HAPPY NEW YEAR

So, another year, another 'promise to self'. Here's my wish to you, attached to my Tree of Life artwork, and may the Year of the Dragon bring you love, happiness, good health and vitality. xx

MERRY CHRISTMAS

MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all from Julie & Greg at Hearts and Minds Art : May you have a happy and safe festive season. Thank you to you all for your support and we are so looking forward to bringing you more heartfelt, creative works in the new year. Stay tuned. xx

It's funny how things eventuate. Take an overseas trip, some memorable photos and a quest for a new, creative life. Toss them together with lots of patience and love and you get our sterling silver range of pendants and rings that house my little photos. 'Jewellery by Croucher' (named after my jeweller grandfather, Jordan Llewellyn Croucher), the pieces are beautiful.

The important things in life.

Family and friends, love and respect. Not celebrity, Twitter, envy and greed. Enough said.

They say they guard you -- look over you. They must, because owls are so popular right now. Here is a pic of our 'hoot' of owls (or more correctly, our 'parliament of owls') that are made by Noosa manic-sewer Kate. Aren't they divine and come in a range of fabrics, colours and wools.

HO! HO! HO!

Sorry, we know it's too early for a lot of you to think about Christmas, but we are finding a lot of customers are starting their shopping (organised little elves that they are). So, we have decked the halls at No.1 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads. Lots of ideas, presents (large and small), original odds'n'ends and beautiful jewellery. And of course you can have a special personalised message done too. Pop in and see what's new or email on julieholland1@bigpond.com.

How cute are these embroidered fabric cufflinks - thanks to Hannah for supplying us with a range for last weekends Noosa Triathlon. Bikes, fit people and lots of lycra ... and of course the Breast Cancer Fun Run which apparently raised over $50,000. Well done to all those in pink! Back to the bicycle cufflinks - if you or your cycling buddies need some ($49) contact me on julieholland1@bigpond.com, or cycle in to our No.1 Hastings Street store.

It's so wonderful to know that my inspirational writings are in homes, businesses, in hearts and in memories, giving positive vibes and support. Today in our Hastings Street store a lovely couple bought my 'Rambling Road' frame - it's going into the entrance of her yoga studio ... in Switzerland. Thank you! xx

So,let's face it, Librans are indecisive. Don't plan it, can't help it, it's just the way it is - I think. Happy Birthday to all you Librans out there. Just like me you hate injustice and love balance in your life; see both sides of an argument but will fight for your side. Stubborn? Never. Just can't decide how to end a disagreement without hurting anyone. xx

HELP ERADICATE WOMENS CANCERS AND OTHER HEALTH ISSUES THROUGHOUT OCTOBER : THINK PINK AND DONATE

WE'RE IN THE NEWS

Check out today's 'Weekender' magazine in the Noosa Journal newspaper! Hearts and Minds Art's timber and aluminium jewellery trees are featured on page 40. Better yet, stop into our shop at No.1 Hastings St., Noosa Heads and see them first-hand. Cheers.

HASTINGS STREET HAPPENINGS

We are meeting some real cutie-pies in our Hastings Street (Noosa Heads) store, with the school holidays unveiling lots of Sophies, Arabellas, Mias, Charlies, Kates and Ellas. Dads and brothers venture in for a quick look at the surfing pics but it's the girls that are loving our new woollen owl cushions and colourful little hairclips (all made in Queensland of course).

TIE YOUR FRIENDS TO YOUR HEART WITH A STRING OF LOVE. THAT WAY, YOU'LL ALWAYS BE ABLE TO FIND EACH OTHER (Julie)
We have just had my 'middle' boy and his gorgeous girlfriend to stay. How wonderful it was to share info, chat, listen to their music again and see them as individual, intelligent, fun adults. Miss them all.

Little Cove, Noosa, Queensland, Australia and I live here ... stunning!

Today I'd like to thank 'the girls'. Two girls who give endless, unquestioned love despite us being away all day, probably not giving them enough walks and getting cross when the outdoor cushions are mysteriously shredded. Roxy (Rhodesian Ridgeback) and B(Lab) are our 'girls'. B actually stands for Black Betty Bamalam (it seemed a good idea at the time!). Anyway thanks for the smiles, licks and ongoing attempts to climb into our laps at the end of our long days.

