Savoring simple daily pleasures

A beautiful sense of calm contentment and peace washed over me in the days immediately following Christmas. Boxing day itself was rather busy - but fun- in that we'd planned to take advantage of the Boxing Day Sales with the girls. But we had a plan for the day, a list of where each of us wanted to go and we were intentional with our purchases. From new life jackets to new underwear sets- nothing we bought was on impulse as such and we all felt happy with our purchases and the deals we snagged.  After a couple of solid hours of retail we replenished our energy stores in a cafe - coffee for me but Eggs Benidict for the others and then we were happily done and ready to come home. 

The joy of returning home was so special, knowing an entire week lay before us with no commitments or appointments (Bar one for me) just dreamy summer days to do with as we wished. 

The weather has been very rainy peppered with the odd sunny day or afternoon- which we have enjoyed some beach time and swims, seeing friends, reading lots and quiet mornings enjoying coffee early as the neighborhood wakes up. Yesterday the rain was so heavy I even began a puzzle as it poured outside - and the cat decided the lid of the puzzle box looked perfect for a napping spot. 

I am savoring the feeling of promise, of a brand-new year just around the corner, the anticipation of our long-awaited beach holiday in a couple of weeks, and the wonderfully relaxed contentment that comes with a leisurely day before you, to do with as you wish. While the weather currently is not conducive to hanging my laundry or lounging on the beach- or finishing the gardening projects I started, I can't help feeling that is part of the reset and relaxation. Encouraging us to read more, potter, play board games, take wet walks and do puzzles- it must be close to 20 years since I did a real jigsaw!  (And I'm very slow and not even convinced I enjoy it - but I enjoyed the tranquility of sitting at the large dining table, with it spread before me, one of my daughters coming to help and the sound of the rain lashing.)

Today I'm looking forward to having a bit of a de clutter, tidy, and sort, putting away some of the Christmas Decor- we've decided to leave the real tree up a little longer as it smells divine and it's so pretty its a shame to get rid of it before new years at least. 

I'm enjoying being more spontaneous about dinner options as there is no time crunch, so we can decide what we might like during the day- rather than my meal planning schedules of busy term time. These things may not even register with my family, but for me, as the main homemaker and organizer of all things domestic, it's a real treat to step back from the schedule , the lists, the to dos; allow myself a later afternoon walk on a whim, lie on the sofa to finish by current book after lunch, take my morning workout routine a little later after a chat and coffee with my husband, let the girls wake when they are ready, and THINK. I've been planning, dreaming, conjuring, connecting, journaling, making notes, taking countless photographs and drawing inspiration continually. I am truly allowing this downtime to nourish and re charge me. Utterly guilt free. The between the years week is just that- wrapping up the old, preparing to begin the new and planning. How luxurious to have this time.  

I am savoring every moment. 

I'm thinking tomorrow may be that last acceptable day to enjoy coffee or tea from my Christmas china Spode, so I am going to pop some laundry on, make a coffee and sit outside watching the birds, making a list perhaps, dreaming up dinner, and when I am quite ready, I may start my decluttering and tidying. Only when I feel like it. How wonderful is that!? 

 Savoring  simple daily pleasures

I've been composing this post for several days in my head and intended to write a lengthy one yesterday; but I chose to consciously embrace other opportunities and activities that presented themselves; to treasure the everydayness of the build up to the season. 

From the bustling malls and Christmas gift buying of earlier this week, to a morning at home lingering over coffee and sumptuous seasonal treats. 

Sharing the company of dear friends and many laughs, then as they left the sky turned very dark and the heavens opened. My cue to start the baking I had planned- a sourdough loaf I'd been nurturing and proving and a bouche de Noel. 

Well, while what I produced doesn't look quite the picture of perfection I had in my head (!) it tastes delicious and I was able to laugh at my mistakes and errors- as were my girls with un checked delight in the "nailed it" episode I seemed to be starring in! 

I managed a walk between down pours after tiding up the kitchen and I will start preparing our Christmas eve feast shortly- Rolled Turkey roast and potato gratin. The perfect wet cosy night for it- despite the high temperatures and sticky humidity!

