Currently...

Just as I thought our days were getting quieter & simpler, things have become...hectic. It's really the only word to describe it.
I'm awake early & in bed late. I'm drinking coffee by the gallon & have worn the same jeans/tee/beanie combo for the past 3 days. I have been away from this space for much longer than I wish & have missed dearly, yet I have not had the words, nor the mental capacity, to express it all. Life just gets hectic at times, hey?
So, this is what's happening currently...
 
* Although Autumn came late & the leaves took a while to turn & fall, Winter is truly here upon the mountain - frosty, foggy & drizzly days have become the norm, as have woolens & electric blankets.

* Sweater dresses, $3 mens slippers & brightly-coloured rugs...need I say more?

* Like I said earlier, I'm living on coffee at the moment. French press at breakfast, espresso in the evening & my favourite "standard fairtrade organic soy latte with agave to takeaway, please". 
(I also realise there's nothing 'standard' about that order.)

* My favourite part of Monday - making homemade stock. Sunday's roast chicken becomes 3litres of healthy, herb-spiked stock, & the leftovers are added to a multitude of meals - paprika chicken, spicy dumplings, rice paper rolls or a good ol' chicken & chilli toastie.

* My day-off looks like this: in bed, knitting, watching The Block, drinking coffee, chatting about babies/wall colours/travel, all whilst enjoying the heart-warming company of my sweet little family. Bliss.

* Winter evenings, we burn beeswax candles in the kitchen & bedroom, & light jars of tealights in the bathrooms.

* Although chilly, Winter has brought with her some magnificent blue skies & beautiful sunsets. It's at this time of the day that mind is open & clear. I find myself pondering life & dreaming of what the future has in store. It's also at this time of year that I begin thinking of what I want to achieve in the coming months - the solstice is nearing & we're reaching the midpoint. Time for lists, plans & lots of talks.

 

* We've celebrated both our birthdays in the past week - Sam on the 6th & mine just yesterday. It's a bit wonderful to share & enjoy this time together. Nothing extravagant, just quality time & a couple of special treats. The cake Sam baked for me last night has to be one of the highlights - doughnut-shaped with plenty of nutmeg, cinnamon & vanilla, plus raspberry coulis & the best white choc & raspberry icecream. Yum!  

PS. Happy Birthday, lady! xx

So, how are you?
What's happening with you currently?
Please tell me your life gets a little hectic too...?
xx

So Is This How It's Going To Be, Autumn?

Well, Autumn has certainly made herself known here, upon the mountain.

With her she brought howling winds, thick fog and chilly rain, she prompted us to layer our cardigans with scarves, and throw an extra blanket on the bed. Pancakes with cinnamon-spiked apples and yogurt for breakfast, chai tea in steaming hot almond milk for lunch, and a pot of pumpkin soup for supper. The animals are revelling in our constant company, enjoying the warm interior and nothing on the agenda but sleep.

I promised myself I would give each season the welcome she deserved - lighting sweet beeswax candles and picking out my favourite 'seasonal' reads - my way of learning to love each for her unique ways.
Autumn has prompted fresh crusty loaves and baked sweets daily, an early dinner followed by an equally early retire. The closet has been rearranged to feature ankle boots and hooded coats, and the gumboots stand proudly by the door, awaiting our next adventure.

What I didn't expect for my appreciation was a throbbing head and scratchy throat, and I'm anticipating the runny nose is just round the corner. It's trying for me, a Summer-loving lass, to find joy in a season that has gifted me the dreaded lurgy.

So, as the sun sets on the second day of Autumn, I'm tucked up in bed with a hot cuppa and a good book, surrounded by my dear family.

Tomorrow is a new Autumn day, and I promise to give her all the appreciation I can muster - all I ask in return, is for a little more sunshine and a little less...well, snot.

Hi, I'm Sarah, & I'm Allergic To Bananas

 You may have noticed a a little freshen up and few new additions upon this humble little space - whataya think? 

Aside from coding and the such, the hardest part was writing the 'About' page. I struggled to find the words to introduce me, and what this place is all about. I scoured other blogs for inspiration, and to procrastinate from writing my own, yet in the end, I just fumbled about, stringing a few sentences together to get the job done.
In, all honesty, it's not perfect or a finished product but, that's life right - it is continually evolving - and so will every part of this blog.

So, when I discovered I had been nominated for a Liebster Award , by Allison at Just Underneath, I figured this would be a great opportunity to indulge my narcissistic side, and write a few facts and answer some questions about moi.

"What's a Liebster Award?", you say; well...

"The Liebster Award is for bloggers with under 300 followers. The rules of the award is that the nominee must link back to whoever awarded them, write 11 random facts about themselves, answer the 11 questions from the award giver, and then nominate another 11 bloggers and make up 11 questions for them to answer. It's a great way for new and undiscovered bloggers to meet new people, get more followers and find some blogs that they want to follow."

