Day 31

Wow.. made my 1 month of my gratitude blog. Only 11 to go ....not that I am counting.
Where today could of been one of complete frustration and exhaustion (max felt it), even he just laid down when,  my soon to be x service provided turned of my phone/internet days early. Well they could not of confirm more that I made a better choice as when I phoned the new provider they phoned there connect people and activated my account with in 3 hour's. With all going on at present I really did not expect an immediate response. That alone them helping me set up my mobile and WiFi, when it comes on line to nite. So patient, clear and helpful. SO why it my have been a slow day I have learnt a lot, proof will be if this blog gets actually done and posted lol

Day 30

Once I get home in the afternoon I find it really hard to go out, so though it should be easier as i was not rushing from work. It was not quite working that way today, but I had committed so needed to get my act together. As I went to the fridge (beside's the bills)was the flower in the picture.

reminds me of our Sunday db paddles and even if I don't paddle love going down 4 the coffee at the markets after. so much good fun , laughter, convo 's and friendships. so needless to say with those thoughts I grabbed my paddled bag jumped on my bike (yes bike) and went.

well the river did stink, mud was thick and got totally rained on but shit it was fun.
specially sitting down the back with those two trouble makers...... ; )
,

Day 29

Yes it’s happening I've taken the step in to 21st century and even more technology. According to friends this phone can nearly do all but.....take a bath for me. And I am grateful for that because I do like my baths.

As many of my friends have informed me they do not like water though (was wondering why they had there's sitting in rice).

Does it mean I will answer my phone more ..........mmm probably not… Will I remember to take it everywhere I go mmm probably not lol.

And as I learn more than just texting on it I am sure I will appreciate the apps (that’s the in thing isn’t it). Saved myself $100 too as GPS comes with it. (you probably already knew that) No more getting lost on the new road systems in Brisbane. Wonder if you can choice the GPS voice?

Day 28

Initially when I thought about todays blog I started thinking about how in mothers nature path of destruction she leaves some incredible sights.

While the video might not show it, it was very surreal watching this wave of foam amongst the trees it was at least 1.7 metres high and you could not differentiate between surf/shore and road. Occasional a person would pop out to the hoots of onlookers. (hope there not sick tomorrow, cause the foam was really itchy)

Then I realised... walking around today post cyclonic winds and rain it was so nice to see the generosity of people, the Australian humour/sarcasm was in full force (the anxieties of previous 'not to be mentioned flood' was quite raw for many...emotions very close to the surface). While some ‘d...h...ds' where still around. For the majority.... people were out there to help each other. Neighbours checking on each other, people in your local community who may have never spoken now know each other. And I really feel blessed that I do not have to go through the insurance saga again. I am very grateful to my family, friends and neighbours for checking on me… for your love and concern.  Xxo

While it seems the worst is over here, my thoughts now go out to those who are in mother’s nature’s path. Safety first

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Day 27

What a morning up at 2.30am wind, rain, falling trees, loud sounds. Yeh maybe not the day to go out on the water.... though if I had a surf board (and knew how to use it) there is a few sets of waves right outside my door.

Totally water logged by 6.35am securing boats mind you was not alone......7 of us all drenched my hair though has been revitalised by the fresh rain water, lovely ringlets. 1hr later, everything stored and safe (thanks boys....us girls where useless at the knots lol). Then ahhh a warm coffee mmm

And grateful I am to come home house still dry, warm shower, dry clothes and of course 'Games of Thrones' season 3 (now you know why I saved it Alicia) thanks Shelby for putting it on my laptop and worst case scenario should I lose power ..................I have the books. Mmm who said to me yesterday books are obsolete. With the smell fresh baked biscuits, not for me but my neighbours. I shall settle down. Heard the worse is to come in the next 3 hrs. So while I am dry, safe.... my thoughts are going out to all others who may not be as lucky as me. To my friends that read this if you need help I am a phone call away.

