Today I am............

~ enjoying  the warm sun. Winter is on its way here. We've had some chilly nights and my house takes a bit of warming up in the mornings. However the sun is out and so I have found myself a warm, sunny spot that is out of the breeze.

~ reminiscening about our weekend. Our local country show has been on and we have been spending a fair bit of time there the past few days. We invited some city friends to join us which was nice for us all.

~ looking forward to June. Exams will be done, numerous birthdays to be celebrated, special local events to attend,  exploration of the scrapbook/papercraft expo with my daughter,  school holidays begin, a trip away and a new longed-for special gift will arrive. And of course winter officially begins. I LOVE June.

~ hearing a delightful song from the magpies. Brings memories of childhood and I like that very much.

~ grateful for my health, my husband's health and our children's health. So grateful.

~ happy that I have had a bit of creative time this past week. Making some simple cards has been therapeutic and soothing to my soul.

~ drinking a hot cup of tea. After not being able to drink hot liquids for a few months it is wonderful to enjoy a very hot cuppa without pain or discomfort. So good.

~ baking apple and cinnamon muffins to fill the tummy's of hungry children this afternoon.

~  writing a list of clothes my teenage sons are needing. Both are growing before our eyes. As the cooler weather has arrived the winter clothing comes out and alas we discover how much they have grown since our trip to Tasmania just 4 short months ago. A shopping trip is on the agenda this weekend.

~ dreaming about our next big trip. Despite being 2 1/2 years away I can't help but be excited about it. I want to start planning now. I must admit I do like to take the occasional break from study to do some research about the places we want to visit.

~  finding joy in the simple things. The flowers in my garden, the sounds of the birds enjoying this delightful Autumn morning, the beauty of the clouds in the sky, the anticipation of the six of us all being together again at the end of today.

Wishing you a beautiful day wherever you are.......

Joanne  xx

Today I am...

Grateful ~ for the precious new friends I am making in the online class called 'Flying Lessons'. Just a treasure chest full of good, creative, clever, amazing women who want to see the good in life and in others. So refreshing.

Excited ~ about our up and coming trip to Tasmania. It had been a dream of Steve and I to travel there and explore such a glorious part of our country. And to take a kids there, is extra special. The tickets are booked, accommodation organised and our itinerary mapped out. With extras including time with good friends in Wagga, time in Melbourne and other famous landmarks along the way this will be a trip to remember. Now the count down begins ~ 11 weeks.

Eating ~ a yummy orange and enjoying my new healthy lease on life. After years of studying (therefore sitting and not much moving) I am using this time in my life to get moving again. Zumba and walking with 2 friends in the evenings has not only got my wobbly bits moving again but seen the added blessings of time spent with special people who encourage me.

Happy ~ that the kids have settled back into school after Spring holidays, wonderfully. It will be an exciting term for them all, especially Tom. With graduation from primary school looming closer, he is enjoying his involvement in school and all that comes with being school captain, editor of the school newspaper and preparation for graduation. A somewhat sad time for me as I grasp the concept of two children in high school and the swiftness my children are growing up.

Hoping ~ my new creative ventures continue to grow and be successful. With 2 canvas's sold yesterday in the little shop where some of my creations are for sale, it was a wonderful boast and gave added incentive to keep at it.

Remembering ~ the holidays we just had. Enjoying fun activities and exploring interesting places. Times of being together as a family of six but also sharing our time with family and friends. Being an introverted introvert, I can often be drained from being with people day in and day out. However these holidays somehow energized me in a way I haven't experienced for a while. Kind of weird really. Might ponder this further.

                                                                             ~

I hope you can find some space to consider, contemplate and ponder what is happening in and around you today. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or share a link to your blog. I'd love to hear about your today.

A scene from our recent holiday to Wash House Beach Rock Platform near Laurieton, NSW.

                                                                                                                              

Today I am............

Grateful ~  for the little things. The birds in the trees outside my windows. The sun that is warm on my back as I hang the washing. The bin man who just collected my rubbish.  The postman who delivered my longed for parcel. The clean tank water I am drinking.

