ocean swim, long chat home and mindfulness

surf was small and windy today so we decided to go for a swim.... it was only when we were at the beach that Jeff realised that he had left his board shorts at home, so we walked far up the beach and quickly ran in for a nudie swim....ha ha ha so funny

a long chat with the people I love more than anything in the world

being mindful really pays off..... it's like a little switch in your mind that seems to default to 'off' if you're not paying attention

surf and nature, better breakfast and cooking for a bbq

an early surf in the sunshine with dolphins, whales and turtles... good for the soul :)

we made breakfast for friends this morning.... pancakes, smoothies, eggs & bacon... yum

the nice folk over the road invited us to a bbq so it was fun to rustle together some goodies to take with us... tried out an epic Jamie Oliver burger recipe,  some homemade bbq sauce, some aioli and some garlic and herb turkish bread.... sooooo good

strategic questioning, this might just work and support network

on my course at OzGreen I learnt about strategic questioning, which is basically about listening more, talking less and asking intelligent questions. Jeff and I tested it out today and got some pretty spectacular results.

a new little project that I've just started working on might just work....

I am so grateful that I have such an amazing support network surrounding me. Goodness me, I am so blessed.

new ideas, a little cupboard and dinner from nowhere

isn't it funny how a new idea can just appear out of the blue, and then suddenly, wham, you can't stop thinking about it ?! Some good ones came to me today and I'm excited

I have this beautiful little box that my sister gave me when I bought my first apartment in Hossegor.  It mounts onto a wall and has 4 little compartments inside that I use to store candles and other little things that need a home. The door is a blackboard so we've always got something that inspires us written on it. Anyhows, I was opening it today when the smell from all the candles wooshed out and made me think of very happy days in that tiny apartment with Jeffo.

Jeff is away up north on a training course, so it could be really easy not to bother cooking yummy meals, but tonight, out of a seemingly empty fridge, I made a super delicious pasta dish with sundried tomatoes, spinach and peppers...yum yum yum with a good glass of red wine

frog email, Elsie's treasure island and ray of hope

wrote an email today that I had been putting off for ages. I knew that I wanted to write it, but knew it would be difficult and couldn't quite figure out how to get started. Such a great feeling to hear that little swoosh noise when it sent !

a great friend of mine is moving to the Scilly Isles, and so today, whilst on skype we checked out a map of the tiny island she is moving to. It brought back memories of story books and treasure maps.

a little ray of hope...nothing huge but some potential good news.... that's nice

skype with the folks, a beautiful book and waiting for a map

skype is a magnificent thing...... I love that I can be eating dinner at home whilst chatting to my folks eating breakfast at their place..... there is something about seeing someone's smile that really makes a conversation a zillion times better

I'm reading an amazing book at the moment. it's called Foreign Tongue. It's about a woman who moves to Paris and becomes a translator for a literary editor. It is full of beautiful references to the amazing city of Paris, but also talks about the complexity of language. One of my favourites

I ordered a world map to stick up on the wall in my office..... something to scribble on, dream up some new adventures and remember all the awesome trips I've been on.... come on already amazon !!!

day of rest, wisdom from friends and love languages

after a busy weekend, we spent today just hanging out and relaxing. A few chores here and there but pretty much cruising at home ....nice

friends can plant seeds of wisdom..... you just need to nurture them so that they will serve you well

a book was recommended to me this weekend that I read ages ago, but am inspired to pick up again...

surf with Nic, connected with the sea and the rugby

a surf with an old friend..... the waves were pretty small, but felt so good to share them with Nic

I realised today one of the reasons why surfing is so good for the soul...... it doesn't matter where you are in the world, if you are in the ocean, you are somehow connected to your home beach and surf.... and that makes me feel happy

we went across the road to watch the rugby tonight..... so France didn't win, but they played well, and we hung out, laughed, and ate pizza.

breakfast with friends, moment alone and honesty

sharing breakfast with great friends that we see way too infrequently

in amongst the days activity and noise, I managed a moment of quiet to reflect on how I was feeling. It is good to be mindful.

wow, it is so rare, and so special to have friends who are willing to open up and talk about the grittier moments in life, and share their perspective, love and experience

middle of the night news, smell of the ocean and cooking up a feast

I had been waiting for this news .... and suddenly, at about 3am, there it was.... a text with the most awesome news I had heard in a very long time. Thanks for letting me know.

This one is a difficult one to describe.... there is a smell that I can't quite put my finger on that you sometimes smell when you are in the surf. The first time I smelt it was in South Africa on my first big trip. Now, everytime I smell it, I'm reminded of that trip, full of adventure and discovery.

Felt good to be cooking up a storm tonight.... an oldie but a goodie....Moroccan slow roasted lamb with chickpeas & green peppers, and a bowl of apricot couscous....sooooo good

early swim, laughter and yummy lunch

I woke up super early this morning so cruised across to the beach for a swim. There is something very special about being on a beach so early.... no one around, having the ocean to yourself ...bliss

Had a funny chat with a great friend today who was been on a similar journey to Jeff & I. The best thing about the call was that we just laughed a LOT. Sometimes it really is the best thing to do.

