Canola Dance Queen

Sometimes when the fancy takes you to do something silly,

spontaneous and wacky, you just have to do it.

We drove past this paddock and when I asked Pip

"Do you want to dance in the flowers?"

The "Yes please!" was so heart felt we just had to do it.

A policeman even drove past us and waved.

Do something odd today, I dare you.

Measures of Success

 For me, it has never been about how much money I earn,

or how flash the car, or even how fancy the clothes.

Let's face it.

I've never earnt good money, my cars have just been cars

and I am far more comfortable in work boots and jeans than anything else.

I used to measure success at work by teaching the kids

useful social skills - catching the bus,

learning their phone number. Safe sex.

How things have changed.

Just now, I was making my bed.

It is quite possibly the fifth time I have done it today.

I realized that these days I measure success

by keeping up with the washing,

leaving the house with all beds made,

not yelling too many times in a day,

getting at least some fruit and veggies into the kids.

Today was pretty successful by these standards.

We got to kinder almost on time.

I did 2 loads of washing.

The house is clean and beds are made.(For now.)

I cut apple into "apple chips" so it was eaten.

We are going to a reptile birthday party soon.

Life is getting back into the swing of things.

With the last few weeks of upheaval,

I've realized that I really like my boring old

kinder, swimming lesson, ballet class Mum routine.

Trauma Nurse

 After the disasterous couple of weeks we have had I decided to go by the theory
'If you haven't got anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."
The last thing I wanted to do was to get all philosophical and try to find meaning and discuss inner strength. Best just let it go unblogged.

I was thinking today however, that I could have done with one of those funny little trauma teddies they give kids in hospital.
So I got on to Ric Rac Softie Tutorial and made myself a little Trauma Nurse Puppet.
Pip says it is hers and I will let her think that, but really, Nurse Pinky is mine.

It's Exhausting Being This Cute.

At ballet, it is important to listen to Miss Brigit.

It is vital to twirl.

 You must point your toes.

Chocolate cake feet and plie`.

 Listen to the music to see how it makes you feel.

Is it any wonder I get so tired?

Out With The Old. In With The New.

Soon the old abalone sheds and slipway are going to be removed.

A multi-million dollar, state of the art amphitheatre is going to be built in its place.

A place where visitors can sit behind glass and watch the giant stingrays feed.

I am not sure how I feel about this. Whilst I am not anti-progress, I am nostalgic.

I admit I had trouble with the thought of the old 'creek'

being upgraded into the pristine harbour that it is now.

Then again, I am there at least twice a week. 

We take the kids for walks there, eat icecreams and drink coffee,

 climb the tower and look at the boats, we have even gone fishing.

I can't say I would have done the same in its old state of dilapidation.

I hope there will still be places around to explore that are not perfect,

places of rough and rugged beauty.

I can't help but like dilapidation.

I'm attracted to rust and old timbers and peeling paint.



I want the kids to connect to the towns history and its stories.

To enjoy the wonders of nature and the freedom to interact within it.

To take chances sometimes and risk a fall or two.

.

 Get their feet wet, clothes grubby and get stuck into it.

I just want happy, healthy, fun loving kids...

...and I've got them.

Colours In Our Garden

 

 

Don't Push Me

"Don't push me cause I'm close to the edge.

I'm trying not to lose my head.

Ah huh, Ah Huh!"

Grandmaster Flash (1982)

Sam (often!)