Castle on a cloud...

I've been whirling through my days with a spring in my step, but so many steps in each day that my feet  feel as though they don't touch the ground.  

I am climbing the mountain, running on the tracks, changing nappies, washing clothes, cleaning (so. much. cleaning)... lifting weights, eating fresh and clean.  Loving my five babies and tending to each of their different and changing needs.  Holding hands with my husband, and with his support, I am currently in rehearsals for my first musical theatre performance...

I am more excited than I can say, and I can't give much more than that away before opening night! 

I feel like I have a new body, and with it, a new journey and a new confidence to make these new connections and lean a new type of singing and performance. 

I am walking amongst, befriending, acting and signing with people I had never met before September when I first auditioned.  But already they feel like kin.  Such an amazing cast and a wonderful production.  I have taken a leap, come on home, this place is my place.  These people, are my people.

Shell xx

Ridiculous Self Portrait Series #5...

Shell xx

Enter November...

I woke up this morning and realised that somewhere, amongst the washing piles, the care taking, the care giving, the daydreaming and a million other miscellaneous tasks - it had somehow become November, without my permission.

So in my dismay, I thought how better to calm my raging spirit than to reflect on the past couple of months (which I suspect have been lagging longer than that!) by exhibiting some of the photographs which I've managed to frame within my increasingly wonderful, stressful, hope filled, very real, sometimes frightening and alway poetic, life...

From top to bottom:
- Spring time Floriade + Sean within an origami forrest,

- A trio of a day's eats,

- The first salad leaves from my kitchen garden,

- A crafty progress before & after shot made by my sister in law in the same place one year on,

- Celebrating 9 months of running

- Resting and sunning my feet in the Spring sunshine

- Our wonderful Halloween Jacker-lantern

and

-My boys on the day bed, being beautiful.

Shell xx

Of Trials and travels pt 3...

It seems like too many weeks have gone by without me finding, or making the time to post about our family's September adventures in South Australia.  So above are the rest of the sights from our travels:

An emotional visit with my beloved Omi, whose face, and heart are softer than velvet, and sweeter than honey.

One of many delicious family picnics in the September valley's sunshine enjoying the local produce.

German style delicatessens which feel as though time be standing still, and are all the better for it.

And my love, and I.  In Hardorf on the way home feeling the chill of the Adelaide Hills, and loving every moment of that...

With love, and apologies for my tardiness.

Shell xx

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