SO, my other thoughts and pondering will wait until after Christmas for the blog. As I have chosen above all else to remain present, treasure time with my loved ones and to savor all the little moments. Like a rainy Christmas eve- which although was not conducive to our traditional beach outing, was perfect for my baking and happily pottering at home. 

Merry Christmas, may you find peace and contentment. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

I relish and enjoy and savor my morning routines throughout the year: I am an early riser anyway, and I enjoy the early morning productive and energizing and allowing it to set the tone for the day. Typically I am up and awake between 5am-6am even on weekends, year round.  I look forward to all the little simple pleasures of my day- greeting my cats and giving them a cuddle and their breakfast, a tall glass of water before the first sip of coffee; I ENJOY doing the laundry- especially hanging it out early on a fine day. 

I take pleasure in leaving the house tidy and organized and set for the afternoon/ evening when we all return. And its SO much nicer to come home to. 

What has begun happening just over the last couple of weeks, as we approach the longest day here in New Zealand, is I am waking up completely naturally, with my genuine circadian rhythm. It is such a pleasure to slowly and gently come to, glance at the clock, then watch the light change and eventually rise and filter though the tree tops to light up our bedroom with that special morning glow. A brand new day. (We don't close the drapes in our bedroom- we never have in any of our homes as we've always been fortunate enough to have very private homes and prefer to see the night sky, the trees, the dawn,  I enjoy the coziness of watching and listening to the rain lash the windows or the silhouettes of the trees being buffeted in the winter months) 

During these summery months, I wake naturally, allow myself to fully wake, and take such pleasure in listening to the birds as they begin their busy day, the hum and chirrup of the cicadas warming up, and then throwing open the windows fully and the bed covers as I potter downstairs to enjoy my coffee outside in the fresh morning air. The simple joy this brings me each day make me excited for the next one.  

It has been a wonderful week of festive social engagements, from Bach Oratorio at the Town Hall, celebrating my Husbands birthday with Brunch at favorite spot out of town followed by a wander though an impressive sculpture garden,  lunch and browsing the beautiful big department stores in the city with their magical windows, to a showing at the Grand Theatre of the movie Love Actually, accompanied spectacularly by a live orchestra on stage playing the entire score. And while each of these wonderful experiences were a treat and absolutely delightful, waking up to the birds and a whole day stretching out Infront of me in which to enjoy my home, family, pets and garden- and the local beach, is truly my favorite simple pleasure. 

Its easy to get caught up in the hype and festivities- as fun as they might be- and this is not intended to take the shine off these Christmassy outings and excursions, nor the friends and family I happily experience them with, but coming home for a shower, a cup of my favorite peppermint tea in a festive mug, a quiet sit outside as night falls and climbing into bed with a good book, knowing I will gladly and gratefully wake with the birds tomorrow, is a treasure not to be overlooked. 

A simple pleasure indeed. 

Now my Spode Christmas cup of coffee is empty, I've finished my water too, and written this outside in my nightgown as many people in the neighborhood still rush off to work for their last week before Christmas, I am off to pop some shorts on and go for a long bush walk with a friend before fully enjoying and savoring the luxury of pottering about my home and garden for the rest of the day. A spot of weeding, some tomatoes to plant, fresh line dried linen to put back on beds, and some sourdough bread to bake, a book to finish. What a dreamy day I have ahead. 

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

My mindset for a gentle week was somewhat challenged this week and engagements and activities stacked up. But I feel considering, I have balanced it all reasonably well with quiet moments too. As I type this morning I am sat in the early sun, with coffee and my laptop and the gentle birdsong and rustle of leaves. Its soothing and exactly what is required after a couple of incredibly full days. 

I am thankful I was able to consciously pause to truly appreciate little pockets of peace. After a very long- but wonderfully rewarding day- on Friday, I walked home in the warm evening rays around 7pm, with a sense of accomplishment, and eager anticipation for the festive weekend ahead, while happily weighed down with an enormous armful of sunflowers to enjoy at home. Quite literally a bunch of summer in my arms. 

