This afternoon I finished The Road. WOW. It is no doubt one of the best books I have read. How can someone write about the world after an event that has never occurred so descriptively? It was so moving, at times frightening. I could feel the emotions of the book as it followed the journey of the man and the child though a desolate place.
It is no secret that I love to read and I would have trouble listing my all time favourite books but I tried to think of ones that I've read that have have left me feeling this way. Wuthering Heights, The English Patient, Cold Mountain.
If I was an English Lit teacher (something I briefly thought of doing 20 years ago) this would definitely be on my list of books to read.
October 28, 2012
October 24, 2012
Wednesday
Lately I have been thinking about the ways I attempt navigate my life through this thing called parenting. When there was just the two of us life was a party! We had a nice unit which could be sparkling clean in a matter of 2 hours tops. We had a lovely little cafe next door and often walked to the movies and had wood fired pizza We saved and planned for what was to become a wonderful 5 weeks in Italy. Life was about friends, food, travel,movies and a good time. Oh, and sleeping in and reading a good book - all day if I wanted!
Then we had children, which opened up a door to new joys and pleasures, which we wouldn't change for the world. I think back to when I would stress about whether or not I could breastfeed my baby, if he dropped a toy on the floor it was immediately put away to be washed and sanitised. Life moved on as it does and this blog documents many of my thoughts and experiences along the way. Baby number two came along and all of the above continued. I have my favourite blogs that I read and I would pick things up from the experiences of others that I thought would be good to incorporate into my own family's lives.
I am sitting here after negotiating child care for Audrey next year. I think about how differently I feel about it now, to when I had to do the same thing for Nicholas at 7 months old. I was anxious and was thankful for big sunglasses and the bus trip to work as it gave me the opportunity to dry my eyes before I got to my desk!
Audrey will remain at preschool for another year which we(and her teachers!) believe will be the best thing for her. It also means that we will need to find care for another two days. I have contacted two childcare / early childhood centres. Given that she is older and would be able to start school if necessary I feel quite different about the situation now. but I don't want just any child minding service. I'd like something that engages her and is an enriching experience for her. Something, that with her continued days at preschool, will continue to prepare her, socially and emotionally, for school.
I guess I am more pragmatic these days. I have moved on from the "baby stage" blogs as well. I find myself more often than not rolling my eyes at the trivial things that are blogged about in those first years. A bit unkind I suppose, but as I am looking at 18 months before I return to full time work (gulp!) I guess I am being more pragmatic about the times we live in. Still, I worry a times for Nicholas but in concealing my concern I try to teach him more about resilience and about being independent.
So I guess what is around the corner and how we navigate it remains to be seen, but I know it will all be built around what is right for our family.
Then we had children, which opened up a door to new joys and pleasures, which we wouldn't change for the world. I think back to when I would stress about whether or not I could breastfeed my baby, if he dropped a toy on the floor it was immediately put away to be washed and sanitised. Life moved on as it does and this blog documents many of my thoughts and experiences along the way. Baby number two came along and all of the above continued. I have my favourite blogs that I read and I would pick things up from the experiences of others that I thought would be good to incorporate into my own family's lives.
I am sitting here after negotiating child care for Audrey next year. I think about how differently I feel about it now, to when I had to do the same thing for Nicholas at 7 months old. I was anxious and was thankful for big sunglasses and the bus trip to work as it gave me the opportunity to dry my eyes before I got to my desk!
Audrey will remain at preschool for another year which we(and her teachers!) believe will be the best thing for her. It also means that we will need to find care for another two days. I have contacted two childcare / early childhood centres. Given that she is older and would be able to start school if necessary I feel quite different about the situation now. but I don't want just any child minding service. I'd like something that engages her and is an enriching experience for her. Something, that with her continued days at preschool, will continue to prepare her, socially and emotionally, for school.
I guess I am more pragmatic these days. I have moved on from the "baby stage" blogs as well. I find myself more often than not rolling my eyes at the trivial things that are blogged about in those first years. A bit unkind I suppose, but as I am looking at 18 months before I return to full time work (gulp!) I guess I am being more pragmatic about the times we live in. Still, I worry a times for Nicholas but in concealing my concern I try to teach him more about resilience and about being independent.
So I guess what is around the corner and how we navigate it remains to be seen, but I know it will all be built around what is right for our family.
October 22, 2012
October 21, 2012
Sunday
We had a spontaneous camping trip yesterday. A quick one, just one night. friends met us at the campsite for dinner and we sat around the fire chatting before they went back home. The new tent is fantastic - so much room for a 4 man tent! Lots of fun.
