Moving On

I'm a little sad to say it, but I have decided that with a new phase of my life I'm moving on to a bigger and better blog.

I'd love to have you continue to follow me at Eunice and the Sparrow.

This change has come about for a few different reasons:

• I'm doing an awesome online blogging course (Blog with Pip) at the moment, and wanted to move to Wordpress and update the technical side of my blog (as I gradually master it!).

• I'm starting my own small business (also called Eunice and the Sparrow), and hope to do some more writing, as well as making lovely things that other people want to buy online. I don't think I'd be able to manage two separate blogs. And I'm not two separate people. My personal life and creativity are inextricably linked.

• I've come to realise that the girls are getting older, and there will come a time when they don't want me to be putting so much of their lives on display. Their stories are not mine to tell. Eunice and the Sparrow will continue to contain family news and photos. But there will be a little bit less of them, and a little bit more of me.

I haven't worked out yet exactly what will happen to this little site. I'll probably try to move some of the content over to the new blog in time. And I'll definitely print out the Red Curls and Pearls posts and have them bound into a book for posterity!

I'm grateful for the opportunity I've had to express myself in this way, the clarity it has brought to my thoughts at times, and the connections I've been able to make with you, my readers.

Thanks for all your support. And please ... don't stop now!

Find me at www.euniceandthesparrow.com and let's continue the conversation.

New Years Resolutions 2014

No, I'm not going to go through my goals for 2013 and analyse my performance.

Let's just say that if 2013 were an exam, I wouldn't have passed!

I still aim to nurture the relationships in my life. I'd love to do better this year at all the things I wanted to do last year. But I don't intend to make a list of specific goals this time around. Why set myself up for failure?

I have, however, been doing some reading recently, and it has helped to shape my thinking about the new year.

I stayed up very late a few nights ago to read the book 'Resurrection Year', by Sheridan Voysey (published in 2013 by Thomas Nelson). And it was worth the lack of sleep!

Recommended reading.

The book describes the 10 year journey Voysey and his wife travelled in their (ultimately unsuccessful) quest to have a child. Voysey's account of their experiences with IVF is familiar to anyone who has been there. And it is all the more poignant to me because way back in 2008 I was a talkback caller on Open House and we had a brief conversation regarding IVF. I had no idea at the time that it was so personally relevant to him as well!

While the couple's struggle with infertility is covered in the book, it concentrates more on their "resurrection year" afterward. It chronicles their experiences travelling overseas in search of a new beginning. Their search for answers to the spiritual questions about why God allowed their suffering is covered. And we see them gradually develop new passions and purposes in life.

Let me say at the outset that my experience is nothing like theirs. I've struggled with infertility, but my dreams were realised. I have three beautiful daughters.

My best friend is unable to have children. She battles a very rare and serious chronic disease. And a few months ago, she sustained a severe head injury in a cycling accident, from which she is still recovering. When I think about what she has been through, I feel guilty for complaining about anything!

However, there is an element of grief associated with the IVF process, the losses suffered along the way, and our failure (to date) to conceive our desired fourth child. I am sad to be coming to the end of my childbearing years, and struggling to work out who I am when I'm not just a new mother. It feels like I am entering a significant transition in my life, and the idea of taking a year to explore the options and develop a new identity really resonates.

The other piece I read was an article entitled "Resolve To Be Happy" by Holly Becker, which was published in Issue 34 of Molly Makes.

My favourite magazine.

In it, Becker suggests that being content, mindful and joyful is of much more value than comparing ourselves to others and constantly making lists about how we could be better.

I agree with her that it is easy to spend so much time planning for the road ahead that I fail to enjoy the current moment. I think joy does contribute to creativity and productivity, and I know it is a big part of the solution to my struggles with weight and body image.

The illustration accompanying the article features this quote a the top:

"Criticise yourself less and love yourself more ... open up your heart to what you already have."

The final influence on my goals for the year is a personal testimony given by the friend I mentioned above (found here). I have a great deal of admiration for her courage, and for her faith.

My personal faith has suffered in recent years due to a whole range of factors. But I'd like to get it back. I'd like to be able to stand with her and say that no matter what life brings, 'It is Well With My Soul'.

And that is my one resolution.

I'm Back!

It has been almost five months since my last post.

Five months during which I've missed documenting my life and thoughts. And hopefully, five months during which you've missed hearing from me.