Enjoying ~  the very clean and tidy house I have. Monday's are usually tidy up/clean the house day after the weekend. However, we had real estate people coming on Saturday so we tidied and cleaned Saturday morning. Miraculously it is still tidy and clean.

Proud ~  of my nearly 14 yr old son who completed the 40 hr famine this weekend. No food for 40 hrs. He was so good. Hardly had any of the allowed juice or barley sugars. Didn't complain at all even when the rest of us had mixed berry smoothie's Saturday afternoon when he was starving.

Longing ~   for Sunday. I'll tell you why later. Right now it seems so long away.

Listening  ~  to Brandi Carlile.  Love her voice. Love her music.

Wondering  ~  what to make for dinner. Something with chicken I think. Maybe a stirfry. Or chicken pie?? 

Reading ~  this and loving it. Inspirational, educational, and encouraging. Think I might go make a cuppa and read some more.

Hope your week is inspirational and wonderful.

Today I am....

Sitting ~  in my special sacred space. I have my basket filled with art supplies that can go with me out into the garden. I sit and sketch, maybe add some colour, my mind wanders, I allow peace in.

Reflecting ~  on the weekend that has just been.  The listening of stories about the camp my 12 yr old son has just been at, the considered thoughts of my 8 yr old regarding his lego game, the delightful art ideas my 10 yr old daughter is exploring, the discussions with my 13 yr old son about what is going on in the world, the simplicity of making kites and attempts to use them,  the yummy meal we shared around the fireplace and of course the visit to the local shop where some of my creative spoils are for sale.

Anticipating ~  the weekend to come where we will meet our beautiful new family member. A precious baby who is loved and wanted and will be fussed over and cuddled and spoilt with love. It will be a special day for us all. All the cousins together, the siblings together, the mother and her 3 children and their chidlren together.

Enjoying ~  the aroma of pea and ham soup. One of my favourites. So glad to have some left over.

Planning ~  the weeks menu. Mustard chicken, beef casserole, chicken soup, yum.

Tired ~ after staying up very late to watch the Tour de France. The aerial shots of Paris were just spectacular and I just couldn't bring myself to go to bed (even though we recorded it so we could watch at a more respectable time of day).

Grateful ~ the flowers that keep popping up in the garden even though it is winter here. Just little bursts of colour here and there to brighten the day.

Knowing ~ that even though my heart is fragile, my soul is tired, my body and mind are burnt out there are positives. The dramas, busyness, disappointments and changes that I face daily can be endured with a cuddle from my husband or anyone of my children.  A cuddle, a smile and/or a kind word really do make a difference.


Making and flying kites.



A rose blossom.

 

Art with mother and daughter.

Loving the Tour de France.



Today I am......

Recovering:   from a week of migraines. In fact it is more like a month. I have suffered from migraines since I was a teenager. And most of the time I manage them with pain relief and sleep. But this year has seen these migraines intensify and become more frequent. Pain relief and sleep are not working quite like they use too. Maybe a trip to the Dr is what I might add to my list this week.

Overwhelmed:   with life. Specifically uni assignment deadlines, housework, sick kids, jobs to do, etc, etc. And it doesn't help that I am not giving myself any space to rest and rejuvenate each day. More is being taken and none is being put back in.

Loving:   my little nook outside that my wonderful husband created for me. I had an idea and he put it into action. It is a space outside that is private but allows me to look out into my garden. I can see lots of contemplating, reading and sketching happening in this space.

Inspired:   by the wonderful women I am connecting with through my art classes. Such encouraging, wise, beautiful and creative women. I feel so blessed.

Excited:   about the trip we are planning to Tasmania. It has been a dream of mine to go there and now in just a few months we will be there. So much to see and do and discover. We have bought maps and are beginning to map out our travels. Sarah discovered an island called Sarah Island and is so excited that we can go there as part of our Gordon River cruise. All the kids are excited that we get to fly again. And so am I.

