The sometimes painful yet helpful truth about honesty

That moment in time when complete honesty is shared, especially when it's not easy to hear or comprehend, can make you feel a thousand emotions all at once. A loss of breath feeling, almost a sick, sinking feeling in my tummy just to name a few.  

What's with October 27? Two years in a row this day has delivered such unexpected honesty which has taken my breath away and left me feeling a mixture of sadness, numbness and disappointment. All sounds rather dramatic doesn't it lol..well at the time it was, a heady combination of pain, hurt, confusion, disappointment, shock, bemusement and loss.

Despite all those feelings, such honesty really is helpful. And it may take a while to realise just how helpful.  I needed to remind myself out of not so good, always comes good...a time for reflection, growth, change, conversation, nurturing and opportunity. Take such time, grasp it with both hands, hold onto it, run with it, be with it and above all be true to yourself all of the time. Let your smile shine through, spend time with those who love you for you and engage a sense of humour knowing life is a journey, not a destination. 

Invest in, be one with, do and most importantly celebrate the little and simple things...they make you laugh, smile, cry tears of joy, fill your cup, remind you of what's important and that life is good - it's what you make it. 

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

Sunday morning sleep-ins...a slower start to the day

After a full week of living life and getting up rather early each day to an alarm, I cherish waking up naturally on a Sunday morning. Even if it's just an extra minute more than normal. The sleep you experience always seems more nourishing, sound, deep and healing. 

As children growing up, Sunday mornings were always slower and a time to wake naturally...even if it was 6am in the morning! But instead of us all getting up for the day ahead, I remember fondly The Bum Gummer and I making our way into Mum and Dad's bed for Sunday morning cuddles. Mumma and Papa bear with their two baby bears reflecting on the week that was, ABC radio on in the background, lots of laughter and talking, the sharing of stories, the creation of memories. All before a homemade brekkie/brunch usually overseen by the master omelette, bubble and squeak and crispy bacon maker, our darling Papa Bear. 

There's definitely something special in slowing down on a Sunday morning. 

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

"We're really friends Mum"

How utterly gorgeous and innocent are the thoughts and feelings expressed by the little ones in our lives?! 

Thank you to my lovely cuz for sharing a heart warming email about her son, the marvellous wee Master M.  Master M and I have had a couple of opportunities to see each other this year and get to know one another better. Such a bonus when you don't live in the same country.

Our most recent family gathering was under very sad circumstances but as I always say, out of not so good always comes good. Quality time with all my cousins, in particular the marvellous wee Master M, was one the many good things. We read storybooks, sang songs and even created video clips thanks to a cool app he knew all about and educated me accordingly...."I'm a cat, meow! Check me out" - hilarious! 

Upon going to bed recently, post his bedtime story, the marvellous wee Master M and his mum were talking about the family and their holiday in Oz.  His mum said, "you know when we had lunch with Aunty K, Uncle R and cousin E" His face immediately lit up and he said "Yes cousin E! We're really friends Mum!" 

Yes, the marvellous wee Master M, we're really friends - thank you darling one.  Thank you again to my lovely cuz for sharing and making me smile. Love and hugs always to you the marvellous wee Master M, your lovely mum and all my beautiful family here and a hop, skip and a jump away.

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