HASTINGS STREET HAPPENINGS

Coming to the Noosa Jazz Festival this weekend? Then call into our Hearts and Minds Art store at No.1 and experience what several customers this week have called "A totally original, beautiful store". Thank you!

SOY CANDLES AT H&MA

If you've wandered near the Hearts and Minds Art shop at No.1 Hastings Street, you would have experienced beautiful scents wafting your way. We are proud to stock NJs Candles : all natural, soy candles that are MADE IN QUEENSLAND (not re-labelled imports). Cotton wicks, long burning times, and all natural: Coconut & Lime, Vanilla, Sandalwood in pillar candles, travel tins and jars and a wider range in the loofah soaps. Divine!
Our online shopping site is being built - but in the meantime visit us or just email me for details (julieholland1@bigpond.com).

HEARTS AND MINDS ART'S STORE IS OPEN IN HASTINGS STREET, NOOSA HEADS !!
Come and visit our new store at No.1 Hastings Street (under Sandcastles Resort) - it's very exciting to have a presence in this well-known strip of Noosa. Our stock is always increasing and we now stock stunning sterling silver photo rings in the 'jewellery by croucher' range, handmade woollen cushions, NJs soy candles and lots more, as well as our normal range of original products. And of course everything is Made in Queensland which makes us proud.
Eumundi Square: Open Wed & Sat 7.30am-1.30pm & Sun 9am-1pm.
No.1 Hastings St: Open 7 days a week.See you there!

I read in a book yesterday that "every woman should have a 'lost summer' in her lifetime". In the book it was a summer when the woman left her family after her husband cheated, went to France for time-out, but did return. No questions/no answers. But I was thinking: couldn't it be just a summer-to-recharge, a summer-to-plan, a summer-to-let-go. Quite indulgent really when you're leaving others, but then if planned properly, why not. But maybe that's the point - not to plan it and just lose yourself for a while. Would you do it?

MY 'LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED' MESSAGES : Read one every day. Bliss - Honesty - Believe - You had me at hello - Hugs and Kisses - Trust - Be Happy ...

Aah, there's something about Paris - a girl's got to love it. Our Hearts and Minds Art shop has an Eiffel Tower full of Paris - original photos, images of Paris in rings, French charms on pendants and earrings, French words d'amour and so much more. All we need are a few sweet macarons from Fauchon and a short black coffee and we're there.

Don't you just love Australian humour! Here's one I heard today about how Australia is rich in potential - PLANT A FEATHER AND YOU'LL GROW A CHICKEN.
Love it. Let's not lose sight of what a great place we live in.

It gives me such a buzz when customers read the range of framed inspirational messages that we have in our Eumundi shop. They are bought for different reasons - personalised for a wedding, a reminder of someone, a gift for someone who needs uplifting ... there have been tears, stories and memories exchanged. One thing is for sure, I write from the heart. Julie x

I've lost a friend.
Which might sound odd, like a misplacement.She sadly passed away on the weekend. Now out of pain.
I've lost a friend and it is like a misplacement. I don't know where she's gone, her smile and her shy laugh. I asked the angels to look out for her, to be her new friends and I know they will. But I've lost a friend here on earth and there's a cold stone in my stomach and a hole in my heart.

Be mesmerized by outer beauty for beauty is a vision worth holding; but if you look deeper you might be surprised that beauty is more than 'skin deep'. With age some beauty just moves from the face to the heart - a little harder to see but there nonetheless.
Beating. Waiting for someone to notice. (c Julie Holland)Image: Julie Holland, Body Art Festival, Eumundi

I have long believed in freedom - of beliefs, of animals, of mankind. Many want it more than life itself, and they should be granted that so long as it doesn't impact negatively on others. One of the best experiences I have ever had was to go whale-watching, and when one of these beautiful creatures swam under our boat and surfaced right next to me I burst into tears. An amazing, silent moment of connection and freedom. We are lucky to have, at our Hearts and Minds Art shop at Eumundi Square, a selection of whale tails and a humpback whale - these pieces are by Brisbane wood sculptor Lloyd Bullock. Drop by and take a look, even spoil yourself.

