Showing posts with label heart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heart. Show all posts

Sunday, 6 January 2013

Ringing in the new

via

⋰⋱⋰⋱ Happy 2013 everyone!⋰⋱⋰⋱


Sorry for the tardy well wishing on my part. I feel as though I’ve been away from this blog for ages, yet it’s only been 13 days!
The time between Christmas and New Year sped by in a blur, leaving me shaking my head at how fast time flies by on whisper quiet wings, creating new memories of recently past events.

It has been bitter-sweet in my little part of the world. Some sad news from a dear friend, countered with happy events, have had me carried away on waves of varying emotions.

I’ve spent some much needed, quality, precious time with hubby.  Each day was ours to plan and spend together. No work, no markets, no commitments.
Relaxed. Calm. Enjoyable. 
And, just a few days ago, we celebrated (quietly) our 25th wedding anniversary.

A quarter of a century. Imagine!
Boy, we’ve had our ups and downs. Thankfully, mostly ups. It’s been a helluva ride, but one I wouldn’t swap for quids. Some things were just meant to be, know what I mean?
Love you heaps, Tim. Let’s see what future journeys this weathered, yet still strong and sound, cart takes us on.

maybe not silver, but it is sweet :)


We’ve also had some great catch up time with our son. Going for long drives, watching DVDs, walks, coffees, good conversations and just chillin’ on the couch. It’s been so nice. 
When he is busy with Uni, studies, friends and his band, it seems he’s like a resident ghost around home. A glimpse here and there. A meal after a last class before heading out to one of his gigs – he’s a drummer. Days when he’s not home at all. Then, a quick appearance from somewhere, before an equally sudden disappearance to elsewhere.

Just as it should be, for he’s an independent lad now and has his own life. But, it is lovely when we can all be together without distractions for longer than half an hour.
Even Jack loves it when “his clan” are all in the same room. He seems more content.
Usually, during the work/school year, he spends the late afternoons lying sphinx-like by the front window, waiting for the boys to come home.

waiting

So, it’s been a treasured time.

I’m hoping this will be a good year. Not that 2012 wasn’t. There was much to be thankful for. But, in our household, we had serious health scares, hindering hitches and frustrating glitches. General life stuff.


I don’t tend to make New Year’s resolutions. Personally, I don’t like to disappoint myself when I don’t hold up my end of a bargain with the Universe ;)

Each year inevitably has its share of good and bad. Yin and Yang. Light and Dark.
Life is uncertain. Change is natural. 

All I ask (hope) for is the strength of mind to accept, and the ability to handle, whatever comes my way. 
To be open to any possibilities that might present themselves and learn from experiences and challenges - they happen for a reason. 
To always be grateful for where I am and what I have. 
To accept with grace, good humour, calm and patience, whatever the Universe dishes out - for a Gemini who can be a whirling dervish at times, this is always a challenge :) 

And, on the good advice of dear old Henry David Thoreau, I would like to be able to continue to…



Over the past few years, I have been so inspired by people who have amazing, creative, beautiful, thought provoking, heartwarming blogs.
Some of you, I am now honoured to call friends, and my life is richer for knowing you – especially one in particular, who is like the sister I never had.
I don’t like to say “cyber” friends. The word cyber, from the term “cyborg” or “cybernetic organism”, makes me think of robots. And I know that you wonderful bloggers are far from that. You are living, breathing real people with real lives having real experiences. Relatable. 

So dear readers, here’s to a bright new year! 
Here's to taking all the new experiences, challenges, the highs and the lows and weaving them as we go, into the tapestries of our lives, creating luscious textures and intricate patterns – all perfectly imperfect, but beautiful all the same. As we all are.

I wish you all a healthy and spiritually prosperous 2013, filled with good energies, much happiness, love, laughter, renewed dreams, aspirations, and safe journeys.






Looking back, there seems to be a theme of hearts, light and rainbows here. Hmmmm.
Here's one more for you...
 
 

Tuesday, 23 October 2012

Celebrate!



Warning! Intensive photo post ahead :)



Ten years and ten months ago, this chubby little silver grey bundle bounded into my life... and, I was besotted.


From the very moment I held him, we were inseparable and, he became a much loved member of our family.

Always the centre of attention, he has charmed with his cheeky character, his antics, his intelligence, his utter gentleness, his amazing guardsmandog ship, his unflinching loyalty and his unconditional love.

You're invited to share in the celebration of Jack's eleventh birthday and get to know him a little better.


Here he is, throughout the years.

grrr, you're not so big, you ball you!

I is tired - clothes out, me in

is everybody watching me?

I love yoga - especially the upside downward dog pose

I'm a great singer!


 huh? I'm not hiding anything - I dunno where that box got to!


c'mon in, the water's fine!


 are these mushrooms magic, mum?


 look, I really need a biscuit, I'm starvin' down here!



I collect kindling, one stick at a time

 




my partner in crime...Sunny



I'm a lounge lizard, er, dog 




ahh... cuddle time on the couch with mum and Sunny


Though sweet and absolutely gentle,

I'm real gentle, aren't I mum?

he takes his guard duty seriously.

 halt! who goes there? 





And, his patience is something to behold...

Christmas 2011
can I open it now? can I, can I, can I?


joy!

all right, I'll wear it - 5 minutes, tops!


aww, my ball popped mum!



Many miles we've travelled together - thousands, across the land.



from country bumpkin

to city slicker

 I'm Aussie through and through


We’ve been through many experiences together and hopefully, many more.

Ever by my side. My little shadow.
We’ve forged a bond, he and I.

 buddies 


He’s slowing down now. His walks are ambles and stops are more frequent. 
He spends longer reading the ‘wee-mails’ left by other dogs - processing their news and data, lost in contemplation.
His bursts of energy - or, 'wig out sessions' - are much fewer and farther between naps. 

His right eye sees less than it used to. I take care to approach that side carefully so as not to startle him.
The sparkle hasn't left it though. That knowing is still there, deep down and way back – he doesn’t need good sight for that. When he looks at me, there is a connection that transcends the first level of this sense.

But, the squeak of a toy will rally the puppy in him and the call to play begins! Though, not for too long now, as he tires quickly. 
And, the promise of a biscuit guarantees a smile and a bark of excitement!

Car trips are always considered with him in mind. He loves a journey – big or small. Every outing is an adventure!


We’ve been considering a ramp that we can place in the car for his entry and exits – he waits so patiently for his pick ups and place downs. The result of a long ago injury is beginning to be a constant in his life. He's not to jump in or out of the car - too much potential for damage. At least he loves his vet, Prue - who adores him in return, when he visits for his arthritis shots.

These days with Jack are especially precious. His clan is everything to him. And... the feeling is mutual.
He is such a huge part of our lives and an important presence in our home and, in our hearts. 

And so today, his special day, started with his usual sleep-in on our bed – he climbs on when hubby gets up :)


Then, the big present-ation...

 how embarrassing, but, I'll do wear whatever it takes

A few clicks of the camera and then... it's a free for all!


 yay, new toys! 

Some quiet time while I clean up. 

Followed by a walk down Poet's Lane - a lovely name for a lovely walk.




And, on to the George Tindale Gardens for some sensory overload. 




All in all... 

 ...it was a good day!



Happy birthday wee blue boy - my shadow.  Big kisses on your Bentley Mark. Love you xxx