~ grateful for....kindness ~

I think kindness is one of the most under-rated attributes. 

Even used sparingly it is one of the things any of us can do to ease the path of another.

Unlooked-for and unexpected kindnesses can make even the greyest days brighter.

I've been watching for kindness all week.

I found examples every day - little things that made my heart sing, put a smile on my face, made my day.

My husband stopped on his way home to bring me coffee, a friend offered to look after my children so I could go to gym class, a text message commenting on the letter I wrote to the paper, comments on my blog, the grocer guy offering to carry my stuff to the car, the understanding smile from another mother when the 3yo let rip with yet another tantrum at the beach.

More amazingly I've watched my children being kind to each other.  Even in the middle of their long holidays when they've been thrown together far more than normal they are treating each other with respect and kindness.  Letting the 3 year join in the card game even though they know he will wreck it before the end, giving up the favourite red spoon to a sister, letting someone have first choice of the lollies; - watching out and caring for each other. 

I value kindness. This week I've been more aware of it than usual - but I'm always grateful for it.

I'm joining in with themed gratefuls at Kidspot.  Thanks Maxabella. xx

~ Australia Day ~

I feel very fortunate to have been born and brought up in this amazing country.

I like to think we can be better in the future - more welcoming of new arrivals, more accepting of difference, more sensitive to our past.

I want to see the day we celebrate what is great about Australia changed so that all Australians can join the celebration.

We'll be heading out for a bbq and a swim later when the Doc is home from work.  We'll get out those shorts and the Aussie beach ball - but not the tatts - they took waaaay too long to come off last year.

Are you celebrating today?

What does Australia day mean to you?

 ♥

~ endless summer ~

We're back.

We've been at the shack for 3 glorious weeks.

3 whole fabulous weeks.  I'm still smiling when I think about it. 

3 weeks of no plans, no appointments, nothing that has to be done (but so much to do).

       {It felt like running away from the real world}.

3 weeks of amazing weather  - like the "olden/golden days" of childhood summers.

      {We've actually been at the beach I spent my childhood summers at - its like my children are

          drinking in my memories - I love it}.

3 weeks of sunshine, sand, swimming and sports.  Of reading and sewing and lounging and "doing nothing".

       {we only had 2 ambitions for the holidays - to toilet train the youngest and get the middle one

         riding her bike - huge milestones - both achieved - yay!}

All of us being a bit slower, a bit more in the moment, a bit calmer, a lot more content

        {it's a lot to do with the 3 holiday rules - a swim, an icecream and a nap/rest every day}

We'll try to hang to those feelings as long as we can.

How was your holiday?

Any milestone achievements?








♥

~ the one without the resolutions ~

I don't do resolutions.

I'm just not that into them.

They feel too hard.  Like a list for failing. They never last.

Hopes and dreams I can do.  Wishes too.

I hope I can reach out and grasp at opportunities, to seek challenges and find joy.

My dreams are for my family - for health and happiness, for nuturing and empathy, for fun.

I wish for world peace.  
Or a huge tattslotto win.  
Or simply some fabulous summer days as we while away our summer up at the shack.

What are your hopes, wishes and dreams for 2012?

What's your summer looking like?

♥