welsh extravaganza - part two

 

 

this weekend i took a flying visit to my mums. i'd forgotten it was a bank holiday, how i managed that i have no idea. the area they live in was having a victorian extravaganza we spent one day looking at the sights and sounds of old victoriana and the next relaxing on the beach. the sun put it's hat on and we walked, read, chatted, and ate in it's presence. and boy that welsh air, it knocks you out. sleep came easy and was welcome.

Emma

welsh extravaganza - part one

 

 

 

Emma

Spring parade

The last few days the sun has come out to play. The blossom and bluebells have responded.

'See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin, yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field which is here today .....will he not much more clothe you?...So do not worry'.
Matthew 6 V 28-31

Nature giving me a little nudge to-day....


Jane

this time next year...

a couple of weeks ago i chimed in on a conversation about winning the lottery and how much money it would take to live a millionaires lifestyle. as the conversation progressed it became obvious that a millionaires lifestyle cost you whatever you expected a millionaires lifestyle to look like, whether that was living mortgage free or having the ability to do whatever you wanted whenever you wanted. what struck me was the talk around what you want verses what you need. 

this past week i have struggled to juggle balls that give me everything i need; wants went out of the window. so too did the concern i was wanting too much. this week gave me new eyes for what i have and by the end of the day yesterday i realised i had appreciated life on a small scale; i had mailed words of admiration, text words of thanks, listened to a friends relief that overwhelming circumstances and illness had left her house, sat outside and basked in sunshine long enough to warm my skin, realised my strawberry plants were sprouting (and the lawn needs mowing), listened to birds sing, ate a little bit of what i fancied, drank a little bit of what i fancied and supported a friend who each week teaches a class of willing amateurs to become one voice. i was rewarded with connection and a huge amount of laughter. 

yesterday reminded me that looking outside of yourself reaps riches and when you have that kind of gold who needs to win the lottery.

Emma

Three years

Three years ago today my Mum died. In many ways it feels like a lot longer ago than three years, so much has happened and changed over the last three years. But in others I cannot believe it is that long. We still talk and remember things Nana did, and some days I still really feel the gap. Today was one of those days.
For work I had to go to London, and had the privilege of being invited to talk to a Committee made up mainly of MPs and very senior business people. It was a daunting prospect, but God is so good. Prayers for peace were answered, sitting in a coffee shop this morning before it started I flicked on Facebook. There on the newsfeed flashed 'Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified..... For I am with you' . Now I might not have been facing Joshua's situation, but the sense of Gods timing and care was unmissable, it never ceases to amaze me.
Coming back home with a story tell of how it all went I wanted to pick up the phone and talk as only mothers and daughters can, and that's where it's still hard. I miss the chats, the relationship. The pain of grief lessens, the missing does not end, nor would I want it too.

Today London was as inspiring as it can be. Blue skies, impressive buildings and an atmosphere that tells you you are in the capital. I'm thankful for the opportunities given to me, thankful for the care shown to me, and noticing again how time just goes by without you realising.




Jane

a picture(s) is worth a thousand words

Emma

park life

 

shadow play fun in the sun. all the while humming this tune.

Emma