Sunday, November 09, 2008
30 days of gratitude : 30 (+ a sweet something for you)
Gratitude today for you dear reader...on my last 'official' day of gratitude. 30 days of noticing the little things that make me happy. Without being all gushy, lovey and goo-gaa, I'd just like to say that all those comments are so welcome in my life. They make my days. So thank you.
What's most exciting is that these posts have proven that writing, for me, is a given. It's what I do. Pencil and pen on paper, fingers on the keyboard. And now that I'm a muma I have learnt to compose sentences in my head. I thread words together until a spare moment arises whereby I reach for a piece of paper - a bill, an envelope, sometimes the pages of someone's else's novel.
More on this to follow.
Today I am parting with another gorgeous, gorgeous clothkit. A magenta dress perfect for an evening out with your love. It can be made for sizes 8-18. It's a bit folksy, a bit of night-time glamour - it's pure 70s style. "A tropical print dress with rounded collar and tie, side pockets and easy buttoned elastic waist."
I truly love this one but in sticking with my Spring mantra, I'm giving it away. All you have to do is leave a comment. I'll announce the winner next Sunday evening. You can read more about clothkits here.
Sending some good ole vintage luck your way.
Labels: 30 days of gratitude , giveaway , writing
Thursday, November 06, 2008
I know there has been a lot of similar photos to this one - taken as Che crawls away from me, towards the water. It's just what's been happening lately. I put him down on the sand and off he goes. The sea beckons. Who am I to stop him?
With his snazzy new nappy cozzies on (yes, a nappy built into the swimmers), his rashy and sunhat he fully immersed himself in the sea and he loved every minute of it. It felt good to spend the late afternoon near the water. It's pure summer to me.
Summer needs music too and I am so happy to have found this CD. Mike was a few years above me at school and for as long as I've known him he's always sung beautiful songs. But this new creation is by far his best. It's folky, bluesy and earthy - sweet sounds to lull us all on summer evenings. Go ahead, have a listen. You'll like it, I promise.
Gratitude today for the sea water and a good tune.
Labels: 30 days of gratitude , tunes , we live near the beach
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Remember when you had a newborn and you found it hard to imagine that little bundle as a moving, giggling, wriggling, social little creature? You were so stuck in the awe of new parenthood that for a while you didn't think about parenting a toddler. You momentarily forgot that soon you would be chasing your little one around a park.
I'm just beginning to realise that while the present moment is so much fun there is always that next stage to get excited about. And as you can see we have officially reached the 'park' stage. Yes, we are a park family. We love it. Swinging, sliding, round-a-bouting till our hearts content. Watching Che observe, chat and play with the other kids is just gorgeous - he's pretty passionate about fun. And Daniel and I are loving the fact that we can be kids again too - swinging higher and higher and higher...play date anyone?
Earlier today I read that Michelle was starting a little market in her village and I got all sad about the fact that we don't really have a villagey atmosphere in our neighbourhood. We live on a gorgeous country-esque street with cottage gardens and horses but no little piggies going to market anytime soon. And then, like someone had heard my pleas, while driving home I notice a beautiful big sign on the school fence at the end of our street. "Village Market - 3rd Saturday of every month" ... dream come true, I am bursting with excitement. The basket is all ready to go.
Gratitude today for life in the park and at the market.
Labels: 30 days of gratitude , day-to-day , family , parks , play
Monday, November 03, 2008
Gratitude today for 'green, jasmine & pear tea', a decadent concoction from the very lovely Madame Flavour. My mum found the 'sultry chai' blend in the supermarket and passed the hint onto me. These most gorgeous teas are presented in little fabric infuser pods, like 'silken purses' and they are completely biodegradable. The packaging is beautiful and each pack comes complete with a little note from Ms Flavour herself - the woman who, lucky her, has tasted tea in places far away - Paris, China, India...even with Geisha in Kyoto.
Sometimes a cup of tea can make everything better...
Labels: 30 days of gratitude , finding , tea
Friday, October 31, 2008
It's hot, humid and sticky and the perfect day for lounging around on the day bed. Perhaps a little bit of beach time and some mango time too. Che is proving to be a determined and independent little soul who likes to feed himself. I'm impressed with his patience and skill - not so happy about the crumbs, the goo and the general mess that he creates. Thankfully the days are warm enough to just wash him off. We can't wait to use the outdoor shower in mid-summer...splash, splash, splash.