Okay, here goes! :

11 Random Facts About Sarah:
1. I dislike eating leftovers (with the exception of chinese and pizza...they always taste better the next day) - especially anything that was originally hot but people consume cold (example: last nights chinese and pizza)
2. I was a dancer...a Scottish Highland dancer...and no, it's not the same as Lord of the Dance.
3. I am a homebody, but love to travel, which often leaves me feeling overwhelmingly homesick but doesn't trump the the excitement and joy of exploring new places.
4. I am allergic to bananas, which is difficult when banana bread smells so damn good!
5. on our 'wedding' night I we were sooo exhausted, we went to bed (& fell asleep) at 9:30pm...leaving our guests to party the night away.
6. I am partial to the 'f' word.
7. If you hadn't already noticed, from the multitude of photos and recipes, I like LOVE food - all kinds of food! & coffee...lots and lots of coffee! 
8. I cry a lot - for all kinds of reasons. Yesterday, for example, I cried whilst watching Ellen  just because it makes me so happy! Tonight, I cried when my bread didn't rise. I'm just emotional.
9. My favourite book is Chinese Cinderella. I highly recommend reading it.
10. I performed at Woodford Folk Festival as a mutant human/pig - I wore a prosthetic snout and a chest plate with teats, for 6 hours a night...the other actors would 'suckle' on my nipples and we would throw baked beans at the audience. (oh, the things we do for our art - I swear I wasn't under the influence!)
11. I am annoyingly optimistic - the glass is always half full.

11 Questions By Allison:
1. Have you ever broken the law? Not that I know of... I (& a group of friends) was scolded by an officer for riding a trolley through an alleyway...is that illegal?
2. Have you ever broken a bone? Yes - many - I'm a clutz!
3. Have you ever broken a heart? Yes...not my proudest moment.
4. Where would you go on your dream date? Anywhere, as long as it has a beautiful view and delicious food...and my love!
5. Who`s your dream date? ...Sam* - gushy-gross , I know.
6. Cats or dogs? Well, both. I grew up with dogs, and had never really been around cats...until I rescued Appa. I love them equally!
7. Do you believe in ghosts? To some extent, yes. More so, I believe in spirits.
8. How would you spend a lotto win? I'm assuming this doesn't include the $7 I won when I turned 18. I'd definitely give some to my parents and the in-laws, and without sounding cheesy, a substantial amount would go to charity (we've already discussed this topic- optimistic, right?)  
9. What posters were in your childhood bedroom? Growing up in the nineties, I owned copious amounts of Spice Girls, Hanson and Ricky Martin posters and merch. I was insanely in love with Ricky Martin and would sing "She Bangs" for hours on end...much to the amusement of my family. 
10. First concert? I can't remember - I've been to so many!
11.Who do you most admire? My late grandfather. He was an incredibly kind and gentle man, with a wicked sense of humour and an insatiable love for potato crisps. He sat by his wife's bed, (as she is immobile due to Alzheimers Disease) every day from morning until dusk, right until his last days. He was deeply in love with her and told so her every day - even as she can no longer speak nor recognise him. He was noble and patient - two traits I am inspired to cultivate for myself, by his example.
*I wouldn't say no to Ryan Gosling, though. 

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Now, onto my nominations for the Liebster Award, and my questions!

*Za's Little Blog *Flight Platform Living *Mrs Parrett *This Brown Wren *Fore & Aft *All In A Daze *Sea and Salt *Floral Mountain *Feminine. Unique. New *Little Red Vikings *Maitland St Meals

1.  What's your favourite season?
2. What do you like most, sweet or savoury foods?
3. Do you have any pets?
4. What are you reading at the moment?
5. Do you have a lucky number?
6. What's your favourite cuisine?
7. What was the last thing you saw at the cinema?
8. Which do you like, gold or silver?
9. What's your favourite hobby/interest?
10. What's for dinner at your place tonight?
11. Do you have a phobia?

No pressure, ladies! It's all just for fun.

 

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Wow! If you made it this far, I applaud you! Now you know some random things about me, and hopefully feel like you know me a little better!

Hope your weekend is lovely!

Sar xx

Picking Up & Dusting Off

I've been mulling over this post for a many, many days now.
I had intended to begin this new 'blogging' year with this post.
I would relate to you my utter joy at discovering and being a part of this online community in the previous months, and express my dreams and desires for the coming year.

It would be honest, inspiring...and well, on time.

In the time it has taken for me to find these words - my intentions for 2013 - my life has been turned on its head. These 'resolutions' (for lack of a better word) I have been conjuring seem trivial compared to the reality of my current situation. I am still processing all that has happened in the past week, the crazy, unexpected, suddenness of it all, and am now nervously paving the way of my future.

