Catch up

Well, it's been lovely lately just to do not a lot at all. I really need the break from the frantic 'must do' 'must fit in' timeframes I've had lately. I have about 8 assignments to mark, and that's the end of the Uni year for me as a student, and as a tutor. The good thing is that these assignments are pretty easy to mark - very clear, so that's good.

The kids had their school fair on Friday night, so we spent a few hours there, and they had a whole heap of rides like you have at the show there. We paid $19 per child, and they had unlimited rides - great value. Especially with Emily who we would see on one ride, get off, and then RUN to the next. All she did for 3 hours was run between rides! Allan got his money's worth too, but his class also had a stall spraypainting hair and putting on fake tattoos - he was quite the master - and even got his Dad a couple of tats... but couldn't convince him that blue hair was a good look! LOL!

One of the nicest things about finishing Uni is allowing myself the little pleasures, such as reading a book, playing cards and doing a jigsaw (actually a wasjig - much more fun). I've read two books lately - The Husband by Dean Koontz, and Cross by James Patterson. Both good easy reads, but nothing earth shattering about them. I also bought the latest Wilbur Smith book which has the Ballyntines meeting the Courtneys.... both family's stories I've enjoyed reading over the years.

Emily and I have started a new Wasjig too... they are so much fun. The picture on the front is just a clue to what the finished puzzle is, and the one we're doing is a then and now type one, so the picture shows the 'then' and the puzzle shows the 'now'. We've got the outside all done, but can't find ONE piece. I'm sure Michael will wander by and just pick it up out of the box... he's natty like that.

I've also been teaching Allan and Emily how to play Gin Rummy. I'd forgotten how much I loved playing cards as a child. We'd often pay Gin, Canasta etc as kids, and loved it. Too bad my kids are quick learners, because they're starting to beat me already!!!

OK... that's all for now ... back to assignment marking!

xx
Michelle

Complete and utter exhaustion

Yep, I'm totally worn out!! The past few weeks have taken their toll, and I'm knackered!

But, it's worth it. I always love the Open Day, and the day before to be with the consultants and touch base with everyone in the office. I thought I'd just show you some of my favourite photos from the Open Day - if you want more, just go to http://www.matisse.com.au/gallery and check out all the uploaded images there!

OK... this is the new facepaint toolkits I designed up - just wanted you to check out the cute kids on the front... these will be so good to get out at Allan and Emily's 21st birthday parties.... ;)



This is outside at the Open Day - Justine (my boss' wife) and their two children, David and Isobel, being very, very cute (habitual cuties that they are). Strutting alongside is Bismark - or Bizzy - who is happiest with his stick - loves walking around with one in his mouth all the time.


This is me with my great friend Sylvia - we've been long distance friends for such a long time - and it was great to see her IRL and grab a few hugs. Would have loved some alone time with Sylvia though (she's from WA) but I'll take what I can get - because everything I get is gold. Sylvia gave me a little mushroom gourd for Emily - which she LOVES - she will be nagging me to paint it with her until I do....

OK... I'm off to bed. Catch up on some sleep perhaps!

Michelle

Nearly home

Well, just a quick post to let everyone know I survived the Open Day - and had a great time - but BOY am I tired!!! We had the day before as well, which went well, with some great hands on stuff - including calligraphy - which I thoroughly enjoyed!! For those wanting to start, we used Speedball pens C1 - so much easier than the newsagency ones. I reckon I could do something half decent with them.

The day itself is all a bit of a blur - a big, happy blur.... so good. I got to meet artists I've only ever spoken to over the phone, or even by email.

Anyway, better go, I'm 'at work' in Sydney.

Michelle

Up, up and away...

Well, I'm off to Sydney for the annual Matisse Open Day. It's great fun for all and something I look forward to every year. Luckily too, Virgin have started direct flights to Sydney - so I can get there in only a couple of hours - which is brilliant - and only one take off and landing too!

So, for those coming to the Open Day - make sure you say hello!!!

Bye for now!

Michelle

This is what it's all about

Family!

Yep, if there's one thing I've learnt the past week is that my family are something special. Well, I always knew that, but it was nice to be remined.

This is a group shot of my Mum, Dad, brother and sisters, their children and partners (mostly).




