'Cushioning'

Image Courtesy Country Living

I cannot walk past a pile of cushions these days without having a giggle over Faux Fuchsia's 'solemn promise' to "Never Knowingly Undercushion" (FF, 2010). 

I walked around the cushion displays at the trade fair saying to myself, "hmmm, 'knowingly undercushioned' ... what a shame". She even has her Dad trained in the art of cushioning.... 'trained, or could it be an autosomal recessive gene?  I must admit I do 'undercushion'... but it has been 'unknowingly' up until now. What are your views on 'cushioning'? I used to do the 2 cushions at each end of the sofa but my perspective on 'cushioning' has changed forever and the numbers are growing.... much to the annoyance of those who actually try to sit on the sofa.

Have a good laugh today: HERE.

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.  ~ E.E. Cummings

Enjoying The Journey

Image Courtesy The Soul Dad

I'd like to introduce you to Luma, a dear dear friend of mine.

Luma has an inspirational blog, 'The Soul Dad', which is a delightful collection of his writing - his poems, his daily journal and coursework from the book that he is writing. Luma, his beautiful wife, Inger, and their 2 gorgeous children have been such wonderful friends to me and my boys. He has helped me, and others close to me, transform our lives. Luma inspires me daily to 'enjoy the journey' and 'live in the now', being present in every moment. His blog is so insightful, calming and creative. It really is soul food. I would love you to visit Luma. I would love to share you, my blog friends, with him. HERE.
Say hi from me!

Good Things

Image Courtesy Betty Broccoli. Tumblr

Ok, so I am all fired up after my workshop yesterday.

First thing I did, when I walked in the door, was sit my boys down and say, "please tell me now if there is anything that I am doing as a mother that you feel would lead you to need therapy when you're beautiful young men". Big one took it seriously and launched into a dialogue of how I am a great Mum as I let him go to the last school dance (where 6 girls kissed him... I know.. so forward... "but Mum they kissed me"... 13 years of age.. I was still playing with Barbies and boys had severe germs when I was 13). Little one just looked at me and blinked. This is the one who took great offence at me stating "I don't know anything" when helping big one with his homework the other day.. "but Mum, you know EVERYTHING". Good, he's still in the 'Mum can do no wrong stage'. Big one thinks I'm cool... so we're travelling well.

It was so good to get back to basics and also surround myself with beautiful people who also want to grow and love more. It was good... I cried buckets, not just for me but for the pain that others have had to endure in their lives. Oh, the destructive behaviours passed down from generation to generation. We all have so much in common, us humans. We are not alone in our problems or fears. I came out into the sunshine yesterday feeling strong.... and grateful.

So this morning, inspired by Martha's concept of a "Good Things" list (although hers is all about stuffed turkey burgers and dishwashing liquid bottles)...  I felt compelled to create a list of 10 good things in my life. Just off the top of my head... this is what came to mind. Would love to hear yours too!

A-M's List of Good Things

My boys

My family and friends

Laughing

Good health

A hot shower

A warm bed

Sushi

Cold water to quench a thirst

A view

Being needed

Happy Monday!

Sunday Morning

Thought I'd take you on my walk with me this morning (I walk on the weekends... more serene, not as fierce) to see how our suburb is progressing after the floods.

Beautiful Orleigh Park is on the mend. The river went up way over those light posts.

It is still hard to fathom the volume of water that went through this place.

You might want to listen to this, while you walk with me.
The original TOTP 1978 version.
My big boy is learning this on the piano.
Gives me goosebumps hearing him play it.

West End Ferry Terminal and Bus Depot. The damage was so unbelievable.

The water exposed all the old tram tracks (from the 1960's, buried under the road) and completely washed the road away.

The twisted wreckage which was the ferry pontoon.....

.... has been removed. The ferries just cruise past now. No stopping here.

This is where James used to sell the 'Big Issue' for a living. 

The whole terminal was completely submerged and is still full of mud and sludge....

... and the river made it's way up to the second level of those yellow apartments in the background. 

They are deserted now.

Still reminders...

....in every street, people are still hauling out damaged fittings....

.... and stuff...

.... or selling up their riverfront properties.

Still grateful....

... and working out ways to still be in business.

Life goes on.. but it takes time. 

Everything is on the mend though..... including me :)

Speaking of mending... I am off to a personal development workshop today.
Yep, a total PD junkie now... like a reformed smoker I guess. 

It's amazing what I am embracing these days.

Happy Sunday!

Ageing

Something pretty - courtesy Arden Stephenson

Secret - it was my 44th birthday the week before last. James reckons I don't look a day older than 33... and that's with my beetroot running face and sweat matted hair... not a particularly good look. He's a charmer! Thanks James (he says hi by the way and is still saying thank you to you all, with eternal gratitude). I had a spring in my step after his compliment. Please creaky body, stay 33 in spirit and not 44. As Mark Twain said, "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter".

My boys showered me in pretty presents... and... a fabulous blackjack kit, complete with a professional playing felt and chips! Oh fun! We mastered our blackjack prowess under miners lights during the flood blackouts. Shhh boys, don't tell Gran.. she would not approve of your mother teaching you how to gamble!

"There is a fountain of youth!...it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age" -  Sophia Loren.


I'd be interested to hear your take on ageing. It's 5am, I feel like a chat. Is anyone awake out there? Northern Hemisphere? Oh how I wish I was not an early riser... especially on Saturdays.
My kingdom for a 'sleep in'.

Extended Birthday

Scissors, paper, rock outside piano lessons!

We had no time for birthday frivolity yesterday as we headed straight to piano lessons after school and then soccer training..... so... even though it's a school morning and total madness... we are putting in a serious session on the new X Box this morning, before school. Sorry to cut and run.. I promise something pretty tomorrow. This post is living proof that I really make every post up on the spot first thing in the morning!

When I Grow Up....

At Grans

"When I grow up, I want to be a little boy".  ~ Joseph Heller, Something Happened, 1974

My 'little boy' is now 13 years old. My eldest is a teenager! ..... we stand eye to eye (which isn't hard as I am a shortie). 13 years have gone in the blink of an eye.

He is a gorgeous young man... kind, compassionate, insightful, funny, eloquent, bright as a button, athletic, musical and handsome! I am so so blessed to be your Mum, my darling 'Brynley'... you are more than I ever imagined I would receive in a son. I look forward to being your Mum through everything that life throws at you. I will be there, when you need me, 'til the day I die.
I love you my beautiful boy.