India and Bhutan in Penny 2015
Bhutan – Thunder Dragon Rally.
My Collectors Edition Book “With the Roof Off” is now available to purchase!
This beautiful book reveals an insight into the cultures of India, Bhutan and Myanmar; and the way Julie observed and experienced travelling through these countries with her husband in a 93 year old car – Penny.
You can purchase your Collector’s Book; Individually Numbered and Signed –
…Is the perfect Christmas gift!
This book will inform, entertain and inspire you… and is also the perfect gift for the person who appreciates travel and seeing the world and different cultures!
ISBN: 978-0-9953828-0-0
Our Journey To Bhutan... through India and on to Myanmar
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I'm so not very good at keeping up to date... and this one was years ago; but Read more
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A Tibetan puzzle. A prayer flag flutters in the wind.
Which is it Read more -
Walking up the steps to the Golden rock, Max and I looked at each other and Read more
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So… the big Golden Rock in Kyaiktyo in Myanmar. We were packed Read more
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4am in the morning, even before the roosters; and my broken sleep was severed Read more
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I need to backtrack a couple of days because I am behind in my journal. Our Read more
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I do have quite a lot to catch up on over the past three days and you can also Read more
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Throughout this journey I have been confronted by how so many other people Read more
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I saw a lot of men with ‘guns’ today…. And not the sort of ‘guns’ I would Read more
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That horrible grinding sound underneath Penny….. Well.. it was Read more
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When did an ‘orange’ road on our map – which led off a four-lane highway become Read more
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Our incredible journey through Bhutan was nearing it's end as we descended Read more
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Dust and rocks.... steep slopes and landslides... and I'm sure the prayer flags Read more
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Our drive to Mongar was spectacular. The landscape was varied and we woke to Read more
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We left the exquisite misty mountain views at Trongsa….and at reception our Read more
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Steep slopes… boulders… falling rocks… winding roads… dust… sheer drops….Oh my Read more
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The female river Mo Chhu; supposedly the more calm; serene; placid….before the Read more
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What a road!!!! Landslides…. Curves…. And never-ending roadworks. ..and when Read more
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Penny is once again adventuring through the mountains of Bhutan. Read more
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Clean air. Steep slopes. Incredible scenery. We are now finally Read more
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Another early morning at 4.45 for a 5.10am start to go to a reserve to see if Read more
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The small fire in our fireplace in a quaint hotel in Darjeeling went out about Read more
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I have a few days to catch up…so I apologise for a longer overview in this post Read more
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Hi [firstname,fallback=], Remember how I said that there are many things in Read more
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“Aummmmm….. Aummmmmmm…..” I chanted in a Yoga class in India. It seemed a Read more
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“Ohhhhhhhhh… so you are going to Kolkata…” said the steward at Thai Airlines in Read more
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Thought I needed a change... quite liberating having nearly all my hair Read more
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Rebuilding Penny !!! Yeh!!!! Read more
Journal Categories

🧐 Curious 🎨 Creative 💪🏻 Living Boldly! @idoamazingthings 😁 Content with wool in my hands Artisan weaver of blankets and wraps. Pop to my website
Memories of an incredible journey to Africa with my family are woven into this blanket.
I’ve used only beautiful pure wool yarns.
Have you made or created something from memories of an experience or location?
Please ask any questions you have about my weaving.
#handweaving #handmade #weaving #weavingart #weavingartist #imadethat #africa #sunsetcolors #itsbeenawhile #handwovenblanket #tanzaniasafari #handdyedyarn
3 weeks ago
My beautiful studio space. Ready to warp a new #handwovenblanket . I #weave my stories from my experiences into each one.
1 month ago

















Ever not knitted a pattern because you thought that it may not suit your shaped body? I raised my hand to that one so many times in the past… but not any more!
