Beauty in the chaos

This is our back fence. A jumble of old iron, fences posts and the massive double stumps of the cypress tree. Max is pretty intrigued by it. I must admit I am too. Because it represents change! And new beginnings.

I'm feeling ok with the chaos in our garden, and in our house today.

            Maybe because it's holidays! Maybe because it's Spring!

Everywhere are little signs of hope, of the cycle of life moving on. Not just in our garden and our plans for it, but in our family, in our community and in the wider world.

Just as I have an slightly anxious, sinking feeling as autumn ends and the long cold days loom ahead, I love the sweet feeling of beginning of Spring and the sunny days to come.

There is a lot to discover at the moment. If I stand on the huge cypress log I can almost see the top of Wombat Hill!

There is so much goodness to enjoy if you look hard, often in unexpected places.  For example I'm loving the new wall of the back of the chook pen. A whole new wall to watch shadows on, to grow a passionfruit vine on, to watch as it ages in the rain, as the seasons change.

I can't wait till this is finished. Then I can fill it with happy chooks and ducks and have the pleasure of collecting eggs, seeing them fluffing around and filling our garden once again with their clucking and quacking.

Max is howling with joy at the thought of having chickens again. Bring on those happy days of sneaking into the chook pen to get scraps! Woo hoo!

Loving the green, green vine climbing over our fence from next door. Getting ready to grow big, fat logan berries.

                 Finding pieces of iron, like silver waves in the dirt.

Oh boy, life is such a roller coaster isn't it? Tired kids, happy kids. Rainy days, sunshine. Fighting, loving.

Problems, solutions.

 I guess we just have to hang on tight for the ride. And hang on tightly to each other. 

I was so touched to read the words yesterday, of a mother who has recently lost her beautiful son, the footballer, John McCarthy. I hope she won't mind me sharing her words here. Of her son she said..

"He just generated love. Everywhere he went he touched people, and I believe he made them better, because he was not ashamed to show love. As a family we have no regrets, for we could not have loved him more.

There were no handshakes in our family, only hugs, kisses and love."

What a remarkable woman to find such beautiful words to share , at such a painful time. I found this so inspiring, on so many levels. 

I hope you do too and that you are also enjoying the simple things, the sweetness of new seasons, and the ones you love.

   See you soon xo

Chaos & happiness

It's been a cold & grey week so far, here in Daylesford. But in amoungst the somewhat dreary weather there has been some sunshine breaking through the clouds and some lovely cosy times at home & out.

A friend visited last week, for the first time, and looking around at my house she was obviously struck by the clutter/mess/chaos. As a reader of my blog perhaps she had imagined my home in a different way, I hope I don't portray it as a tidy and organised space, because it isn't! It was late when she called in, the kids school bags and projects were scattered around and yes, there was that Friday night-it's-been-a-long-week type feel.

It's funny how a fresh set of eyes, or a harmless comment, can make you go into a tail spin! The next day I tided like a maniac, fussed and flapped and chucked. And guess what? It doesn't look much different. The leaves are still finding their way under the front door, the kitchen floor could do with a wash, the piles of washing keep growing and the sense of happy chaos is still here.

Our house is our home and a space where we can be ourselves, be a family. It will never be an immaculate show piece but I hope it will always be a place filled with colour and imagination, questions & adventure, comfort & cosiness. The dishes get done, the kids have clean clothes and lots of cuddles, they are warm, fed, listened too and loved. So I'm not obsessing about it any longer! Do you keep up with all the housework? Are you a good organiser? Is your house super tidy? I like things to be organised and tidy but I have had to surrender to some of the chaos and disorder, otherwise I would go mad.

So yes, life can be messy both at home and sometimes in relationships, or in the community where we live. Some recent events have got me thinking about the ups and downs of life. There will always be challenges, it's really how we deal, cope & grow with life that makes the difference. I always aim to be positive and try and work things out, even if it is hard sometimes. Just as I hope my home is a welcoming and happy place it's important to me to try and be a thoughtful & caring person too.

Housework will always be there but lets face it, there are some much more important things to be doing! Like making a String of Hearts for new baby, Rose. Oh how lovely to see a new baby, the dear little sweetie, so adorable.

And meeting up with some ace local women at Craft night last night! What a fun evening we had,

chatting and sitting by the fire at Peppers, sipping soothing drinks, having a laugh and crafting, of course. I couldn't think of a nicer bunch of people to hang out with & I can't wait for next Craft night!

I was also so happy to this week to receive this gorgeous little frame from Bec as part of her recent giveaway! Thanks so much Bec for making this especially for me, I love it!

I'm thrilled too that our biodynamic garlic is now for sale at Cliffy's in Daylesford! Have you visited this fantastic local cafe/grocer? Filled with locally grown & sourced produce it really is a little piece of heaven. So many delicious things, and excellent coffee too. I love the atmosphere of Cliffy's, the low lights and warm fire make it such a cosy place to meet for a cuppa.

So, enough about me, what's been happening with you? Hope all is well in your world, see you soon xo