Monday, August 10, 2009

Getting connected


I have just spent the weekend with five beautiful women friends in the bright lights of Melbourne town. It was a relaxing, inspiring, chatty and funny time and it was lovely to spend quality time with these great people, all who I have met since living in Daylesford. Is it just luck that you meet people you really like? If so then I must be a super lucky girl.



There seemed to be a strong thread of friendship this weekend kicking off with bumping into lovely Kate at creche drop off on Friday. I always love to chat with her, sharing things about our day to day lives, the kids, latest drama's, creating... there is never nothing to say! Then it was on to coffee with two other lovlies, Tracy & Fiona, where we really chatted up a storm, covering topics that are close to my heart, children, family & connections between people.Two good friends who I don't always see but who I know are always there.



On Saturday morning I met up with Michelle & Michelle and we tootled off on the train to Melbourne. There we met up with the others and proceeded to eat, talk, cry and laugh our way around town. The crying bit was sometimes from laughing ,but also from reacting to the powerful movie, Beautiful Kate. Wow, that's a hell of a film. If you haven't seen it yet then try to see it soon, a wonderful and moving experience made by another amazing woman, Rachel Ward.


On Saturday night we went to Abla's restaurant for their delicious banquet. We sat upstairs and had dish after dish of tasty lebanese food. Abla came around a few times to check on us, a very warm & lovely woman. When Phillipa asked her if it was difficult food to cook she explained to us that if you love to cook, then it is not hard, but you have to LOVE to cook! Don't worry, she said, if you make a mistake the first time, just keep trying and you will get it right. I loved this advice as it relates to so much in life. Abla's food is pretty mind blowing and there sure is a lot of it. I came out feeling a bit like this city pigeon....
Although I had a great time away the weekend was a little overshadowed by a quiet sadness in my heart. A good friend who I have known since I was a teenager went to sleep on Thursday night and didn't wake up. Strangely I was thinking about her that day and making a mental note to call as we hadn't spoken in a long time. The next day I found out she had died. I wonder why she came into my mind, was she waving goodbye? She was a gutsy, clever, earthy, funny & kind woman who loved to laugh and had a great take on life. Tomorrow there is a service at her home and I will go and say farewell & celebrate this wonderful woman with her family & friends.



All of these different parts of my weekend have had me thinking alot. The things that stand out are friendship & love and the need to belong. Connecting with the people I love is truly the most important thing of all. Hope your weekend was a happy one, xoxo

10 comments:

hester said...

Hey Beck. I am so sorry to hear about your friend. It's very hard to lose someone so suddenly. I hope the memorial goes well - it's nice to be with other people who loved them too, I always think.

I think I know the arcade you visited in Melbourne, judging from your lovely photos. Isn't it full of beautiful things? (and gorgeous architecture).

Kate said...

What a perfect post Beck. It contains so many of life's joys; good friends, good food, a good film, chocolate, and a bit of time away from the kids. I am so pleased you had such a great weekend and I'm so sorry about your friend. XX

PaisleyJade said...

Lovely pics - and sorry to hear about your friend. xK

Tania said...

I feel like you just showed me a cross section of life. The rollercoasterness of the exuberant and devastated bits and in between all those little details that so importantly help make up a whole.

I hope tomorrow is everything it should be.

Anonymous said...

so sorry about the loss of your friend.

home girl said...

so sorry to hear about your friend. imagine the weekend must have been bittersweet. beautiful images and thoughts

kraftykash said...

There is nothing better than getting together with good friends. Im sure your friend was in your mind, as her way of saying good bye to you. Enjoy your day!

Sue said...

So sorry to hear the sad news about your wonderful friend. I would say that she was sending her goodbyes to you as she left for her next destination wherever that may be. Losing close friends is always very hard but you will always have her lovely memories, and it helps us deal with their passing.

Leanne said...

I too am sorry to hear about your friend...I'd like to think she was waving you farewell...things often happen that way don't they...in coincidence that maybe in the end isn't quite so by accident you know?
I'm glad you had such a lovely time away...our women friends are so influential in our lives....and that chocolate...well!! x love to you.

Chandra said...

adore the chocolates!!!!!