I loved the #halibutsweater by @boylandknitworks but I knew it needed some mods to fit my shape better, but I didn't know where to start. Enter Milli from @tribeyarnslife who ran a KAL to guide us through adapting the yoke to fit our shape. Yay! AND … learn how to do #intarsia so that the motifs can be knitted using ANY colour instead of the usual stranded colourwork which requires the same colour to be used around the round. Just BRILLIANT!
This opened up a whole new way of thinking about using colour for motifs, whilst also having a lighter resultant fabric because the stranding only goes across the motifs and is not carried across between each motif. What a revelation!
I also had a play with trying to knit some text… as you can see on the back of my jumper. Just for fun!
My ‘fishy jumper’ has become my daily companion on our road trip @idoamazingthings .
I am so happy that Caitlin Hunter has designed such a fabulous knit.
I’m also so very grateful for Milli through the #kalibut to guide us through how to make modifications on the yoke so that the jumper fits me perfectly, and opened up a new way of looking at the colour of motifs in my knitting. Now I can use what I’ve learned for ANY jumper. Thank you Milli.
I’ve used the most gorgeous @uistwool yarn and @artyarns purchased from @tribeyarnslife
Anyone else have a jumper that they found they just loved to wear?
2 months ago
Not the planned journey we had imagined! Regardless of the 12 week delay in the arrival of Penny, our 102year old car we love to tour in; we made our alternate journey fun and filled with fabulous experiences and stories! #roadtripping #vintagecar #irelandtravel #northernireland #ballycastle #giantscauseway
2 months ago
#imback #badass #itsbeenawhile
Where have I been??
DM to say hi.
6 months ago
My life is wonderful… and I have so many stories. I’ve had adventures on all continents. Slept being rocked by the sea; felt the ice on my skin in both polar regions, and felt the silence of the deserts. I’ve walked stone steps in monasteries at altitudes where each step I’ve taken consciously and mindfully; focussing on treasuring every molecule of oxygen in the rarefied atmosphere.
COVID has paused those adventures, but I draw upon my experiences as I navigate adventuring my days in a different way, on our ‘home range’.
I recall my steps in Tibet as I walk through our bushland. I am mindful and conscious of my surroundings. I listen. I feel. I feel happy here. I am content.
My new stories may not hold the same experiences of connection with others; and may not be of extreme challenges or crazy things (which I am rather prone to doing! 🙂 ) but they are not less wondrous… as I smell the warm eucalyptus waft from under my feet.
I weave my stories, and this story is of my personal journey on my daily walk through our bushland.
You can see some of my other woven stories on my website - link in profile.
How do you express your life’s stories?
.
-
.
-
#weaversofinstagram #indiedyedyarn #indiedyed #rigidheddleloomweaving #ashford #inspiredbynature #contentcreator #emotionalbalance #homedeco #handcrafted #makersmovement #creativelifehappylife #wellbeing #travellerlife #journeywoman #weavingaustralia
5 years ago


“....The Assookinakii cowl was created for those times in your life when you need a meditative and healing knit. Assookinakii (ass-s-oo-kin-uh-k-EE) means ‘healer’ in the Blackfeet language, thank you to Cut Woods School in Browning, MT for the tradish language support”. – Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers
Knitting this beautiful cowl by Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers for @sistersunitedmt ; WAS healing.
As my hands gently formed the repetitive stitches I reflected on the word ‘Assookinakii ‘ - healer. I am a healer. I don’t understand it. It’s something unseen. Something within me which has been recognised by Ngangkari and ‘clever men’ here in Australia; and shaman and healers around the world as we travel. This recognition always has caught me by surprise; as I seem to walk a line between two worlds.
As the stitches slipped from one needle to another and the beautiful colours of @spincycle_yarns revealed themselves; in the pauses between the stitches I heard a voice whispering to continue to seek connection with the natural world and listen deeply.
What has been healing for you this year?
.
.
.
.
