Fiona's Blog » Fiona Bassant

Always Gotta Hope there’s Light at the End of the Tunnel!

fiona — Mon, 31 May 2010 06:48:44 +0000

How many times have we asked ourselves that very question? Me, plenty! Shit, I know only too well that life was never going to be a bed of roses but sometimes it just seems too damn hard to see that light at the end of the tunnel.…Friday was the day that I hoped I was going to be given the answer to a problem that has on many occasions had me despairing and that I hoped I would be told maybe there actually was going to be some light at the end of the tunnel – to someone else I know though, Friday meant for them there was no hope at the end of the tunnel…..they turned the lights off. So, last Friday was one of those days – firstly, excitement as I was finally given the news that yes, Mrs B you have Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Sounds simple! Yep, it is and easy to fix too but I have had a myriad of tests over 18 months – all the while struggling with the damn pain and probably being a damn pain as well and unable to do well most of the things I’m passionate about as my hands had literally given up the ghost ….6 months ago I was told there was nothing more they could do for me other than manage the pain and my best bet was an appointment with the Pain Management Clinic. I felt like I was in my Dads sheep drafting race and I was going into the no-good pen (culls we call them) and we all know where they end up! My god, I’m young, (well, sort of) there’s so many things I want to do …. I’m starting to have some real fun here… cushions, motorbikes, travel…this can’t be true!! I hate drugs….I’m going to be prescribed pain killers….I went into that appointment with a heavy heart…BUT again luck was on my side! A wonderful, delightful, newly arrived motorbike lover from London who had been on NZ soil for just 6 weeks was sitting there listening to me wail that I won’t be able to ride my motorbike anymore….for some reason that seemed the biggest loss to me at the time. We got talking bikes….his was still on the boat coming over and he was missing it like hell! His wife had already made 2 trips over the hill to the ‘rapa on hers – he quietly took hold of my hands putting pressure on them while we continued to chatter about bikes and the fab NZ roads. They went numb. That was the turning point…..”I think they may have been looking for your problems in the wrong area”…and continued “I think you have Carpal Tunnel”. OK, but can that be fixed? Easy, was the reply! I could have jumped up and kissed the guy….There really was going to be light at the end of the tunnel after all. It was a huge relief as this problem is a giant pain in the ass!! So, another 3 months down the track I had had the electrical tests to see if indeed the bike loving Dr J was correct – he was! Just like that….I’m not going into that no-good pen just yet! Whew!! So, what I’m saying is you ‘always gotta hope there is light at the end of the tunnel’…..even when you are told otherwise and if you are feeling that there isn’t then tell a friend as they will more than likely have been down the same road you are going down at this minute and you will see that there truly is light at the end of the tunnel…..it may only be a flicker of light that will bring a flicker of hope that will become brighter as we move through that tunnel to the other end of light, hope and life…..

The Future Looks Rosy!

