Savoring simple daily pleasures

"By observing nature you begin to sense the harmonious interaction of all the elements and forces of life. The lavish display of abundance in the universe is an expression of the creative mind of nature" 

Deepak Chopra

If I were to look at the several day preceding today and those ten or so to come, I could choose to be rather glum. Many friends are away either over seas or in different parts of the country enjoying not only a break but some beautiful warm weather, my husband is away on business in tropical climes, and here we are, in temperatures struggling to get above above 16, howling winds and what seems to be no more than a few brief minutes between heavy, squally down pours. 

I have chosen NOT to feel disadvantaged, or that I'm mossing out, or envy. I am so fortunate to be able to quietly enjoy my beautiful home, the nature on our doorstep and my girls. 

As I served up hot steaming waffles for a late breakfast this morning, the heavens opened (for the umpteenth time today) and my eldest physically wrapped her arms around herself and exclaimed how much she loved the rain and how perfect it was we got to spend a gentle day at home, cosy, with no where we have to be, just to enjoy it; To brace an  inevitably soggy walk later and come home to a warm inviting house to prepare dinner and have a relaxing evening.  She is so completely right. 

Two events have piqued my sense of calm and contentment  over the past few days, regardless of fatigue or weather patterns. While curled up on the sofa this morning with my coffee and a book as dawn broke I read Deepak Chopra. 

The Quote at the top of this post sums up so succinctly how I feel whenever I am out walking - no matter the weather, and gave me pause to reconsider my potential negativity about the lack of dry spells, not being able to get into the garden, hang laundry on the line or not have to stuff my walking shoes with paper upon returning each afternoon! 

We are indeed so privileged to bare witness to Mother Nature, in all her glory, every single day. It grounds me, puts worries into perspective and helps me to regain my balance. Continuously. 

Watching spring burst forth in new ways each day inspires me and lifts me - whether its spring blooms being battered again all odds by another deluge of fat rain drops or cherry blossom framed by a bright blue sky. It just slowly, determinedly and unquestionably keeps pushing forth. 

Another event which instantaneously gave me a deep sense of perspective- as well as awe and wonder, was the Egyptian Exhibit the girls and I went to see. It is incredibly hard to get our heads round just how old these incredible relics are. That a civilization so great, so advanced, and so equally beautiful as it was brutal could have not only existed so many mind boggling years ago but that these treasures and snippets and staggering artifacts have survived to tell their tale and to be admired and viewed so many centuries- millennia- later. As we wander around a gallery with our smart phones and our high tech cars parked close by having enjoyed a coffee or a meal prepared in moments  just prior to entering the museum.  

What would these ancient people make of us. And what can we learn and take into our own lives from them- on a daily basis. I think what probably struck me the most was Patience. Those sandstone panels meticulously carved by hand, the glass jewelry would have been almost inconceivably labor intensive, the woven linen cloth and papyrus, ALL THINGS TAKE TIME.

We are so used to living in a rushed society, everything on schedule, everything a little frantic, everything with a little pressure and deadline or programmed. 

Mother Nature, the Ancient Egyptians (and my own beautiful cats) have taught me valuable lessons this week. Cause to reflect. To step back, breathe. There is no need to rush as we do. We need to learn to savor. To pause, be in the moment. Be present. From these pauses we can learn and gain so much. They can restore nd inspire and rejuvenate and re align. 

If its raining, leave the laundry that day, curl up with a cat, a blanket and a book, or embrace it and let it soak your skin with its freshness. If something is taking a long time from conception, that's ok. Its probably with it in the end and in the journey is the lesson. 

I am truly grateful for an unscheduled Saturday, where I can type this by an open window, and the rain pours down, and other than a few household tasks- that can wait if I choose to let them, the only two things on my own agenda today are to take a walk, and to curl up on the porch under the shelter with a cup of tea and a shortbread biscuit this afternoon. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

I am fortunate enough to live in an area where although the houses tend to be rather spread out and each property enjoys a fairly large amount of land, the feeling of community and connection is strong. 

This week I have been reflecting on how fortunate I am to be part of a caring community. I am so grateful to take a walk and invariably cross paths with people I know, or I am familiar with or just recognize from daily walks. It brings a sense of home, and contentment and belonging. I enjoy the routine and familiarity. Often recognizing that I see the same faces at certain times of the day- coinciding with their routine, be it tooting as they drive past, walking their dogs after work, taking in some fresh air, or walking to a particular destination at on the same schedule. 

Its really the lifeblood of society. To care for one another, lookout for people, show respect and kindness for your neighbors, and put out love and positivity into the world, daily. 