#healingjourney #meditationpractice #dyedinthewool #assookinakii_cowl #knittersofinstagram #knittingaddict #livinglifetothefullest #happydays #shaman #healer #healersofinstagram #listentoyourheart #indiedyedyarn #handmadewithlove #knittersgonnaknit #knittersoftheworld
5 years ago
From my kitchen window, I seek both inspiration and nourishment.
Each day I gather and harvest from my garden which has nurtured my soul for much of my life, and in particular over the past eight months.
As a child I would crave to have my hands in the earth to grow things. As I grew older, those same hands found their way to make and create; to touch; and to heal.
Weaving on a rigid heddle loom is a slow process, in the same way that it takes time for plants to grow; (and the time it takes me to pop a post up here on my grid! LOL )
It brings me much joy and a sense of reverence to see plants grow from the seeds I have planted. I am so grateful.
What inspires and nourishes you?
.
.
.
Yarns used in my beautiful handwoven blanket;
@qingfibre Melted Suri; Rosemary, Sponge, Emerald. Narwhal
@quinceandco Osprey; Bosc, Wasabi
@walkcollection Merino Dk; Moss, Chartreuse
@bichesetbuches Le Petite Lambswool;Medium Green Grey
@ritualdyes Mohair; Malachite
@madelinetosh Merino Light; Sugar Plum
@Walkcollection Cottage Merino; Manhattan Beach Wave
@fusefiberstudio Merino Single; Sunflower
@olannmills Merino Singles; Mangrove, Atone
.
.
.
#handsandheart
#weaversofinsta #gratitude
#wellbeing
#emotionalbalance
#artistry_vision #smallartaccount
#artistlife
#artoftheday
#createeveryday
#homedeco
#artlove
#artlover
#inspire
#indiedyedyarn #handmade #handcrafted #makersgonnamake #makersmovement #creativelifehappylife #inspiredbynature
5 years ago



It has been a while. I want to be real; and don’t want to pretend everything is all peachy, nor do I want to portray that things are all glum. I’ve been navigating an undulating path - as we all have.
Since March, I’ve been living a rather isolated life. Such a difference to the bold living that I love. It has been an adjustment. The isolation. The extraction from contact and connection with others.
Early in 2017 a concoction of events pushed my body past my physical limits and resulted in me being immunocompromised. Even with this, I was able to continue with care to travel aboard a Russian Expedition ship to the Arctic later that year; sail on a tall ship for nearly 2 months, then drove from Oslo, then around Scotland the following year; and in 2019 drove from Bangkok to Kyrgyzstan via Laos, China and Tibet. This year though has been tough, and I’ve needed to heed my inner voice to take care, and ride this one out as best as I can.
Today was wonderful. I actually got dressed up and wore my latest modified #popspotsshawl . It was lovely to feel that I was ‘going out’.
We drove our Austin Healy for a picnic in the forest, then on to Maleny; our fave Sunday brunch spot for the first time since March. We used to sit in our ‘spot’ at @shotgunespresso and plan our adventures. Today we didn’t do that; but regardless, I felt content. Today was a good day.
How have you been navigating 2020?
.
.
.love my skirt from @little_tienda .
.
Shawl knitted using @thefarmersdaughterfibers and @spincycle_yarns .. a match made in heaven. ❤️❤️
.
#gratitudeattitude #picnicdate #austinhealey #knittersofinstagram #knittersgonnaknit ##knittersoftheworld #emotionalbalance #wellbeing #handmade #creativedaily #livingmybestlife #sundaydrive #happyday #contentedlife
5 years ago

🧐 Curious 🎨 Creative 💪🏻 Living Boldly! @idoamazingthings 😁 Content with wool in my hands Artisan weaver of blankets and wraps. Pop to my website
Memories of an incredible journey to Africa with my family are woven into this blanket.
I’ve used only beautiful pure wool yarns.
Have you made or created something from memories of an experience or location?
Please ask any questions you have about my weaving.
