Here in my little corner of the world there are few things that I prize more highly than time that is completely and utterly my own. Over the 6 weeks of the school summer break such time has been in short supply, for although Toby has had 11 days of respite and 4 days of CHIPs summer club, I've spent most of those days either with Amy or doing householdy chores and necessities. The rest of the time I have been Toby's constant companion both day and night as I've fed, bathed, dressed and comforted him; fetched things he can't get for himself; fixed toys; loaded dvds and videos into their respective players; removed things from his mouth and generally kept him content and safe from the various harms he often seems intent of inflicting on himself.
It's not that I begrudge any time spent with my children you understand, it's just that the absence of quiet time on my own makes me appreciate all the more what today has brought my way once again. Because today brings the return to school term-time routines for the children and for me it brings 7 hours and 15 minutes of time to mostly spend in any way that I choose. So while I do feel slightly guilty for looking forward to my children returning to school, it's mostly outweighed by the pleasure of the current peace that has settled on my home.
Right now the only sounds that I can hear are the ticking of the kitchen clock; a similar ticking noise from the kettle which is cooling down having just been boiled for tea; a chinking of pebbles from the chicken run as they are scraped aside in the hunt for unsuspecting worms and the twitterings of two small birds in the bush outside the window. There is however mostly stillness and quiet and at this moment I feel overwhelmingly content.
Once I've finished writing this, I plan to settle myself in the garden with a good strong cup of tea, my radio, a basket of bunny heads waiting to be given faces, a copy of the wonderful Four Hedges by Clare Leighton which I'm currently reading (thanks to Emma @ Silverpebble for the excellent recommendation) and a copy of the newly released Three Good Things by Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall which contains the recipe for pasta with tomatoes and blue cheese that I'll be making for lunch today.
Thanks for coming to visit with me here despite the lack of anything new
from me for a few weeks. If you're around later in the week please pop
back again as I'll have news of that little pouch pattern and a giveaway
or two.
little cotton rabbits 
Ah Julie I know you are relishing your time on your own but would you mind if I joined you because that sounds like a pretty perfect day to me! 🙂
My heart skipped a beat when I saw that little line of dresses, they’re off the radar on the cuteness scale that’s for sure!!!
I looked at that book ‘Four Hedges’ online and wondered if it would be good, thanks for the recommendation.
I do like the sound of your lunch as well!
Enjoy your well deserved day,
Vivienne xxxxxxxx
LikeLike
Good for you, Julie!! I do not have a child with special needs, but even so, I do relish having time for ME; something that is not easy to achieve with four children and a husband based interstate indefinitely. X
LikeLike
Can I come round for tea it sounds wonderful sitting in the garden knitting with a cup of tea. I’m currentley looking after my 5 month grandaughter whilst her mum is in hospital , I dont know if I am on my head or my heels >
Enjoy your garden time
LikeLike
Don’t worry, we like so much your creations that we are happy to be patient !
LikeLike
Enjoy your peace and calm Julie ….. you deserve it for being such a wonderful and devoted mum x
those little dresses are divine, do they come in my size i wonder???
have a lovely day ….. love jooles x
LikeLike
I’m with Jooles….I’d love to wear one of those bunny dresses! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your peace with us today, I feel lovely and calm after reading this post. xx Don’t ever feel you have to justify your time-out…you need it and deserve it. Hugs to you, xxx
LikeLike
You should never feel guilty for wanting your own time and space. How can anyone be a good parent if they don’t take care of their own well being?
Knitted bunny dresses on a line – extreme loveliness.
LikeLike
You so deserve some peace and quiet. It is easy for me to forget that while the start of a new term makes me feel melancholy, for others it is a welcome respite. Mind you, your knitting space does look remarkably enticing!
LikeLike
enjoy your special quiet time, a time to recharge your batteries and relax xxxxxx
LikeLike
Your words were perfect in expressing the caregiving of a special needs child. The need to protect them and watch over them is a task in itself. Although your heart is always with them, your body and mind, needs every ounce of free time you can find. Refueling is always a welcome and by all means you do not sound bad for mentioning the need for quite time. I completely understand sometimes we just need to express how we feel.
