another end; another beginning

H I G H   F I V E   2 0 1 4

You have been a wild adventure; An ongoing lesson; A whirl of unexpected events.

And in these last few days before you slip out of my life and become another file of memories, I want to reflect, smile, perhaps shed a tear, and thank you.

Thankyou for starting in Queensland; and ending in South Australia.

Thankyou for four months of funemployment.

Thankyou for my European Adventure.

Thankyou for all the stories I made with my sister, and partner in crime.

Thankyou for the lessons. And lessons. And lessons.

Thankyou for the friendships. Old and new.

Thankyou for allowing me to finally unveil the most authentic version of myself I have ever been.

T H A N K Y O U

Because when I look back - I can honestly say that 2014 was an incredible year.

And I'm ready for an equally unpredictable and fulfilling 2015.

xx

tres bien, merci

T R A V E L   S O L O

T A K E   A   P A T I S S E R I E   C O U R S E   I N   P A R I S

M A K E   A   W I S H   I N   T H E   F O N T A N A   D E   T R E V I

L E A R N   T O   C O O K   I N   T U S C A N Y

I don't like the term 'Bucket List'. Instead, I feel that such a list is more of a long-term To Do List. And these four items are just a sample of a list I wrote several years ago when I was trying to figure out 'what happens next'; When I was trying to convince myself that I could survive my very own New Beginning.

Now, these are all things I plan on doing in the next three weeks.

I am off to Europe (Paris and Italy) on my very own adventure.

xx

so... i'm jumping off the hamster wheel

This time next week I will be unemployed.

That sentence scares the pants off me and sends a rush of excitement through me all at the same time.

As I'm sure it does in any work environment, the news of my resignation spread through the office like wild fire, and soon after, I was faced with a number of questions from my colleagues, including the obvious -
"So, where are you going next?"

The thing is - I'm just not sure yet. My plan is sketchy at best.

I am met with many blank faces when I honestly admit the unknown.

And believe me - I would probably be a little too quick to judge if someone told me the same news with the same lack of conviction.

Because, let's face it - it is very rare for anyone to "simply" quit their job without a plan. Or a lotto windfall.

Since I have neither, let me be the first to admit that this was no simple decision.

I am still fighting my inner Logical Andie every single day. For a long time, she has been in charge around here. And she judges me more than anyone I know..

But my new plan is to have no plan.

I have had plans in the past, but these often come with expectations, and well, sometimes where there is expectation, there is disappointment.

The reasoning behind my decision to jump off the hamster wheel probably doesn't make sense to many people. But for once in my life, I have decided to leap into the unknown.

Wish me luck.

xx

let's talk gratitude

grat-i-tude [noun] 
Gratitude, thankfulness, gratefulness, or appreciation is a feeling or

 attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or 

will receive.

No other words today. There's no explanation required.

“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the

 foundation for all abundance.” 

― Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose

xx

oh my gosh.. she's SIX

Miss Emmy is SIX today and my heart swells with love for this little parcel of fur.

Both of us are in absolute denial of her age. In fact it is a topic that is strictly off-limits.

When people at the dog park remark on how she is such an adorable puppy -

We smile knowingly and make small talk about her youthful appearance and endless energy.

Just 8-weeks old..

In a very raw, honest conversation with my mum recently, I discussed (yet another) relocation and actually considered what it would mean to not take Miss Emmy with me - ie. not having to look for 'dog-friendly' rentals; the freedom to travel for work..

But having those thoughts and speaking those words aloud made every cell in body scream in defense. The joy that my fur child brings me surpasses everything. 

Note to potential friends/boyfriends - This little dog is my non-negotiable.

And is it just me, or is she getting cuter with age?!

xx

it's about the J word...

I have found myself making excuses for this little blog of late.

Along the lines of -

"It's about baking.

Sort of.

Well.. it was once upon a time..

Now it's kind of like a journal.

Except not lame.

But it's not very exciting.

You probably wouldn't be interested...."

Here's the thing - 

This blog is about my life.

It always has been.

When my life changes focus, so does the blog.

When I bake, I tell you about it.

When I don't.. well, I have other stuff to share!

My blog evolves the same way my life does. 

There used to be a plan. But plans change.

And so I adapt accordingly.

Get your shot glasses ready*...

It's a JOURNEY.

And right now, in this little game called life, I am on one hell of a ride as I discover things I never knew about myself.

I am exploring concepts and ideas that I never imagined.

I am becoming the truest version of myself than I have ever been.

Pinned HERE

So, from now on, when asked to summarise this little blog?

Well, it's just about LIFE.

Cupcakes and all.

xx

* You know - Have a shot every time someone says the word 'Journey' on a reality TV show?!... 

No? 

Ok.. Just me then.

expressing gratitude

I am thankful for all that 2013 taught me.

I am thankful for the challenges that seemed impossible to conquer

I am thankful for the experiences which allowed me to learn and grow

I am thankful for the smiles

and the tears

I am thankful because I am starting this brand new year knowing that I am right where I should be.

I am on the path to finding peace, love and happiness.

And what more could a girl ask for?!

here

In 2014, remarkable things will happen in my life.

xx

stillness of the mind

photo by me

"The full moon is a time of positive opportunity if you use it correctly.  It can increase your positive energy or conversely, it can wreak havoc on your emotions."

- Mind Body Green 

~

Last night I harnessed the energy from the December Full Moon and participated in a Guided Meditation Session.

Those are three words I never imagined myself discussing, much less being a part of.

But I went in with no judgement 

(fear? yes; uncertainty? yes; judgement no)

My initial reaction to "we're going to practice meditation" was "But how?!"

The concept of calming my elephant mind seemed IMPOSSIBLE.

Yet within a calm atmosphere aided by soothing music and gentle instruction/guidance I was able to fall into a state between constant mind chatter and sleep.

Call me a hippy if you will, but this stuff works. 

 And I truly enjoyed the experience.

here

A meditative space is an amazing space to be in.

The guided meditation bought up some very powerful emotions for me, and gave me the chance to really envisage all that I want in 2014.

It also taught me that anything is possible. You just have to believe it.

But before you can believe it, you have to imagine it.

And how can we imagine if we don't give our minds the time or opportunity to open up to new ideas?

How often do we set aside an hour, or even 10 minutes to just sit and be still. 

I live my life manically, with impossible goals and no clear path to achieve them and it's exhausting.

To stop and take the time to sit with myself was an incredible luxury.

And I realised that that in itself is ridiculous.

Time for ourselves should be scheduled and honoured like any other commitment.

We commit to giving time to work/friends/family, especially at this time of the year. And we neglect ourselves.

"The healing powers of meditation are legendary and the benefits of full moon meditation are no exception."

- Project Meditation

xx