Finding joy in the everyday

This was posted on Facebook a few weeks ago and I really loved it. So many people I know take one or two vacations (holidays) per year and I often wonder when they spend any time at home (besides the usual weekends). I took three weeks leave in April and we didn't go away. It was funny because everyone asked me where we were going, I said "no where" and some found this a strange concept! We stayed home partly because we didn't want to be any distances from our son who needs us at present, but because I wanted to spend time at home.  I had a lovely time. I had a pile of books and DVDs from the library to work my way through, I had sewing I wanted to do and I wanted to just spend time with my husband.  I sat in the sunshine in the afternoons with my book, I sewed in the mornings, I slept in late and had breakfast in bed, we went for walks and stopped off for hot chocolates/coffee, went out for romantic lunches together, did some sightseeing, breakfast wi...

A strong marriage rarely has two strong people at the same time. It is a husband and wife who takes turns being strong for each other in the moments when the other feels weak. (Ashley Willis) We like to think of our menfolk as being strong, resilient, tough, able to fight off the dragons, protect their families and when they work long hard hours we assume they will be just fine. Sadly, not all men aren't as tough as we like to think they are. Men working long hours, often  inflexible and non-family friendly  are not  doing  themselves or their families any good. I t slowly affects their health, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally . Have you ever wondered why more men die from heart attacks than women? It might sound noble for them to invest many hours in their careers (or undertake several jobs to meet the  financial  demands of the home) but it isn’t a wise thing to do and us wives  need to look out for them.  Not ...

#5 Mothers Mother's hold their children's hand for a while, but their hearts forever. When you look back to your childhood, it isn't the grand things you remember, it is the unconditional love from your mother - the kisses on scrapped knees, the wiping away of tears, sharing the joy of a simple day,  the laughter of a joke together, a quiet hug, being rocked to sleep, solving problems on our behalf, taking away the pain and sadness. Mothers are ingrained into our memories because our mothers gave us so much joy and love.  Motherhood is not a battle against other mothers. Motherhood is YOUR journey with YOUR children.  HAPPY MOTHERS DAY 11th May 2014 ****

Artist: Joan Walsh Angund It is for sentimental reasons why I have picked the illustrations by Joan Walsh Angund. I saw her illustrations as a child and found them such a joy. They are simple, colourful and delicate.  I enjoyed them as a child and I still enjoy them today.  I hope you will too. ****

Robert and his parents after major surgery - photo from the book "Ugly" Ugly: A memoir By Robert Hoge Robert Hoge was born with a giant tumour on his forehead, severely distorted facial features and legs that were twisted and useless. His mother refused to look at her son, let alone bring him home. But home he went, to a life that, against the odds, was filled with joy, optimism and boyhood naughtiness. I was moved by a story I watched on ABC Australian television some months ago about the life of Robert Hoge ( Australian Story  September 2013). Robert was born with a large tumour where his nose would have been and deformed legs which was later removed.  In time, and with the love of his parents, he came to terms with his facial features and lack of legs and learnt too overcome the issues that one faces in a society that places great emphasis on beauty when one is not beautiful. This is a fascinating book by an inspirational man.  It is honest, frank a...

A while back  I wrote about the importances of education. As I was writing this I realised that my  thoughts  on education have been shaped by my parents. They strongly  believed  in education and encouraged us as children to study hard and undertake further education. My mothers views were influenced by her parents.  My love of music and art  were  influenced by my mother. Our house was always filled with classical music and my brothers and I all had music lessons. My mother encouraged me to draw and paint and was always encouraging in her comments. My mothers love of music and art was influenced by her aunt who lived with her after her mother died.  My love of reading was influenced by my parents love of reading and they  surrounded  us with books and reading from an early age.  My love of gardening was influenced by my father who loves to garden.  I still ask my dad for advice.  My skills in th...

You have not lived today until you have done  something for someone who can never repay you. John Bunyan **** I love hearing stories of women helping others. Recently I came across two that warmed my heart and were great reminders that people still do good works and  " Love thy Neighbour ". The first story is about the Wakefield Grannies , a group of older women in Canada making a difference to older women in South Africa. Grandmothers in the small town of Wakefield started a group with the aim of reach out and connecting with grandmothers in South Africa. Many South African grandmothers have the difficult task of raising their grandchildren after loosing their own adult children to AIDS (this has become a growing problem throughout Africa). A wonderful relationship has developed between these two groups of women - many well into their older years and not all in great health - but that hasn't stop them. The Canadian grannies started to write letters of...