Your talent is absolutely amazing, blessing to you and your family. I just love your photographs they make my day. Hope your quite time is everything you need it to be…
LikeLike
I’m waiting for tomorrow to savour my silence. I look forward to it, but secretly miss them a little bit too. Perhaps if I organize a project and a sunny spot….
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing your life with us. That takes courage. I love the clothesline of your little dresses. So very cute! As for the basket of bunny heads? A little scary! Just waiting to come to life with the faces you’ll give them. Can’t wait to see them!
LikeLike
Whatever age my children were or whatever type of summer we had the day they went back to school was always one to be relished. Just some peace for a few hours. And then by 3 o’clock you can’t wait to see them again. Have a lovely afternoon.
LikeLike
Hello Lovely x
Enjoy today, your space looks beautiful and calm.
The dresses on the line are divine.
LikeLike
Those photos look so peaceful and inviting (and imaculate!) When I get time to myself I usually sit somewhere, hook in hand, and see all the little jobs I SHOULD be doing! Enjoy your time alone recharging your batteries xxx P.S. Alys has settled in very well to her now home, thank you xx
LikeLike
Enjoy your well earned peace and quiet and make the best of your ‘me time’.
I love your line full of little dresses.
Hugs,
A x
LikeLike
Enjoy. (Keeping it short so you can.)
LikeLike
Enjoy your well earn quiet time, Julie. I both look forward to mine and dread it a little as I’ve just dropped my daughter off at university and when I get home it will be a new form of quiet. I will fill it creatively and for the social good but it will take some getting used to.
LikeLike
I love the little dresses and especially the basket of heads! Awesome.
LikeLike
Enjoy your fee time….each mum in the world deserves it!!!
xxx Alessandra
LikeLike
Good to have you back, enjoy the silent moments
LikeLike
So nice to have you back xx The little line of dresses made me give an audible sigh of admiration, so much so my 4 year old said, “What is it Mummy?!” I have spent my summer knitting your pattern for mini Christmas stockings – they’re addictive! I’ve made 10 so far, I want to make 24, enough to make an advent washing line of them 🙂 Where did you get the dinky pegs from? They are too cute! Really looking forward to seeing the bunny heads and dresses matched up!
LikeLike
This is SO cute. I absolutey love your bunnies. What are you planning to do with them all?
Your blog is gorgeous. ❤
Corrie
LikeLike
Okay, my heart just went skippety skip. Love the dresses. Love the garden setting, long may the sun give us respite from the cold winter days. Enjoy every moment. x
LikeLike
How I love that little row of bunny dresses and your beautiful cushions… it looks so restful! I know what you mean about longing for peace. I’ve not had a single day at home on my own since the beginning of June!
LikeLike
hi julie, what a lovely post and perfectly said. feelings of contentment might be the true happiness in life. i love the little dresses. claire
LikeLike
Hi Julie – Enjoy your quiet time. Those little cotton rabbit dresses look so amazingly peaceful hanging on the line. They sure bring a smile to my face. I hope they provide you some peace, too. Your outdoor knitting spot looks divine. Enjoy your quiet. You deserve it.
LikeLike
Sounds idyllic to me and I don’t think you are going to be the only parent enjoying the silence this week. As much as we love our children everyone needs a break. I’ll have to wait until next week for mine as this week I take the boys to school, go to work, finish work and then pick them up again. Gorgeous little dresses too 🙂
LikeLike
Good to hear from you again and glad that you have some peace and quiet at last. I feel like this after going to work 4 days a week and also did when the children were still at home and on holiday from school. I know you have a lot to do 24/7 for Toby and also Amy to look after but don’t you think it’s our age, as well, Julie? Or perhaps that’s just me! Love your cosy corner and that gorgeous photo of all those little knitted dresses lined up. Wouldn’t that photo make a lovely card? Exquisite work as always.
Very kind regards, as ever, Zoe x
LikeLike
Lovely to see you back and I’m really enjoying you enjoying your well-earned peace and calm.
LikeLike
I can relate to what you said Julie, although my children don’t have special needs, it’s nice to get some time to myself when they are back at school. I love the line of little dresses, you have been busy x
LikeLike
I totally understand its nice to have some ‘me’ time. I think the picture with the little dresses hanging up is adorable. I showed it to my nan who is visiting who is an avid knitter and she agreed. Just beautiful you are so talented.