fiona — Tue, 11 May 2010 07:49:09 +0000

My mother has always said ‘no matter how hard you work, it always helps to have a bit of luck in life’ and right now I’m thinking just that! I know exactly where she is coming from as my Mum has been very lucky indeed. Maybe we would say today ‘she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth’ but alas, there has been no silver spoon for this kid – oh no, but as luck would have it I’m feeling very lucky right now. This blog had it’s beginnings 6 months ago while revisiting Vietnam with two of my daughters – Rosie and Phoebe – we had set off (Rosie from Melbourne) to buy Silk Scarves to sell back here in NZ and to source Silk for the Vietnam Silk Cushion Collection and after a hard days bargaining we were collapsed on our beds chatting as girls do and a throw away comment I made has developed into a much bigger event than that. It went something like this “there are no Menswear Shops in Greytown and the guys are complaining Rosie – for someone with a bit of nous there’s an opening up for grabs” Full stop – end of conversation! Well, so I thought!! Three days later Rosie quietly announces out of the blue “I think I will come home Mum and open a Menswear Shop in Greytown“. She took me by complete surprise and I only managed to mutter ‘REALLY?’ I really thought this child of ours was rooted firmly to Melbourne for the time being anyway – heck, I loved my trips over there to visit her…damn! Three weeks later she was home and parked up with her sister in the only spare bedroom we have… I mean, we had done the down sizing thing and built a smaller home for goodness sake! But, it’s all good and there began her dream to open a Mens/Womenswear shop in Greytown. With quiet determination she has doggedly worked towards her dream for the last 6 months – even when adversity reared it’s head she picked herself up and carried on…you have to remember she is only 23 years old, week after week it went on – in secret of course – the business plan, ‘this is so boring Mum’ – finding premises in Greytown – having worked in retail for several years she knew THE shop had to be positioned in the right place, have the right window space etc etc….not easy in this little town where premises are like hens teeth and tend to be in-house and an outsider usually doesn’t even get a look in. Luck was on her side…Then there was the bank….a nightmare for a young girl with no assets to speak of – she was the last person they wanted to speak to – ‘it’s a recession they groaned’ – oh dear, here we go again – Mum and Dad have to step in – (isn’t that what you do?) then there’s branding, labels and on and on it goes……But she has done it - Password Please… opens at 75 Main St (next to Emporos) Greytown on 4^th June 2010. I take my hat off to this enterprising daughter of ours….she has pulled it all together brilliantly with fabulous brands embracing her vision and happily coming on board and this shop is going to be a fantastic addition to the trendy Greytown shopping scene. Things are definitely looking rosy for Rosie! And why am I feeling lucky? My cushions are there as well! From a casual throw away comment – luck has played me a winning card….oh,yes yes yes!

PS: Lets get Rosie going and become a Facebook Fan for Password Please…

Divine Intervention Or Just Plain Ole Good Luck!

fiona — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 01:25:01 +0000

Yesterday started off no differently from any other really until I tootled off into town as I usually do to pick up the mail and have a coffee with my mates at Cahoots. For some reason I chose the car over the motorbike as my means of transport but I seriously considered taking the bike for a spin as the weather was supposed to pack in. All pretty normal stuff! Yep, that’s until 1km down the road the rural delivery man (he’s a well known nutcase on the road) turned onto the highway from a rural lane right into my path. I’m moseying along at 100kms an hour – I slammed the anchors on as hard as I could, locked everything up and managed to come to a stop meters from his car – bags, cushions, CD’s and water bottles flew from all directions to the front ….….with my heart pounding as it was that close a shave, I waved my fists wildly at him while yelling obscenities….well, he deserved it didn’t he? He looked at me, laughed and waved back! What an idiot!!

Now, this is where things get interesting…..having arrived home still wiping away the tears and still reeling at my near miss as I knew all too well that had I chosen to ride the bike I would almost certainly have met my maker! I marched inside and got on the phone to report him yet again – (he’s been sacked) – good job! And, as I looked down at my wrist I thought ‘oh my god!’ Five days before, I had been getting ready to go out and was looking through my Jewellery Box and again, for some reason I picked up a bracelet that I hadn’t worn for 15 years and no kidding, without a word of a lie, a voice was saying “put this on – it will bring you good luck.” I never gave it a second thought as who am I to question that, so I asked my daughter to help put it on as it was a bit tight (good reason for that) and there it stayed for five days – over those days I looked at it many times as it was a little annoying but I never considered taking it off – a simple little bracelet that has no value in monetary terms but huge value in sentimentality….my Father gave it to me when I was 8 years old for Christmas….I have always treasured the little bracelet with it’s green 3 leafed clovers linked along it that he lovingly chose for me - but in all honesty, I have never worn it much. Heck, why was I so drawn to it that night, where did those voices come from and why did I doggedly keep it on until last night when I calmly took it off and popped it back where it’s been for 15 years. Simple, to me it had done it’s job a thousand fold. I was still here! Was that really Dad looking out for me from somewhere beyond? I absolutely think so! And maybe, just maybe, there was a bit of luck tossed in as well!!

