Happy Christmas 2021

A long and arduous year comes to an end and simplicity and a return-to-real-life has never been more important (and in poll position on my wish list).

a little Christmas shimmer

I'm not for a moment suggesting that shimmer can overcome times of crisis. Because things so oft feel crisis-like of late, non, particularly this year? But for me, shimmer does help. It does. It reminds me to look to the light and to seek ways to give comfort to others.

In light of giving comfort, scoot to the bottom of this post for a way you can give back to women in need this Christmas. And see some pics from our SCBWI ACT Jolabokaflod.

Before I get to the big deck-the-halls-christmas-decor-reveal ...

December - home, heat, family, books and happy new year

Oh, December! You are nearly done! You were oddly frosty for a while there, but on Christmas Day, you succumbed to a summer of freakish proportions. We're not expecting a cool change in Canberra until the 8th of January. Heavens to Betsy, are we now desert? I can't even cast my eye over the garden--it's too heartbreaking.

And so, the next few weeks will be spent at home and perhaps snuck inside the odd icy cinema--this is the first year in ages where I've had to make a film list (and check it twice)--there's so much I want to see. Holmes and Watson, Mary Poppins Returns (HATE the abhorrently uncreative title, but can't wait to see it), Bohemian Rhapsody (très late, I know), The Grinch, The Nutcracker, Colette. I've missed Ladies in Black, but I'm going to see the costumes from the film soon--more on that shortly. Any other film recommendations? And also--looking back at these film choices, am I still a child? Honestly??

So the next few weeks will be housebound which isn't such a bad thing, as my break is nearly over, and deadlines call. A couple more days of reading in bed till midday, then I'm up and at them.

I hope you had a lovely Christmas. Ours was quiet and around three-kilos' worth (I'm nibbling rabbit food as I type). We actually celebrated on Christmas Eve this year and it was so lovely--you get to drink cocktails as you unwrap gifts and it can be a real hoot. The kids were spoiled, as ever, and we ate our fill of antipasto, and it made Christmas Day so much more leisurely.

Speaking of Christmas, just feast your eyes on this wreath I snaffled in the pre-Christmas sales (Provincial Home Living). Is it not dazzling? It's the type of thing that stops you as you walk by, and begs a little staring. I'm in love. It's staying up all year--I'm telling you now.

Chrissy Decs 2018

I've decked the halls! About a month later than I normally do, but that's what being out of town for a month and diving headfirst into deadlines does to a gal.

I also baked gingerbread and made our Christmas cake, though this year I made it in a bundt tin (AND it came out clean, I might add ... phew).

And now I am complete.

Decs are super slim this year--I just didn't have the energy to go full bore, and I have to say I like the sparseness. It's calming. We all need calm.

Our girl may be working this Christmas morning, so our family life is certainly changing. We might have to do the Euro thing and open pressies on Christmas Eve. Of course, we'd then need to have fortified wine and stöllen, ja? Actually does stollen have an umlaut? I don't think it does, but I want to give it one, so there you go. Happy Christmas, stöllen.

Wishing you all a sugarplum Christmas that's calm and bright. I hope you find merry, peace and quiet under the Christmas tree this year (along with a book or twenty). Whatever you do, and wherever you are ... whether you spend it out on a deck overlooking the ocean or in a hammock in the garden or snuggled up on the couch with a book 'neath a snow-dredged mountain, I send you love--from my house to yours.

Tx

the people of Perth read Merry Everything!

As a creator of kids' books, there could be nothing more thrilling than this--people enjoying your work. Add the joy of diversity in age and race (some of those accents!), the sparkle of tinsel, the squeal of a baby and the smiles and the laughter - there are no words.

Thank you, Carillon City Perth, for this memorable, touching and utterly beautiful festive experience. Jess and I are thrilled.

#carillonchristmas #merryeverything #kidsbooksareeverything 

Merry Everything stars in Carillon City Christmas promo!

This stunning little film, organised by Carillon City shopping centre in Perth, has absolutely knocked our socks off! If you're in or near Perth, head to Carillon City (deets below) Christmas Room for the opportunity to read Merry Everything, and star in the final film edit!

Beyond the fact that Merry is featured, this is such a brilliant idea that encourages and fosters a sense of community, and of course, the importance of story and sharing. It's also a thrill to see businesses support children's books. So very special.