* * * * * * * *
Now I have to go and think about what to wear when I meet the PM tomorrow. Not that I know if I will actually get to talk to her... there will no doubt be many people there. And not wanting to blow my own trumpet... after all, I am no John Kennedy!
* * * * * * * *
Now I have to go and think about what to wear when I meet the PM tomorrow. Not that I know if I will actually get to talk to her... there will no doubt be many people there. And not wanting to blow my own trumpet... after all, I am no John Kennedy!
October 18, 2012
October 14, 2012
Saturday
Heading my way sometime soon... am I excited?? You bet. I've posted about Tessa Kiros before - her cook books are a pleasure to read and are just beautiful. I can't wait to look through this one, at leisure. Bring on Christmas. :) She is currently in Australia, but of course I find out after the dinner event. :( David even said I could have gone if I'd known sooner. An interview with her can be found here.
Speaking of Christmas... I really need to start planning. I haven't given it
October 13, 2012
Thursday
The holidays are coming to an end. I have spent some time cleaning out piles of papers, magazines and other things that seem to accumulated to out of control proportions. In doing so I am beginning to feel as though things are in order. I now have folders of inspiring articles relating to family and to my own wellbeing.
Now that is all managable I can get onto the final rows of my quilting.
Then the next task will be scrapbooking! Particularly to get my Christmas album up to date and to complete Audrey's first year album. Afterall, soon she will be five!
Now that is all managable I can get onto the final rows of my quilting.
Then the next task will be scrapbooking! Particularly to get my Christmas album up to date and to complete Audrey's first year album. Afterall, soon she will be five!
October 10, 2012
Wednesday
Apparently my advance copy of this book is already on its way! I love still photography, and food photography as well. I 'm looking forward to browsing through this cookbook and mastering a couple of recipes my sister-in-law can eat. :)
While I am kind of talking food, David and I watched a documentary the other week on food. It came out a little while ago, it just took us some time to get around to watching it. I am glad we did. You should watch it too.
During the end credits the following list appears:
* Buy from companies that treat workers, animals and the environment with respect.
* When you go to the supermarket, choose foods that are in season. Buy foods that are organic. Know what is in your food. Read labels.
* Know what you buy.
* The average meal travels 1,500 miles from the farm to the supermarket. Buy foods that are grown locally. Shop at farmer's markets. Plant a garden (even a small one).
* Cook a meal with your family and eat together.
* Everyone has the right to healthy food.
* Ask your school board to provide healthy lunch options.
* If you say grace, ask for food that will keep us, and the planet, healthy.
* You can change the world with every bite.
When there is so much that is readily available to us we can often we think it is too hard. I challenge anyone reading this to make a commitment to do just some of the things suggested above.
While I am kind of talking food, David and I watched a documentary the other week on food. It came out a little while ago, it just took us some time to get around to watching it. I am glad we did. You should watch it too.
During the end credits the following list appears:
* Buy from companies that treat workers, animals and the environment with respect.
* When you go to the supermarket, choose foods that are in season. Buy foods that are organic. Know what is in your food. Read labels.
* Know what you buy.
* The average meal travels 1,500 miles from the farm to the supermarket. Buy foods that are grown locally. Shop at farmer's markets. Plant a garden (even a small one).
* Cook a meal with your family and eat together.
* Everyone has the right to healthy food.
* Ask your school board to provide healthy lunch options.
* If you say grace, ask for food that will keep us, and the planet, healthy.
* You can change the world with every bite.
When there is so much that is readily available to us we can often we think it is too hard. I challenge anyone reading this to make a commitment to do just some of the things suggested above.
October 9, 2012
Faithful
Oh to be faithful in the little things. In the simple things.
Last night I went to bed discouraged after feeling I did not respond to a situation as a parent should. Instead I felt I reacted like the child.
A book by Fenelon sits beside my bed and I opened it randomly. Here is a portion of what I read last night:
Try, without forcing yourself, to turn to God and to touch him as often as you can. Even when you want to touch the Lord and you are distracted, it is important to keep bringing yourself before Him. Do not wait for a perfectly quiet time when you can lock yourself in your room and be alone. You know how hard it is to find such a time. The very moment you feel drawn to God is the moment to turn toward Him. Simply lean toward Him with a heart full of love and trust... Do your work steadily and reliably. Be patient with yourself.
Funny that a seventeenth century French theologin (with some modern day translation) can speak sense into my often crowded mind.
Last night I went to bed discouraged after feeling I did not respond to a situation as a parent should. Instead I felt I reacted like the child.