My sudden silence doesn't have an easy explanation. Factors that played a part include a couple of unsuccessful IVF cycles, a trip interstate, less free time in the evening (due to lying with Grace to help her go to sleep), and discouragement.

To put it simply, I've been in a slump.

"And when you're in a Slump,

you're not in for much fun.

Un-slumping yourself

is not easily done."

- Dr Suess

I wouldn't say I've managed to 'un-slump' myself just yet. That is still a work in progress. But I've come to realise that posting here regularly will help, rather than hinder, that task. 

This blog creates a record of our family life, and makes me more mindful of what is happening each day. It helps me organise my thoughts, process my feelings, and practise my writing skills. 

Most significantly, the simple act of writing a post is a statement of belief that my life and my thoughts are worth sharing. 

So watch this space ... there's more coming! 

I'm Thankful For ...

I thought listing some of the things I had to be thankful for in 2012 would be a nice way to start the year.

"Keep your eyes open to your mercies. The man who forgets to be thankful has fallen asleep in life." Robert Louis Stevenson.

Looking back on 2012, I am thankful for:

• The birth of our beautiful, healthy new baby daughter, Lucinda. A labour that was quick and uncomplicated, and all those precious quiet moments feeding and holding her.

• A husband who loves me, loves our children, works to provide for us, and is courageous enough to seek help when he needs it.

• My two big girls, who bring a lot of joy and laughter to my life. We have our challenges, but I wouldn't change them for the world.

• A new (to us) home with lots of space outside for the girls to play, friendly neighbours, and plenty of trees to feed my soul.

• The support I received while Neil was in hospital, and again after my cancer surgery. It means a lot to have so many people who care.

• A skilful surgeon who removed all my tumour, and left me with minimal scarring.

• My parents, who came to visit (Mum for a month when Lucinda was due, and both later in the year) and show their support.

• Several fun family weekends away - to Bright, Daylesford, Inverloch and Echuca, and a holiday with family in Brisbane.

• Work that is rewarding, colleagues who are encouraging, and an office that is not too far from home.

And that is all without mentioning the 'basics' I take for granted, which so many in the world do not have.

"I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me." Psalm 13:6, NIV.

New Year's Resolutions 2013

Yep, it's that time of year again.

Time to look back on how things went over the last 12 months.

And time to look forward and set goals for the year ahead.

In my New Year's Resolutions post at the start of 2012 (found here), I set out to do four things:

• Respect my body.
• Improve my parenting skills.
• Spend more time with my husband.
• Spend more time with God.

I made a little bit of progress. I read quite a lot of 'Toddler Taming', and went on about four date nights with Neil. I kept good health during my pregnancy (it has fallen away a bit since then), and read the odd devotional. But I haven't really got there with any of them yet.

Not that it is clear where 'there' is!

These areas of life will always require attention. They're not goals I can cross off as done.

However, in 2013, I'd like to frame things slightly differently. Once again I'm focusing on broad principles. But I'll try to break it down into specific and achievable goals.

I'd like to make 2013 the year I Nurture The Relationships In My Life.

Specifically, I'd like to focus on my relationships with God, myself, Neil, my children, my family, my friends, my church, and others.

In measurable terms, I will:

• Make the gifts I give to my family and friends. I'm already full of ideas. Just expect that your present might be a little bit late to arrive - especially if you're one of the seven people with birthdays in February!

• Go on one date night a month with Neil.

• Invite someone to our home for a meal each month. No matter what the house looks like.

• Go on a family weekend away quarterly.

• Spend some quiet time alone in prayer every day. Even if it is in the middle of the night.

• Look into starting a small Bible study group with other parents of small children. Maybe mums one week, and dads the alternate week?

• Find a way to convince myself I am 'good enough'.

I'm not sure how achievable that is, but I'll give it a go!

What about you? Do you have any resolutions for the year ahead?

A Crafty Kid's Suitcase

If you're wondering why I've been making a few more things recently, here's the reason ... my resolution for next year (early, I know!) is to make gifts for my family and friends instead of purchasing them.

My theory is that handmade gifts are unique, may be slightly more budget friendly, and will give me the satisfaction of developing new skills and putting thought and time into special creations for my loved ones.

So I've been reading blogs, studying my sewing and craft books, and getting lots of great ideas. And some of them I've put into practise a little early.

