Dreaming and beginning

A few weeks ago, and then again last night, I found myself scrolling through job advertisements, pondering roles that looked amazing and that I ticked all the boxes for in terms of experience/skill... but roles I don't actually want and couldn't possibly do right now as a mum to my three girls. So why waste my times reading all those position descriptions? Because dreams. 

I've been dreaming vividly about various roles I could hold, books I could write, websites that could inspire, visions I could create. Dreaming and waiting. And wondering when the time to begin will begin... All the while finding myself so very much in the here and now, consumed with where we are at. Savouring these moments, but unable to stop the dreaming...

Then, in the past few weeks, these three things have happened. 

1. I text a friend the job roles I couldn't apply for but she could; and was reminded that where I am is pretty damn amazing. Mum to three beautiful girls; an abundance of love and beautifully messy days. 

2. While clearing old papers, I found a single scroll tied with pink ribbon. I knew what it was immediately. A wish. One of three wishes. I'd created them seven years and two houses ago, before becoming a mum and after reading a novel about a year of wish making. I opened the scroll and read: "I wish my three beautiful babies into existence." I don't think it's a coincidence that just one scroll and that particular one {my wish come true} was there waiting to be found. And I have no idea what has happened to the other two, or what I wished for.

3. A random memory popped into my thoughts this morning. Fifteen-year-old me hearing about dreams that stayed dreams; and being urged to try all that I wished for. I was sure I'd blogged about it, so looked it up and yes it's here. Turns out I've been back in that place, and almost two years to the date. 

So, this past fortnight I've given myself time to write, when the baby sleeps, at night before bed... whenever the smallest window of time appears. I've let ideas fly, words flow and my heart soar. And I realised there's never a perfect time to begin, there's just now. And so I began once more. 

xx

Do you have a dream? Or, like me, are you forever dreaming? And have you begun? Elisa x


~ A loving thank you to those who have added their email here for the free prints and meditation/mindfulness resources I'll be sending out this year! I'm working on them in between mothering my three beautiful girls and while it's taking much longer than I hoped and promised, I'm choosing to trust time and so excited to soon send you a bundle of love and mindfulness {prints, words and meditation/mindfulness resources} from my heart and inspired by my meditation training and home practices. Elisa xx

Because now is good enough a time

I read this quote the other day...

 

"It's a terrible thing, I think, in life to wait until you're ready. I have this feeling that actually no one is ever ready to do anything. There is almost no such thing as ready. There is only now. And you may as well do it now. Generally speaking, now is as good a time as any." ~ Hugh Laurie

And it resonated with me or perhaps dawned on me. Whatever it did I actually stopped what I was doing. Walked away. I stopped to just be. To journal. And let clarity arrive.

 

Here's what I realised.

1. I've put two big dreams (they're actually connected - can't have one without the other) on hold for the past year. Because, in my defence, other opportunities crept up. But also because... maybe I'm not ready, or maybe it's just not the right time, or what if I do all that work and then it's just not good enough, what if nobody likes what I've created ... you get the picture.

 

2. Worse than being on hold I haven't even started. Haven't even taken the first step. I've just let my dream sit up in my head in dreamland and swirl around with no destination, no timeline, no real agenda. No starting point.

 

3. I write more than 5000 words each month for publications. Other people's publications. Yes that's my job as a freelance writer, yes that's what I love doing, and yes that's my career... But I don't give my own writing the same time of day and space or credit. Yes those other words are paid work, yes I enjoy writing them, but the other writing - well if I'm honest that's where my heart lies... and that just has to deserve a little more attention.  Somewhere in my week. Somehow...

 

And so instead of wondering, instead of trying to create a plan, action list or timeline.. I just started. Just like that. No holding back. I just opened a new journal and I wrote. And then wrote some more... 

 

The words came easily, the ideas kept bouncing and I felt free. Finally, I was doing it. No matter about an ending point, no matter about being good enough. Just letting my heart take the lead.

 

Because there's no perfect time and now is good enough a time.

 

It feels wonderful to simply begin.

