Yes I know it is February. Yes I know it is exactly 42 days since we began this new year. But I haven't been here and it feels right to begin my first blog post for 2013 with a Happy New Year.
So again I say Happy New Year to you, my blog readers.
So what have I been up too.
Here in Australia we have just had our 6 week summer holidays. For our family it was a glorious, wonderful time. We went adventuring in Tasmania. Something Steve and I had longed to do. We saw so much, experienced so much and we ate so much. Well not too much. Just lots of yummy Tasmanian goodness.
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| Devonport, Tasmania |
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| Cradle Mountain. |
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| Freshly picked raspberries |
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| View from our beach shak in Strahan |
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| West coast |
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| Dipping our toes into the Great Southern Ocean. |
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| Hobart |
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| Lake St Clair |
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| Donaghys Hill |
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| Richmond Bridge |
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| Yummy goodness |
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| Tasmania Red Salmon. |
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| Hobart from the top of Mt Wellington. |
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| Swinging Bridge over Hoen River |
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| Snow on Mt Wellington. |
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| Pick your own berries at Hillberry Farm. |
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| Sausage from 'Gourmet Farmer' Matthew Evans. |
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| Cataract Gorge, Launceston. |
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| Devonport. |
Creatively I had planned on sketching my way around Tasmania. I packed some art supplies with every intention of sketching and painting as we went. It didn't happen. Instead I took ALOT of photos. Hundreds. Actually no, it was probably more like thousands. It was glorious. I journalled as well. Each day I journalled our adventures, what we saw, what we heard, tasted and felt. I wrote down ideas for art journalling pages and I did rough sketches as ideas for later art projects. Oh and I collected things too. As in rocks, shells, leaves, more rocks, more shells. It was wonderful and inspiring. Did I regret not carrying out my original plan? Not a bit. It was as it should be and I am very happy with the outcome. I am now wonderfully inspired, my heart is full and my soul has been nurtured. I am ready for all that this new year will bring to my creative journey.
The rest of our summer (when we were at home) was spent swimming, playing, watching/playing cricket and tennis, reading, watching movies, eating, visiting family/friends and hanging out in the studio. It was relaxing, soothing and very comforting for our souls. We had time to be present, to see, to breath and to enjoy one another and the world around us.
The kids are now back in school, Steve is back at work and its time for me to come back to real life. That is always the worst part. After spending so long together and being free and less rushed it is always difficult to say goodbye and to resume real life again.
Having said that, our real life does have room for freedom and space. We don't always rush about. It is just that I have to be much more intentional about it. During the summer it comes easily and naturally whereas during the school/work year I need to be aware of the busyness and the numerous opportunities that present. Opportunities, however good they are, come a knocking more frequently than one would like or need. Busyness sneaks in and before you know it you are barely catching your breath to keep up.
Part of my role is to create boundaries and allow space. Sometimes this can be hard work and in and of itself, exhausting. This is probably why I love the ease at which spaciousness occurs over the holidays.
So, as we begin a new year, I challenge you. How will you make space in your everyday real life for just breathing, for seeing, for creating space? Will you allow the busyness and endless opportunities crowd your life leaving no room for what nurtures your soul? Will you be intentional about what you say yes and no too as you look after your soul?
Remember, your soul matters.