Day 26

My lovely pandanus trees at Alex and along the coast, I am grateful for the shade you provide and the space you create for me to relax. There has been many a day I’ve spent sitting underneath my tree at Alex, reading, having a coffee, sleeping or just watching the ocean rolling in onto the rocks and beach. I've always found the branches and root systems create such interesting patterns and the rough texture lovely to touch.

This morning after training I walked underneath one of these gorgeous pandanus on my way to meet Lisa for breaky. Just outside the surf club where I have also sat many a time having coffee. Unfortunately by the time we finished breaky, could only walk over her, many years she may have stood strong but today the wind was just abit to much. Hopefully some of her will survive and she once again will stand strong providing shade to all who passes by

Day 25

Remember those days when you’re parents and you knew your neighbours. You trusted them and if you needed help you could ask. Boxing Day you all played cricket together, you  celebrated Guy Fawkes Day as a whole street. You went to school with the kids next door, no one called the police if you had a party because they were all at the party.

Well I am grateful that after 2 not so pleasant neighbours have now departed our neighbourhood to everyone’s relief.....I have those types of neighbours.

Bushy who carts away excess yard clippings or helps me with the hedges when they are totally out of control, Eliz.....who even today went out of her way to bring my rubbish bin in……….in the pouring rain,, Sar please stop bring me all those fresh baked cakes, samosa's, spring rolls to my door along with all that beautiful fresh greens from the market (no actual keep bringing the greens and spring rolls : ), M and S always up for a chat and swapping of good novels, The front neighbours who always let me know if anyone has been near my house during the day. Oh and Ian who may have moved but comes back to visit family...provides lots of fun holding up smile signs to the passing pedestrians and traffic.

Yep I am pretty lucky, just hope I can be as good a neighbour as the ones I have

Day 24

After a week of humidity and heat how grateful am I for this downpour of rain. Heavy and solid it sounds so loud pounding on the pergola roof.

I just love those days when you get a couple of days of solid rain, probably helps when you are on holidays too. But it’s so refreshing and relaxing. You don’t feel like you have to do anything, cuppa of tea and a good book or movie is more appreciated. That sleep in is so good, and how nice does your hair feel after you go walking in it. Yes… love walking in the rain though I prefer slight drizzle and not downpour. Already the garden is looking better, my chilli plants are happier. And strangely enough I feel like going outside and doing something instead of hibernating lol. It’s all good in moderation

Day 23

Many invested hours looking for that "phone deal". You know that one that incorporates home/internet/yeh and I really need a new mobile.

I doubt there is one store that I have not been too. Then I did the phone around thing as well. Yes different deals via phone or in store. Had all my stats had to check out one more service provider? mmm sounded good, now its narrowed down to two ....

There this new thing (well to me it is)..you can chat with the help centre online really makes it easy to understand and get your point across. Though when they say going to phone and don’t (little bit p........ off). So you call back online ...........apologises will call you back but first call we can’t find record of it (hello they told me it was being taped)I do have times I phoned. (NOTE to self-save technical support chat b4 they close it and write name down,  don’t think cause it’s on line you have access to it.)

Unfortunately a friend phones you at home fancy that ...so you receive a text 'your line says busy' already hung up on friend on phone for 4.1secs. But within in 1 sec of the service provider sending that 'your line is bust' chat line closed on me as I typed 'off phone now' No call back (HELLO currently not on plan....might go elsewhere)

Meanwhile the competing  service provider called told I them exactly what I wanted..... they could do it (???) to easy, asked if they could call back in 15 mins as needed to think about......and they did. Duringcall back our street had a black out so phone (home) went down.........so they called on mobile always so polite and helpful. Well needless to say who I went with. Outcome saving $2 but now have unlimited download, unlimited national, local, mobile calls (to any mobile) on home phone, extra 16 gb on mobile (on top of 16) and a new Samsung 3 mobile. Pretty happy but waiting for the catch.

