There are always ups and downs and I have them aplenty. It wouldn’t matter where I lived, I’d still have them. Sometimes, it’s easier to blame where I am for the downs and not ‘where I’m at’ personally. Often, it’s ‘me’ that’s the problem and not the surrounds. Though when a cold southerly batters our home for day’s on end it certainly is fair to blame a little of the blues on the weather and wish to be on a tropical island or on the other side of the world with family!
However, when Wellington throws in a couple of glorious day’s of weather I really am grateful and my whole being resonates with light and happiness. The past two day’s have really been heaven sent (though my young seedlings will tell you otherwise and have been grateful for some careful watering!).
Whilst Charli’s been enjoying lots of outdoor play on the school field, Sophie and I have been meeting up with friends at Oriental Parade.
The water is crystal clear and extremely enticing for young souls… (though the temperature of the water makes it for only the brave, crazy, naive or sensibly togged in a thermal wet-suit!). Here’s SJ taking a Spring dip – and I’d say she’s a beautiful mixture of brave, crazy and a touch naive! I admire her spirit!
After school today, I took the girls into town for the Halloween festivities in Civic Square this evening and everyone was out enjoying the sunshine. Let’s just say it didn’t feel at all about ‘Halloween’ (see below) and was, though theatrically impressive, not a patch on last year’s medieval theme. The girls, particularly Charli, were most confused and disappointed.
I couldn’t wait for a beer and to see Dan! We’ve only been out together one night in three year’s and it was a perfect evening for sitting out with the one you love and dining the night away! It won’t be long now though as SJ is finally going to sleep without me on the increasing occasion I venture out with my friends… so we’re hoping it won’t be too long before she’s happy to go to sleep for a ‘baby-sitter’. She loves her ‘baaboo’ too much!
UPDATE: Check out Marrisa’s post on ‘Hallow een?‘ as she sums up my thoughts on tonight’s ‘performance’ at Capital E perfectly! It’s so darn strange trying to do Halloween in Spring when it’s so wrapped up with traditions surrounding the Autumn Equinox. These days commercialization has taken over and it’s plain daft! Give me bobbing apples with the Girl Guides, wrapped up in a scarf and hat, candles and simple fun any day! Check out the home of Halloween – the true home – Ireland – for some real traditions! Perhaps Capital E could go Irish next year – but in NZ’s Autumn not Spring! – Then I could get really stuck into my toffee apple!
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How wonderful….all looks so lovely in the sunshine and warmth!!…it has been a tad cold here to say the least,but then again when the sun shines on the glorious Autumn colours it makes us realise we have to appreciate all seasons…so lovely there but a bit too chilly in the sea for grandma to dip a toe in yet..bbbrrr !! Enjoy a good weekend loves.
Rug up warm folks and enjoy those glorious Autumnal colours, which I so love too. The sun has disappeared today (Saturday) and left an onslaught of strong winds and rain – but I know the sun is never far away. Lots of love, Sarah xx
Sophie looke like she’s having a wonderful time in the water. It’s great that you are able to enjoy the beach on your doorstep. I’m always trying to explain to the children at school how lucky they are in comparison to children who live in the cities and can only get to the beach when they are on holiday. But you have both,the city – great museums, events (usually) and the sea. You are giving your girls such wonderful experiences and teaching them to enjoy the natural world around them.
Thanks so much Ruta, you always put a smile on my face with your lovely comments. We are indeed very lucky to have so much on our doorstep. Love, Sarah x
Hey there, I love your photos and I agree about the insanity of stepping into the harbour, you have a very brave young lady.
I was told the other day that because of the relationship of Halloween with the seasons we should actually be celebrating “Beltane” in NZ when the northern hemisphere celebrates “All Hallows eve”. I haven’t googled yet to find out what it means but I guess thats why halloween hasn’t felt right ever since we came to NZ.
Hi Kate and it’s so great to hear from you! Thanks for dropping by. Beltane festivals and dancing round a May pole sound like a much more appealing option to meet with the Southern Hemisphere seasons. I also like the increasing talk of ‘Light Festivals’ popping up around New Zealand – there’s obviously a lot of people feeling something lacking and wanting to get as far away as possible from the American take-over of an ancient Celtic festivity! And I’m not the only person that thinks New Zealand has got the Halloween date wrong (read here).
love your beach babe.
my kiddos are in the water (clad in wetsuits lol) and loving it!
i have just dipped my toes in, it’s still a bit freezey.
can’t wait for HOT SUMMER and SURFING!!!!!
mwah X
Mmmm… sounds great! Would you believe today we’ve had 120 km/per hr winds and rain in Wellington after the glorious display of summer sun! I had to grab hold of a friend whilst crossing the road for fear of being blown into a car! Yesterday I was wearing Thai fisherman/yoga pants and sandals… today winter boots, three layers, hat and rain-coat! I made sure my hat was suitably crazy (baby pink cap complete with flower!) in an attempt to brighten up the day (and give everyone a laugh!). Roll on a HOT SUMMER! Love, Sarah x
Hi Sarah,
Just wanted to stop by and say thank you so much for your comment – Keith read it before I did and kept saying to me this morning ‘you are incredible’ – so thank you again (double bonus). That was such a lovely thing to say and I really appreciate it. Re: Halloween in the Spring, I have always done it for my little boy Campbell and first did it in Tasmania. It takes a little organisation but is so cute for them and your neighbours. If you send a letter ten days beforehand to each of the people on your street saying that the children will be knocking on their door between x and x time (it doesn’t have to be dark) and could they have a few wrapped sweets to give them. If they didn’t want the children to knock provide your telephone number and get them to call you beforehand so you can mark them off your list. I also had a small gift ‘for the house’ to give to each neighbour as I hadn’t met many of them (good way to get to know them). It was so fun, there was a house that three middle-aged divorced guys shared (who used to mow the lawn with a glass of beer in one hand and a ciggie hanging out of their mouths) who I avoided but when we turned up at their house they had specially bought ‘Halloween’ sweets and dressed up – they got more joy from it than the kids I think. There was also a house full of Japanese Uni students who didn’t know that it would be quite so many children (we had about 20 – so put that on your note too) an ended up giving the last lot of children cans of tuna – hilarious!
Better go but I just wanted to stop by and say thank you again for your kind words, you have no idea how much they mean at this time.
Warmest regards,
Sara XXX
Dear Sara,
Thank you so much for your wonderful Halloween ideas – magic! What a lovely way to truly involve the neighbours in a bit of fun – and probably get to know them a whole lot better too! It sounds like you brought a lot of joy to the homes you visited.
Wishing you all well and, once again, I’m in awe of all that you manage to do with so much going on in your lives. Your children are very blessed to have you.
Take care and best wishes, Sarah x
That photo of Sophie in the water is priceless, her little face says it all! Good to hear you are soaking up the Welly weather and meeting up with friends.
Shame about Halloween this year eh? I was so looking forward to it and hyped Bethany up for it yet it sadly did disappoint. Next year I will make sure its a better affair!!
See you soon honey xx