Of Trials and travels pt 2...

I spent most of the weekends of my childhood visiting my beloved grandparents in the Barossa Valley.

So to come back here, as a woman, with my family and explore the beauty of this special place again has been magical.

Wonderful.

Restorative.

And like a sort of homecoming.

So many things are coming full circle for me right now...

With love,

Shell xx

Of trials and travels pt 1...

Oh blimey!  Welcome and good day to the wonderful Australian season of Spring!  

I cannot believe I didn't make time to post a poetic little entry to welcome her in and to take photos of blossoms!  I feel like my life is moving so very fast that I cannot keep up with some of the things I enjoy most of all, like being a blogging goddess!

In truth, I have been away on an adventure across the country and down south to my home town of Adelaide to be a guest at the wedding of my handsome younger brother.  And since he has not permitted me to post any photos of him, or the wedding on the internet as yet, you will have to look at one of me in my outfit for the fine occasion!  Lucky you!

We made it a family affair all round, and frolicked in the slightly warmer weather, marvelled and played at the base of the ancient fig trees in the Botanical Gardens, took the kids to the Zoo and Museums while in town.

There is more to share, and more to say but before I go for now, how have you been?

I would so dearly like to know!

Shell xx

Bush walking at the Springs...

In the cool, clean air of the great Australian bush it's hard not to become inspired...

I know I don't come here often enough, but when I do, I truly remember to take the time to breath and pray and be present here, with my family...

Shell xx

Dancing in the city for Canberrang!

On my Campbell's 12th Birthday!

It is difficult to imagine anything else to be as much fun as this!

Happy and Glorious...

{Photo from the ABC}

 {Photo by news.com.au}

I watched the entire opening ceremony for the London Olympic Games last week with a tear in my eye, and a smile on my face.  I sang, God Save the Queen at the top of my voice, I both laughed and cried.  Completely wonderful.  That's all!

My heart beamed and swelled for Great Britain, for London, for the world.  The magnificence of athleticism, the brilliance of determination, and the impressiveness of skill, talent and achievement at this height of athleticism.

I am not just watching the games for my country Australia, I am watching as many athletes as I can, from anywhere in the world in order to celebrate and be inspired by people who have chosen to give their all to their particular sport.

And for me personally, I am a little more tearful this time round watching the Olympics when I witness the passion and the determination required to break through into excellence.  Because having now lost nearly 30 kilograms {66 pounds} so far this year - I feel I have come a little of that way to excellence myself...  ; )

God bless!

Shell xx

My Winter Brood...

Our winter has been a very special one.

We have taken hold of every (rare) moment to be all together,

And made wonderful times and lasting memories happen...

 We have braved the cold 

and ventured outdoors

to have good times

and to take in winter's freshest air

on some if it's chilliest days.

But in of doors, 

my home is the warmest and cosiest of cottages to return to,

to escape such cold.

And though my blog space has definitely been a little too quiet of late -

 be assured, that in my little house of green

myself and my darling winter brood

are brimming, and thriving 

with signs and sounds of life,

and health,

and love!

Shell xx

Instagram-ing...

Out to dinner for a rare and romantic treat, with my tall, my handsome, my best of friends, who flies in and out with much frequency, but never leaves my heart, and is ever my sweetheart.  Where ever he be.

Shell xx

Fit, for a Queen...

I simply adore the queen!  And I have borrowed, (not only one of her family photos!) but also a little of her English summer here in Australia, by cheering along with the diamond Jubilee celebrations - staying up late and marvelling at the telecasts of the various events over the last weekend...

My friend is due to away before long now and I am always heart warmed by his gentle reading voice to stories and narratives to our babes at night before bed...

Me, I have been working up a sweat and keeping to a fitness regime which is paying off in more ways than I could ever have imagined - I feel like a worrier of strength, to strength, to strength!  And more like my real self, really, than ever...

On Monday - which was our official Queen's Birthday holiday - I baked scones and shared them with cream, butter, streamers and jam!

We built a bon fire in the evening and put on our winter-warmest-wool-and-wellies to enjoy the festivities on a particularly chilliy night, gathered around the fire, we toasted marshmallows and chatted and celebrated in the name of the life, the service and the gracious longevity of such a magnificent queen!

Shell xx

Welcome Winter...

We've got the beginning of Winter round here and I's got me a new mini skirt!

No frost on me baby!

Shell xx

See no grey...

As I pull open the cotton curtains in the sunroom on a foggy end-of-Autumn early morning, my friend remarks to me, 'gosh it's awfully grey out there!'

I look, but I see no grey.

I put on my shoes and twist in my headphones, open the door up and I go out to run.

I see golden leaves almost completely fallen before the impending winter, houses in the suburbs quiet and still, fellow joggers focused but friendly as they pass me on the track.  I see the pounds falling away from my body, as the weeks go by...

There is no grey.  I am alight with every colour.

Shell xx

To all the Mother hearts...

Today is Mother's Day here in Australia, and I must say I have had a superb day!

I ran 6 kilometres in the early, still cool Autumn morning -

Had pancakes with blueberries + freshly picked raspberries, lemon and maple -

I lunched with my loves along with a multitude of other mothers whom I admire and adore -

And in the afternoon we did a little dancing + photo shoot with the five little people whom I have the honour and the privilege of being mother to...

Blessings to all the mother hearts, everywhere.

Shell xx