Gather your little ones, girl gang or your bae and star in the making of a 'Carillon Christmas Tale' by reading aloud Australian author Tania McCartney and WA born illustrator Jess Racklyeft’s children’s book, Merry Everything! Your very own professional camera crew will film whilst you read with your children, a friend or solo. Rummage through the props box to dress up in tinsel, Santa hats, reindeer ears and more!

You can join in the fun and film anytime between 11am - 2pm tomorrow, Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th November.

Location: The Carillon Christmas Room next to RM Williams, entry from the Hay Street Mall.

#carillonchristmas

goodbye 2017 (and a peek at my Christmas decorating)

It's hard to believe time could go any faster, yet each year scoots by so fast, we seemingly overnighterly find ourselves at December with bodies stock-still and heads spun 'round on shoulders like an empty tin can. At least that's how my head feels right now. Empty.

Yesterday, I could not remember what 11 minus 6 is, nor 15 minus 8.

Troubling.

It's been a huge year, a surreal year, a soul-crushing year and a heart-thumping-surprise year. How one could be pulled more tightly in opposing directions, I do not know. At once I'm thrilled and dreams-come-true-content with 2017 and yet hellishly disappointed and bereft. Disillusioned and inspired. Fulfilled and sucked dry. Deeply hurt and loved more than ever before.

It's been a decade whittled down and wedged into 12 breathless months. It's been an entire planet compressed and stuffed into each and every one of us, in an all-you-can-stomach smorgasbord of Too Much. Have you, too, felt like you've taken on both the pains and the joys of the world during 2017? And have you, too, drank more coffee than ever before in 2017??? Oh well, I suppose it was better than vodka.

Is it any wonder our brains are rattling--all that caffeine and all those burdens? Is it any wonder, some of us have reached the end of year 2017 feeling... well... sad?

the best Christmas gift of all... a book! (or a map)

I won't even mention how many more sleeps we have till Christmas... but there's not that many!!

If you, like me, are a rabid book giver during the festive season, and if you adore picture books and maps, I'm offering a limited amount of signed copies for sale. This is a rarity, and you won't see it happen again any time soon.

Just email me here--booksATtaniamccartneyDOTcom--with what you'd like to buy. This offer runs till 17 December or until stock runs out, so get in quick.

For single copies, the postage below is applicable (and is at a discounted rate). If you want more than one copy or want books and a map, I will let you know postage at checkout (it won't be more than $30 for quite a few items, and I can bind maps together so it's cheaper). If you live locally, in Canberra, I can bring your order to the ACT Writers Centre Christmas Party on 7 December or I can potentially drop it off if you're not too far from me--we can chat by email.

Merry Everything - $26 + $5 postage
Australia Illustrated - $30 + $10 postage
Smile Cry - $20 + $10 postage
Australia Map I have 3 more maps available! Be quick--they go quickly - $25 + $8 postage

Don't forget to let me know who'd you'd like the book signed to, and provide an address (Australian addresses only). If you're ordering a map, let me know if you'd like it signed on the front (near the title) or on the back.

I can accept Paypal or direct deposit (preferred).

And because it's Christmas, there will also be presents! For every book or map you order, you will receive one of the prints at the end of this post (you choose!). They will be sent with each book (or sent separately if you are buying a map, with free postage). Be sure to indicate the print/s you'd like.

Email me if you have any questions, and HAPPY SHOPPING!

(Click on each cover for more info.)

Choose your print! One print for each item you buy...

LEFT: Mammals Green ... RIGHT: Mammals Pink

(both from Australia Map)

LEFT: Birds Blue ... RIGHT: Birds of Kakadu

(left from Australia Map, right from Australia Illustrated)

LEFT: Daintree Leaves ... RIGHT: Great Barrier Reef

(both from Australia Illustrated)

LEFT: Italian Caffe ... RIGHT: Native Animals

(both from Australia Illustrated)

Merry Everything window reveal!

What a gorgeous morning we had at Harry Hartog Westfield Woden, at the unveiling of my Merry Everything! window. We enjoyed a countdown and reveal (thanks to little helpers Ayla and Zoe) and then bubbles, gingerbread and candy canes. An impromptu book signing saw almost all book copies evaporate, and it was fantastic to catch up with some lovely people.

October happenings

more on this, below

Boo!

Just kidding.

I've actually become a bit of a Halloween 'scrooge' now that the kids are older. Not because I don't like it. I do. It's fabulous fun. Our suburb here in Canberra caught a little Halloween fever a few years ago, with mini ghouls haunting the streets, but it seems to have died down now. Nevertheless, I leave a creepy bowl outside our front door with freakish treats inside.

