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.