Like this crafty kid's suitcase I finished today for my niece Ayla's birthday in late December. I got the idea from the Mousehouse blog (found here) and followed the instructions given in the tutorial for attaching the items to the lid of the suitcase.

The back of the card where I attached the elastic before glueing it to the inner lid of the suitcase.

Ayla is turning three, so my suitcase contains more art and craft items, instead of the sewing and stitching items included in the lovely Mousehouse examples.

The suitcase, with most of the items inside.

Once again I've had a grand time over the last few weeks collecting suitable items. This suitcase contains:

• kid's scissors
• a glue stick
• sticky tape
• little stamps
• an ink pad
• a miniature paint set
• ribbon
• glitter glue
• blank cards and envelopes
• small blank notebooks
• chenille sticks
• pop sticks
• embroidery threads
• a pen
• a sheet of white felt
• a pencil case (with a set of crayons inside)
• a rainbow pencil
• colourful stickers

I was really pleased with how it looked when it was all put together. Just like the photos included with recipes, it's great when your final craft outcome looks like the picture given with the instructions!

The suitcase as it looks completed and full.

Grace would love one of these suitcases, so I think I'll be doing this again in about six months time!

Let It Out

I'm the sort of person who bottles her feelings up inside.

Especially the unpleasant ones.

At the slightest hint of distress, my mind has trained itself to squash down whatever thoughts or emotions were troubling me, and distract myself with something else.

Sometimes this is a very effective coping strategy.

But often, it's not.

I end up what Neil refers to as 'a shaken Coke bottle' ready to explode. Except instead of exploding, the internal stress just keeps building up.

Charlotte is not like that. She lets her emotions show.

This picture was taken on Sabbath morning a few weeks ago. Neil was taking photos of the girls before we left for church. Something happened to upset Charlotte, but he took the shot anyway.

Part of me looks at this heartbroken little face and wants to cry too. She looks so sad.

But I know that within a minute or two of this photo being taken, Charlotte was all smiles again. She had expressed her emotion and moved on.

I wonder how my life would be different if I allowed myself to really feel my emotions like that? It seems scary. But maybe it would actually be easier than holding onto them for so long.

I've had a long struggle with depression. It's not over yet.

That's a story for another day.

Suffice to say, the last few weeks I've been going through a glum patch.

But tonight I spoke to a very dear friend who is facing significant health concerns. She faces these challenges with courage and optimism. I never hear her complain. Her life (both personally and professionally) is devoted to helping others. She truly is an inspiration.

Talking to her has reminded me of all I have to be thankful for.

My feelings are important. They are there for a reason. They deserve to be experienced and expressed.

It's time for me to take a leaf from my daughter's book and (appropriately) let them out.

That should stop them morphing into mountains they don't need to be.

Smile

Can you look at this photo without smiling?

I didn't think so!

Charlotte is a very happy little soul. She is blessed with a cheerful temperament, and brings joy to everyone she encounters.

I'm often good at keeping my emotions on the inside. Even the pleasant ones. Charlotte reminds me that a smile is worth sharing. That it can really brighten the day. And that it is often infectious.

"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing." 

- Mother Teresa

An Everyday Celebration

Yesterday was my 40th birthday.

It was a pretty ordinary day.

Neil worked from home, and went out to a couple of appointments.

The cleaning lady came mid-morning.

Grace and Charlotte ate and played. Lucinda fed and slept. There were moments when all three were crying at once and wanting attention. And there were a few quieter moments too.

I received a couple of phone calls, and quite a few text messages, wishing me a happy birthday. Some packages arrived - a gift card and massage voucher from my brother and his wife, and a message in chocolate from my parents.

The "Chocogram" Mum sent.

Grace helped me bake a cake, which she and Charlotte later enthusiastically decorated - by pouring all the sprinkles on top! And I asked Neil to take them to the party shop to buy half a dozen balloons. For Grace, it isn't a proper birthday unless there are balloons.

Getting ready to cut the cake.

Neil kindly organised some take away pizza for tea, so I didn't have to cook. And that was about it.

I've always been the sort of person who is into big events, or at least marking what I consider to be significant milestones with meaningful gestures. So this is a bit unusual for me. But, as you are already aware, my current circumstances don't lend themselves to overseas adventures or lively celebrations.

But maybe that is OK. Maybe spending the day caught up in the mundane, everyday activities of life with three young children is the best thing I could have done.

