bound for

The Land Of The Long White Cloud.

I'm officially a graduate with a Design Degree. Oh yes. And now, it's time to take some time-out across the Tasman Sea.

Janelle, Jess & windy Wellington are awaiting my arrival, momentarily.

Watch this space for updates on my impending adventure.

Grad-status.

Out.

Happy Saturday!

putting it out there

Those prosperous wishes, to the Universe...

toy

March 30 : Photo-A-Day

Toy

From a dear friend, on their Nepalese travels.

morning

January 16 : Photo-A-Day

Morning

Diarising.

A morning visiting my dear friend Roisin & her cute kindly-winks Patrick & Sadie was in order this Monday. Scheduled, noted, lovely.

believe

This questionnaire was passed on to me from Jazzie Fizzle from FizzleOut blog. I have always wanted to participate in a chain-blog post, and so I was delighted to receive this in conjunction with Sportsgirl - one of my favourite shops.

Q: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: I wanted to be many things as a child, but first and foremost - a Princess. Captured in drawings of orange haired girls in pink dresses with tall pointy crowns. I haven't exactly reached such a status, but my imagination let my aspirations also float in the directions of an artist, an actress, a singer and a ballerina.

Q: Did you make this dream come true or change your mind?

A: I have never drifted too far from the realm of Performing and Visual Arts, as my childhood aspirations encompass. So, let's see: Artist (tick!), Actress (hmm... debatable - drama queen?) and Singer (in the shower and automobile, most definitely), I have accomplished to certain extents. I wanted to study Fine Art Acting upon leaving school, but for the security of a pretty penny I chose to pursue a career in Graphic Design at the age of 17 and have stuck with this and my love of illustration and illustrating, ever since. Perhaps a role on stage will come my way some day. Ballerina? I wish! This Lady is so inflexible, however the grace has never fallen from my mind as I float around work or the house.

Q: What is your fave childhood memory?

A: In my childhood years, my brother, sister and I spent many summers at my Grandad's swimming like three little fish, though the one fond childhood memory that rings a bell is around Christmas 1995. The parents are by the pool at the tables and BBQ, whilst my cousins, siblings and I flit in and out of the pool staring into the starry sky. We're excited - the kind of excited you want to jump up and stamp your feet in quick succession. It's Christmas Eve, and we're trying to spot Santa with his sleigh and reindeer in the night sky. The Milky Way proved to be a marvellous thing, and kept us entertained and excited until we had exhausted ourselves. 

It's nice to reflect upon those times of complete and utter happiness, brimming with the innocence of childhood, teaming with imagination.

Q: The biggest dream you have right now?

A: Wow. Well, where do I start? I have many, but I want 2012 to be my year to more openly establish a successful and steady freelance Art + Design business (this blog is the namesake). To gain illustration commissions, dip my finger in the photography jar and recognition enough to earn, enjoy and live off more of what I love. Projecting positive thoughts into the Universe and talking to God, I hope to pack my bags and see more of this amazing world and perhaps settle in a far off land for some time. New York? Great Britain? Europe? ... and work along the way. Ultimately, I want to absorb all the beautiful unknown and use such inspiration in my work life. That is my BIG dream, right now.

Q: Your summer must-have pick from the current Sportsgirl range?

A: This season it's all about those gorgeous hues of Pacific blue and Aquamarine, and teaming that with a bright burnt orange (or simply, my hair) I think you've found yourself a Hit! So my picks from the current Sportsgirl range channel just that... now to just take a stroll in the sweet balmy Brisbane air...

And three lovely bloggers to pass this on to:

Casey from Staar Guitar,

Jasmine from Red Hair & Freckles, and

Katie from House Of Humble

Pop over to these Ladies stellar blogs - for me, they're daily reads!

fotografía friday

© Chloé Newby 2012.

The first installment of Fotografía Friday sees a recent image taken on my New Year's break. The scene sees a gathering of friends and their families in the shallows of Port Parham beach, South Australia.

The last sunset of 2011. Captivated by the beauty and marvel of the sunlight, the way the golden rays stretch through the late afternoon sky. The silhouettes of the gathering creating that sense of unity as we see out another year... to embark on a brighter sunrise. 2012.

Happy Friday.

feelin'

... a little mental today. My graduation folio is due in three weeks. That's right folks, this Lady is about to graduate.

Can you believe it?

My mood is somewhat reflected in the image below.

Bless that crazy feeling.

Watson, can you see us in this?

