two hundred and eighty five

26 October. I was screaming along the Bruce Highway, well as much as you can scream at a little over 110km/h, to get back to Noosa from Brisbane because the school had called. Kate was in sick bay. (Mom, where are you when I need you?) Anyway, as I was screaming along I passed a stationary little red car on the side of the highway. Sitting next to the car on a camping chair was an old man. Holding an umbrella to awkwardly shield himself from the 30+ midday sun. On the side of the highway. Odd. I couldn’t stop, and reassured myself he must be fine. Or someone would stop. Then I imagined he was stuck without a mobile with no energy to stand and everyone whizzing by thought someone else would stop. Bugger. I had to stop. Kate was waiting. My phone battery was almost dead. Where to stop. Fuck what to do. Then I passed a sign with this number on for reporting any traffic issues on the Bruce Highway. I needed to tell someone. Within seconds I was through to an operator. A minute later and the compassionate man had promised someone would be sent out to check. I hung up with a smile on my face. And thought to myself, today I am very grateful I am in oh so very efficient Australia. My friends in South Africa know exactly what I mean.

two hundred and eighty four

I am grateful for my nieces who know me so well. And for my perfect gift. I still chuckle over a family conversation my sister shared with me when both the girls were little.  The details are a bit murky but in essence my brother-in-law out of frustration one day when they weren’t listening to him, said seriously girls, who’s the boss. And the littlest one, in all seriousness said, Lianne is! Okay so I’ve always had control issues, but I’m working on them. And my intentions are always pure. They are. So today I am so grateful for my wonderful family and how tolerant they are of me. And the wonderful sense of humour we all share.

two hundred and eighty three

There is something about women and how we share. I am grateful to be surrounded by women who choose to celebrate life. In all its weird and wonderful and challenging ways. And for friends who genuinely open their hearts and their homes. ( And their champagne bottles). Even (or especially) on a school night.

two hundred and eighty two

I am grateful for my new tote. Just as it reminded my friend of our special times, of our special group, it does me too. And just as she so often thinks about us all, I do too. I am grateful for those days, for those exquisitely precious moments, for lives shared, for the kindness, the irreverence, the laughter, the tears, the wisdom, the wine fuelled madness. I am so very grateful for forever friends.

two hundred and eighty one

 

I am grateful for the wonderful sounds emanating from Jem’s bedroom. I envy her her love and her ability. I’ve even made peace with her choice of instrument. I am grateful for a child who is so her own person, no matter what.

two hundred and seventy nine

 

20 October. I am grateful that even though we know we are searching for something that doesn’t exist, we are having fun doing it. A lakeside pause, a mad moment of lets just effing buy the rambling lake house with far too many bedrooms and lovely vine covered patios for long long lunches. I am grateful for the mad fleeting moment in which I imagine myself being the floaty free stylish and abundantly and effortlessly able mi casa es su casa serene mama of the Lake House. Yeah right.