My frame of reference these days is much smaller than it has been in the past. Most days the patch of outdoors I see is the back garden and the sky above the back fence. It could feel claustrophobic, but usually there’s a comforting consistency.
I’ve travelled in my past life, and seen beautiful views and magnificent natural weather patterns – from storms to snow to crashing seas. One day, I will again.
I believe there is a Creator, and that He is ever present and always listening, ready to answer our prayers. It can be much easier to see His presence in the wildness of the storms, but I also see the quiet whispers in my own little patch of sky.
“God’s splendor is a tale that is told; his testament is written in the stars. Space itself speaks his story every day through the marvels of the heavens. His truth is on tour in the starry vault of the sky, showing his skill in creation’s craftsmanship. 2 Each day gushes out its message to the next, night with night whispering its knowledge to all.” Psalm 19:1-2 (Passion translation)
Here’s a taste of my personal skies over the last week or so…
While restrictions are lifting a bit further this weekend we’re still pretty much in lockdown. Days are slower, and it can be hard to remember what day it actually is!
There are still lines and social distancing rules in place when shopping, so that’s another chunk of waiting time to ponder the surroundings…or perhaps the deeper questions of the universe, if you’re so inclined.
I wasn’t feeling especially philosophical while waiting for my coffee at Rafter and Rose, so I took the opportunity to take photos 🙂 I hadn’t ordered ahead (order by Wednesday to pick up on Friday) so just got whatever was there, which this time meant the last iced brioche doughnut!
Isn’t it pretty?
What else did I see?
Eclectic decor, with the big lightbulbs shining over it all…
If you’re in need of pumpkins, they’ve got you covered.
And Bunnies!
Ubiquitous and diverse…
(Just a representation 🙂 )
I left with a suggestion to ponder, while savouring my coffee and doughnut…
There’s a thing going round on Facebook asking Mums about their firstborns – the “ones that made them a mother”. I get what it’s saying, and I know having my first was a huge leap into trying to figure out the motherhood thing… I also know I didn’t stop learning with my second!
Here are my babies! Aren’t they gorgeous?
It’s quite a few years now after this photo was taken – they’re a lot taller (with more hair). They went through a rough patch a few years ago when they seemed to fight all the time but now they get on just as well as in this photo – just with much less cuddling!
I can only speak for my own family, but I suspect it’s a similar story for most. My boys have quite a lot in common – they react to some things in the same way – but in other ways they are quite different. A lot of my mothering journey has consisted of learning who they are individually and what they need from me. Mothers’ Day is a day when I get a glimpse of how they’re watching and listening to me. They both ask me what I want for days such as today; I generally tell them that I’m happy with whatever they choose, as long as they’ve thought about who I am. This can cause some angst for them, but I’ve never been disappointed ❤
Here’s their choices 😀
And yes, I know it’s not about the presents but my love language is gifts and that gives me a glimpse of what they’re thinking. I love their choices! The best gift for me, though, is that I can tell they’ve thought about me ❤
All these years on, I’ve loved my journey in getting to know these beautiful boys.
Looking forward to all the years ahead!
So, the isolation period is still ongoing, with a quick side trip to pick up groceries from time to time (although I don’t usually go on those). We’re doing fine – we’re used to being at home together, anyway!
I got to thinking about gratitude, and what I have to be thankful for. There’s been times in my life that were hard, and it was easy to complain. I’ve had to learn over the years that thankfulness is often a matter of choice – of choosing to capture the moments of grace, to see the good things in the ones you love, and to remember the everyday privileges of living in a developed country where basic needs are provided without much thought or worry. Life is an opportunity to find the good, and pass it on!
Today I’m taking it easy, sorting out some stuff, finishing some things. I’m a bit achy – somehow I managed to pull something in my back/shoulderblade last night, apparently just by picking up a cup of tea… I never knew I was so talented! After an application of heat and a good night’s sleep it’s not too bad, but I’m moving slowly.
So, what is there to be thankful for?
The rain right now – it’s so beautiful. Bit chilly, but peaceful.
Lots and lots of books! And the ability to read them. I’ve had a good education, which has helped in my life in more ways than I can think of.
Having the leisure at this time to read/blog/chill out on YouTube.
The use of the internet, which helps me to stay connected with the world.
Friends to stay connected with!
Our little garden which, though tiny and ragged, is visited by beautiful wildlife – butterflies, dragonflies, bees and the occasional inquisitive cat.
My beautiful family, who are the best people for me to be spending isolation with. I rarely see Biggest Boy (he’s in his room, mostly) but when he emerges he pats me on the head affectionately and has a chat. And Sweet Bean always opens the back door for me when I’m taking the washing basket out, because he’s sweet and kind! My Babe goes out of his way to get nice things while shopping, and always makes sure we’re doing well.
