city

I'm in Melbourne for a few days with my two youngest girls,

staying at my mum's house in Fitzroy. It's been a nice break,

and good to have a change of scene.

The kids have been enjoying themselves too.

For Rosie it's been big. She hasn't been to Melbourne much, she's a real country girl. She has been amazed at the graffiti, the trams, the many different people....lots to take in.

Things I've been loving...cool shops,

 variety, colour, bright lights, being anonymous,

a last visit to our family home, sold on Saturday.

Seeing our beautiful friends, spending every day kind of time with them,

visiting Charlotte,
who we love & miss.

Dusky city streets, big moon,  the weather,

and playgrounds! They are everywhere, and so they should be!

Tonight before dinner we walked around the corner to the little park and

had a quick play, just like that! Fun :)

 Things I haven't enjoyed so much...cars, cars, cars, the smell from cars, traffic,

and noise! It's loud here, neighbours, helicopters, sirens,

and it's dirty. Yep, cities sure are dirty. But I knew that didn't I? Growing up in the inner city

I knew all these things, I lived them every day.

Anyway, it's been fun to visit, and I can see how quickly I could get used to living a different kind of life. It's funny to walk out of your comfort zone & see things from another perspective.

I'm looking forward to going home though,

back to Mark and the other kids, the ducks (growing every day), dogs, chooks,

I'm looking forward to going back home. 

What have you been up to lately?

Hope all is well in your world,

nighty night xo

night wheels!

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

All you need is love..

Morning!! Did you have a good weekend? There seems to be a lot of fun things on at the moment...fetes, festivals & markets..outdoorsy things! There also seems be a lot of love around lately..have you noticed? Mark & I had an extra fun & loving weekend in Melbourne celebrating our anniversary & buzzing around the city.

That's me on the left having lunch and listening to some great buskers.

There was delicious food....is there anything better than a fresh, chocolate filled donut?...

laneways...

...the odd game of chess (with the Victorian champion Igor Goldenberg)....

a gorgeous room with a comfy king size bed & city views.....

and us!

Oh it was good. We really enjoyed the time away and are busy planning the next trip! So lovely to have some uninterrupted conversations and sleeping in was ace too! Wandering around the city I felt like we were overseas... Melbourne is such a cool place to visit. So many people were out at night too, enjoying the beautiful weather, the river, being together.

Meanwhile Billy & Lucy got to have some valuable grandparent & big sister time while Rosie & Sunday had a blast with Sarah & Ben at home. Lots of love and a big thanks to our back stage helpers. How wonderful to have this extended family (yes Sare that includes you!) to share life with.

Great to get home feeling tired but also refreshed. I have a few new ideas and am looking forward to some sewing and more decluttering - oh and also looking forward to a great week! Hope yours is good too x