two hundred and sixty five

 

I am grateful for the hot sun, the cool sea, for sleepovers and empty apartments.  And the knowledge that I know exactly where my kids are. A small yet huge blessing.

two hundred and fifty nine

 

 

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.

two hundred and fifty seven

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.

two hundred and fifty six

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.

two hundred and fifty four

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.

two hundred and fifty

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.

two hundred and forty nine

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.

jemma

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.

two hundred and forty six

I am grateful for company in the kitchen. And help. Especially because it was unsolicited. And because I know not to take it for granted. It is precious and fleeting. Even if it quickly deteriorated into a selfie session.

two hundred and forty four

 

15 September. I am grateful for late nights, lie ins and brekkie with B at our favourite spot while the girls are both at sleepovers. We are often alone these days so I really am grateful for how much we enjoy each others company. And that we have a relationship as a couple and not only as parents. In fact, I suspect, a better one. Despite what the little princesses might think.