A book by Fenelon sits beside my bed and I opened it randomly. Here is a portion of what I read last night:
Try, without forcing yourself, to turn to God and to touch him as often as you can. Even when you want to touch the Lord and you are distracted, it is important to keep bringing yourself before Him. Do not wait for a perfectly quiet time when you can lock yourself in your room and be alone. You know how hard it is to find such a time. The very moment you feel drawn to God is the moment to turn toward Him. Simply lean toward Him with a heart full of love and trust... Do your work steadily and reliably. Be patient with yourself.
Funny that a seventeenth century French theologin (with some modern day translation) can speak sense into my often crowded mind.
Tuesday
A few weeks ago I caught the bus home from work. The bus driver looked young. He had a leather band around his neck, some around his wrist and a beard. I noted how soothing and relaxing the ride home was. Why? He was listening to Classical FM on the radio. I noticed how good it made me feel. When I got home I pulled out some of my own classical cd's. I have two in particular that Melanie bought me a long time ago and they are the perfect mix of classical music. I put them on when I started my holidays and had time alone and found that it has the same effect on me. I feel happier. I have been playing them over the holidays and hope that subliminally the kids feel the same way as they are playing. :)
Puccini and Pasta includes music from one of my favourites movies of all time - A Room With A View, so brings back many memories. A blog post I read today echoed my sentiments exactly.
Last night we had Chinese for dinner. Nothing particularly remarkable, though the meal was delicious. David made san choy bow, and steamed some bok choy, we ordered lemon chicken and I made the rice. I wanted to mention it here though as we used plates and bowls made by a Japanese woman I know who is a potter. Aren't they beautiful?
* * * * * * * * *
I love the way Audrey writes her name. :)
Puccini and Pasta includes music from one of my favourites movies of all time - A Room With A View, so brings back many memories. A blog post I read today echoed my sentiments exactly.
Last night we had Chinese for dinner. Nothing particularly remarkable, though the meal was delicious. David made san choy bow, and steamed some bok choy, we ordered lemon chicken and I made the rice. I wanted to mention it here though as we used plates and bowls made by a Japanese woman I know who is a potter. Aren't they beautiful?
* * * * * * * * *
I love the way Audrey writes her name. :)
October 8, 2012
Monday
Yesterday we had a lazy day at Tidbinbilla. Sausage sandwiches (with onion and tomato sauce) and a delicious salad. A cup of tea and s'mores afterwards and a play on the playground before meeting up with friends for dinner.
We couldn't stop the kangaroos from joining us! I've never known them to be so friendly.
I love this online publication, put together by a couple of women whose blogs I follow.
We couldn't stop the kangaroos from joining us! I've never known them to be so friendly.
I love this online publication, put together by a couple of women whose blogs I follow.
October 7, 2012
October 6, 2012
Saturday
Some miscellaneous photos from the school holidays this week.
We made our own potato chips following these instructions.
Audrey had her first sewing lesson. I've had these little doll sewing kits put away for a while and she has been desperate to do one. I told her we would in the holidays. She didn't forget.
And my young paleantologist. Thrilled with this shirt. he told me he wishes clothes could grow so he could keep wearing it forever. He says it is just like Nigel Marven's.
We made our own potato chips following these instructions.
Audrey had her first sewing lesson. I've had these little doll sewing kits put away for a while and she has been desperate to do one. I told her we would in the holidays. She didn't forget.
She helped me bake as well. If people didn't know any better they'd think we were the perfect 1950's mother and daughter team! ;)
And my young paleantologist. Thrilled with this shirt. he told me he wishes clothes could grow so he could keep wearing it forever. He says it is just like Nigel Marven's.
And for me, I am so excited to be close to completing my quilt. This fabric arrived in the mail, reading for the binding. I so wish that I had used this particular one for the backing of my quilt, but at the time I couldn't fnd any in Australia. I used a fabric from another French general range instead (I think Pom Pom de Paris). Now I have found a stockist with (what I think) are good prices I'd like to order a metre every fortnight just to stash it away while I can! I told david the other week that receiving a bundle of fabric gives me the same feeling as receiving a bunch of flowers. I feel like I am smiling from the inside and just want to look at it all day. :) David has often brought home a surprise bundle. My favourite of his stories is when he went on a church men's fishing trip and he stopped at a fabric shop on the coast and asked them if they carried the French General range. A particular friend of ours who was with him apparently did not look all that comfortable in a fabric shop.
And no, I will not be sewing it on this machine.
October 3, 2012
Wednesday
So today I will write down some thoughts, for myself, on health and well-being. I know that I put myself out on a limb here because I will be held accountable for what I say. In short, I am going to eat smaller portions, drink much more water, walk more and be consistent with my Pilate's. ;)
This year, being one of a significant number, means that I have spent some time reflecting on where I am in life and how I feel. This is because being of a certain age (:p), a working mother and wife, in the first years of paying a mortgage, I have often found myself feeling sluggish and tired.