 

xx

Anything you've been putting on hold? Any new dreams or plans you've recently begun? x

A little shop {a proper introduction}

 

Five months ago I had a play at creating some prints using my words {words inspired by life, love, gratitude and the stories on my blog}.

Inspired by my morning ritual I wrote: "Look to the sky and see wonder in sunshine, rainbows, starry nights, shades of blue, cloudy days, sunset and the full moon."

And then came words for my girls.

For the big {little} girl: "It's a sunny day every day I am with you."

And for the baby girl: "Sweet dreams my beautiful baby. I love you forever."

{These words, now made into 8inch x 10inch prints, sit framed next to the bookshelves in their room.}

I wrote these words as a reminder for my heart. Inspired by this post.

I wanted them to be the first thing I saw in the morning, so they became a print to sit on my bedside table.

Then came mantras I love: Give thanks. Dream big. Choose happiness. Be mindful. Find joy. Just breathe. Go slowly. See love. 

And {my favourite} a reminder of what I can choose to do each day:

All that was quickly followed by a request for words {Their love story began} for a bride and groom, and words {A star is born} for a special little someone who graced our family with his presence just recently.

Somehow {little by little} this part hobby, part dream {but mostly fun and my kind of creativity} came together.

And with a little portfolio of words and prints in a folder under my bed, I hesitantly decided it was okay {scary and exciting} to share them...

And so, I opened a little shop: word-art prints from the heart. Inspired by the stories on my blog.

xx

~ I'm so very grateful {a little blown away actually!} for the support, encouragement and kindness I have already been shown. There's a link to my etsy store in the sidebar, and a menu tab above too. Or you can view my word-art prints/designs here. I plan to share images of new designs via With Grace & Eve's facebook page {not on the blog}, if you would like to join me there too. Elisa xx

~ And links to just a few of the many bloggers who create and have inspired me recently: Krystal {Jack Loves Josie, and on facebook}, Julie {Button Tots}, Tammi {Dear Molly} and Rachel {Ink Paper Sew, and on facebook}.

{Falling into place: my post on the journey of an idea to a little dream to this little shop is here.}

Have you started a new venture lately? What or who is inspiring you right now? x

Falling into place

An idea wondered about for long enough that it becomes a dream.

A dream given time and action, enough for it to become a possibility.

Work that's fun and creative, work that's part-love, part-new, part-adventure. Work that's not work at all really.

But work is done and plans are made. And still she wonders if she should let this little dream see the day.

Just one little idea, she could so easily throw away.

She ponders that option, and then she considers giving it a chance to thrive.

And so she plants that little dream like a seed into her creative soul, and she nurtures it with a little love, a load of fun and allows it a spark of possibility.

The universe responds with lashings of support, whispers of encouragement. She feels surprised, and grateful.

And she watches how her creations grow, at the same time threatening to make it all come tumbling down.

And then amid hesitation and thoughts of failure and embarrassment, she halters. She thinks, what if they like it as much as I do? What if they think it's ... good?

And then a little voice from deep within her yells "You can do this" and "It's okay to try something new."

And as she thinks about those words her concentration slips. She dips out of her doubting mind and into a soul that knows how to soar and a heart that dares to dream...

She floats there for long enough to offer life and her dreams {even the little ones} a real go.

She decides in herself to believe.

She decides to stand back and stand out of the way.

And just like that, it all falls into place.

xx


{I've been on a little journey of sorts this past few months. Having a battle of heart and mind, pondering dreams and dreaming when I'm not. Yesterday I opened a little shop to accompany my blog. It's a bit of fun, and my kind of creative. But as the story goes, it's taught me a lesson or two in stepping out of my comfort zone, and away from fear. Feel free to check out my word-art prints ~ inspired by the stories on this blog ~ here. And I'll write a proper introduction for this little venture soon... :) Elisa xx}


How do you feel about stepping out of your comfort zone? When was the last time you gave something new a go?

 

Dreams. And standing in the way.

Just don't go waiting for your dreams.