This is me holding little man Jake - my brother's son - my nephew. I reckon this little fellow is what's known as a 'breeder' baby. They bring him out to make women (and in the case of my hubby, men) clucky. He is such a good child! Eats, sleeps, laughs and smiles. Gotta love that.















The next little man is Sam - my cousin Kim's first child (only child). He and Jake are only 4 days apart in age - and he's another cutie, isn't he? Lucky I'm all over beign cluckie, aren't I?















This is Zoe and Kerry (my sister) you wouldn't pick she's 8 months older than the other two, would you? She's lighter than both of them. Now, this little girl has TUDE. She acts a bit like a teenager - hot and cold. For some reason, she sometimes doesn't like me and will try to jump out of whoever's arms she's in if I try to take her - and other times she's all kisses and smiles. She does play hard to get - but you can't help but love her.

That's all for now - thought I'd share the happier side of things - a family coming together.

Oh, and I should say, I've now lost FOUR kilos - which is pretty darn good!!!!


Michelle

RIP

Well, today was the day for my Grandma's funeral. It was a simple gravesite service and I think Grandma would have liked it. My cousin and I did the eulogy - and I know our Mum's were really happy with how it all went.

It's all been a bit of a blur since Wednesday. Things have been so busy here - and the house has been like Grand Central Station with my family, including cousins all being here and us all trying to get things organised. I managed to scan and print a whole lot of old photos of Grandma and my sister put them into a pretty notebook. She even scanned (reduced in size) her birth certificate and other documents as well. Everyone then wrote in the book today - and it was so great to see my Uncle Les reading through it with a huge smile on his face. This is the same man who was literally sick when he realised his Mum wasn't going to make it.

I also made up an order of service - just a simple one (it was a simple service) with a few photos of Grandma in it. Of course I worried if I'd done it right (never done one before) but I overheard the celebrant saying how nicely it was put together - so I must have got something right.

But with all the rush and bustle here, I haven't had time to myself to truly think about what losing Grandma means to me, and I haven't cried for her yet. I know it will come, but I needed to hold it all together to be strong for Mum and Gail - and to just get everything done I had to do with more people in our house than we can manage most Christmas'. Even at the funeral I was worrying about the music being played at the right time, and everyone being sorted, and really making sure that the service was a happier place to be. During the time for quiet reflection, I can remember looking up, seeing Grandma's photo, and just feeling happy. Well, not happy exactly.... glad. Glad that she'd been in my life. Glad that we could share that with everyone. Glad that the rest of my family were together - if only for a few days. I can remember thinking when I looked at her photo - you did good, girl, you did good. And she had. Even at the end, the reflection of her was how the family came together and celebrated her life.

And that's how I want it to be for me - when the time comes. I want my family and friends to celebrate what I have done - not what I haven't done.

But enough for now. I'll leave you with the poem I chose for the service...


She is Gone

By Anonymous

You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back
or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her and only that she’s gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
or you can do what she’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Gone

Well, Grandma passed away this morning peacefully. It still doesn't feel quite real - but I'm sure it will sink in at the funeral a lot more.

I've had various members of the family here nearly all day - our house is home base for everyone at the moment - which is nice actually. Mum and Gail have been organising everything and it's good that they can meet here and do it all. Makes me feel like we're contributing in some way.

I had to go out today to meet with the Diabetes educator - it took 6 weeks to get the appointment - so I desperately needed to go. It worked out well though, as it allowed Mum and Gail time alone with funeral director to organise the hard stuff. However, in typical Mum and Gail fashion, when I came home, the floors were washed and there were clothes on the line. But as Mum said - I wanted to do it - something I had control over.

Anyway, that's enough for today. I have to prepare the eulogy (sp?) tomorrow and create the book (what are they called - order of service or something?) for printing. Going to be busy.

Grandma

This is my Grandma and my Mum. I took these photos a couple of years ago for a Uni project I did for photography called Mother Mother.

I just think Mum and Grandma look so cute together here.

Which brings me to the sad news. My Grandma is in hospital at the moment, and they have told us that it's only a matter of time before we lose her.