Mmmm a super yummy lunch...... chickpea burger with spinach, peppers, homemade garlic mayo and sweet chilli in a rye wrap..... mmmmm

an old friend, Jamie Oliver and fitness levels

I have an amazing friend called Ross. We hadn't spoken in forever, and so when he called today I was super stoked. He's one of those people that really understands ambition and drive, and the struggles that we face along the way. He's one of the good guys and I'm so proud to have him as a friend.

I've been watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution series.... wow, what an inspiration. He is a real hero.

This morning's boot camp was tough, but not as tough as last weeks. Phew, my fitness levels are slowly on the way back up :)

almighty blog update, follow your passion and a scented candle

wow, sometimes it can be pretty hard to keep this blog up. I have to admit that sometimes a few days go past where I totally forget to transfer my scribbles from my little pink notebook to this blog. So it always feels good when I'm totally up to date.... yipee

the course I went on with OzGreen was all about finding your passion.... it feels like it ignited something in me. I really care, I mean I really really care about food, and people learning more about it.  So many people don't care about what they eat, or where their food has come from. It's time to start putting a bit more love into our food, love for ourselves, love for each other and love for the planet.... ok, sermon over... for now

mmm I have a scented candle that smells of mistletoe, fig and cedar..... I love it

a day out, long skype and intelligent books

Super busy day with a little ray of sunshine and hope that ignited this morning and lasted all day.

A long skype that had a whole lot more good news in it than bad, which is the way it is supposed to be.

Wow, there was a moment last week when I had nothing to read. What a scary thought...... especially when you are someone like me who has grown up in a house full of books. Anyhows, I thankfully picked up a new book and got stuck in today. It's not the easiest read, but one of those books that feels like it will improve your intelligence levels :)

strategic questioning, compassion and pub dinner

we learnt something called strategic questioning today.... it was amazing. Tested it out on Jeff and realised I need to get a whole lot better at listening. It was worth doing the course just to learn this.

In a room with a group of about 15 people, all different backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living. So good to listen to their stories and realise how important compassion and listening to our hearts is.

home, shower, walk to the pub (checking out the awesome stars in the sky) for dinner with friends.... that's the kind of normal Sunday night I really appreciate...

just being, quiet time and blackboard menus

There was a lot of time for contemplation today...... and it felt good to embrace it

At lunch time I took some time out to be alone and enjoy the peace and quiet.

I ate at an awesome place overlooking the valley. It's a pretty simple cafe but I loved the feel of the place. There is something about menus that are on a blackboard that I love..... it means fresh, seasonal food.

being brave, getting home, and missing Jeffrey

started my Leading with the Heart course today in Bellingen..... had no idea what I was in for, so had to take some deep breaths and find some courage ..... so stoked I did

after 2 weeks of being at home 24/7, it was actually lovely to come home at 6pm after a busy day

the craziest thing I noticed today was how much I missed Jeff. I guess we've been together every minute of every day since we arrived. It was a good 'missing' though, a natural feeling that made me remember I'm married to my best friend

Nic & Luke call, yoga class and reality check

good words from wise friends

a yoga class that felt a little tougher after yesterdays boot camp.....soooooo good to stretch :)

Jeff had a moment today that caused us to stop and reflect. A reality check that really put some perspective on our problems. A realisation, that, in the grand scale of things, our problems are small and insignificant.

early start, boot camp and epic bbq sauce

yikes..... so I made a promise to myself that I would commit to trying out some new things.... so it was with  a little excitement and a little courage that I pulled myself out of bed this morning at 5.30am to go to boot camp

an hour of running up hills, boxing and generally being shouted at to go faster/harder..... not everyone's cup of tea, but I loved it and felt pretty proud of myself driving home at 7am having had a super hard work out and met a bunch of new people

sometimes you just get things right..... this afternoon I was to put my chipotle chillies to good use.... and busted out an epic bbq sauce (most of which Jeff ate before we even sat down for dinner... but hey, at least we've got the recipe sorted !)

a day with a purpose, jobs done and message from Dad

finally, a Monday morning that required us getting up early and doing some work.... it's amazing how quickly you get tired of doing nothing

we spent the day working through a list and did a heap of jobs.... felt good to feel useful again

my Mum and Dad sent me a message today that showed me how much they understand what we're going through, and what kind of news we need to hear..... thanks xxx

4 hour week brainstorm, garage sort out and time whizzing

I'm reading a really good book at the moment called The 4 Hour Week.... it really challenges 'normal' ways of thinking about work and business. Jeff and I spent some time this morning brainstorming and working on a task it sets out in the book. Awesome.

finally we hit the garage and spend a few hours sorting it out, making some space and being able to see the floor again ! Amped on starting boxing again :)

this afternoon was the first time since we got here that time just seemed to fly past..... before we knew it, it was getting dark and it was time to start thinking about cooking dinner..... it might sound ridiculous, but it made me really happy to feel it whizzing by.... it meant we were having fun

