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. 

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

I love to plan, and prepare list and organize. This is nothing new to me and I find peace and sanctuary in my routines- be that a regular laundry routine, household tasks, my evening cleansing regimen before taking my bath or shower, or meal planning. 

However, the last couple of weeks I have taken advantage of a quiet home at the beginning of the week and my advanced meal planning and grocery shopping , by preparing 3 or 4 meals on a Monday to see me though the busiest part of the week- evenings racing to and from ballet classes, basketball matches or various appointments or parent teacher interviews.

 The feeling of being completely prepared and of gaining the time back has been so very lovely. None of the dishes prepared were complex or particularly sophisticated, just family favorites or crowd pleasers, but the feeling of gaining back the time and  enjoying the simplicity of taking the next whatever out of the fridge ready to pop in the oven, and then getting on with another task or freeing up 20 minutes to write, read, fold laundry, take a longer walk, or even preparing the side dishes but with far fewer dishes at the end or cleaning up to do as the bulk is prepared. 

This week some of the meals I prepared ahead were-

Marry me chicken- a baked version so it could go straight into the oven, then I just popped rice in the rice cooker when it was time to get dinner on the go and steamed some broccoli. 

A Quiche Lorraine-  paired with a simple side salad and re hearted in the oven

A beef and mozzarella pot pie- packed full of vegetables and very hearty so just popped back in the oven to heat through

And all time family fave- Spaghetti Bolognaise, so I just re heated the meatsauce on the stove as the pasta cooked. 

I felt like Martha Stewart, the family were happy and I seemed to reclaim several hours and a good deal of peace! I highly recommend giving a bit of batch cooking a try prior to a busy week and enjoy the rewards!

On a completely different note,  Its feeling very much like the end of Autumn is fast approaching and winter is starting to get her frosty fingers though all the cracks and blowing off the last of the autumn leaves.  

Yesterday was the most spectacular display of mist and early sun, and it was so good to feel the warm sun on my skin and get the laundry dry on the line again. 

We took a drive out to a local beach which was initially completely cut off by the vicious January storms and floods and then only accessible to residents. The land scape is forever scarred and the roads and many many homes still badly damaged or even washed away, but the beach was its usual magnificent, dramatic and majestic self.  It felt good to rug up in jeans, my trusty Hunter wellies, a trench and a woolen scarf- although after a walk though soft sand with a take away coffee it was rather too warm! 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures 

Sometimes, the simple act of donning my pinny, getting out my Kitchen aid, and switching on the oven to heat up, is the most calming, grounding and pleasurable way to bring myself back to the present, slow down and de stress. 

Baking on the fly, in a hurry, when you're too tired to re clean the kitchen again- or when you suddenly have to for a forgotten morning tea, bake sale or what have you, isn't relaxing whatso ever I find. 

But on a day when I have time, I enjoy the very process and find it immensely calming and satisfying.

 An early bright summery weekend morning, with my mason cash mixing bowl and a favorite sturdy whisk with its tactile wooden handle for a batch of waffles or pancakes, a rainy wintry afternoon with a warm spiced apple cake in anticipation of enjoying it after a blustery cold walk with a favorite pot of tea, a citrussy tart for an after dinner decadent treat with guests, or a tray of gooey, fudgy brownies ready for lunch boxes that I know will be appreciated and enjoyed beyond all else!

Its all about the mind set. Sometimes it can restore me but more often than not its the process itself that brings such calm satisfaction that the more I engage and focus the more I enjoy and the more love- literally and figuratively, is poured into the baking. You can taste the difference. It has its own energy!

It is a different emotion to that of preparing a meal, which is more about nourishment, and nutrients and full tummy's and healthy bodies. And I LOVE to cook. I love to plan, prepare, shop for and produce seasonal balanced meals for my family. 

Baking is almost always exclusively indulgent, a treat, a pocket of warm love and abundance. 

Especially paired with a cup of tea.

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

I have several friends who thrive on being busy and jam packed all the time. Every evening has an activity, a meeting, a guest a dinner- something, and weekends are scheduled start to finish - even though much is fun and pleasurable it allows very little, if any, time to actually relax and just be. And more often that not in adequate sleep too. 

Having said that, while I have come to realize how vital "down time" is for me, "down time" is mainly productive for me, but in a gentle way. Another friend observed recently that I'm an Active relaxer, and I think that's spot on. I like to be home, to bake, read, write, tick off my housework list, meal plan, tidy, take walks, and allow quiet moments to savor the weather -calming rain, or a blue bird day. 