The Ducati Girls!

fiona — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:01:26 +0000

We have finally been having some glorious weather here in the Wairarapa and Sunday was no exception and dawned clear-skied and still. Having been abandoned by the dearly beloved for a few days while he did some bike riding of his own some quick networking was surely needed to see if I could gather up my friends and head off for a girls own bike ride on our Ducatis. No trouble at all….they were as keen as mustard and we agreed to meet in Greytown to plan our assault of the ‘Rapa roads’ and have the first of a few coffees for the day – we then headed off on our merry way. The fact that the three of us ride Ducati Monsters is sheer coincidence (it does show that we do have good taste…..:-)) but it does attract attention as we pull up on our red, yellow and white Ducatis – do we enjoy that attention….yes of course!! We had a fabulous day with lots of fun and laughs finishing back in Greytown again for a wine and pizza at the famous Cuckoo Cafe…..very much needed after 6 hours of riding around the fabulous Wairarapa roads. All good things have to come to an end though and I now have to knuckle down and get all your Fiona Bassant Cushions made and sent off to you. That’s good fun too……

Blues Night at the Tin Hut

fiona — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 23:44:01 +0000

As we headed down to our local pub for their monthly Cross Creek Blues night we knew we were in for a treat as the ’star act’ was playing a repeat performance and he is good. Very good! What we got though was a lot more than that – we were treated to a medley of musicians. This gig has steadily been gaining a loyal following and last night it was packed out. It kicked off with the Tauherenikau Blues Band followed by the Honky Tonk Hero’s who were joined by Phaedra for their final number. She is one of the organizers of the night and her singing is impressive. At this point the ’star act’ Nick Charles appeared from around the corner and by the look of his smile and bobbing head and enthusiastic clapping she went down a treat with him as well. Let’s hope we hear more of her next time. They were followed by Wayne Manson with a couple of originals and then the very affable Pat McKenna and Mike Dew took to the stage dedicating two of their songs to the ‘old girls in the front row’ – they were clearly in seventh heaven. Kate Marshall joined them for a bit of a jam on the last number. Bob Cooper-Grundy and Kate then took to the stage and gave us a small version of their magic and they were as fantastic as ever. We were then treated to an hour of Nick Charles and his guitar. Magnificent! All this for 2 bucks for members and 5 for others – that’s country hospitality for you – thanks Marcus and the Cross Creek Blues Club for a great nights entertainment.

Martinborough Fairs 2010

fiona — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 03:17:27 +0000

Now that we are well and truly past the silly season, it is time to get into some serious business!

For the first time, the Bassant girls will be selling their beautiful silk and pashmina scarves at the two Martinborough Fairs http://www.martinboroughfair.org.nz/. The first of which is this coming Saturday the 6^th February and will be a fabulous day out.

There is food, drinks and an awesome array of product to be purchased. However, your main reason to be there is to check out our gorgeous range of handpicked scarves straight from Vietnam! There is something for everyone, with a range of colours, shapes and sizes. Also available for sale will be a good selection of my cushions, and if I haven’t got what you want I am happy to take orders. http://www.fionabassant.co.nz.

Our stall is located on the edge of the Martinborough Square, opposite the BNZ building, on the corner of Cambridge Road. So come on down, bring the family and dearly beloved (and his wallet!) and get amongst it. Mention this blog and you will get a special deal!

See you on Saturday….