I don't want to delve too deep into it all, yet I feel in sharing this news here I may find comfort and healing - okay, here goes...I was informed this week that my job position had been made redundant.
It is surreal even writing this. It is a fresh wound and I am still coming to terms with this news. It's strange to think that 3 days ago I was a happily employed twenty-something - taking things for granted and dreaming of what I want, rather than being gracious for the simple joys in my life.
In an already struggling economy the coming months are sure to be testing for us (I was the major wage earner in our household) yet I know that this is hurdle we can overcome.
My mind is filled with doubt, anticipation and fear. I feel as if I have failed, although I know there's nothing that could be done. It's not that I am unwanted - far from it, I'm told - but that I was given up for the sake of another. 

I am unsure of the road ahead, all I can be certain of is that I will succeed...eventually.
I will still accomplish my desires for this year, more often than not I will do so quietly, perhaps at time I will share them here, once the time is right. All I can say right now is that this year will be one of change - for the better - in myself and my life. I...we, will live simply and purposefully.  

I will find the opportunity within this difficult period of our life.

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I don't want this to be a pitty-party for me or a 'look how difficult my life is' post. That's not my intention. I feel that this is a safe place for me to share what's on my mind and heart, with you, and I will continue to do so. I have overcome more heartbreak than this - I will do it again. 

Picking myself up and dusting myself off. 

Sorry for the word heavy post. x 

A Belated Merry Christmas and a Premature Happy New Year!

 Wishing you all much love, happiness and good company for the Holidays!

Sar xx

ps. sorry for the recent unexpected hiatus! This month has come and is going to quickly, all I could do was truly live in the moment and take it all in before this gorgeous season flew by. 
So there's not many photos, nor words, that can justify the joyful memories of this past month.

Rainy Days*

Blustery winds and pouring rain has sent my mood south the past couple of days. Where, oh where has Spring gone?
In an attempt to cheer myself up today, I utilised the free wifi and savoured a hot soy chai at a local cafe. Between spicy sips of latte and catching up on some blog reading, I was able to relax and refocus. I soon forgot the terrible weather outside and enjoyed the warmth of indoors...and reminded myself that tomorrow is forecast for sunshine!

* Sam says I should call this post "Complainy Janey, Stuck in the Rainy!" because I called her on my way to the cafe to complain about how cold it was outside - She wasn't impressed.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder...

I am alive and well. I promise to be back, with lots to say and show, next week. For now, I am focusing all my time and energy into this secondment (and dealing with some severe homesickness).

I hope all is well in your corner of the world.
X

On My Mind: Life

I am stuck in a rut. And I'm struggling to claw my way out.

Life is getting me down, of late. Money is getting me down. Study is getting me down. Work is getting me down. I feel a bit like a negative nancy; which is distressing for my (usually) overly optimistic mind.

Life.

It's too fast, but too slow. It's hectic and mundane all at the same time. I fear change, yet I'm itching for it!


We live a great life. Don't get me wrong. We have a roof over our heads, great food in our bellies, and are decently clothed (most of the time).
We go out to dinner/movies/shows/concerts. We have the company of our animals, our friends, our family. We enjoy trips away for the weekends (long over due at the moment!) and enjoy little luxuries every now and then. But I can't help but want something more.
Sometimes it's hard to stop yourself from wishing for more; more money, more time, more, more, more!

Recently we've been having financial troubles, and no matter how much of the good great stuff that we have, I can't help but moan over what we don't. Spending money on our sicky car, breaking things that we can't afford to replace, and spending money we've saved (for a vacation) on things we'd rather not have to spend money on (like the sicky car L).
And then I have what I like to call the 'third year woes', aka that dreaded feeling I get when I think about uni/someone asks "how's uni going?". Honestly, I'm a little over it, or at least some aspects of it. I should be finishing this semester, yet I've failed things and deferred things, and now I'm considering changing my degree all together. I'm no longer inspired. I need to stop reading about it and actually do it, yet I can't do it until I've studied it. I'm yearning to play and explore my creativity again. To create with my hands and my body and my voice. I miss performing. To get out in a stage or in front of the camera, and just perform! I need to get out of this city (which is feeling more like a tiny town the more I stay in it) and its backwards ways and create a life in a new, inspiring place. I don't know where, or even when, but I can feel the urges to build elsewhere. To get to know new people, new places and a new lifestyle.

I want a simpler life. A non-adult life. Not having to stress over things. For a little while at least. I vaugley remember it...I think I was still living at with my parents. Okay, so I don't want to live with my parents again, but I do yearn for that simplicity. No worries over rent/food/decent body coverings, just plain ol' enjoying life! Painting/taking photos/writing/reading/dancing/singing/performing when I wanted to, sleeping when I wanted to, eating when...well I still eat when I want to, but you get the idea.
I really just want some time getting back to what I enjoy most about life; photography, performing, going out, eating!, meditating, enjoying time with the people I love. More time outside, in the fresh air, exploring and finding inspiration.
I miss the carefree attitude I once had. I miss feeling like myself.