I was 15 when I heard those words. I was babysitting, keeping an eye on the toddler playing at my  feet while reading my english school book. Her mum was running around grabbing bits and pieces before she rushed out the door to an important dinner.

It was while rattling off the list of before-bedtime things to do, pointing to where this and that was, that she paused to ask... "What is it you want to do?"

"What do I want to do?"

"Yes. When you grow up..."

"Oh right. I'm going to be a writer. Study journalism. Write a book. And travel the world."

Said just like that. Because nothing was going to get in my way, and my priorities would never change, and time would never been an issue. Or so I thought.

She smiled. "Do that. Do it all. You will. I had dreams once."
 
"Once? What did you dream of?"

"Oh it's nothing. Too late now. Just don't go waiting for your dreams, or it might get too late..."

She returned to her list. "And the nappies are here, but she should be fine now. And we'll be back at 10.30, and help yourself to coffee/tea. The biscuits are here..."

"But why is it too late? If it's your dream, it can't be too late..."

"Oh other people are doing it now. Not when I dreamt it up. But now other people have shops like I was going to have... "

"But it can't be too late... Are you sure?" I persisted. If it was her dream. It could never be too late...

She smiled, a knowing smile. As if one day I too would understand.

"I have a child now. Things have changed. It was just a silly little dream..."

Later that night I sat down in the quiet of the house, a little girl sound asleep. I stirred my coffee gently, I looked out into the dark of the night and I wondered.

I wondered if it really was too late for her dream. I never wanted it to be too late for mine.

And so I made a promise to myself that I would never cut my time short. Never put a limit on my dreams, give them a schedule or believe in their failure. I made a promise to keep on dreaming with my whole heart no matter what. At fifteen.

I see now what her look meant. How easy it is to throw dreams away, to cut them down, to scrap them because time and life and my to-do list and sense of responsibility just got too full.

And I see that in a sense I've been doing that. A little. Going against my promise in part. You see there's a little book I've been dreaming up and writing in my head. But excuses {and fear} have seen me stop when it comes to putting pen to paper... and truly beginning.

After writing my last post, this memory bubbled it's way to the surface. And it has set me on my proper path again. A path that's not limited by time. One that allows dreams to manifest. The path my heart chooses.

xx
 
~ You can read last week's post Can't help but dream here.

Do you let your dreams manifest? And do you believe in can ever be too late for your dreams? x

Can't help but dream

 

I'm a dreamer. In so many ways.

As a little girl I dreamt of making a difference. I dreamt of creating change.

I dreamt of boarding an airplane that would take me far far away.

I dreamt of the day I would drive to a destination unknown.

I dreamt of sitting alone on a deserted beach with roaring waves.

I dreamt of bright blue skies and a summer that didn't end.

I dreamt of my name in print.

I dreamt of being a mother.

I dreamt of confidence.

I dreamt in colour.

And I dreamt in words.

And I've been wondering where she went.

That ambitious, dreamy girl with curious eyes and a mind that wondered, pondered and questioned, and a heart that looked for the love in everything.

Then I look in the mirror, and see she's still there. Still wondering, dreaming, ambitious and curious.

She's constantly seeking clarity. And always checking in with her heart. But she's wiser too. And older. And better at practising balance.

She's still wondering an awful lot. And full of ideas. She dreams more than ever.

Plenty of those dreams of hers have come true. But some have been put on hold, and others abandoned. New ones are created almost every day.

I can't help but dream big. So much I want to do. Learn. Create. See. Write. Hear. Appreciate. Discover.

I'm a dreamer. In so so many ways.

xx

 {Grateful for dreams - big and little, and especially when they come true. I realised, a little after the event, that a dream became reality this week. I was too in the moment to remember I'd even dreamt it up. I noticed too that some of my dreams feel so so close right now. I'm almost there. And yet others feel out of reach, but that's okay. This weekend I'll create some space for clarity - and be giving thanks for the feeling of lightness I know it will bring. Elisa xx}

~ Linking with gratitude to Maxabella's 52 Weeks of Grateful.


