Savoring simple daily pleasures

Its been more than a week since my last entry, due to a full and eventful few days away. 

I have been reflecting on the tiny seemingly insignificant things that can have a big impact or leave a lasting message, along with some huge things, that can be just as powerful. From little delicate blossoms adorned with twinkling due, to the majestic vastness of an alpine mountain range. 

We had a taste of both winter and adventure over the time we were away. This morning was a balmy 1 degree when I stepped outside to take my picturesque lakeside walk at 7am. For the first time in many months I wore layers of merino and a wool head band and gloves. It was still, peaceful, idyllic and FREEZING!  and I  LOVED it. I could have just kept walking, and walking- taking great lungful's of the crisp clean air, absorbing the beauty and relishing the time out and change of pace. My poor husband has been suffering with a dreadful flu the entire time so wasn't able to participate in everything or enjoy it as much as he'd hoped to. 

A couple of days ago (2 days later than planned due to weather conditions) my elder daughter and I walked the Tongariro Alpine Crossing- a renowned and challenging day hike, reaching over 1800M at its highest point, and a distance of just over 20KM. The landscape was breathtakingly dramatic and each segment of the trail was so very different from the last. The Journey takes you from boardwalks though alpine scenes, up craggy loose rack faces, incorporates views of volcanic wonders- craters and vibrant green Sulphur lakes, tough climbs, slippery descents, rising above the clouds where the air is thinner and so pure, back down through scrub, then the tree line, then damp dense bush. 

The feeling of space and awe, despite the many other hikers on the trail with us that day, left me in no doubt of the sense of something much greater than us at work on earth. The sense of accomplishment after years of wanting to tackle it- not to mention after the disappointment of having to postpone on the Friday (High winds- gale force, heavy rain and visibility of 20M meant it simply wasn't safe to attempt on the day we'd originally planned) and the relief of finally see my husband waiting for us at the end. So so proud of my girl for achieving it too. We got back to where we were staying to a sunny uplifting late afternoon, so to revive us we took the jetski on the lake- fresh! And I sat talking to my youngest on the jetty, dipping out legs (Mine very tired!) in the cold clear water, allowing the healing rejuvenating power to revive my feet and telling her of the mountain adventure. Such special moments I will treasure. 

And so on to a new week, a new school term, and more adventure. Our daughter is off on camp tomorrow, so we unpacked from our trip and repacked- named everything  and checked the gear lists.

SO many life affirming moments in so few days, its a lot to take in. So I will take a day or so to digest and reflect on it all and re look at the (Many!)photographs fondly. 

So very grateful.

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

As I sit here today, with some home made chicken soup simmering on the stove, feeling like a head cold is brewing, and the wind that's gathering force outside has finally got a true autumnal nip to it, I am reflecting on thoughts I had during a long, and very sunny walk I took yesterday morning. 

For the last few years, and more intently the last 12 months or so, I have been mindful to enjoy and appreciate what each day brings, to savor the little things, to appreciate the mundane as even that is not forever, to take a moment to step back and see my children blossoming, and likewise my parents aging- although both are incredibly fir and active and healthy for their ages, to have deep love and gratitude for my husband whos been by my side for well over 20 years now. In taking the time to slow and allow these thoughts, I also see how fast my girls are becoming young women, that the little dots in tutus at kindergarten, or snuggled up for stories after a bath, seems to have been so recently. And yet.... One is talking of learning to drive, of college, career paths, moving away. Soon they will be so much more independent even than now, which led me to my ponderings on my recent walk. 

As heart wrenching as it can be for a parent to observe and encourage their children to grow, be strong and flourish, its incredibly challenging to be selfless enough to give them the wings to fly , and watch them take off and soar- with out you, with their own hurdles to overcome, their own drive and life to lead- where you may not be their first confidant or port of call any longer. But this is how it should be, and if I have done my job well, they will continue to soar, learn, succeed and grow. 

Our responsibilities change and adapt, and are constantly fine tuning to their growing-up needs- as they will always. 

I even had a little tummy turner as I imagined a life where we knew our girls were happy, safe and content, and we also had adventures, weekends away, impromptu dinner out, and a completely different structure and feel to our days. Will the house seem huge? Quiet? Tidy!? Will my housework and laundry be vastly reduced. Will I finally have time for the garden to truly bloom and be cared for, will they regularly bumble home for home baking, a favorite dinner, a shoulder to cry on, a hug, to introduce a special someone?

I hope so. 

This is not immanent. But its a time that is fast approaching. So I wish to be mindful of all the moments together before this- even the cross words, the not- so- great decisions, the firsts and the lasts. The twinkle in my youngest eye as she throws an arm around my shoulder to remind me she is now taller than me! 