I'm hoping that the change of season will bring about a change in my life. Spring is all about new things.
A fresh start.
A fresh mind.

A fresh life.


~ thank you for reading my ramblings xx

Happy Weekend!

It has been a busy busy week in our house; study and lectures, new routines (yay!), saying goodbyes, eating pancakes, dreaming of summer days, and not much blogging...but I promise to be back Monday morning with lots to tell!

So, for now I leave you with a very funny video thanks to one very very funny Mr Steve Kardynal. It's super silly, and I hate how catchy this song is, nevertheless, it managed to get me out of a very dirty mood and made my day a whole lot brighter!  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! :D

Happy Weekend! x

video via here  

On My Mind: Losing Confidence

I'm having one of those days where things have not turned out how I'd expected and as a result have left me with that sick/heavy feeling in my gut. I hate this feeling. I want to cry and yell (and probably swear a bit) but I know it's not worth getting so upset over. Although the fault does not fall solely on me, a lot of it does. I should have seen this coming and tried to make things right before now.  I want to go back and change it all...but I can't. It's done. All I can do now is move forward and try to rectify it all. The next few days are going to be taxing. I'm going to need all the confidence I can muster to front up and deal with the consequences. Part of me believes this will make me stronger and more resilient, another part wants it to teach me that I need to be more responsible for my path, yet I can't help feeling that this may just have been the thing that knocks me down for good and I am too burnt out to get back up. I want to succeed yet I believe I am unworthy of it. I want to make it to the end, to see all this hard work though. I can't help feeling, I'm losing faith in myself.

Highlights, Lowlights and Down lights

So, I haven't posted in about a week! I hate that, as I promised myself if I started a new blog I would be fully committed, and I feel as if I've failed already. Time has just gotten away from me this week.

Excuses aside, I figured I'd do a little check in and update you on what I have been up to this week. It's been a doozy!

Fri - Sam and I found out that our friend and university lecturer Dr Marilyn Meier Kapavale had passed away. A magnificent pianist, doting mother and dear friend; she was a truly inspiring woman, who put her family first and never ceased to bring a smile to my face every time I saw her. I'll cherish every memory. 

Sat - After a wonderful night celebrating the end of semester with friends, I spent most of the day pottering around the house and enjoying a relaxed and chilled day with Sam and the animals. This was probably the easiest day I've had in the last week...I miss its simplicity. We also capped our internet today...it's gonna be a low, slow week ahead!

Sun - It's rare for me to have a weekend off, especially a Sunday, so Sam and I woke up early for some brekky and a trip to the markets! It was a beautifully crisp winter morning (unusual for me to enjoy as I dread chilly winter weather) with great food and company. 
* I have a post in the works with some pictures from our morning, so check back soon!

Mon - Sam and I had planned to get away for a couple of days to Byron Bay, but after a few unfortunate family issues that put a damper on our trip. I have to admit that I was (and still am, to be honest) upset that we didn't get to spend some time away, but I'm sure we'll get another chance soon. We're madly saving at the moment to make our first overseas trip together in early 2013, to visit some of Sam's closest friends who live in the States. I'm incredibly excited for Sam, as she's had some of these friends for 5 or more years and they've never met in person, but often talk everyday via blogs and boards. We're so excited!

Tue - I had the most amazing bubble bath in the evening! I hadn't had a hot, bubbly bath in a couple of months and I have to say, it was divine! I set up the laptop, popped in a movie, filled up the tub and soaked my worries away for a good hour or so. It was made all the lovelier when Tig (our dog) decided that she would keep me company and slept on the bath mat. Precious. 

Wed - I changed my very first down light! It has taken me a long time to get around to doing it but I can now proudly say I have done it! I've had an incredible fear of changing the down lights in our house for a while now...the thought of creepy-crawlies coming our of the fixture-yuck! A few weeks ago the light on our front stoop blew and the only time I'd remember to change it was when I went to turn it on at duck. It finally got to the point that not having a front door light was getting beyond annoying, and slightly dangerous. 
Now that I've overcome that hurdle, there's handful of blown bulbs with my name written all over them!

Thu - Today I was back at work, which I really enjoyed as I like the routine of getting up early for work and then spending the evenings at home, cooking dinner and relaxing. Tonight, while Sam sleeps, I have been chasing the two kittens around the house and doting on them as if they were my very own babes. It's been beautiful watching them grow from newborns to plump-bellied, wobbly-legged 5 week old kittens. The next 5 weeks will be bitter-sweet as we prepare them to go off to new families who will get to enjoy more of their soft purrs and quirky personalities.  

 I hope you've had a wonderful week so far! and I promise to be back again soon! :)