#handweaving #handmade #weaving #weavingart #weavingartist #imadethat #africa #sunsetcolors #itsbeenawhile #handwovenblanket #tanzaniasafari #handdyedyarn
3 weeks ago
My beautiful studio space. Ready to warp a new #handwovenblanket . I #weave my stories from my experiences into each one.
1 month ago

















Ever not knitted a pattern because you thought that it may not suit your shaped body? I raised my hand to that one so many times in the past… but not any more!
I loved the #halibutsweater by @boylandknitworks but I knew it needed some mods to fit my shape better, but I didn't know where to start. Enter Milli from @tribeyarnslife who ran a KAL to guide us through adapting the yoke to fit our shape. Yay! AND … learn how to do #intarsia so that the motifs can be knitted using ANY colour instead of the usual stranded colourwork which requires the same colour to be used around the round. Just BRILLIANT!
This opened up a whole new way of thinking about using colour for motifs, whilst also having a lighter resultant fabric because the stranding only goes across the motifs and is not carried across between each motif. What a revelation!
I also had a play with trying to knit some text… as you can see on the back of my jumper. Just for fun!
My ‘fishy jumper’ has become my daily companion on our road trip @idoamazingthings .
I am so happy that Caitlin Hunter has designed such a fabulous knit.
I’m also so very grateful for Milli through the #kalibut to guide us through how to make modifications on the yoke so that the jumper fits me perfectly, and opened up a new way of looking at the colour of motifs in my knitting. Now I can use what I’ve learned for ANY jumper. Thank you Milli.
I’ve used the most gorgeous @uistwool yarn and @artyarns purchased from @tribeyarnslife
Anyone else have a jumper that they found they just loved to wear?
2 months ago
Not the planned journey we had imagined! Regardless of the 12 week delay in the arrival of Penny, our 102year old car we love to tour in; we made our alternate journey fun and filled with fabulous experiences and stories! #roadtripping #vintagecar #irelandtravel #northernireland #ballycastle #giantscauseway
2 months ago
#imback #badass #itsbeenawhile
Where have I been??
DM to say hi.
6 months ago
My life is wonderful… and I have so many stories. I’ve had adventures on all continents. Slept being rocked by the sea; felt the ice on my skin in both polar regions, and felt the silence of the deserts. I’ve walked stone steps in monasteries at altitudes where each step I’ve taken consciously and mindfully; focussing on treasuring every molecule of oxygen in the rarefied atmosphere.
COVID has paused those adventures, but I draw upon my experiences as I navigate adventuring my days in a different way, on our ‘home range’.
I recall my steps in Tibet as I walk through our bushland. I am mindful and conscious of my surroundings. I listen. I feel. I feel happy here. I am content.
My new stories may not hold the same experiences of connection with others; and may not be of extreme challenges or crazy things (which I am rather prone to doing! 🙂 ) but they are not less wondrous… as I smell the warm eucalyptus waft from under my feet.
I weave my stories, and this story is of my personal journey on my daily walk through our bushland.
You can see some of my other woven stories on my website - link in profile.
How do you express your life’s stories?
.
-
.
-
#weaversofinstagram #indiedyedyarn #indiedyed #rigidheddleloomweaving #ashford #inspiredbynature #contentcreator #emotionalbalance #homedeco #handcrafted #makersmovement #creativelifehappylife #wellbeing #travellerlife #journeywoman #weavingaustralia
5 years ago


“....The Assookinakii cowl was created for those times in your life when you need a meditative and healing knit. Assookinakii (ass-s-oo-kin-uh-k-EE) means ‘healer’ in the Blackfeet language, thank you to Cut Woods School in Browning, MT for the tradish language support”. – Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers
Knitting this beautiful cowl by Candice from @thefarmersdaughterfibers for @sistersunitedmt ; WAS healing.
As my hands gently formed the repetitive stitches I reflected on the word ‘Assookinakii ‘ - healer. I am a healer. I don’t understand it. It’s something unseen. Something within me which has been recognised by Ngangkari and ‘clever men’ here in Australia; and shaman and healers around the world as we travel. This recognition always has caught me by surprise; as I seem to walk a line between two worlds.
