My Wreath - Finished At Last!

I have FINALLY  put the finishing touches to my all natural Aussie Bush wreath!   It has been a long process. 

Thanks to the inspiring Sarah at Modern Country Style I embarked on this little task about 2 weeks ago. 

Sarah posted a fabulous tutorial on how to make a natural wreath (from scratch).  It has taken me this long to gather all the bits and pieces - but at last it is finally finished and I couldn't be happier.

In  many ways it is symbolic of not only the Festive Season but also of the journey I have been on this past year.   At the start of 2010 I set my sights at conquering this little mountain below.   It is known locally as "the Pyramid".    In (almost!) reaching the top I have not only proven that am capable of the stretching myself physically but also mentally, given my extreme fear of heights.  I have to pinch myself to believe I have actually achieved this feat.  Who knows what challenges I will set for myself in 2011?

So it seems fitting, that the leaves for my little Christmas Wreath have come from trees at the top of this mountain.   Matthew, Alan D (affectionately known as my Sherpa Guides!) and I made the climb on Tuesday and we gathered the leaves from these magnificent gum trees here.

Just to put things into real perspective - this is how far UP we were!

So, together with some sprigs of lavender (which I managed to find at the local markets last Sunday) and the beautiful red sprigs of flowers from my glorious Ixora - I have managed to put together a Tropical Natural Wreath.   It looks so pretty and festive on my front door and frames my two kookaburras perfectly!

Thank you so much Sarah for inspiring this project and for your encouragement and help.

Here it is Christmas Eve and it is absolutely pouring here in the Valley.   Most certainly we will be flooded in for Christmas as the mighty Mulgrave continues to rise.  However we are all safe and sound on our little hill. The  pantry and fridge is full.....the presents are all wrapped and  I have my family around me.  What more could I ask for!

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone!