Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

My Heart and soul feel abundantly full; the most glorious few days in the mountains, beside the icy clear lake and dramatic scenery amongst friends and family - days peppered with adventure, tranquility, exhilarating activities and peaceful rest, spectacular food, and local produce. 

I dearly wanted to stay, day dreamed about relocating, imagined how life would be, drank it all in- every last moment and savored savored savored. 

However, returning late last night to a warm cosy home, all the lamps lit, the cats curled up in front of the fire and everything neat and tidy, was a welcome treat too. On a beach walk locally this afternoon I had to remind myself that although the southern Alps are very very special, where we choose to live our life in this chapter, is pretty darn special too. 

Unfortunately I was sick for the time we were away with a heavy cold, but knowing our time was limited I refused to be dulled by it entirely. My lake side morning and afternoon walks were magically restorative, energizing and the perfect tonic to boost me for the coming day of adventuring or evening of fine dining and socializing. The air is so different, so dry and arid with its iciness. and the light, oooh the light. Words cannot convey the special quality it possesses. 

The joy of watching my girls hurl snow balls and shrieking with laughter and the shock of the icy blow was wonderful. Pottering around little local boutiques with locally produced merino goods and delectable foodie treats, then pausing for a coffee and a nibble. The conviviality of being there in such a big group was such fun and made evenings a real event. 

One particular evening was extra special at an incredible restaurant specializing in locally sourced fare. I enjoyed a very wild pallet that night- with venison, local mushrooms, hare and lamb all from within a few kilometers of where we sat by a roaring open fire, on plush seating, with attentive wait staff, surrounded by deep burgundy walls and cosy from the chill outside. 

But with all that said, the feeling I got as I walked through the pines and redwoods along the lake in the less busy pathways, passing the odd walker and a dog, was what truly fed and filled my soul. I felt my lungs expand in a way that they haven't for many months and my mind quieten. Incredibly precious. 

And while this morning I would dearly loved to have been donning my fleecy leggings, thermals and cashmere hat to have a walk along the water as the pink dawn broke, rather than packing lunches and starting the mountain of laundry that comes hand in hand with a family trip away, I was fortunate enough to have today as breathing space, and to take a walk this afternoon in sunshine on a very quite local beach nd though the bush tracks. very privileged indeed. 

We can find beauty and tranquility where we choose to see it. 

As I'm still feeling under the weather I am also very grateful to have this buffer day before returning to work to recoup, and get re set and organized. I highly recommend taking- if you can- a day either side of a trip to organize and pack and leave your home as you'd wish to find it on your return, and then afterwards to savor your experiences and re group and do the practical things that a are necessary for a stress free reentry into your "every day". 

For this evening, I am really rather excited at the prospect of a large cup of peppermint tea and climbing into bed early to start a new book as I finished my last on the flight home last night. 

Some 'spring-ness' I picked up at the florist today which  divided up around the house to add a little beauty and cheer and some eucalyptus leaves in various vessels also dotted about our home bringing with them their fresh fragrance and uplifting qualities. 

Home is where the heart is.

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

I like to think I take pause and observe the everyday, every day. This week I have been wonderfully reminded to do so even more as the glorious sunshine has finally decided to break through the rain clouds for more than the briefest of moments. The feeling of it kissing my shin and warming my face as I lifted it to its rays was just wonderful. the warmth was surprising even as the day started so cold and I was wrapped up in many layers while the sun was still low in the sky and working hard to burn off the mist and fog. By late afternoon it was positively spring like! Quite, quite marvelous! 

After many months of no one day being completely dry and far more often than not, very wet indeed, the luxury of being able to go for an afternoon walk with no umbrella, no rain coat and bright blue skies- even returning home with dry toes was quite a treat! I savored every moment and appreciated it all the more. 

It's encouraged me to start thinking about spring being round the corner, and mentally planning the garden jobs I'm looking forward to getting into- planting, tidying and enjoying watching d=spring spring into life. Amazingly, despite the rain and cols the planters on the deck I planted with spring bulbs have already bloomed- the hyacinth's, sadly, have already been and gone and I wasn't able to fully enjoy them as was hardly able to be out of doors much less relaxing on the deck with coffee. I did, however, snip a lone Jonquil- Earlicheer, which I placed in a bud vase on my bedside cabinet- that tiny little rain washed bloom is scenting our entire primary bedroom with is distinctive fragrance. It stops me in my stride if I walk up stairs with clean laundry, or to take my shower- just to take a moment to breath in the scent and appreciate all the nature has miraculously produced from the bulb I planted a few short months ago. 

That analogy can perhaps be applied to our lives, allowing things to take time, having patience AND faith , run their natural course. A seemingly wizened brown papery bulb, laid in damp dark soil, and then a determined green shoot, reaching for the light, growing and strengthening each day, until a bud form and finally bursts forth in all its scented, colorful springtime glory. 

And suddenly its August....

A huge treat this weekend, lakeside dinner at a fabulous French restaurant and an Agatha Christie play at the theatre. Moments to savor indeed. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

In order to be in the presence of mind to allow ourselves to savor and enjoy daily pleasures, we sometimes (Frequently) need to step back a little and observe ourselves then reset and adjust so that we may continue on our chosen paths. 

This week has raced by in the blurry start of a new term and slotting back in to a more demanding schedule. While I began the week with all the best intentions to continue my rather more Zen attitude and not get fraught about minor bumps and mishaps, it didn't take me long to resume, un wittingly, some old habits and thought patterns. 

My determination to:

Focus on positives, and be truly grateful ALL the time

Be acutely aware of my thoughts and intentional manifestations

Eat clean- and more balanced diet with less "treats"

Throw myself more sincerely into my exercise regimen

Write and read more

Take time for tea and rest, prioritize sleep and be ok with pausing through the day to recuperate

All rather too swiftly seemed to take a bit of a back seat as the swirl and hustle of daily family life pushed its way to the forefront. I didn't forget them, but would have to keep reminding my self of them, sometimes rather guiltily. 

Sometimes we just need to look in a slightly new direction to regain that spark on inspiration and drive and then we are off again. Such was my feeling today. It helped it was the weekend and I love waking up on a Saturday morning with the weekend stretching out ahead of me, and time on my side. 

One of the "tools" I implemented today - on the back of realizing many poor food choices this week have been brought on by being over tired and too hungry by the time lunch/dinner rolled round- was to prep lots of nutritious salad and vegetables to throw into salads through the week. I diced, grated and chopped capsicum, radish, lettuce, cucumber, carrot, and stewed some home grown rhubarb for breakfast or desert treats. To know its all there within reach ready to go in the fridge feels healthier already and I feel so organized and re motivated because of it. 

The other thing I'm actively working on is giving myself breathing and brain space to write and decide and mull over what I want to write about. Sometimes life gets so jolly busy and I find my brain just frantically listing all the things I have to do I feel there's no space left for creativity or reflection- and that's a pretty slithery slope. Its so important to make time for these things we hold dear and value without them becoming a chore or evoking feelings of guilt, anxiety and inadequacy. 

I so want to write more and more- as well as devour books, but the reality is, practicality mid winter as we are- I'm shattered by 8pm, and all I can manage is to clear up the kitchen, take a shower or bath and re set for the next day, snatching a few minutes in bed to read before my eyes droop and the alarm abruptly wakes me at 5am. 

So we also need to afford ourselves some grace. The feeling of accomplishment and renewed determination from preparing those vegetables, taking a fresh walk, and knowing I have managed most of what was on my to do list today has left me excited for the healthy dinner I have prepared and looking forward to snuggling up later in my beautiful linen sheets to enjoy my book for a while longer than I manage on a school night.  And that's enough. That's ok for today. That's what I needed. 

Its helped enormously this week to buddy with another friend on her health and wellness journey and to hold each other accountable as well as support one another. Its also great comfort that we all have days it doesn't quite go to plan, we cave and eat that biscuit- or 3, but the important bit is to move forward. Learn but don't dwell. Progress not perfection. 

I also felt strongly on my walk my desire and sincere urge to want to WRITE. I hold tight to my vision, my dream,  of working from home, rising early and writing in the peace of a sleeping household while in my robe with coffee, taking my dog for a walk (I don't actually have one yet but its a lifelong dream to have my own pooch) , coming home to write a bit more, do some chores, prepare nutritious food and spend quality time with my family when they all come piling through the door. One day this will all be so. But for the time being, I need to keep my vision alive, stay motivated, keep feeling excited about the future, without wishing away the present, as this, each moment, the every days, are the equally important path to get there. LIFE

I can look forward to a long walk in nature early tomorrow with a dear friend and her pooch- I can borrow the feeling of being a dog owner for a couple of hours.