Which just sucks! I spent most of last night up at the hospital with her, and went up again this morning - and this wonderfully strong, noble woman is gone. She's just this shell of a person - who breathes and doesn't do a lot else. I don't know if she is aware of anyone anymore, but if she is, she doesn't seem to be able to let us know. It's sad, but what's worse is watching my Mum. That hurts - Mum and I are great mates, and I just want to be strong for her, so she doesn't have to be.


But enough of the morbid stuff. Let me tell you why I love this pic on the left. This shows things just as I remember them. They've been this way since I was a little girl. Grandma at the table, with bottles and jars of lollies, biscuits, dried fruit - many things to feed you with.

At the back is the piano - I don't know if ANYONE could play it, but it is a great place for the photos. I love looking at the old photos - especially of Mum and her brothers and sisters. I love seeing their children in their faces. And of course, Les' paintings on the wall - pride of place. But best of all - a cuppa and a chat.


Can you believe this woman is over 80 years old? Where are her grey hairs? Up until a fall a bit over a year ago, Grandma was a very strong woman. She still mowed her yard, still did the groceries, still did all Uncle Les' washing.... it's shattering to see it slide so quickly.

Only the other day, Mum was saying that she hoped she didn't ever become a burden to me - and I told her that I hoped she lived long enough to be a burden to me, because the alternative was much worse.

And, as I said to Mum, Grandma's 86. This last year has been Mum's payment for having her in her life for so long. For being so lucky. Grandad died before I was born, and I know if Mum had the choice, she'd put up with the past year to have had him until he was 85 too.

Here's to Grandma. We are all secretly hoping you'll rally around and come back to us - we know it's not a rational thought... but it keeps us going.

Love you Grandma.

One down.... one to go!

Yep, I've handed in one assignment, and now only officially have one to go until I'm totally, absolutely, FINALLY finished my degree!!!!

Not sure how the one I did today is - really couldn't get into it... but the next one will be fun - it involves a bit of graphic design.

So, guess what's planned for this weekend....

;)

All done!!!

Well, yesterday was officially my very last class at Uni!! My very last tutorial!! I now only have to finish off the final two assignments and I will be officially finished! Ready to graduate! Isn't it exciting... except for the whole having to write the assignments. But that's not too bad. I'm 1500 words into a 2000 word assignment, and the other is a group project - which I'm doing all the final editting and design for... I actually think that one will be fun.

So... a slightly surreal feeling today to know I never need to walk into a classroom as a student again for this degree.

Won't be long before I'll have photos to share of me in a cape and mortarboard accepting my Bachelor of Communication (with Distinction).

Cool!

DT

For anyone that knows my husband......

He is the type of man that doesn't hold back when he laughs - and his laugh is LOUD! One of the problems is, is that sometimes, it takes a while for him to get a joke. Imagine being in a movie theature, everyone's laughing... the movie moves on.... and then..... someone beside you is slapping their knees laughing so loud!!! Hubby did this one day when he went to the movies with my Dad.... there was a particularly funny ad on.... and during the subsequent ad he got it and started laughing... but the next ad wasn't funny at all.

Last night, an ad came on, and I knew it was something DH would find funny.... and I also knew it may take a while... so I started counting after the punchline... 5.... 10.... nope, he just didn't find it funny.... then well into the SECOND ad after the one I saw he made a comment... And I mentioned to him that it was well past the time for making comments... and we laughed.

Then it happened again - and I told him that he seemed to be operating at a different time zone to us....

That's when we came up with his new nickname.... DT

Delayed Telecast

(Hey, HE said it!)

;)

Oh, I do love these two!

Just look at them! How could you not love these two! Allan actually let me take some photos of him today - this is one of my favourite.... And Em.. well... she loves a good photo shoot ;)

I don't know how two children could look so similar, yet be such different personalities. Allan hopes to be loved, and Emily expects it. Emily shows her love in so many ways - she is forever doing something beautiful and sweet, while Allan doesn't always express himself as openly. But I see it - I see it in the way he looks at me sometimes - and the way I am the first to see his latest Lego creation, and the way, every so often he just holds my hand or sneaks into my study for a hug. He is the one we've got to be careful of because he will back out of the limelight and be hurt by the shadows... while the light radiates from Emily. They're so different, and yet each so utterly loveable.

They burst my heart these two beautiful children.

