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

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