X

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

I am not a big Instagram (or any other social media) Scroller, but this little gem popped up on my feed yesterday and it really spoke to me. Not the statistics- as I imagine they are questionable, but the sentiment. And this applies if you have children, grandchildren, fur babies, a spouse or partner or live alone. 

This week I am the very proud Mama of a 16 year old, who has blossomed into a new found independence and maturity - seemingly over night, with the acquisition of a car, a learners license, and a job all in the space of a week!

My Baby Girl. Where have the years vanished?

This precious little dot is growing into a strident confident young woman. And it serves to remind me that all things change, in some way or another, things develop, progress, mature, pass, and if we are too busy with life- we miss it. Nothing ever remains truly the same. 

And we can apply, and should apply this to every element of our daily lives. The seasons, the weather, our homes, our gardens, our travel, our relationships. If we are too bust looking forward, searching the next thing, the item we need, the person we long for, the perfect.... (insert whatever it might be for you) We miss all the wonderous things that are right there in front of us now, today. 

We may not enjoy the wintry months, but we can enjoy pockets of what they uniquely provide and allow- cosy fires, twinkling lights, crisp frosty mornings, comforting stews and casseroles, warm scones, seasonal vegetables, our pets indoors more enjoying the warmth, feather duvets, warm throw blankets, skiing, - all of those magical things, those elements you do enjoy, even if perhaps sleet and windy train stations are not on your list, embrace and enjoy those you do love, and that do make that part of the year, season, week , special to you. That bring joy- even on a small level. These elements are not present in the other warmer months, those are what make you appreciate the warm sun, the spring bulbs, the longer days, the fresh asparagus, the sparkling sea, all the more. So don't wish them away.

Countless times when my girls were very young I was told "It'll go so fast", "Blink and you'll miss it", "you wait, they'll be teens soon" , " They'll be into your shoes and makeup in no time"..... They were right. They were so very right, and wise.  For all those bathtimes where I was on my knees I was so exhausted, all those broken nights sleep, all those clean ups of under the high chair and sticky fingers, all those bedtime stories, all those post bath snuggles, little visitors climbing into bed at the crack of dawn for a story- I should have savored them more. I should have rushed them less. 

We are in a new chapter now where most evenings I am the first in bed (Often shortly followed by my husband) and then we are visited by one then they other, sometimes with a cat or two in tow, sometimes the whole family are on the bed while I try to read, and while I very much may want to finish that chapter, turn out my light, get an extra half hours sleep as tomorrows a busy day: one day, I know,  I'll find I wont have visitors, they'll be busy out with friends, at university, or reading stories to their own cosy bundles. 

While we are in the depths of winter here in the Southern Hemisphere- and even I am getting a little tired of the persistent rain and soggy, un mow-able garden -on the other side of the world a lack of rain and searing temperatures keep me in check, remind me that our summer is coming, but the beauty and comfort of winter is here now, to enjoy, and savor. 

My walk today took me past my sheep friends and down a track where the long fallen autumn leaves were still so vibrant in colour, set off even more by such a dark gloomy day, yet Autumn is long behind us, it reminds us that these seasons, and these years, speed by. We need to remember to pause, savor and be present before they've gone, again. 

 

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

Its been a very mixed bag of a week! My beloved Hubby returned from 3 weeks in the UK on Monday, which is absolutely marvelous. Gosh I missed him. So a very early pre dawn up and out to the airport where I sat in my big woolen double breasted coat nursing a (Very average) coffee until his familiar bags appeared on the trolley before him through the sliding doors. 

The week took off from there really with juggling a jet lagged husband and on Tuesday taking our eldest to training for a new job across tow. Except we didn't quite get there- for the first time in my life we got a flat tyre. Not just a puncture but completely and utterly pancaked.  We pulled over- possibly later than would be ideal when driving on that much of a flat (!) and after establishing how bad it was we limped to a nearby garage. While the day involved ALOT of waiting around and clearly unfolded nothing like I'd planned or anticipated, even during our mini crisis I was able to feel gratitude for all the things that did go right and the way it all came together and people kind people who were willing to help. Daddy came to the rescue immediately and despite having pretty much just arrived at his office, came straight back to collect our daughter so that she was still able to get to her job- if a few minutes late. 