All in all, they’re the Best Ever ❤ !
A connection and relationship with God, which has always helped me through difficult times, especially when there was no other help near.
Here’s a clip of a song doing the rounds, which I’ve been seeing on people’s feeds, but have only just got around to watching. It’s a whole list of UK churches getting together (virtually) to sing a blessing.
I was unprepared for the wave of homesickness that washed over me as I listened. The words are a version of a blessing from the earliest books of the Bible, and which I’ve heard many times in my life.
I’ve been to a couple of these churches, and gone to the concerts of a couple of the individuals in the clip. This virus has separated us in a lot of ways, but I think it’s also helped us see how close we can be, and how much we are connected.
Be blessed.
It’s a new day!
Today can be also be known as “Star Wars day” (May the fourth be with you!), and it’s also Labour Day here.
In honour of both (or at least a depiction of how not to be a boss…), here’s Kylo Ren as an undercover boss.
Today in my state some restrictions were lifted – we could have gone out as a family on a picnic, or perhaps for a bushwalk. As it has suddenly turned colder, and our warmer duvet has a hole that doesn’t look like it can be fixed (it’s so old the fabric has perished) we took the opportunity to go to Kmart. We knew it would be busy, but it was busy… queues just to get in to the shops, and difficulty staying distanced from others. If we hadn’t needed to keep warm, we would have turned round and gone home!
Thankfully, we got most of what we needed. Sweet Bean got some new pyjamas as well – his old ones have been repeatedly patched, and there’s not enough original material to patch the latest tear! We split up to gather our bounty, so didn’t have to spend too long there.
Once we got home, it was back to doing nothing much…
I’d had a lovely breakfast before we went out – got a couple of bake-at-home almond croissants from Rafter and Rose yesterday, and had one this morning. They’re taking orders for next Friday if you want some – have a look at their Facebook page and order by Wednesday 🙂
Enjoying the sun with my unicorn slippers on 😀
I put our new bedding on the lines to air out that factory smell…
I’m enjoying the extra warmth right now!
I finally got some sewing done during the week. It’s another example of random patching, but the shirt is a favourite, and I don’t care if it looks a bit weird.
What else have I been doing?
We’ve decided to start eating a bit better in the days to come, so I had a “green drink” for lunch, which mixed into a pretty pattern.
…and I decided to get a “quarantine haircut” – my fringe has been too long for comfort, so I snipped it a bit. There seems to be way more grey than before! Perhaps it’s the light?
It was nice to be out and about again today, but I’m still not ready to be around so many people. We won’t be back unless we really need something. Hopefully we will all still remember to stay distant and stay healthy – at least for just a little longer!
Amidst all the home concerts in these isolation days, here’s Kermit, sharing a rendition of “The Rainbow Connection” from his swamp.
I remember when this first came out, and I’ve always loved it. I probably wandered round my backyard singing it when I was a kid, and it never fails to cheer me up!
Have a listen. You’ll be glad you did 🙂
Excuse me as I wipe away a tear, while grinning like an idiot…
My heart for the day – a random piece of crystallised ginger!
…and a visitor to the garden – the nectar seems to be irresistible to the wildlife lately.
In case you need a “heart” for today –
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19
I’ve done the weeklong GISH scavenger hunt for the last coupleof years, and am signed up for this year’s, but yesterday was the chance to let loose on a 24 hour fun hunt. Due to the time difference (it’s U.S. based) my 24 hours started at 5am Sunday morning, so I only did five items (with a little help from Sweet Bean 🙂 ). I had fun, though!
Here they are…
Item 13 – Remember Tom Hanks in “Castaway”? Remember Wilson the volleyball? Well, we’re all going through something similar now. We’re alone and WE ARE LOSING OUR MINDS. We’ve started talking to household objects. We’ve started dressing them up and giving them names. Show us your new quarantine friend.
Item 54 – Write a moving handwashing haiku. Post it above your bathroom sink.
Item 26 – Springtime straw hats are overplayed. Show us the new hot trend: eco-friendly sun hats made from the weeds from your garden.
Item 10 – Wake up! It’s time to deliver the morning paper, on a bike, in your house, to a loved one in bed. (You’ve got a lot of deliveries to make, so you’ll have to toss it at them as you cruise by.)
Item 45 – Draw a little birdhouse in your soul. Leave the nightlight on inside the birdhouse in your soul.
a bit of creativity, a bit of eco consciousness, a bit of inspiration.... hopefully not a lot of pompousness and blathering :D
i'm not entirely sure what's going on here... let's travel along and see...
