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.