart peacenik and my husband is in the Defense Force. All I can say is that Australia is a peace keeping force, and I can reconcile this goal with my own because truly all those men and women and children who died in war will rest in peace when we live in peace.

Peace,
Sandi D

Peace Sign Made Of Guns

Check out this rad peace sign made of guns my best friend made for me after he was inspired by one of our conversations.

I'm Feeling Cute Overload: Hunter Dressed As a Bee

So ages ago I put Hunter in some bee wings and let him play. And then I very creepily took about ten photos in a row (at times pretending to sneeze so he would roar with laughter- a trick that has not worked since this day) that have just now been discovered in the poorly filed mess that is my PC.

They made me giggle, hopefully they remind you to have a bee- utiful day.

Lets always bee this cute,
Sandi D

Cool Punky Hair Styles and Cuts for Toddler Boys

To cut Hunter's Hair or not to cut Hunter's hair. I've been searching tumblr for inspiration and found these cute cool guy hairstyles and haircuts for little boys (but no originating details- if you own these pictures please let me know so I can tag back). Which style do you think is the coolest?

Snip, snip
Sandi D

Mum Club For Alternative Mums in Brisbane.

Hunter loves to play. Sometimes he prefers kitchen utensils over actual toys - there is no accounting for taste I guess. If your kid also likes to play and you like hanging out with other cool parents, come along to Mum Club from 10am on Monday April 8th at Southside Tea Room. We would both love to see you there!

Think of it as the mother's group you secretly hoped for, but doubted you'd ever find.

Cool Parents Unite and Take Over,

Sandi D

Southside Tea Room

639 Wynnum Rd Morningside Brisbane. 4170.

PH 3899 5859

southsidetearoom.com/

I am Australian and I support gay marriage.

I am Australian and I support gay marriage.

I support gay marriage because I support authentic love.


I support gay marriage because I support my friends, some of whom are gay.

I support gay marriage because I honestly feel that same-sex couples should have the same legal rights and public acknowledgment enjoyed by heterosexual couples.

I support gay marriage because I feel in my heart that if there is a God, S/He would want all of His/Her creations to experience the happiness that being in love creates- and also know that S/He would never have created homosexuality and sprinkled it so liberally throughout our population if it weren't as pure a manifestation of love as heterosexuality.

I support gay marriage because I believe in the institution of marriage despite my parents failing miserably at their own attempts. In fact, it is because of their failure that I understand a bit of the spectrum of personal actions that make up the concept of 'true commitment', and because of this understanding I have seen the fidelity of gay relationships and know them to be as strong as any other. For two people to be so adamant in their love that they would stick by each other in a world which actively seeks to pull them apart, for two people to take it all by each others side- that to me shows a level and understanding of true commitment that is deserving of legal and social recognition.  

I support same sex marriage because I know that people are 'born this way'. My son could be gay. It wont change a damn thing about the love I have for him, and hopefully by the time he is old enough to fall in love he will have the privilege of being in love and knowing that the law is on his side.

I support gay marriage because I support equality. I have to- I can't not. Equality is the soul of liberty, and as a woman in this beautiful country I am still subjected to the most ridiculous restraints on my personal liberties. Race rights, women's rights, gay rights- it is all the same battle, and we will win. In my life we will win.

“Being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.”
― John Locke, Second Treatise of Government 

“As you grow up, always tell the truth, do no harm to others, and don't think you are the most important being on earth. Rich or poor, you then can look anyone in the eye and say, 'I'm probably no better than you, but I'm certainly your equal.”
― Harper Lee

"There can be no equality or opportunity if men and women and children be not shielded in their lives from the consequences of great industrial and social processes which they cannot alter, control, or singly cope with."
― Woodrow Wilson

 

“Equality is not a concept. It's not something we should be striving for. It's a necessity. Equality is like gravity. We need it to stand on this earth as men and women, and the misogyny that is in every culture is not a true part of the human condition. It is life out of balance, and that imbalance is sucking something out of the soul of every man and woman who's confronted with it. We need equality. Kinda now.”

― Joss Whedon

“I'm a supporter of gay rights. And not a closet supporter either. From the time I was a kid, I have never been able to understand attacks upon the gay community. There are so many qualities that make up a human being... by the time I get through with all the things that I really admire about people, what they do with their private parts is probably so low on the list that it is irrelevant.”
― Paul Newman 

 

 

“I, too, sing America.

I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.

Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.

Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed--

I, too, am America.”
― Langston Hughes

“I believe that there will be ultimately be a clash between the oppressed and those who do the oppressing. I believe that there will be a clash between those who want freedom, justice and equality for everyone and those who want to continue the system of exploitation. I believe that there will be that kind of clash, but I don't think it will be based on the color of the skin...”
― Malcolm X

same love,

Sandi D

Childhood Quotes: Patti Smith

I had a really happy childhood - my siblings were great, my mother was very fanciful, and I loved to read. But there was always financial strife.
-Patti Smith

I'm Feeling: Possibly NSFW - Awesome Alternative Hens Night

So I had the most fabulous time at my girlfriends' Hens Party. We stayed at a lovely retreat at Mount Tamborine called Cloud Nine. It was perfect.

