my priorities this summer

my family and friends

our health and happiness

drinking lots of filtered water

exercise

our home

spending lots of time in, on and beside the water

Last summer I spent a lot of time hand watering our vegetable garden. I would be out there watering while the boys were swimming at the beach. I felt annoyed that I was doing this, while they were having fun. It was my decision to do it, but I was still annoyed. 

NOT this summer. This summer I'm going to be in the water with them.

A few weeks ago I made a decision to leave the vege garden for now. My hubby has some things planted and he is watering those, plus the things I had already planted. The thing is, we can't do everything. We can try, but it will leave us exhausted. This was a huge decision for me, but I'm finding with the studying I'm doing, that it was all too much. It was hard to let go, but for the sake of my health and happiness, I needed to. Instead, I have a few veges and herbs planted in pots and I will extend this a little bit. I 'm also buying fresh, local, organic veges from some friends that have recently started their own business growing organic veges. It's the perfect solution, for me, now, at this point in time. 

What are your priorities at this time of the year?

Is there any thing you could let go of at the moment? Are you trying to do too much?

We only have one life, and we deserve to make it the best life, for us, that we can imagine. 

The photo above is of our little 20 foot trailer sailor. She has been in our garage over winter. The boys launched her into our local river this morning ready for some summer fun. I met them out there and had a paddle in the water and did some yoga  onboard our little girl. The perfect way to spend a Sunday morning. 

This afternoon it will be study, study, study as I have an exam this week for my course. 

Take care,

love Julie xxoo

today

Today I just needed to leave my never-ending mental list of jobs at home and to hit the beach. The beach has been calling me for a while and I've been ignoring it, but today I decided to just take a break and go. It was very windy, but good anyway. Just feeling the sand under my feet and paddling in the water......sweet, sweet, bliss. I'm pleased I took some time out to go.

You can see how windy it was by my hair. I'm feeling very brave including such a closeup of my wrinkly 45 year old face. They're laughter lines actually. However, there are no secrets here, it's all real! And, as Louise Hay says, we need to love ourselves just the way we are. 

And a heart, just for YOU!

After the beach I hit the shops for a little retail shopping, including some Christmas presents. Actually it was just one shop and this was followed by an ice cream. Yum!

Now, I'm back at home feeling relaxed and refreshed. 

What have you been up to today?

xxoo Julie

a fun day at the creek

Josh and I had a fun day yesterday, with some new friends, on their property, not far from our place. We spent some time at their creek. It was lovely, sitting with our feet dangling in the water, on a warm spring day. The creek was flowing and we could hear the relaxing sounds of water, trickling down the rocks. The boys had a swim, and had fun, skipping stones in the water. They climbed trees. They also enjoyed a sausage sizzle. It was a beautiful day, spending time with new friends and enjoying Mother Nature. 

xxoo Julie

kangaroo and joey

Josh and I went for a drive today to visit my mum and dad who are away camping for a few days. 

In the caravan park there were kangaroos everywhere and quite a few with joeys. The kangaroos were very quiet.

This kangaroo has a joey in her pouch.

This little joey is nibbling on a bit of grass.

Dad and Josh getting the fishing gear ready.

Visiting a Good Friend and Fellow Blogger

Brad and Josh and I had a lovely day yesterday visiting our gorgeous friends Kim and Lewi. Kim is the person behind the blog Feather and Nest. It is a bit of a drive to their place, but well worth the effort. 

Have a look at this loaf of bread I bought on the way! It is about the size of two loaves of bread. 

We sat outside Kim and Lewi's new studio, in the beautiful sunshine, and enjoyed this lovely lunch made by Kim. It was yummy.

After lunch had settled and after lots of conversation (we had a lot of news to catch up on)  we enjoyed some of this chocolate cake. 

During the day Kim and I belatedly exchanged our birthday gifts. Kim gave me this gorgeous card and the River Cottage Handbook Herbs book. I love the book. It contains heaps of info about herbs, how to grow them and their uses. There are also some yummy recipes. I love the pictures too. 

We had such a great day with Kim and Lewi. We all agreed that we must catch up more often. Now.....if  I could only get them to move a little closer.........mmmmm.