Today marks the first day of spring and what a delightful thought that is!
When Eloise was born, I knew that the challenge ahead of us was getting through the winter, actually and metaphorically, and that on the other end, things would start to get easier.
Our house doesn't feel like a fridge anymore which makes nighttime a million times nicer, the days are warming up and lasting longer and Eloise is coming out of the intense newborn stage. She even surprised us by sleeping all night last night!
Spring is a little underrated here. Sun addicted Australians are obsessed with summer but Spring is so much nicer. Sadly, it's much shorter too.
For a short few weeks, the temperature is just perfect, warm in the sun and cool in the shade, the sun doesn't fry you like an egg the second you step outside and the houses don't feel like unventilated ovens yet. The sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and truckloads of water can be left at home without ending a dehydrated burnt mess.
Marking the start of the nicest Australian season even more special was the fact that I was able to have the most peaceful and fun morning I've had in a long time. While my dad took Hugo to the park, I snuck off with Eloise to go visit my lovely friend Bec in her new workshop.
But because it was so amazing to have a little toddler time off, I didn't go there directly and treated myself to a coffee at one of my absolutely favourite places on the way, sweetening the deal with a piece of cake to takeaway.
And then, once I got to Bec's, being able to carry on a civilised conversation while sipping a cup of tea. It was so relaxing and refreshing.
It is also a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine to inspect people's workspaces, looking at (and sometimes touching) the tools and supplies, the unfinished objects, the trials and errors, the bits of paper stuck here and there providing inspiration, the lists and papers piled up in a corner... I find it at once magical and beautiful in its raw state, far from the polished edited version one sees on social media and at markets. I can see Aloud. taking on a new form already and heading behind the scenes...
Being able to relax into a conversation also means having a chance to open up a little. I was telling Bec about feeling a little worn out at the moment, and being a single mum herself, she knew the feeling. Being able to laugh about it is the best pick me up but also knowing that we're all in it together, having good days and bad days, and keeping an eye and a hand out for each other.
As I was leaving, Bec gave me one of her beautiful spoons as a surprise gift. It says, "The grass is always greener where you water it." I love it and how perfect on the first day of spring.
Winter is over, the grass is looking greener already.
When Eloise was born, I knew that the challenge ahead of us was getting through the winter, actually and metaphorically, and that on the other end, things would start to get easier.
Our house doesn't feel like a fridge anymore which makes nighttime a million times nicer, the days are warming up and lasting longer and Eloise is coming out of the intense newborn stage. She even surprised us by sleeping all night last night!
Spring is a little underrated here. Sun addicted Australians are obsessed with summer but Spring is so much nicer. Sadly, it's much shorter too.
For a short few weeks, the temperature is just perfect, warm in the sun and cool in the shade, the sun doesn't fry you like an egg the second you step outside and the houses don't feel like unventilated ovens yet. The sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and truckloads of water can be left at home without ending a dehydrated burnt mess.
Marking the start of the nicest Australian season even more special was the fact that I was able to have the most peaceful and fun morning I've had in a long time. While my dad took Hugo to the park, I snuck off with Eloise to go visit my lovely friend Bec in her new workshop.
But because it was so amazing to have a little toddler time off, I didn't go there directly and treated myself to a coffee at one of my absolutely favourite places on the way, sweetening the deal with a piece of cake to takeaway.
And then, once I got to Bec's, being able to carry on a civilised conversation while sipping a cup of tea. It was so relaxing and refreshing.
It is also a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine to inspect people's workspaces, looking at (and sometimes touching) the tools and supplies, the unfinished objects, the trials and errors, the bits of paper stuck here and there providing inspiration, the lists and papers piled up in a corner... I find it at once magical and beautiful in its raw state, far from the polished edited version one sees on social media and at markets. I can see Aloud. taking on a new form already and heading behind the scenes...
Being able to relax into a conversation also means having a chance to open up a little. I was telling Bec about feeling a little worn out at the moment, and being a single mum herself, she knew the feeling. Being able to laugh about it is the best pick me up but also knowing that we're all in it together, having good days and bad days, and keeping an eye and a hand out for each other.
As I was leaving, Bec gave me one of her beautiful spoons as a surprise gift. It says, "The grass is always greener where you water it." I love it and how perfect on the first day of spring.
Winter is over, the grass is looking greener already.
Clearly dear Bec has been reading your blog lately, and if not, your mind (which would add yet another talent to her repertory).
ReplyDeleteJust as alone time is important to us all in varying degrees, so are the moments during which we can exchange with another adult human being. Provided it is an exchange, not a monologue, it adds sparkle to the day.
With spring upon you and a full house, Australian Fathers Day this weekend should be looking might fine.