COLOURS OF AUSTRALIA | home
December 2009
Another year gone.
I know, it's obvious, but as you get older,
time becomes more precious
and I am more aware than ever that
we need to enjoy what we have,
see the good side of everything (too optimistic?)
and to do those things we really want to do.
ACTION!!
No more talking about it.
It has been 6 months since my last Blahblah and I've kept myself busy wit lots of things.
Mainly work, but also travel, a little holiday even................
I've achieved a personal goal in loosing 40kgs of excess weight, albeit with some help,
a bit of suffering (poor me!) and a lot less eating.
I am now ready to scale Mount Everest, actually not the actual mountain called Mt Everest
but something a little tamer (just to get started) next door...
We have started work on Papoose House, a dedicated production unit
that will make all our products. We're hoping to make some changes to production
methods so we can improve delivery times and quality control.
With our new distributors on board
Karen from Felt Good, New Zealand, Tammy from Kid Central, Canada
and Conny from Papoose Holland, the Netherlands,
it is imperative that we keep improving on all levels.
We have introduced a new lable this year: PUPUCCI (formerly CLOAK).
An excellent choice of timing, yes, I'm good at picking recessions,
we nonetheless have picked up some lovely new customers
that are supporting our all natural range of ladies fashion.
We're introducing a new collection of gorgeous Soyabean fabric
tops and dresses, as well as a lovely range of hemp/cotton blend
for next summer. Also more fantastic pashminas and some very
groovy accessories.
New also in our growing range of footwear:
Knee-high Merino Boots, hand felted, with flowers...you must have at least one pair!
We have Italian felt slippers (made in China from Italian made fabric), and an
improved style of our ever popular felt shoes in bright red (of courde) and a gorgeous brown.
We have also made a brand new range of slippers, merino wool, hand felted,
decorated with a hand made button, in simple and very wearable colours:
black (can you believe it?), stone, grey and red (of course again!)
Enough talk for now.. I don't want to loose you if I haven't already.
Please enjoy some photos from my last trip,
Have a wonderful New Years eve and to everyone who reads this
HAPPY NEW YEAR
May it bring you all you deserve,
with love
Renske
Ba and me at a temple. You can just see the rump of a very
big fat goat.. on the left of Ba.
Here he is, enjoying the winter sun.
Temple of Ganesh, the Elephant God for wealth and luck.
The simple streamers make for a festive atmosphere
around the temple. The temple is set in the centre of daily
activity, houses all around it and..
a market right next door.
(I have a strange obsession with making photos of fruit and vegies,
haven't quite worked out what I like about it so much, but
the simple fact is that I adore seeing the bright, freshly coloured
fruits and vegetables, all grouped in big stacks, the colourfully
dressed women scuttling about....)
One quiet Saturday night I promised the kids a KFC treat.
KFC has recently opened in Kathmandu and although I never go
in Australia, it was fun queueing up for 20 minutes outside and
then another 30 minutes inside....... to get some greasy chicken!
The four boys in the middle are 'mine':
Gaurub, looking away from the camera, little Dinus squashed between
Gaurub and his brother Suresh, and Sangam, with the red in his jacket.
(Irwin is out of this picture)
Happily munching on imported chicken from Brazil.....
Mum Edina (in yellow top) helps Irwin who had a great time!
And just to give you a laugh,
my last exit from Nepal was a manual affair!
I've been by car, by motorbike and this time we had to walk!
My 2 suitcases were hoisted on the back of a couple of pushbikes,
and six of us walked down to the airport.
there was yet another 'banda' (strike) initiated by the Maoists,
grounding all transport modes except push bikes and walking.
I am sad to say these people have not improved the standard of living
in Nepal, not when they were in (a short lived) government, and not now,
as opposition and general trouble makers.
Anyway, walking is fine......
loading the bikes at home
and we're off..
Luja on the left, Krishna in the middle and Santosh on the right.
Bye for now!