Stop! And Live…

One of the things I’ve been learning to do is to take things a little slower, to appreciate the beauty that surrounds me and to just relax. Often, coming from a ountry where we rush from one task to another, even working in our dreams, it has been a privilege to slow down and take a break. Here Down Under, God’s handiwork surrounds us everywhere and I’m constantly awed by how creative and detail minded He is…

When doing this week’s page for Pink Sketches, it was a reminder for myself never to rush and miss out on living, living life to its fullest by being present in the moment. Instead of regretting or missing the past, wishing for the future, it certainly means more when we are able to embrace what we have, here, right now… To live.

 

Those pics were taken in our first few days here, in the midst of our scamble to be on time for various appointments to view potential places to rent. In the flurry of activities, the beauty of the trees and the wonderful shadows that were cast caught our attention. Hence, my humble attempt at creating to capture His creations.  How about creating something to remind yourself about what life is truly all about?=)

14… 219… 48… Complete!

That is, 14 cartons, 219 sheets of packing paper and 48 hours later, we’re finally all settled in. Phew!

 

It was a sight to witness this gigantic truck pull into our driveway and ride up our lawn, only to end up parking right outside our door. It’s so big that one can live in there!!! We’re just grateful to the Lord that everything arrived safely and we can finally say that we’ve settled in. We spent the last to days sorting out our stuff, coming up with a system so that we know where things will be and the likes… Thankful too that all my toys are now with me and I can create at will with the supplies I need.=)

Moving is not a joke, but what we do appreciate about it is the opportunity to simplify life. We learnt through this experience that really, how much stuff does one need in life to survive? Not that we have accumulated much in our humble abode back home, but the fact that even without, we still had quite a bit. As my nephew proclaimed in shock when we told him that we took over 2 weeks to properly pack our home before moving, “Huh??? But there’s nothing much in your house!!!” Haha, it’s all there, the little bits ans pieces that all add up… Thus, simplify is the way to go for us, owning only when there is a need, and not buy on impulse… So when it’s time to move again, hopefully the numbers will not be 14, 219, 48…=) Nonetheless, it was all good exercise!

Settled…Almost

Yes, I’m still alive and kicking=) Finally, I’m able to post, after being in Canberra for two weeks… Our internet connection is finally up and I can surf to my heart’s content! We’ve had a deja vu experience, setting up home for the second time, only this time round, we made loads of trips to Salvos! It’s great to know that recycling is such a huge part of an Aussie lifestyle! Loved the fact that we got to pick up interesting furniture pieces, all at a very reasonable rate. The best part of it – “they all have a story to tell”, as in the words of the Beloved. Pics will have to wait, as I slowly start my gears again… In the meantime, all that’s lacking is a comfy couch, which will complete the hall for us.

On the creative front, it’s been a “girl let loose in a candyshop” experience for the last few days, as I saw numerous beautiful fabric and cloth being sold here! Indulged in a couple of 1/2 metres, and they’ll soon be used=)

I must get back to creating and yes, soon te pics will be here! Till then…!

Home Sweet Home

Isn’t it strange that it always seems that we fall sick only when it’s the weekend or the hols? After attending a conference on Friday where I was already feeling giddy and the inability to taste my food, I woke up on Saturday with a full blown flu, with my throat hurting like crazy and my head spinning. With that, the Beloved and I spent the day at home and he was so sweet to attend to my needs for the entire day!

I have come to the conclusion that sadly, in Singapore, it’s strange that an unoccupied weekend is certainly a luxury, one that we rarely have. Perhaps I’m in no position to generalise for everyone, but it certainly seems to be so for me. So instead of going for my youth ministry yesterday, I spent the time sleeping, something I missed tremendously this week, no thanks to my work and other commitments. Drinking the apple cider and honey concoction that the Beloved made was also a great remedy! Seriously, I used to detest apple cider, but am now a convert and attest to its amazing qualities!

In short, I love being at home.

In another sense of the word, I’m thankful too for a wonderful family, both my immediate family and the Beloved’s. Today, as all of us gathered at my parents, it felt so good just to be together, as the little ones run around and we try to have our conversations, with all the food filling the table. Just being together and knowing that we can count on being there for each other through thick and thin together makes me feel comforted and grateful to the Lord for every single one of them. It amazes me how as we grow older, we come to a better understanding of each other and there is also a greater tolerance for each other’s idiosyncracies.

All in other, other than this nasty flu, it’s certainly Home Sweet Home… Enjoy yours too…