Are you a dreamer too? Do you dream big? And what are you grateful for right now? x


~ Oh, and I'm loving bloglovin'! Are you on bloglovin too? Do let me know if your blog is! You'll find With Grace & Eve here.

This dream

I've been thinking about Martin Luther King Jr and his dream. And reading his speech over {and over}.

Getting lost in the power of his words. Trying to visualise his strength {and sense of hope}. His belief that change was possible. And the unity he dreamed of would exist.

I've been thinking of how much has changed since he spoke those words in 1963. {And trying not to dwell on what hasn't}.

I feel grateful for his words, his courage and wisdom. I'm inspired by his dream.

But it's this line I keep reading, and getting stuck on. It gets to me {every time}.

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

xx

{You can read Martin Luther King Jr's "I have a dream" speech here}

 

Plans and dreams

Health has been on my mind this week {because it hasn't been in my body to a strong degree}.
 
Closely followed by plans and dreams and a generous mixing of the two.

I'm keep planning and wondering how things will pan out {if only I could just stay in the moment}.

And if my inspiration will lead me where I want it to. With a dash of hope, luck, inspired energy, just maybe it will.

This week has felt big, with large doses of sluggish but slices of light and sparks of sunshine too.

And it's got me thinking about what I'm grateful for:

Inspiration. {It's lingered longer than expected, long enough for me to begin to see it through.}

Breakfast. {it's my favourite meal and the one where the three of us always manage to sit down and eat together}.

Practises that start as rituals then effortlessly become a {natural} part of your day.

The moment you first notice that healthy feeling coming back {after a week of sick}.

And especially, the freedom to plan and dream and follow where inspiration leads.

 

xx

 

What are you most grateful for this week?

 

{Linking with gratitude to Maxabella & Kidspot's 52 Weeks of Grateful xx}

A house and a home

In six weeks I will have lived in six houses in eight years.

That's moving house five times.

Packing everything I own five times. {Unpacking five times}.

Getting settled five times. {Unsettling myself five times}.

I've moved 300km from home then 50km closer, then back to where my heart wanted to be, then back and forth close by.

I'm done. I thought I liked all the change. {Exciting and all that!} But I'm just exhausted.

I want to stay still. {To stop and look around without moving}.

I want to put down roots. {And plant memories in the one place}.

I want to make the house we live in our home.

Fill it with photos of the four of us. And images of clouds, and blue skies. And the ocean {yellow sand and white-tipped waves}. And images of the islands that make my heart sing.

I want to fill a house with love and dreams {and then bask in their colours and warmth}.

Six weeks til we move. Six weeks, and {the four of us together} we'll make this new house our home.

Elisa xx

Do you move house often? Do you want to? Are you happier staying still?　
{image by me, prettied up via app befunky}
　　
　

This point right here

Do you ever stop and think about how you got to this point?

This point in time. Right here. And right now.

This place where your feet rest.

This place where your eyes gaze.

This place where your mind wanders.

This place where your heart beats.

I've been stopped in my tracks a few times in the past week {gazing at where I am, at the emotions I'm fuelling, at how far I've come and at how far I haven't}.

And it's all a little overwhelming {to look back and see where I was}.

Because some of those places are brimming with happiness {a joy so great that just visualising that moment sees me smile}.

Because some of those places are filled with tears {single tears that taste a little bitter a little sweet, and sometimes hundreds of sobbing tears that cry a mixture of sick, lost, exhausted and stuck}

Because some of those places are a blend of fun, effort, laughter, love and comfort too {a haze of colours, textures and emotions, but mainly a gentle rhythm of days}

But it is here my feet rest {firmly planted on the ground, putting down roots of love and strength}.

And it is here my eyes gaze {wondrously into the big bronze eyes and loving hearts of two giggling baby girls}

And it is here my mind wanders {to thoughts of the future I dream}

And it is here my heart beats {a thankful tune for the love it recieves and the love it gives}.

And so here I am at this point in time {stronger than before, and dreaming more than ever}.

Elisa xx


Where are you {at this point in time}? Do you ever stop and think about how you got to where you are now?
　

Love and a pink sky

I like the sky best when it shines pink.