THANK YOU to all our customers who have visited our shop at Eumundi Square! Remember that if you can't get back to see us and need something special you can always give us a call (Julie 0407840745) or email julieholland1@bigpond.com. We are introducing gift wrapping with a gold coin donation to local hospice house Katie Rose Cottage.
Eumundi Square, Eumundi: OPEN WEDNESDAY, SATURDAY 7.30AM-1.30PM & SUNDAYS 8.30AM-1.30PM.

HEARTS AND MINDS ART has been invited to have a pagoda stall at the SANCTUARY COVE ART FESTIVAL : This weekend Sat/Sun June 4/5, 8.30am-4pm. We will have all our lovely peg frames, birdee pendants, inspirational frames, photo jewellery etc., plus a few of my photographs on canvas. We would love you to visit us.

FROM THE HEART Fundraising Art Exhibition: 20-24 May in the Riverside Centre Foyer, 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane. Hosted by the Queensland Women's Legal Service. My photo 'Heart of South Bank' has been accepted into this exhibition - take some time to visit this fundraising event if you are in Brisbane later this week.

MY FAVOURITE TRAVEL SPOT? Venice. Ever read 'City of Fallen Angels' by John Berendt? - it's worth it, particularly if you are planning a trip to that mystical city. You get lost at every turn, never to find that little cafe with the divine crispy calamari ever again. It's fascinating, dark, mystical and grungey; a photographer's dream. We had so many funny, wonderful experiences there. But those tales are for another time.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY .. They come in all shapes and sizes, all the colours of the world. They kiss and they hug and offer lots of advice. And when they are just about out of giving, they start all over again. Mums are special. xx

"Where do you live?" she asked.
"Under the Milky Way" I replied.
Did you see it the other night - the Milky Way? A path of candles meandering across an inky curtain. Some strong, some young, some twinkling and giggling I'm sure. So beautiful. Step outside your cocoon one clear night and look up. They're waiting for us to notice them, to marvel at their silent beauty. When you're under the Milky Way.

TRAVEL ... PARIS Whenever we chat with customers about travel - the experiences, the people, the fun - front and centre favourite for many is always Paris. Especially for the ladies. We visited in May which was perfect, and led me to truly believe the line I include in our Paris-themed product that Upon the streets of Paris anything is possible. My favourite place? Actually not Paris but it comes a close second due to amazing experiences and cherished memories.. stay tuned to hear the answer to that compulsory travel question.

"WHEN HEARTS LISTEN, ANGELS SING"

EUMUNDI SQUARE: Yippee ... Hearts and Minds Art has a new, permanent spot at the famous Eumundi Markets on the Sunshine Coast. 'Eumundi Square' is the pavilion building near the main carpark. It houses over 90 stores and now includes ours - it's at the rear so come and find us. We are busy fitting it out like a 'real' shop but will feature all our wonderful products - peg frames, photographs, greeting cards, photo jewellery, timber jewellery trees and bird pendants, and my inspirational messages. We will also offer special services like personalised messages and complimentary gift wrapping. OPEN: Wednesday, Saturday (7.30-1.30) & Sunday 8.30am-1.30pm. COME AND VISIT !! (We will still be at Portside, Brisbane at the Boutique Markets: next one is Sunday April 10).

STUNNING NOOSA : Noosa has to be the Place of Festivals - there are so many. The Noosa Longweekend in June is on the way, and we've just had The Festival of Surfing which, apparently, attracts thousands of interstate and international surfers and media. Not being a surfer I can't really fill you in on how it all went but I know I got a couple of catchy pics. (Nearly didn't go down to first point as I always get lens envy, but managed a couple of good ones with my 18-200mm). Cheers - have a good week.