I have taken to trying not to pay too much attention  to the news of late- national news is purely dominated by the forthcoming election and global news is pretty horrific and, frankly, doesn't help my anxiety of to focus on my little bubble. I don't mean to sound void of compassion or crass or ignorant, but, particularly at the moment while I am feeling somewhat stressed, tied and over whelmed, i need to hone my focus a little more centered around my home and my loved ones. 

Its actually quite a pull to consciously step away from. I took a walk last Friday after a full week and towards the end of a long day, and on my usual loop I spotted the kereru swirling above the trees then, rather ungraciously - as they do, practically crash land in a tree overhead. It was then I noticed his/her partner was already in the branches already. As I reached for my camera movement caught my eye and there was another couple slightly further along the branch. It just struck me that these big graceful peaceful birds who mate for life, were quietly existing side by side, their habitat or territory shared agreeably. They roll with the changing seasons and what the weather beings us, they co habit and remain respectful, gentle giants. I'm sure society could learn an enormous amount from these creatures, we just have to pause enough to observe and reflect. The whoosh and swoop of their wings is such an incredibly peaceful sound to me.

I am currently sitting at my desk as the rain gently falls, having enjoyed a long walk through the bush tracks early with a dear friend, the cats came to inspect my writing and I think Albie has appointed himself editor in chief. 

Its school holidays, we are home for a couple of weeks with a few commitments but no heavy schedule, the weather is flick flacking between very warm spring and teetering on wintery, and I am starting to feel the sense of calm and peace seep back in which has been lacking for the past few weeks as days grew fuller and longer in the leadup to the break.

Now I can feel the relief of the luxury of time. Some much needed rest, our own schedules, and simple pleasures like listening to the birds with my coffee at first light, taking walks whenever I feel like it, having the time and inclination to cook for pleasure and try new recipes, read mid afternoon if I wish to, and potter in the garden when there is a break in the rain. Not to mention the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment if I steadily tick off all those jobs we don't usually have time to squeeze in on a busy working week. 

Today, I am actually rather grateful for the rain, as it encourages more inside jobs, the luxuriousness of being cozy, and the soothing pitter patter as our backdrop. 

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

Two characteristics- or qualities, of my personality are that I really rather like the rain, in that I find as much joy and comfort in a wet day as a sunny one, and I am a true home body: Home is my ultimate sanctuary, happy place and most treasured spot. 

Today, I was happy to not welcome yet more rain- as it has been so utterly relentless here for many many months, but to revel in the warmth of a true spring day. A spring day, at home, surrounded with my family - Husband, daughters, cats and Grannie  (My mother), with no where we had to be or go to, no time constraints except our own appetites' and daylight fading, and a pleasant list of garden jobs. 

I cannot remember the last day that unfolded like that - perhaps last spring even, and it was such a huge treat. 

The sun allowed enough warmth - with non of the typical southern hemisphere bite, to be the optimal temperature outside, the ground just dry enough to mow the lawns (Still a little boggy in places) the laundry dry on the line with the breeze, and coffee and cake- Almond Torte, baked fresh this morning, enjoyed on the patio in the shade during a little break in garden work. 

This idyllic spring Sunday was even finished off with a butterfly lamb leg cooked on the BBQ , served with a fresh zesty salad and a friends amazing home made seeded sourdough.... and possibly there was another slice of torte too. 

Tonight, after a welcome hot shower, I feel so happy and contented I can feel my chest expand with the joy of it, so I'm going to go and make a cup of my favorite peppermint tea, and curl up in my robe and savor the last moments of this perfect Sunday before a new week begins afresh tomorrow. 

If every weekend could wrap up like this, every Monday would seem so much more do-able and less daunting. There's most definitely a lesson in that. Often we are not able to fully control or shape our weekends in quite such a way, but when these gems come along, savor every moment and feel the life force course back in, filling you with the positivity , energy and restored vitality to go forth into the next few days. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

Last week was an especially hard, long week. It was both physically and mentally taxing. As I spoke about in my previous post, I knew this was in the calendar, I prepared as much as I was able to, and I tried to provide myself the snippets of respite I needed where possible. It also helped that the feeling of comradery with my colleagues was comforting and we buoyed each other along. No less tiring though!

At the end of this draining week, we enjoyed family dinner around the table for the first time since Sunday prior (all be it not a meal I'd prepared my self) and I took a long hot bath and we all watched a fun movie. It was perfect, just what we needed to wind down, spend a little time as a family and herald the weekend. 

Despite the lingering fatigue in the morning, real proper bone tiredness I haven't experienced in some time (intentionally), there was a feeling of accomplishment, rejuvenation, and new energy ready to burst forth. 