Oh, and I should say... "Go the Broncos" for the man in my life... it was good to see him all kitted out in his new Jersey - and shorts he bought to match yesterday - his Broncos hat on and a XXXX Gold in his Broncos stubbie holder. Good to see he could wear it proudly... not that I watch much of the game!

Another one bites the dust

Another kilogram that is....

So, I'm well on my way to the target 5 kg's the doctor set. Not trying to overdramatise it all - just change some bad habits... and it seems to be working. I will start up some more exercise soon... soon as Uni finishes that is and I can reclaim some of my life....

Oh... I have so many plans for my spare time... I think the first couple of weekends will be just veging out..... love that idea!

Only 2 more assignments to mark for today... 6 extras after that.... (late submissions).

Nearly done

On Thursday night Ali came over and we had a lovely night gossiping while a little scrapbooking gets done. She brought over a copy of Elsie Flanagans book of challenges. We had two challenges to do - make our own chipboard embellishements and create a frame for our pic on the page. I tell you - this book is way cool! I think I could work through it from #1 to #52 (or whatever it goes through) and thoroughly enjoy it.

Here's what I came up with...

Kinda cool. I like the way my E Star came out... but there's still something not quite right about it all... but I'll live with it...lol...

Here's a close up of the E Star. I was very happy how this part turned out. Been wanting to use leather thonging for a while now!Have a look at Ali's challenge here. I gave her the orange cardstock - just to get her away from black and white... pretty fresh looking hey?

I would have posted all this on Friday... but you see, I couldn't... see that is.

I had an appointment with the eye doctor... not an optomitrist... but the other one.... opthomologist or soemthing... anyway, part of the diabetes stuff. They put these series of eyedrops in my eyes (boy do I freak out with things like that) and I am told that my pupils were so dilated by the end of it, that my iris (the coloured bit) was just a thin line around the edge. EVERYTHING was blurry and I couldn't read a thing. I suppose I've been used to good eyesight, that losing it, if only blurry was a bit of a shock. Apparently though, I have excellent (nay, perfect) eyesight though. Could read the smallest of everything easily. The Dr also said that I wasn't showing any effects of the diabetes (which apparently can cause 'leaking' or bleeding at the back of the eye). So all good news.

Oh, and let me tell you - it was a bright, bright day yesterday. Could not stand the sunshine! Everything was brighter because of the drops.

Anyway, it's school holidays, so Mum and I went shopping after the trip (not like I could do much else) and we went to Best and Less to get the kidlets some summer clothes - esp togs. Emily had to read all the sizes/prices too me - I couldn't see them! We left with quite a bit of stuff - very happy children... and ducked down to the lingerie shop to check out other clothes (you know the sort - practical stuff). And when we got there, we found out they had a 25% off sale - so Mum and I were very happy - and bought a few... garments... each.

Then we got to have lunch with our friend Jodie G. Hiya Jodie. She's moved up north, but was in Rocky for a few days - it was so nice to catch up - we used to have a coffee after indoor netball - it was a ritual, and we've missed that. Too bad Jodie has to go home. Miss ya!

OK... well that's enough of a catch up I think... better go and get some marking/assignments done... sigh... (I don't wanna!).

Only one more week of classes left!!!!!!

Michelle

Back to me

I thought I'd start this post off with a picture - I know everyone loves to see pics of something - and seen as how I've not done any arts and crafts lately - here's a pic of my little miss - it was taken at Maccas playground - where all good organised Mummy's plan to have parties (grin). It was her 8th birthday in August - wowsers!

Last week I was feeling miserable all week - but you know that. Michael took the kids out Saturday / Sunday so I could work on my assignments - and on Saturday all I did was sit and stare at the computer... dawdle around the house, and generally do nothing! I would have been better off just going back to bed and starting over, but my conscience kept telling me that I needed to get SOMETHING done while I was kid free, and that I had SO much to do. And I just couldn't. At the end of last week I was feeling like I was out of control. I had too much to do, and no energy to do it. I tried sleeping, I tried Vitamin B, I tried talking about it, and I am eating well now... but nothing would shake it. Then, Sat night I just STOPPED feeling like that and had a kick butt night - and a great day Sunday. Been feeling calm and in control ever since. I think it must have been hormones!!

It's good to be back!