My kaffir lime tree has sprung back to life with lots of luscious leaves. I thought it was beyond rejuvenation so I am so happy to notice that it was just a little sad and tired over winter. Lots of green curries to come. My mint is ready for picking and today we're enjoying ice-cold water infused with mint leaves. A nice way to herald the warm warm weather and the summer that is fast approaching. Cheers to long sunny days and warm evenings. I've started burning sandalwood incense to frighten the mozzies away. I know citronella works too. Any other suggestions?
Gratitude today as we head towards summer with open arms and sandy toes.
Labels: 30 days of gratitude , herbs , nature , seasons
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Gratitude today for the little things...a quiet corner, buttons threaded onto string, handmade soap. Simple little things.
Labels: 30 days of gratitude , corners of my home
Friday, October 24, 2008
Snapshot taken this afternoon after one-year-old immunisations. He screamed, yes, there were tears, yes and then he clapped his hands and waved goodbye which had the nurse ooohhing and aaahing and calling him "sweetie". Which he is, of course.
After a sudden backlash from Winter with all its shivering cold and pouring rain, it was all spring-like again today and made me realise how I love the sun. How much happier I am in the sun. In-between yoga classes and visiting friends we're spending the weekend with Mama and Grandad...and maybe crawling as quickly as we can towards the waves, the sea, the endless ocean. A fearless child and the muma who's getting pretty good at chasing. Enjoy your weekend, wherever you are.
Labels: 30 days of gratitude , family , nature , ocean , seasons
Monday, October 20, 2008
Being one of those ethereal types - a wanderer, a dreamer...constantly lifting lifting towards the sky, I find meditation a challenge. My mind is never still, it is never slowing.
One of the easiest and most affective forms of meditation is to count the breath backwards. I particularly like focussing my awareness on my navel - "navel rising 54, navel falling 54, navel rising 53, navel falling 53". If ever I can't sleep this practice gently lulls me into slumber. But sleep is not meditation. I know, I know.
And even though I agree whole-heartedly with Jack, I find that silence, thought and a cup of tea is also my meditation.
Today while Che slept I sat quietly at the table, sipping tea and letting my eyes wander around the gentle folds of these roses. One petal, two petal, soft petal, fallen petal. Each flower has a different shape and pattern and they reminded me of mandalas, those colourful, intricate artworks that so many yogis meditate on.
Gratitude today for stillness in meditation, for tea and rose mandalas. Thanks for the blooms Mum x
Labels: 30 days of gratitude , blooms , meditation , yoga
Thursday, October 16, 2008
There is a mulberry tree in the same garden...we're planning a picnic under its branches in January. Today we were happy with these pink blooms and the bright bright sunshine. Happy Spring. Oh how I love it.
Labels: 30 days of gratitude , blooms , seasons
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
My first car - a 1978 Triumph. Total cost: $200.
A mint green beauty with a big engine and a big heart. She was so great to drive, purring along - no radio, no air-con...just vinyl seats, a huge steering wheel and great character. She didn't cope well in the rain - the windows would fog up, the wind-screen wipers were pretty useless and there was a leak - my right foot would always end up soaking wet. She was 6 years older than me. I loved her. Other Triumph drivers would wave if they passed me on the road.
I miss her terribly. I had to bid her farewell when a new clutch sent the whole engine out-of-whack. That was not long after this photo was taken.
There I am sitting on the verandah railing of the first house Daniel and I lived in together. A beach shack that was so so tiny and only had a linen cupboard for storage. We had hardly any furniture - a mattress on the floor, a day-bed, some floor cushions. I fell in love as soon as I saw it. Daniel hated it and tried to tell me it was too small, there is no storage, you can only fit one person in the kitchen. I saw incense burning, books piled high, fresh blooms and a little place to call home.
A few months in and I learnt the difference between romanticism and practicality...and the importance of both. Sure the books, the music, the home-made meals, the walk to the beach were great but no cupboards means you can't hide anything away and that became a problem. Throw into the equation a baby-on-the-way and I quickly began searching for a house with floor-to-ceiling cupboards, more than one bedroom and a kitchen that was big enough for our fridge.
When I stumbled upon this photo today, taken with our holga, I smiled. Such great memories. The car that took me from beach, to friends, to nighttime dancing...the house that Daniel and I moved into only 15 weeks after meeting each other and the place where Ché's little life began.
Gratitude today for the mint-green car named Willow and the beach shack that changed everything.
Labels: 30 days of gratitude
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Very slowly, room-by-room I have Spring cleaned. I have aired and decluttered each space, packed winter clothes away and organised a council pick-up. I was expecting a lady in a green beret to turn up and rifle through the rubbish but only a boy arrived. He took the rusty bike and ran.
There have been many moments when I have asked myself if I really need it. What do I like about it? Do I even like it? When did I last wear it? As I decluttered I began to think about clutter. What is clutter? Apparently it's something you don't need, want or like.
