I am grateful for shiny floors and a sparkling apartment. Especially because for the first time in over two years, it wasn’t done by me. I can’t believe how much I took having my home cleaned by someone other than myself, every single day, for granted. I am grateful that now I no longer do.
Tonight I was grateful for the easily understood problem solving steps for my miele washing machine. (A golden problem as B would put it, I know, but a damn inconvenience nonetheless). And for the easily accessible online instruction manual because someone seems to have hidden my house file. I am also grateful that I was able to manage a wry smile at the fact that whenever I am on my own, things requiring a technical mind go wrong. What is with that.
I am grateful for how fickle I am. I was feeling a tad sunday night blues ish when as I unpacked my weekend bags I felt a rush of elation at discovering my g-star purchase. I am grateful today at how much better a new pair of jeans made me feel. Fickle schmickle. I am woman, hear me roar.
24 April. I am grateful for the feeling on entering our apartment after 20 odd hours travel. From the flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg to the flight from Johannesburg to Sydney to the flight from Sydney to Brisbane to the car transfer to Noosa, arriving home here felt like heaven. Especially after dumping our 70+kgs of luggage. Also grateful no airport officials had a problem with my 30 wraps, 50 necklaces, one years supply of Zoladex implants and Femara tablets also included. What was I thinking.
17 April. I am so grateful today that my town girls got a real taste of country. Ok, a very stylish Sandi and Pete Olive farm taste of country but nonetheless. We had eggs for breakfast collected by Kate and Jem, amongst much screeching and much hilarity, they road on the back of the bakkie unrestrained down the farm roads, they picked olives,they got scratched, the played with the dogs, they got dirty, very very dirty, they went to the press, they tasted the first nectar as it was pressed, they helped empty the buckets and load the crates, they sat astride the tractor. They slept.
16 April. I love quiver trees. I always have. I’ve always wanted a home with a quiver tree. I am so grateful I got to spend time today amongst the quiver trees at Sandi and Pete’s Olive farm. They make me feel quiet. They make me feel still. I loved being still in this little slice of heaven today.
Jem loves animals. I know Jem loves Jayde, her sweet little fancy rat, a lot. But I know Jem would prefer a little dog just like Badger. Jem and Kate have gained a lot in our move and our sort of limbo lifestyle currently, but have also sacrificed a lot. So today not only am I grateful for the moment I witnessed between Jem and Badger, but for the wonderful daughters we have. And for how much they teach us, every single day.
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I loved being in Braamfontein today. On the outer skirts (for you Lynn) of Jo’burg inner city. It was where I spent my varsity days and it was wonderful to see the area reenergised and rejuvenated. I am grateful I got to see it as it is today. The coffee shops, the galleries, the design studios. The trendy foody vintagey neighbourgoods market is a must visit for all visitors here. And those who live here. My only promise to myself is next time I’ll also be swapping my flat white for a margarita. At 10 am.
I am grateful for the relationship my dad and Kate enjoy. And my dad and Jem. In fact, the relationship he enjoys with all six of his granddaughters. As blessed as they are, so is he. And are we all.
5 April. Kate and Ke have been best friends since they were 6 years old. I am grateful they got to spend the day together. I am grateful for their example. That despite four years, distance, teenagers, new experiences and much change, their connection and love remains. And I suspect always will.
grace and dignity 