LikeLike
Dear Julie,
I wouldn’t wish to spoil your peace but I would love to whip out my trumpet and cymbals here and give a (muted) fanfare of jubliation for your well-earned peace. I am truly happy for you. Your love for your children is so clear to us all but, dear Julie, I fear those dresses might even overshadow the lovliness of Toby and Amy. They are exquisite.
Lovely to have you back. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
LikeLike
The dresses are exquisite but I’m looking forward to seeing the bunny heads attached to bodies. There’s a touch of the French Revolution seeing them in the basket like that. I hope you enjoyed your time during the day. Time to recharge spiritually and emotionally
LikeLike
You certainly shouldn’t feel guitly about some me time. Your post is very evocative and I hope the peace was as restorative as you hoped. I love the pic of the little dresses and those bunny heads – promise of beautiful things. Elaine x
LikeLike
Enjoy the blessing of time undisturbed. My youngest has now left for college and I’m relishing the quiet. At least at those moments when I’m not missing my 3 little ones, now grown! Love those dresses, so special, so cute!
LikeLike
Enjoy “your time”, it is normal to appreciate some downtime from your children, it doesn’t mean you love them any less. They appreciate the time away from us too! You deserve it far more than the rest of us!
LikeLike
Your description of your day sounds divine. I felt that I was there, hearing the gentle sounds and the peacefulness of sitting outside to do what you love.Your knitted dresses are lovely as are the bunny heads. I do look forward to seeing them complete.Your “me” time is well deserved and very important. Hugs for you Julie. Shirley
LikeLike
Welcome back Julie! We’ve missed you. What a wonderful basket full of bunny heads. They will all develop their own little personalities once their little faces are done. And the line full of dresses is gorgeous. You are so clever Julie. Britta Badger sends her love. xx
LikeLike
After reading your blog, I feel as I’ve been missing a friend during your busy summer. I so admire your skill and mostly, your gentle and loving mothering. Enjoy your time.
LikeLike
Those alone times are what keeps us going. You enjoy this time however you
want as you are a wonderful mum. The little knitted garments are very cute.
take care
wendy
LikeLike
No one deserves some quiet time more than you!
xx
LikeLike
Those dresses…..To. Die. For. Clever girl taking some time to recharge.
LikeLike
It’s good to see you back again and to see what you’ve been working on too. It’s healthy to be frank about how you feel and you shouldn’t feel even the tiniest bit guilty about it. It’s human nature to feel that way and also you need time to yourself so that you can just keep going each day and cope with the needs of your two children.
LikeLike
Beautifully written. And I mean that with energy. Those words came out of the mellowness of the day – poured out of fingertips to lodge as poetry in the phosphors here where I read them. Funny then – what hands you have, one moment spinning poetic prose, the next plaid and flowered dresses. I am glad for the time you get to yourself, too, for myself. Your light is lovely.
LikeLike
glad you’re back, love your pictures!
LikeLike
Oh how I missed you!! But… I do understand!;-) Love the dresses hung up waiting for their owners! So glad you are enjoying the quiet…and time for YOU.;-) enjoy those books. They look like great reads!!
Debbie in Alaska
LikeLike
Enjoy your quiet time, you deserve it!!!
LikeLike
good to see you back, enjoy your me time you deserve it.
love the bunnies
Barbara
LikeLike
I can feel the peace and quiet from here … and as for those little dresses … deep sigh!
LikeLike
Hahaha… “There’s a touch of the French Revolution seeing them in the basket like that. I hope you enjoyed your time during the day.” (Jane in SF). Are you adding La Tricotuesse to your cv Julie?
LikeLike
Hi Julie, it’s good to see you back again, and having some well earned quite time! You have been missed! I too am also loving the little bunny dress clothes line, a gorgeous way to display them! This is the first time I have been brave enough to post on your blog, but I have been following on the quiet for about three years now, after stumbling upon it quite by accident whilst googling about bunnies! So I thought it was about time that I should drop in and say hi!
Until I came across your blog I was quite unfamiliar with blogging, the blogging world and what a big network of lovely creative people there is out there. Your blog caught my interest as I too am very creative, love bunnies, and know how hard living with an autistic child can be, having cared for my autistic cousin in the past.
You have inspired me, and seeing how many lovely crafty people there are out there doing so many different things, gives me hope that I may be able to have a creative career one day too!