I guess I'm a bit over Halloween because it's just 'another' thing to do, you know? And to think, I used to decorate the entire house. AND Easter. And I'd hang streamers and puff up balloons at the mere whiff of any other festive occasion. Now, all that energy is reserved for Christmas.

If you've read my blog, you'll know I'm a Christmas Nut (perhaps a Brazil nut--sometimes Macadamia), and I've been particularly impatient this year. Not sure why. I want to try a new advent calendar and I also want to totally reinvent my decorating scheme. I'm going for silver and green, black and white this year. Here are some finds from Provincial Home Living and Adairs. Can you believe how gorgeous? Look at that leafy ribbon! and I'm [almond] nuts over the pine cone tree/ornaments, and the wreath. Gasp.

And here is one of many pompom garlands I've been dying to make. All white. And the little mini trees--I found them on ebay. I'm using them for this year's advent calendar.

Merry Everything! window unveiling

Merry Everything! Window Unveiling

9am

Monday 13 November

Harry Hartog, Westfield Woden, Canberra

It's a Merry Everything Christmas at Harry Hartog Bookstore, Woden, with the unveiling of a festive book window featuring adorable animals from the book! Come along for the big reveal--candy canes and gingerbread for the kids, a glass of bubbles for the big kids!

RSVP essential: woden@harryhartog.com.au

merry EVERYTHING! book launch wrap-up

It was so nice to be 'home' in Melbourne this past weekend. I really, really miss this beautiful city, and although our trip was a whirlwind, it was enriching and so very special, filled with fabulous experiences and people.

We arrived last Thursday, checked in to our superb little North Fitzroy apartment, and had dinner with the fam. Then Friday morning, I leapt on the tram for the city. Forgetting it was an AFL public holiday, I sat, bereft, outside H&M, awaiting its (late) opening, then barrelled inside and picked up a few scrumptious bits, including the the most 'Dior' fairy-floss-pink layered skirt (only one left, in my size!).

I then hightailed it to the National Gallery of Victoria to see the Dior Exhibition. Gasp. Fast-forward through the following pics if this is not your thing, but how could it NOT be? It was just, just--no words. Absolutely brilliantly done, too, with creations spanning many decades, including many eye-popping vintage pieces. And it was a little bit freakish to see my pink H&M skirt at the exhibition!! (albeit in dress form, below). Stay tuned for a blog post with a billion eye-popping photos.

Merry Everything book launch is coming up!

Merry Everything is in da house at The Little Bookroom!

If you're in Melbourne, come along to our book launch (that's Jess Racklyeft and me) on Saturday 30 September at 10.30am.

OMG, that's soon! If you come along, you may score a Santa hat and a candy cane (just saying...)

merry everything launch!

Click on the poster to head to The Little Bookroom's events page to RSVP.

christmas is coming... Merry Everything!

No, I'm not talking about Christmas in July. What about Christmas in October? Why not? One of my favourite times of the year, I'm more than happy to bring out the baubles early, most especially when it heralds the arrival of a brand new picture book with the illustrious Jess Racklyeft. Creating a Christmas book has been on the bucket list for quite some time, and how satisfying to give that one an exuberant, tinsel-laden tick!

The idea for Merry Everything! popped into our lives just six short months ago, and is already on its way to print, for an October release with Windy Hollow Books. It was the most beautiful book to work on; Jess and I had so much fun, and wait till you see the illustrations! Gasp!

It’s Christmas Eve and the world is buzzing with busy. There's 

baubles to hang, shimmer to drape and scrumptious treats to prepare. 

From deer baking gingerbread to elephants gobbling candy canes and 

ducks snapping crackers, join these adorable creatures as they 

celebrate the togetherness that is Christmas.

This picture book, by an award-winning duo, features penguins 

in Antarctica, lions in Africa, pandas in the bamboo forests 

of China, whales in the deep blue sea and many more faunal 

friends--wrapping gifts, singing carols, decorating burrows, 

and watching the sky for that man in red.

Beginning on New Year's Eve and ending on Christmas 

night, this poignant story with lyrical text and whimsical 

illustrations, is one to treasure. It reminds us that no matter 

where we are in the world, this special time of year brings 

friends and family together as one.

