The End

Today marks the end of my journey in gratitude. Actually, not the end of my journey, but the end of my public blogging journey in gratitude. Its really been such a lovely thing to explore. Disciplining myself to see some silver lining in a grey day, or having an outlet to share with you the things that make me feel so blessed.

I'm also proud to say that I posted every day. This is something I've never done before. I'm not sure I could keep up the momentum long term, but it has allowed me to share a bit more of myself, how I see the world and what makes me happy. It's been nice letting you into my head and heart a little more.

Thank you for coming along with me. Documenting the blessings in my life is such a simple thing to do that makes for a happier me. I plan to continue this privately, perhaps in a journal. Seeing the good in things on a daily basis can only be a good thing.

Perhaps my next challenge is learning to laugh when I come around a corner and see the scene pictured above before me. Cleaning porridge out of woven carpet? Ha, ha, ha! I'm delighted that my child is increasing her dexterous skills and further developing her love of textural art. Hmmmm - can't hurt to try :)

{30 Days of Gratitude}

All stitched up

I am so happy to have finally completed this cot quilt for baby Talara. My fingertips are split and bloody from hand stitching the binding...perhaps a sign of the type of seamstress I am not.

I hope she likes it. The pink flannelette backing has been tested and deemed wonderful - by me. I almost fell asleep on it after laying down my head for just a minute. So comfy and cosy. Hopefully it will have the same affect on Talara and her mummy will be delighted!

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Bluebells

Bluebells in the Bois de Halle, Belgium

After a long and tiring week, in truth I have had to wrack my brains for what I'm grateful for. This is the 28th post on gratitude and I'm finding that instead of gratitude becoming a habit, and seeing it all around me, I've been searching for things to feel thankful for that I haven't already mentioned.

And just now it's dawned on me. Gratitude is simple. It's found in the smallest things. It only needs to be recognised fleetingly for it to be worthwhile. No earth shattering findings, just things that make my little heart glad even for a second. And then a whole new world of grace opens up for me. It's ok to give thanks for it all. Even the smallest, fleeting things.

So tonight I share my gratitude for the first boss I had while living in London. Craig Duncan is Scottish, a happily married, old school gentleman with a talent for languages - so much so that he won't even share how many languages he can speak. He's modest too. From what I could overhear in the 2 years I worked with him I counted 7 languages...but I'm sure there are more. He speaks French at home because his wife is Belgian. He is kind, patient, encouraging...and a dark horse.

Craig can take photo's. Beautiful photo's. This is something I've only learned in the years since we parted ways. He shared this pic with me once and sent me the original when I told him I could happily stare at that scene all day. So now I can. And I will. Thank you Mr Duncan for this and more.

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Windows to my soul

They say that the eyes are the window to ones soul. In my case it is so true. I can't hide one feeling behind my lashes. Each one of them are there in those chocolatey depths. Believe me, I've been caught out many times!

Tonight they reveal how utterly tired I am. Perhaps telling you that whilst I'm busy creating a little life and raising a toddler, I still went out for dinner to catch up with my girlfriends and stayed out way too late. Sometimes they talk a little too much...my eyes and my friends.

I give thanks for my eyes. That you can see how I feel, perhaps about you, or the subject you're talking about. But I mostly give thanks for what they reveal to me:

:: countless sunrises and sunsets seen on my travels :: my daughters smile as she holds my face in her hands and zooms in for a wet kiss :: my garden blooming after a little TLC :: the bluest, widest, open Aussie skies :: they way my husband looks at me sometimes which lets me know that I am loved :: The Great Pyramids of Egypt :: the delight my daughter brings my mother each time they see eachother. Its written all over her face :: turquoise waters of the ocean :: photos my talented sister takes and shares with us :: my cat lazing in the late afternoon sun :: colours - so many gorgeous colours ::

...and so, so much more.

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Ebay-ing

Happy to be in "nesting" mode. Cleaning out the old, making way for the new.

Thankful to eBayers who are happy to buy our unwanted furniture for a total of $700.

Grateful to my husband who thinks that I should have this money and spend it on myself. I can feel a shopping spree coming on!