A blazing pink skimming across white clouds stretched out on the canvas of a blue sky.

I thought pink skies were reserved for summer nights but lately it's on the chilliest winter days {at morning and night} that the sky has been amazing me.

I showed my little girl the pink sky this week. She called it pretty.

I told her I love her and that pretty pink in the sky symbolised all the love in this world.

That's what I believed when I was little.

I'm a dreamer, I know.

Elisa xx


Pink, blue, white or grey skies - what's your favourite?

The quiet

I lay down for 20 minutes today {doing nothing at all really, just being still}.

It took me a couple minutes to find still {after moving, shifting, adjusting my legs, stretching}. But I found still and there I stayed.

At first I thought about the clothes dryer {the items beckoning to be put away}.

Then I remembered the library books {due back today, or tomorrow, or yesterday?}

And then thoughts of sipping lemon granita in Italy {I'm not sure where that came from}.

And finally I noticed the quiet {two babies sleeping and no extra appliances buzzing in this house}.

I wondered if this was the sound of silence?

It felt like silence, and sounded like the quietest day I had felt in a long time.

And then I noticed my thoughts begin to slow, and I started sensing {not thinking}.

I noticed the sound of the wind gushing about outside the room {and the sound of leaves journeying across the garden}.

I heard a car approaching {then a car swooshing past, then a car in the distance}

I listened {wondrously} to a solo bird's fleeting song.

And then the wind outside stilled, and all I could hear was the sound my breath.

Gentle soft breaths filling me {long and slow breaths filling me}.

I followed the rhythm of my breath {until I became my breath} and drifted into sleep.

When I woke the day seemed clearer {and my body felt renewed}.

I woke after 20 minutes {but it felt like I'd only been gone for two}.

Elisa xx

{I'm normally good at remembering to breathe and finding little patches of quiet inbetween all the doing and going of the day-to-day, and normally that's enough. But today I woke craving a chance to stop, to slow down. I'm glad I listened to my body, because these 20 minutes were a perfect kind of peace and gentle.}

Do you ever stop to be still during the day? And do you meditate? 

Go and stop. Stop and go.

On Monday I felt amazing. Connected. Excited. {On the eve of something new}.

So I busied about with purpose, setting goals and making wishes {and embarking on projects new}.

By Wednesday, I was brimming with purpose, achievement and anticipation. {Finally ready to take the first steps on project change}.

By the night my head was hazy and throat sore {and my mind filled with dreams of sleep}.

Sleep arrived in one-hour bursts {slumber broken by a teething baby and crying toddler}.

Then morning came and the day felt like it should be night {the excitement of Monday a faded memory}.

On Friday I sat gazing at a journal filled with projects, hopes, goals and actions {questions and dreams}.

I wanted to feel the passion and desire to create, learn and share {to take a chance and dream something new} that I felt when all those ideas were put on paper days before.

But all I could think of was sleep {so sleep, rest and going slow is what I did}.

This weekend I've still been moving slowly, and trying to go gently too.

And I've reminded myself that time is on my side {not everything needs to be done right away}.

And with another day ending and a new week almost here I've realised I will conquer all those dreams and projects.

And I will arrive where I want to go {in time, and in the end}.

Elisa xx


Ever get excited about starting something new, then life halts you in your tracks?　

Hopes, dreams, changes and goals

I had big hopes for May, perhaps too big. I thought it would herald loads of changes, and to some extent it has. But I'll admit I was hoping for something extra magical, for a bolder-than-before kind of change...

Instead, I made changes. I stopped waiting for change. And {with Grace & Eve by my side} started living the dreams I'd been having of three of us sharing, loving and witnessing the world together.

And this month began a little sky obsession {photo documented on instagram}. I can't help but look to the sky each morning, and in the middle of the day and night-time too. Sometimes the three of us sit outside and stare at the clouds {and search for the day-time moon}.

But mainly I'm looking to the sky in the morning. I look up and wonder what the day will bring, and {due to a little miss I-love-to-rise-before-the-sun} I find myself stealing glances out a dark window in the early mornings waiting for {and wondering about} the time when the night-sky will dance with the new day.

