He has enough originals now for an EP. Plus some pub songs. It could be fun, I reckon.

Boonah is very quiet today.  It’s also been raining since this morning so everything is very dull and wet looking outside.

So if you’re at home enjoying the weather, maybe curled up with a favourite book, we’ve got plenty more in here waiting for you when you’re ready for a new read

This months Book Club book is The Woman Who Thought Too Much by Joanne Limburg

The Woman Who Thought Too Much is a memoir in which the author tries to understand and manage her Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.  Limburg takes the reader through the various tests and experiments and internet research she has done, while trying to come to terms with her illness.

The Winter of Our Disconnect by Susan Maushart is one that grabbed my attention when it arrived.

As someone who grew up in this techno age and loves it, I have often wondered what we used to do without it.  In this book a mother (Maushart) and her three teenage techo-addict daughters give up technology for 6 months and talk about how it changed their perspective of technology and of themselves along the way.

Since we’ve opened our doors again, there have been lots of new books coming in to fill up our shelves.  Our second hand range is also expanding for those of you keen for our book-swap.

Here’s hoping for a sunny Spring day tomorrow

It really has been too long since I, Rachel posted. You know the longer it’s been since catching up with an old friend, the harder it seems to be…hmm what to talk about. The trouble is, throughout any given day, little or big ideas float through my mind and I will write an imaginary blog, and then it’s as though I’ve already done it, it’s old news, or not really even news worthy.

For example, many months ago I had numerous conversations with a wide range of people about odd socks. I thought, oh I should write a blog about this. But then I had discussed it that many times, that I got over it. However, I will tell you the gist, cos it’s a good one: Odd socks are a good thing. They are an important reminder that some things just aren’t that big of a deal.

I came to this conclusion after many a morning trying to find Tobey and Oskar a proper pair of socks each. As our clean washing tends to live in various piles around the place (dirty washing lives in various piles on the laundry floor, oh and bathroom floor), this task was rather time consuming. Not only that, the boys would at times argue over the same pair, and me, trying to be fair and minimise escalating emotions, would split the pairs so that they had one of each-cos that’s fair,right? So, odd socks won the day. But that’s just a side note, the real epiphany for me was the WHY? Why does it matter if the kids are wearing odd socks? Just cos that’s not what you do. It’s a just cos that’s the way it is, that’s what people do thing. THIS IS NOT A GOOD ENOUGH REASON. It does not harm anyone, it is not disrespectful. Those are important reasons to do things. If Tobey or Oskar specifically wanted a proper pair of socks, if it mattered to them, well then I would respect that. But they don’t give two hoots. So, my conclusion folks is this: Odd socks are a reminder to say no to pointless rules of ‘just cos that’s how it is’. Be free to make your own decisions. Heck, break a few ‘just cos that’s how it’s always been’ rules! It’s liberating, trust me!

So, after that super deep revelation that I am glad to have shared again and again, let me fill you in. I feel like we have been running The Story Tree at about 80%. I have chosen to be okay with this because my family and my health and wellbeing, and my need for connection are important,they require time. I do not want to be a workaholic, it is not sustainable. When I am too busy,the people I love most get the dregs of me at the end of the day. I put my energy, my best self out there to strangers, and dear Matt and the kids pay the price. When I say 80%, I mean that not everything gets done when it should, to the standard that I would like.

The good news is, change is in the air. Matt has retired from running his own concreting business and is now in partnership with me. YAYNESS. Seriously, this is huge. Double energy into one business, double energy into raising the boys, double energy into our LIFE-FULLSTOP. Do you know what makes me sad? That stress has been the everpresent vibe around here for so long, we forgot what it’s like to live without it. Malaise of our society’s culture, the norm-just how it is,hey? No sirree, not around here no more. The culture at our place is one of odd socks.

And falling asleep with a good book is also something we encourage

A few more ‘norms’ around here:

• Sundays in pyjamas until we need to leave the house to go have a picnic, or walk up the street to visit neighbours;
• Playing in the sandpit for as many hours as desired(read:kids in sandpit, parents pottering);
• Picking daisies and lavender to put in little jars around the house;
• Having a bubblebath at whatever time of day you feel like it;
• Matt singing and playing the guitar during kids bathtime;
• Vacuuming the loungeroom carpet three times a day cos I let them eat toast, fruit etc, while playing lego or watching ABC Kids, and the crumbs attract wildlife cos we live in the sticks;
• last but not least, siestas are a personal fave:)

The 80% life makes sense to me, leave 20% time for pleasure, fun, relaxation and creativity

Hello there Story Tree goers
Just a blog to let everyone know that from the above dates, we at the Story Tree are closing our doors for some much deserved rest, relaxation, and family time (and probably a bit of a spring clean!)
We’re looking forward to seeing you all again after the 26th August

We will also be closed Monday 9th August for the show holiday, but will be open Tuesday and Wednesday so come in for your Story Tree fix before the 12th!

This morning Amanda Richmond popped in with a lovely surprise. Three brand new pollen dresses!
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Presenting the “Lily Tunic Dress”
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Handmade with care from 100% cotton fabric, these stunning dresses are unique and eye catching.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s summer or winter either, just team it up with some tights and a snug jumper in this chilly weather!
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I’m not a huge fan of winter. The cold weather does not make me feel like sitting in front of a cozy fire in my PJs all day. It makes me want to hibernate and hide away until I can walk outside without a jumper on again. As if dealing with the cold wasn’t enough, the wind has come rushing through little Boonah the last few days to top of the complete “winter” feeling.
Thankfully, with the door of the Story Tree closed and the heater on, I can quite successfully pretend that it isn’t winter outside. Top it off with hot chocolate and homemade treats, and there really is no other place I’d rather be on a day like today.

If you’ve been past the shop lately you’ll have noticed the childrens’ clothes on sale. They are all reduced from their original prices and that’s all we have left folks, so get in quick for a bargain!
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Oobi Red Apple Jacket was $59.95 now $39.95
with Oobi Apple Bottom Jeans were $45 now $27

As I finish off today, the sun has finally come out from sulking and it’s looking quite lovely outside.

With all this cold weather rolling into little Boonah town the first thing many of us find ourselves doing is turning on the coffee machine and making hot chocolates and delicious coffee!
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I’d like to introduce one of our new crew members, Sophia Valenzuela!

Hey, my name is Sophia and i now work in the Story Tree, having one heck of a time, loving it there are some lovely people who work with me!! I go to Boonah High, favourite subject is art! (of course) my twin Elissa is my little minion haha joking shes amazing, i have some awesome friends and i am looking forward to many more Sunday’s at the Story Tree! (; catcha’s laterz!
Sophia x

p.s. come visit the Story Tree, I’ll make you a coffee
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