I prefer Mirka Mora's description:
In my case, I think clutter is the thread of my memory wanting to have its own continuity through familiar objects...
Some people are disturbed by the energy of the assemblage of things in my house. Some people bathe in it, of course, and some get puzzled. But I always hope that those who are not disturbed will go home and unleash all their hidden treasures from the cupboards and start to have a dialogue with their memories. It is life who demands this. We have to ponder so many things endlessly. C'est la force des choses - it is the power of things who makes us take note, stop or run."
Taken from "Love and Clutter"
I find it hard to leave a windowsill untouched. I love to be surrounded by beautiful things - many beautiful things.
It's true. As I move from room to room I glance at the objects around me and memories do come flooding back. I remember a trip to Venice, a friend, a different time to now. I have cleared and cleaned and now the clutter is in its place.
The collection of clutter continues to grow...gentle reminders of days, of people and of places.
Labels: 30 days of gratitude , books , corners of my home , seasons , self
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Gratitude today for the colour and light of Spring - so vivid, so bright.
We love reading Spring is Here ... it's so nice to look at the beautiful pictures and watch the seasons change. I read and he turns the pages.
Labels: 30 days of gratitude , books , seasons
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
I think I've realised how fun a one-year-old can be. How interested and engaged and excited my little boy is. Giddy in Spring sunshine we played and went exploring. He's so content to sit on my hip and wander with me. To point at flags and birds and wave goodbye to strangers who stop to chat. Today we ate peaches and strawberries and this evening we enjoyed roasted butternut pumpkin. And now I can see the remnants of peaches and strawberries and pumpkin on my cardigan.
Since becoming a mum I have become more grounded. I spend more time crawling around on the ground that I ever have before in my life. I don't get too bothered if my clothes get dirty or my hair gets messy. I spend so much time wandering on beaches, in parks and around gardens with Che. I love it and he loves it and I feel so much happier and healthier because of it.
For the last week or so I have been preparing our little balcony for the warmer weather - planting fresh herbs and spring blooms and clearing the clutter that had resided there over the winter months. We spend so much time here over summer - it's the best place to ponder, read and relax and because the ocean is at the bottom of the hill we often get a subtle sea breeze. Che has his own swing now too so he can suspend from the beams and watch the world go by.
I made cupcakes today and shared one with Che. Not quite as amazing as these, but still fun. He was recovering from his cold on his birthday and wasn't fussed with cake so I thought I would indulge him. He wasn't impressed with the icing (which secretly made me happy) but he loved the buttery cake. It was so yummy we decided to share some with friends. 
I am still smiling at the beautiful gifts we were given on his birthday. I am so enjoying flipping through the storybooks and building with the blocks. So many generous people. Including Miss HazyJane who sent Che a gorgeous pair of handmade pants (the best pants) and a homemade card, which, funnily enough, looks alot like he did on his birthday morning - it was definitely a red crown kinda birthday. I got spoilt too - a cloth bag perfect for books/shopping/anything really. She's clever that girl and one of the neatest sewers I have ever come across.
Such a pleasant day we had.
Labels: 30 days of gratitude , creative community , handmade , nature , seasons
Monday, October 06, 2008
When I began thinking about gratitude and the way it can change perspectives I planned to post once a day in September. Hence 30 days of gratitude. But September was so busy - we were sick, we recovered, we got sick again, there was a party to organise, a birthday to celebrate and somewhere in the middle was the sorting, cleaning and decluttering of Spring. So gratitude is spilling over into October which, I think, can only be a good thing.
I know I have posted this photo of blessing bracelets before. But I am so grateful to Kali Wendorf, editor of Kindred magazine, for publishing this photo with my story "Blessing Your Way".
I first read Kindred when I was pregnant. I was always comforted by the fact that every article written about pregnancy confirmed that it is a natural event and not a medical condition. Kindred magazine "one family, one world" is passionate about natural parenting and sustainable living. The articles are diverse and inspiring, detailing the difficulty and the joy in raising a child in today's world. After reading every edition I feel so reassured about my parenting journey and the way Daniel and I have chosen to raise Che. It's nice to know that so many other parents are opting to embrace the organic, natural, simple life and to raise their children in a natural and 'child-friendly' environment.
After all, "How we treat the child, the child will treat the world" (Pam Leo, author of Connection Parenting).
I was most inspired by Kali's editorial Man and the Machine. It sings so loud the truth about the 'other mother' in our children's lives - the big mother known as nature. Such an honest teacher...the best playmate. Please read it.
