In January 2014, our family planted this frangipani tree to remember our cat, Yoda who had died days before. Last Thursday when I arrived to visit my daughter at our Sydney property, I noticed it had bloomed for the first time. I was so excited. I rushed over and took a quick photo to show my husband on my return home. However, when I got home I was so busy with Christmas I forgot but fortunately my daughter was also so excited when she noticed the beautiful flowers that she shared her photo with us. One thing we all agreed on is that our frangipani’s beauty was special and a great choice for Yoda’s garden.
Today we have decided to take this quote about not cleaning up mess seriously. As we near the close of Christmas day in Australia, our lounge room is still littered with presents and shredded paper, which is the remnants of what turned into a ‘snow fight’ during the opening of one of my presents this morning. Even looking at the mess brings a smile to my face remember the fun my husband, daughter and I had throwing shredded paper over each other this morning. A classic Christmas moment that couldn’t ever be planned or choreographed.
What I love about family traditions is that they are unique. Every family, even families within families have their own traditions and there is no end to the options. Big or small to start a new tradition the only need to enjoy the experience and do it regularly. My husband and my latest tradition is to prepare breakfast on the weekend and eat it together on the front verandah, watching the world go by. The only thing missing is a newspaper but we haven’t added that to our traditions yet.
Some times of the year like Christmas and birthdays involve more traditions than others. Being part of a large extended family this means the tradition of celebrating is never far away. The hardest part is setting the date, time and place and from there on the organisation of a party for a special occasion isn’t difficult. Everyone knows what to do and our family traditions that always involve FOOD – GLORIOUS FOOD continue.
COLOUR THEMED CHRISTMAS last year you guessed right – GREEN.
Last weekend my husband and I went on a road trip to Barrington Tops National Park, where we enjoyed many fleeting moments in time. My favourite was the time we spent with an echidna, one of our wild Australian animals. We found her on the side of the road as we drove past. She was only the second echidna I’ve seen in the wild and she was a treasure to behold. In truth, I don’t know the echidna’s sex but we nicknamed her Edna so she was a female to us.
Initially, she was scared of us taking photos of her so she hid in her spines until she thought the coast was clear.
Then she decided to walk into the bush for a moment.
We however weren’t giving up so we kept very still and she came out to play again. Walking or should I say waddling around on the road in front of us for over 5 minutes. I don’t know what she thought I was but she just kept walking towards me.
She was absolutely beautiful. Then, just as we had finished watching Edna, my husband noticed in the distance that one of the wild brumbies (wild horses) we had driven past earlier had wandered into the middle of the road and was just standing there.
Priceless. Definitely shows it pays to be mindful especially when spending time with nature.
Two wild Australian animals in one fleeting moment in time.
Here in Australia shipwrecks form part of the heritage of many coastal towns. The jagged rocks, unpredictable storms and ocean currents have sent many mariners to an early grave. It is estimated that since the 1600’s there have been approximately 8,000 shipwrecks off the Australian coast with only around 2,000 being found.
To help protect lives, ships and cargo, lighthouses were built to help warn of the dangers ahead. Our most famous — The Cape Byron lighthouse is on Australia’s most easterly point with its light sending out its warning all over the Byron Bay hinterland and a long way out to sea. It was built in the 19th century and manned by resident lighthouse keepers until 1989 when it became automated.
If we were having coffee I would tell you that I can’t believe its been two months since our last coffee. Moving and having no or limited internet access changed my world and blogging wasn’t a simple task. It made my world quieter but didn’t stop me from connecting with my fellow bloggers, by reading their blogs during my limited windows of time. I finally have the internet connected I plan on getting my blogging back on track as I think it helps me communicate more efficiently in everyday life. By this I mean I waffle less because I focus more on short concise sentences. It feels great to be back and I realise from your kind words how well we all support each other.
If we were having coffee I would tell you I have been at my new job three months and I feel very much a part of the team. I am also slowly learning the differences between the two hospitals. It has been weird but freeing to go from knowing most things at one hospital to knowing little and needing to build up my knowledge source at the other. I think I am winning although I definitely still learn new things daily.
If we were having coffee I would tell you the weather is warming up in Australia and I am looking forward to my first swim of the season. I was excited about a month ago when I realized that according to Dr Goggle, the beach is only half an hours walk from my house. I definitely hope he’s correct because what a great encouragement to walk regularly. In Sydney I never got to the beach because it takes hours and parking especially is a big hassle.