Keep up the good work, and I look forward to reading your posts each time they pop up x
LikeLike
I envy you. I have my own girls in the holidays, then other people’s in term (i.e work) time! Sometimes I just long to be on my own. Beautiful little clothes line you have there.
LikeLike
That is a good way to put things, the absence of quiet … school just started here yesterday and I am reveling in the quiet that comes. I never was one to put on the radio or TV, I like it quiet. Enjoy your quiet time.
LikeLike
Your little knitting oasis looks so perfect. It’s always lovely to read your blog. Hope you’ve enjoyed your day of peace and quiet. x
LikeLike
I wish my washing line looked half as cute as those pegged out little dresses!
I don’t know how you do it – the thought & effort that goes into your work is second to none!
I hope you’ve enjoyed having a few hours just for you and it’s good to have you back:)
♥
LikeLike
Oh how lovely! Everyone needs a little peace on a regular basis and of course you treasure it. I love the little dresses and can’t wait to see another crop of bunnies. At the risk of sounding like a stalker, is my goal to have one some day!! Enjoy your day!
LikeLike
You deserve every minute of peace you can get. I hope your day was wonderful!
You made my day by showing us the pictures of the dresses.
LikeLike
the dresses are delightful can not wait to see the end products , enjoy your me time !
LikeLike
It’s lovely to hear from you Julie – hope your day lived up to expectations! Those dresses are adorable :o) xxx
LikeLike
You are an extremely talented lady and should be charging more for your original works of art (and patterns, too!) – you deserve it! Thank you so much for making these beautiful pieces.
LikeLike
thanks for sharing and I always look forward to your inspiring posts! You are the only blog I follow and
I’m glad you are enjoying your “me” time to relax and enjoy what you love to do! Love the bunny dresses 🙂
LikeLike
Welcome back Julie, can I come round if I promise to sit quietly? It sound so blissful…. I do so love the little dresses – enjoy your peace – you deserve it more than most.
Elaine
LikeLike
Please consider making an adult version of those beautiful little dresses! Absolutely gorgeous. Thankyou for sharing so much with us all- you really are an amazing role model.Enjoy the Indian summer!
LikeLike
Sounds like a perfect day 🙂 Love all the little bunny dresses!
LikeLike
I hope you enjoy every 7 hours and 15 minutes of the days ahead. You have “earned it” as they say. You are a devoted mother to both your kids and taking care of Toby alone is a full time job. I have a daughter with multiple disabilities and am always told to take care of myself first so I have the energy to take care of her. Easy to say, harder to put into practice. Seeing all those adorable bunny dresses made my day.
LikeLike
Loving all those cute little dresses lined up in a row!
Four Hedges is a wonderful book – I’ve mentioned it on knitsofacto a few times as I often reread it, seasonal bit by seasonal bit.
That garden seat looks so peaceful. You’ve earned your quiet time Julie, enjoy 😀
LikeLike
Thank you so much for your nice blog. My twins are handycaped as well and I treasure the way you talk about your son. I always receive odd looks when I talk about the trouble the kids make and there are so many woman who would never admit there is trouble at home. Whenever i come across one more who tells me that she feels privileged to have a sunshinekid and that it makes her strong to handle it i just want to screem. I do love my children and I try to protect them from every harm and am prepared to do so for a long time to come, but i also do wish things would be much easier!My knitting also helps me to relax and I have a garden I can work on, so there is a lot in your blog that I can relate to . Hugs, ulli
LikeLike
😀 I love the ‘art work’ on your little box with drawers on the shelf. I love that you have that a midst all of your knitting books.
Your little dresses and those cute cute cute little clothes pins! How cute are those!?
Your little nook looks so peaceful and cozy and CLEAN!! Oh I long for clean. The Native’s are all back in school and I should be scouring and organizing every square inch of my house but I just don’t have it in me. I’m worn out; tired.
I adore your little red radio! I love red. Red and blue which is another reason I’m in love with your cozy nook.
I hope your day is full of tranquility, peace, and renewing rest. That butterflies flit about you and bring sweet balm to your soul. And may your chickens lay in abundance and not look like I feel. All frazzled and feathers lying about the ground. 😀
Me time is important. You give and give so much of yourself Julie. If you don’t take time for you to replenish the fountain of goodness that you are…. the well soon runs dry and there is nothing more to give. So do not for one minute feel that you need to explain why you need/enjoy some ‘me’ time. It is important!