By chance, there was one of our favorite cafes a stones throw form where my immobilized car was parked, so somewhere warm to sit and decent coffee (and a bathroom!) as I waited for the tow truck my husband had organized. On returning to my car to wait for the truck when I knew it was immanent, a thoughtful member of the public had left me a note on my windscreen to let me know about the tyre incase I hadn't seen and tried to drive away - damaging the wheel in the process.  So simple but heartwarming that someone took the time out of their day for no gain whatsoever other than to look out for another's well being. 

Anyway, a tow truck, a tyre center, and Uber and a lift back to collect my car later- yes the day hadn't panned out even remotely how I'd planned, my to do list looked exactly as it did at 6.30am, but I was safely home, with my car on the drive with two shiny new tyres. I was so very grateful and appreciative of all the little things that transpired to what prevented it from being a far more stressful and horrible day- Hot coffee, kind people, wintry sunshine, and a husband and Mother who sprung into action to help. Even my daughter -who could have added to the stress by fretting about being late to a new job (as, frankly, I certainly would have)  kept calm throughout. I came home too late to really enjoy a walk and fresh air before dark, so I took the opportunity for a pot of tea and a slice of grannies delicious lemon cake!

A day or so later, having been inspired by a podcast on spring cleaning and home organization, I felt the urge to tackle a kitchen cupboard which has been bothering me for some time- if I'm really honest , possibly since we moved into the house over 3 years ago, when it al just got unpacked and put away. 

I took all the pots, pans, skillets, Dutch ovens, colanders and pot lids out and put them on the bench. I wanted to clean out the cupboard itself and assess anything I didn't really use or was juts being stored and no longer useful. Half way through this process my youngest daughter decided to join me, so between us we emptied, cleaned, sorted and edited the pot cupboard and the drawers and cupboards I keep casserole dishes, all bakeware and all mixing bowls etc in. 

For a little while the Kitchen and Kitchen table was in chaos with every inch covered, but then it started to clear, the box of donations grew, the cupboards and drawers were refilled in a methodical, logical manner with only what I require and use, and our sense of satisfaction and achievement grew.  

Once it was all reorganized and the Kitchen was neat and tidy again, I went for a slightly damp walk (The rain is utterly relentless this winter) and my sense of accomplishment was palpable! 

Upon my return as the twilight fell, I began to prepare dinner and it felt such a luxury and so completely satisfying to be using my newly organized storage. I was literally smiling and savoring the simple act of reaching for a pot! It felt like such a makeover, I was as pleased as I would have been - almost- with a kitchen remodel! It made preparing dinner that night such a pleasure- and emptying the dishwasher afterwards, and has inspired me to keep going - the buzz is infectious and I cant wait to tackle some more organization these school holidays so that the start of the new term can feel calm, organized and ready for anything. 

This feeling, this beautifully organized kitchen, this sense of drive and enthusiasm for a "spring" clean, comes at no other cost than my time, its completely free, and yet the gain is priceless! Cheap thrills indeed. I highly recommend it! Once you get stuck in and reap the rewards from just a simple 5 minute drawer organization even, it becomes infectious. I now have a beautifully organized bathroom vanity drawer, and an edited wardrobe and am exciting to get going today and enjoy the feeling later.

My long awaited Harney & sons tea arrived within moments of my beautiful Brown Betty teapot in Cobalt blue I'd ordered on Wednesday afternoon, so I took that as an absolute cue to sit down and savor a cuppa with my book on the sofa for a few quiet moments. It was so hood I did it again the following day and added some toast (Vogels  for the Kiwis) and jam with dripping butter, No that doesn't quite fit in with my health and wellness goals but boy, it was such a yummy treat! With a crackling fire, an Emma Bridgewater tray loaded with scrumptious deliciousness and my brown betty sitting happily, I couldn't have felt much happier in that moment.

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

It has been a week of wild wet weather here, but through the downpours and busyness of the end of term full life, I have gratefully enjoyed moments of quiet and of beauty and of company. 

The fatigue and end-of-term-itis set in in earnest this week, both for the girls and I and for their friends and my colleagues. The short days,  wintry weather and power cuts all added to the driving force to make it to Friday!