My life has involved travel to exotic destinations. It has included parties and celebrations. And I hope it will again.

But right now. my life is about my family. And for a little while, they are young enough that there's not much room for anything else.

I count myself very fortunate to be married and to have children.  This hasn't been an option for many of my friends. So I'm going to do my best to enjoy it while I can.

After all, there's nothing more meaningful than spending time with the people you love. And that's the sort of celebration I can repeat over and over again.

Well Said

On the Wednesday before Lucinda was born, Mum and I spent a lovely day in Maling Road, Canterbury. We browsed in the shops, and enjoyed lunch in a cafe that offered a number of vegetarian options. It was just the two of us, and I really enjoyed it.

I didn't buy a lot, but knew I had to get this canvas for the girl's room as soon as I saw it. The words describe the sort of women I'd like them to be ... and the sort of woman I'd like to be myself.

It is hanging on the wall in Grace's room at the moment, but will get a special place somewhere in our new house eventually.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

It Would Have Been Great

I love organising events, and dreaming up ideas for themed parties.

Some of them happen. A lot don't.

This is the story of one that isn't going to happen.

I'm turning 40 next month, and had always thought I'd go somewhere exotic overseas to mark the occasion. India perhaps, or Morocco. But my life has changed dramatically, and with two toddlers and a 20-day-old, I'm not going to be going anywhere!

So instead, I started planning a party. A month delayed, just to make sure I'd recovered from the birth. But a party, so as not to just let the occasion slip by unnoticed. I'm not keen on being the centre of attention. But it felt like a significant event.

I decided a Barn Dance would be fun. I don't have any particular connection with the country, or folk or country music. But I took part in a barn dance at a wedding in England once, and had a great time. It seemed like something fun that could get everyone involved. You don't need a partner, or to know how to dance. Children can join in with all the adults. And so the theme was set.

I never did get around to finalising the venue. There are some great barns around, but most are a bit too far away. So I was looking into local council halls for hire.

The decorations were going to be hay bales, fairy lights, bunting, and cafe tables covered in gingham or bandana fabric.

This is wedding decor, but contains some of the elements I had in mind.

One of the fabrics I liked.

The food was going to include hearty, rustic things like soup, bread, corn cobs, roast potatoes, vegetable kebabs, and apple pie. Something like candy apples seemed a good favour to take away at the end.

I thought it would be great to have vintage style invitations ...

... and a do-it-yourself photo booth with props like cowboy hats.

I'd thought of other little ideas too, like having toy horses for the kids to ride around.  And asking for donations to ADRA instead of presents. (I have a particular project that is close to my heart, which will be another post someday).

But anyway, it isn't going to happen. At least, not in the next few months. We can't afford to put on a big event at the moment. And as Neil rightly pointed out, it is way too much work to try and do with a new little baby. I won't have the time or the energy to turn this vision into a reality just yet.

Instead, I think maybe I'll plan a few small events with different people. Dinner here, a coffee there ... I'll see how long I can stretch it out for!

Meanwhile, these ideas are going into my notebook, along with the wedding ideas I never used, and things I've seen other people do. I'll keep collecting pictures and concepts. Pinterest makes that a lot easier now!

Besides, with three daughters there will be plenty of birthday parties, and maybe even weddings, that I can help to plan. I'd better start now!

Community

Neil has been in hospital for almost 2 weeks now. It feels like a lot longer!

He doesn't have a specific discharge plan as yet, but there is just over a week until our scheduled holiday with my family. The girls and I are going, and hopefully Neil will be out in time to come with us. Otherwise I'm sure he'll be discharged by the time we get back.

The first four or five days were particularly hard. Partly from a practical point of view, but predominantly emotionally. I was concerned about Neil (he has depression), upset myself about some of the circumstances, and dealing with the girl's reactions. They were very clingy, panicked if I was out of eyesight even briefly, and much more difficult in behaviour.

Thankfully, things have improved since then. I can sometimes even go to the toilet or have a shower on my own (hooray for the TV and DVD player)! We have all settled into a bit of a routine, and although it is very tiring and hard work, I'm feeling quite confident that we can manage.