My husband and I attended a wedding on the Saturday which was a treat in many respects- in a beautiful setting, we hadn't been to a wedding in a long while, a lovely excuse to get really dressed up- fascinator, heels and all, and a wonderful uplift to see tow people of very different cultures, so in love and happy, and all their loved ones supporting them and surrounding them. 

Sunday was the day i was truly waiting for in that I knew it could be shaped as i pleased to walk, potter, catch up with myself and have a much gentler home day. I took a long walk to the village to enjoy a coffee and then spent the day tidying, organizing and getting prepared for this brand new week. With a sense of excitement, a new fresh energy, and deep contentment that the crazy week that was, WAS, and I can embrace and flourish in my usual routines and habits and commitments this week while enjoying some much needed peace at home to gather my thoughts and complete the recharging and resting process. It's all very well to have these intensely busy periods in out lives, indeed, we often are not able to avoid them entirely. But its vital, certainly for me and from what I've leaned about my self, to also map out some rest and down time after- and or before these periods. Knowing I had these few days to allow myself to unwind, pause and breathe helped keep the stress levels to a manageable level last week and keep me moving forward anticipating how delicious this would feel ; Home on a Monday, laundry whirring, I'm fresh out of the shower after my morning workout, with a gentle, pleasurable, to do list of various tasks and chores, before the family roll back in late afternoon, dumping school bags, kicking shoes off and professing they are starving! 

Nature, as its wont to do, helped ground me yesterday on my walk and allow me to refocus for a new week. A beautiful, iridescent Tui was happy enjoying his nectar breakfast as I set out and was very comfortable with me in close proximity. and to see the trees with tight bright green buds ready to literally burst into spring with brand new energy amongst the magnificent pink magnolias which are in full dazzling glory already. You can FEEL the new energy being shared with you if you take a moment.

Listen to yourself- with out any guilt, know what energises you, and what drains you- and consciously balance them out and try to include more in your everydays that provided that energising quality. We cannot avoid things that drain us entirely, but we can do our best to fully engage with what lifts us. Give yourself that buffer if you are able to after a long and challenging week, make sure it’s a quiet weekend- or whatever kind of weekend that will propel you into the new week revitalised. 

We sat outside enjoying early morning bird song in the fresh air as soon as we woke yesterday, and even had steak cooked in the BBQ last night- it really, truly must be spring.

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

The wind is buffeting though the open window I sit by and I am enjoying every gust bring freshness and clarity to my tired fuggy mind. 

This week, happens to be an incredibly full few days, with many commitments and events over lapping, resulting in some careful planning, time keeping and organization. I am trying to really listen to myself if I were to be offering advise to a friend, to not sweat the small stuff and commit any more than in necessary on the one hand, but acknowledging what will make me feel more settled and able to cope on the other.

 Balance

So, after a HUGE day yesterday of my husband catching an Early flight to Australia, coordinating work and school, a double length working day and vert wet windy weather, I allowed myself an hour of extra sleep this morning, (one of the best decisions yesterday was putting fresh linen sheets on our bed first thing in the morning, so that finally last night when I'd put the house to sleep, I climbed into a beautiful and welcoming newly made bed, snuggled down and lay for some time enjoying the lashing rain at the windows and the coziness inside. )

Early this morning, I took a long walk and treated my self to a coffee watching the world go by, got on top of the laundry and spritzed the bathrooms, and took a leisurely amount of time to get ready to head in to work later than usual as I wont be home until gone 8pm this evening again. 

It kept me going yesterday knowing I had these few hours to my self today and I feel I can get back into it somewhat re charged and refreshed. I am grateful for the flexibility to do this and the sunny blustery morning I have had to myself. 

A real tonic. And no, not a luxury, a necessity. It will enable me to cope and balance the ensuing business that is the next few days until I can rest properly again. 

SO on that brief note, I am going to enjoy a few more quiet moments before setting off out the door, knowing the house is in order and my mind is quiet. 

No doubt my bed will feel just as welcoming tonight too once I'm home and showered and ready for slumber. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

Its not yet official, but 'm saying it anyway. Spring is ready in the wings and waiting to burst forth! 

Normally I celebrate and enjoy all the unique aspects of each season, but after our non- summer and exceptionally wet Autumn and winter, I AM READY!

All this week there have been little sights and sounds if you choose to look and tune in to mother nature- new buds, My iceberg rose on the front porch is boasting a few brand new delicate buds, baby lambs in the field by the dam, a different feel in the warmth of the sun- SUN! That's a novelty at the moment here! Strawberries in the supermarket- admittedly from Australia but still, a glorious treat after many months without them.