{30 Days of Gratitude}

30 Weeks and counting

Me & Mum. 30 weeks pregnant with S

So grateful to be 30 weeks pregnant - and counting! Remembering the last time I was this many weeks pregnant. My sister captured our joy beautifully. Perhaps it's time to capture the joy of this pregnancy too...

{30 Days of Gratitude}

A love of nature

I am grateful that we live in an area that is rich in nature. Lots of trees around us, horses, goats and sheep a 3 minute drive away...and these little visitors to our back deck every day.

My S is developing a love of nature since I encourage her to stop what we're doing and look at it in all its forms around us. You can't get better than Mother Nature for entertainment and awe.

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Friendship

Enjoying the fruits of an old friendship. Watching our children form a friendship of their own. Relaxed in eachothers company. Sharing. Caring.

Unless they are tired, then all bets are off... ;D

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Gift

Thinking about a new little life born a few months ago, healthy and happy. Picking fabrics, coming up with a design, piecing together and quilting. A new cot quilt in the making for Talara Jane. Welcome to the world.
xxx

{30 Days of Gratitude}

From Russia with love

A gift from Mr De Marchi in appreciation of my work while living in London. I would "take care of him" when he visited the London office from Moscow.

These beautiful dolls bring so much pleasure to our household...particularly to a little 2 year old.

{30 Days of Gratitude}

30 reasons to be grateful

:: Today I celebrate that she's been in my life for 30 years.

:: She's loved me relentlessly for every one of those years. It's only since I've grown up that I cherished the gift of her loyalty and unconditional love.

:: She's creative, courageous, well travelled, compassionate to within an inch of her life, forgiving, loving, stylish, quirky, hilarious and unabashedly whimsical.

:: She is loved by everyone she meets.

:: She blesses those she is close to with her love.

Happy birthday to my beautiful sister. I hope you know how much you're loved...to within an inch of your life.

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Pink

Lillies my mum gave me. Enjoying watching them open and quietly thanking her for their beauty every time I walk passed.

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Slow baking

Making time in our day to bake.
Sharing the measuring and stirring with eager little hands.
Letting the flour fall where it may.
Awaiting the smell of freshly baked goods.
Sharing the delicious cookies with joy.

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Reminiscing

Finding a piece of sheet music I'd kept as a keepsake. My favourite piece to play on the piano when I was learning all those years ago. Thanks for the reminder.

You can listen to it if you wish...

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Support

My self constructed Cairns. Reminding me that others have travelled here before - been in this situation, felt these feelings, navigated their way through the same joys and difficulties.
I am not alone.

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Simple pleasures

A clear, sunny day to get your washing dry.

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Nature...

...in all it's glory. This beautiful colour combination adorns my backyard.

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Sunshine

Late afternoons in the sunshine. The air mild enough to keep playing outside while the last of the suns rays bless our activities.

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Anticipation

Enjoying the image on this card reminding me that I will soon be
celebrating a very special arrival in my heart and home.

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Safe Keeping

So I am never running around looking for them - all our keys live here. Stylish yet functional.
My husband is particularly grateful that my days of keeping him waiting while I double check
the fridge for my car keys, are officially over.

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Unwinding

Finding a quiet, warm, sunny spot to knit

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Father's Day

Daddy & S (3.5 months old)

To our love.

Thank you for loving us in the special way you do. Your little girl adores you and learns how to love every time she witnesses the ways in which you love us. It's patient, it's endless and it's appreciated.

Happy Father's Day to a man that hasn't missed a beat since the first time you held S in your arms. Our little family loves you more than you'll ever know.

J, S & Felix the cat x

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Retail Therapy

Enjoying my eBay purchase every time I walk passed it.
I love a winged back chair - especially with the late afternoon sun warming it. So inviting.

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Getting organised

My Creative Space: a place for everything and everthing now in it's place. Bliss.

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Free

Free firewood waiting for next winter.

{30 Days of Gratitude}

Ripening

The lemons on our tree finally ripening so I can enjoy the juice in my morning glass of water.
Cleansing, refreshing, delicious.

{30 Days of Gratitude}

New Beginnings

Feeling grateful for this tree in our front yard letting me know that spring is here.

{30 days of Gratitude}