It’s almost that time! The time I have been dreaming and wishing for .. months in the making. The time when I get to leave the corporate world behind to be done with;

The Project That Ate My Life!!

Yes Ladies and Gentlemen, it is almost over. In just a few short days I will be saying adieu to the relentless schedules and timeframes that pushed the boundaries of my Work/Life Relationship to a new level of frustration. Yes indeed… Adios, Arrivederci, Caput, Done, Dusted, Abbastanza!!!! Time for rest, renewal and finding my sense of humour. It’s also time to be getting on with Christmas!

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UH OH… CHRISTMAS…

I have completed ignored the fact that it is just over a week away. I’ve done no shopping, no presents, no decorating and worse … no Christmas Tree!! My one small tradition, which I admit I have overlooked for a few years now, is the acquisition and decoration of said Christmas Tree. Now before you call Social Services on me for neglecting my children, husband, Auntie twice removed, cousin in Outer Mongolia, doggie down the street! Don’t worry!! It is only me in this tiny apartment I call home. That is probably why I have become so lazy about this small indulgence of a tree. And small it is… considering all the lugging, lifting, rearranging and car squishing transporting will be done by self only … small will be the order of the day.

OK.. So first things first. Before I can even contemplate purchasing the prized possession, I need to get my house in order … literally. Months of 7 day working weeks has left not just my body, mind and sense of humour in a crumbling mess, but my apartment is bearing the brunt of Hurricane Julie. Organizing and cleaning after the months of neglect will take a small army and.. well … as the Governor- General is unwilling to assist in that department, I have considered calling in the big guns!! Yep… Mary Poppins!! I’ve heard there’s a new Mary on the block, a younger, prettier, more agile Mary. Not that I have anything against Julie Andrews, but seeing youth is no longer on my side, it better come with the cleaning lady.

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Oooh Look.. Here Comes the New Mary Now

My type of gal… bringing the moon with her!!

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Mary’s brief will be simple; Clean the mess, organize the chaos and transform my tiny unit into a charming, yet unpretentious cottage, with private verandah overlooking the sea, somewhere far away from the city limits. Perhaps a small brook bubbling in the yard and perpetual rainbow crowning the roofline. Not too much to ask I say? We all know Mary’s carpet bag is just brimming with possibilities. Throw in a few butterflies and blue birds for good measure and life will be wonderful.

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By the time Mary has finished sprucing up the joint, I hope the place will look a little like this. Peaceful, pastel loveliness. Nothing too garish, simple decor waiting for the season’s embellishment.

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Only THEN I can get down to the business of decorating and consider the purchase of the prized Christmas Tree!

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OH .. and as we Australians are in the midst of summer, I’ll need the outdoors tweaked a little ready for my R&R and the zillion new friends I will make. Couldn’t hurt to throw in a pool!

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Only THEN can I look around me and say yes… this is the place I deserve to relax!

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If by some sick twist of fate Mary is not available next week, I’ll go with Glinda … I hear she’s got the goods also!

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Until next time.. when I will be celebrating the start of my fresh new life

[well at least until I get my next contract!]

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IMAGE SOURCE: # Mary and Glinda, Google Image Search. # Interiors: Scanned from Romantic Homes Magazine

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Christmas at Atrani

I’ve been a little irregular at keeping up with Black & White Sunday. I also have been lax at getting into the Christmas spirit, so I thought I’d kick off my Christmas posts with some black & white images of Atrani. Homemade Christmas Cards ‘Alla Ruby’. Ok so I’m taking some artistic license with the subject matter [not really Christmassy although they are churches!].

Some time ago I saw a documentary of Atrani at Christmastime, the town looked so beautiful adorned with simple decorations of candlelight, illuminated stars and religious artefacts. Celebrations of Christmas were held in the town square and the many wonderful churches! I think it would be the perfect place to enjoy this season.

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Travel Envy

Well I think that is enough post of Atrani for now [do I hear a sigh of relief ?] Seeing I won’t make it there for Christmas.. and you probably won’t either.. I found this link to provide you with some spectacular travel envy… The Italian equivalent to Google maps [here]

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Happy Belated Kick Off for Christmas

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Don’t forget to visit other Black & White Sunday participants – hosted by the gracious Anne Marie of ‘Na-Da Farm Life’ [here]

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IMAGE SOURCE:

#1: Italian Christmas Image: Original image from Graphics Fairy – Colour and text alterations by me [being ruby]

#2-4: Churches of Atrani – Original Photos and Alterations by me [being ruby]