As the stitches slipped from one needle to another and the beautiful colours of @spincycle_yarns revealed themselves; in the pauses between the stitches I heard a voice whispering to continue to seek connection with the natural world and listen deeply.
What has been healing for you this year?
.
.
.
.
#healingjourney #meditationpractice #dyedinthewool #assookinakii_cowl #knittersofinstagram #knittingaddict #livinglifetothefullest #happydays #shaman #healer #healersofinstagram #listentoyourheart #indiedyedyarn #handmadewithlove #knittersgonnaknit #knittersoftheworld
5 years ago
From my kitchen window, I seek both inspiration and nourishment.
Each day I gather and harvest from my garden which has nurtured my soul for much of my life, and in particular over the past eight months.
As a child I would crave to have my hands in the earth to grow things. As I grew older, those same hands found their way to make and create; to touch; and to heal.
Weaving on a rigid heddle loom is a slow process, in the same way that it takes time for plants to grow; (and the time it takes me to pop a post up here on my grid! LOL )
It brings me much joy and a sense of reverence to see plants grow from the seeds I have planted. I am so grateful.
What inspires and nourishes you?
.
.
.
Yarns used in my beautiful handwoven blanket;
@qingfibre Melted Suri; Rosemary, Sponge, Emerald. Narwhal
@quinceandco Osprey; Bosc, Wasabi
@walkcollection Merino Dk; Moss, Chartreuse
@bichesetbuches Le Petite Lambswool;Medium Green Grey
@ritualdyes Mohair; Malachite
@madelinetosh Merino Light; Sugar Plum
@Walkcollection Cottage Merino; Manhattan Beach Wave
@fusefiberstudio Merino Single; Sunflower
@olannmills Merino Singles; Mangrove, Atone
.
.
.
#handsandheart
#weaversofinsta #gratitude
#wellbeing
#emotionalbalance
#artistry_vision #smallartaccount
#artistlife
#artoftheday
#createeveryday
#homedeco
#artlove
#artlover
#inspire
#indiedyedyarn #handmade #handcrafted #makersgonnamake #makersmovement #creativelifehappylife #inspiredbynature
5 years ago



It has been a while. I want to be real; and don’t want to pretend everything is all peachy, nor do I want to portray that things are all glum. I’ve been navigating an undulating path - as we all have.
Since March, I’ve been living a rather isolated life. Such a difference to the bold living that I love. It has been an adjustment. The isolation. The extraction from contact and connection with others.
Early in 2017 a concoction of events pushed my body past my physical limits and resulted in me being immunocompromised. Even with this, I was able to continue with care to travel aboard a Russian Expedition ship to the Arctic later that year; sail on a tall ship for nearly 2 months, then drove from Oslo, then around Scotland the following year; and in 2019 drove from Bangkok to Kyrgyzstan via Laos, China and Tibet. This year though has been tough, and I’ve needed to heed my inner voice to take care, and ride this one out as best as I can.
Today was wonderful. I actually got dressed up and wore my latest modified #popspotsshawl . It was lovely to feel that I was ‘going out’.
We drove our Austin Healy for a picnic in the forest, then on to Maleny; our fave Sunday brunch spot for the first time since March. We used to sit in our ‘spot’ at @shotgunespresso and plan our adventures. Today we didn’t do that; but regardless, I felt content. Today was a good day.
How have you been navigating 2020?
.
.
.love my skirt from @little_tienda .
.
Shawl knitted using @thefarmersdaughterfibers and @spincycle_yarns .. a match made in heaven. ❤️❤️
.
#gratitudeattitude #picnicdate #austinhealey #knittersofinstagram #knittersgonnaknit ##knittersoftheworld #emotionalbalance #wellbeing #handmade #creativedaily #livingmybestlife #sundaydrive #happyday #contentedlife
5 years ago