Haha. Heck yeah.

{image source unknown}

sydney, sunday

And so Sunday was the day. The weather promised to be a delightful late Autumn one... and so this is how it began:: 

The day of my Godson-to-be's Baby Shower (or Bath, as baby's don't have showers!). We enjoyed fresh, hand-squeezed orange juice and ricotta pancakes and maple syrup at the Castro's - they roll in organic and culinary fabulousness. They were fab.

The morning continued with nursery/music studio re-arranging and filtering through Baby Expo freebies, watching  Casey and her Dad solder some Alice&Reino jewellery, followed by a Crown Lager and primping and preening for the special occassion.

Here are few more snaps, take note of the gorgeous cake by SweetArt.

En route, to The Victoria Room

Our cosy, yet luxurious corner of The Victoria Room

My first ever Red Velvet Delight cupcake!

The cake

Mama-to-be, cutting the cake to reveal it's rich chocolate innards

The couple were showered with an array of baby gifts, accessories and needs, and most importantly the love of those closest (in Australia). It is delightful to know that Cuzband's family in New York also held a Skype Baby Shower for them aswell.

Ah, family love.
I'm so honoured to be little Jupiter's Godmama.

alex, the oenologist

Nearly everyone has a friend that considers themselves an oenologist, but - do you have one that is 29 and still cool enough to ride a stunt bike, mountain bike and unicycle in the back lanes and not care. He may even have a few sic tricks up his sleeve.

I do. His name is Alex, and I think this sort of thing would be right up his alley.

What do you think Al, pal?

{you can get your essential accessories, here}

time to toast

Whilst the picture is for pure comic relief (albeit there is some degree of talent to be merited!), today holds a particular significance for those of the X chromosome.

It is International Women's Day.

It's a day to celebrate beauty, generosity, sacrifice, love, perseverance, friendship, family and many more facets that women around the world convey with their colourful personalities.

It's a day to celebrate your significance as a great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, mother-in-law, godmother, aunty, sister, step-sister, half-sister, cousin, daughter, friend; and of course the significance of those in your life.

While today is being celebrated in over 70 countries, take the time to say it...

'Happy International Women's Day'

to those around you.

Let's bring the consciousness of this day to the foreground in our immediate communities.

Pussy power?

{YOU heart it}

here it is!

Well, welcome 2011! It's finally here.

I trust that you all had a wonderful Christmas and celebrated in style this New Year. I know I did.

From the comforts of home and family bonding, to popping bottles of French champagne and attending festivals over New Year's amongst old and new friends - these last celebrations will be hard to trump!

Last night I flew back into Brisbane's balmy weather after a higglety pigglety string of weather experienced in Melbourne.
The nights are balmy, the mornings temperate and the days hot - summer has arrived in South East Queensland, despite all the rain!

So what's on the agenda for the New Year of 2011? Many, many things. The efforts to accomplish them all will be tried, and this I am looking forward to.

It's my first day back at work, travelling the world through my 20inch screen in my little cartography world - but the fun doesn't stop there... this evening it's DM at The Lido, followed by freelance and bar work throughout the year. This Miss has some serious saving and 'getting ahead' to do!
The 4th of January, wow. It has begun!
Can you see the smile on my face?

It is the time to put resolutions into place and challenge oneself to accomplish such tasks. As for myself, I'm not sure I have resolutions... I have goals and the desire to be a better person. Both of which I'll try with utmost effort and passion to achieve.

My Dad said that 'this is my year', and that he can feel it. The faith and encouragement of others can really give you that positive boost - so thanks Dad for your vote of confidence!

By the way, it was dear Daddy's birthday yesterday. Turning the ripe and wonderful age of 57, I hope this year brings you as much joy, satisfaction and happiness that I know you wish for me.
How I love family!

So whilst I get back to work, I wanted to leave you with this note 'from The Universe' I recieved via email yesterday. It's little notes like these that can pick you up and give you that feel good feeling, and above all - the feeling that everything is alright. I think that is important.
You can sign up for your weekday subscription here. Enjoy.

Every day, "the score" is even. Every second, in fact.
Everyone lives each day for him or herself, no matter what they did.
No one owes anything to anyone, no matter what happened.
And from this, what I hope you most get, is that whatever you do next, you do it for the joy it brings you.

Joyfully,
The Universe


Happy New Year all, here's to the best one yet!

{image via weheartit.com}

I think I'll also make more cupcakes this year...


