Tag Archive for love

The Pipers Son by Melina Marchetta

02/09/2011 Joh love, reading

I finish this with a tear tracked face. I am glad I’m not wearing makeup on my days off or I would look pretty messy now.

‘The Piper’s Son’ is an immensely clever and touching tale about a young man rebuilding a life after grief drives him to oblivion. It’s not just him, it’s his whole family who experience loss. The story reveals the triumph of love and I loved it for it.

I texted my son because I remembered he had told me to read ‘Saving Francesca’ which has the same characters. He’d already been on to it. ‘finished it 3 weeks ago’ was the reply I got to my recommendation. Good to know he doesn’t wait around for me to recommend books to him any more:).

Melina Marchetta creates endearing characters. I just went through his boxes of books to find ‘Saving Francesca’ because starting a new book with those people I have grown to love will make the sadness of finishing ‘The Piper’s Son’ more bearable.

Popularity: 1% [?]

No comments , , , , ,

Doing Nothing at All

20/05/2011 Joh gratitude, learn

We’ve had a really busy time of late. A lot has happened on a lot of levels. I don’t think I’m unique in this experience. Things have happened that I was too busy to even think about let alone act upon. Others expect reactions, yet my own agenda has pushed me forward. I have disappointed people. I just need some time. It’s now.

I have to say I have registered a lot of things. I have filed away things for later, which has become now. What I have seen and experienced recently has been given a space now. I am surprised by what is upsetting me and what I can forgive. I am glad I had no time to react. Time has revealed more truths and I have seen more facets to what has occurred without my awareness.

I feel blessed by those who love me. There are many people in my life who know me deeply and I can be with under any circumstances. Those who don’t fit into that category have revealed themselves also. I feel blessed by my children. Unique as they are, they never disappoint me. They are honest and strong and loving. I would not have hoped for more.

I love my life. I love it’s intensity and that I continue to learn, to love and to experience things I haven’t before. It’s challenging sometimes, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I don’t want to progress down a well trodden path. I want to find who I am and live accordingly. Sometimes it’s quite painful. You think you are connected to someone and they disappoint you. I’ve had my share of that experience, with lovers, friends, relatives and aquaintences that I saw more in. At the end of the day you let go and forgive because love is all there is.

This weekend I have no intentions. I have no expectations. I have no appointments, commitments, arrangements, tasks or places I need to be. I will just allow it to be how it comes.

Popularity: 1% [?]

No comments , , ,

My Son is 21!

09/05/2011 Joh family, food, friends, gratitude, holidays, love

I could not be more proud of my son. He organised the most magnificent weekend for his family and friends. It was lovely to see where he works and to meet his friends and co-workers. They are such gorgeous and happy young people. I’ve known he was in a good place because of the growth and happiness I’ve seen when he’s been home to visit, but it was great to have it confirmed. He is so loved. His partner Dean was amazing and attended to all the details with love, he was in and out all weekend organising food, beverages, a gorgeous cake and making sure we were all well looked after. As a mum, I enjoyed hearing his friends tell me about how much they love him and share their stories and adventures with me. One of his friends made him this amazing book with photos and a poem, it was like a hardcover picture book. I was thrilled to see it. What a thoughtful and creative young woman.

He booked us all into opulent accomodation, catering for everyone’s needs. My parents stayed at Beach Club resort and were overwhelmed by the beauty of the place and service they received. We all stayed at the party house (The Round House). His dad and step mum had a place of their own because they have a baby. He looked after everyone and considered their needs. I had the best time. It was pretty hard to come home really.

I can’t believe my baby is 21. A lady came into ‘The Butchers Dog’ today with a baby boy and she looked so tired. I remembered when Tom was a baby, he cried a lot. I looked at her baby and thought I would do it all again because he has been such a gift to me. Not just this weekend but all his life. He has always loved and cared for me in ways that no else has even known to. He has shared his friendships and fun with me and it I’ve enjoyed being a part of his people as much as I do my own. I miss him fiercely but knowing he is living in a beautiful place, surrounded by loving people helps.

Popularity: 1% [?]

No comments , , , ,

Super Fudge by Judy Blume

01/04/2011 Joh family, gratitude, home, love, reading

This is the first chapter book I had read aloud to me in such a long time:-). Darin has been phoning his son each weeknight and reading a chapter from the book to him on the phone. It is one of my favourite times of the day. I absolutely love the whole idea of father/son bonding over a book, as a mother and a teacher. It’s such a great way for them to stay in touch. I recommend it for separated parents.

The story as it turns out is perfect because J (9) has just got a new brother. In the novel, the central character’s mum has just brought a new sister into the house and his younger sibling, Fudge, is not enjoying it. It’s really very funny and I’m sure there are things J can identify with. We didn’t plan it like that, J recommended the book as they were reading it at school, but  it has worked out really well. I’m really enjoying the story and it’s a series of books, so there are more to look forward to.

The good thing is tonight the kids are here! I love watching Darin with his children. He is such a patient and loving father. It’s beautiful to be around.

Popularity: 1% [?]

No comments , , , , , , ,

Shopping and Eating

12/02/2011 Joh Business, food, gratitude, health

Today has been pleasant! We drove to Brunswick to shop for some extra pots and things we needed for ‘The Butchers Dog’. We went to Cedars which is like a massive supermarket of kitchen stuff. The public can shop there too but as a business you get a discount at the register which I liked as well. I loved it. I did plenty of fantasy shopping as well as buying the things we needed. Can’t wait to go to work on Monday to use them all.