If you are new to Kindred and would like to read a few articles you can download the most recent edition here. I promise you, you won't be disappointed.
Labels: 30 days of gratitude , kindred , nature , seasons , writing
Monday, September 29, 2008
When I started this blog I thought I would post a few photos every now and then to share with friends and family overseas. Six months on and it has become a little bit more than that. It seems that there are quite a few of you that visit regularly, people that I have never met before. Funnily enough you seem to have a fair bit in common with me and no doubt if we lived in the same neighborhood we'd regularly meet up for coffee and cake.
For now I'm enjoying the sweetness of comments and loving the opportunity to wander around and find out what you have been up to.
And I'm bursting with gratitude...I'm very flattered. Because last week two lovely ones - madeline and megan gave me blog awards. Thank you so much ladies. The rules say I have to pick seven of my favourite blogs (14 because I got two awards)...but I couldn't just pick 14. You know I like your blog if I've ever left a comment so please, accept this award!
Potty Mouth Mama has also tagged me. Here's how to play...
I'm finding it a bit hard to grasp the concept of quirky/boring but here goes:
1. Apparently I sound like a magazine when I talk. I didn't figure this one out - Daniel did. Apparently I have the ability to say the absolute perfect sentence at the right time and that deems me 'magazine talker' worthy.
2. For the entire year of my HSC I studied. 4 hours each weeknight, 8 hours a day on the weekend. It worked, I got the mark I needed. I still can't believe my discipline.
3. I used to work at Alannah Hill. For those of you that know her designs you'll understand that it wasn't your average retail fashion job. I had to wear heels, red lipstick and flowers or feathers (the more the better) in my hair - all the time. It was my closest experience to being in a bubble. I'd be dressed head-to-toe in pink/floral/lace/roses etc etc looking like a little doll and I would feel completely normal. It was when I stepped out onto the street that I realised how over the top I looked. Oh the looks!
4. I've written a book on bridal fashion. I had 8 weeks to interview Australia's top 20 bridal designers and write 20,000 words on the history and style of wedding gowns.
5. Yoga changed my life. I began practicing at the studio where I was taught by Mardi. I was planning on heading for London to escape heartache but decided against it because of a big tax bill. Thank goodness for the tax bill. I began studying yoga to become a teacher, Mardi introduced me to her son...Daniel and I fell in love, 5 months later we were pregnant, we got engaged, our baby boy turns one tomorrow. It literally changed my life.
6. I've been christened twice. Once in the Anglican church, once in the Catholic church. Funny thing is, I don't go to church.
And finally...6 others who should share their quirky/boring (isn't that a contradiction?) personal facts...
the nutrients of life
hazyjane
bliss
shellbells
ethel loves fred
the story hour
Must go...I have birthday presents to wrap. Oh I'm so excited for our little boy tomorrow!
Labels: 30 days of gratitude
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Thankfully we are all on the mend and getting ready for tomorrow's celebrations. These marshmallow creatures are making an appearance, as is a baby goat named Victor. My little cowboy is getting ready to eat cake, yell Hip Hip Hooray and remind everyone, with absolute certainty, that he is going to be 1 (index finger pointed to the sky).
These little boots...I couldn't resist them. I'll keep them forever. Gratitude today for little boots and little feet to fill them.
Labels: 30 days of gratitude , celebrations
Thursday, September 25, 2008
One of those weeks.
fever
miserable
snotty nose
bad cough
unsettled sleep
bump on the head
not interested in food
diagnosed ear infection
unbalanced
fall down the stairs
bleeding mouth
cut lip
swollen lip
guilty muma
motherguilt
Did you know that the world average length for breastfeeding is four years? And the western average is three months. Are western mothers ignoring the basic and most vital part of mothering? How can a jar of formula be more appealing than a soft, cushiony breast?
"So many mothers think that because they loose the Dolly Pardon 'look' they think their milk has dried up. There is no truth in that at all - it's just a natural change the body undergoes as it adjusts to feeding. There is still plenty of milk in those breasts," says Liz.
I was thinking I would wean Che at around this time - 12 months. But no, that won't be happening. I will keep feeding him all that natural goodness until he decides that perhaps he'd rather have a babychinno. Marshmallow on the side.
I doubt Liz will read this but today I am grateful to her and her comforting, reassuring words. Because sometimes, as a mum, you just need a bit of reassurance. You need to be told you're doing the right thing.
run
and fall
and bump
and bruise.
At the moment
I can hear a giggle
and this makes me smile
so much.
I am so grateful
for a giggle
for happiness, healing and health.
Labels: 30 days of gratitude , health , parenting
Monday, September 22, 2008
Since becoming a mum I have truly learned the meaning of, among many things, patience. Of enjoying the present moment even if it is challenging.
