The stronger the wind, the stronger the tree

Hello friends.
I'm delighted to be making so many new bloggyfriends.  Thank you for your observations and comments.
This is one of those times in my life when my blog name is apt.  Journey to the edge of Jane.  There are numerous challenges being thrown my way currently.  What do i do?  I remember my personal mantra "The stronger the wind, the stronger the tree".  I saw Diane Sawyer a number of years ago on Oprah and she used this quote.  Well, that was my 'ah-ha moment'.  i don't know if it was her own quote or someone else's, but it taught me a valuable lesson in life which i carry with me.
I was happily overwhelmed by how much everyone loved my little blue teapot.  I don't use it every day, but it is always close by.  It is very old and special to me.  I have a very cute, 1 cup little pot, which is getting lots of use at the moment.  Take a look.

Isn't it sweet?  The lavender is real too, from my garden. 
Looks like the moon in the background, but it's my dining room light. 

 My latest trick with this little teapot is to put a generous spoonful of recently discovered organic chai tea.


100% organic, 100% caffeine free (they use rooibos tea), 100% divine.

I make a strong little brew of this chai, and keep it on the kitchen bench as a 'base' for a few cups of tea.  Sometimes i just add boiling water to my cup, other times i heat some milk for a chai latte of sorts.  The big difference between on of these lattes and a run-of-the-mill chai latte (from the majority of cafes) is that it is sugar free, yes, no syrup!  The fragrance and the taste is so good for my soul.  I found this particular chai at The Green Garage at Byron Bay, although if you go onto the lovechai website, there are lots of other stockists, and varieties.

I've been trying a few new recipes of late.  One from my Donna Hay, chicken pot pies.  A great hit in this house, although anything with lovely flaky pastry on top usually is!  Last week, i made Jane Kennedy's version of chicken parma.  You use almond meal to coat the chicken instead of breadcrumbs.  It was absolutely delicious, and you're not left with that feeling of, 'urgh, i've just eaten a cup of breadcrumbs with my dinner'.  Go Jane! 

I also have her first book, 'fabulous food, minus the boombah'.
I love her Spinachkopita, i could eat it with every meal.

I took this photo at Eagle Farm racecourse recently.  They have a great market there every Sunday.  (If you're a racegoer and need a fascinator to compliment your outfit, there is a lady there who has a great range.)  I wanted to capture the beauty of these gorgeous roses.  The gardeners do such a wonderful job.  It was only when i downloaded the pic that i noticed there is a "smile" on the rosebushs' face.  can you see it?  On that note, smiles to you.  I hope you have a good day and find some things to make you smile.
Jane x