a bit of drama

This is guaranteed to give you a laugh. Don't you just love the unexpected?

   

seeing

I stumbled across this sweet little video today and thought you'd like it. The filmmaker is an 18-year-old who made the film on a $25 budget. Thoughtfully narrated and a beautiful piece of music backing it.

small treasures

The first was a trip to Bright with Chris.

I had visited the High Country just once before, very briefly, when Chris was working on the second Man From Snowy River feature film. It was one of those bizarre weekends where things didn't go to plan.

On top of the long days he was doing, Chris had been travelling the three-and-a-half hour trip back from Merrijig each weekend to see me and he was exhausted. He wasn't coming down that weekend. So I decided to surprise him.

I walked into the Merrijig pub and found the rest of the crew – 'Oh no,' they said, 'Chris left two hours ago to drive to Melbourne to surprise you'. It was too late to travel back so I joined them at a crew party where Tom Burlinson made my night by introducing himself. As if I didn't know who he was!

Twenty-four years later, Chris and I made the journey back to the High Country together. This time we stayed at Bright instead. I can't tell you how beautiful it is up there at this time of year. We did lots of walking on Mt Buffalo (that tiny speck in the photo is me at View Point – one of the most spectacular views in the world) and we spent lazy hours in front of the open fire doing nothing much at all.

Then, last Sunday, my sister came to visit with her arms full of unexpected gifts. The cabbage roses were one thing but the most precious gift of all was that she visited with her six month old granddaughter (and my great-niece), Olive. It's incredible how easily your heart expands with love when a new baby arrives in the family.

And finally, on Tuesday, I was reading an article on the Business Chicks website and thinking about how wonderful the breakfast with Bob Geldof would be, when out of the blue, Sophie, the marketing manager extended an invitation to come along as a guest as a thank you for the articles I've been writing for them. How lucky I am. I'll let you know all about Bob once I've seen him. He's an inspiring role model so I can't wait.

Three lovely reminders about the things that really matter. Not that I don't love my work (I do) but my relationships and spending time in nature are the real treasures in my life.

What are yours?

the best made plans

I woke up early this morning determined to make this week the week that I went to gym at least twice, yoga once and found time to walk on the other days.

Today was a gym morning. I left home a little later than usual so it took me forever to get there - and when I arrived I discovered that because of the Ironman competition, I couldn't park so I had to turn around and drive back again.

Even the best made plans are occasionally destined to fail and despite a lifelong habit of exercise, I find it hard to stay motivated when something like this happens.

I wanted to give myself an excuse to do nothing but I knew I'd feel better starting the week in a more positive way so I talked Chris into walking with me (luckily he's working from home today).

I'm so glad I did. It was such a beautiful day to be outside. There was a smell of the sea in the air and just a light breeze so a couple of yachts were out on the bay. A few older folk had braved a swim and sat glistening wet on a bench, soaking up the last of the summer rays.

It's magic down there. I know it's not as perfect as the ocean beaches that we love but still, it's a far cry from spending all day in front of the computer. I felt great that I had exercised - and I got to hang out with Chris.

yoga talk

Here's a little laugh at ourselves.

 

an abundant life

Developing The Change Project business and website has been a big undertaking. I've loved it and found it energising and inspiring in so many ways but in recent weeks, I've also found myself somewhat depleted. Like most projects, it went over budget and it has taken considerably more time than I had anticipated. And it has taken my attention away from Total Balance (as I knew it would). Which of course, has had its implications.

I don't doubt for a single second that it was the right decision but I've noticed that in the last week or so I've been focusing more on 'lack' than 'abundance'.

I try to be very conscious of the energy I bring to my work (and to my family) so it has concerned me to find myself feeling a bit drained. I'm lucky to have beautiful support people around me (my friend Lindy has been a particularly good listener lately) and my meditation and exercise help keep me sane.

But still, I hadn't been able to shake this niggling sense of anxiety.

Then last night something shifted.

With some reticence, I was having guests for dinner. I love cooking and entertaining, but it was a week night and I'm up against a tough deadline so I was feeling stretched for time (and as you will have gathered, lacking in energy).

The girls and Elsa's boyfriend, Toby were free to join us so there were seven of us in total. Sharing a simple meal and a bottle of wine with the people I love completely lifted my spirits. I realised afterwards, that I've been looking at things all the wrong way. I just need to reconnect with the sense of abundance in my life. There are so many things to be grateful for.

This morning, by pure coincidence, Robert Rabbin's latest blog post The Money Mirror arrived in my inbox. What a timely and generous reminder of how important it is to be aware of the choices we make every day and where we focus our energy.

Mine has suddenly shifted and today, everything seems brighter.

so very true

Source: analyfe.com via Leah on Pinterest

what I'm listening to

Meg (our youngest daughter) has a gift for finding great music. Her taste is really varied and she's one of those people who has the knack of discovering the best artists before they've become popular.

Quite a few years ago she was playing this song. It's quirky and beautiful and I loved it at the time. I have only just rediscovered it. When I found the clip, I researched Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. What an interesting man. Have a listen. I think you'll love it too.