I happily have managed to get out for a walk reach day- some requiring more paper to be stuffed into my shoes than others, and have organized my self in such a way as to ensure fire wood is brought up before dark, candles are to hand or burning already filling the room with gentle fragrance, and meals chosen and planned that can be adapted if I suddenly find myself with no oven and just the gas hob to cook on. So far we've actually been very fortunate and although the local area has had some lengthy power outages, we so far seem to have skirted it. 

Usually, once a week, I walk with some other mothers from our daughters Ballet School while the girls have their lesson, but the weather was such this week we went to a local restaurant and enjoyed hot chocolates, peppermint tea, a shared decadent dessert and a good laugh and a catch up. It felt like such a treat!

This morning felt extra special as I woke early- later than a week day but still before dawn, and I snuggled in bed watching the silhouettes of the trees blowing in the still gusty winds, relishing not only the delicious feeling of the school holidays stretching ahead and also just a few more hours- 2 more sleeps (!) till my husband comes home. 

I'm now typing with a coffee beside me, listening to a beautiful black bird greet the day. The cats are fed and snuggled and have ventured into the cold to begin their day and all the adventures it holds. 

My mother is joining us for fireside dinner tonight, with a firm favorite on the menu - a slow cooked lamb leg in its own ragout over macaroni, which I'll serve with a big fresh green salad. Its a delicious recipe which I'll leave below.

I feel I have the space to breathe today, knowing the Monday isn't a school day and we have a couple of weeks to reset, restore and recharge, makes all the difference to this. No niggle of what needs doing by Sunday night in the same capacity as term time, and a pleasant weekend ahead to enjoy. 

Its been a full and eventful week with lots of exciting plans and trips on the horizon- life seemed to fall into place- but not by accident. I was highly aware and conscious of the power of positive thinking and having complete and utter faith in the universe. It would all be alright.

 This sentiment dwindled rapidly but momentarily late last night when a bedtime call came though from my husband explaining a complication with his visa travelling back though the USA that potentially could mean serval days delay(or more) to his return - not to mention expense. Suddenly the good, warm positive feeling drained and I allowed my self to deflate and - just briefly- sink into a real puddle of negativity. 

After reading but not reading the page on my kindle several times over, I turned out the light and focused all my attention on vividly imagining him opening an email informing him the visa was granted in time for travel, and then playing out the ensuing conversation in my head. I switched my mind back to positive and BELIEVED it would all be ok. As took a few deep long breathes with my eyes closed preparing for sleep I was suddenly aware of my older daughter calling my name standing in the doorway (I wear earplugs!) She just said very simply, with a big smile, "He's got his visa, he's coming home." The relief lifted off us both tangibly. A flurry of texts later and I fell into a deep slumber until not very long ago. 

" ....a thought in this substance produces the thing that is imagined by thought. Man can form things in his thought, and by impressing his thought upon formless substance can cause the thing he thinks about to be created." Wallace D Wattles

Its true. 

I am so looking for ward to Monday and keep picturing re uniting with my husband at the airport after his very long arduous journey home to us. 

But for now, a peachy glow has developed in the sky, my coffee is finished, and I'm going to put a load of laundry on and get ready for the day. 

Prepared, grateful, calm and with a glow in the pit of my stomach that everything is working out just perfectly, just the way the universe intended for me, and the luxury of extra time to appreciate and acknowledge it. 

How very, very fortunate. 

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

I've been reading and listening to Rhonda Byrne lately. (author of The Secret ) I discovered her properly fairly recently having been aware of her books and I think even purchasing "the secret" or getting it from the library years ago and never quite reading it. I wont go too much into the premise - that's for you to discover if you haven't already, but suffice to say it really resonated with me and I've been intentionally and regularly applying the principals it to my daily life- I listened to it during the course of several walks on Audiobook with her narrating it. And now when I feel a need a little encouragement to get me back on track and positive, and to remind be of the key principals and values I listen to bits again or find an interview to re focus me. 

Its played a significant part while my husband has been overseas in keeping me positive, keeping my thoughts with him and in consciously manifesting his safe return and our gentle life here at home in the meantime. I found its really helped. But yesterday it was more than that. It proved itself. 

It was Saturday, and the girls and I had planned to drive across town to the City's Aquarium as we had some expired vouchers for an experience we had purchased mid Pandemic. Its notoriously busy, lengthy queues- even the parking, and we had set off later than planned. however, I was looking forward to this trip out with my daughters and Brunch/lunch afterwards as a treat by the water, and I was imagining it all going smoothly and picturing the scenario where the vouchers were honored and it was a stress-free experience. I was doing my best to Manifest it all. 