I'll be heading down to Melbourne to celebrate the launch with Jess at The Little Bookroom in Carlton, so save the date - 10.30am, Saturday 30 September (yes, I know it's Grand Final day, no biggie). There'll be a book reading, signing, activities, and lots of Christmassy treats for the kids! Hope to see you.

a quiet Christmas and a shiny new year

Well, hello everybody. How was your Christmas? Was it warm or cold where you were? Did you eat seafood? Fruit mince pies? Antipasto in the sunshine? Flaming puddings by the snow-banked window? Did you open presents under the palm tree on Christmas morning or did you wait till the afternoon, with fat bellies popping by the fire?

Our day started not-too-early--07:30, gasp. Yes, for our family, the 04:30 days are long gone (though I fully empathise with those who are still entrenched!). We waited 40 mins for my girl Ella to zhuzh herself up (which gave me time to drink my Daily Tea in bed) and then it was under the tree for our traditional personalised Christmas cookies, with Riley as Christmas elf. This year, it was gingerbread with lemon icing in random filigree patterns. Mmmm. They were delish.

By the time the pressies were done, it was time to start cooking. It's been a looooong time since I've made Christmas lunch, and my goodness, even for four people, it takes a while, non??? Why is that?

a pre-Christmas wrap-up, with news, pretty pictures, plump pillows and other stuff

Week 50: FESTIVE

It's 1.32pm on 21 December and I've just, against all better judgment, eaten two fruit mince pies for lunch and then wandered the halls for nearly an hour, unable to decide on which pile to tackle.

That sentence pretty much sums up my 2016.

It's been a strange, fragmented, bizarro year of major ups and downs, calamity and calm, and the oddest sensation of feeling either upside down, or wanting to abscond to an isolated villa in Tuscany. Granted, the latter is pretty much a permanent sensation! But more so than ever this year.

It's been such a strange and challenging 12 months--for everyone, it seems--that I'm kind of expecting to wake up and realise it was all just an upside down dream.

That truly wouldn't surprise me at all. I'd wake and I'd go 'Wow, that was a marathon dream nightmare hybrid! I'm so happy to be awake now, yes I am!'

So, as I wait to wake, and as the fruit mince pies settle onto my thighs, I'm only making one resolution for 2017... and that's to recalibrate. Earth myself, house, family, world, work. All of it. Take what's needed and chuck the rest. Cleanse. Focus. Streamline. 2016 was the carnival ride sugar rush. 2017 will the rowboat on an expansive, deep and beautiful lake. A lake bustling with Things I Love to Do.

I hope it's like that for you, too.

In the meantime--here is a pre-Chrissie update before I disappear into a Lindt box the size our car (why fight it?).

Christmas Book Reading at Dymocks

Christmas Gift Guide featuring Australia Illustrated

I have a bit of an obsession with talented people, especially those with a strong visual aesthetic and a knack for grouping beautiful things together in a beautiful way. I also have a bit of an obsession with gorgeous kids' products and Christmas, and so it is with swelled heart that this blog post is about all three--talented people, gorgeous kids' products and Christmas!

Kelly of The Styling Mama is the talented people part of this post. Kelly shares my obsession with gorgeous kids' stuff and Christmas (as you can well see in these photos). These pics are from her Australiana Christmas photo shoot, which can be seen in her recent blog post entitled Christmas Down Under...neath all that wrapping paper.

In this post, Kelly lists the product creators (with links to their websites). Wait till you see these websites and what these talents are creating--seriously. It's enough to make your toes curl in delight (and apologies in advance for the temptation ... but it's almost Christmas!).

I was so fortunate to have Australia Illustrated in the shoot (thanks to Lisa-Marie of Bear and Sparrow!). I really need to hire Lisa and Kelly as my advertising director and stylist. Authors need book shots like these!!

You can see more of Kelly's gorgeous work on her Instagram feed right here, where you'll find more pics from this shoot, along with creator tags.

In the meantime, get set to drool! I hope you find some Christmas inspiration here. That koala cushion and Uluru cushion ...

Remember, head to Kelly's Australiana Christmas post if you want to locate any of these items--and stay tuned, as she has more Christmas posts on the way.

 

And too cute not to include ...

And then there's the above cuteness which appears in his own video ... click the still below, and wait till you hear him say 'nummy cake smile'.

Sorry, totally off track, but Smile Cry would make a lovely Christmas gift, too, of course!

Christmas stocking stuffers

Books are the absolute best stocking stuffers, and Exisle Publishing's latest catalogue has some sensational ideas for Christmas--from adult books through to 'the cutest book of emotions for young kids'.

See the online catalogue right here!