Enjoying and savoring the simplest of daily tasks and rituals; that first sip of coffee, putting the last of the laundry away, walking in to a fresh bedroom with the bed neatly made, smelling a bloom from the garden, petting my cats in the morning while they eagerly await their breakfast. 

One of of my most treasured moments in my week is waking up on a Saturday morning. I don't like to wake late (any time after 6.45am is getting on in my book)  but I like to wake naturally, allow myself time to fully come round and most of all to lie in bed- just for a few minutes, listening to the bird song, maybe the rain, and watch the trees moving in the breeze- or gale, or whatever mother nature has in store that day! I gather my thoughts, loosely map out the day and feel deep gratitude for all I have in my life and all there is to come. My husband and I usually then throw the bed covers back, the windows open and head down stairs for coffee and to feed the cats and have a chat before we start our respective morning fitness regimens. The girls are usually asleep and we can digest the week that was, and plan the weekend ahead. 

Other rituals I look forward to are my Friday evening bath, where once dinner is finished and cleared away and the kitchen is tidy and clean for the next day, I go up stairs, usually do a little yoga or stretching, while my bath runs, then sink into a hot deep bath with whatever salts, soaps, oils I feel like that evening, and either enjoy silence, my book, or a podcast. It seals and rewards the end of a busy week for me and shifts my mind set to weekend mode.

On a busier weekend I find I need to actively schedule in quieter moment's in order to cope and enjoy the more social or hectic elements. A full day celebrating my daughters birthday with friends out side of the home meant I kept the evening very simple and the following day a peaceful catch up day mostly at home to clean, iron, read, bake, write, walk and re set for the week.  If I don't balance the more busy and stimulating times with these more tranquil restorative moments I find my anxiety climbing and my stress level rising and a familiar and unpleasant feeling of over whelm creeping in.  

It is SO important to listen to what you need. I have recently come across the term HSP (Highly sensitive person)  across several platforms. No, this does not mean someone who blubs at advertisements and is emotionally unstable. But a person who is deeply affected by physical, emotional or social stimuli. This means we need to de compress, have time alone with our thoughts or pottering, and may find social situations very draining- even if we thoroughly enjoy them at the time. I brushed the term aside initially -not dismissing anyone who did identify with being and HSP but that I wasn't one. Turns out, I pretty much tick every box. And to a degree, that's actually very comforting and reassuring as it validates my feelings and need for tranquility, time in nature, and being home. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

For probably almost a decade now, I have been trying to curate my wardrobe with the bounds of a 10 item wardrobe, or at the very least and intentional wardrobe. My discipline and inspiration for this ebbs and flows, naturally. While I enjoy as much pleasure form a beautifully tissue wrapped new garment in a stiff branded bag with cotton handles, I also get an equal thrill and pleasure for a bargain snapped up second had of a quality item. I think its important to enjoy both, and the variety, whatever your budget. 

Some of my absolute staples were second hand but high end quality pieces- silk blouses, wool tailored blazers, Italian leather shoes (Brand new!)

I keep a note book in my walk in wardrobe to jot down items I need for the coming season, or things I'd like to find or invest in. I keep out of season clothes in fabric bins at the top of the wardrobe and switch the seasons out accordingly- editing as I go. Things that haven't stood the test of time, that don't wear as well as I'd hoped, that are uncomfortable, or are ill fitting. 

Recently, I changed over my spring /summer wardrobe to Autumn /Winter. I had a slightly unpleasant surprise when a few weeks after switching over, I dressed in a pair of pure wool, tailored Everlane navy pants. They were rather more snug than I'd have liked....  My husband kindly pointed out I have changed shape a little with participating in different fitness workouts- longer more strenuous walks and lifting light weights.  So its not weight gain per se (Hmmm) but these pants, that I ADORE were so tight and uncomfortable I ended up taking them out of circulation. Now, normally this would involve donating them, however, these are high quality pants from over seas, to make it worse I have the exact same pair in black too! So, I made an exception and have stored them away- just in case. Not forever but to give my body a chance before I make a rash decision. we'll see....

This consequently led me to re think my core style, the winter look I want to portray, and the general vibe and feel I am looking for in my wardrobe. 

For this season in particular, I am looking at classic, stylish tailoring.  (although I'm looking forward to sporting a more casual look in the warmer months of tailored linen shorts and the like too)  

I have a good selection of Blazers from over the years, most classic cut, one is more of a Chanel vibe in a boucle red black and cream and collarless. So combining those, one or two more structured skirts, well fitted denim in various hues, sweaters and cardigans in cashmere and merino, and a couple of coats for various temperatures and conditions, then accessories, footwear, belts bags etc, I'm creating my signature style. Or tweaking it. In summer I lean a little more organically- linen, natural fabrics, wrap dresses, jumpsuits, and sundresses. 