WHY am I grateful......because during this harrowing....yes harrowing process I met some wonderful helpful people who were so polite and considerate to a techno illiterate like me. They took time out to explain gb, mb wifi, techo stuff would impact on me ……………so to Craig in the Optus shop M'dore, Sean telstra (though started out rude) once empathised about lack of lunch break he apologised and very helpful, and mostly today Glen (spelt Genalyn) who through his patience won me over ......................fingers crossed. Hey coming in to the 21^st century

Day 22

What a wonderful day today seems like years since I had downtime to just spoil self. You know soaking the feet, foot and hand scrubs, painting the nails (toes n fingers). Yes even cut and filed the nails, I am very grateful to my niece Shelby who made this all the more enjoyable with all the Lush products she gave me at Christmas. So like lush the smell and feeling of it all. And Shelby if you do happen to read this the 'rub rub rub' is so good on my hands there feeling so much nicer all the roughness has gone. So by the end of the day my toenails are bright pink (jules/jess) and finger nails black......before you ask why it’s because I can and I like it : )

Day 21

 

Years ago when I stayed in New Plymouth, my then boyfriend's father use to take me down to buy fresh muscles and we would marinate them. He kept them in this huge earthen jar and every time I walked past it. I would scoop out a handful.
They were so delish... 

Thankfully when Haze and Syd were up, Syd marinated some muscles for me as I told him about the ones I would pig out on over there, I had forgotten how. Though he so brought it back to me. Now I am hooked again, though I do need to find a decent earthen jar. Memories back of the way we use to marinate them now with a Sharon twist (of course) and tonight 100% muscles opened. Yehh

So I am very grateful for Syd for reconnecting the dots on how to do this but also the ocean..... for it offers up amazing food for us and I totally appreciate it. (so wished I had the crayfish to go with them, think I was abit spoilt then : ) 

Day 20

Well finally I was productive today, in the sense I cleaned the house. Vacuum and mopping not necessarily one of my favourite pastimes (I guess it’s not most). I more of a superficial cleaner and let things, get out of control easily. So I am trying to remedy this. And I guess this leads on to what I am grateful for today. Clean house, beautiful floors and kitchen. It was such a nice evening to bring out the candles

I so love candles the flickering flame (mesmerising), shadows, and soft light it provides really takes me to a nice relaxing and great space. Even better now I have these wicked wood wick candles (thanks to Carol who put me on to them) not only do I get the flame now I get the sound of a crackling fire....it’s so nice. Meditation is probably something I have not down for a while...you know life get busy no time to stop or if you do you fall asleep. So with the candles burning me thinking about meditating (but on fb) a post by Pat really grabbed my attention. So I am going to share that with you also as I now in the last 3 months the simple technique it talks about (and sometimes we make think its silly or yeh we know it) has really helped me.

Sit or lie in a stable position and practice mindful breathing.

Enjoy your in-breath and your out-breath, and focus your attention on the abdomen.
Belly breathing can be very deep, very slow, and very powerful.
If you continue doing this for three weeks, you'll develop the right practice.

Then, when a strong emotion arises, you'll remember the practice and you will succeed in soothing your emotion.

Each time your emotion becomes a little less powerful. You don’t have to fight; you just allow the energy of mindfulness to embrace your emotion.

Then it will weaken and go back to the depths of your consciousness.

 

Day 19

What a way to start the day .............paddling on the Maroochy river, beautiful.................................
Though the thought of driving down to Bribie was "ohhh it’s so hot, I'm tired" Shame on me........75 min drive to the picnic spot (saved by Aunty Margaret, Uncle Graham and Laura from some ungodly hour) Parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, nephew, niece, 2nd cousins ...(The whole tree)... all got together.

5 to 10 hrs, really is not enough time to catch up. While I might not enjoy the drive down (mm?? need car with air con). I so enjoy my time there ........though never enough time to catch up with everyone’s storey and not all of us could be there, what A GREAT DAY.

