Baby’s corner is coming together.
It’s funny to notice how my tastes have changed (/developed) between Ruben and this wee one. A guess a few years of immersing yourself in blogland will do that to you.
Love this time of year.
Despite being shore-bound when the swell is too large (funny how your protective instincts over the belly surface when you least expect).
Ruben has embraced the water most enthusiastically of late. Such joy on his little face. It just melts your heart.
p.s. The swimming vest is a winner.
Welcome back.
(is that directed at me or you? probably me. *pat on the back*. I am going to try and be a tad more regular this year.)
A couple of weeks ago we headed south to our favourite camping spot. It was a beautiful week.
And yes, in case you noticed; that is not my normal waistline. Baby #2 (/5) is due in 7 weeks.
2012 is to be a year of new beginnings…
And there are so many things I want to accomplish.
Start surfing (this holiday definitely urged that desire along… Margaret River is a good spot for that).
Actually pick up and learn to tinker on the ukulele that has been gathering dust since purchased on a whim.
Write more.
Sew more.
Take more photos.
And remember to enjoy and savour every day.
This morning my husband jested once again about my lack of inclination to track down my lovely (and neglected) beautician and I laughed at how silly it was of me, given how much time I have to do such things in between being a mother to a crazy two year old, working full-time in a stressful role and being a part-time step-parent to three teenagers.
Michael pointed out that it was interesting I didn’t mention Wife in there, along with all of my other titles. “For surely there is time spent fulfilling such roles?”. He has a point. I think it’s a positive that I didn’t think of it as another plethora of needs to attend to, as that’s what I was referring to.
I did make an appointment this afternoon.
Does all giving come from a place of obligation?
I think not; I think you can create something that will require assistance without any notion of obligation involved.
Michael and I had a heated discussion (mostly fueled by my stubbornness) this morning on our way to work around this topic.
This stemmed from talking about the book I just finished, The Dirty Life, wherein a couple start a large-scale farming operation with a minimal budget and a big dream.
Michael believes that at some level, however deeply buried, there is an obligation created when people start something that will obviously require others (of the volunteer variety) to lend a hand when required (during harvests, for example).
This is a concept he dislikes – he believes that to create the need for assistance is constructing a burden (my words) of some form on another.
I think having a positive attitude and a strong belief in what you are doing negates the need to even focus on what I feel to be a criticism of the whole process. However valid it may be, it is not particularly significant.
That was my argument. Isn’t it frustrating when your opinion is based on emotion and the other person’s is on a critical analysis of the situation?
These were a gift that I crafted for someone special for Christmas. The original plan was to label them with herb names on the back and have them work as markers in their garden… But I couldn’t bring myself to make them more complex or to have them serve any one particular purpose.
I will probably make some more in the future; I quite like how they turned out. Sweet and simple. I think Bean might enjoy them when he is a teensy bit older and starts getting more into creative role play… and his favourite sayings do not revolve around “sword fight! Sword fight! Hee-yah!”. No more Pirates of the Caribbean for you, my son.
I was hugely inspired by a very simlar project that I came across somewhere in blogland late last year. I would love to direct you to the originals but, alas, the creator eludes me… If you know who it was feel free to let me know and I will give credit where credit is due!
Side note: the photo is a little dark; that’s a tree, second from the left, and a rat second from the right.
Life. Indulgence. Love love love.
We have been, as ever, quite busy around our part. Part? What a strange little phrase. Our part… Of our street? Our lives? Of our little corner in time and space on this Earth? Hmn.
But I am getting distracted…
I came across the quote today that I plucked for my subject line and decided that I quite liked the idea (that I envision it purports). The best way to live is fearlessly; this will no doubt involve a bit of hurt, some joy and ~hopefully~ a lot of pleasantness in-between. I can also appreciate the context that it was actually used in – what comprises good taste when it comes to fashion.
…Spicy and sweet. Boho vintage modern. These I like too.
On a fairly unrelated note, I was sent an article today which I very much enjoyed. Clever crows. My favourite part:
“Let your offspring have an extended childhood in a stable and loving home; lead by example; offer positive reinforcement; be patient and persistent; indulge even a near-adult offspring by occasionally popping a fresh cockroach into its mouth; and realize that at any moment a goshawk might swoop down and put an end to the entire pedagogical program”.
Ok, so not really camping camping.
We left the tent(/s) behind this adventure – choosing instead lightness and freedom (from a trailer), spoiling ourselves with a cedar wood cabin… Does it count as camping if you have to use the campground bathrooms? Suuure it does.
It was simple, comfortable and ~ relatively ~ peaceful.
Well, as peaceful as you can get with 5 kids.
All up, it was very, very pleasant.
I feel so balanced when I’m close to the ocean. Especially when I am in the ocean. Which I was. Quite a bit.
Bliss.
A new year and a fresh start. Apologies for the absence. That would be the new job; just a tad stressful and time consuming. But excuses wear thin and I don’t want to have them hold me back from doing things I like.
Such as keeping you updated on… Things.
Did you have a lovely festive season? I did. It’s all about the family at this time of year. House feels as if it is bursting at the seams with all four kiddies running around. Well, it’s mostly the 2 year old doing the running; the tween and teenagers are too hot and bored for such activity, attempting movement only when the littlest threatens them with (amongst many giggles) head-to-head combat.
So we are off camping in a couple of days down South. Same place as before. I was just printing out some origami instructions ~ hopefully not a vain attempt to keep said children (+1 more, coming along for the ride) entertained ~ whilst we (Mo and I) attempt to do as little as possible (i.e. read and swim and little else).
The origami had me thinking of the last couple of things I had made… I think I might have mentioned previously that I was inspired by Kristi‘s efforts a little while ago. Must say, the boats were very enjoyable to make. They are hanging in front of their window. The wall installation was inspired by a wedding reception – I think from Design Sponge? It’s a few months old now, made at the previous job (where I was nowhere near as busy). The fish I did ages ago, to hang over Bean’s bed when he was a babe. Somehow they’re still around; I do quite like paper ornaments.
Speaking of crafting – I made some bunting for our Pirate Christmas Party. Must show you some photos of them soon.
Very warm (literally – it was a 40 degree day today) new years wishes to you all.
