I SAW THIS QUOTE TODAY AND HAD TO SHARE IT:
'For every blade of grass there is an angel looking after it, bending over whispering "Grow Grow .."

If you're down Noosa Marina way (Tewantin, Sunshine Coast), then call into a couple of the restaurants on the marina there to view my photographs. Thank you to the following for including my images: Nicole at Cafe Vin Cino for hanging 'Change of Focus' and its verse plus two 1 metre photos on canvas, 'Red Dinghy I & II' (see pic). Thanks also to Julia at Trios for using our pegframes all along one wall and including my images. Good on you mates!

OK, so here's the thing. Apparently shoes slung up onto wires has some kind of 'drug' message. (It took a lovely young couple buying my cards at South Bank market to inform me of this). Checking with my 3 sons to confirm said connection, I am told it is so. BUT.. I like my pic and it's staying. No drug connection intended. Take it as you see it.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Don't get hung up about the small stuff - just do it!
(Image taken at Noosa Marina).

TRAVEL ... It's a funny old world. Who would have thought that when we travelled OS this time last year that our images of our wonderful travels would be in demand! I get such a BUZZ when someone I don't know stops to read my words, look at my images and purchase something. Whether it's a greeting card or a canvas I love it when people 'get it'.
We figured we needed another vehicle to bring the world to Australia so we have launched our 'Jewellery by Croucher' range ... so exciting! Will bring you pics soon, but in the meantime let me explain. Imagine a winding Paris street, maybe around Montmartre, black & white; or a section of colorful Murano glass, or even a little section of Venetian canal. We have used these, and more, in sterling silverplate rings and pendants and (unashamedly) they look brilliant. Thanks to all our South Bank market visitors who think so too.
On another note, re the recent Bangkok uprisings, our love and good wishes to the beautiful staff at The Eugenie Hotel. I hope you are safe and that the stunning hotel is still in one piece (see pic). Julie

TO MARKET, TO MARKET ...
Hearts and Minds Art is moving to a different market and will not be at the Noosa Marina market for a while. As of this week visit us at Brisbane's South Bank Lifestyle markets - Fridays 5-10pm, Saturdays 10am-5pm, Sundays 9am-5pm.
We love the markets - the other stallholders, the visitors, the coffee aromas, those who can't make up their minds and those that instantly 'get it' and buy something. Love those! A card may only be $4 to me but to have a young boy clutch a Mothers Day card, a woman choose an image for a lifelong friend, to have someone read my words and say "that's beautiful" - makes it all worthwhile. Thank you to those who 'get it'.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Look beyond the surface. See what treasures lie beneath. This image is of a beautiful frangipani branch, but take the time to focus behind it and who knows what you'll find.
I have just come across a really interesting blog: www.getinthehotspot.com. Its writer, Annabel Candy, spreads its message of living positively and in it she has a neat idea - How to Make a Wish
1.Come up with some wishes of your own or at least one of them.
2.Write your wish down. Committing your wish to paper which will help you commit to it in every way.
3.Now work out what’s standing between you and your wish. Is it fear? Anxiety? Doubt? Laziness? Time Constraints?
4.Whatever it is bury it for good. Lay those mind sets to rest and make your wish come true.
Mmm .. what is your wish. I'm sure we are all tempted to say such things as world peace, end to animal cruelty, no more famine or child pornography etc. They would certainly be on my lofty list and I work towards supporting their end in different ways. But on a purely selfish, now/today level what would it be. For me, to have another book published. I have started (which is good), but I have several on the go (which is bad) so I have to pick a favourite and get it out there (which is daunting). But now it's committed here so I WILL DO IT. Keep you posted, and please keep me posted on your wishes. (In the meantime sign every 'Save the Whale' petition you can find!).

WELCOME TO THE WORLD LITTLE HAMISH ERIC ARTHUR CLARK !

ANGEL BABY:

You smile and a spell is cast.

It dazzles the moon, outsparkles the stars

It makes the wind breathless,

the birds full of song.

It beckons the angels to take a quick peek

then settle in forever.

As you skip through your days, from time to time

You'll hear a soft whisper from somewhere behind,

feel a sweet breeze gently pass your cheek.

And you'll know angel wings are waiting, unfurled

To catch a sad thought or soften a fall.

Because one day you smiled, and a spell was cast.

(c. Julie Holland)

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Am I the only person in this world without a tiny butterfly on my ankle, angel wings spread out across my back, a love-loop or barbed wire around my arm ... any kind of tattoo?

TRAVEL POST : In your own state.

Hi all: Queensland - beautiful one day perfect the next! Today was such a day so we took a drive down to the 'big smoke' of Brisbane. Southbank was stunning with lots of young families swimming at the 'beach', lying on the grass, licking icecreams or just taking a stroll along the river. Being the Anzac Day holiday the cobbled backstreets were quiet which actually showed up the history of the area. Take a look at this old corner building (circa 1885) and aerial cyclist - if he was real he might even be in competition with my beloved mime. Cheers.

www.redbubble.com/people/Julieholl : Check out my artwork and writing pieces here.