Enjoying:   the blue sky, the cool breeze and warm sun. I love this time of year in my little part of the world.

Today I am.........

Enjoying:  the cool breeze which reminds me that winter is on its way. Oh how I long for winter. Where I live winter is fairly mild, however it is still cool enough to snuggle under the doona, wear scarves, enjoy yummy soups, stews and home made bread. Ahh winter I am waiting.

Tired:  mostly because of a lack of sleep. Last night my mind was stirring and dreaming and would not turn off. Even at 1:30 am. 

Hoping: tonight I have a much better sleep. I have a busy few days ahead and sleep could make those days much more pleasant.

Excited:  about the new on-line course I am taking. It's called Creatively Made Business and it is so inspiring. Go here to have a look.

Wishing:  I had an ironing lady so I didn't have to tackle that huge pile of ironing. I really do despise ironing. I would much rather create in my studio.

Loving:  the sunflowers in my kitchen that my husband bought for me. Such happy flowers. I can't help but smile every time I walk into the room.

Thinking:  about dinner tonight and what I could do with some chicken breast. Mustard chicken I think. Always a favourite in this household.

What are you doing today???

Today I am.......

Thankful:  for the coolish breeze blowing through my house. It is nice having all the windows open.

Thankful:  that my oldest son has had a wonderful transition into highschool this year. Going into Yr 8 can be tough but he has handled it well and can say he enjoys school.

Thankful:  that this same son has made some good friends this year. He had a sleep over last weekend which gave us the opportunity to meet and get to know these new friends. He has found people who he can be himself around which is wonderful.  The boy we see everyday is the same boy his friends see too. I love that our son found kids who like him for who he is.

Thankful:  for two beautiful women who I am blessed to call friends. Women who know me, love me, nuture me, and encourage me. Women who help me see when I can't see. Women who notice me and take an interest in my life. Women who are mature and wise and who can look past their own issues to see the issues of others.These are rare to find.

Thankful: for the opportunity to sell some of my creative products in a new little shop in my area.

Thankful:  that it is only 12 more days till school holidays. I am so looking forward to spending lazy days with the kids and not feeling rushed or pressured.

Thankful:  for my husband and all he does to nuture and encourage my creative soul. Giving me space to explore this hidden side of me. Also for how hard he works to provide for his family and our needs and wants.

Thankful:  that we are getting a drum kit for Christmas. My kids have asked for a drum kit for 2 years now and we kept putting it off. This year we are ready for the noise. The older boys will begin drumming lessons in the new year and we are all very excited about this. We really are.

Thankful:  that I will be visiting my Dad soon. It will be so good to spend some time chatting and catching up. Love my Dad.

Thankful:  for all the projects I am making in the studio. Loving my new jewellery line. Loving my new tags. Loving the ideas that often keep me up late at night.

Thankful:  for the opportunity to make a cassowary costume for my 7 yr old son.  Sounds weird to be thankful but I haven't made one of these before and I am enjoying the challenge. It will be so much fun to see him doing the 'cassowary' dance at school.

Thankful:  that I have 2 parents who love and support me.

Thankful:  for 4 healthy delightful children who surround me with so much love I could burst. And also for a husband whose love and grace know no bounds. I love you all.



Today I am.....

Relived:  that my 2 week stint of nursing prac is finished. Full time work does not excite me at all. As much as I love nursing I love being a wife and mum much more.  I am much happier being able to do a 'little' outside the home work and 'lots' of inside the home loving.

Cold:  yes that's right. It is 1.30 pm,  October in southest QLD Australia and cold. The wind is blowing and cold. Not at all something that occurs here at this time of the year. Not that I am complaining. I actually love the cold and the longer summer holds off the better I think.

Agitated:  within my soul. Not sure why. Just agitated. Life is good and ticking along nicely but my soul is unsettled and agitated and arrgh..........

Frustrated:  that our dreams are on hold and not knowing why.