I'm making June about journalling and setting goals. I've got so many ideas running around in this mind of mine, and so many hopes {and wishes too}. But what I need is clarity.

With two little girls keeping me busy, it feels like I've had no time to stop. And in a way, I think I've been biding my time... But {with my journal and pen by my side} I'm ready to set some goals, and I'll be keeping happiness and gratitude close to my heart as I do.

Elisa xx

{My favourites of the images I've taken in May - you can see the rest on the With Grace & Eve Facebook page or via instagram @withgraceandeve}

Are you a goal-setter? And do you journal?

Dancing to a new day

Each morning when I rise before the sun does at my little girl's insistence, I look outside {with tired and hazy eyes} at the dark still-night sky wondering what the day will bring.

And once miss two is sitting snug and rugged up on her little couch with a requested buffet of yoghurt, toast, cereal and milk by her side {all of which she demolishes} I take another peek at the sky.

And I can see the day coming now, the air is not so thick anymore and I can make out the grass and outlines of trees. But I can't see the sky - it's still glowing a darkest shade of night blue {as though lingering in night-time dreams while waiting for the sun to wake}.

And I feel a little the same {my body is waking up and moving around while my mind stays mesmerised in a dream of sleep}.

And as I make my breakfast and listen out for a baby's cries, I keep glancing out the window and watching the sky {gentle and calm, waking at it's on pace at the rhythm of the universe}. And for a few moments I try to remember what that feels like {waking spontaneously, gently, when my body sees fit}...

And then I begin scribbling and adjusting a list of things to do for the day, all the while spooning mouthfuls of cereal and negotiating a little girl who wants to eat my breakfast too. I look outside at a sky that's getting brighter, but still waiting for the day.

And then I hear my baby wake with a stir and a little cry that says cuddle me, hold me tight, feed me, kiss me, love me now {and effortlessly with joy and gratitude that's what I do}.

And scooped up into my arms in a morning dance, I kiss her tiny cherub face, and listen for the little feet that will be close behind calling out for "my turn".

And then the three of us skip down the hallway {with a baby on my hip, and a two year old's hand holding my fingers tight} ready to begin our day.

And then I notice the air outside is clear, the sky is awake and the day is here.

And I wonder where those moments before the day woke went, and when the time will come that I will watch the sky wake itself up in full {not in fleeting moments and in stolen glances through the window}.

And I wonder when the time will come that all three of us will skip outside {and hold each other tight} to watch the night sky dance with the new day.

And I wonder when the time will come that I will wake up to a sky that is already dancing to a new day.

Elisa xx

Are you up before the sun? And do you ever watch the sunrise? 

Captivated by what could be

So I'm a little cloud obsessed of late. Sky obsessed actually.

It started a month or so ago. I was hanging out the washing and noticed the full moon staring back at me. Begging me to make a wish {or three}.

And since then I've been mesmerised by sun rays on gloomy days, the moon in the night sky, blue bursts of the day peering through cloudy masses, dark cloudy clumps and pretty white and blue scattered skies...

I've been looking up, looking ahead, making wishes and introducing this part of our amazing world to my girls.

And I've been lying barefoot on the grass outside, feeling the earth, noticing the sky and meandering through the space in between.

But yesterday, as I photographed the sky I recalled a dream from years ago. One of those little things that pop into your head when you least expect...

I remember the dream clearly because I had gone away for the weekend and was feeling lost, overwhelmed and searching for answers - and in this dream all those feelings were chasing me. I was running up a hill... my heart pounding, my face flushed and my hands grasping the air in front of me praying someone or something would pull me through.

When I reached the hill top, my view was blocked by clouds, white dust and fog. I looked behind me but I could no longer see where I'd come from. I could feel it though - a prickly fear and anxiety blowing through the air.

In my dream, the clouds were blurring my ability to see ahead but when I closed my eyes I saw a sense of opportunity, and lightness there. I tiptoed gently off the hill stepping onto a cloud. And there I was floating, the sky around me blue and bright, promising opportunity, offering hope, giving me a chance to start again. It was refreshing and I felt like I was floating in a dream of what could be for such a long long time...

