A walk on the quiet side...

I keep sitting down to write and then find that few words flow. Maybe I have become self conscious of my thoughts? Or maybe I feel I have put enough of them down here and instead want to write about fashion and frippery. Or maybe I just have nothing to say?! No, surely not...

via crush cul de sac

I am having a quieter time now, the reality of not working for a bit is sinking in. What an enabler it is to have my days free. To be able to plan and consider what to do as the week stretches out. Days peppered with seeing friends and restorative appointments like the massage I had this morning. Whilst I know this self-enforced stillness is a necessity at the moment; there is a distinct need, it doesn't stop the guilts arising in me. With years of history, guilt and I are familiar bedfellows. However not one person has said to me that I am doing the wrong thing; in fact the opposite, it is all right and all good.

Meanwhile this Tuesday, my view is: how fortunate am I to be able to take this time out? It is a gift...

In my hometown, where we live, I drive the same roads I used to walk and cycle as a child, and I wonder whether my reaction to change is influenced by the fact that I still live where I grew up. I only left for University and even then made the regular pilgrimage home to see my boy next door (later to be husband). I am used to the same. So I am trying to retrain my brain to embrace change, to see the opportunity in it. To identify that when things are in one groove,  sometimes a new groove needs to be furrowed to get benefit.

Mila Kunis via sun 0f a gun

The best part is that directly following this time of stillness is our family holiday, where 'holiday rules' apply and we are in our happiest place. I feel like the idea of that time is a salve; a balm, a tonic - in short a remedy. It might be a short-term fix but nevertheless...ocean and sand and sun is perfect for me.

via crush cul de sac via with style and substance

Good things about today...

Not that I want to draw too much attention to my happiness that my children are not here - but I will just say: they have gone back to school today! Hear a little, quiet, subtle 'hurrah' from me ;-) I love the summer term, lots of lovely things to do, and sent them off this morning in their blazers, summer dress and short shorts. Very cute.

Four weeks of Easter holidays is a long time in anyone's book. We did have a ball and did some great stuff, but they needed some structure back in their lives and so did I! They are happy to be back at school and I am happy having a moment to myself to regroup at home.

Abit of pensive time....some peace.

Today there are flights again...on the news they showed lots of pictures of families reuniting at Heathrow airport this morning that made me cry - just like in the title images in 'Love Actually'. Gets me every time. I know that film is complete mush-fest but I still like it, especially this bit:

After having less time recently to tend to myself, I am rather thankful for this primer from Benefit - recommended to me by two different friend sources, it really is miracle stuff if you are over the age of 25. Goodness for a 36 year old like me, its a godsend. It makes me look...well...more put together instead of coming undone.

Did I mention also its sunny! I know we weather-obsessed Brits go on and on about this but really - to have a run of sunshine and spring-ness is just like a divine intervention after such a long winter. Long may it last...

If I am honest it just makes me wanna wear something like this! Hmm, this would go with those new boots I got. Today is a good day.