Something as simple as planting a seed a few short months ago, and nature delivers a power packed punch of sheer joy. This analogy can really be applied to so much in our daily lives, from as menial a task as emptying the dishwasher at night so that you come down to a tidy kitchen ready for the new day, or much longer goals, like investing in our health and wellness, saving for that deposit, purchasing that plane ticket for a trip in the future, or investing in our relationships. Good things come to those who wait is not just a flippant saying. But don't just wait either. Remember to look today too.

These seasonal blooms are so glorious -to be enjoyed for their short window before the next magnificent season. It makes us pause and appreciate these things and note the quiet passing of each season and in turn each year. All too easy to keep looking ahead and not appreciate the present. 

Challenging life seasons and chapters are no exception, especially when its hard work and a bit sticky, to wish it forward, but actually all these moments, spectacularly challenging AND spectacularly beautiful, are what make up our everydays- make up our lives. Therefor it is wasteful to wish them away. Even when they are uncomfortable, as within these rocky moments are also gems . An unpleasant teenage battle; but feeling the support and love of a lifelong friend whose been there too and the warmth of your husband who's right there with you. The tragedy of a member of the community suffering but the wrap around of love they receive as a result. 

There is good and positive everywhere. we just have to choose to look for it. And if today that means finding a quiet few seconds to smell a rose, a few minutes to arrange some flowers and stand back to appreciate their beauty in a vase, folding a clean load of fluffy towels straight off the line, lighting a favorite candle, indulging in a truffle, sharing a knowing look or laugh with a loved one or 1/2 an hour to ourselves with a book you're engrossed in, a long hug from your baby, affection from a pet, or the feel of the sun on your face in the morning. These are all treasures- jewels, to be savored and appreciated. To fill you up. The more you tune into noticing these little sparkles, the more you'll see them everywhere, and the happier, more contented,  more glowy you feel. 

Its especially important during the festive season when emotions notoriously run high, finances are often strained and diaries are fuller than usual. Whether you are religious or not, Christmas above all, is a time to be grateful, and spread peace. Be an ambassador to these qualities and values. The more you are the more it spreads around you. 

I cant help feeling this is my waffliest post to date. I'm a huge mix of emotions and I think Christmas often has that effect. Here especially in the southern hemisphere- where the end of the school year plus the festive season and all its magic, plus summer is all rolled into one. Its one big huge Christmas Stocking of experiences and emotions. You have no idea what the next gift will be - you cant even see the shape of it until you reach down into it and bring it out, and very often, the small ones are the best....or the one at the very end. Enjoy each gift as you unwrap it.  Again, the quote I shared this week which really resonated-

You always know when its your first time for something, but you rarely know when its your last. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures 

December 1st. Traditionally here in New Zealand, this date heralds the (Optimistic) start of summer months, welcoming Christmas decor into our homes and our social calendar filling up rapidly. 

Whether its due to my recent relaxed trip and re set, or the fact I've been under the weather now for more than a week, this year the overriding urge I am feeling is the opposite of the usual increase in hustle and bustle, festive engagements and urgency to shop for gifts and tick off endless lists. 

This season I feel a simple sense of calm. Of paring back and taking stock and winding down for summer, rathe than cranking up for the silly season. 

While I have several events in the diary I very much look forward to- from ballet recitals, to festive theatre productions to a Bach performance, I also am on my own countdown, which has begun earlier than usual this year with the finishing up of my girls dance schedule, and my own, sports seasons wrapping up and gradually school years coming to an end- even earlier for my eldest as exams are now all over. 

I am savoring the simplest of pleasures such as enjoying my first morning coffee in my treasured Spode China Christmas collection, Peppermint tea in a large comforting Christmassy mug, lighting the advent candles with dinner for the first time last night and bringing out our little terrace of houses with its rolling star to mark the date (Pictured) the anticipation of going to choose our tree from the farm and adorning it with our precious victorian-esque glass decorations; trying a new recipe for a Buche de Noel, planning a simple, elegant Christmas day feast, and carefully considering meaningful gifts for closest family. 

I happily feel as though I've stepped out of the rat race its so easy to be swept along with- without even feeling any of the usual sense of urgency or need to accomplish and frantically tick off "to dos". 