So, as much as for my own benefit as for your interest and perusal: here is my list of essential winter wardrobe items- which I will then spend tomorrow editing and curating to align with my ideals and thin out the extra or unwanted or unsuitable pieces- anything that doesn't sing to my signature style. Making dressing a breeze for work, casual, or special dinner. I'll know exactly what I have and which pieces work together. 

Lets go top to bottom:

Decide on the colour scheme and vibe that best suits you and what you wish to portray. 

1. Never forget quality well fitted, supportive and most importantly comfortable, undergarments' Nude, skin tone, black and white- then you can get more adventurous.

2. Camisoles- Silk or merino, or a non static fabric to provide both modesty and warmth. Black white and Neutral at least the you can add navy, plum- wat ever works with your color scheme. 

3. A variety of blouses and shirts with different neck lines and sleeves.  You cant go wrong with a Tailored fitted crisp white shirt, and maybe some softer flowy silkier blouses. remembering to keep them along the same lines of the colour scheme you've chosen but you can add a pop of colour with a blouse- for example, dark denim skinny jeans, a navy blazer and a hot pink or jade blouse.

4. Quality, well fitted denim. Whatever style you prefer and that suits you- skinny, boyfriend, bootleg. In a dark wash and a lighter one. I also have an olive green jean and a mid gray, which just elevate them enough above the standard denim for some occasions. (And white and cream for summer) 

5. Trousers/pants and skirts- I have a handful of pencil skirts for work, Navy, black, tan a hound's-tooth check and a floral.  Pants in dark colors mainly - Navy and Black. I also have 2 pairs of silk trousers , in navy and one black which are so versatile and can be dressed up for evening and paired with heels, flats, loafers or even elegant sandals. And a pair of culottes in Leopard. My favorite "neutral"!

6. Dresses. Ahhh, dresses. I had a fairly lengthy phase where I wore almost exclusively dresses no matter the weather or season. But for this winter wardrobe I have the following-

 A cashmere/ wool belted sweater dress in light tan

A navy and white long sleeve wrap dress

An emerald green silk shirt dress and a cream cord shirt dress

A " Boho" bell sleeve long ditzy floral dress in predominantly tan 

7. Sweaters and cardigans- I have longline chunky cardigans/coatigans for more casual days, cashmere more formal button up ones, a few cosy sweaters in mostly olives and creams and tans. And cashmere staples in tan, cream, black and grey. Also thin layering pieces - merino is perfect, that can be stand alone, under a blazer, a cardigan or even a dress. 

8. Outerwear- a classic trench in putty, a classic trench in black,  a long navy woolen double breasted and belted, and tan long length wool double breasted and belted, a long olive full length waterproof, denim jacket, black down puffa.

9. Footwear- this is so very personal and lifestyle dependent. We have very wet winters and I walk to work, so my shoe choices will be very different to yours maybe. 

Flats- pointed toe or classic round ballet flats. Navy, Black, Neutral/Tan, Leopard (Of course)

Ankle boots/ Booties, Black with heel (for evening wear), navy, classic tan Chelsea, olive green, 

 Long, knee high black, tan/ brown.

10. Scarves- oh so many! But keep in the color palette and have some for very cold days that are large and more wrap style, and some in silk to tie and outfit together, some as statement pieces that can be more whimsical and fun. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

I have had several days away from my work due to being unwell, the weekend and my work schedule. During this time I have mostly been at home punctuated by plenty of wet walks and fresh air. 

We are creatures of habit and on many occasions either on my morning walks or whilst walking to work I have passed the same elderly gentleman. Evidently he takes a walk (A fairly lengthy one I gather, too) pretty much every day, at around the same time, regardless of the weather. 

On this particular morning I was taking my walk in the opposite direction, so rather than passing him, we were walking in the same direction. I greeted him good morning as I approached to pass him and for the first time we exchanged more than the usual pleasantries- Good morning, Beautiful day, enjoy your walk etc.  We commented on how mild the weather has been and I mentioned we'd not yet lit our fire which is very unusual for this time of year. He replied that they'd been lighting there's for about a month already and we probably didn't feel it as we were young. Then he said ;

" Hold onto it for as long as you possibly can"

Wise words indeed. Its all too easy to become complacent about daily life and perceived drudgery when in fact, if we don't see every day, every moment for the preciousness it offers- all too quickly its not within our grasp anymore. 