My family means everything to me and that includes my extended family.  I remember our cousin holidays at Mooloolaba (hence why I live here now), cricket on the beach, picking chocko's, sunbathing, camping, cards at night...being in trouble lol. Like the photo above ...not all of us cousins can always be there (sorry cuz’s  old photo), but the opportunity, to touch base, reconnect and see what a wonderful, unique, loving family we are. Is an opportunity I don’t want to pass up on. I’m grateful to “Us cousins” parents initiating this. To see my mum with her sisters and brother is pretty great. I hope us cousins will keep this going. Family is family

The day ended with the 4 first cousin girls minus 5th member Anna (for a good reason) chatting, planning, laughing, then leaving……….. dam midges biting us : )

.....Congrats Anna looking forward to hearing news..baby baby babe

Day 18

Hot and humid day lots to do but not much done. One of those days that as I started something, it turned into a bigger job than expected (I'm sure we have all had them). Please to say now have a whole box of items that the refugee would appreciate and I definitely won’t miss. Though will  have to wait to Monday to drop that of.

Thought of going for a walk along the river as the sun eased off but before I knew it night had fallen ....a cool breeze with it so as I walked out to pick my bin up, I grabbed my camera and a glass of red (with ice..so bad) went and sat on the river’s edge. For a Friday evening the traffic was nil....cool breeze....many boats fishing and as I sat there quietly I was very grateful for living in such a beautiful place, I forget how much I do have at times. When days get hard I always know I feel better when I walk near the water, so now I do I need to ensure I do it more often as I feel so uplifted when I do.

I don’t think those fisherman knew I could hear their conversations………..some were quite interesting mm

Day 17

During todays, "I'm going to clean and toss a whole lot of things out" (didn’t get far) I came across some old boxes of course I remembered RSPCA magazines from when my sister and I where members when we were children. Many of the stories or pictures in them being of our own childhood animals, Badaba ‘Afghan dog ‘, Marcus and Claudius (donkeys), sue, mary, and their 22 siblings (guinea pigs) where just a few.

This made me think about the refuge at Sippy downs where I got Maximus from. If it was not for them my little Maximus would not have survived long.... dumped on the side of the road at 1 weeks of age.

Every week I read the stories of their featured pets (animals they are trying to rehouse) and it’s so good to hear the great outcomes they do have. But of course nowhere near enough.

So today I am grateful for Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge....for my Maximus and all the work the Volunteers do to keep the place running, the love and care they give to those animals hurt or that have become homeless. It is a no euthanise Refuge and as a charitable organisation survives on donations. So sorry boys who I sponsor for Movember each year, as I cannot commit to regular volunteer work I am donating that money to the refuge along with the stash of stationary and pens I found through my cleaning up process. So I will attach the website just in case any other animal lovers out there would like to help. Simple things like pens, paper and white board markers, old towels are some of the things they need. After all with the 100 plus pens I found in the back of the cupboard I don’t believe I will miss

http://www.sippycreek.com.au/
 

Day 16

Installing fans when removating the kitchen was a brillant idea and have been so grateful this week and today. I'm sure my electricity bill will reflect my gratitude seen I have been running them 24/7. Hard to believe it took me so long to come up with this brillant idea

Day 15

You ever had one of those days you just have the urge to do something that to others may see as silly.....I do. Actually ...truth is known I have all sorts of these ideas/thoughts go through my head on a daily basis. Sometimes reality checks in ........mmm yes not the most ideal moment or appropriate place to do such things. Other times the desire there but the anxiety surrounding it may prevent (social stigma). Or maybe I just don’t get out enough!!

Truth be known I so enjoy letting lose doing something abit silly, not harmful but fun. I was going to say I've done nothing like this for along while though I believe Dec 19th approx 7.45pm I had one of these moments (no drink involved) and colleagues put it down to 'Sharon having a manic episode' lack of sleep etc etc.

