This moment

{this moment} - "A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember"  Soulemama

17:05 - Permission to cheat ...? A disc of photos has just arrived from my Dad and THIS is my favourite. Today is Mum's birthday but we celebrated a week early when we were all together ... 

Busy hands

Girl Child finally has a finished hand-knitted jumper, one that fits and everything! But, you guessed it, it wasn't knitted by me. That honour goes to my mother. Now that she is no longer being treated with chemo, Mum's shakes have gone and she was keen and able to make something for Girl Child while she could, aware that Toddler Boy has had a Granny-knitted item in his wardrobe for months now.

I'd like to say Girl Child relished the gift but ... she didn't. Which 5 year old would?

I can say though that this 37 year old appreciates it, loves it and will treasure it, probably for ever.

Still waters

Liverpool skyline and River Mersey, from Seacombe, Wirral.

There are so many water analogies in English, you could say there is one for every occasion. So, although I'm back on dry land, I feel all at sea, struggling to keep my head above water.

The children and I enjoyed some beautiful days with my mother and I know I'll be holding onto those memories with a vice-like grip in the coming months. There are storms ahead and not one of us can predict what damage will be left in their wake.

Today, I feel very small. For those suffering and struggling in this troubled world of ours:

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.


(Traditional Irish Blessing)

This moment

{this moment} - "A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember"  Soulemama

Look what I found!

Tucked away at the side of our house, this little gem is bursting into life. Although still cold out there, we have had two full days of clear blue skies and sunshine with the subtlest hint of warmth. Fair warms the soul and feeds the spirit.

So, with Spring around the corner, it is on with the knitting for those days to come playing outdoors, on with the baking to feed those hungry, growing tummies of mine and more, much more of taking in each precious moment and making each one count - as they are what makes life worth living, wouldn't you say?

Right now ...

Right now I am ...

• Relishing the smell of my first attempt at soda bread, baking in the oven;

• Adoring my beautiful, pale pink (Pink Ribbon) KitchenAid Artisan mixer, gifted to me this weekend by my lovely, thoughtful husband;

• Soaking up the bright February sunshine which has broken through the grey;

• Delighting in Pinterest;

• Grateful for the kind words of strangers;

• Determined to beat The Blues;

• Off to cuddle my children ...

Inspired today by Bad Mama Moments.


PS. In case you are wondering ....