It leaves us in a juxtaposition- reminiscing about days long gone, and anticipating the days and years ahead. Its a tricky place to be as a parent. I can well imagine a little empty nest syndrome may creep in at some point (That's when I'll finally get my DOG!) 

None of us know what the future holds. So savor and see the joy in every day and all the little details. 

It doesn't mean we cant plan or look forward to future plans and endeavors. But don't rush. These days wont every come around again. Much like stuffing the stockings at midnight when your utterly exhausted and KNOW there will be an unearthly early start on Christmas morning- one day they'll sleep in late, the magic will fade a little, and you'll wish you'd bottled that sparkling children's magic and wonder. 

A family Saturday morning Brunch today was a perfect little moment to spend time together, enjoy delicious food, and come home to (Make soup!) garden, wash cars and bake. Jostling cozily along with nowhere we have to be, just allowing our Saturday to unfold and rejuvenate us. 

Perfect. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

Easter has rather crept up on me this year, which has left me feeling a little flustered and a bit disappointed that I haven't managed to organize my usual Easter treats and gifts- little eggs nests in letter boxes, hand painted Easter cards, gifts for colleagues. I have decorated, and got my Easter tea towels out for use, the Easter crockery and table linens are now waiting to be used tomorrow and I have baked a "Hot Cross Bun Cake," which looks scrumptious with its decadent cinnamon spiced cream cheese frosting. 

Despite us being well and truly into Autumn here in the southern hemisphere, we had soaring temperatures yesterday- the car registering 29 degrees, yet 3 nights ago we enjoyed a crackling log fire as it was so chilly. 

We lived opposite these majestic poplars for over a decade, and they would ring in the seasons for us, one was felled by a recent storm, another is on a lean, but they are slowly starting to succumb to Autumns will. They calmed me today on my early walk after an up and down kind of week. Their stoicism though winters and gales and droughts. 

I heard something this week which really resonated with me- to always be grateful for what the universe (God, whatever your beliefs) is doing FOR you- and To you. That nothing is by accident and every event, big or small, each moment is sent for you- especially you- for a lesson, and experience, a reward, a gift. Even if it may not feel like it at the time. It was something about the wording that struck me- and seemed so infinitely personal. 

Wishing you a peaceful, and wonderful Easter- no matter the season you find you self in, take the opportunity for fresh beginnings, new growth, and a positive, open outlook, ready to receive what ever may be in store for YOU. 

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

Walking has become SUCH a huge and vital  part of my everyday routine. Its exceptionally rare for a day to pass without me managing at least one reasonable walk in the fresh air and nature. They have become my tonic, my way of grounding myself, a form of therapy, inspiration, calm, peace and vitality. Not to mention the health and wellbeing benefits. I can allow my mind to wander, to dream, to process and to work though issues or plans or just get things straight in my head ready to move forward into my day, my evening or my week. 

I often am lucky enough to have the company of friends for a walk, and frequently (Several times a week) my eldest daughter joins me. In her words- she can download and tell me things she either cant tell any one else or wouldn't feel comfortable in another situation. Walking id=s disarming, and opens us up to those possibilities and conversations.  I am so grateful for our precious time together and those moments are treasured. Most often I walk alone and regularly listen to a podcast, but the joy of the birdsong, crickets, cicadas, the sound of the rain falling or children splashing in swimming pools, is so special, and tranquil, I enjoy that the most. 

Our clocks change here in the southern hemisphere tonight, so an extra hour in bed, and a little more daylight in the mornings for a time before it catches up with itself. I look forward to the lighter start to my day- having hung laundry in the dark just yesterday at 7am shortly before the photo above was taken! But the darker evenings feel a little limiting. While the coziness of snuggling in with blankets and roaring fires is appealing, it shortens our days for outdoor activities and puts time restraints on my afternoon/ evening walks. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

on one particular day this week, where I was feeling a little under the weather, had a full schedule and a long to do list- I received 3, yes 3, little had picked bunches of flowers. From friends, colleagues and a little girl. Those little punctuations buoyed my day and punctuated it with such unexpected and gentle surprises, a day the could have gone rather south, was actually quite special. Thoughtfulness, kindness and care with simple yet beautiful gestures.

It encouraged me to ponder all the other offerings of mother nature when we are outside, and i even saw my neighborhood in a new light (literally, a golden autumnal hue) and appreciate from a new angle the vignettes we pass by  many times a day. 