A lot of that confidence comes from the support I have received from a whole range of different people:

• The cleaning lady has stayed an extra half an hour each week without charge, and helped with the laundry. Today she even disposed of a dead rat in the drive!
• A couple of people from church have given me food, and another dropped in to visit. 
• My friend Nicole has come each Sunday afternoon bearing a delicious dinner, to play with the girls, help me take the rubbish out and do other jobs, and just generally be here. 
• My friends Lydia and her husband Wayne have looked after the girls twice - once while I took Neil to the hospital, and another night so I could visit him on my own.
• Two mums from the street introduced themselves and invited me to bring the girls to a play date last Friday afternoon.
• A number of my work colleagues have been cooking dishes and bringing them in for me. I haven't really had to cook much at all!

It is quite humbling and comforting to realise I am a part of several different groups in the community, and to feel them reaching out and supporting me. I'm not on my own. Hopefully one day I can return the favour to someone else who needs it.

New Year's Resolutions

Recently, I've tried my best not to make any set resolutions for each new year that comes. In the past I was far too ambitious and idealistic, setting myself up for failure.

I did break my rule slightly, and set myself one small goal last night ... to be sound asleep when the clock struck 12! Unfortunately, despite being in bed by 10:00 pm that didn't happen, thanks to some noisy neighbours with fireworks, and a little girl with three teeth coming through at once. Which just goes to prove my point!

That said, the start of a new year is a great time for reflection and evaluation, and I'm not averse to some "guiding principles" for the coming year.

When I started thinking about this last night, the first thought that came to mind was "survive"! I have friends who resolved last year to cook their way through a new recipe book. And I have read the blogs of people who do a craft project a day for a year. What fun things to do! But I don't have the time, or energy.

In 2012 I will be moving house (in less than three weeks!), and giving birth to my third child. I'll continue to work half time, and look after two toddlers. I'll work with Neil to design our new home, and sort out all our things ready to move into rental accommodation while it is built. I'll keep helping out in the Beginners Sabbath School at church, do my best to be a good wife and mother, and try to keep in touch with family and friends. I'll turn 40. I'll try to do regular blog posts (you may have noticed it slipping in the last month or two). And I think I'll be exhausted!

My resolutions for 2012 won't include any new activites. They'll be about the basics. How to do what I'm already doing better.

Here are my four "guiding principles" for the year ahead:

Respect my body. 
This doesn't have anything to do with losing weight, or even exercising. It just means I will try to listen to my body, and give it what it needs. Instead of forging ahead with what needs to be done, I'll rest when I need to. I'll be more aware of what my body is doing, both for me and for my unborn baby. I'll manage the gestational diabetes and pregnancy symptoms as best I can. But most of all, I'll be kind to myself. I'll recognise that what I weigh and how I look are not as important as how I feel and how I make others feel.

Improve my parenting skills. 
Particularly discipline. It is the one big area I struggle with. Now that Grace is approaching three, I'm finding it harder and harder to be consistent, and withstand her tears and tantrums. I'm not sure how I'll do this, but I'll try. Maybe read some books. Maybe go to a course. Feel free to offer suggestions!

Spend more time with my husband.
With all the things we're doing, and our completely opposite time clocks, it is becoming harder and harder for Neil and I to spend quality time together. But I'll try and make it a priority this year. And I'll try to make sure (oh-oh, here comes a set resolution!) we have one date night a month.

Spend more time with God.
Again, with such a busy life, personal devotional time is rare. Any personal time is (when was the last time I showered or went to the toilet all by myself?)! I could try and get up earlier, but I think the key here is to find ways to spend time with God during my other activities. Waiting until we're alone means it just doesn't happen.

So there you have it. That's what I'll be striving for this year. I'll let you know how I go.

In the meantime, I have a few posts waiting to be written ...

Why?

Today is Thursday, so our house was open for inspection this afternoon.

It can be stressful getting everything clean and tidy (and staying that way). I wonder ...

• Why did Grace wake up at 5:00 am today, when she normally stays asleep until about 6:30 am?
• Why did Grace decide today was the day to repeatedly take off her nappy and want to use the potty like her friends (with several resultant accidents)?
• Why is it that when you need to take the children for a long drive, the fuel tank is always less than quarter full?
• Why did my usually sensitive nose not smell trouble before I took Charlotte out of her car seat, and ended up with poo up to my elbows and all over my t-shirt?
• Why is there only ever three wipes left in the packet when you experience a nappy explosion when out and about?
• Why would a two-year-old insist on wearing her plastic raincoat (done up and with the hood on) on a hot, dry 30-degree day?
• Why do two-year-olds take their seatbelt off as soon as you get onto a freeway?