We had a 'crochet cock' dance party, listened to awesome music, devoured cheese, drank Sex On The Beach, visited the Mount Tamborine Distillery and ate lewd pancakes.

Oh yeah, and Phil from Grinspoon swang past to dance provocatively and pose seductively against his motorbike... (Well, not quite, but  a girl can dream right?)

Despite a no show from my favourite member of Team Satan, the Hens was a total blast. We had a photobooth, and an endless supply of polaroids- which was perfect because we are all a group of exhibitionists! My dear friend made a crochet strap on for the bride, and the bride rocked out with her cock out for many hours. The dance floor went off and we all rocked a day taste testing our way across the mountain. A well deserved break.

Lee looked after Hunter all by himself and did a fabulous job. Getting special picture message updates from Lee of all the fun he and Hunter were having ruled, and a few texts asking how the hell I manage (!) made me chuckle wryly. Lee really took charge and made it so easy for me to relax and enjoy the break. And enjoy it I did- It was revitalising! Such an amazing way to show our bride how much we adore her, and spend some personal time reconnecting with the girls I love most. The sexiest, most loving and appreciative and honest girls, girls who stick by one another and know the cornerstone to long term love is talking, listening and understanding. All of us are on such different journeys now, and still we just 'get' each other. We are very lucky to have that trust, that authenticity. I just can't stop smiling when I think about it.

To all those Mum's who haven't taken time out; or let your partner do some Mummying- make a plan to do so soon. I found it so cheering to have time to self validate as a woman unencumbered, and also so great for restoring a mutually acceptable appreciation between me and my partner of the hard work that goes into this business called "keeping house + toddler taming".

It's relaxed all around, and I feel so happy.

Glitter mixed with Rock 'n' Roll,
Sandi D

MUM CLUB! This Monday

Calling all cool parents: Brisbane’s first mothers group for cool mums is on again! Join Me, Sandi D, and a ton of other rad, weird, kooky, eccentric and downright cool mums (and dads- join us!!) from 9:45am this Monday, March 11 for a morning of sweet treats and family fun.

Southside Tea Room owner and Indie songstress Patience Hodgson will serve us biggies amazing coffees and delicious cakes and snacks, while the littlies purl around safely in a play pen and the medium sized ones busy themselves at the art table and pinball machine (and perhaps enjoy a delicious organic icy pole or milkshake).

If you can’t make it this time, MumClub is held on the second Monday of every month and we would love to meet you. If you can make it but your little one can’t you are more than welcome to join us anyway. You never know who you’ll meet and it really is rad (and validating) to be part of a mums group where your clothes/hair/music taste/body mods/hobbies fit right in our patch work of alternative awesomeness.

At previous MumClubs we have spoken about all kinds of stuff: where to find cheap cool kids clothes, breastfeeding and bottle feeding dramas, day-care and return to work, kid friendly music that doesn’t suck, how to find cool maternity and breastfeeding and post-partum clothes, good kid friendly outings for creative and musical families, fun ways to get fit post baby (roller derby or punk rock aerobics anyone?) and how good it feels to finally meet other cool parents.

Think of it as the mother's group you secretly hoped for, but doubted you'd ever find.

Cool Parents Unite and Take Over,

Sandi D

Southside Tea Room

639 Wynnum Rd Morningside Brisbane. 4170.

PH 3899 5859

southsidetearoom.com/

I'm Feeling: Sick

Our entire family is home sick. Ugh.

Nothing is making Hunter happy. He is a misery guts.

Small quiet things are the best, but even they quickly lose their shine.

There are brief flashes of happiness. A second of smile makes it all worthwhile.

Here's hoping that tomorrow is a happier day.

*cough, cough*
Sandi D

Crazy Shit I Found On The Internet: Cats and Babies

A long time ago I posted about cats and babies- and then just today I spotted this gem: How To Tell Your Cat You're Pregnant. I mean, it was tough telling my cats I was pregnant, I'd say even tougher than telling my husband, my family, my boss and my friends. I wish I had had this useful soundtrack to help ease into it.

I've got something to tell you,
Sandi D

I'm Feeling: Tired But Happy

Dearest Hunter,

I am almost 31, and you are almost 20 months old. I'm painting and blogging and working two days a week. Your father and I have started doing the Insanity Work Out (whoah) and in a couple of days time go to Soundwave to see some bands we love. Despite my outlandish purchase of two concert tickets a few months ago we are finding making ends meet tough right now. Daycare costs a lot, and after we pay for it there is no money left from my pay. That's alright though, its about time your father and I learnt to be responsible with our money. We consider it a challenge, and we always kick ass at challenges.

You are learning about talking and tantrums, copycat behaviour and playing with other kids, counting to three and getting carsick, patting pets and potties. We make forts together and shower together and read stories together. Everyday you make me laugh, make me wonder at the universe and how amazing it is, and frustrate me- sometimes simultaneously.

I took these photos of you so I can always remember how wonderful these days are.

With love,
your Mum.