A weekend away

 As a special way to celebrate our birthdays this year my hubby and I decided to treat ourselves to a weekend away.  It wasn't just any weekend away, it was a weekend away to a health retreat for a wellness weekend at Gwinganna.  There was delicious, organic food prepared for us; a room with a view for us to enjoy and retreat to; specialists we could see for different types tests or blissful treatments like a massage; magnificent views while watching the sunrise and plenty of opportunity to get some exercise albeit feeling rather sore now.  It really was a special weekend just for the two of us, not something we do very often making it all the more greatly appreciated.  So what did I take away from my weekend other than being a lot sore hehe, that exercise is so very important for long term good health, I must include more of it in my life.  I need to make an effort to really take the time to enjoy my meal, to taste it. And to remember to be in the moment, to allow more joy into my life and step out of my comfort zone because there is a wonderful world out there to experience.

362-365/365 'Happy New Year'

The last couple of days of last year were good.  We spend some family time together going to the museum and visiting the exhibit Undressed: 350 years of Underwear in Fashion as something a little different and quite interesting.  Then it was some couple time which also included a trip to GOMA for us where we could wander leisurely around, it was perfect.

So that brings me to a little round up of my goals I had for myself last year.  I had planned on blogging for the last time in 2014 last night but the mood just wasn't there.  Last year was a challenging year for me after almost 2 years of battling cancer my father passed away.  It has been so very hard learning to live without him, the grief, the sadness, the anger, so many emotions.  I never truly knew the depth of some emotions until I lost someone who was a part of me, who I was a part of.  I decided to pursue a 365 project to help me during a year I know would be difficult.  My love of photography was a connection I shared with my Dad so I felt it would be therapeutic for me and help me with my learning.  I kind of completed it in my own way and overall I felt that it helped me in my learning and made me think of my Dad often.  

As far as my other goals for 2014 how did I go???  I didn't get paid to photography people my stumbling block seemed to be coming up with a business name.  I did a favour for a friend and photographed their home so I saw it as a small step towards taking photos for others.  

Creating clothing..... I knitted a cowl and finished my shawl so kind of.  

My garden was doing well for most of the year however during a long dry spell I allowed it to go untouched, so I mostly achieved this goal.  

Believing in myself and pushing past invisible boundaries... I am still working on this one.  

Being more active in my life I felt I didn't put in the effort I needed to, I believe less screen time this year will help me with this.  

I was good for periods of time with mindfulness meditating and getting into a good state of mind but struggled a little with periods of grief.  

I made a conscious effort to catch up and talk with friends.  I opened my heart and developed some wonderful friendships.  One friend in particular was always there for me when I needed her and I will be eternally grateful to her for that.  

Being happy I needed to work on so I read lots of books, I wrote daily something to be grateful for and reminded myself just how good my life is despite the unhappy events that have occurred.

I suppose each year I write goals to help me focus on areas I feel I need to work on, some years I am really good and others no as much.  Whether or not things are achieved I am always learning, learning about myself and others and more about what life really means to me and that makes me happy.

I have written a few goals for myself, late last night so I am hoping they make sense to me now.

* To create more.  That might be sewing, knitting, crochet, making soap and more self sufficient baking like bread and jams.

* To take care of my health regularly going to yoga, getting more sleep, pampering myself with a nice facial at home, things like that.

* To continue my photography journey towards creating a business.

* To sow and grow food.  Gardening is good for the soul and my health.

* To be a present and calm person for myself, for my girls and for my husband.

* To be a better and happier me, letting go and moving forward.

* To have a great 2015!!!

Thank you to everyone who comes by to visit me, to those who comment and those who don't.  May your 2015 bring you much happiness, love and good health.

275-277/365 Scenes of Sunday

We have just one more day of holidays so what better way to finish them off then to go to the beach.  The beach is a long drive for us so we make a good day of exploring while we are in the area.

We took a trip to the markets first, then it was time for the beach.

Just a quick visit at the beach, a walk, then off to lunch a surprise discovery I made during my internet searching. Then onto another place to explore, I love doing this with my family, this is what memories are made of...

255/365 'Her'

My little Miss is home safe and sound after a couple of days on camp.

She's tired but happy, which makes this Mum happy too.

Before she left, she wrote a note to be opened on Monday when she had gone. She's thoughtful like that.

She's all sorts of sweet, kind and quirky my little one.

I do love her lots and glad she's home safe, tucked up in bed sleeping soundly.

Day Tripping - Maleny

We are a family of explorers, we love nothing better than hopping in the car and setting off for the day and visiting somewhere new. Having that time together as a family is so important to us too, to create a strong bond, also while family time is given priority over friend time which I know will change sooner rather than later . I think it's easy when you've lived in the same state for your whole life to get a little bored, to sometimes loose that excitement that you get for exploring when you go on holidays.  Well we don't have plans to go on a big holiday this time but we do have plans to bring a bit of excitement to our holidays and go and explore some new places.  Maleny is one of my favourite places to visit, the glowing green rolling hills, the crisp mountain air, the views that just keeping going on and on, I would enjoy living here I'm sure of it.  We've been here before and had a bbq at Baroon Pocket Dam and walked up and down the street exploring the shops, my favourite being this one but we've never been to Maleny Dairies. So we set the alarm for 7am got ready and headed out the door with our packed lunch, our walking shoes and a fully charged camera.  It was so much fun learning all about the workings of the dairy, watching the little ones feed the animals, being outdoors breathing in that farm air and enjoying some yummy taste testers at the end.  Most definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.  After our visit it was time for lunch with no plans we just drove and found the perfect spot by the side of the road with the cows for company.  The weather dampened our plans for a walk along the beach but there is still the rest of the holidays to try and do that. Do you like to play tourist in your home state too?

P.S. Thank you, thank you for your lovely comments re photo of me on my last post I find it hard being on the other side of the camera these days:)