I've played 3 games of netball in two nights - after not playing for a few weeks - and it was great!!! Better still, they were all pretty good games - so I got to run around a fair bit too - which has to help. I played Goal Shooter in the second game tonight - and really, you would have thought I was normally a shooter - I shot so well. Not skiting... just shocked! I normally can't get a whole lot in (being a Goal Keeper) - but I was in the zone!!!!

I'm also looking forward to stepping up and running for President of Runaways Netball Club - it's quite exciting actually. I've seen my beloved club run down over the past few years, and I will finally be in a position next year where I will have the time to do something about it. My head's abuzz with things we can do to bring the glory back... lol...

Oh! And Judy of Scrappin Bug Stamps sent me some great 'swirls' stamps I designed up - I'm loving them and will have to get them out for Ali and I if we have a play date this week... they are going to be SO much fun! I've also done up some other designs for her - so it will be exciting to see them 'online' when she gets them up.

Now, for those helping me to count down to the end of my degree - tomorrow week is my last class!!!!! I have two assignments due - and the last due date for me will be the 11th of October... so when that assignment is handed in... that's it!!!!

Breathe Michelle, Breathe!!!!

Catch ya around!

Hic!

Hi all

As some may have picked up on, I've been quite retrospective the past few days. Quite low actually - and not one thing I could point to and say - there, that's why!!! Just a low. You get that. Felt quite bad all day today - really just wanted to curl up in bed and sleep it away. Perhaps watch a soppy, cry along with movie...

But I'm over it now....

Hic!!!

Went out tonight for the netball break up. Had a few wines... and I'm happy as Larry again! Should have bought the wine ages ago!!!

It was quite a nice night, that could have been much worse. The president and I do not get on. I don't know where it started, but I certainly have no respect for the man. I mean, it's our presentation night, and we only have 6 teams - and all night he referred to the C grade team as B Reserve, and the C Reserve team as C grade. It was even on the trophies!!!

Talking of which. I got the Most Conscientious player award for the team I am in (too short and unfit to most valuable!). Aren't you proud??? LOL.

If I wanted to, I could work myself up into a state of crankiness as once again I was overlooked for the Senior Coach of the year award. You would think that after coaching for a club for 11 years - and getting teams into the finals EVERY year I could score some recognition. But it has nothing to do with my abilities, or how much effort I put into my coaching, or even how well my team does or how much they appreciate me. Nothing at all. So, I let it slide. I actually think I would have been more upset to get it - because it still wouldn't have been about my coaching.

But, at the moment, I have had too many wines to care... I enjoyed my night out with the girls -I got a lot of great feedback from them, and felt appreciated so much! Big hugs all around from my players, and from so many other people. Who needs another trophy?! Hey, I even had a good old dance tonight! I was nearly the youngest on the dance floor too! I even won a game of pool. I got ONE of our balls in... and it didn't go into the pocket I was aiming for... but it went in... lol.. it's not how well you play - but picking the right playing partner.

OK... off to bed... hopefully this good feeling will linger over the weekend as I have a couple of assignments to work on - and a lot more to mark! Only TWO more weeks of UNI left!!!!!

Happy happy to you all, and to all a great night!

What is success?

I've been thinking about what I think success is - and how do you measure how successful you are? When my school reunion came up quite a few years ago, I didn't attend. I didn't feel I had anything much to be proud of. Sure, I'd completed Uni, but I didn't get a job related to my studies (teaching) and my current work wasn't something that sounded particularly awe inspiring.

However, I know there were people who would have considered me successful. I had a family. I had a job. I had love in my life.

So, why didn't I think I was successful? Was it because other people I had gone to school with were now doctors (oh, yes, I did all the 'smart' subjects at school). Was it because I felt like I hadn't gone anywhere with my life? Perhaps. If you had asked me then though, I would have told you that I found my job challenging, interesting and worthwhile. So why didn't I think other people would see it that way. Because it wasn't paid enough - pure and simple.

Since then, I have enjoyed a LOT of success in my life. So much, so fast, that I have been holding my breath waiting for the bubble to burst! I feel like I've had the chance to start over in my career - and the speed at which it is blossoming is frightening! And exciting! I spent 10 years of my working life being told my ideas were too hard, not right... or simply too scary for the other people I was working with. I spent all my time being told no. Nowdays, I am heard, I am listened to, and I have influence in the big decisions. Sometimes I even make them!