A sense of calm and faith that it will all fall into place prevails and I am so looking forward to savoring the simplest of pleasures. Lingering over coffee in the morning, relaxing snuggled up watching old time favorite Christmas movies, wallowing in several books I have on my reading list, appreciating the magical twinkle of the hundred of white Christmas lights on the tree in the evenings and the intoxicating smell if the fresh pine, and then, once the new year rolls round, a beachy restorative holiday to look forward to with family. 

Its a feeling that is new to me- with slightly older children now, Christmas takes on a somewhat different shape- no less magical, just differently magical. We are not welcoming overseas guest this year, we have no major events to organize or host (yet) and the events we do have booked in are all outside the home, affording us the treat of coming home to a peaceful house and a twinkling tree. 

I'm greatly looking forward to tending to my little potager- vegetable garden- balmy evenings on the deck listening to the birds good night calls turn into the crickets and moreporks, and waking when my body is ready to fresh new days to fil with whatever we please, in no rush. 

I will likely miss events we are probably not going to manage this year- the infamous street in town where every house decorates for Christmas quite spectacularly as onlookers wander up and down with dripping ice-creams or candy canes in sticky fingers.  Visiting the historical department store with its magical indoor forest leading to the real Father Christmas, and the carol service at the cathedral.  But all these wonderful, magical events take scheduling and organization and planning that simply isn't part of my festive scheme or capabilities this year. 

So, today, already the second day of December, is a very quiet Saturday, with one or two errands, relaxing at home, a simple nutritious dinner - with the advent candles lit- and an early night. 

No guilt, not feeling duty bound, no late night shopping scramble. Just peace. And contentment. And quiet moments to savor. 

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

The media and retail have been amping it up weeks before the actual 'event', with marketing that hooks you in, catch phrases the stay with you, and a feeling that you'll miss out if you don't partake. Keep an eye on items on line, watch for price drops, get bombarded with adverts and offers and specials. A little knot of unease and a need to race to get the best deal, the biggest bargain, the highest discount. 

Goodness me. What a frenzy! Little or no mention of Thanksgiving, which in itself I think is a lovely idea for a holiday: to pause, reflect and appreciate and be grateful- THANKFUL- for everything we do have. How terribly sad that over the decades, that sentiment has been so overshadowed by the antithesis of Thanksgiving- a new day all together- a consumerist maelstrom of need, greed and want. 

Here in New Zealand very little time was given to Thanksgiving itself - a day of gratitude for the blessings and harvest of the year- but a giant materialist free for all to encourage and cajole people spend up large, (Right before Christmas!) or fear missing a bargain too good to say no to. 

And don't get me started on Cyber Monday- what!?!

Now, I'm coming very much from both sides of this. I had an unpleasant experience earlier this week where having returned from a beautiful long walk, I was soaking up the sunshine outside while enjoying my late breakfast, and - more fool me- scrolled on my phone. I was intending to find a nice inspirational post from a favorite influencer, but low and behold, a flash sale for a sleepwear company. A company we always purchase pajama sets for both the girls each Christmas. I was thrilled- I had that little consumer buzz, a little tummy turner that I had made a start on the Christmas shopping and with great savings. The moment, the very moment, the transaction was processed, something didn't feel quite right. If its too good to be true it often is......  Suffice to say, I called the store to verify my purchases and, no, it wasn't them. I'd been duped. Scammed. I felt SUCH a fool! I know better! But the desire to get a bargain, to purchase at a discount, to get in quick before the deal was gone- overrode all my common sense. End of the story- no pajamas, credit card cancelled. 

Its taught me - or rather re-taught me, a valuable lesson I thought I already knew. In fact I'd go so far as to say was rather morally superior. I will be much more cautious and considered on any online purchases in future, go via a Bonafide website, and will pause and not rush into an unmissable bargain. 