Jeff's folks come to stay, a quiet day and reading the papers

when Jeff's folks come to stay we tend to just kick back at home....  they arrived this morning with hearts full of love .... was great to see them and just spend some quality time together

we spent the day quietly, and I forgot how nice that can be

ahhh the simple pleasures of reading the Sunday papers... I think everyone has different ways to relish in the experience.... mine is to carefully skim through and pick out the sections (travel, food and eco normally) that I love,  sink into a comfy chair or spread them out on the deck and slowly devour the lot

a call from home, a reason to get up and love pouring in

had a long chat with my folks early this morning.... so good to hear from home :)

Jeffs folks are coming to stay tomorrow so we've got a few chores to do. Felt so good to jump up this morning and have a reason to get crack-a-lacking with our day.....

love really is pouring in from every direction. You could easily feel sorry for yourself at a time like this, but right now I can't believe my luck.

recognising a cycle, lunch at Saltwater and planning with Nic & Luke

when things aren't going too well,  it's good to step away from yourself and have a good look at what is happening. Today I realised that we were in a bit of a cycle..... nothing more than that. I couldn't fix it but it has definitely helped knowing what is going on.

Had lunch at Saltwater today..... just a quiet lunch reading the papers..... grilled Yamba prawns on crostini with roasted capsicums, garlic and rocket.... yum yum yum

our good friends Nic & Luke are coming to stay in a couple of weeks .... so excited to spend some time with them.... they called today to have a chat about their trip .... yipeee

humbled by the ocean, skype love and Jeffo making dinner

we surfed at Mullaway today..... it turned out the surf was a lot bigger than it looked. I got smashed, but walked up the beach and paddled back out at the point and got some waves. Felt so good to be humbled by the ocean, and to get back up and go again..... and succeed :)

so so happy to be able to skype everyone again.... had a long chat with Elsie tonight, so good

ok so it doesn't happen very often, but tonight, my lovely husband made me dinner..... sweet potato curry...yum yum yum

being connected, honesty and Blissology start

at last I have a mobile phone...... ha ha ha..... nice to be able to text someone to tell them I'm thinking of them.... bless technology

real friends are ok with honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations. I really respect that and am pretty stoked that I have friends who are ok with it too.

started today with a yoga work out from Blissology..... awesome stuff, full of positivity

wheels, the Amble Inn and a little bit of normality

yahooo.... we finally have wheels.... ha ha ha it's not pretty but we like it..... we stuck an aloha sticker on it and loaded it up with our boards... we're ready to go :)

dinner at the Amble Inn..... ha ha ha it always makes me laugh, such a funny place.... by no means a gourmet outing, but fun nonetheless !

glass of wine before dinner with friends.... simple pleasures

cooking, patience and strength

I know I've said this before, but I love the process of cooking. Picking a recipe, grabbing all the ingredients, pouring some love into it and preparing a yummy meal for someone you love. Such a rewarding process....

I need to improve my patience, but I'm getting there..... thank goodness

This past few weeks have tested us in ways I could have never imagined.... but the emerging theme is strength

Bellingen course, chocolat and food shop

last week when we had breakfast in Bellingen, I saw a poster advertising a course called 'leading with the heart'. Its about sustainability and being connected with the earth.... so today, I took a little courage and signed up.

this afternoon I watched an old favourite.... Chocolat..... what a great film, full of deliciousness

I really enjoy the process of sitting down, surrounded by cookery books, planning a weeks worth of dinners and then going out and picking up everything you need for all those yummy dinners. You come home and fill up the fridge and pantry, and know you'll be eating really good healthy stuff all week :)

early pancakes, remembering what is important and caramelised onion and feta tart

we woke up early and decided to make pancakes for breakfast...... I love it when we do that

today we really remembered what is really important..... what life is supposed to be about.... happiness, health, being outside, taking care of the planet and people you love.....

I made a caramelised onion and feta tart for dinner..... yum yum yum yum

Nic, dinner out and a swim in the ocean

lovely , lovely Nic..... who has always been so far away, and is now much closer..... it's funny how close friends can just pick up where they left off. She's awesome and as always, full of wisdom.

a while ago I read a book about Lisa Anderson, one of the worlds best surfers. She talks about fearlessness. Ever since reading it, whenever I have a little hint of 'scaredy-cat-ness' I say the word fearless in my head. I find it really works for me. Doesn't matter what the situation is..... today I was being a wuss and didn't want to swim in the ocean as I thought it would be too cold.... turned out to be super refreshing and invigorating...thanks Lisa

we ate out tonight with friends...... felt good to laugh, share stories and eat yummy pizza :)

yoga class, a shift in thinking and organic store

This morning I went to a new yoga class in Emerald..... a group of lovely people and a great teacher.... this makes me happy

during the class my thinking shifts..... it felt like I could sense the moment when my brain clicked into a new position, and said, 'ok, I'm ready to start moving forwards again'

nest door to the studio is an awesome little organic store...... packed with super delicious goodies. I buy some ginger covered in dark chocolate.... oh my goodness