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!
A tale about lingerie and a fabulous giveaway
Ethical dilemmas and my stint on radio
The scent of sausages sizzling on a hot barbeque is one of my favourite smells. Which is odd, given I am a vegetarian. It also makes trips to Bunnings a continual ethical dilemma. How can I be so drawn to the smell of something that I am repulsed by? In my latest piece for The Hoopla I explore the many dilemmas of trying to live an ethical life.
The article struck a chord with readers and was picked up by the morning show’s Studio Ten. You can read the article and view the footage of the discussion on TV here….
School holidays and slow parenting
It’s the end of two weeks of school holidays here in Australia and we’ve enjoyed moving at a slower pace. Gosh it was nice having a break from all the kinder drop offs and pick ups and all the kids’ extra curricular activities. These pics paint a picture of our down time and the perfect recipe for slow parenting: family, friends, pyjama days, less rushing and more enjoying!…
My scary postnatal complications
Postnatal bliss
I have only been a patient in hospital a handful of times, mostly in the maternity ward. I remember the first time I gave birth; wrapped up in post-natal euphoria, I said to the midwife, “You have the best job in the world.” And I meant it. To be on the front line of care; to see women in their most raw and vulnerable state, and to assist them through an often traumatic experience, is a great privilege.
But they also have a stressful job. In a delivery suite, midwives witnesses pain, heartache, joy and grief daily. They play such an important role in the birthing experience. During an eight-hour shift, they have the capacity to alleviate pain and discomfort, to connect emotionally with a patient and to impart compassion and significantly influence a patient’s experience….
This is my sweet spot
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….
My week in stills
Lately I’ve been enjoying a new hobby – photography. I love exploring how different techniques can bring a still to life. I’ve been experimenting with light, texture, angles and filters. And I’ve been obeying the most important rule in photography – get close, and then get closer! My girls are willing subjects for me and so I share with you some moments of time I have captured behind the lens. The challenge for me is taking a great photo without identifying my girls. I assure you I can frame a shot but for the purpose of my blog I crop their faces out! Here area a few of my favourite things:
The beautiful Miss A enjoying the last rays of the afternoon autumn sun. I love how her dress sparkles in these shots – the light was just perfect at the time.
…
Wordless Wednesday: Colours of happiness
Many bloggers do this thing called “Wordless Wednesday” and today I am getting on board. As the name suggests, it’s a post with few words. Today I’ve decided to let my pictures do the talking. Here’s how Miss A and I spent our morning.
-
- Fallen leaves
-
- Collecting leaves
-
- Colours of Autumn
…
Musings on Michigan: a week sans kids
Some of you may be wondering where hubby and I escaped to on our 9-day adventure sans kids. I mentioned we were travelling to the US but I didn’t say where. Much as I wished it was an exciting city like New York or San Francisco, it was not. We went to Detroit. You may ask why? Understandably so. It’s hardly a tourist destination and won’t be making any Top Cities of the World lists. But we did not go to Motor City for a holiday. It’s fair to say we are facing a major life decision as hubby has been offered a job there. But that’s another post altogether! For now, let me share with you my musings on Michigan.
I have travelled to the US several times, for both work and pleasure. I’ve been to Seattle, New York and Chicago (pleasure) and Nashville, Huntsville and Las Vegas (work). I am both fascinated and perplexed by the States but there’s a lot to love….
This is what slow mothering looks like
Fun in the sun
We’ve just arrived home after eight glorious days at the beach. This beach is the most magical place. Regular readers of this blog will know my deep attachment to it. It’s a special spot on the mornington peninsula where life slows down; a place of rest and reflection.It draws me in the moment I arrive and smell the pine and salty air. I am my most relaxed self when I am there with my extended family. I feel so lucky that I get to return to the place that filled my childhood with so many happy experiences. And now I am creating new memories with my own children. A generation on, it remains my “happy place”.
I think the best part about a holiday is slow mothering. Having Mr NASD to share the load means that I can switch gears and shed some of the frenzy that usually accompanies solo parenting. Being on holiday also means relaxing the rules a bit – later bedtimes, meals thrown together at the last minute, a quick hose down instead of a bath, and generally less stress about routines. As someone who likes to be in control all the time, and a self-confessed routine enthusiast, I love how I relax when I am not moving or mothering to a schedule….