And perhaps it was just one of those silly dreams? Or I have a really good imagination? Or could it be a sign that change was on it's way? Maybe all three. Read into it what you like. But either way, when I see fleeting blue peeking out beyond the clouds, I'm forever thinking of a new day, a new opportunity, that we're on the eve of something new. And it leaves me a little mesmerised, a little filled with hope, a little excited for what could be... 

Elisa xx

{images by me - prettied up by Instagram. Follow me via @withgraceandeve}

Are you captivated by clouds? And do you like to photograph the sky?

Living a dream

I could make an endless list of all the little things I dream of sharing with my girls.

Some of these I've been thinking and wondering about for a long while now.

All the beautiful places I want to show with my girls {when the time is right}.

The moments I dream about us sharing together {when the time is right}.

The little things I want to teach them {when the time is right}.

This week I made now our time and began living some of the moments I've dreamt of sharing with Grace & Eve.

We saluted the sun {a yoga sequence} together. Little miss two copying thoughtfully, and baby seven months giggling as I tickled her tummy while I gracefully swept through the movements.

Little miss two and I held each other close in the backyard at night searching the sky for the moon. We smiled together at the moon.

On a cold and windy day we went to the beach to admire the waves crashing and rolling in. We laughed as the wind pushed our hair against our face and brushed our cheeks leaving us a little breathless. Little miss two was mesmerised by the water's movements. I was mesmerised by her, caught in her excitement and wonder I forgot to watch the waves.

This week I'm grateful I began living my dreams. Little as they may seem, to me these moments feel big, inspired and wonder-full.

Elisa xx


What are you feeling grateful for this week?

{Linking with Kidspot's 52 weeks of grateful and Maxabella Loves}

A wish, a want, a hope, a list.

So the Easter long weekend has begun, and I’m happy to say it’s off to a beautiful glorious sun-shining start. And already some of my wishes have come true.

Late yesterday afternoon I noticed the full moon staring at me, and {as this is a sight I love to see} I made a wish. Actually I made a whole stack of wishes, and then I realised they were wants, and hopes. And suddenly I had a list {I’m very good at lists}. And here it is...

I wish for a weekend of family
{especially stay-at-home time with my little family of four}
I wish for a weekend of yummy gluten-free food {mainly pasta, actually}
I wish for a long peaceful walk towards the beach
{with the sun shining down on me}
I wish for a chance to show my little miss two the stars at night
{please universe, give me a clear sky}
I wish for a block of dark chocolate {from my husband, because I’ve given up chocolate but it doesn’t count when it’s a gift}
I wish for a sleep-in {come on baby girls – a 6.30am wake-up call would be divine}
I wish for a little one-on-one time with my littlest sis
{I smile a lot more in her company}
I wish for a little world-clock wonder and timing to align so I may speak with my travel-adventure mum, dad and middle sis {that would be magic}.

I hope you get all your weekend wishes and more.

Elisa xx

{image from Mooo - check out their free Easter printables here}

What do you wish {hope or want} for this weekend?

I love you, I miss you, and I want more.

 


{Buy this print here}

You are the one thing I desperately miss,
but back then I didn't even really hold you in high regard.
I'm sorry I never realised how wonderful you are.
You make me feel so good - bright, energetic, happier even.
I wish I hadn't been so flippant about you.
I thought you were nice on Sundays,
and I got frustrated with you on work mornings.
At night I took you for granted.
I'm sorry because now you're often in my thoughts.
I daydream about you, and I wish for you.
I'm waiting for you to return.
Because right now, beautiful Sleep, you're all I can think about.
I love you, I miss you, and I want more.

Elisa xx

Did you get eight hours' blissful shut-eye last night?

{Daylight savings ended in our corner of the world, and no, I didn't sneak in an extra hour sleep! Try seven hours with two toddler interruptions and feeding the baby in between... and so, I'm dreaming a little dream about sleep!}