What makes a Happy Marriage

 
I don't pretend to know what makes a happy marriage.

However after 37 years,  I would say that it really does have a lot to do with
(a) picking the right person;  and

(b) a lot of hard work!

  I also think these 3 littles tips from Drs Mehmet Oz and Michael Roizen
make a lot of sense.

• Spend lots of time alone together. Make time to do things as a couple, not just as a family. It's crucial for rekindling love and affection.
• When things get tense, tap your sense of humor. Conflicts are inevitable in any marriage, but if you remember to laugh about them, it helps you work through the tension and reconnect
• Talk in bed. You might think that's the second-best thing you can do there. But just talking every night in that quiet, intimate setting allows you to bond even more deeply.

Good to be reminded. 

Happy Valentines Day.

Home at last!

So great to have Kendall and Alan home again after their 3 week jaunt around Cornwall and Ireland.  It has been so quiet around this place without them.

It was also great to see my little Panasonic Lumix p&s return!  At last now I will be able to get back to blogging (with photos) - missed you too!

They had an absolutely fabulous time and from the looks of the photos they took - the countryside around Cornwall and south west England looks absolutely stunning.  

How magnificent are these Clydesdale's?   

Alan couldn't understand the reason why Kendall would want to take photos of all the rooms of the B&B's they stayed in.......

"To show Mum, of course......"  

Ah yes, she knows me well!

Here they are all dressed up at the church (in Ireland) for Alan's brother's wedding.     Not sure where the rest of the guests are?

And here is Kendall getting a taste of farm life at Alan's family's farm in Co.Galway.  

Looks quite the farmer's wife....................
I hope they're not your good  Country Road boots there Kendall?



This Monday sees her swapping gum boots for stilettos (or at least a good pair of smart flats!) for her first day as a teacher.  Yah!  

I'm sure Class 2/3A are going to enjoy hearing all about Miss Jones' travels.

Proud as Punch

Just look at this gorgeous bunch of flowers Kendall arrived home with the other afternoon.  Aren't they just beautiful?   So totally unexpected and "out of the blue" - a lovely surprise.

It was her note in the little card however that really tipped me over the edge.  I only managed to read the first line before dissolving into a blubbering mess.   (I seriously need to get a better grip on my emotions!)  

Dear Mum & Dad

I would just like to thank you both for supporting me throughout my teaching degree.

I know I have not always been easy to be around and that both of you have

felt the stress.

The truth is, I simply could not have made it without you!

Thank you for the words of encouragement;  the "pocket" money;

fixing my car;  buying me food/clothes etc.

Thank you for really being outstanding parents and setting me up for my future -

I will be forever grateful.

I know I could never pay you back for you have done for me - so hopefully this is a start.

love always

Kendall  

No wonder I was a blubbering mess.    I'm a blubbering mess now just typing these words! 

(where are those tissues?)

A long time ago,  a very wise person once told me :

 "Parenthood is never easy

but

sometimes.......some things....... make it all worthwhile"

(Thank you Mum - how right you were!)

Letters to Mum

A few months ago I linked up to a little party where I was asked to Define My Blog.   It was the first time since I started my blogging journey that I actually took time out to actually think about "why I blog" and "what inspires me to blog".

I'm know many non-bloggers find this whole blogging phenomenon a little difficult to understand.   Decorating and food blogs - sure.    As a  former magazineholic - the many inspiring decorating and food blogs out there have certainly curbed my desire to purchase every decorating and food magazine I could lay my hands on.    In fact,  I have saved an absolute fortune since discovering the wonderful world of decorating and food blogs! 

However, given that my blog is neither a food or decorating or craft blog - why do I feel the need to share sometimes very personal feelings and reflections on my life with absolute strangers?   What makes me believe that anyone else (other than my immediate family) would be interested in the daily musings of my life anyway?

When asked -  "why DO you blog?" - I find myself quickly replying - "that my blog is a living, breathing journal of the people and things that are important to me and the special moments that give me joy and make me smile". 

But who am I actually writing it for?  

I have seen many beautiful blogs come and go since I began this little blog.

Many have simply run out of inspiring ideas.   Many have found that the effort to sustain an interesting blog and keep their followers happy just too difficult (and time consuming!).   Many have just become too overwhelmed with the whole "stats" thing and have become totally swept up in the numbers game - increasing their blog traffic.  (I cannot believe there are actually books out there on "how to increase your blog traffic!")   They have lost their Blogging Mojo and in doing so - WE (the blogging community) have lost some truly amazing and inspirational blogging friends. 