I feel the more I pay attention, the more I absorb these surroundings and offerings, the more they fuel my energy, optimism and positivity. I feel physically grounded and my balance being restored each and every time I step outside- however briefly. For that gift, I am truly grateful. A reminder to not take everything so personally or to heart, to be at peace, that I can only mange my own feelings and responses. 

on my evening walk tonight, tired on a Friday with the pizza dough proving on the bench at home and the week winding down, I also felt a strong sense of community- always through the locals I pass and greet or the cars that toot and wave, but though the plants and foliage too- their offerings and abundance, their rhythms and dependency. We are all part of it.

How we spend our days is how we spend our lives- if we remind ourselves of that, regularly, we can throw a very different light on our "everydays".

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

A cool dark morning greeted me this weekday. A day I deliciously knew I could mold into whatever I wished as I was not going to work, had no schedule and the house to myself. We spent the first night on our newly purchased (and freshly laundered of course) French linen sheets last night. Oh My! ....Just, Oh My! So divinely, lusciously, delectably, luxuriously cocooning and comfortable. I slept like a princess. 

The forecast was for rain which I was looking forward to, as I knew I'd planned a cozy afternoon. When the family had bustled out of the door for the day shortly after the lazy autumn light ascended, I headed out on a walk down to the local beach. The light was magnificent - bright over the inlet but filtered and watery, with a thick drizzly mist hanging just over the hills. 

I'd been home all of 30 minutes when the first raindrops fell. I popped out in the car after showering to run a couple of non urgent (And quite fun!!) errands, before getting back home, swapping my mules for sheepskin slippers, donning my apron and getting into some cozy baking as the rain steadily fell. 

The errands were the loveliest kind- visiting my local department store and my lovely Clarins consultant to restock a few bits- she always looks after me so I returned with many luxurious samples and tips. 

My rose on the front porch that keeps producing beautiful bold fragrant blooms. 

The latest home baked favorite at the moment is the Donna Hay Chocolate Chip cookies- so I made a double batch of them, filled the tins, lit some warming scented candles, and then made a French Gateaux au Yaourt (Recipe below) , followed by "Leek O Potato soup" - family name for it, ready for dinner tomorrow with crusty bread and started on the preparation for tonight's dinner. 

The laundry is folded, the cats are curled up happily indoors, the house smells clean and homely, most of my list is ticked off and I feel grateful and accomplished. The day has flown by and the girls are due home soon so for now I will take a quite moment to listen to the rain pattering- maybe even pick up the book I began last night, and then make a pot of tea and sample the still warm gateaux. (Makes it sound rather gourmet but it is truly one of THE simplest recipes!) 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

An unexpected delight yesterday afternoon- an impromptu walk to visit a friend nearby resulted in a profound feeling of peace, and contentedness, and the abundance of simple pleasure's and the joy celebrating the ordinary can bring us, should we choose to see it. 

After a wander in her beautifully well tended garden (she is my dearest green fingered friend) bursting with late summer wonderous dahlias, huge globe artichoke plants, roses, and her quaint and utterly unique green house crafted with old windows and treasures. We then had a restorative cuppa and chat while observing the sheep gently grazing beyond her established garden and the twinkling estuary and mangroves beyond. 

I left feeling like I'd had a mini holiday from daily life, inspired to get into my garden and armed with a freshly picked bunch of succulent rhubarb! 

I was then lucky enough to come home and shower and get ready to meet other dear friends for a sumptuous dinner in town at a Greek taverna - whos décor and ambience transported us to Europe on such a warm balmy evening and the food- oh my goodness, I will remember that unctuous meltingly tender lamb for all my days! 

Its now a fresh and sunny autumnal Sunday, with the doors and windows thrown open, several loads of laundry on the line, and the rhubarb bubbling away on the stove, turning into a deep jewel coloured pink,  ready to enjoy with yoghurt for breakfast tomorrow.  

Mornings are drawing in and dawn is much later seemingly all of a sudden, temperatures are fresh- as low as 12degrees now first thing, but sunny days are still very warm and summery. Dining outdoors is pleasant for lunch but by evening its getting a little too cool now. While non of us here in New Zealand feel we got much summer at all, I am quietly ready to see the first wisps of wood smoke curling from the chimneys, to welcome into my kitchen all things pumpkin, savor the first slow cooked beef stew, and get my home ready for Easter.

On that note, I am off to bake a double batch of indulgent chocolate chip cookies for the weeks lunchboxes and snacks, and retrieve the dry linen from the line ready to re make the girls beds up and take a walk before dinner preparations and a quiet Sunday evening home. 

I haven't ventured further than the garden yet today and I still feel refreshed and recharged and lucky to live in my own little sanctuary. 