This weekend I have managed to hang laundry on the line, and successfully dry it, I mowed the lawns a few days ago- although admittedly still very boggy, and, Joy of Joys, this morning I enjoyed my smoothie bowl breakfast al fresco and took utter delight in tilting my face to the sun as I listened to the bust sounds of the garden around me. Such a treat and a huge boost to mood and spirits. 

I feel a complete contrast emotionally to this time last week when I was openly in a fug. 

Its also especially nice we have a spring wedding to look forward to in a couple of weeks - its been years since we've been to a wedding and its been rather exciting to think about, research and purchase new outfits for us both too! Nothing like a bit of shallow, consumerist retail therapy to give you an endorphin rush! But at least this one is justified and necessary!  And my husband looks so handsome and dashing in his new suit. swoon. 

Its been a good week of less rain, consciously consuming less refined sugar and processed foods and really concentrating on nourishing my body. I feel energized and positive again, and this glimmer of spring and warmer longer days on the horizon certainly helps!

I have a very full couple of weeks ahead of me so today I have tackled all the jobs that are required for the smooth running of the new week, and also made absolutely sure to pause and take moments of rest and reflection. Anything non urgent or that can wait or that if I leave wont niggle at me too much can wait, so that I may conserve my energy somewhat and enjoy some rest before it all kicks off. 

I made sure the laundry and ironing were all up to date, fresh baking and lunch box fillers all prepared, fridge and pantry well stocked and a clear meal plan on the chalk board,  bathrooms clean, floors vacuumed and the house picked up. Its not shiny perfect, or showroom standard, but its absolutely adequate and the balance is my mental calm and happiness. 

Sometimes- I have learned the hard way, what you DONT do can be as important as what you Do DO. 

This afternoon I'm looking forward to taking a walk in nature, serving dinner up early and taking a long hot bubble bath before climbing into bed for a luxuriously early night, knowing everything is as organized and prepared as it can be.

Bonne Semaine! 

It’s hard to admit - even to one’s self, when you feel yourself loosing momentum; letting things slip- just a little at first, and having those familiar battles with yourself in your head- berating yourself while trying to simultaneously give your self a pep talk, punishing yourself while craving the rewards. 

I think this is natural. And we all ebb and flo. 

This week I’ve found myself not only outwardly feeling a bit ugh but inwardly too.  But it’s taken me several days to fully recognise and acknowledge what was happening. In all honesty I think it’s a giant melting pot of all sorts of things- none serious, most circumstantial, and ALL rectifiable- yes ALL. 

Mindset -and a healthy one -is a huge untapped resource. While none of us have the power to change someone else’s thinking or possibly unforeseen circumstances- we all have the power to change our thought. Our mind set. Our attitude.  

Nothing “ bad “ had happened- a few moments of frustration- silly things that culminated in a snappy mummy and wify. I’m tired, and acutely aware of my health having only just bounced back from my sinus infection. But I allowed them to snowball- I let them take up space in my head and even labeled them (thank you hormones!)  No more. Tomorrow I will bounce. 

So that’s me. Brief post this week- late due to aforementioned slump. But I’m taking back the reins. I’m going to soak the last few whoopsies away in a hot bath, ponder my boundaries , my needs, and listen to my thoughts and make a plan of how the next few days and weeks will look, get an early night, and wake up to a brand new day. A positive attitude, and an appreciation for all the wondrous blessings I am so grateful to have wrapped around me. 

Spring is desperately trying to push its way through the ceaseless rain and despite my glum outlook, little rays of joy have  pieces my foggy headspace with their simplicity, their promise, and their warmth and magic.  It’s always there, sometimes you just have to look a little harder to remind yourself 💕 and sometimes we all need a little reminder to do so. 

X 

PS see below

So a little update, on a much more positive note:

After soaking in the bath and working on intentionally resetting my mindset for the following day, I stepped out side in my cosy robe with a cools glass of water and took a few deep breaths looking at the starts and feeling the presence of the universe. (starry nights have been few and far between of late due to relentless cloud cover and rain!)

I enjoyed a restorative sleep in lovely fresh clean bed linens (My favorite!) and amazingly I woke feeling like a different person- enthused, excited for the day, positive and focused. 

The sun is shining and streaming in to the house,  the spring blooms are bursting forth, I had a great workout and have already ticked several things off my list. The family left in good spirits and on time for their days of school and work and no I'm heading to the spa for a facial. 

Suddenly, with a little positive pep talk and some sunshine, life is a whole lot more enjoyable today and I am so very grateful.