THOUGHTS FOR JAPAN: What do you do when a line you've always taken solace from takes on a different meaning. Alfred Noyes's line from his poem 'Forty Singing Seamen' was offered to me from a friend for "when things become negative in your life".
'There's a magic in the distance where the sealine meets the sky' is beautiful and I have often reflected on its meaning and comfort. But now, I can't help thinking of what else that sealine can bring, what comes from the distance to totally alter lives. I think I will approach it like this: the surge of destruction comes and goes, that's life. It leaves unforgettable heartache, but the sealine will settle again. I wish all those affected my love, and my desperate hope that their lives may, one day, settle again. My door is open and if you, and all those still suffering in Queensland too, could come and stay a'while you are welcome. xx

NEW MARKET: HEARTS AND MINDS ART is excited to be a new stallholder at the PORTSIDE WHARF MARKETS, HERCULES STREET, HAMILTON (BRISBANE). Check us out at these funky markets (great products and food!) on March 13 (this Sunday) and Sunday March 27, 8am-1pm. And of course we are still at Eumundi Markets on the Sunshine Coast, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8am-2pm.

SISTERS ... We have just had my sister, Di, and her husband stay for a few days. We had a great time and I'm a little sad today that they have left. She has always been there for me.Isn't this photo of us hysterical, in our flowerpot hats and ballet poses - neither the hats nor the ballet survived. It was taken in our backyard in Mt Waverley, Victoria - a long time ago! She left a little Angel Affirmation box for me and this is the,very fitting, card I randomly selected: Angels exist but sometimes, since they don't all have wings,we call them friends. xx

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO ALL YOU ROMANTICS ... even if it's just to take the time to have a great coffee with a great friend. Enjoy. xxx

WE ARE ALL PART OF THE BIG PICTURE, BUT STILL INDIVIDUALS. Stop, look and listen to each other. Please don't put others into a presumed 'box'. There is sure to be so much more to them than you might surmise.

NOOSA REGIONAL GALLERY (www.noosaregionalgallery.org) EXHIBITION: VOLUNTEERS SHOWCASE.
Official Opening: Friday 04 February, 6pm.
Exhibition runs: January 27 - March 13.I have my photo on canvas on display. 'Life Tilts' is an image of the waterspoons at (the once beautiful/it will be again) South Bank Water Park.Rather poignant now as they made me think of how life, with all its ups, downs and inbalances, can be upended so easily. And yet can right itself once again. Would love you to visit the exhibition and give me your feedback. Julie

SCRAPBOOKING FRAME: We have an addition to our Peg Frame range, thanks to a customer who is also a keen scrapbooker - is that a word? Anyway, with the help of Sally, our Scrapbooking frame allows your new page to be on display before you assign it to an album, or for a gift you can insert your page about (example) the family Christmas before presenting it to Grandma. What a great idea!! Lightweight, can hang or prop, shabby-chic timber with a top peg wire and a middle balance wire. Contact us for any orders or queries (Greg 0418108299) : Price $35 retail(+postage) or visit us at Wednesday's Eumundi Market (top terraces). Wholesale queries welcome.

QUEENSLAND is known for its stoic people and if we are ever going to need to be stoic it's now. The image in my post below shows South Bank (Brisbane) - this is no longer, the riverside pool and waterpark deluged, the surrounding streets under water. I feel like posting lots of South Bank images before this happened to remind us what was and will be again. But perhaps that comes later. Take strength from this internet image of a frog hitching a ride on the back of a snake - like animals that help each other, so will we. Julie x

Mother Nature is a powerful woman, and often relentless as has been seen with the current Queensland floods. There are no quips, no humorous asides for this disaster - only anguish, heartache and fear.Here in Noosa we were spared, but my heart and thoughts go out to all those affected. Please keep strong for the onslaught in Brisbane today and tomorrow as the water rises. My image here (taken a few months back)shows South Bank, its tranquil pool leading to the Brisbane river with the CBD beyond. Beautiful. xxx

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE ... may 2011 be all you want it to be and that you fulfil all your dreams.Do you make new year resolutions? I don't but I do have a little word to myself about how to improve my life, my outlook, to increase my help to others and to reach some goals along the way. To complete one of the many books begun - so many ideas that to focus on one will be the challenge. But as they say "There is a certain buzz that comes from daring to begin". Cheers.