Peace, love and happiness,
X

positive number three

A week and a smidge into the new year of 2010, I touched snow for the very first time. Albeit crappy and old, Janelle and I ventured toward Milford Sound on our New Zealand holiday and found this just before the tunnel that goes through the mountain allowing you on the downward spiral to the Sound.

And so here is the proof! This was also my first time overseas, so maybe this positive is a double whammy? A late bloomer in regard to finding my sea-legs, but better late than never!

Fjordlands National Park, New Zealand
9th January 2010

Bloody cold, but a positive to tick off the list nonetheless!

listen

I opened my girlosophy book to this page this morning.

Channeling that.

Thanking all those close, all those that love me. What would I do without you? Lost, for sure.

You know who you are.

X

welcome to the mad house

Only one more sleep until Halloween waltz' into Crescent Manor (residence of yours truly), where a thriller night shall take place.

Ghouls, ghosts, the frightening, the fabulous. Naughty, nice, sugary sweet, sexy and downright disgusting. Super heroes, sailors, pin-up girls, devils, demons and angels. The calibre of attendees is sure to be a visual delight.

Photos will be posted for your amusement and creative perusal, after the event.

Spooksville welcomes you to join in the fun!

long time, too long

It is true, I shan't deny - it has been too long between posts. And an interesting one at that. Well, in my opinion, a little bit of depth never goes astray right?

Life has been a whirlwind for the last couple of months, full of positives, negatives and the inevitable maybe. There's that defiant saying that 'maybe means no', and unfortunately I'm unable to determine which way this maybe of mine is leaning.

My body's going crazy and my mind refuses to get a full, rested nights sleep six nights out of seven. Joyous. But I can't say all is bad. It simply isn't.

I have reunited with old girlfriends, made wonderful new like-minded friends (where the company is so easy, I love it) and partied a little like it's 1999... or there was never going to be a tomorrow. One of those recovery slash 'moving right-along' phases I think!

I have a great little sister and our friendship has blossomed - we are so similar... yet so very different.

And of course there's my wonderful Ya-Ya's - Jess, Janelle, Wendy, Riham and Casey (my gorgeous cousin). These lovely ladies are my stone. My Hard ROCK café... ready at anytime for a coffee, or a drink - but most importantly a never wavering friendship.

I think I'm at a crossroads where life is poking me in the back... not with a gun, but a particularly sharp fingernail, urging me to make some radical and exciting (or scary) changes. My sea legs have sprouted and the rest of the world is calling, and for the quill and ink yearns to take-off. I have much to do!

Cull the crap, clean out that friend closet (until it's sparkling... ooh a lovely spit shine finish) and take on the things that excite me.

There's a way to go. But I have to persevere.

You, my lovely readers, are probably sitting there going - we've all heard the same speech be-it inside your own head or from someone who cares - my aim is to sort it out. 24 isn't terribly young now is it? Well, it is - but I believe I'm having a mid-20's  semi-crisis.

Time to get a move on.

I guess that's enough depth for you?

I'll leave you with a gorgeous picture of my cousin, Casey (Ya-Ya love) when she was a wee one... before she learnt how to torture me as a child ;) Haha, ahhh.

There's nothing like positive people in your life, with wisdom and understanding. Thankyou for being there cousin. Love.

{image stolen from her twitter}

wendy & wesley

My gorgeous best friend, Wendy Ann Gray - all round rockstar, and her boyfriend and musician, Wesley Dance... somewhere in Europe.

Arty little pair they are.


{Photo credit: Mr Chris Brown}

a photo that makes me laugh

because it reminds me of the good old Kent Road days, living with Dani & Wendy.

This was taken by Riham I believe, at Riham's birthday drinks last night at Barsoma in Fortitude Valley. 


I'm pictured with my girlfriend Dani (monstering behind me). Two years on and we're still crazy mofo's!

Hip, hop Happy Birthday Riham!

thankyou

I'm so excited, and have you lovely followers, friends and family to thank for all the positive feedback on my little blog,

for the quill and ink.

Something I do take seriously and hold close to my heart. For me, this blog is all about creative inspiration, a rant here and there, and an insight into my 24 year old life here in Brisbane Australia. It's also a place where I can share my design and collective (beautiful image hording) talents.

It's been well over a year now, and I'm so proud that my little project is still going strong. I have even managed to inspire some of you good folk -- which to me is an incredible bonus.