But then again, I could also wonder ...

• Why do my children think I'm wonderful, despite my mistakes?
• Why does a two-year-old who recently threw a tantrum not hold a grudge?
• Why are children so trusting, so affectionate, so happy?
• Why am I so fortunate to have two beautiful daughters, when people just as worthy are unable to have children?

One thing I don't have to wonder. Would I change my life? Never!

In His Hands

You're not supposed to do a home pregnancy test before the blood test scheduled by IVF. Blood tests are more accurate.

But I usually do it anyway. I prefer to have a heads up of what to expect. And to deal with it in the stillness of the early morning, in the privacy of my own bathroom.

It's looking good this time. A few mornings have revealed that magic second line, growing darker each time. So far so good!

Now the really scary part begins.

Until now there was hope. Potential. Wondering.

Now there is something definite to lose.

I'm not a pessimist. Or a particularly anxious person. But I've discovered that becoming a mother opens a whole world of things to worry about.

Any woman who has experienced a pregnancy loss will relate to the compulsion to check the paper each time you go to the toilet, just to make sure there's no blood.

Little "Ollie" and I have passed what is just the first of many milestones. Next is the blood test on Thursday. Then blood tests every two days, until the doctor is satisfied my hormone levels are rising appropriately.

Then comes the six week ultrasound, to look for a heartbeat. If we make it that far, we are officially 'clinically pregnant'. We graduate to the obstetrician, with whom there is another scan at eight weeks, before the 12 week ultrasound which usually signals it is OK to share your happy news.

I remember during my first pregnancy, thinking that I could relax after that point. Silly me!

Will the baby be healthy? Will the delivery go smoothly? Am I doing the right things to look after her? Will she die of SIDS? If you allowed them to, the list of potential threats or dangers could easily overwhelm you.

At Grace's dedication, I requested the hymn "I Surrender All". I spoke briefly of coming to the realisation, after a pregnancy loss, that I couldn't control the outcome. I did my best to leave it in God's hands, knowing that He wants what is best for me, and for my children.

A line from a Gaither song stuck in my mind while I was pregnant with Charlotte. "I could never, ever outlove the Lord." Believe it or not, He loves my babies more than I do. I can trust Him to look after them.

My mother once gave me a wonderful greeting card. I think it was from the "Really Woolly" range. Unfortunately it is packed at the moment, or I would have included a photograph. But the cover says something like "I'm picturing you today, right where you are ...", and then inside it says "in His hands", and pictures a little sheep cupped in large hands.

I'm trying to picture that image again, as I think about this little baby. It is in His hands. And so am I.

Change - A Story in Numbers

Australian Census - Tuesday, 8th August, 2006

5 years
1 engagement
1 wedding
1 honeymoon
2 hand operations
2 renovations
1 unit sold
1 house purchased
1 dependent mother-in-law
1 funeral
7 IVF cycles
2 children
3 overseas holidays

Australian Census - Tuesday, 9th August, 2011

What's in a Name?

And so, to explain the title of my blog.

"red curls" ...

Grace (2 years)

Charlotte (6 months)

It's pretty obvious, isn't it? My two beautiful daughters both have red hair. Grace has a lovely head of bouncy curls, and it remains to be seen if Charlotte will follow suit.

"and pearls" ...

It rhymes! And the pearl is apparently my birthstone. But there's more to it than that.

I kind of like the fact that a precious jewel can be found inside something that looks ordinary and unattractive. I like that an irritant can be transformed into something beautiful. And I like the fact that valuable gems are there to be found, if you are willing to take the time to look for them.

I'm hoping to take that time, and share some pearls with you.

Beginnings

Some women go shoe shopping when they're feeling down. For others, it's handbags. My fetish ... notebooks!

That's right! I love the clean, crisp lined sheets of an empty notebook, full of potential.

But that's where it often ends. I love to write, but many times I don't want to 'ruin' a new book by writing just anything. It needs to be something significant, meaningful, worthy ... and so the page stays empty.

I've been putting off starting this blog for the same reason. I wanted to know exactly how to do it, get the design right, and have something really important to say.

I haven't got there yet, but I've decided to start anyway. Why? Because I want to write about life, and that's what life is like. A bit messy. Ideas evolve. Thoughts develop. You learn as you go.

So please join me on this journey of learning, sharing, experiencing and celebrating life as I know it. I'd love your company.