Embracing the messy, mundane & momentous
Child’s play
We all want our kids to be healthy, strong, kind and capable. Mostly, though, we want them to be happy. And yet in our quest to raise happy children we often overlook the simplest ingredients of a happy childhood. So, what makes kids happy? It’s not the latest gadget or digital device. It doesn’t cost money and it can’t be downloaded. It is pure and it is instinctive. Happiness is found in play.
Here is a list of 15 innate things that, all the world over, kids enjoy….
We rarely have a ‘free’ day and so today was a real treat. It was slow moving and involved rain, coffee and cookies – in that order! There are no words necessary for this post. I captured some of our beautiful moments and created this short film…. Enjoy!
Irresisitible
Ten little fingers and ten little toes; there’s an irresistible magic about newborns. The arrival of a baby is an occasion of unparalleled joy and I’ve been blessed to experience this three times. My youngest ‘baby’ is now two, and although my husband thinks our family is complete, part of me yearns to experience the newborn phase all over again. Of course, newborn babies are not all smiles and rainbows, but they are undeniably cute and remarkable in so many ways. Here are 20 things I love about newborn babies:
1. My love of newborns begins with their many little creases and folds; the soles of their cute feet being my favourite part of a baby’s body.
2. I love the perfectly formed fingernails at the tips of their teeny tiny fingers….
About a quarter of a century ago my parents wisely bought a holiday house in a very unique part of the world. I have written here about my love of this place. Growing up we spent every summer down at the beach and, for me, it represents everything that is good about childhood. It’s where coast meets country and the air is filled with the scent of pine and salt. It’s my “sweet spot”. It’s where I go to reset, recharge and refocus. It’s where I go to relax. It’s where I go to regift the experiences that my parents gave to me. It’s my happy place….
A collection of treats
I had just a few simple requests this Mother’s Day:
1. Do not buy me flowers! Pick some from our garden instead and avoid being sucked in to buying overpriced flowers.The same rule applies to Valentine’s Day.
2. No cooking. If there’s one day I don’t want to even step into the kitchen, it’s mother’s day (and my birthday!)
3. A cooked breakfast.
4. The three C’s: Champagne (yes, it must be french),Cheese and Chocolate….