Working, working...

I'm working working working right now. And while I do love what I do, there's a part of me that knows {and believes} that this time of the year isn't meant to be the rushed chaos it often turns out to be.

To me, the rhythm of summer is meant to be about play, and family, being together and slowing down to take in sun-shining days (although the sun hasn't been out and about that much around here lately), for spending time soaking up my girls, for winding down after the school year, for taking stock and looking back at all that's happened - all that we've achieved together and individually - and taking it in. A time for slowing to the point of noticing where we are, how far we've come and enjoying time to just be.

I want that. And by the water (no matter the weather, and with my girls) is where I truly want to be right now.

But I'm plodding along steadily, getting items ticked off my work to do list, meeting deadlines and counting down til December 20. Because that's when I'm putting myself on enforced annual leave for a week or so. That's when that slowing and internal rhythm will surface strongest. In the meantime, it's a mixture of slow and fast, but with just enough slow to nourish my body, mind and heart and see me through.

xx

Are you rushing to get things done before the holidays? At which point in the lead up to Christmas, do you let yourself truly slow down? xx


>> If you live in Melbourne, check out the giveaway over on my facebook page - you could win a photoshoot with the gorgeous and very talented Laura at Perla Photography + a CD of images from the day + one print of your choice from With Grace & Eve shop - just by liking our pages and sharing the giveaway post. If you're interested, see  details on Wednesday's facebook post here.

These days {summer}

 

Waking up with no agenda {nowhere to be, nothing I have to do}.

Stretching in bed {and getting out slowly}.

Admiring the perfect lips, long eyelashes and sweet baby breath of my 15 month old little girl {asleep beside me}.

Asking my three year old what she would like for breakfast {when it's cheese toastie, every time}.

Then, pretending surprise when she says her answer {just to see her smile}.

Making my cereal, then playing with my girls {and eating it soggy ten minutes later}.

Putting blueberries {her favourite} in front of my baby girl.

Waiting and bursting a smile as she offers me {always} the first one {and says mmmm}.

Deciding on a long walk or stop at the park or fun in the backyard {and watching the sense of responsibility in the choosing for miss three}.

Peeling bananas, slicing watermelon and cutting apples {the right way, so the pips form a magic star}.

Forgetting the day of the week {and not minding at all}.

Sunshine that turns my cheeks pink {and buoys my mood}.

The bluest skies {dotted with white stretched clouds, and overpowered by the bright sun}.

Lying on my back in the grass {knowing a toddler is getting ready to pounce}.

Lemonade icy poles {that drip in the sun faster than you can lick}.

Running under the sprinklers {fully clothed}.

Sitting on the front lawn with my girls {waiting for our man to arrive home}.

The four of us going for walks after dinner {going slow, loving big, finding joy}.

xx

{~ Grateful for summer days that lately are going like this. Linking with Maxabella & Kidspot's 52 Weeks of Grateful over here x}

What are you feeling grateful for this week?