Thursday 19 April 2012

The elephants came by two by two...

A little break from the norm. Two weeks to kick back, find a new groove and just go with it. How I love holidays, I ignore time... completely! No appointments, no rushing around, no time waiting for things... I love the way my body just adjusts to this rhythm, waking up when I want to not when my alarm clock tells me (well maybe when my children choose to start playing) to eat when hungry not grabbing a sandwich between appointments, walking the dog as long a we like instead of rushing her around before we fly out again, which made for some super long walks.
All Dotty Red orders had been made up and posted so that meant some time without committing to my sewing room... which meant play time... Oh my and I so love my play time, these little family of Elephants just kept getting bigger as I wanted to use all my fabrics... It all started whilst I was surfing the net with my little one, we had a peek at the Retro Mama blog and my wee one got very animated and wanted an elephant just like he saw on her blog... the joy, Retro Mama sells the patterns, so we ordered it there and then and we popped off to my fabric stash and he picked the colours he wanted... the next he thing he knew he didn't know which one he wanted... too many to choose from. Oh Happy sewing momma!
We took off for a few days and the weather for the first and last day was SUPERB!
Oh how I have longed to feel the sand between my toes and the sea breeze through my hair.
Bliss Bliss Bliss...
I went to bed at the end of that beautiful day and a storm blew up and it rained, hailed, the wind blew and the snow fell...
Not to be put off by the weather we still had our fish and chips on the beach, however due to the howling storm taking your very breath straight out your lungs and the sand whipping at your skin like razors, we sat in the car, with our favourite music on and sipped our hot chocolate. Do you remember the advert with the girl who sat in her car listening to 'I can see clearly now the rain has gone' making herself a cuppa with the heater element you could plug into the lighter socket for a mug of hot water? Oh how I loved that advert... I was in that happy place!!!
So we hunkered down for the next few days and chilled out, chatting, playing board games, watching movies and this Mom got to sew... a little spare of the moment hand sewing... Oh happy days!
We returned home as some special friends joined us to celebrate Easter. So with the house full of mischievous laughter from the five children running around having the best time and us grown ups chatting, cooking and generally catching up, I was reminded of New Year, my home full of people I loved, I adore cooking and looking after friends it warms my heart and is so good for my sole as it really balances me. Cooking to me is a big part of how I show I care for someone.
Eater day was started by the children hunting the eggs (thanks Caroline. Er I forgot to buy the eggs). We sat and worked out the meal plan and how long we had before dinner needed to be started and we all pulled on our walking boots and went for a walk... my version of a walk and my friends is slightly different, I would have called it a hike!!!
The meal was cooked in a relaxed way, all doing our bit in the kitchen and then we all sat round for a somewhat 'chaotic' meal, not enough chairs etc... it had a real feel of Christmas day, but without the stress!!!
Sadly I had to say goodbye to my mate and her super family once again.

Then before I had time to get all miserable and sad about them leaving the boys and I had an invited to share a birthday meal... a delicious family Chinese banquet. An honour to share this family event.

Yes this Easter holiday has made me count my blessing... surrounded by friends I care about, laughing, the children happy, good food, beautiful walks with the Rosy the pup and lots of sleep...

After my divorce I lost so much confidence I found it so hard to relax and just couldn't ever imagine being in a position again when laughter filled the house and the people I was with I felt loved by. Yet this week has taught me, if you hang on in there the good stuff happens...



9 comments:

Debby said...

You sound so happy and relaxed. You belong at the beach. So happy that you had such a good time with the boys, your friends and that cute puppy. He looks like he is waiting to go on another walk. (((((HUGS)))))

Peli said...

yes you should be strong and never loose your courage, bad stuff happens to all of us-its part of life and its what makes us aprettiate the good times. im really happy for you and i wish you a life full of joy and laughter!!! (ps. im so in love with your dog...these eyes...)

Fleur Cotton said...

It sounds as though you've had a fantastic family break, full of laughter & fun. Sometimes it the smallest of things that give us such pleasure - fish & chips on the beach - bliss!!

Hope the relaxed holiday feeling stays with you for a while longer.
Have a lovely weekend.
Fleur xx

Claire said...

OH car picnics at the beach....how wonderful.
Love having a picnic in the car when it's cold and wet outside......

Sounds like you had a lovely, relaxing holiday Suzie and a great Easter with friends.

Cute elephants too........

Glad to hear there's good stuff happening. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for visiting...

Claire :}

Thimbleanna said...

Oh gosh -- I just love the image of you having your picnic in the car during the bad weather. Good for you for not being deterred -- it sounds like you had a wonderful holiday!

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

I love your post Suzie...so heart warming and upbeat!
Your elephants are fab and your holiday pics are wonderful...thank you for sharing them..
Hope you are having a happy week,
Susan x
P.S Your little dog is adorable!

Rebecca said...

Dear Suzie, it's Becky, thank you for following me! It is lovely to meet you! I love the way you right your posts, you can feel the emotion, I'm so glad you feel you can laugh and be happy again!

I love the beach and your day reminded me of when me and my family go to the seaside! Dressed in rain jackets, it being windy and rainy so later on we would sit in the car drink hot tea and eat fish and chips!

The elephants are super sweet and your dog is adorable, I want a dog now!
- Becky Xx

harmony and rosie said...

What a lovely post, I am so pleased you have found contentment and had such a fun filled break.
I loved that advert too .. nescafe wasn't it?! Ooh, they don't make 'em like that anymore!!!
xx

Paula said...

Hello dear Suzie! I am so glad you had a lovely holiday and that the weather was nice for some of it. It sounds like you had fun even with the bad weather. Your elephants are adorable! Your Easter with dear friends sounds lovely too! I am glad you are doing better! You have a very positive attitude! I LOVE your sweet doggie! Have a wonderful day! xo~Paula