Fair Weather Friend

I wrote a moving little song last night.

I had been watching an interview with some famous writer on ABC.  Incidentally I had never heard of him, but as I have a fascination for human behavior, his life story still intrigued me.  He was asked, and answered questions about his struggle to become a writer in the early 1970's.  The story involved Australian social history, which I love to hear about, as well as his family, and his relationship(s) - as there usually are at least several in stories such as these...

What got me started, was his account of  how he'd had an affair with an actress, who herself was married; he too was married, and his wife, pregnant at the time.  As I continued listening to this story, I realised my attention moving from him, to this wife he'd had long ago, and what this all would have done to her.  Where had it left her heart?  And what was her story?

So being a writer myself, I became so inspired I turned off the TV, went to the piano to write her story.

Fair Weather Friend

Fair weather friend, have you come to spend the day?

Have you come to laugh and play?

Until the sun, it goes away,

And the sky it turns from bright,

Into grey...

Fair weather friend, said you'd come to save the day,

So I gave all my cards away...

And in the end - will they ask you if you were a good man,

Or were, you a fair weather friend..?

Oh, when it gets dark out here,

Oh where am I to lay my head?

Where am I to pitch my tent?

Some would say 'you've made you bed now lie, down on it!'

But Fair weather friend!

You fled into the night, thought that you would be alright,

But when the sun, came out today,

You covered up your face, cause you knew then,

You were a fair weather friend...

* * *

I hope the lyrics translate as a poem, I will record it very soon for general listening pleasure...

Shell xx

An ode, and a conversation...

I hardly know where to begin, but it has been the most eventful time...

Though I ponder too much, try to hone in on exactly what I want to tell you, when really I should just start as though we're in the middle of a conversation - as you talk with old friend - the points and the events come out within the chatting and the friend-ing.

I should go backwards, from most recent doings... For all I can really think about today is how privileged I have been to have {in small way only} helped at my Sister~in~Law's birthing of a new and particularly perfect baby girl!

And if birth doesn't hone in all your thoughts and perceptions about this life we're living and why we're to live it wholesomely and well - then nothing will. I can only seek to express my gratitude for being in the presence of strong, spiritual women such as the ones I shared this event with. And for shyly witnessing the love between to-be mother and to-be father, throughout the ordeal and the life changing event that is the birth of their first babe.

* * *

The night before we took our caroling hearts to Stage 88 in Canberra, and sang along to seasonably appropriate songs of praise with our children and two thousand or so others!

It's funny, but in a wonderful way, that the only time of year you will hear great masses of people, outside of a church singing hymns that acknowledge and praise God, is at Christmas. I love that Christmas is about Jesus, and that hysterical giving, and generosity and equality among all, stems from Christian inspiration and teaching.

And it's nice to pack a homemade picnic dinner for all the family to eat on a rug under spiritually charged oak trees and grand old gums.

* * *

On Sunday, my friend returned home from his last overseas work trip of the year. Much joy was to be had for it was also the day of our anniversary! And we went to church together that night as a couple who had and been in love, and in matrimony for Thirteen Years, and blissfully counting...

We went and had a splendiferous meal on Monday night, the kind when you dress in your best, you go for a little drink before hand, {and though I don't drink alcohol, I did discover that I love dry ginger ale softdrink with a slice of lime} you hold hands in the car park, he holds the door; pulls out the chair... Not to make it sound as though I do not get that kindness and specialness from my friend, and he from me, everyday - which I confess I do - which is what makes a special outing and an amazing meal in the company of just each other even more special. Because we celebrated our long standing friendship, and earned an evenings ode, to an undying love.

Of course, still a little like the silly children we were when we got married in 1996 - too shy to ask the waitress to take an iPhone photo of us together! And, um, gosh, I didn't think my dress was that low!! *cringes*

So, that covers some of my short stories of late, though not all of them. I will post more often {promise!} from now, and up until Christmas, keep you up to date, and in the conversation, as though you are, and because you are an old dear friend.

Shell xx

Saturday Love...

...is extra special.

I have been married to my precious best friend for twelve years today!

We were but kids then, now a little older (all of 30 & 31)!  

I feel like I understand,

so much more about myself,

about the world,

and about my own heart.

But all along, there would have been no growth,

no life, and little point,

without my dear friend, 

to grow up alongside.

I thank the Lord every day for this friend,

And his beautiful family-

Who have given me a home, and a life,

a chance to grow;

and still make me laugh!

Twelve years on...

Shell xx

On the eve of it all...

..I arrived home from food shopping to find a package for me in the mail from a dear and beloved friend.

And I know she would smile to see Tara dancing around the kitchen with the ribbons from atop of the little presents...

Friend, thank you. You defined the day with such love today. I will savour, and cherish each special thing you've sent, leaving nothing unenjoyed or overlooked. I am humbled by your kindness. Inspired to be an even better friend to you this new year.

So on the eve of it all, in 37˚ heat, I kept cool inside with my children by decorating a wreath to hang above the piano - complete with fake cherries and real olive branches!

And on the eve of it all, I have taken time to enjoy Emma's amazing bird Christmas ornaments on our tree, to breathe the fresh pine needles, just to lovingly wrap presents, and become excited!

And again, to thank the dear sweet loving hearts I have found here, in this last amazing blogging year. Thank you for your beautiful words always - and in some cases, for your beautiful art work as well - which as you can see, features highly in my home.

Ah the day that is almost upon! The time to show the love for all who are dear to us! And all in God's name! Amen!

I plan to cherish every minute with my beloveds, and to be thankful for such a blessed year, hopeful for the new one ahead.

Full of jam

and turkey

and new earrings

and good chocolate

great music,

and kind words

and ginger bread!