During one of my many beautiful walks this week in and around my local neighborhood and parklands, I have re thought and re educated myself on this NEED. I am the first to admit I love a little shopping spree, but I much prefer to do it when I have items in mind I'm looking for, an idea of budget, and the time to browse and peruse at leisure. But really, truly, we talk ourselves into needing things. And often one purchase can lead to another if we are not intentional with our purchases- and our purse strings. We feel that one thing will help with- our fitness, our comfort, that dinner date, the evening at the opera-insert whatever scenario you are internally justifying. 

We need to stop making decisions, stop making purchases, stop wasting our hard earned cash, out of a feeling of lack. We are enough.

Then joy and feeling of wellbeing and fulfilment I have enjoyed and experienced this past week (And most of the time really) by observing the wonders of late spring unfold, taking a moment to smell the magnificent roses- those in the garden and those in the pretty bouquets I have brought inside to enjoy, watching the clouds scudding across a bright moon, shelling fresh peas, fresh produce- giant blueberries from a farm stall,  listening to my little bird friends greet the day and bid it good night, being present and feeling alive (head cold aside ) as I watch the dawn break through our east facing bedroom window, welcoming a new day, full of promise and potential, an abundance of things to enjoy, savor and be grateful for- all without costing a penny.

Feeling rather under the weather today, I'm looking forward to drying my Belgian linen sheets on the line, finishing a charming novel I began yesterday, pottering in the kitchen and possibly pulling some weeds and allowing my body a day to heal and recover so that hopefully this sniffle will clear up. And OfCourse, I'll enjoy a walk at some point too. But now, coffee and a peaceful moment or two with the breeze and birdsong. 

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

Gosh, it feels like  an age since I quietly sat to write at home. But my mind has been busy, in the best possible way. 

Its hard to believe only a few short days ago I was soaking up the hot Fijian sunshine, cooling off in the crystal clear waters and spending precious time with my dearest, oldest friend who lives on the other side of the world to me. 

It was an experience of many "firsts". I hadn't left my family behind since becoming a mother over 16 years ago, we had no schedule whatsoever, and my companion had never been to Fiji.

This left much time for reflection and thoughts to swirl, peppered with SOOO much conversation, reminiscing and belly laughs' till the tears streamed down our faces. A tonic for the soul indeed.

After an emotional farewell as we made our way to separate flights, I received a message from saying she'd not felt so grounded in years. It was as though the penny dropped. That was exactly how I was feeling too.  I was overtaken by a feeling of immense gratitude, and calm and balance. 

So incredibly fortunate to be able to have such an extraordinary time, but to connect on such a deep level with a friend, with whom you share so much history - and to draw countless parallels from our lives despite living in different hemispheres. 

It has been easy to pare back the unnecessary woes and worries since my return, to be more Laissez Faire, and to allow daily tasks and necessities to just unfold in a way I haven't been so free with for years. It was a delight to come home to the welcoming arms of my family and a valuable lesson in their capabilities, the limits and demands I inflict on myself and - to be brutally honest, my self imposed unrealistic standards! 

I'm quite certain it wont all be plain sailing, and of course there will be future challenges, hurdles and bumps. But I plan to do my best to take a metaphorical and physical step back to reflect and breathe before engaging in them. The island life mentality is infectious but can be quickly forgotten when as with today, the to do list is growing, Monday is looming and the rain is lashing at the windows. But the joy and happiness that radiates from the Fijians is something I know my friend carried back to the UK and that made me re observe such a beautiful inspiring trait. 

Its so easy to get caught up in the busyness and race through the week, not treasure the moments of joy, or calm, or peace, or humor in our days. Especially as we approach Christmas. So this morning, I allowed myself a quiet gentle start, I am enjoying the sound of the rain and the feeling of justification of cosy inside jobs, and am savoring a simple posy I picked -as the rain fell- for the kitchen table with some home made beeswax candles my girls made years ago that were unearthed during a clear out yesterday! A simple tableaux of spring. 

I feel extraordinarily blessed to have the most incredible loving family here, who supported and celebrated our trip, (And I returned to a clean tidy organized home!) but also to have a treasured friendship of over 35 years. I am humbled by my fortune and my cup truly runneth over. 

 Back soon! I’m re charging my batteries , nurturing my mental wellbeing and warming my bones.