Now I don’t have a balcony or a view of any exotic looking European buildings What I do have is a great ugly back verandah that the dogs have the run of, It holds fine views of the two rabbit cages, a pumpkin vine gone wild and a lawn that nearly always needs mowing. But she might be a beauty yet.
Now if that sounds like we were out in the wilds, far from civilisation, fending for ourselves, sleeping rough and cooking over open fire We weren't We were at a somewhat secluded camp ground an easyish 20 minute drive from a major town with powered site and hot water a short stroll away. We cooked on a gas stove and boiled water in my quite well fitted out caravan kitchen.
Yes I got me a couple of questions WHY am I the only person in this house who knows how to change a toilet roll properly. Why when there's a perfectly respectable container for the dog food does my boy leave the bag of food next to it.
They say necessity is the mother of invention. Well so is 15 year old boy constantly in your earhole about the sheer indecency of having the smallest bedroom in the house, maybe the whole town, possibly the universe
Oh don't get me started on that one - you'll never shut me up. I could wax long and loud and lyrical about what I think I haven't got and what I haven't done and what I don't have in terms of smarts and looks and get up and go and how I nearly always feel about 20 steps behind everyone else in the whole wide world. But where would that get me in the end. What would that achieve except to bring us right back to where we are right now. And friend I say that's as good a place as any to start.
I had to remind myself that it's OK to start right where I am and its always ALWAYS OK to learn as I go and make mistakes and do things in my own way at my own pace. That goes for you too. And yes sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error to work out your own style and your own pace. But mistakes and working stuff out as you go is part of the process and its OK
Do anything for twelve days straight and it will make a difference. Something will change or lift or be discovered or take flight. You'll get a grip or get an idea or see things clearer. You'll look better or feel better or maybe your house will too. Not by some far fangled magic or some secret method but in the simple act of doing the thing consistently, of going through the steps and doing the work. Surprised the heck out of me.
And with this last Christmas I was reminded all over again that being with the people I love wins out hands down without question over having everything go to plan OR ticking all the boxes on our "this is what we do at Christmas" list OR having the house all spruced and Christmas ready. Of course it's lovely when things do go to plan, when the food turns out how it's meant, when the house shines as I like it to and guests and or children, take your pick, behave the way they should. Lovely yes - but not essential to joy shared and thanks given and a good time being had. Not even nearly.
