Zoo it yourself
The week that was
Dear diary,
I just wrote Dear Dairy and I wonder how many weeks I’ve done that and not noticed.
I definitely didn’t mean for last week’s post to come across as so ‘woe is me’ but I fear it did. It’s hard to talk about struggles with one’s own physicality without inviting the “Noooo you’re so pretty” back, which is well meaning but isn’t something I’m looking for. It seems as though you all know me too well because what I did get back was a bunch of the most flooring, generous and kind DMs talking up my strengths and achievements, and sympathising with how negatively perceived physical attributes can play into lower self confidence. How coupled with new-ish motherhood all these things are even more potent. You all get it. Thanks.
My post last week also invited a profoundly kind gesture into my life. My Grade 2 teacher dropped a little care package off at my parent’s house. Now this teacher was like an artistic Miss Honey and made a huge impact on me. Within the package included the one of the nicest notes anyone has ever sent to me, a bunch of art supplies for myself and Seren, and a dress from the 1950s that belonged to my teacher’s late Mother. The print is so unique. It’s an honour to be bestowed something with such meaning and weight.
The whole experience made me realise that while it’s very easy for me to type here and believe that no one is reading my words - some of you are, and you’re all very real and generous people who I’m lucky to have in my corner.
***
I’ve finally had my dermatologist appointment which went well but was expensive. They’ve outlaid an extensive treatment plan, which will also be expensive, and I have to buy a whole bunch of new skincare items which will be expensive. But, I suppose it will be worth it as a piece of the puzzle to my low self esteem of late. Although, I’m not sure where I’m getting all this money from. Going to have to step up the Depop hustle in the next few weeks!
Otherwise, not much else to report. We did take Seren to the Zoo on Monday which was really great. A first for him. I’m glad I waited to take him as he wouldn’t have really registered anything if he were younger. We just went in the afternoon, and it wasn’t too hot on Monday. We chose a good day/time as it was really quiet. Although it cost us $58 each to get in! Seren was free. But still! That’s A LOT of money. Maybe I just don’t go out enough so I don’t know what things cost. I guess it’s expensive to feed all those animals…
Well, this has been sufficiently boring! Thanks for sticking around :) This week for paid subscribers I have a phone wallpaper download - should that pique your interest - just scroll to the bottom of this email!
Sneak peek before I post on socials of a Valentine’s Day themed collage I made!
Got this Chinti and Parker cotton jumper at Savers!
Also got this Jellycat. Absurdly priced, missing an eye, but couldn’t resist cleaning it up for Seren. Before and after pictured!
Seren went fully rogue in the butterfly house which caused me to later spend time googling “how to stop my toddler running away from me.” Leashes were recommended.
$116 later and his favourite thing was this concrete egg.
And a late in the week Op Shop find - my work colleague showed me this literal secret Op Shop near our office that I didn’t even know about! They had these vintage Tupperware branded toys which I’d spied online a few times. All complete. $1 each! From some research they are called the Zoo-It-Yourself animal set. Very fitting given our recent trip to the zoo. I’ve seen them quoted as being dated anywhere from the late 1960s to the 1980s so not entirely sure. I found an image of the packaging online.
Watching/Listening:
Simon and I have started Season One of The Night Manager. It’s an older series from 2016, and they’ve just now released a Season Two. I’m liking it so far, it’s like a spy thriller? with Tom Hiddleston (who was dating Taylor Swift at the time of the first season. This has nothing to do with anything) It’s not post apocalyptic though which is a bummer for me personally.
I also think I’m through the worst of the withdrawals from not watching Married at First Sight, and any content I see about it now just washes over me and my interest is not piqued. Bliss.
Ins/Outs:
IN: Homemade gifts. I made this for my sister for her 30th birthday coming up! I’m giving it to her tonight so don’t show her!
Inside a book/magazine from my collection:
I found a few vintage New Idea Magazines at Savers the other day, mainly from the 1980s and 1990s. I chose only a couple to buy, related to what images they had inside and if I might use them for collage. In this one I particularly enjoyed the BIG W catalogue insert.
