tiny happy

making journal

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I got out the ceramic paints a while back, and worked on these tea cups in black, mustard yellow, and green. A few little winter trees and some dandelions. I put them in my felt shop, which I don't think I've mentioned before, but I opened it with the intention of listing some more locally-themed work, such as native flower brooches, hot water bottle covers (since it's so darn freezing here right now, and I hear hot water bottles are rather an Antipodean thing?) and the ceramics, because they tend to cost such a lot to post overseas. International customers can still shop at felt, though- it's a bit like a NZ version of etsy.

Also today, I found these very beautiful little seed pods when I was hanging out the washing. The seeds that remain clinging inside the shells are black and sticky. I'm not sure what the name of the tree is, but there is one overhanging our washing line, which is not ideal as the seeds stick to and stain the clean clothes. I still like the shape of them though, and the pearly blackness of them.

So yesterday I mentioned that I had some changes coming up. This marks the end of an era for me, because next week I am about to begin full-time study again. I have enrolled in a post-grad journalism course, and feel excited to be embarking on this fairly new path. It's been 10 years (or more- eek!) since I finished my last year at University, and going back to learn more has always been at the back of my mind. Living here in the capital has presented the chance to really do it. Also, now that the children are a bit older, the time seems right.

If I'm really honest, I don't think I'm as creatively inspired as I once was a few years ago and I think that has been reflected here in this space. I also have a desire to be able to financially support my family on my own, should I ever need to, and I've realised that I'm no businesswoman. I have no interest in building up my own enterprise. What I have liked most over the past few years has been the writing and creative 'making.' 

I have absolutely loved blogging here for the past 5 or 6 years and will miss my daily habit dearly. I've also REALLY loved making things for my job, and writing about them. I intend to continue both writing here and making things for my etsy shop, but probably more on an occasional basis. Maybe once a week or two, if time allows.

THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me, visited this blog and left messages and written emails. Thank you to all the lurkers, too. And thank you to all the wonderful friends I've met via the online world. I can't tell you how happy this life has made me. 

See you back here every now and then.

xxxxxxx

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123 responses to “ceramics and seedpods”

  1. Tammy Bruce Avatar
    Tammy Bruce

    That’s awesome Melissa how exciting! We will miss you though! My family and I are moving from Gisborne to Tauranga in 2wks and 2nd baby due sept…exciting and scary xxx

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  2. special K Avatar

    Melissa – that is very exciting, and I’m excited to welcome a new journo into the fold! If there is anything I can do to help you, let me know. I will miss my daily fix of tiny happy, but totally cheer you on in your new endeavour. All the very best. Kimberley xxxx

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  3. Lindsay Jewell Avatar

    I’ve very much enjoyed reading your blog – mostly as a lurker. I’m glad you’re planning to keep it up, even if it’s not as frequent. Good luck to you on your schooling! Very exciting. 🙂

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  4. Cozy Memories Avatar

    Oh my friend, I’m so sorry to come so late after this post. Congratulations on starting studies again, you will enjoy it all with more experience in life, I’m sure it’ll be useful to you.
    I too will miss you wonderful posts & photos on Flickr, but you are the one who lives your life, so do what you have to do, we’ll always be around when you’ll have some time here & there for blogging or else.
    This is going to give me the opportunity to go back in the archives & enjoy them all !
    Sending you all my love, my friend. Thank YOU for your support & for being here.
    xoxox

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  5. Elaine Avatar
    Elaine

    Melissa, yours was the first blog I ever found, crafting or otherwise, and the one constant in the list of craft blogs I now look at every week. I’ve loved your fresh and honest style of writing, and been inspired by the things you make. I think many people will remember your blog for a long time. Good luck with your course… enjoy. xx

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  6. Marty Avatar

    Good luck-the thing I regret most in my life is not earning a degree. At 61 I’m not sure I want to start now. You have a chance-go for it!

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  7. Lotus Hattersley Avatar

    What a brave and exciting journey, Melissa! I’m really happy for you and can’t wait to hear about the journalism. I can imagine you writing for Lula or Frankie- how perfect!
    Your blog has often been a ray of light in my day (it’s on my favourites list on the school computer) and I have thoroughly enjoyed your creations and whimsical ponderings. You are an incredibly talented lady and will be amazing at which ever craft you choose xxxx

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  8. Sally Avatar
    Sally

    This is very exciting! All the best for your studies and thank you for hanging out here and for the inspiration.

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  9. nicky Avatar
    nicky

    we have only met in person once or twice at various creative gatherings but i feel like i meet your musings here often. i will miss the frequency to which that has happened and look forward to the snippets you send our way. enjoy the change. arohanui.

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  10. Caren Avatar
    Caren

    You’re welcome… btw pittosporum means ‘sticky seeds’, and ‘crassifolium’ thick leaves! Yours in planty nerdishness, C.

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  11. tinyhappy Avatar

    that is awesome. thank you for the information! M

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  12. Margaret Oomen Avatar

    sorry to have missed this very important post.
    You will be amazing at journalism, as you would at just about anything you chose to learn at this time in your life. You have such creativity and passion that it will only flow over onto the pages of whatever you happen to want to write about.
    much love
    margie

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  13. Clare Avatar

    Hey Melissa 🙂
    Thanks for your blog, it’s been one of my fav’s from the ‘start’ of my discovery of blogland. Good luck with the study! I’ve found it challenging, but rewarding – I’m sure you’ll do well. Don’t worry it all comes back to you! Take care xo

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  14. Mihaeko Avatar

    Wow. I’ve been a long-time mostly-lurker for years. Yours was one of the first blogs I ever saw, even. And such an inspiration to me. I think about you often, especially lately as I’ve just launched from my blog to Etsy shop. I’m sad to think you’re taking off just as I arrived. But so very, truly happy for you going back to school. That is a big leap and takes a lot of courage. Thanks for all the sharing your life and work with us here. You’ll be missed!

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  15. tinyhappy Avatar

    thank you, mihaeko! all the best with your new shop 🙂

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  16. Kem Avatar

    go for it… and don’t worry about going back to school after so long, it’s not as daunting as most people think….

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  17. Watchthatcheese.wordpress.com Avatar

    I have been lurking as well, for several years now, and have throughly enjoyed all your posts. I to went to Vic too but am living in the UK now. I hope you have a wonderful time on your new course – go well

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  18. Catherine Avatar

    All the best with the course, Melissa. It sounds exciting! Do keep blogging or you’ll be terribly missed! Love your blog and your style. Go well 🙂

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  19. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    Oh I will miss your blog, my happy place on the web, but I look forward to seeing more of your writing in other places.
    I love the writing in your blog as much as your creations, so I’m sure the course will only enhance your skills and provide you writing work.
    I’m very grateful for the discipline my journalism training instilled.
    And that shorthand comes in handy when you don’t want people to see what you’re writing down!
    All the best.

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  20. Jodi Avatar

    Wishing you all the best with your new field of study! I always enjoy your posts.
    The ceramics turned out just beautifully.

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  21. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    Exciting news! – best to you as you return to study. I went back to school in my 40s and it was both challenging and exhilarating, you won’t regret it.
    Rest assured that you have (and will continue to) spread much happiness among your blog followers as well!

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  22. Sandy Hart Avatar
    Sandy Hart

    I just love how you lay out your photos and how you put together the props, it just makes sense that you learn how to put the words together just as well. You go girl!

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  23. abby Avatar

    wow melissa, exciting! So many changes for so many these days. It can be a bit bittersweet sometimes, but change is great and new ventures are what life is about! Happy for you!

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