The invitation...

This 'invitation' can be interpreted in a few different ways, depending on 'what page you are on'.  It was given to me at a tough time in my life.  From time to time, memories flood back, and we're forced to 'adjust our stance' and find firm new ground.  I've always referred  back to it when the need arises.  Hope you find something in it too. 

"It doesn't interest me what you do for a living.  I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are.  I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon.  I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain.  I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it of fade it or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true.  I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself;  if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul;  if you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see beauty, even when it's not pretty, every day, and if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the moon, "yes!"

It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have.  I want to know if you can get up, after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children.

It doesn't interest me who you know or how you came to be here.  I want to know if you will stand in the centre of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied.  I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments."

by Oriah Mountain Dreamer.

I hope you have a happy day.
Jane x

Happy Home

We have a bit of a mixed bag of weather this week, from cool bleak mornings to incredible sunshine, then overshadowed by clouds and the possibility of rain.  Right now, the sun is shining and I can see the 2/3 moon from my window.  Here are some pics from a recent 'cup of tea in the back garden'.



some freestyle art on a little corner of the back fence. 
this was a group effort soon after we moved to this home
seven years ago.  I like the faded look, at the same time as thinking
it's time to add to it.



Sofia, on border patrol!

oh, you magnificent magnolia

Wishing you sunshine today.  Have a great weekend.

Jane x

I love...

I've finally got my blogging energy back.  It's been weeks.  I've still been browsing some of my favourite sites, just a little lost for words myself.  Last weekend my little family and I relaxed at the coast for a few nights.  As we sat down to lunch on the balcony on the first day, I saw something out of the corner of my eye.  Yes, whales!  Thank you Universe for putting my in the right place at the right time.  When I am by the sea, I breath deeper, I sleep soundly, I go to sleep and wake up to the sound of the ocean, I am at peace.  And me being me, I look forward to the sunrise. 

Check out this very cool (i think) photo of a seagull.

The setting sun.  This is a colour photo.  Almost look B&W doesn't it.

I've been wandering around with my camera this morning, snapping things I love about home....

speak no evil bunny

Favourite teacup and saucer. "Dawn Flight" by Royal Grafton

Introducing Hairy and Whiskas!  They reside on the table of our outdoor setting. 
They love a good BBQ and generally smile at all who enters.

The ancient daybed, wonderful for an afternoon snooze.

Favourite shabby stool.  When it's not holding a teapot,
my big enamel bowl of shells live there.

I've enjoyed some lovely pleasures over the last few days.  Lunch and a spa pedicure with a friend, followed by a browse at a favourite new shop, Karma Living.  I couldn't resist these bath salts, go out and get some, they are worth it.  They even include a little packet of rose petals for you to really create the mood.

The bath salts you have to have.

I hope you've had some happy times over the weekend.  Wishing you well into the new week.

Jane x