If we were having coffee I would tell you how excited I was last Friday to have my new washing machine delivered. Talk about small things amusing small minds. Wow! What a difference having one on site makes. I think I definitely took doing the washing for granted before. It was just something annoying that needed to be done. My new washer I have made my friend and it even tells me how long before the load is finished—a very helpful tool. Another thing related to washing that I had forgotten is how cool Hills Hoist Clothes lines are. They move around in the breeze, carry a lot of clothes and dry the washing so much faster. Mine may be an oldie but its a goodie.
Photo Credit: Google
If we were having coffee I would tell you how our new house was robbed over the October long weekend. They broke through forcing the door and cherry picked there way through the small amount of belongings we had left at the house to begin work. Its funny the thing that made me suspicious that something was wrong was the fact that I couldn’t find the old radio tape player to give me music whilst I painted. So, I did what wives do. I rang my husband assuming that he had moved it and together we realised what had happened as he listed things and I tried to find them. The worst part was that I then had to wait alone in what was now a scary house for me for the police. I couldn’t concentrate on painting so I read but the police didn’t come. Eventually I rang the police assistance line again only to be told that they would be coming the next day and had left hours ago but nobody bothered to tell me. I was annoyed but at the same time relieved to be able to go to the safety of my mothers house.
The next morning I arrived five minutes before the policewoman agreed to meet me and walked around the back only to find the back door wide open. I ran, panicking to the safety of my car and willed her to come quickly. Fortunately she was on time. She then lead the way through the house to find that whoever was there had definitely left. She finger printed the back door and showed me how she believed they had gotten in. Now our house is locked like Fort Knox but at least it feels safe again. On reflection it gave me insight on how some people must live, as while a few things may have been sale able, most of what they took from us was edible, drinkable or for home care.
If we were having coffee I would ask you what is happening in your world? Its been a while so I hope life has been good to you. Let me know in the comments.
As this weeks photo challenge calls for something rare I am reposting my photos of The Veiled Virgin. I couldn’t believe that her veil is made of thin marble. She is so beautiful. If you ever get the opportunity to visit St Johns Newfoundland, Canada, go out of your way to immerse yourself in her presence. It is a rare and memorable experience that will leave you smiling.
For more information about The Veiled Virgin please click on my earlier post below.
Sure why not, however I do have one condition. I must be a passenger. I don’t want any responsibility for getting us there or back. Mechanics and science aren’t my things but I am up for adventure and floating around with no gravity would be fun for a bit.
Which country/city in the world (that you have never been to) would you most like to visit and why?
The top country on my bucket list is Iceland. I love natural beauty and the volcanos, geysers, waterfalls, hot springs and glaciers really interest me. The other thing Iceland has is aurora borealis—the northern lights. What a sight they would be.
Photo Credit: Google Images
What could you do to breathe more deeply today?
Running a marathon would do it, however at the moment I think I will stick to running in 100 metre spurts. You never know one day 42 kilometres might be an option but I sincerely doubt it.
Complete this sentence: This creamy peanut butter sandwich could really use some …
processed cheese slices, then it would do my husband for lunch.
Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?
During this week I had a birthday and I am always grateful to celebrate another year of wisdom and longevity. Next week I am looking forward to the blessings the universe has install as I transition into my new working life. Each day brings new beginnings.
I love a soak in a deep, bubbly bath sipping on a glass of champagne whilst reading chick lit. It my total escapism. Unfortunately, it rarely happens these days due to my lack of time or access to a deep bath.
If you had an unlimited shopping spree at only one store, which one would you choose? Why?
As we are in the process of moving and redesigning our house I would choose a store that is Australian and covers electrical, computers and furniture that we like. So historically for us that would be Harvey Norman. Over the years we have shopped there regularly and we even have made a special connection with one of the computer department staff and he has never guided us badly.
If you could be one age for the rest of your life, what age would that be?
Age is a funny thing and I believe you are only as old as you feel. My life is great now, I am moving into semi-retirement and finally have some money if I wish to buy any thing or travel. My body could be a bit fitter but that is actually up to me as medically I have no problems. The other advantage of remaining at this age may be that nothing deteriorates any more. So a WIN WIN for everyone.
List at least five movies that cheer you up.
Movies that cheer me up are a bit tricky as most of my favourites are tearjerkers. So after thinking hard I came up with:
Suddenly 30
Father of the Bride
Parent Trap
The Lion King
Frozen
Yes! You could describe me as a kid at heart.
Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?
Last week I was grateful to get my contract for my new job. This week I am looking forward to getting a start date and working with my collaborator as my book gets closer to completion.
