Happy Holidays from Baxter Street

May the spirit of Christmas touch you lightly and bring you peace, dear reader. I have enjoyed our natters immensely this year and look forward to many more in 2012. Glad tidings to each and every one of you. jxx

PS If you are making festive shortbread consider a sliver of glace cherry before popping them in the oven. It adds just a little extra cheer and at this time of year, more is less, dear reader. Yes indeed.

shall I play for you?

This is AWESOME. It's so joyful. If you love The Little Dummer Boy you will love this. Please make time, even it's only to watch the snow bounce off the drums! Happy Chirstmas everyone. xx

santa's got a brand new bag

Last night, amidst our twinkling fairy lights, Himself and I watched Elf. The boys were both out but, hey, we still watched the family Christmas movie. Have you seen this one, dear reader? We (all of us at Baxter Street including the stop-outs) just love it. It's up there with It's A Wonderful Life as a family classic to watch again and again. In fact, we have seen it so many times since it came out in 2003 that we now start laughing before the gags. We quote from it liberally and like those really annoying people who mutter lines from Shakespeare while attending the play we do that too! Will Ferrell is the Master of Silly and his comic timing is pure genius. I also love James Caan as the grumpy NY children's book publisher and it's always a thrill to see Bob Newhart on the screen. If you haven't seen Elf get it and watch it, dear reader. Your kids will love it and you will too. xx

making multiple inky scratches

Today I signed a three book contract with HarperCollins, dear reader. What a truly wonderful Christmas present. It has been a momentous day. Of course, I have my super duper Agent Clare to thank. She saw to all the nitty gritty and cared for the pigeons as they fluttered to and fro 'tween Melbourne and Sydney with bits of paper and secret notes. Part of me now wants a good lie down, the other part wants to Quaff Bubbly. I think I shall quaff. Yes, that feels just right. Wherever you are, dear reader, I hope you too have time for a little End Of Week Tipple. Thursday really is Friday when we're this close to Christmas, don't you agree? xx

my space

This is it Gus! x

today at the convent...

Hail Mary full of grace, thank you for this artists' space.

Matt is thinking about rubber ducks, hammers and paper planes. He is wondering about 'Sheer Tenacity'...

Sal is building a drive-in for her new claymation (with or without Zip's supervision).

Sal is trying to convince Zip that it is time to do some work. Zip has been running around the oak tree and does NOT want to come inside.

Jacqui is working on her novel. Shhh!

Rick is playing with paint and ignoring me and Nigel.

And everyone is thinking about a beer at Handsome Steve's (even though Handsome is on tour with The Triffids...)

Have a happy Tuesday all. xx