a parcel and some reflection

On Monday, I received the most gorgeous parcel in the mail. 

I was the lucky recipient of Zara's birthday giveaway last week..

Each little gift beautifully wrapped with care and love...

Each item handcrafted, repurposed and/or op shopped...

A glorious handmade cushion cover which was quickly snaffled by my eldest daughter for her room...

Beautifully made and carefully finished, lovingly labelled...

 And this bunting...oh my...I will find somewhere very special for this...

Thank you so much, Zara. I love everything...absolutely everything. When your shop is up and running, let me know. 

 And joining in with Pip, this seemed like a nice way to spend some quiet time reflecting on what I have actually been doing with my time lately

Making : more knitted hats. Something a little different from my previous beanies.
Cooking : with anything from the garden. We've got lots of lettuces and herbs.
Drinking : coffee, as always. And lemon and honey tea with ginger to keep the bugs at bay.
Reading: Mr Wigg. Just finished. It was beautiful. Happy and sad and just about life and fruit...
Wanting: a holiday...
Looking: at real estate on Bruny Island.
Playing: backgammon and card games.
Wasting: time checking my work emails. I need to learn to switch off when I'm not there.
Sewing: a patchwork pillowcase with my daughter. In oranges and limes.
Wishing: I was over my virus.
Enjoying: this amazing winter weather.
Waiting: for my weekend in Sydney.. booked so long ago and so anticipated.
Liking: the fact my parents moved up the Coast.
Wondering: when I'll get my tax return started.
Loving: PK. And getting out on my bike. And walks on the beach.
Hoping: my magazine subscription will arrive this week.
Marvelling: at Stella's tomato plants. they've outgrown our tallest stakes.
Needing: sleep. And chocolate. And red wine.
Smelling: the jasmine flowers on the front fence. Reminds me of my childhood.
Wearing: PJ's.. whenever I can.
Following: all those lovely inspiring blogs I've discovered this year.
Noticing: and ignoring the dust and dirt in my house.
Knowing: I am happy.
Thinking: it will be lovely to catch up with an old friend from the UK this weekend.
Feeling: relieved last weekend is behind me.
Bookmarking: pages from online holiday specials.
Opening: a parcel from Zara..see above!!
Giggling: over Ruby's "blues" singing.
Feeling: shabby but on the mend.

32/52

Stella:

late in the day, after the riding is over, as the shadows lengthen, Stella's job is to hose and brush Millie and make sure she is tucked safely into her rug for the night. 

Ruby:

loves this shower cap. And she is utterly delightful and just scrumptious in it.

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Joining in with Jodi, at Che and Fidel

life and stuff

My sisters and I bought Dad a gliding adventure for Christmas last year. On Sunday, he finally got to use it. The weather was perfect; just rewards for having two previous cancelled attempts. After watching him take off, Mum and I sat outside with a coffee, chilled out and enjoyed the sunshine.

Horse riding on Sunday. The highlight of Stella's week. Ruby came along as well. Although she wasn't a hundred percent, she had a great time helping out. I think we may be up for two sets of lessons next term. Eeek...

School gardening. Slowly, slowly, there is change afoot. Last week we made vertical gardens with the grade 4/5 class. It's so amazing and special to see such enthusiasm from this lovely class.

The veggie boxes are coming along nicely, too..

The weather has been gorgeous this week. With my two intensive working days over with early in the week, I can stretch and relax and get back to doing the things I love. I've been out twice this week on my bike already. My back is feeling better. My lungs are coping well. I have more energy and feel happier.

How's things going so far in your week?

31/52

Stella: harvesting some baby carrots.

Ruby: playing on the boat ramp jetty. There's secret stairs along the side. 

It's been a perfect weather day. The kind of day that makes you just happy to be alive.

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Joining in with Jodi, at Che and Fidel

(Thank you everyone, for all the lovely comments on my last few posts. I have been slow this week getting around to a lot of the blogs I love; next week should allow me some more time).

taking time out

I've realised that with balancing home life and two part-time working roles, life does get a little crazy. My focus has always been on keeping up, getting things done and enjoying time with my family. Recently I've come to see that means there's very little time left over to just do the things I love to do for me. I've let that slip and I think my body is suffering for it.

So here's some snaps from Wednesday's bike ride. I set off mid morning for an hour. It's a route that takes me over some hills initially, then down onto the flats along the waterways.

It was hard going at first. My lungs were bursting and painful and my muscles were aching. It's been far too long..

The weather was perfect though.. sunny, cool, with a slight breeze helping me along.

I'm heading out again today. Meeting a friend at the River Read, for a coffee and maybe even to look out for a copy of Kate's book Vantastic. Check it out. if you're into caravans then this is for you!

Happy Friday, everyone

30/52

Stella: 

started horse riding lessons this week. It's what she's dreamed of, hankered after, for a very long time.

Ruby:

on the beach. She's making sand truffles, lost in her world of creation.

I love these shots. The green of the pastures, the blue and steely-white of the beach. When PK and I decided to move away from the city, we were looking for space and wide open skies. Now we have the girls, I am grateful every day for our choice. This is how I want them to grow up. It's where I feel free.

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Joining in with Jodi, at Che and Fidel

catching up on last week

Last week, there were fairies in the garden...

Last week, a shanty shack appeared in the backyard...

Last week, there were some crafty projects...

Last week, there was a lovely afternoon on the beach with four girls and my best friend..

Last week, there were birds and people enjoying flight in the crisp blue skies...

 Last week, there was a solo walk on the beach through a shady glade...

Last week, there were three of the cutest baby chickens at my friend's house...

What happened last week in your world?

Are you still catching up on last week, like me?