This has got me thinking.  (Yes, there is a purpose to this long, rambling piece of soul searching (for those who are still with me!)

Who am I actually writing for?

I have finally worked it out!  (a true lightbulb moment!)

On the 29th April 2008 I lost my best friend, my confidante, my sharer of dreams - my Mum.   She passed away at just 78 years of age.  She was (quite simply) too young to die - there was still so much for her to live for.    

She lived long enough to see her grandchildren grow into adults -  but not long enough to see them succeed in their careers or find love.

She lived long enough to see  the garden she and I created together to come into bloom - but not long enough to see her beloved orchids flower.

There was SO much more for her to share with us all.

I try really hard not to dwell too much on her passing.  However, there is not a day goes by that I don't think about her or wish she was still here.  There is also not a day that goes by that I don't see her face in a cloud or feel her hand resting on mine.    Her presence is still so strong.   I know in my heart she is close by - watching over us - listening to our chatter - sharing in our joy.

So this little blog is about to change.  It is undergoing a transformation!  

 "The Views from my Valley" will be no more. 

"all my love......Sharyne"   is just like the letter I would write to my Mum if she was living in another town, another State, another country - this blog is my letter to her.   


These are the letters I will write to tell her about what is going on here in the Valley - the various projects I am undertaking - what is happening in the garden - what is happening in everyone's lives.   I know she would love it and I hope you will too!

My blog now has a purpose....... a real meaning.   Something to share with everyone and anyone -  but most of all, with her.

Finally - at last!

Yesterday Kendall (my baby girl) became a teacher!

After 5 years (almost!) of blood, sweat and many, many tears she completed her final teaching Prac

and is now ready to embark upon the job of her dreams.

A celebratory cake + chocolates + strawberries was an obvious choice to mark this milestone in her life.  

The champagne came later!

Thank you Miss Louise for being such a wonderful mentor (and supervisory teacher).  .  You entrusted your class to her and gave her such a wonderful opportunity to find her wings and learn to fly. 

 I know Kendall will be eternally grateful.

This cake was my version of the famous "rainbow" cake - however due to the fact that it had to travel on the floor of my car for the journey to school and was in severe danger of completely toppling over  -  I decided to opt for 4 layers instead of 6.

(Wise choice I think.)

Nevertheless - it still had that real WOW! factor when Kendall cut into it.  There were plenty of  "Oh's and Ah's"  around the staffroom when the 4 layers were revealed.  Quite a Master Chef moment!

Congratulations Kendall!  We are all so proud of you.

I know you are going to be a brilliant teacher and I am so looking forward to following you on your journey. 

Lots of love and hugs!!

Words of Wisdom

"I sometimes think that the act of bringing food is one of the basic roots of all relationships."

                                                                                                                         Dalai Lama

To be perfectly honest - I know very little about the Dalai Lama or Buddhism.  However when I heard this quote on Sunday night's "Master Chef" - it really struck a chord with me.

I have been an avid fan of "Master Chef" since the very first episode.  In fact I think I can safely say - Master Chef has re-ignited my love of cooking and baking.   I have always loved cooking but for many years it was more a case of trying to provide healthy, substantial family meals on a budget than recreate some of the extravagant recipes on "Master Chef".   Spending  $100 on ingredients for a Champagne Trifle - I don't think so!

Food is such a wonderful bonding element.    Doesn't matter whether it is a crumpet and cup of tea or a magnificent feast - if there is love in your heart -  it comes out on the plate.

Such a simple lesson in a complex world!

I love nothing better than creating meals for my family or baking a cake to share with friends.   It fills my heart with joy to know that through the simple act of cooking -  I have been responsible for bringing my family and friends together.   To hear Matthew say "That meal was truly outstanding!" or to have  Alan come back for a second (and third!) helping of Orange Cake - well, what more could I ask for.

I also think there is also something special  about sitting at a table that has been prepared with cutlery, glasses, a water jug, and maybe flowers and candles. 

It tells all who sit there.........

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart

 That they are welcome in our home.
(Thank you Dalai Lama!)