There is something so reassuring about the inevitability and certainty of the creatures we share of daily lives with. No matter what may have happened in the supermarket queue, the traffic jam, the heated work meetings, the laundry miss-hap, the teenage roller coaster of emotions- the birds and the bees…. And the insects and the blossoms… continue faithfully and doggedly and with utter certainty on their path. 

I was reminded of this as I took an early evening walk and just out of the corner of my eye as I stepped I noticed a large, plump- fairly speedy - caterpillar 🐛, looking very busy indeed crossing the road. He didn’t even pause as I hastily side stepped him to avoid harming him and just kept on, steadily and purposefully to wherever his destination was. I cannot imagine what tempted him so totally to cross what must be uncomfortable terrain ( bumpy tarmac) to reach a bushel of similar size, light and density - but he knew where his path was taking him. 

I’d like to take a note from his journey- to keep in our sights our goals, dreams and aspirations, and know, however small or insignificant we may feel , we ARE capable of overcoming obstacles and the unknown- even the unwanted, we just have to follow our nose, have a little faith , and be open to the path deviating from where we had pictured, but ultimately reaching the same destination. 

I haven’t felt 100% the last few days, and I can’t put my finger on it but I’ve endeavoured to  tune into my needs and my body and slow down a little.  Take a shorter, gentler walking route, prepare a simpler meal, glad that class in order to get into bed that much earlier. While I soak by candle light as the evening lights faded to a twinkling sky, the crickets start their ‘day’ and the stream trickles on, the birds have roosted and are ready for a new day - so too am I. An early walk and catch up with a friend will begin my Sunday and that thought alone calms me and helps me slow a little, breathe a little deeper, and savor THIS moment, as it won’t come again- similar, but not the exact same. The rhythm of nature will carry us forth into another day, a new week and endless possibilities. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

I am delighted we seem to be enjoying an Indian Summer now we are officially in Autumn! Dawn offers blood red skies and the warmth builds through the day to the crescendo of cicadas. 

Today was such a wonderFUL Saturday. We enjoyed an early peaceful coffee on a still and fresh morning. After my usual morning exercise,  (my husband and our eldest took a quick trip to the local beach for some early wakeboarding with the high tide) a friend brought an incredible piece of machinery round - a petrol powered log splitter- and we all got stuck in splitting, loading, transporting and stacking wood for the winter. It was very hot - we were all dripping in the heat and very thankful for the iced water delivered by my girls periodically. 

The sense of achievement when they drove away to have that spot on our driveway free and clear again and to know we had a ample pile of quality wood stored away was fabulous. 

After a simple bite, I then embarked on mowing the lawns, followed by a local neighborhood walk and a cool drink on the deck. 

Filtered light just past dawn

I then mustered the energy to bring in and fold the multiple loads of clean dry laundry off the line and start dinner. As I type, the "Marry Me Chicken" (Recipe at the end) is baking in the oven, the rice is almost done, I'm utterly exhausted but the anticipation of a hot shower with favorite products and sinking onto the bed in my nightgown in a cool clean bedroom to watch the last of a must see French series LUPIN, is as delicious as dinner will be.

So forgive the shortened post. I ache, happily, and am spent in the satisfying and fulfilling way that can only come from a full day well lived, sprinkled with sun, friends and hard labor! 

The stroll I took earlier while accompanied by our youngest on a scooter- whizzing ahead and doubling back, offered some time for refection and to notice the busy insects who endure such arduous hard work each and every day. Much to learn from the bees. 

Marry Me Chicken

There are multiple recipes available for this dish and I tweak mine regularly depending on what I have to hand so feel free to make it your own. It truly is a huge hit with my family of picky eaters. 

Chicken Breast diced, preferably free range organic (allow 1/2 per person)

Garlic, 4 cloves crushed

Fresh cream- around 3/4 cup

Freshly grated parmesan 1/2 cup

Chicken broth 3/4 cup

Splash of white wine- if you have it

Fresh or dried thyme and parsley- dried 1/2 teaspoon of each, fresh- to taste, but washed and finely minced

Sundried tomatoes in oil, 1/3-1/2 a jar, around 4 table spoons, with most oil drained off.

Salt and pepper, splash of olive oil, knob of butter

In a cast iron skillet or good heavy oven proof frying pan, brown the diced and seasoned chicken in a little olive oil, when coloured all over, remove from pan. Add minced garlic, a knob of butter and the tomatoes. Allow to simmer for a minute or two then add stock, wine, cream and broth. 

Stir chicken back through and sprinkle parmesan on top. Season to taste. 

Place pan directly into hot oven at 180 for around 20 minutes or until chicken cooked through and browned and bubbling on top. 

Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, noodles, mashed potatoes or cauliflower rice, with a fresh salad or steamed greens.