Hi, it’s us, Mister C and Me…

Me and Mister C firstly wanted to send out a big shout out to all the wonderful and unique people we met during our book stall day, last Sunday at Jamison Markets in the ACT. We had a fun time (so honoured) and enjoyed the new experiences; thanks to the event organisers from ‘Rotary Club’ (such a great not-for-profit organisation) for having us. The markets were due to open at 7:00am (situated at the back of the Jamison shopping centre), so Flossy and I decided to get up at 5:00am to quickly get dressed and get on our way; I had packed up the car the night before to save on time (I hoped that we had brought everything that was needed!). It took just over an hour drive to get to Jamison; I thought that would give us enough time to set up the new marquee, I had purchased for the day (and did a trial set up the day before too). Flossy and I were already running a bit late (about ten minutes), as we both had to finish straightening our hair (very important for our confidence) and Flossy really wanted to stop at the beautiful lookout near ‘Lake George’ to watch the sunrise (also very important!). That took off about another ten minutes off our setup time, so in the end we were late. I couldn’t find a car-park close enough to our designated stall (carpark bay), so we ended up having to park several minutes away, having to walk back and forth with our heavy items (no fun).

The ‘Rotary’ staff were very friendly and helpful, guiding me on the way of the land as such. The event organiser (supervisor) came over to meet us (the person I had spoken over the phone to arrange the stall booking), she did comment we were late and were supposed to have arrived by 6:00am. I apologised and commented that I wasn’t aware we had to get there so early and reminded the supervisor, we were from Goulburn and the time it took to get to Jamison; the supervisor then half smiled and wished us a good day and to let her know if the bay was suitable for next time (I had booked the stall three times- next month and for mid-May as well). It was a learning experience for us all, not having been there to run a stall before; Flossy and I came up with a few ideas on how to improve our setup and to get there earlier (obviously!).

I met a couple running another local stall a few weeks back, who showed me their new devise for cashless payments; the couple later connected with me via email and I was able to sign up for a free trial (thanks!). I spoke with Husband and we decided to purchase the product (called a ‘Square’ reader- so great) in order to not only take cash payments for the book sales, but also take card payments, of which we originally arranged for our stall at the Goulburn show. The week prior, Husband had helped me to set it all up through my mobile phone (thanks love). I ended up taking this equipment to the stall as well, in the hope to try it out during the day; I was lucky enough to be able to try the reader on the day- so at least it also worked (thankful for small wins here). Overall, we enjoyed the experience and best of all, we met so many wonderful people and also caught up with some family and friends (thanks everyone-was so great seeing you!); it was truly great (and empowering) chatting with everyone- especially about our books too (thank-you!). We look forward to attending the next stall on Easter Sunday morning (17th April); to note, we will also have a jar of choc eggs to give out and of course our popular Me and Mister C stickers for the kids- hope to see you there!…

Apologies for no blog last week (my bad), my time last week was dedicated to completing the last of the illustrations for our fifth book, in order to submit the images to my designer to complete the interior layout for production and publication. I have to admit, my head space wasn’t quite in order either, with all the constant rain (couldn’t quite concentrate), my mind kept thinking of our property and with almost daily heavy rain, I had a bad feeling the house was going to flood again. With all the rain (well over one hundred and forty mls in the rain gauge), sadly, the Goulburn Show event we had booked for the previous Sunday had been cancelled, mainly due to the poor weather conditions and safety concerns, of which was an unexpected cancellation. We were all devastated, Flossy had agreed to help me with the stall for the day and was looking forward to the event (she did however get to go for a couple of hours with some friends). Mister C and Husband were due to pop down through the day and pick up some fairy floss and a show-bag or two. Widy had gone away with a girlfriend up to Nowra for the weekend, so I was also worried about her in all the rain (her friend was driving due to Widy’s ongoing thumb injury).

Flossy and I were nearly ready to go, the car had been packed the night before, when I received a phone call from the wonderful event organisers, giving me the bad news that the show had been cancelled. My heart sank (of course) and I felt really out of sorts for the remainder of the day (sorry fam). I guess I was really looking forward to the event and it had been planned for many weeks; I had decided to do the Sunday not the Saturday due to my work and other commitments, of which the weather was quite good for most of the day on Saturday (my bad luck?). I was able to arrange a credit or the stall to attend next year (thanks again) and we look forward to the even returning again then. Husband commented, “I am sad that the show was cancelled, Wife had spent many weeks preparing for the event and we all were looking forward to it. I’m glad Wife was able to do another stall in ACT, she didn’t sell many books but was great experience!” Writing about all the down pour of rain, our thoughts are still with all the people and families living in communities where floods have ravaged homes, properties, infrastructure and areas, to northern NSW and South QLD. Let’s spare a few dollars and donate to the flood appeal that is going on at present? It is a terrible time at present, but it can only get better from here…

It was International Women’s day last Tuesday (08.03.22), I also wanted to acknowledge all the wonderful, resilient and courageous women who are in my life. I wanted to thank Flossy for being there for me last week, with all the issues still ongoing with our flooring problems in our bedroom, too much rain and the show being cancelled, it all became a little too much. Thanks, Flossy for being there to make me laugh and for the wonderful hugs (from everyone else too); never change my sweet girl- remember you are perfect just the way you are and you are always going to be enough! Just a quick update, the carpet couldn’t be laid down and therefore I have had to continue to sleep on the camp bed in my small office upstairs (and Husband on the sofa bed too). It was a week with most things being out of our control and it was difficult for me (at times) to see through to the bigger picture and through to the other side (if you know what I mean?). Widy has also been going through a few issues at school and I wanted to also acknowledge her resilience and bravery, for speaking to Husband and myself about the issues and for working with us and the school to address and to then resolve the issues. I also wanted to acknowledge my strong and beautiful older sister, my nieces, my half-sister, my dear Mother-in-law and special close female friends too; I love you all and without you in my life, I wouldn’t be who and where I am today. As Katy Perry once said and sang her still inspirational song years ago… “I am women- hear me roar!”…

A Word from Mister C…

Lying in bed with Dad for morning hugs, Mister C was talking about family and people. I walked back into the room from the bathroom and said, “Morning, my son” and gave Mister C hugs. Mister C then turned to Dad and said, “What was your dad’s name again, Dad?” Dad smiled and replied, “His name was Bruce, my son.” Mister C looked at me and said, ‘Oh, that’s right, like our cheeky cockies (birds) outside and all the other ones too. What was your dad’s name, Mummy?” Picking up my shoes, I replied, “Oh, my dad’s name was Keith.” Mister C giggled and said, “Oh, quiche? That’s a funny name to call someone, Mummy!” Dad and I laughed, then Dad replied, “Oh, my son, it’s Keith, not quiche! Mister C giggled again, “I did think that was a bit strange to name someone after a lunch meal!” We all giggled together (RIP dear Dad) …  🥮

Stay tuned…

Thanks for your patience over these past weeks; I’m sure you sick of hearing about our flood and repairs; I promise not to write much about it next blog! Great news, our fifth book is nearly complete and our designer will have the first draft available to review this week (so exciting and thanks L.F). We look forward to our special family trip away for our thirteenth anniversary this weekend with the kids, back to sunny Wollongong (our new favourite place); we managed to book a lovely beach side villa for two nights, the kids can’t wait and so can’t we… Stay tuned for a sneak peak of our fifth book cover design very soon. Hugs Me and Mister C 💕