28 September. A five hour kayak on the magnificent milford sound with the majestic peaks rising right out of the water has got to be one of life’s great adventures. I am so grateful Kate put herself out there and found out what she is capable of. Found out what an adventurer she actually is. And even had time to pout.
27 September. I am grateful for good old fashioned dad and daughter time with a good old fashioned toboggan. And good old fashioned tumbles aplenty. And belly laughs.
I am grateful for promises kept. And for falling snow in the spring. And for the delight and adoration in Jem’s eyes. B and I could have danced for joy when the snow began to fall. In fact I think we did.
Me, two girlfriends and glacier hot pools. I am grateful for friends who make me snort with laughter, tease me, laugh at me and laugh with me. And laugh at themselves. And who trust me with their stories. And my promise that what happens in the pools stays in the pools.
A day filled with breathtaking magnificence. A full day. It is so easy to take all the beauty that surrounds us every single day no matter where we are for granted. I am grateful for the reminder. How small and blessed we all are.
From the best flat white (no doubt because it was the first of the day and it was already 2pm) in Wellington, to the unexpected ice rink in Hagley Park in Christchurch, to Kate and Jem skating hand in hand, to the interesting french fella who made our dinner, to the hottest most delicious soak (probably first of the year too) ever in the cute Cotswolds lookalike hotel, I am most grateful for a wonderful introduction to a beautiful gentle country. What took us so long.
I am grateful for nanna naps. And homes away from home. I never ever have nanna naps, only twice, and both times on this exact spot. So I’m also grateful for a sister who always creates a home away from home for me. And has a comfy couch. I’m less grateful to the little angel who took this shot. And anyway, my iron is low and getting ready for a trip to NZ is damn tiring. It is.
It was sweet today to notice as I inched forward in the school pick up queue, the wonderful grin on every single child as they connected with their mom, dad or carer. That wonderful moment of truth, before the invariably unsatsifying conversations of how was your day fine, what did you do nothing starts. I am grateful my daughter was as thrilled to see me. And It had nothing to do with end of term. It didn’t.
I am grateful for rose coloured glasses. It doesn’t mean the crap isn’t there, it just means I am choosing not to linger on it. Not anymore.
Today I am grateful for a talented friend who totally got my verbal, just a small retro something, brief for a last minute cake for Jem’s birthday tomorrow. A lovely lovely gracious lady who seldom says no and means it too. I am grateful for authentic genuinely kind friends who teach me to be better. I’ll always be a last minute queen. But better.
grace and dignity 