Wednesday 4 November 2009

Autumn break catchup

So my gypsy travelling is now over for another year, I spend most of my Spring and Summer weekends heading out to the beach. With the last half term holiday of the year I headed out one last time to stand on a deserted beach, feel the sea breeze through my hair, take in the sights, sounds and smells of this special place, this place that makes me feel at peace with the world no matter what is going on in my life. Yes indeed, I have said it before and I will say it again, the beach is a special place for my the soul...
At this time of year it offers a place of solitude and empowerment, its vast expanse of sand and never ending sea makes me happy to be alive. So the children and I spent as much time as possible here, we set up camp near the sand dunes, a little camping stove to make a bowl of pasta and pesto to keep the chills away.
Whilst the babes played in the sand and ran their little legs off I snuggled up under a blanket and pulled out my yarn, yes many things have been knitted and hooked on the beach this year.
We stayed each day until the warmth from the sun dissipated and the light started to fade...
Of course time on the beach would not be complete without a paddle in the sea...
But it is Autumn break and this means lots of walks through woods, the simple pleasure of kicking up leaves and listening to the children giggle as they lose themselves in the piles of fallen leaves, collecting token gifts from the season, rich blood red leaves and acorn cups...
Yes the delights of the season we enjoyed to the full. It was a difficult time for me personally, this holiday marks the first anniversary to the devastating changes that have gone on in my life, this time last year my life was in a different place and I was indeed a different person, it fills my heart with sadness at the loss and pain. Then I look at the year I have been through and I gain strength through all I have achieved on my own, I am ME, if anything I am now a better ME as I am indeed happier. The people I spend time with now want to be with me, like me for who I am and allow my creative spirit to shine.
I am a Mom and my creativity is a huge part of who I am and why I mother the way I do. I have learnt a lot this year, I still have some learning to do. BUT... my children are the absolute centre of my world, the gift that they are fills me with awesomeness. Indeed my life my be different, with worries, uncertainty and instability BUT... it is filled with love, riches beyond the material world and full of existing opportunities...
When the going gets tough this family gets the paint out, finds a creative space and we do 'our thing' until our soul is settled again.
So the week drew to an end the leaves are now nearly all on the ground, the land is snuggling up under the earth to rest, ready to flourish and bloom again next spring...


I hope your week was filled with memories to warm you through the coming months, its that time when the nights draw in, getting cosy under quilts, watching movies, eating pop corn, red wine, deep baths with candles and fluffy white towels, flickering fires to warm your toes up on, beautiful wool yarn and creative evenings and wet weekends splashing in puddles...

Enjoy



8 comments:

Lindsey said...

Hey Suzie. I did spot that you were a Bongonaut too but, as you mentioned yours may have to go, I didn't like to say anything.

They are the best aren't they? Not as cool as VWs but cheaper to buy and more reliable. We didn't manage to get away in ours as much as we'd have liked but next summer we plan to get an awning. That little bit more space will make a lot of difference (space to store OH's diving gear). Then we plan to be away as many weekends as we can. :o)

Thimbleanna said...

What a lovely post Suzie, even with the bits of pain tucked in there. I'm so happy to see you recognize your strength and beauty. And I LOVE it when I hear a mother say her children are the center of her world -- I feel a kindred spirit, as that's the way I have always felt. And reading your last paragraph makes me so very excited to have winter on it's way!

Tracy said...

Hi, Suzie! Wonderful, colorful photos...and lovely words! Embracing our strengths makes us stronger. Being a mom is a very creative endeavor--perhaps the most creative work out there! :o) You sound in a good place right now--very glad. And those last days at the beach are the sweetest, aren't they...mmm... Happy Days ((HUGS))

Amy said...

Oh Suzie...what a lovely post. Very real. I'm glad you're feeling strength. Lovely pictures and your words put everything in perspective. Thank you.

julia said...

As usual Suzie. a lovely, lovely post, glad you're feeling good about life, you sum it all up so beautifully.
Have a lovely weekend, I hope the sun shines down on you.
Julia xx
ps. By the way, I'm intrigued by your last post, which city was that, I need to go!

Locket Pocket said...

A lovely post Suzie. I'm sorry you've had a hard time but happy to hear how well you are coping with everything and how you find all the good out there. Take care. Lucy x

Lazylol said...

Lovely post Suzie.

Anna said...

What a beautiful post. I think your children are very lucky to have such a warm and creative mother.