I am grateful for two hands, one big and one small that found each other across the bed on a Sunday morning. I love our family Sunday morning cuddles, made even more precious because B is leaving us on Monday again.
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.
I am grateful for our little unit. And for silver linings. No house help, no nannies, no gardeners and no family close by seemed like an alien world. And it was. But it’s a world where we are closer, are more present and are stronger as a unit. And not only because we have to be, but because we choose to be.
I am grateful that this morning I was on the receiving end of the best grin in the world.
30 September. I am grateful we hung in for the most amazing burger in the entire world. And I do love a burger. I do. Even though I hate queuing for food, I’d queue for one of these any day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jem turned twelve today. It just doesn’t seem possible that my baby is growing up. But she is. And beautifully. Jem has always been a quiet observer. She takes absolutely everything in. She sees so much more than most. She takes the time to be. She gets lost in being which is wonderfully compelling if a tad frustrating for her A type mom who aspires to be more like her. She has always stopped to smell the roses. And her roses always smell beautiful. Jem always sees the silver lining. I am so blessed to have such a beautiful kind teacher. A kind gentle funny soul who’s focus in life is peace. And always has been. World peace no less. Jem is complete if all around her are at peace. And ideally living in beautiful architecturally designed spaces. She has a wonderful sense of the aesthetic. Jem knows what matters. She doesn’t like conflict, but always stands up for what she believes. She is the champion of the underdog. She is kind, gentle, sweet, cheeky and quite mad. She has a fabulous twinkle in her eye, an innate style and is beautifully sensitive. She wants the best for everyone. She gets sad if others are sad, she feels happy if they are happy. She oozes empathy and compassion for every single living creature. The furrier the better. She is accepting of all, judging of none. She is cuddly and tactile and true. She epitomises still waters run deep. She has a depth to her I am so excited to still be discovering. She is capable of so much and brave enough to try anything. She is fearless. I learn from my exquisite angel child every single day and am loving watching her fly. She is truly and always has been one of a kind. Jem is the change I want to see in the world.
grace and dignity 