Wishing I could pop in for some tea and conversation…….. Hugs and loves!!
LikeLike
Hello,
Firstly, I love your blog and following your adventures and can appreciate the struggles encountered looking after a child who faces many challenges. I am also amazed how much you pack into your life. One little question regarding knitting. When you use different wools for your bunnies how do you adapt your patterns each time? (the reason I am asking is that I have been asked by my neice to knit some jumpers for her son’s teddy and she has given me all different weights of wool and I am pulling my hair out becuase I am only a novice knitter!!!) Please help me.
Desparate
LikeLike
Great to see you back! Awwww…such cute little dresses! Happy quiet time! Jenni x
LikeLike
Oh Julie, How beautiful do your little dresses look all lined up, it looks like something out of Beatrix Potter! Enjoy your quiet time, I went to a friends 50th last weekend and she is the mum of a 17 year old austisic boy and a 15 year old daughter, I had tears in my eyes when it came to speach time at how much they love and care for each other and the beautiful interaction between them and their son, lots of hair messing, nose rubbing etc. Your road is a hard one and not everyone could do it, however both you and my girlfriend do it with style, grace and courage – I salute you xxBrenda
LikeLike
Never feel guilty about having time to yourself! By reading your blog I can see you already give 110% It’s not easy being a mum especially a creative mum. xxx Whilst commenting I did send you a msg but I don’t think you may have received it. Could you help me with a little problem. My neice has asked me to knit some jumpers for her son’s favourite Teddy and has give me various weights of wool to do so. As a novice knitter how do I adapt the pattern to accommodate all these wools please. Many Thanks xxx
LikeLike
So glad to have a post from you. You are truly an inspiration. A basket of bunnies and clothesline of bunny dresses, sooooo very, very cute. I believe I’ll make a cup of tea and take my knitting to the garden to join you in spirit.
LikeLike
I just discover your work (thanks pinterest) I am amazed..it is wonderfull, I love everything you,make, congratulations every thing is so charming and beautifull, I am a knitter and I would be veryhappy if I could do one bunny ten times less nice than yours … I am french , so forgive my poor english ….I wish you many good things and nice moment with your son …love, patience and time make miracles … Courage (I see you have a lot !)a french grand mother mamoune
LikeLike
that basket of bunny heads is so funny!
xxx
LikeLike
ENJOY Julie, you really deserve it…. wonderful dresses!
LikeLike
Welcome back, Julie, the line full of dresses is incredible!!!, so gorgeous, and you work corner in the garden is adorable, enjoy it. You make gorgeous bunnies. you will have to sale the patterns for us. Enjoy your time.
LikeLike
Oh gosh, those dresses are lovely.
Do you take commissions for rabbits?
LikeLike
Oh I can just see myself sitting there with you, peacefully knitting. I was hoping for a few hours on my own tomorrow as the big two are back at school and youngest was due to start nursery but as he’s developed a high temperature I’ll have to wait a little longer for some peaceful me time. Ah well.
Those little dresses are adorable, I love the white one with blue flowers.
LikeLike
Hiya,
I’m new to your blog and just to say I love your photos and am very inspired by the things you create. I am pregnant just now and it seems to be reawakening my creative side in a big way, I have been getting out the cottons and needles and wool and all sorts just recently and I can’t seem to get enough of making stuff!
Also, in relation to this post, I completely empathise with your sense of enjoyment at having some time to do your own thing. It’s only when Jasper has his nap that I have time to indulge my creative streak!
LikeLike
Hi Julie,
I have recently found your site and keep returning for a dose of “pick me up”!! I love reading about your times with the children and your animal babies are sooooooooo delightful. You have inspired me to start knitting again. Thank you for sharing :o)
LikeLike
I skipped my way out of the school carpark too Julie… don’t feel guilty!
(those dresses are just beautiful… beautiful… sigh)
LikeLike
Hello, I’ve just stumbled across your blog and i can’t believe it’s taken me so long to find you! I am in love with your cushions in this post! I’ve just started knitting and crocheting and still learning the ropes, I love granny squares and these cushions are such a nice design. I’m feeling quite inspired now.x
LikeLike