Thursday, May 22, 2014

Winds of Change

Recently it seems everyone I know has a big change or challenge to overcome in their lives. It seems the winds of change are blowing for most everyone I know.

These changes have made the month of April and May a difficult time for me and Graham. We have been going through some of our own ups and downs as well continue to try to build a family together. 
But through all the negatives that have been crushing lately we have felt very supported by the people in our lives, family & friends in both the US and Australia.

A few people in particular have spent a lot of their time and love lifting us up. I wanted to talk a little bit about those people.

My Mom and Dad, and In-Laws Karen and Stuart- they are a never ending well of love and support, patient ears and source of sound advice. I could not be luckier to have such amazing role modles in my family.

My friend Sarah here in Perth has been by my side lately, raising me up and being there for me in some very awkward moments. Im so grateful to have a friend close to home that comes with no strings attached. Im so grateful. 

My friend Mel in Sydney is my North American sister I had to travel around the world to meet. We hardly ever get to see each other in person, but we talk either via email, text or phone nearly every day. We are both going through the struggles of fertility and her strength and love see's me through some of the hardest days. Im so grateful I get to share my fertility journey with Mel. She is a shining light. 

My boss Pippa, it could be said we have a very unusual boss employee relationship, we have worked together for 4 years. Over the years Pippa has been my back up at work and in life. Pippa has been going through her own troubles as of late with the passing of her Mum. We have also been working in limbo with the creation of a new company coming in 2015 for some time. This week Pippa got offered a new job and while I am sad I won't get to see her everyday I'm so excited for her new adventure. Now we can finally be Facebook friends. Pippa is my cat baby's emergency contact and more then once she has been mine. Im looking forward to just being Pippa's friend soon.

My rag tag collection of friends down at the Como Bowls Club, we are an odd bunch ranging from 32-90 from places all over the globe. I see these people every week and in a way the Bowls Club in my second home, a place to hang out, air worries and have a laugh. Sometimes when I'm out on a Saturday and Im having a naughty fast food lunch I park at the bowls club and just sit in the car. Of all the places to go sit and eat.. this is the place I pick.

Here's some of the gang on a Friday night. 


These are just a few of the people who have been there for me and Graham as of late. I feel so blessed to live in such a sunny and supportive community of people. 

A few photos as of late: 





Me and my best buddies!! Love these kids.. Thanks Sarah for sharing your beautiful girls with me!


Graham has his cap and grown graduation and his Dad Craig came out for the occasion. It was his first visit to Western Australia. 


Graham a distinguished new Doctor. I made him pose like that.


Oh the joys I get to have at work. I get to make lesson plans and art projects for school kids. This was my star crown I made!


My two red cats on Graham's 33rd Birthday!


We have been busy this year at work. Two productions in under 3 months. Holy cow! Don't try that at home folks it equals way to much work. This was our Primary school show Plain Jane made by Lucas Jervies our Artistic Director. It was a show for Primary/Elementary Audiences and we travelled to schools, the children's hospital, old folks homes, and many places in between. It was a great show and I look forward to it possibly being out on tour again later in the year.


Plain Jane at a Perth Primary School.


Me and my Boss Pippa. We both some how got the same haircut over the weekend, we got to work on Monday and had a good laugh. Clearly we spend a lot of time together. 


I have been taking a pottery class this May, my work is coming along and I am looking forward to pursuing this more in the coming year. I would love to get good at making functional pieces, bowls, cups, plates and vases.


Graham and I booked a last minute trip down to our favourite place in WA last weekend. We went to Pemberton. I have posted a few blogs about this place. We stayed at a new place. We had our own small cottage with an open fireplace (thats a luxury in a temperate climate) and a BIG bathtub, another luxury I have not had in 8 years. This is me having a selfie with the property owners dog, you can see Graham and the lovely Bev from Beedlup House Cotages ins the background. Beedeleup House Cottages. If you want to learn more about this great accommodation in Pemberton check out this LINK


Graham cooking breakfast at the cottage.


Graham off in the distance under the HUGE Karri trees. 


Oh on our trip we went to our all time favourite cafe. Well mine at least. It specialises in Truffles.. I love truffles and smoked fish.. This makes Pemberton and southwest WA a perfect holiday location for me. 


Road side stalls. This was the cutest one we saw. Apples anyone??

The coming winter months life should slow down a little more. My biggest challenge at the moment is getting my clothes to dry.. I have had the same towels and pants on the line for 2 weeks now.. But it keeps raining.. Im off to the laundramat soon to use the dryer.. Its getting desperate, I'm only down to dresses, and Graham can't wear those at work.

(please my American friends go give your dryer a hug and remind it how much you love it)

Thats all for now. All my love to you and yours.