Well I might have not got to see 'Life of Pi' today though more laughs where had, over coffee and shopping (photo) with a friend today. She definitly had style about her. No names but free to guess sorry....U know who.......... : ) While the two of us giggled on and off what lovely smiles and looks we got from those in coles. We had really nice interactions with those shoppers around us. Only one 8yr old, looked abit concern. I so enjoyed my arvo thank you (you know who).  xo

Day 14

Been a joke for years that I am my father’s daughter when it comes to parking, it’s the "Thomasson gift/curse". Those born to the name have it my Mum's pissed off as it does not work for her. Like Saturday driving up to Parkyn Pde for seafood, tourists, locals cars backed up for 1km and just going round and round trying to find a park. Once again twice in a fortnight a single park left (obviously for me) under cover within 10 steps from the shop. Couldn’t ask for more well ...except for the park outside my sisters work in Brissy ....in the shade of course (just as well as the day was hot as .........., and of course only aircon in my car is the windows. Eumundi markets on a Saturday right in the main street. Today in front of any shop I went to it’s as if they are reserved for me. Those who have been with me when driving will definitely agree, it’s the 'Thomasson curse" one that you are very happy to have. I am very grateful for this infliction

Day 13`

Well it had to be said and you knew it was coming, I am grateful for Maximus 'Max the cat'. Born approx. 13/10/07, dumped on the side of the rode at Beerwah, found in the gutter and taken to Sippy Downs animal refugee. That’s where he found me.....

This little precious ...who tried to stop me posting tonight (see photo) he took the mouse and that’s him given me that look "no you not having it back" Obviously he makes it clear when he feels I have on been on the computer to long.

He loves playing soccer with stress balls, hide and seek, wants something will tap me with his pawl, if I don’t get the message........ouch I get a warning bite. But once alarm goes off in the morning wether its 4am or 7am he runs straight up, jumps on the bed and gives you a cuddle. (little nip if not awake) Always watches me form the window driving away and there at the door when I come home. He provides hours of laughter in his antics, I’m sure that’s why I am always late.

Day 12

As I started to write my blog tonight I noticed a post from a girlfriend appear on FB. So of course I checked it out and it put me on a totally different course of what I was to write about. Tonight I am grateful for those lifelong friendships. My parents still have the same group of 4 couples dating back 54years at least. (I am sure that is rare) I am talking about those friendships that started back when you were a child. They might have been neighbours, your parents friends kids or those you met at school. You went through those horrible (yes horrible) teenage years together. You saw them get married and if lucky enough where part of that. You lost contact but discovered it again. You would catch up or just touch base by phone, through children, jobs, illnesses and loss, if needed you would be there for each other....... not always in person. But when things got rough a phone call is all it took.

I always thought it would be nice to have friendships like my parents.....those life long ones going back to your youth. So tonight I am grateful cause I realised I do have that (several) and one of those friendships is with Deb who this year will celebrate her 25 years of marriage to Col and has 2 wonderful boys Tyla and Shaun, and while we don’t see each other often she is always in my heart as I know I am in hers ...thank you Deb xxo

Day 11

Today I am grateful that my Bunnings voucher from my parents for Christmas turned up. I was devastated when I though I lost it, made my sister, brother, nieces and nephew all check their stuff in case it go mixed up. My parents (sorry mum and dad) went through initially the paper bin from all our wrapping but due to my distress checked the entire bin from Christmas day oohhhh.

So imagine my surprise on the 3rd check of my car boot (on advice from mum) it turned up. oops

Now I am excited cause I love Bunnings, I could lose myself in there for at least 5 hrs. For my friends from overseas it’s a giant hardware store from wood, fencing, bathrooms, garden supplies, tools and much more. Give me bunnings over shoe shopping any day. This weekend I see paint and fence shopping on the cards. So happy and thank you family for checking mmwah

Day 10

The difficults I thought I would have in blogging a gratitude journal, are not the ones I thought I would have. Where I thought I would be struggling to find things to say I find I am having to choose. So in staying with the theme of my dream early this morning (yes I was a new puppet on sesame street). Today I am gratful for the letter B