So, what is success to me now? In my career, it's a job where I feel valuable. At home, it's balancing my life to be able to give my children what they need financially, and being there enough to give them the love they need. In the rest of my life it's the freedom to explore and learn.

Occassionally I will look to the left or right and see people that are earning more money than me, or seem to be more successful. I need to remind myself at those times that it's MY choice not to pursue my career to the detriment of my family. I know in my heart that if we moved to the 'big smoke' I could earn a much higher wage - but at what cost?

It's my choice to be successful in what I choose to be successful in - a bit of everything, and not too much of anything.

Some people just make me happy

Yesterday I was feeling quite glum. Down. Upset. And for no particular reason. I think if anyone had said anything remotely harsh to me, I would have been crying. I nearly did anyway - without provocation.

And without knowing it, today there were some people that put the light back into my soul. My best friend called me 'just for a chat' - it's so funny how we can not talk for ages, and then both be thinking of each other at the same time. It's a lovely friendship - a no judging, supportive friendship. There's no competition, and no-one cares who's turn it is to call etc. We just do it. We don't get to see a whole lot of each other anymore - but I love the moments snatched with her. Love you Crissy.

And then I received some really supportive words from another friend. I could blush with all the nice things she said ... I'm going to save that email J - for the next time I'm feeling blue - very special.

I have other friends too - and they keep me going. There are a lot of people out there that I truly love and feel great about having in my life. People I cherish.

But my best friends, and the ones I cherish the most are my family. I feel so strongly for them that it hurts some days. I miss my sister who is in Melbourne, and her little family. I love my brother and sisters so much. I must love my Dad to bits - because I'm sure I married a 'mini me' version of him - they are so alike it's scary! My Mum... she's something else. She's my rock, my support, my confidant... my friend.

Having lost a child I never got to hold, it makes you treasure all that you have, and fear losing them as well. I made up my mind a long time ago not to leave the loving unsaid. I can't bear the thought of losing someone I love an wondering if they really knew that I loved them. I say it. I do it. I love with reckless abandon.

I hope you do too.

Look at the time!!!

What sort of idiot is up at this time of night trying to get things done?

THIS sort of idiot!!! I felt so TIRED this afternoon that I could barely drag myself around and gave up at about 4:30pm and went and had a nap. I HATE feeling this way!!!! Wish I could get my blood sugars under control so that I can function better.

Which makes me think that the late nights I love are impacting on me so much more now... and I should stop. But when will I get anythign done? This is the most productive time of the night for me... well, a little earlier... but I get a LOT done when everyone's asleep. And I've got a LOT to do.

I think I'm going to try and give the Cinderella timeline a go and see how I feel ... well, that's my goal anyway. Don't know how well I'll stick to it... but I need to change something.

Good news though... I AM losing weight. I only weighed myself for the first time on the 13th (scary stuff) and I've lost about 1/2 a kilo since then. I don't really care if it's not massive weight loss... just so long as I'm being healthy. And that was done without ANY exercise because netball has finished, and I was sick. So I must be doing something right.

I have a pile of assignments to work on over the next couple of weeks - and a bigger pile to mark! Hopefully I'll get a few done tomorrow night for moderation, so I can get stuck into the rest over the weekend - Michael's taking the kids to Gladstone for the day - so I'll have the time... although I do feel lonely without them here.

OK.. off to bed dear hearts.

The look of love

Oh, no! Not another LOVE post!!! I must be feeling a bit mushy!!! OK... I won't tell you the prose I thought up last night as well... must be a sugar high or something.

I was lucky enough yesterday to win one of the continual swaps available at Embellished yesterday, and the deal is that I need to post one of my own. I thought this time I'd thin out my patterned paper stash a little as well as give away some paints (that's got to be expected) but, when I went downstairs.. I accidently did this!

Doing a layout like this has been on my mind since seeing
this layout by Alice. I know, it's nothing like mine, but it really made me start thinking about simplifying layouts. Ali, this is my late 1 hour challenge... yep, didn't take me too long to do at all! I've been loving adding a bit of old lace to things lately too - and this is the first time I've ever roughed up the edges like that - I quite like this. Not as simple as my inspiration - but the lines are quite clean.

Anyway, the working week has started.... have fun!