It’s hard to fathom that it has been 12 months since my Mum passed away. I miss her dearly. I miss many things, most of all, the simple things we can so easily take for granted. Yet these become such rich things as we cherish memories of those we love deeply. I miss calling Mum … Continue reading I miss you Mum!
Family
When pain shouts!
I let the technologist choose the backing music for a series of scans I had this week. Train’s “Drops of Jupiter” and Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” competed with the loud banging and clanging of the MRI machine. Then came “When I’m Gone” by 3 Doors Down. Maybe not the best song for an MRI playlist meant to distract … Continue reading When pain shouts!
Rest Mum, Rest!
As a child I often woke in the middle of the night. It might have been fear of the dark, a bad dream, a strange noise or a loud storm. For a short season, when I was 12, it was an irrational fear of death. Whenever I woke, I would run, crying, to my parent’s … Continue reading Rest Mum, Rest!
The ageing clock
Like so many of us in this strange and stretching season I won’t get to see my Dad for Father’s Day tomorrow, but my heart will surely be with him. Tomorrow he will wake for his first Father’s Day without my Mum at home by his side. As the ancient wisdom writer penned “there is a … Continue reading The ageing clock
A one way ticket to war!
It’s such a small item. So easily disposable. A tiny orange, fading paper rail ticket. Yet what a treasured possession! Why is it so special? Well, it’s stood the test of time. It’s 103 years old and it belonged to my great grandfather Harold Stanley Butler. The ticket made it all the way back from … Continue reading A one way ticket to war!
Staying the course!
It was one of those special moments to bottle! After two seasons of basketball and playing his last game before feet surgery this week, Arli found himself at the free-throw line with his mighty U10 Whitehorse Mustangs. Despite giving his best and loving playing with his friends, Arli hadn't scored a basket in more than … Continue reading Staying the course!
Life’s Certainties
I took Ada and Arli for a walk to the beach yesterday and yes, it was bound to happen. The sun was out, but a cold breeze was blowing and the water was very chilly. But here is one of life’s great certainties – if Arli is anywhere near water he will get wet – … Continue reading Life’s Certainties
Ten photos … many stories!
Well I’ve just tallied up my holiday photos as I head for home after a wonderful few weeks in Italy, France and Portugal. I’ve snapped more than 1800 photos over the past 15 days and yes, I’ve shared a few on social media! Thanks to those who have journeyed with me online and spare a … Continue reading Ten photos … many stories!
A coastal calling
The coast always beckons me. And I got a coastal trifecta today – hiking, kayaking and swimming on the stunning Algarve Coast in southern Portugal. It was another bucket-list day and I am feeling weary, but so, so thankful. I was born just up the hill from Merewether Beach, internationally recognised as one of the … Continue reading A coastal calling
Showing off in Rome
The humble tablecloth loves to show off in Italy. It's everywhere! Different colours, plains, checks and stripes, playing up to the summer crowds alfresco style, dressed simply and elegantly, covering tables on so many of Rome’s sampietrini pavements. The colourful cloths seem to sing in tune with the sights and smells of pastas, pizzas, tomato … Continue reading Showing off in Rome
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