Bikers Etiquette

fiona — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 04:13:48 +0000

We managed to snatch a motorcycle ride this weekend on what seems a rare beautiful sunny Wairarapa day (it is summer after all) and we were riding our usual ‘Rapa Circuit’ and heading down to The Ferry for those famous Fish & Chips and as always there were lots of other bikers heading in the opposite direction. Nothing unusual you say, but the thing is, I’m relatively new to this bike riding phenomenon (well, I guess you could say I’m a born again) and I’m still surprised, delighted and amused by the bikers etiquette of giving me the nod, the fingers, the hand and maybe the full Monty (wave that is) as they pass by me. You see, I clearly remember on many occasions over the years saying to the dearly beloved ‘why on earth do you have to acknowledge every jolly bike rider as they roar past us?’ I mean, heavens above – who gives a toss!! I couldn’t fathom it out at all. Well funny, now I would feel very put out if I was ignored as I headed along the road on my motorcycle – I have come to learn over the past year that bikers are the friendliest bunch of people out there and I will carry on the bikers tradition for as long as I’m on two wheels….you bet!!

Comfort Zone versus Feeling Fear. That’s My Dilemma!

fiona — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 06:29:13 +0000

Oh dear, I’m really not so sure about this blogging! My web guy has talked me into it – ‘gotta get off your chuff and start cushion blogging Fiona’ he says and he is right of course but hey, this man’s business is all about words & images…it’s even called that. He’s a whiz with them but I’m not – it takes me right out of my comfort zone.

You see, I’m a Scorpio – it’s the one sign in the Horoscope that everyone seems to have an opinion on – just mention you are Scorpio and the eyebrows go up followed by ‘Oooh are you now’ and a smile that suggests ‘hmmm better watch out here!’ God damn-it – what is it about us? A lot evidently. Firstly, we are passionate folk and that surely puts me right up there with the best of them. – I’ve been passionate about design for as long as I can remember – so I guess it’s not surprising that my revamped designer cushions website often repeats the words passion and design…this brand new site is all about bringing you gorgeous designer cushions. But it doesn’t stop there – oh no, I’m passionate about a few other things as well and I’m sure those passions are going to creep into my blogs if I can get my head around this blogging!

Number one is my family and that’s why I have a rather large photo of them all on my site. They are a great bunch and all talented creative individuals themselves.

Second has to be travel – A late starter but I love nothing better than packing my bags and heading off somewhere when I can convince the dearly beloved why I just have to hightail off again. It was my recent trip to Vietnam with Rosie and Phoebe (daughters) to buy Silk and Pashmina scarves that I purchased the stunning silk for my latest Vietnam Cushion Collection.

I was also lucky enough in 09 to be invited by Matthew (son) to join him for a months traveling around South America – absolutely fabulous fun and worth a blog one day maybe….

I love music as well – not an expert but I know what I like and listen to a lot and regularly head down to Wellington for a damn good night of fun and music!

Then there’s motorcycles – this biker from way back overcame some fears and got herself back on one in 09 – a Ducati Monster 696 – now that is FUN! Peter (husband) is nuts about motorcycles so on fine Sundays we are usually ‘riding the ‘Rapa circuit’ - Lake Ferry for their famous Fish and Chips, Martinborough for coffee and The Gladdy for a pint. The perfect Sunday!

Finally, if we can snatch a weekend away from it all we will head out to the Bach by the sea if one of you isn’t there enjoying it already. It’s the perfect spot to escape to and you are all welcome. It’s at Tora, east of Martinborough, Wairarapa on that wild rugged coastline that from childhood camping got under my skin and just stayed there.

So now, the second thing that I’ll admit to about Scorpios is that we are secretive. Get it? A blog, oh no! But wait, last year I read the book ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway’- I didn’t realize that fear will always be there as long as I keep pushing myself out of that comfort zone. I really thought it was all about being comfortable – apparently it’s not! So, this blog is just part of continuing down the road to just get out there and do it – fear and all! So please take a look around my exciting revamped cushion site and I hope you love the cushions as much as I do and you get in touch very soon – I’d love to hear from you - but go easy on me with this blogging… and I promise I will never use that Scorpion sting…:-)

Welcome to Fiona’s Blog

fiona — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 13:33:14 +0000

If you haven’t already, please check out my new and improved cushions website – includes a brand new limited edition range of Vietnamese silk cushion covers.

You can also now shop online for my cushions!