Laugh out loud moments in time - thank you Prigrave Family and added extras

Thank you to the Prigrave Family and added extras for a delicious and as expected, outrageous, raucous family dinner last week.  Never a dull and boring moment when in the company of any Prigrave family member, let alone four at once.  Hilarious, side-splitting banter and story telling combined with a hearty meal and glass of vino, made for such an enjoyable, memorable evening.  Knee pads, a red lip and certain types of eating habits have never been so funny...and quite possible won't be again until the next Prigrave Family dinner. 

The Svelte Brown Fox
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good

A full weekend of just being

A heartfelt thank you to my dear and darling friends Mr and Mrs Beaver, for flying to Bris for some fun and fabulousness.  Their visit was a ray of sunshine, the perfect way to spend a weekend - dear friends, yummy food, a few too many drinks, no plans...experiencing life as it comes and just being. 

The Svelte Brown Fox
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good

It's nice to be nice

Makes a lot of sense really, being nice to people, treating them how you wish to be treated.  Yet we all seem to forget these few wise words from time to time.  

I've witnessed a couple of really lovely acts of patience, consideration and thoughtfulness over the past week.  The first in an airport lounge - an endearing younger gentleman had assisted a lady of similar age to his own Mum because he had seen her struggling with her luggage at the first of two airports. Yes two airports! Instead of only helping her with the luggage and saying goodbye at airport one, he continued to look out for her for the next 24 or so hours...priority check in, airport lounge access at both airports one and two.  Further he ensured she was ok through to the boarding of flight two and followed up on her well being at the final destination...well over a day later. 

Thinking they were family or good friends, it wasn't until later I was told by this younger gentleman they had in fact only "just" met the day before, ie two flights ago at airport one and he couldn't not help someone in need especially someone who reminded him of his own Mum... "it's nice to be nice" was his response.  When I spoke to this dear lady, she couldn't express her appreciation and thankfulness enough. She shared what a huge trip it was for her to make due to personal circumstances; to have "an angel" take her under their wing had made the world of difference.  Further what a coincidence they met as they did and happen to be travelling on the same three flights. Such a little and simple thing to do yet what a positive outcome for all involved. 

The second was a man waiting ever so patiently while his female companion (wife partner, relative, friend - not sure) took her time exiting a car. It would appear the female had suffered a stroke or some form of disability. The man helped when needed but didn't fuss or rush her. As they slowly walked off, she took his arm and he provided the much needed support for her to walk the short distance to their destination.  It made me smile to see such companionship and patience. 

It is nice to be nice and give friends, family, colleagues or complete strangers your time when they need it most.

The Svelte Brown Fox
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good

Happy Father's Day today....

...and every other day ending in "Y" to each and every Dad out there, especially my darling Dad.  I'm so grateful for the wonderful, loving relationship I have with my Dad. Like most relationships, ours is not always harmonious and peaceful, though the love, respect and admiration I have for him is so very strong.  Dad's strength of character, determination and drive never ceases to amaze me. 

A simple yet delicious and memorable lunch at Dad's favourite restaurant, China Sea, was enjoyed by us both. Father and daughter sitting there nattering away about life and all the ups, downs, swings and roundabouts it brings while remembering my mum and brother who are both away. It makes me smile as I write and reflect on our time together.  While I believe everyday is both Mother's and Father's Day, it was so lovely seeing many families and friends out and about taking time to be together. Whether it was out for lunch, riding bikes, enjoying picnics, Sunday drives, morning teas, afternoon teas, the community was abuzz with "togetherness", creating memories and stories.  So important because family, in whatever shape or form, is the glue of society. 

I know there are so many people who won't see their Dads today for numerous reasons - my own Dad, Mum and brother just to name a few. I'm so thankful for the few hours Dad and I had today...you just never know what the universe has planned for each of us. 

Happy Father's Day Papa Bear. 

The Svelte Brown Fox
...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good