B for bubbles.......today I visited a girlfriend who had recently given birth to her 2nd child (he was just beautiful), Mary on the other hand was absolutely delightful....who would not love to see the world through the eyes of a child. I gave her a simple bubble blower supposedly for giant bubbles....well Bubble comes out "oh oh buble buble ohhh' 2nd bubble comes out 'oh oh  buble buble ohhhh' 3rd and so on and so on. No idea of the time but every bubble that came out she saw it with fresh eyes, glowed at her discovery. I've taken this away with me today..thanks Mary

B for Burritos..........The best burritos in Brisbane, for the small price it was the specials day so we got the dips as well yum yum. This is where I met my sister for lunch today (yes late definitely need GPS,  Brissy has changed all the streets around). It's sad to say I have no idea how long since we went out for lunch together ....only know that I enjoyed it. I'm very blessed to have a sister like mine, she may be my little sister but at times she has been more mature and wise than me. Maybe this is a role we alternate through our life. I only know that being with her at Christmas and today have made me miss her more. While as children we had our moments (1…. she will never let me forget lol) I know we will always be there life long for each other. So going to bug her for more lunch dates, especially while I am on holidays, mmm maybe should suggest another Tapas nite too. So thank you universe for giving me the Best sister a girl could want

Day 9

Today I am grateful for my lovely neighbour Sa and here gift of cucumbers. Now while I might not like them in a salad I do love them pickled (of course). This gift has given me a day of fulfilment putting my kitchen to good use.......and all bar the peppercorns are from the garden. Now I am not a creative person (suck at crafts) I hate wasting good produce (I'm my mother’s daughter). Love creating in the kitchen, have taken it easy on the spices THIS time, now looking guinea pigs to try them on

Day 8

Today I am grateful for ice and water, which may sound so silly. Though from the time I got up this morning....the cold shower that woke me up, oops another one post walk, ice cubes in my water all day and tonight. Watering my precious chilli plants (ok it was hot so hose myself to). This really made me feel refreshed and alive, eased the humidity, then I thought about the people I heard at the shops, complain about their air-conditioning not working right or shops did not have it on high enough.  Really made me think, while I chose not to have air con, I do have easy access to water (drinkable), I can spoil myself with a cool bath. Many in our world don’t. My memories of some of my travels where I was so thankful for having baby wipes just so I felt abit clean. Spending 10days on an Island in Lake Titicaca, water had double uses (oooo sometimes) mmm

Day 7

Today I am grateful for the hours spent in the garden re potting, feeding, reading, watering, writing and just enjoying

Long time I have had a passion for anything and everything chillies. Love the colours, the flavours and the burn you get with the right ones. Just a little time spent nurturing has created the harvest you see picture. Trinadad Scorpian 'Butch T', Bhut Jolokia, 7 pod 7pot, Bhut Jolokia chocolate, Birds eye, Cayenne red, Habanero Bolivia, Habanero red. mmm note to self-1 Trinada Scorpian in 120g mince and spinach = burn time 50 mins post eating, definitely trying Bhut Jolokia tomorrow.

mmm Maximus……..Maximus (the cat) maybe not such a good idea playing soccer with those chilli's, max put it down......... max

Day 6

Today is the first day I actually felt like I am on holidays, normally this time of year i would have to go back to work in the next week.  Don't get me wrong I do love the work I do, but feeling abit tired this year. So when I woke up this morning and fumbled around so long I missed Maroochy Sea Serpent’s paddling session, up at 6 and still could not get there by 8am (takes me 2 mins to get there).

I really had to sit down and take a breath ...........oooshhh be in the moment and realise......

I am grateful today that I have committed and work in a job that I do love and can say STOP sharon you need some time now, for you... on your own time.

The photo I have included is from my last long break. A challenging time for me back in 2002 when I did travel afar this is Calo Levisa Beach, Cuba. So many memories and still today when I picture this beach I have so many wonderful emotions flood my body, it brings me back to a really good place.

