Life can be hectic!

I can't believe it's a month since I wrote - despite my New Year Resolution to slow down it's been a hectic and tough month work wise. There's been births, my 13 yo had her baby boy, deaths, sudden and tragicly a young Dad, with all sorts of legal complications - this is an indigenous family, he had a heart attack while taking a nap after lunch. The family called me (it was Sunday) and it meant dealing with police, forensics, child safety, finding family members to support his current partner and new baby and just the shock and grief involved. I was very honoured to be asked to speak at his funeral. And court cases that keep going pear shaped, kids running, back to court, more interviews, more afadavits, back to court and on it cycles. The only ones gaining from this seem to be the lawyers who make heaps of money. For the families involved its heartache and frustration.

I've been working long hours and trying to fit in some sleep and the occassional meal. My Team leader was in town last week and came to my house for dinner, we only manage to get together about 5 times a year as she is based in Normanton, we had planned for me to drive up there last week - the rivers were up so it wasn't safe to travel, and my work load just didn't allow any space. Barb bought me a bunch of beautiful Lillies - it did make such a difference, my whole house smelled wonderful and they were so beautiful - I have a photo and will add it when i'm home again. I was tempted to bring them out with me this week, it seemed a shame to just leave them, but a day in the car, even though our temperatures have dropped to the mid 30's, wouldn't have done them any good at all.

And I'm definately having quilting withdrawal, but I'm hopeing this week will give me some space.

I have Ben's quilt (his xmas present) with me and just need to stitch down the binding. I also have the last row x row for Trish L, and I've discovered 1930's/vintage fabrics - just what I needed - more inspiration! As I left town yesterday I picked up Terri's row for the new row X row swap - this has a Christmas theme, and i know I'm going to enjoy this.

Despite sketching, and playing with techniques I didn't get to finish the Choosedaychallange this month which was Acid, - it will now be added to the ever growing pile of UFO's! today we get the new theme for the month.

Last week really was awful and though I'm hoping for just some quiet suicidal and domestic violence stuff this week - it's already spilled over! But one of my little people had made me a bright red macaronni necklace yesterday, I wore it all afternoon and it lifted my day. I also called in to see my new Mum - she's 13 yo- and she's doing so well and baby Kobi is lovely - he managed to spew all down my skirt. So I spent the day smelling of baby puke and wearing macaronni necklaces - a good day!
There was also the 8am visit to the solicitor to sign my latest afadavit, and a visit till 7pm with the family involved in the court case - but a good day.

I'm hopeing for a less hectic and more peaceful week.