In brief- we arrived, parked almost outside, not a single person queueing- not one!- we walked straight to the counter, in minutes not only were the vouches extended happily, we were offered complimentary passes for that day and invited to go though and enjoy the exhibits! The girls eyes were on stalks, they couldn't believe their luck. I had a tummy turner moment as I realized I COULD believe my luck. It wasn't LUCK it was the universe. 

After a brief but fun visit, we went on to sit in a sundrenched restaurant for a girlie lunch- again parking right where we wanted to. To top it all off on the way home we called into the nearest supermarket for a few bits (Which years ago was our local when we lived that way pre children). Within the shopping complex is a home wares store which happened to have the exact kind of indoor watering can I'd been wanting - I was beyond thrilled. 

The lovely thing was, despite such a wonderful excursion, we were all three of us just as excited to get back to our home, to enjoy being quiet and cosy and pottering in our own space and recharging after all the excitement and stimulation of our Saturday. 

It gave me such a sense of peace and contentment to know they felt the same and were so relaxed and appreciative of their sanctuary too. I am such a home body and as a family we sometimes marvel at friends who seem to be always on the go and have so little time just HOME, that it was really heartwarming to feel us all melt and decompress as we arrived back over the threshold of our peaceful home.

We all felt truly content- and rather delighted- with how the day had panned out, and so completely grateful we had our own precious 4 walls to return to. 

This morning I would usually have been out walking, but for various reasons plans changed, so I'm sat typing with a coffee, as the birds enthusiastically greet the new day outside, the cats explore the garden in the gentle rain and it's its delights, and the girls slumber on peacefully. 

The universe is wise and knew that I needed this quite time, and I am incredibly grateful to it. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

It has been a most unusual week. Nothing has been ordinary or routine, and while rather emotional and a little drained, I've welcomed the challenge its provided me. To remain grateful, happy, contented and most of all present. 

Several things occurred this week from sick children, to injuries, surgical procedures, and a long distance separation for a trip. But these were sprinkled with gentle moments, hugs, walks, warming toes by the crackling fire, kind messages, offers of help, delicious food and cozy wintry weather- as a contrast the the warm Fiji sun of the week prior. 

Time apart from a loved one, with thousands of kilometers and oceans between us, can leave us in a state of limbo, or with an attitude to just get through it and inherently wish the days away until their safe return. 

While the goodbyes were hard, and I'm missing my husband desperately, I am also looking at this as an opportunity to grow, to strengthen, to have a different experience with my girls, and to mindfully remain present. To see this as a gift. Not only for him to spend much needed time with family, but for me to explore and broaden my mind, attitude, skills and independence. To appreciate each wintry day a new.

Now our daughters are older they are much more independent, allowing me to continue to take early morning walks while they slumber, or run errands- as opposed to when they were younger and needed looking after in a different way.

"Do not dwell on the past. Do not dream of the future. Concentrate the mind only on the present moment"

And while I picture greeting my husband again, and with my positive thoughts manifest his safe return, I am also treating these days as unique gifts- as every day should be, but we do sometimes forget and get caught in the hum drum of daily life, to dos, routine. We also - even unconsciously- may take our closest family for granted as they are ALWAYS there. There is much to be said for the saying absence makes the heart grow fonder. We have rarely spent time apart through our marriage and relationship, but each time we do I fall in love all over again. 

We are enjoying meals that I wouldn't necessarily prepare for his tastes, I only have to make half the bed in the mornings as I'm a very peaceful sleeper (!) and I'm enjoying a unique bonding experience with our girls and a change of pace and routine. While more responsibility and burden lies with me, I am choosing to embrace it and enjoy each day. The crackling fire, the cozy kitties warming their paws in front of it and a 1/4 less laundry is all part of the package! 

On the morning of the day he flew, I was retrieving the wintry sun dried towels off the washing line, and was aware of a fantail tweeting. I notice she is darting about above me, and I see, catching the light, she's chasing a small blue butterfly- lunch? She's flitting about high up over the roof and continuously calling and narrowly missing catching him until finally she does, and flitters away with her pretty tail on display. A privileged moment as a stood smiling with the laundry basket on my hip, smiling as I gazed upwards, A sign from the universe, a calm took over me. It was all meant to be. It was all going to be just fine. 

