Monday 31 January 2011

Three Words



Each year Cherry chooses a word for the year - it reflects what she hopes for the coming months.
I have found this one of the most delightful things, and as she often does, it inspires others, includng myself.


This year I have choosen 3 words to guide & inspire me.


1. ORGANISATION
Yep, I know its boring, but not being organised leads me into all sorts of misery & mayhem. Long term readers may remember this incident... & I hate to say that since then, despite running a calendar, & keeping all school letters in gender identifiable folders, and generally doing my damndest,  I have still had two similar close misses. So this year I am adding a second diary (the big red one is my work one), a small one for the handbag.




I also need to get back on top of the house, last year it slipped & the clutter bunnies have had a riot. I will never be a minimalist type of person, there are just to many things that lift my soul & fill me with happiness to not leave around. 




However I do not want to spend my days off being a slave to the duster, life is just too short. So my 'lovely things', will be simplified.




I do, however give up trying to organise G!


2. SPONTANEITY
One of the best days I had last year, was a last minute decision to take the smalls out for a picnic straight from after school club, and now I want to do it more often. Also this year we have agreed as a family that at least once a month we will take time out and spend it as a family. Life can be too hectic, with weekends feeling as busy as the weekdays. We are going to take time out as a familly to stop.


3. No
I need to learn to say NO. 


No to others. 


No to myself - No I do not need that Mars Bar, & just because I baked them, doesn't mean I need to eat them (all).






So how am I doing at the end of this first month of 2011? 


Well, I continue to feel strangely motivated to decutter & clear, I am on first name terms with the young man in our charity shop, and the skip on the drive is testement to my determination. 


Umm, no real episodes of grand spontaneity, & our January afternoon at Sutton Scarsdale was hampered by rain & hail, but I am sure that will come as the weather improves.


& No? Err I have joined Weight Watchers, but this No thingy is taking some practise. I have however said no a couple of times to things that really would have put me under unecessary pressure, and felt better/relieved for doing so, & the people I said No to are still speaking to me, so I really don't need to worry so much about saying No.


Thankyou for reading through my ponderings - I think I will be posting more over the next 11 months on these words. 


I will be back soon to tell you all about our soon to be expected new arrival - he's going to have a huuuge impact on our familly, and we are all sooo excited, he really is a dream come true!




Love Lydia x


ps - He's not a baby.

Tuesday 18 January 2011

Looking Back and Looking Forward



Looking back on the highlights of a personally tough year, 2010, and celebrating the good.

Easter weekend family day trip to Crich Tramway museum for the 40's weekend....







Taking time out a the nature trail walk....


I spy my handsome boy....


We welcomed our neice, much adored by her cousins....


And had two weeks in our beloved Cornwall....


Sandy toes....


Fishing Villages....


New walks discovered....


And our history explored....



 New favourite Cafes found - Charlie's in Charlestown....



Simple summer joy at home....







The large 'paddling pool' - a magnet for the children on the close, giving us a garden of laughter & fun for the summer


We learnt lots about Camper Vans....



From interiors....


To 'Empi Stripes' on chairs....


And the amazing curtains available....


& I have learnt about eveything from splits to early & late bays, what is the 'rat' look & all about the buzz surrounding patina...


September sees new school shoes.... 6 & 12, for a 10 & 7 year old


The smalls had their first visit to the Netherlands....


& experienced Dutch celebrations.... 




As well as the bikes....


November saw special memory time as my smallest, became the smallest member of the Joseph Choir when it came on tour to Sheffield....


And I watched her all in love with the city - yes, she wants to live here when she grows up!


Baking has provided pleasure as well as calories....






Christmas arrived in a somewhat chaotic state, but, hey, I got there!





And through the stress of the lead up & work being very busy, in the darker moments, there were moments of peace, and light....





And now, I am looking forward to 2011, with a sense that this is going to be a good year.

I feel like I am emerging from a mist, with a renewed energy, and that finally life is filling with colour again....

I am looking forward, full of hope, of shared plans with my family & G, and plans for myself.



So here's to 2011 & all that it brings. 

I wish for us, all a year of blessings and joy. Laughter & freindship. Good things.

Lx