Peaceful:  knowing God is totally in control which cancels out the previously  forementioned frustrations when I let it.

Grateful:  for a husband who loves and cares way beyond my expectations and does so graciously and patiently.

Blessed:  to be a mother of 4 delightful children who bring so much joy to my life every single day. This is not a biased or exaggerated statement. I really do enjoy them and delight in them.

Wishing:  the school holidays were not over. I love lazy mornings with the kids having pyjama days,  playing board games and having adventures. 

Satisfied:  with my life and all that makes it what it is.



Today I am....

Wishing:  I didn't have to do 2 weeks clinical placement whilst my children are on school holidays. I usually love the holidays and even though I will be around between shifts it just won't be quite the same.

Grateful:  that Steve supports me and my dreams and has re-arranged his life to be the at-home-Dad while I am off playing nurse.

Remembering:  the great fellowship we have had this weekend with William and Esther. So refreshing to hang out with like minded people sharing our collective dreams.  We can't wait for them to move closer.

Wondering:  how it could be half way through September already. I am sure it was only February last time I looked at the calender.

Frustrated:  about the ever growing to-do list that never seems to get shorter. Why is that??

Smiling:  as I see the new growth appearing in my garden and looking forward to what else is to come.

Reminiscing: about the delicious lemon-meringue pie I made on Saturday and wishing I had made two as it is now all gone.



Today I am....

Covered:   in ink, paint and glue. I am having a day in the studio getting as much done as possible for the markets in October.

Happy:  because I choose to be.

Waiting:  for some special things to arrive in the post.

Grateful:  for all the wonderful women in my life who encourage, support, love and buy Body Shop products when I host a party. A very successful afternoon last Saturday.

Feeling:  tired as I stayed up really late last night to watch something on TV. It was worth it but I am suffering a bit today.

Anticipating:  the weekend ahead as a  lovely couple will be staying with us. Should be very good for the soul.

Dreaming:  about our future. So many good things to look forward too.



Today I am....

Relieved: that my 3000 word essay is done and submitted.

Loving: the chance to be able to spend the whole day doing housework (strange I know).

Marvelling: at the sky and how it changes over the day and into the night.

Content:  with my very old lounge, stains and all. It is comfy and homely and I like that.

Blessed:  to be married to the kindest and most gracious man in the world.

Proud:  of my son who has perservered with school work using his left hand without complaining, whinging or giving up (he has a broken right thumb and he is right handed).

Enjoying: the peace that comes when the kids are sleeping soundly and the only sound is the dishwasher doing what it does best.

Grateful: for friends who care, take an interest and share openly and honestly. Had a conversation with one of these friends this afternoon and it was delightful.



Today I am....

Anxious:  because my 'to do' list is getting longer and the time to 'do it' is running out.

Tired:  because I didn't get enough sleep last night or the night before.

Sad: because a family who lost their son 8 yrs ago are in so much pain and another family just lost 11 members in a house fire.

Missing: a special friend who now lives so far away.

Enjoying: the delicious breeze winding its way through the open windows of my home.

Wishing: the weekend was not over yet.

Loving: the sweet oranges I just purchased at a bargain price.

Grateful: that Steve is home after a week away.



Today I am....

Enjoying: the cold weather we are having in my part of the world

Listening: to the wind and grateful that I am warm and cosy inside my home.

Marvelling: at how athletic my boy Tom is. Two firsts, a second and a third at the district athletics and now onto regionals.

Appreciating:  the creative time in my space.

Loving:  my husband and so grateful for his fathering of our children.

Doing: a lot of baking and cooking of soups and casseroles. Yum.

Knowing:  I am so blessed to be free and loved.

Anticipating:  all that this weekend will bring to our little family.

Today I am....

Loving: that it is Friday and I can sleep in tomorrow morning just a tiny bit.

Embracing: life, despite how busy I am.

Noticing: that my kids are getting taller and this scares me.

Enjoying: the quiet and stillness.

Feeling: contented right here, right now.