Learning to Love

Walking
I am a natural sitter, the perfect position for knitting, reading, watching a movie, eating chocolate, blogging ! My favourite past times.
So, getting up and out there has never been my activity of choice.

 

Yet, I guess, I have always wanted it to be, a daily stroll, nature walk, early morning leg stretch, hike, all sound so good, so wholesome, so healthy. 

 







 

Still, I always had a list of good reasons for not managing to get myself moving,from no wellies to too hot/cold/tired/busy lazy ! 





 



 

But I decided that while on holiday, all that would change. Those hiking boots owned for years ( see, told you I wanted to be that healthy hiker ) and still looking shop new, would finally get broken in. 

 

 

And so walk we did, from seafront stroll to 3 mile hike around a nature reserve.

 



 

We hunted pirates, looked for treasure, bird watched, skimmed stones, gazed at amazing views, held hands, sang, danced and at times pushed myself, one step more, just round that bend, lets see whats up ahead.

What changed ?

I stopped over thinking, allowing my mind to be filled with reasons why I shouldn't/couldn't/wouldn't and instead I had my boots and coat on before everyone else, was out the door and doing it, breathing deeply and feeling my heart beat.

Now home, my new love affair continues, today's walk was in the woods, autumn smells, sounds, beautiful colours all around and a huge blue, sky.

 

 

What are you learning to love ?

 

 







Lunching Like Ladies

We had lunch out today, O, K and I
Simple pleasures, huge steps and fun times
Time to slow down, remember how sweet life is, to give thanks and feel the wonder

Mama's Crumble

Visiting my big boy at uni tomorrow, first time
He asked me to bring food, lots of food, especially meatloaf and apple crumble
Ah, these are the rewards.
All those years of shovelling it down with barely a word spoken and now he says "please mum bring some of your crumble, I love it, oh and meatloaf, it's my favourite"
Be still my heart, there's light at the end of that teenage tunnel

Yoko, my good old girl

Still laying
Still following us round
Still loved

On my Table

Finding our feet again, back home
New rhythm, New season
Holding onto the magic, we found on holiday, sprinkling it into our days
Helping us to face new challenges

In Suffolk

We holidayed
We relaxed
Walked
Noticed
Finished books, knitting projects and crafts
Wave danced
Ate local goodness
Laughed
Slept
And came home feeling renewed

Welcome Autumn, full of rich beauty, bright,crisp days, fires, soups and chilly nights.

I embrace all that you are.

Where we've been and where we're heading ...

It's been a good while my friends and I have missed being here.
It has been a tough year, a very tough year.
So, a very brief catch up and then a big step forward.

L, biggest boy, just turned 18 ! Done great with his A levels and heads off this Sunday to study politics at Leeds uni.

K, now 14, has been in hospital since January, very poorly.

O, nearly 5, yes really ! Starting out on his home ed adventure.

N and I, married 19 years, strong together.

It has been a tough year, seeing our beautiful daughter struggle.

As is the way, thankfully with life, the universe, there have been flashes of bright times, smiles, laughs, connections made stronger, fun times shared and for that we are so grateful.

And time marches on, the wheel turns and we are beginning to welcome Lady Autumn again.

My favourite time of year, as late summer melts into early autumn, bright sunny days with the hint of the chills to come at each end of the day.

A great time for change, for plans, for looking forward.