Unforgettable

 Unforgettable

Unforgettable, that’s what you are

Unforgettable though near or far

Like a song of love that clings to me

How the thought of you does things to me

Never before has someone been more

Unforgettable in every way

And forever more, that’s how you’ll stay

That’s why, darling, its incredible

That someone so unforgettable

Thinks that I am unforgettable too

Unforgettable in every way

And forever more, that’s how you’ll stay

That’s why, darling, its incredible

That someone so unforgettable

Thinks that I am unforgettable too

-Nat King Cole

4th July 1975  - 4th July 2011

36 years

(and who said it would never last!)

Love always 

Remembering My Mum

Thinking of you today

Missing you always

Walk slowly Mum..........

Lest we Forget

Thinking of you today Dad.

I wish you could have got to know your Grandchildren. 

I think you would have really liked them.

The Ten Things I Love About Adam

Since beginning my blogging journey just over 12 months ago, one of the real joys has been being able to journal and record so many of my family's milestones. As my blog grows it becomes a living memory of my life and the significant things that have shaped it as well as a wonderful blackboard on which to share so many of my thoughts and feelings.

More often than not,  the only person who really reads my ramblings is myself.  Perhaps this is why I consider it such an indulgence. It allows me to write the things I sometimes find difficult to say in person - the things  I feel in my heart but just can't express in the spoken word.

So if you should happen to read this today Adam - this is for you!

Oh.....and please excuse my little indulgence when I tell you (and anyone else who might stumble

across my little post today) what makes you so special

and how lucky I am to have you as my son!

The Ten Things I Love About Adam

1. You were my first born and even though I had absolutely no idea about babies, parenting, rearing well adjusted and considerate sons - you turned out just fine (in spite of me!);
2. When you were 3 years old - you gave me a crumbled bunch of alamanda flowers for my birthday because Dad was away working and you didn't want me to be sad because I didn't get a present;
3. I remember how devastated you were when you found out that Santa Claus wasn't real but how you continued to "believe" (as long as you could still hear the bell!);
4. Your smile lights up the room;
5. I love it when you play your guitar and sing and I love the song you wrote for Elice;
6. You have such wonderful taste in girlfriends;
7. I love the fact that you love movies like "Cold Mountain";  "Where the Wild Things Are";  and "Polar Express";
8. You share my love of writing and reading (and books);
9. I love your kindness, sincerity, and compassion - and am inspired by your determination and will to succeed;
   
   
   
   But most of all........

   10. I love how you have stayed TRUE to yourself and your beliefs.......... 

 

And for just being you!

HAPPY...HAPPY.... BIRTHDAY!

Lots of love always xxoo

It's a Family Tradition

There's something to be said for family traditions - those little rituals passed down from generation to generation that help shape a family.  They are part of the glue that holds families together. 

As a young child,  one of our family traditions was that every birthday my brothers and I would get to choose what the family would have for Dinner and what type of Birthday cake we would like.  "Braised chops and chocolate cake" was always on the menu when my birthday came around!

Over the years I have held onto my family traditions (and gathered a few more along the way!) however as my children have grown older I have questioned whether the picture of me sitting cross legged on the lounge room floor Christmas morning, red Santa hat plopped firmly on dishevelled head, enthusiastically proclaiming "To Adam from SANTA....Ho...Ho..Ho..."  is a tradition I seriously want my family to hold on to!!  

However they are adamant - Christmas would not be the same.  So it looks like I'll be wearing that Santa hat for a few more years to come. 

One  family tradition I look forward to each year is Kendall's birthday and the opportunity to take a trip up the range to the little village of Yungaburra.   We love Yungaburra.   It is such a beautiful place nestled in the hills high on the Atherton Tablelands.  It has such a casual charm about it and to walk down the main street with its charming heritage front shops is just like taking a step back in time.


For the past 4 years Kendall and I  have booked into the gorgeous little garden cottages attached to this award winning restaurant and Day Spa and enjoy a day of blissful pampering, fine dining, champagne and lots and lots of girl talk. 

The added bonus for me is that I get to spend time in these beautiful gardens. 

Heaven!

Then, as evening approaches.......

We put on our best party frocks......

Wander down the little pathway leading from our garden cottage.........

Under the archway......

 

To our waiting table on the beautiful verandah.  Just perfect! 

"Yes, I agree Kendall"........

This certainly IS one of our better family traditions!




P.S. See you next year.....same time.....same place  (Mum)  xxoo