A past neighbor of ours once commented on our energy as a young family and when it came to throwing dinner parties, as we did frequently, that she used to do it "Standing on her head" and now it takes it out of her: The planning, the preparation, the cooking, the cleaning up , the late night-  admittedly off set by a wonderful evening among friends but leaving her to recover somewhat, not bounce straight into the next day. 

Our boundless energy doesn't actually last forever but we can implement things to help draw it out into a later years for as long as we possibly can. 

This is what I've been reflecting on over the past few days. How to cherish and be grateful for what I'm capable of NOW, in this present moment, and how to best insure myself and my body for the future. A building term bandied around here a decade or so ago was " Future proofing" Its just that!

Nurture and nourish the body you have been blessed with- forgive it its lumps and bumps and imperfections and delight in how amazingly it all works- and your mind! Fuel it with good food, hydrate, sleep, stretch, MOVE. Or all too soon you may find it creeps up on you and you realize these simple things you took for granted are no longer so simple, or they ache, or are stiff and sore and maybe no longer achievable. 

NO need to be super strict or forbid your self from things- life is absolutely for living and for enjoying and having fun! But moderation is key, and using your body each and every day- yoga, walks, swimming- whatever it is. Keep exercising your mind too, don't stop being inquisitive, reading, trying new things, leaning something new, exploring. 

I am going to re instate my (mostly) daily gratitude journal - it helps quiet the mind and focus on the good. It also is a nice feeling to sit and reflect on all the positives in your life, even on more turbulent days. I am going to extend the journal by making it more of a "Commonplace book"  a term relatively new to me but a wonderful idea of keeping all these thoughts- notes on inspiration, gratitude, recipes, what your reading, watching, walks, weather- whatever you wish to include. what a joy to have it all in one place and to reflect upon in later years. I have a beautiful pearlescent leather note book that was a gift from my girls I'd been using so its sitting beside me now with a lovely ink pen and the minute I finish typing I fill a page or two before starting on dinner. 

 (n) A lover of rain: someone who finds joy and peace of mind on rainy days

Savoring simple daily pleasures

Its fortunate that I have recently diagnosed myself as a pluviophile- as the rain has fallen steadily here for days and days and there is no break on the horizon in the coming week. Still I see the incredible beauty in it. The layers of the landscape in similar hues and the droplets on the branches and leaves like little lights. I really quite like walking in the rain, I find the sound of gentle rain soothing and of downpours exhilarating. I don't enjoy staying in wet clothing, but as soon as I'm home and changed and my shoes are stuffed with paper and rain jacket hung to drip dry theres a contented glow which settles after a wet walk in any season. 

It is less fortunate that I have picked up a rather unpleasant head cold along with sore throat and a cough that disrupts my sleep terribly. Less fortunate still that we have had to cancel a much anticipated evening at a wonderful restaurant with dear friends because of it. 

However, I am grateful that my body has asked my to slow down, pause, recover, restore and allow my self not only to be unwell but to heal. Its nothing serious, just a bit frustrating- I don't like having to change plans and I don't run well on little sleep. BUT; this is perfect weather for it. It asks you to be home and potter at a slower pace. These days its even less acceptable to just battle on through and go to work or where ever when you are sick- quite rightly. I never wanted to pick up anyone's bugs before Covid. (This little beauty was a gift from my husband i believe whos spent two weeks feeling pretty awful sadly. ) So I stayed home from my work yesterday, took a gentle walk, and savored sitting with the French doors open, curled up on the sofa with a warm drink and my cats as the rain fell and the clock ticked and I just was. 

I equally love the gloriousness of a bright sunny day with my linens drying on the line and the sound of distant lawn mowers, but each day, each type of weather, of season, brings its own joys to savor and appreciate. I'm not just a fair weather girl. 

I have just returned from an afternoon loop to the beach and back in the gently falling rain, now sitting at the kitchen table with a pot of Lapsang soushong tea, the comforting noises of a wet cosy Saturday with the family home, and the anticipation of a delicious dinner and the Coronation of King Charles 3rd televised this evening. 

Its still making a good effort to try be Autumn here, with roses still in bloom, cicadas and crickets not yet silenced for the season and temperatures in the high teen and low twenties still. Usually by May we are starting to regularly light our open fire and log burner. 

Despite the warm evening, the sun sets earlier and earlier, and its dark around 6pm, so once I've got the kitchen in order after a days hungry family foraging and teenage baking ( Caramel slice to die for...and change waist bands for!) Ill make a warm comforting and decadent meal, take a hot bath, watch the Coronation and snuggle into bed dosed up in the hope I sleep and can recuperate a little ready for a simple, rainy, and contented Sunday.