We went to Brunswick St and had a kebab. Finally Darin said they were as good as the ones in Sydney. There have been a lot of disappointing kebabs over the past two years so it was somewhat of a special occasion. We strolled down the street and did some window shopping, checked out the Artist Market in Rose Street. I could have spent a lot of money there if I’d had any:-). Darin offered to take the pots back, but I would prefer the pots to be honest.

I’ve just polished off a place of all three of our deserts that were leftovers. Normally I take slices around to the businesses around us, but I just wanted to go home yesterday. It was sticky hot. So I’ve just enjoyed lemon and chocolate tart and white chocolate cheesecake. They were yummy as! Darin’s about to make me steak and salad for dinner so that’s a healthy balance.

I have been drinking coconut water every day since we got it in the shop. I haven’t put on any weight so perhaps it does work, cause this week I’ve had so many lamb ribs, prawn cutlets and calamari rings. I’ve also eaten heaps of coleslaw and potato salad cause they are good too. It’s heaven for me to be surrounded with all this great food.

Popularity: 1% [?]

One comment , , , ,

Happy Birthday Mum

30/01/2011 Joh Business, family, love

It’s my mum’s birthday today. Darin and I went to the Sale Racing club with my parents and aunts and uncles for dinner last night. It was great to catch up with them all. We enjoyed our meal and it’s a lovely spot there. The outdoor area was especially pleasant and the temperature was perfect for a summer evening.

I popped in to see mum today. She was surrounded by family and gifts, just the way you want to be on your birthday! I love my mum. She has been a real support to me in my life and continues to look after all of us in our own favoured ways. Darin asked me what we were going to do about the ironing when they go on their winter holiday this year. He loves coming home to a wardrobe of perfectly ironed clothes as well. She is consistent in putting her love into action for our family.

We’ve had a busy week this week. We turned a problem into a solution by using the downtime from a broken down fridge at the shop to put together an entry into the Gippsland Signature Dish Competition. We had been talking about doing it for ages and the entry is due by Monday, so it worked out perfectly. Friday night we had friends over to test it and they all agreed with me that it was amazing. I will write a longer post with photo’s at some stage, cause it was an adventure and we had a lovely time meeting producers and driving around the beautiful Gippsland countryside.

Popularity: 1% [?]

No comments , , , ,

Happy Birthday Asha

10/12/2010 Joh family, love

I love you…. to the moon and back …. forever. x

Popularity: 1% [?]

No comments , ,

Love Hurts

13/08/2010 Joh family, friends, love, relationships

I have spent the evening with one of my close friends who lost her brother this week. A student from one of our schools (Marist) died this week. There were many students this week feeling it. Another close friend lost a brother in law. I don’t personally know any of these people but I have met some of them. Their loss doesn’t hurt me except through seeing my friends suffer.

When we lose someone we love, it is an incredible opportunity for the survivors to share how they feel about that person and about each other. That is what I have witnessed. I have never forgotten when my grandfather died some August’s ago the love that I felt from my year 9 class and my friends. I really appreciated their support and kindness. Those students are now my year 12′s. I remember their goodness.

I had a year 10 student today asking my advise about what kind of message he should leave on his friend’s facebook page. Our students are not meant to access facebook in class, but sometimes there are more important things than the school rules. In a very respectful tone, I asked him who he thought would read that message on facebook and how they would feel about what he wrote. He was no longer communicating to her, it was her loved ones that he needed to consider, when he left his final note. That is the most important literacy to me. The literacy of the heart in the times of the greatest vulnerability.

Popularity: 1% [?]

2 comments , , , , , ,

Happy Birthday to my lifelong friend

17/07/2010 Joh friends

Today is my friend’s birthday. We live long miles apart and sometimes we don’t catch up for months and at times even years. There are bigger gaps these days in what we know about one another. When we were six and possibly until we were about 14, we shared our lives and have experiences that will never be replaced or duplicated. Every major event in my life she has been a prominent figure, mostly through her presence, yet at times from her absence. Regardless of either she is a part of me.
Today she is 45 and as always she reaches an age six months ahead of me, like a countdown, so if Jane is 7, 8, 9 through to 45, I will be soon. What will 45 be like… well I’ll ask Jane…Ok, I can do it!
She is the MOST creative person I know. her home is always beautiful, comfortable and welcoming. She has been a major part of the village that has made my children who they are. I value her imput and attribute Asha and Tom’s creativity down to the blissful days they spent in her care. She creates home like no one I know. You know those places you can fritter away hours in before you even realise the time. To eat at Jane’s is not only healthy, there is always flavour… she is a magnificent cook.
Jane demonstrates love. I love her.

Popularity: 1% [?]

No comments , , , , ,

Love is a Verb

23/05/2010 Joh astrology, music

Those that go searching for love only make manifest their own lovelessness, and the loveless never find love, only the loving find love, and they never have to seek for it.

D.H. Lawrence
I got this beautiful quote from Lynda Hills Sabian Symbols: Knock Knock Who’s There? Cupid. Cupid Who?: May’s Sagittarian Full Moon

Download ‘Oxygen by Willy Mason’ from wherever you get your music.

Popularity: 1% [?]

No comments , , ,
« Older Entries