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

Much of what I write about, and a good deal of my thoughts throughout the day are consciously observing and taking pleasure in what is already around us, what we have so much to be grateful for, and why being in the present moment is so vital for mental wellbeing, happiness and true contentment. I frequently feel moments of true exuberance and giddiness over the simplest of pleasures- regularly 8(probably daily!)while out walking- observing nature- a bloom or a bird, or the aesthetic of a well constructed evening meal, the scent of the first cracking of a freshly lit fire, climbing into just laundered  bed linens, or sinking into a hot bath. These are things I am truly grateful for and make a point to savor and enjoy them.

This week, since returning from our wonderful break in the mountains, I have had to slow down. At first I was frustrated, infuriated even, as I don't enjoy my routine or plans or productivity to be changed or adversely effected. I came down with a fairly nasty sinus infection, meaning I had to stay home from work, but also wasn't well enough to be my usual busy bee about home- usually even when I'm sick. 

And during these few days I have, in actuality,  been so fortunate. It has made me genuinely slow down and prioritize, as I simply haven't been capable of doing it "all". Friends, family and colleagues have reached out to check in and sent thoughtful messages, even a beautiful surprise delivery of some sunshine yellow fragrant freesias. And I'm not desperately ill. I'll get over it. Its a seasonal unfortunate bug but that's all. A dear friend is suffering with a much more unpleasant health concern where as I'm truly grateful that the medication prescribed by my Doctor is already taking effect. 

 I DO take time to notice things each and every day, but in this slowness, I've not only taken the time but lingered for may moments after too- not racing to get to the next thing on my list or achieve something within a (usually self imposed) time frame.  Just now I watched a bee for some time as it navigated the open window I'm sitting at and explored. I just watched. not glanced and acknowledged but really observed and took a moment. 

I woke late this morning- far, far later than usual and clearly from a very deep and much needed sleep as I hadn't even stirred at the sounds of the rest of the household getting up and ready for their day. I stayed in bed watching the tress for a while longer, then padded down stairs when they'd left to make coffee and have a large drink of water, then I found a patch of sunshine on the sofa, and subsequently the cat found me- and the warm sun, and we just sat. Sipping coffee, enjoying the warmth, slowly waking up to the new day, and I felt so calmed and content listening to bird song and her deep affectionate rumble of a purr. (For such a little petite little girl she has a monumental purr!)

Although I'm feeling much better, I'm consciously taking it very easy. I have the house to myself entirely (Well, the cats and I) until early evening, and with it being Friday no sense of urgency looming about tomorrow.  Its so easy to feel that if om not busy busy busy I'm being lazy or not making good use of my time. BUT these past few days have taught me a lot. 

I like to, and enjoy, my daily exercise- and think it good to push myself when I'm on form. I like to start my days early and feel accomplished and almost always better for a run or some kind of movement or workout first thing. But, for the first time in a long time, I have realized that in the bigger scheme of things, allowing my body to focus on fighting this bug and on healing, I don't need to feel guilty about gently starting my day, later and with a stretch and a shower not a demanding workout. I will get back into that routine in good time. But for now, for the next day or so, this is what's best. I am still managing to go for a walk each day- slower and less challenging that usual, but movement and fresh air and thinking time never the less. 

Taking an hour or so after lunch or mid afternoon to read in a cosy spot- ITS OK! In fact, its not just good its NECESSARY at this point. 

Coming in from a walk and taking a long drink of refreshing water and sitting down for a time- all new to me as I usually start straight in to the next task. This doesn't mean I don't enjoy and appreciate every bit of my walks usually, but taking the time to pause, consciously, between each activity or task is really rather new to me and incredibly beneficial and important. 

I've allowed my mind to ponder and dream about a few things and how I'd like a day to look for me in a few years time when I can be home, writing, on my own schedule. 

I've been able to give thought to the coming years, goals, dreams and plans- and picture them more clearly in my head as well and starting to form plans to take me in the direction I wish to travel. 

I have become consciously more grateful and thankful of the wonderous abundance that is life- and health. And a new spark of determination to treasure and nurture this one body- health is everything. Mind and body. And to do the same for my loved ones too so that we may all enjoy what we have been graciously given for many many healthy happy years to come. 

These little bumps are sent to make us re evaluate, pause and take stock. And I'm grateful I was just sick enough to see this, observe it, and prepare to take action with small changes, gentle rest and big ideas. 

Now while there seems to be a pause in the clouds, I'm going to take a walk before a nourishing lunch and a rest with my book. Hopefully with some furry company too. 

 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.