A couple of months ago we stayed with David's cousin and as his wife is a naturopath I endeavoured to ask her for some advice. After chatting a bit while driving the the Little Desert, while the guys were in the other car, we decided to make some time when back home to do a bit of a stock take.
She said that whenever she is feeling that way she has a look at three compartments of her life: physical, emotional and spiritual. She looks at the areas in these parts of her life where she is doing well and also where she could be doing better. This reminded me of a blog post I saw years ago.
When I came home from this holiday I used a small Kikki K folder in which to put these pages. I have added three more sections to my journal ~ family and home, create (sewing and scrapbooking projects)and read (to keep track of one of my favourite passtimes).
While these are thoughts that have passed through my mind many times it is only since taking this self imposed hiatus from my job that I have taken time to think about the things in each of these areas of my life that I want to change. I am not going to write of them regularly in this space - it is much easier to have my notebook handy to pick up and scribble in when I'm inspired by a recipe, an inspirational quote or something that I would like to apply to my life intentionally.
This year, being one of a significant number, means that I have spent some time reflecting on where I am in life and how I feel. This is because being of a certain age (:p), a working mother and wife, in the first years of paying a mortgage, I have often found myself feeling sluggish and tired.
A couple of months ago we stayed with David's cousin and as his wife is a naturopath I endeavoured to ask her for some advice. After chatting a bit while driving the the Little Desert, while the guys were in the other car, we decided to make some time when back home to do a bit of a stock take.
She said that whenever she is feeling that way she has a look at three compartments of her life: physical, emotional and spiritual. She looks at the areas in these parts of her life where she is doing well and also where she could be doing better. This reminded me of a blog post I saw years ago.
When I came home from this holiday I used a small Kikki K folder in which to put these pages. I have added three more sections to my journal ~ family and home, create (sewing and scrapbooking projects)and read (to keep track of one of my favourite passtimes).
While these are thoughts that have passed through my mind many times it is only since taking this self imposed hiatus from my job that I have taken time to think about the things in each of these areas of my life that I want to change. I am not going to write of them regularly in this space - it is much easier to have my notebook handy to pick up and scribble in when I'm inspired by a recipe, an inspirational quote or something that I would like to apply to my life intentionally.
October 2, 2012
Tuesday
I am the first to admit I am not a gardener. I don't know if it is because I do not naturally have a green thumb or, which I'd tend to lean towards, because I do not have the drive to invest the time required to tend and care for a beautiful flower garden. When presented with a potted flower as a gift I immediately feel the pressure! I say all of this because a) we went to Floriade yesterday (photographs below)and b) I ahve just thrown a scrap of withered brown potted plant away. It was a lovely gift for my birthday...
I do however, get joy from preparing a herb garden and vegetable garden. I recently planted seed for our Spring/Summer garden, posted here. The tiny green beginnings of the seedlings are now starting to appear.
This morning I picked an armful of rhubarb, which is actually my favourite plant in the garden as it yields so much with little effort on my part! I was remiss in not taking a photograph before cutting the stems.
I also made a pear and raspberry loaf. I was keen to make this, but apprehensive at the same time, as we have a little ritual on Saturday's in that while Audrey is at ballet we sit at a local coffee spot and have cappuccino's, milkshake for Nicholas and toasted pear and raspberry bread. I while I love it and wanted to make it myself, I wondered if it would take away from the loveliness of our Saturday ritual. I may have to try something else for a spell. In any case, I'm thrilled with how the loaf turned out.
I'll have to post a picture later when it is cut. :)
Right now, we are heading to the library and for some ice cream after.
I do however, get joy from preparing a herb garden and vegetable garden. I recently planted seed for our Spring/Summer garden, posted here. The tiny green beginnings of the seedlings are now starting to appear.
This morning I picked an armful of rhubarb, which is actually my favourite plant in the garden as it yields so much with little effort on my part! I was remiss in not taking a photograph before cutting the stems.
I also made a pear and raspberry loaf. I was keen to make this, but apprehensive at the same time, as we have a little ritual on Saturday's in that while Audrey is at ballet we sit at a local coffee spot and have cappuccino's, milkshake for Nicholas and toasted pear and raspberry bread. I while I love it and wanted to make it myself, I wondered if it would take away from the loveliness of our Saturday ritual. I may have to try something else for a spell. In any case, I'm thrilled with how the loaf turned out.
I'll have to post a picture later when it is cut. :)
Right now, we are heading to the library and for some ice cream after.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)