Nov 21st

I feel well and truly in birthday party mode.

Work was so far from being on my agenda today.  Ben finished the mezzanine yesterday.  I wanted some fabric to billow from the underside of the framework, so when lying in the bed below, our view would be one of a colourful canopy, rather than slats, a mattress and edges of sheets.  I found just the thing within five minutes of walking into the store.  Love that.

The beach started calling from about three pm, so we grabbed the canopy, our bathers and towels and wandered on down.  Three hours of vitamin D replenishment felt wonderful.  I am so grateful to be living so close to such a magical playground.

The letterbox yielded three very exciting things, today.

My new drivers license, my new medicare card and a birthday gift from my sister in NZ.

To receive mail in the name of India, feels wonderful :o). And to have it before my actual birthday is such a bonus.  Of course, the traffic authority and the government sending me mail in a new name because I updated it officially is not as thrilling as receiving mail from my blood, in my new name.  

An acknowledgement of acceptance - no small thing.  And one I am very grateful for.  And this particular sister of my blood makes me laugh so much.  Today's case in point:

Bless *grin*

I rounded off my day by indulging in a little teenage fantasy fodder (that's still acceptable at almost 35, right?!).  The fourth Twilight film was as kitsch and gorgeous as all the others, for me.  I will never consider the films as good as the books - that rarely happens with any translation - but I enjoy them for what they are - a fun couple of hours of visually beautiful entertainment *grin*.  I hope like crazy we don't have to wait as long for the final installment.  

Off to the city tomorrow to enjoy two nights in my favourite hotel.  I hope to find some time to spend in Morris and Sons, the yarn store to top all yarn stores, and maybe a little book reading.  For once, I'm actually considering NOT buying any books - rather reading a few new ones sitting on the shelf that have yet to have their spines creased.  One in particular, that was gifted yesterday, is calling to me...

Until then beautiful ones.

Until tomorrow, the final blog post for this epic journey (can I really call sitting on my butt, writing every day for a year, epic?  Not sure, but it certainly feels epic!).  Starting to feel the pressure to write something significant!  Eep!  You'll forgive me if it's casual, no?

Until then.

xxx

Nov 19th

Many fun and exciting things happened today.

A collection of the women and buttons gathered in my kitchen today for more milk making.  A remembered to get a few pics for you!  I discovered the most delicious blend of brown rice and cashew milk - by adding five dates into a recipe to make two litres, and halving the amount of coconut oil.  Oh my heavens!  Perfect sweetness, coconuttiness and creaminess.  

Two beautiful souls moved their worldly possessions into a corner of our home today, officially making that space their own and becoming part of the family.  We're still awaiting the addition of their feline who decided last night was a good time to go walkabout and wasn't back in time for the move.  It is hoped he'll be back Wednesday when the final visit to the previous abode is conducted.

But the best and most exciting part of my day?

The moment a familiar motorcycle rumbled down the drive, carrying the most delicious man I've ever seen.  And not a moment too soon.  There was much craziness and busyness happening in the house at the time, and for much of the day and eve - so we are looking forward to a leisurely breakfast out together, tomorrow morning.  Time to drink each other in and reconnect after what seems like a short lifetime apart.

Then of course, it will be off to indulge in sisterhood and celebration, in light of my birthday this coming Wednesday.  I plan to have lots of photos.  I truly hope to fulfil that plan!

Until tomorrow xx

Sept 22nd

Grateful for warm sunny days, way before they're scheduled to be.

Morning tea play dates that become afternoon lunches.

Human beings still in the learning phases of sharing, caring and patience practicing these skills so beautifully.

Smiley, charming boy babies that steal my heart and run off with it into the distance, never promising to return it and not minding one little bit.

Grateful for the colours of spring.

For simple props that bring such joy to wee people, eliciting the most glorious giggles.

Being blessed to witness the connection between two souls usually quite happy in their own company, finding pleasure in each other.

Oh so grateful, for days like these. <3