Day 5

Today I am grateful to friends who never do give up on me; many of you know that in the past I was quite a social person. Though the last few years, I have taken quite well to the hermit type behaviour. I have this girlfriend who I met paddling years ago and though she did not continue with, we remained great friends and have coffee'd, partied, danced and hung together. She’s a big movie buff and is the luckiest person in winning tickets of the radio (how she does it ...no idea). She is quite amazing will give anything ago, commits to a mini tri (runs out of time for training ...but does it anyway), jump from a plane, kite surf, but the most amazing thing about her she has the biggest heart for her friends.
So thank you for your friendship and not giving up on me and persistence in inviting me to movies I would never choose lol ...I cried......laughed.....closed my eyes at the most embarrassing moments (dam no fast forward button). But your eyes where definitely redder than mine : )

But to let you know the best part was the joy she gave to a young boy who was pressing buttons on one of those drink machines. He was pushing the buttons but of course nothing came out....so as she went to get a drink she asked if he wanted to press the buttons his face lit up, he looked at his dad ...he nodded. She put in the coins he asked and she explained what numbers .................the grin on his face was amazing as his efforts bore fruit, she thanked him and he thanked her more.

It was not about him getting a soft drink; it was about something happening for his efforts....and she knew that.

I am grateful for having you in my life, love you my friend xo

ps. some of you may know who this is, but as I have not yet informed her of the post (she'll know soon enough)  I have left it out.

Day 4

Today I was gratful for the friends I have in our Friday morning boot camps with Renee. Through the grimacing faces, puffy and groans we always manage to have a good laugh and encourage each other to push that little bit further. Might not want to get up in the morning but always glad I did when I attend. Inspiring bunch of girls xx

Day 3

Today I am grateful for the books Mum and Judy gave to me, most auto/biographies and more. I so love reading and forget about this pleasure the last year. So love to listen to others naratives and lose myself in a good story. Enough for 5 books per week while on holidays mmmmm painting what painting ; )

Day 2

Initial I was concerned that I had nothing to write about today, played on my mind for a short while. What could you really be grateful for if you had just been lazy ..........

Like that walk along the river front first thing this morning, cool breeze, obviously all speed boat owners had gone back to work, as it was quiet but for the birds. Everyone you passed actually said hello with real smiles, some even asking about your day. Friendly neighbours stopping for a chat. Feels like the first day of my holidays and I am grateful for that.....starting to feel I have time to notice the things around me. Mother and infant magpies, lorikeets, bill the bush turkey building a new home (must have a girlfriend), some amazing fish jumping out of the river and several families of ducks heading up the river together.

But most of all grateful as haze and syd left up that bacon and salmon for me, :) so nice crispy bacon (sorry Karen) with poached eggs and spinach. That’s a great way to start a day.

Day 1

For the last year I have had the privilege of following my friends Janet's posts on her year of being grateful. I say privileged as through her reflections you learnt more about her life's journey but also came to understand more about her as a person. Amazing mother, wife, friend, funny, wise, loving, nice sarcasm in her humour, always up for a challenge.... Such a gift to share. Alas I now experience some sadness to see she has come up to her 366 day, the blog coming to an end. I have enjoyed her writings and insights, watched her grow through them throughout the year. So wise or unwise I have decided to take up the challenge, I say challenge as I believe it won’t be so easy initially. Making a daily commitment and on those more challenging or feeling like crap days bringing out the good. But I am going to try. So if any one chooses to follow or read...........I apologise now for my spelling and grammar though I believe this will improve as each day goes on. So to start my year I am grateful that Janet came into my life initially thorough paddling and now on our not so 6 monthly mountain climbs. I am grateful that she shared her last 366 days with me and her friends and giving me the inspiration to have my own year of being grateful. The picture is the view of our 2nd last mountain climb the 3 of us girls did. Thanks Janet