Merry Christmas,

Shell xx

A friend in me...

It has been a week indeed.

My friend has had the week off since returning from China, and we have taken the chance to do some of the many things we often don't have the chance, to chance upon...

One of which was visiting the National Portrait Gallery for a first, and long overdue explore. Wandering around the Vanity Fair exhibition was delightful and inspiring. And it became apparent to me how emotive it is to look at so many representations of different people, members of our species, from many, and any points in time. It was undeniably confronting, and I also found exciting, fulfilling to look the person - the portrait - in the eye and give them a knowing smile.

We have carted out a new piece of furniture - which had typically met with an untimely demise, and carted in an old one, which is much more delightful {and thrifted from the shearing shed!} to begin a new life...

We have mostly just been at home. Meaning to do more than actually got done. Going to bed too late, and laughing with our children at the table...

But the true untimely demise this week, is that of Michael Jackson.

I still do not believe it. And I hope somehow it's not true.

One of the most gifted artists of our time; a spirit nearly too beautiful and artistic for this world, perhaps can now be free from confusion, and the world's lustful pursuit of his image and his fame. Now perhaps can just be that artistic soul forever, here in the fallen world, and there, in God's perfect Heaven.

I feel slightly relieved. As though his gift, and his life long innocence, can now be an eternal portrait for modern musical history, and humanity.

"You've got a friend in me..."

I give you Ben.

Songsmith xx

Dear Friend,

I am so glad you came to stay. To hug your bones, and look in your eyes, and know you more, was a precious thing.

To have you play with my babes was delightful! To sit up with you all night talking, confiding, expressing, about how we'll change the world and feeling the Spirit of hope in the room was amazing...

To sit with you under the sunshine sipping tea was special, and long overdue. I can feel you have blossomed with the spring...

And those blooms! They spoke of everything as friends we love, and why we love. Their colour, delicacy, vulnerability, beauty and spirit was... [pause]

{I'm crying again!}

In short; it was so good to hug your bones, and look in your eyes, and know you more.

Dear Friend.

Love, Shell xx

All in an afternoon...

I away to Singapore tomorrow, to see my friend...

• I packed my bags, (made sure I only had 100ml or less of anything liquid)!
  
• I felt sufficiently guilty for being about to leave my 4 children for 4 whole days!
• I talked to my new friend and traveling companion, Clare, (whom you shall soon hear more about)...
• I thought about the heat, the humidity, the solitude, the flight, my passport, my life and my hold on God's dear Earth...
• And what pair of shoes to take!

All in one afternoon...

Shell xx

Today, renewed!

The last few days I have been a bit of a bore...  

I have been missing my friend in the worst way, he has been in The Philippines for the last two weeks with work, and remains there for just more than another one.  I think a combination of the heat, the mosquitos, sleepless nights due to heat exhaustion and babies waking have been wearing on my composure.

I am today however, renewed!

Why you ask?

I decided to stop it!  Putting to the test my own council that defeat is a choice, today I decided to overcome my inner struggles.  Bless this life, honour my Lord with gratitude, service, and love.  I am no good to anyone around me if I behave otherwise, and if I behave otherwise, I cannot respect myself!  

Anyway, enough of me...  I thought I would republish some of my favourite photos from previous posts for a fresh, bright look at what I call this beautiful world.  Nothing to the next one though I suppose, but for now this will have to suffice!

Tea;

This beautiful winter tree;

Watching the sun rise on Mt Painter;

Tulips (I am the yellow one!);

Sunshine, my house, and baby Tara;

Produce from my own garden;

Central Park, New York.  My friend there with me (and baby Sean).

Shell xx

Day Three - South Australia

On Thursday we were bound for South Australia - as the song goes!

It was fascinating and exciting to follow the map with my very un-map-savvy fingers!  

To stop for lunch, ice creams, a look, take photos or just drive through and admire the little towns along the way, many of them I had never even heard of.  

I have relaxed in the passenger seat of our faithful car,  looked out the window, admired the plains, the hills, the trees, listened to great music, amused the children with toys, jokes and giggles; (answered every question about Australian wildlife, and possibly everything else in the entire universe!) and most wonderfully, it's been a great chance to talk extensively with my best friend. 

Our cottage to call home for the next three days was called Black Rabbit Cottage.  A cute, quaint place which felt homey and served us well.

There was a friendly dog called Jess...

...who offered to eat any, or all food that we should be so good as to throw her way!  

Observe our lovely platter of fresh local produce!

(Except perhaps the Jarlsberg cheese, which we owe to the Norwegians)!

Black Rabbit cottage was truly lovely!  So secluded, yet with Optus 3G I could still check my Facebook messages to confirm a meeting the following morning with a beloved old school friend.

Inside and out, the cute little touches (like this fantastic window!) were enchanting.

A great place to base ourselves as we were to visit some of my family over the next few days.  What adventures would await us?

Shell xx

I have been...

...(late in posting recent adventures & come to you baring humble apologies)

I have been, this weekend, in the company of dear people.  I have had breakfast with a Windhover, my darling Emma, and of course, my friend...

Like another blog I follow - I too have been walking amongst 'fruit salad' Autumn leaves;

I have been swanning around a precious, inspiring gallery;

I have been fortunate enough to see some work I recognise!  Which looked amazing, enticing, and so well 'collected' for one so young...

I have been, on a little tour of Newtown, (including Gould's book shop)...

Where I have seen some beautiful things...

I have been to the University of Sydney - an amazing, vast, beautiful, and somehow spiritual place...

And I have spotted pixies playing in the gardens!

I have been with a friend...  And our shadows have played on the green green grass...

On the way home, I knew I had been finding art and beauty everywhere in Sydney...

And I have been writing it down, to share with you.

Shell xx