January

These people-one large, 2 small-are the center of my world. Everything I do revolves around them. To be able to spend beautiful, quality time together over the Christmas period was amazing, and we all thoroughly enjoyed the time with each other. There was much snuggling (with Snugees for some of us!), eating yummy things, drinking lovely things, exchanging of gifts, visiting of family and friends, sparkles of trees, carpets of magical, deep snow outside, breathtaking icy walks and oh so much joy! It is for this reason that I.am.not.ready.for.it.to.be.over. There are spring/summer catalogues appearing, lighter clothes appearing in the stores, people discussing summer holidays and flower planting....and I am blocking my ears to it all. I took my Christmas tree down on the 9th of January (it went up the 12th of December) amid much query from those visiting. Half my excuse was that Teeny Duffy loved the lights..but really, it was mostly me I think. I was left to do the packing up of tree/cards/decorations myself that Sunday the 9th, and I am not kidding-it took me all afternoon. Not because it was a huge tree, or fully decked out house, but because, well, it involves ritual. Things need to be wrapped up safely for next year, things get picked up and wondered over and re-read...and in some cases tears are shed for cards from a very seriously ill Gran who we love so much, and who will not be able to write messages like that again for her beloved grandchildren. I think the emotions Christmas evokes are hard to snuff out so suddenly. It needs to be a gradual process, like weaning..just enough to deal with at a time. I think I may be over it by Valentine's Day :)
Do you make a clean break of it, sweep up the needles and air out the house? Or are you also a lingerer?

Dandelion Fluff

I used to be a very positive and vivacious person. This past year..or two..or three has given me immense challenges with some joyous moments sprinkled in between to keep me going. The after-effect of all this is that I don't really have the lustre and sparkle to me that I used to have. If you saw me in, let's say, December 2004 and December 2010 simultaneously, you would see huge differences portrayed both on the outside and the inside.

Then....

And now.....
Oh, right-there aren't any pictures of me from nowadays, unless you count giving birth to my second baby 3 months ago (THAT was worth photographing! Beautiful, beautiful day).

Maia a few seconds old!

The point is, I haven't felt like having my photo taken because not only am I not me inside, I am not me outside. And having had bouts of low self-esteem since childhood, the outside counts too.
2011 will be a year of development. Professionally, we have goals to achieve for our business. On the home-front, we have much needed adjustments to make the space in our beloved house more effective for us as a family of four. We will be intentionally taking time to relax and actually holiday this year (including seeing my family, who I haven't been able to visit in 3 1/2 years). And I will be working on me.
Academically, I have studies I'm currently undertaking (a higher level of my childcare qualification), plus a language course to do on the side (brushing up on my Italian! I love it but have never had time to do much with it since high school).
I have some inner-loving to do, which will be a first. This will be courtesy of the beautiful Goddess Leonie's tools (she is amazing).
The outter-me will be the largest job (in all ways!!). Years of eating-on-the-go and lacking in motivation have resulted in the unhealthiest me I have ever known. And I am 100% certain that this effects everything else in my day-to-day life. It's not so much the weight loss that is the point (although it is necessary), but the optimum health required to be functioning on full cylinders. I need to spend time changing my ways back to the vegan, full-of-energy, happy, laughing, positive Liz I was...

For now, may the preparation for that begin by heading to bed at a decent time, so baby's wake-ups and feeds tonight don't make me too sleep deprived :)

Back soon...nighty night!x

This Moment...

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. (Inspired by Soulemama).

Something I Needed To Read Today..

Galatians 5:22 On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

This Moment..

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. (Inspired by Soulemama).

This Moment...

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. (Inspired by Soulemama).

This Moment..

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. (Inspired by Soulemama).

Due Date Today...