And here I am, on a cold wintry morning with watery sun trying to make its way through the mist. A beautiful walk at first light with a lovely friend and her pooch and 2 cats greeted me warmly on my return. 

Some housework, laundry, a few errands, then maybe a trip to the movies as a treat later. 

But first. Coffee

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

I've been quiet for a week or so as we have been over seas. I intended to write from there but due to internet connection and various technical issues it made it too difficult for a technophobe like myself!

 However, I decided to embrace the enforced technology down time and just enjoy the present. 

We were fortunate enough to be in glorious tropical Fiji, one of our most favorite places and somewhere very dear to our hearts as a family. This time, it was just my husband and I. 

I normally devour books when we are away, as there are no other real pressures or time constraints. I read less this time, but I did spend some very rare and much needed quality time with my beloved, and myself. Just to be. To bask in the sun, listen to the splashes of the pool and the waves, the exotic birds and wild life, observe the dazzling seascapes, sunsets, dawns and flora and fauna. To fully and completely stop and recharge. 

I came across a few poignant quotes which I jotted down too, like the title of this blog post. 

The irony is not lost on me that while indulging in a luxurious tropical holiday I found and observed the very essence of contentment and great riches -among the marble tiles and fluffy bathrobes- with the people, their way of life, their positivity and infectious smiles. 

We spoke of the pandemic, and how it had forced Fijians to return to their villages, to work the land again, re unite with family- (their own young children often brought up by grandparents while they work away for weeks at a time with only a few days or hours home before returning to work) to fish, to provide, to slow the pace and to go back to the old ways before tourism exploded. 

We took a walk one morning over to the "Hidden Beach" it was early but already the heat of the day was getting up.  As we crested the hill on the island the hum of the resort fell silent and the mud track led us to what we thought was a wrong turn; A Fijian farmer with his young son and bouncy puppy were quietly working on their crops of taro. When he assured us we were in the right place with such warmth we were welcomed to explore the most pristine, picture book white sand beach I have ever set foot on. The family were in the shade on a rough wooden sleeping platform - Mother, grandmother, young babies. A small vessel pulled up onto the foliage that reached onto the dunes. They explained their village is on the opposite island- one of very few left as untouched villages with no tourism. They come over to work their patch of land for a few days a month then return to their village over the waves. 

The contrast between the resort side of the island and their beach shack was huge, and yet the simplicity of their lives, contentment and pride in their produce was overwhelming. A moment we will treasure and feel privileged to have witnessed so briefly. And we had no phones, no cameras, Just our memories. 

The glossy resorts are not the real Fiji, essentially a 3rd world country with some very basic living conditions for the majority. But a temperate climate means their living is outside much of the time- cooking too. Day beds adorn most make shift porches to catch the cool breeze at siesta. They sit and talk, they laugh. The kids hang out, play, and find entertainment. 

They are not frantically racing and buzzing about as we have come to see as normal. I was humbles as we passed several road side stalls of a rudimentary table set up- a crate and a flat piece of door or cabinet- on them were tiny silver fish piled high and glistening in the sun. No other wares for sale. Just tiny fish. Or chickens tied to a crate under the shade of a tree waiting to be chosen for the pot. Or neatly tied vegetables in bundles lined up.

I cannot imagine living so utterly hand to mouth as these vendors must, on a few dollars a day, but the vast majority of the world do I suppose. 

I don't feel guilty as such for my way of life, but I do feel a duty to take away some lessons. We only landed 24 hours ago (Now with many woolen layers, jeans, crackling fire and thick blankets to keep us warm as we are in the dead of winter suddenly)  Yet my head is spinning already with to do lists, appointments, commitments, work, school schedules, extra curricular activities, grocery shopping, laundry...... I need to step back, slow down and breathe. I also need to acknowledge I put a lot of these pressures on myself. I have high standards- which is great- but not to the detriment of peace and true contentment. 

Despite the bitter cold, my heart sored to have my girls in my arms after a week, to be greeted so warmly by our cats, and to see the color bursting from the plant pots on the deck regardless of the season.  Our aircraft cut though a magnificent wintry orange sunset last night to land safely and welcome us home. 

We confuse the price of material things with the price of happiness. Its only by stepping out of the material mindset that we can appreciate that confusion. 

Contentment is indeed the greatest wealth.