One evening, a few months ago, when the calming/settling/putting to sleep phase was taking much longer than usual I became aware of patience in its fullness. I was hungry for dinner and desperate to sit down and talk with Daniel. I was tired, needy of a shower and a pillow. I didn't really want to be spending so much time getting Che into bed. As I sat in his room singing to him, chanting to him, rocking him, I became aware of the preciousness of the moment. How lucky I was to be spending these quiet moments before sleep with my little boy.
After he was asleep and dreaming I crept out of the room and went to Daniel. "You've really got to try and enjoy times like that don't you. Because if you become tense and annoyed by the situation you're just going to end up loathing it, eh?" He agreed.
In the last few weeks I've come to know what the morning looks like when you rise with the sun. When you awake to a little face pressed against yours or if you're unlucky, your hair being pulled. Every morning I have wished for just a bit more sleep. And I must admit, I'm not fantastic at getting up and dealing with the day when it is so so early. But this morning I got up and got going, pottering about as Che crawled along behind me.
And I was treated with beautiful spring light pouring in from outside. I placed Che on the chair and chatted to him as he sat there. I grabbed the camera and as I snapped away I managed to observe so many little nuances - little outbursts of happiness, moments of wonder, utter cheekiness. Perhaps it was my reward for being patient.
He's almost one. I just can't believe it.
Labels: 30 days of gratitude , parenting
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Yesterday was a firm reminder of how hot our summers can be. It was sticky and humid and very very warm for September. I spent the day resting and feeding Che - he had a fever and just wanted to lie next to (or on) me. It is just so awful to see him unwell - I get so worried. No doubt it is an experience that all mothers can relate to.
As we rested and talked quietly to each other I did manage to read a few chapters of Rachel Power's book The Divided Heart - Art and Motherhood.
Oh Ms Power, I am so grateful to her. I have never met her, only read her words, her very beautiful words. In this intelligent and insightful read, she has interviewed some of Australia's most respected artists, writers and actors - all of whom are women and mothers. And they speak about their art, their creative passions and their role as mother and how it is hard, so so hard to balance the two. They are all divided.
It got me thinking about the last year and the way motherhood has changed me as a writer. I have so much more fuel, so much more passion for words and yet so little time to sit and write. Yes, words get written between stirring soup and playing with Che but there are some times when I wish I could have a full day to work at my craft. And if I did? Perhaps the illusive mother guilt would arise and I would sit at my computer torn and questioning.
Can we have it all? As mothers and artists. In time, yes. When our children are little and needy? Maybe, maybe not. Alice Garner speaks candidly about her role as mother to Rachel Power. Her reality being that her life as actor had to take a back-step so she could raise her little one. She chose to do it that way because she couldn't bear to miss out on those precious first few years.
Becoming a mum has unleashed a raw energy within me that I didn't have before. My writing is easily more emotive and lyrical and yet, at the same time, I have managed to become more analytical. Wonderful advancements for a writer and so bitter-sweet because of my lack of 'writing' time. A short story, a news feature, a novel will get written. There are sentences on notepads, cooking books, in my phone. But for now I am a muma, proudly so and soaking up all the experiences so that one day I can reflect on them and compose, in words, a story.
The story has already begun, there are words on paper but I have accepted that it may be a piece years in the making. Dream big, write when I can and if the dishes and the washing have to pile-up - so be it.
An art piece & motherhood...two immensely creative journeys - it's finding the balance that's so hard.
Labels: 30 days of gratitude , parenting , writing
Friday, September 19, 2008
Yesterday I got out of bed and wrote a to-do list. It was long. And I was a little disappointed about my lack of spring cleaning...September will be over in 10 days time and there hasn't been much 'decluttering' going on.
Instead of staying inside, surrounded by the sight of a fairly messy house I closed the door behind me and went out for coffee. Coffee seems to inspire my organisation skills, creativity too.
Today, the air was warm and while Che slept I opened up the house and dusted away. It felt good to clean, to make things pretty, and it made me realise how much I adore warm days.
I love the spontaneity of life in Spring and Summer. Waking up in the warmth and throwing a dress on - no need to worry about layering. Lazy days at the beach, evenings spent at the local pizzeria, ice-cream at odd times of the day.
This afternoon I happened to witness Baby Che in his first ardho muktasana (downward facing dog pose). He stretched in the sunshine, the sand between his toes, fingers and teeth. My Baby Yogi connected to the earth beneath him.
I'm so grateful that we can take our living 'outside'.
Labels: 30 days of gratitude , seasons , yoga