I was first inspired to begin my blog when I moved back to my parents house in Inverell, New South Wales in March last year, when I came upon the rockstar diaries. I've mentioned her many times and can't say enough how much I love this blog. Taza, her Husband and Kingsley tell a simple and gorgeous story about life, as they know it - as it is. And it's lovely. From New York to DC their story is always one that grabs my attention. Since then I've been living in Brisbane (again) for just over a year, sometimes you just need a good time-out when life gets a little too hectic - and that's exactly what that three month stint at home did for me. It's the Sunshine State and even though winter has been a little nippy - you be hard pressed to find better weather anywhere else. You should visit sometime!

Being a major twittererererer, I've also gained the following (and follow) some amazing creative people both in Australia and worldwide, and apart from getting a kick out of tweeting, I can't recommend enough what a valuable networking tool this really is -it has coincided with my blog effortlessly. I'm always on the lookout for more inspiring people too, so feel free to send me a link to your blog, webpage or twitter account - I'd love to know what creative talents you have hidden up your sleeve.

It's cheesy, but I always get excited and run to Andy or Amy saying 'I've got a new follower!' accompanied by a wee dance or a huge grin - it truly makes my day.

Forgive my rant, but I'm in such a fine mood today and after an easy day at work, I'm at home in the lounge blogging away in the company of my lil sis and Weasley, that I just had to say

thankyou.

You may not realise it, but having this blog and your following friendships makes the day a little bit brighter.

Enjoy your Tuesday evening. I shall mine.

that friday feeling

That time of the week again, where you can smell the weekend and in my case - it's only 65 minutes from my grasp.

'aLLeUJaH!

What are your plans? Mine entail Mother visiting, Aunty & Uncle's Farewell (more appropriately 'BON VOYAGE' - they're moving to France), Saturday shift at The Lido on Racecourse Road... Nick's Birthday Party, a catch-up/farewell drink with Nicole. Pick Weasley up... and,

That's it so far.

However. All I want to do is

enjoy it,
let my hair down

and embrace life as I know it.

Happy Friday! Enjoy your freedom!

X

{image courtesy of Christopher Hoffman (budding photographer) / model:: Deanne Ash (my friend & his beautiful girlfriend) on a night not so long ago}

wwwwhhhhaaaaat?

Four hours sleep after a freelance job last night, and this nightowl if functioning surprisingly well. A spritely wake-up call from the lil sis (door flung open and blinding light switched on), and my day began.

Checked tights, a funky black dress, grey cardi, Burberry scarf, red nails, red patent ballet flats, a slick of mascara, rouge and Lady Danger (see fabulous lipstick below) - and I was dressed and ready to take on this rainy Brisbane day.

 Bummed that I couldn't wear my brand new Oxfords from Down The Rabbit Hole (sale on now!), due to the weather - I resorted to admired them all pristine in their box... and sourced this photo to ease the pain.

No, really. Marina and her Diamonds also helped vamp up my morning soundtrack with The Family Jewels, nibbling ever so nicely on my earphones. Doesn't make sense? See for yourself --

Pleeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase come to Brisbane!

Loving the fact that she was rocking my morning, I had wander through marinaandthediamonds.com and stumbled across this awesome image. I'm not sure who it's by, but I like it so much I wish to frame it in a polaroid-esque fashion and stick it on my fridge. A reminder worth putting some pep into your every day.

So apart from my faffing about - I have had a rather productive day, travelling the world via my 20" screen. But I have to admit - my mind has been elsewhere (apart from twitter).

Tomorrow night Boyfriend & I are going to a friends birthday dinner (Hip, Hip! Hooray!) at the Himalayan Cafe in New Farm... and the nights attire and necessary decisions have been plaguing me. WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR??

I'm obviously thinking of Lady Danger... perhaps the Oxfords, and channelling the style of these two ladies -- Marina & Gwen.

 

 

Perhaps a bit of sexy messiness, with a daring edge? Oh, how I need new clothes!

I'm hoping to get some 120mm film for my DianaF+ to capture the evenings escapades, however depending on spare time tomorrow I may have to rely on my trusty (or not so) digital camera. Either way, I hope to have some great pics to share with you after the event.

And so I shall leave you with a giggle - this deadline's pushing.

Enjoy your weekend!

Happy Friday!!

X

p.s. here's a quote for the weekend, thanks to David Castro of DMTintheCity:

I ride a guitar wave

called Desire.

It takes me where it wants

 to go and leaves me

  asking

  where I've been...

Find something you're really passiionate about this weekend, and go at it like hell for leather.