this table

For many years our little family of four has shared meals, miseries (they sounded so good together, I couldn't resist it), craftiness, dancing, decisions, games and so much more on a perfect little table. A table once used as an artist's bench, a table that was the perfect size for a sunroom/dining room, a table that could only accommodate plates but no extra dishes of food and not many more people around it. Scott and I have been longing for a table that would be able to stretch itself out to embrace more of our friends, our family, our dishes and all matter of family activity, for quite some time now. We  have looked and looked and scoured and looked until one rainy Sunday we found a potential table on Gumtree, a table only a mere 15 minutes away, a table that has been loved by a family of seven for many, many years, a table solid and all embracing, a table just begging to be lived on and loved by, our family. And now in its early days it has already become the centre of our home (I know, it sounds nearly gag worthy but it's true, this table is so great), I love that so many activities can be happening all at the same time on this table, I love the ability we now have to have centrepieces that can stay there and I love the meals that feel more shared and abundant. Ah the magic of a big expanse of wood, it is not to be taken lightly, this is the perfect platform for our days. 

* The 'I love you' embroidery was something that Poe whipped up when Scott went away for the night, he secretly made it and then put it under Scott's pillow, along with a few books so that it was obvious something was there, for Scott to find when he went to bed. Oh, this one is such a constant source of delight, his wisdom, kindness and wonder is sometimes too much. 

here we are

Does anyone else feel like they are still finding their feet, feeling like they are in a state of disbelief that this year has well and truly begun despite their current state of flux. I feel like I am still finding my feet for the year, there is not much rhythm yet plenty of things to do. I have reading on Tuesdays with Poe at school, a very early morning but totally amazing and mind-blowing (and body blowing) yoga once a week and around that everything seems to fill up around it.
Lately my photography and editing skills have had quite a stretch and my learning curve has taken a steep climb upwards, this kind of thing excites and scares me, it feels like the opening of an abyss, of all that I have yet to learn, partnered with the knowledge and affirmation that yes I do kind of know some things.
And here we are in March, March, the welcoming of cooler mornings, the hint of darker evenings and consistently glorious days, our garden patch has been neglected and overrun with weeds, delighting in rain, sun and neglectful holidays. The patch has been taunting me and daring me to take the task to hand, it has been heard, I will respond.
Ah late night ramblings.
Last weekend we made a little trip to Sydney, we travelled especially for a friend's very fun and glamorous 40th Black & Gold party. It was very special to be out with my lovely, all dressed up (yes a very attractive dog collar was involved), having numerous adult conversations and even at some points meeting lots of people I have never met before, we had a ball. The trip to Sydney was a perfect Sydney trip, delicious food (Mr Wong, what an experience), delightful and nourishing friends and a perfect little family catch up (my sister's birthday and my brother's return from a holiday in America). Short but perfect.
Okay, I have just looked through the photos and realised that Mr Wong needed far more than the above mention. Our experience at Mr Wong's went above and beyond mind blowing food, it was a delight, a fantastical experience that somehow garnered street dancing, eye gaping, pole swinging, brick climbing, interior designing and so much pure joy. Maybe it was the buzz of the city, maybe it was the joy of being with such treasured friends, maybe it was the drizzling day or the crazy fun bus trip, who knows but oh my it was an experience that will stay in our hearts for a long time. Thank you, Jen, Rod, Lily and Saul. xxx

a love soaked farewell

On a rainy Saturday night a large cosy crowd gathered at 5 Church St to sneak in a few extra squeezes and glimpses of our dear friends Amy and Steve, before they embark, with their gorgeous 4 year old Peppa, on an adventure to India and possibly beyond. With an aim to live on farms and Ayurvedic communities and learn and learn and learn. They are on a journey that sounds so rich yet so simple, learn from those who know, those who have a huge history of experiences, of mistakes, of knowledge and know how.

They plan on getting their hands dirty and keeping it slow. Spending time in places, being immersed. 

What a beautiful and perfect plan. 

The night was everything we could have dreamed; delicious, warm, full of dancing, special moments and the most beautiful sultry sounds of the stunningly gorgeous The Miss Renee Simone band, our darling ones will be sorely missed, their radiant smiles and immensely wise advise will leave a gap in our lives. But we are so excited (and yes envious as well) about their next 6 or more months ahead of them. Travel well by lovelies.