Thursday, January 28, 2016

Focus Words for 2016

This sculpture is in a park on the southern tip of Vietnam in the city of Vung Tau (I think). For me, visiting this place was really significant. In the late 70's and early 80's many Vietnamese Refugees came to Australia by boat, most left from this port. My broader family, under the watchful eye of my grandmother, adopted a Vietnamese family and assisted them as they settled in South Australia. I learnt alot from this family about cultural differences and respect of different religions, and also about gardening. My husbands family also adopted a Vietnamese family who also had a impact on his values in life too.

I share this story by way of saying I am hopeful that I will be able to live by the values I hold close, those that I have adopted from some wiser than me, and those I've come to hold dear just because of my own journey.

This image will remind me to focus on these principles/values as I embark on 2016, a potentially busy year. Last year my words were influencial and remain meaniingful to me.

Monday, January 18, 2016

Pause.... Breathe.... Focus

Loving Summer
Spending time with Friends (who keep me honest!)
Enjoying Traditions
In Awe of amazing women who find their own focus and stay true....

Following a kind a busy Christmas Break, I returned to work for two weeks knowing I would be having this  little break now. I'm in South Australia for a week to enjoy, watch and take in the Cycling at Tour Down Under. This is a tradition for my partner and I. We catch up with friends, have belated Christmas gatherings with family, and lap up the festivities. 

But this is also a wonderful opportunity, while I'm away from my own chores and tasks, to reflect on the year to come and the year I want. I've been following my blogging friends as they launch into the new year, and I'm in awe of some amazing blogging women who have set their focus and started on their actions. Kate at Fox's Lane set her goal to post every day in January - she's amazing. She writes about life on the farm and their gardening, parenting, family fun and other wholesome things. I've been in awe of her daily commitment - and how she doesn't bore us. Brydie at CityHippyFarmGirl has launched her new focused website Brydie Piaf - her photographic stories are inspirational. Ellie at An Emergent Life has been sharing her journey and inspiring me to think about mine.

So, I'm cleaning up my blog as a symbolic step to cleaning up generally. I'm looking for a new focus in almost every aspect of my life... I'm trying to be honest to myself about whats really important. I'm keen to focus on some of Ellies advice from An Emergent Life and be Mindful.

I'll be back soon... with some focus :)

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Under Construction

Here we go again.... It's time for a change.
 I feel the need for a refresh. 
Please be patient with me, and offer me your suggestions... 
I welcome any comments. I'm looking for clean, uncluttered, and navigable. 

I want to create a place that's welcoming, homely but yet unique and interesting.
 
I should be settled on a new place by the end of the month.
 
 


Friday, January 8, 2016

Loving the Spanish!

Isn't this just amazing!