I had the most wonderful day alone in the city yesterday. It was a real day of contradictions. I felt free and I felt guilty, I felt happy and I missed my family, I felt alive and inspired and I felt exhausted, I felt like I could walk at my own pace and I felt like I wanted to rush to fit in everything I wanted to see, I sat on the floor of book shops poring over the art books and always found myself in the children's section before I left.
Today I feel more patient and happy and calm than I have felt in a long time.
And I totally did things my way too. I had no idea where the closest toilet was just in case, I barely stopped to eat but I drank three coffees, I flicked through every Japanese pattern book in Tessuti and I bought myself some ace sandals and some gorgeous wool.
And I knitted. Until I forgot how to do a SSK and had to go to the closest book shop to have a look in a knitting book to remind myself how.
It was a great day and the best part of it was the feeling of excitement I got when I returned home to see my lovely ones all jammied up and waiting for me before they hopped into bed.
Today I feel more patient and happy and calm than I have felt in a long time.For all this I am grateful to Bren. He listened to me and heard me and encouraged me to have this day and to try to work on some more permanent Kate time.
If I could I would give him the world but I bought him a kilo of Fat Tony coffee and a bag full of Haigh's chocolates and I know that that will make him just as happy.
So in order to celebrate the generosity of my wonderful farmer boy and my gratefulness I thought we should have ourselves a giveaway.
Leave a comment letting me know what you feel grateful for at the end of this post.
There will be two winners. Each winner will win six fat quarters from my vintage sheet stash.
Farmer Bren will choose two winners this Friday the 22nd October.
We will post anywhere.
You've got to be in it to win it.
Have fun out there.
That sounds like my dream day. You have an awesome husband!
ReplyDeleteIsn't he just amazing?? We should clone him and sell him to women everywhere! My fiance's health has really went downhill the past couple of years. I seriously almost lost him twice....and we are fairly young...both of us 42. I am grateful for every day I have with him...even the ones where we fuss and fight all day :)
ReplyDeleteYes, you do have an awesome husband! Dont feel guilty though , we all need time out to appreciate each other....im grateful my family is happy and healthy, weve got food in the fridge and the weather is beautiful at the minute!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week Kate x
For a start I am grateful that things have worked for you and you have such an understanding husband. Right now I am grateful that my roomis tidy enough to sew and that my girls are shouting me new eyeware - very important because the present specs have been superglued far too much in the last month - and I am extra grateful that the optometrist thinks I can wear contacts agin. Yahoo for no bifocals either. I am will be super, super grateful when I finally get to lie down in about an hours time. Cherrie
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a great day! And sunshine today too, things are looking up! Did you go last night? I was too tired..anyway, catch you soon honey xo ps no need to enter me in the giveaway but heres what I"m grateful for anyway...good friends, sunny days & my gorgeous family xo
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great day!
ReplyDeleteToday I'm grateful for ex-employers. I've been out of a job since Rabbit Photo closed in March and one phone call to the former state manager of Rabbit has seen me land a job with the company she now works for. Loving her to bits!
Your day made me smile. Nothing like that delicious freedom especially when you have such lovely people to come home to. I'm grateful for a bloke who listens to me too, and for those three lovelies that I made in my tummy.
ReplyDeleteMust be giveaway weather out there, I'm glad to see you've entered mine!!
What fabulous gifts you got FB! Sounds like a great day to yourself Kate!
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm grateful for having 2 lots of people who have come back for a 2nd look at our house today! Even if they decide they don't want to buy it - at least its something positive happening!! (and it will have been worth keeping it looking spotless for the last 3 weeks!)
I'm also so grateful for this bloggy community that is so supportive of each other.XX
Oh Kate, I am thrilled to hear you had a lovely day to yourself. Those days truly help us to be better Mamas, partners and friends. I am so glad you got to have your own adventure.
ReplyDeleteThere is simply so very much I am grateful for so...I'll just leave it at that.
(Not an official entry to your giveaway since I already won some of your fab vintage!)
Don't include me in the giveaway. (I've already won a giveaway from you and I shouldn't be greedy).
ReplyDeleteBut I just wanted to say I'm glad you had a lovely day.
Andi x
What a healing day you have yesterday. I would totally do the exact same thing as you did with a free day on my hands. So glad to hear you are recharge.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for the free gym that is right across the street. I just discovered how awesome it was and it's soon to become the place I destress when hubby gets home from work. Especially his week long workdaays :P
Ah, you deserved a day like that Sweets, I'm both jealous & happy for you at the same time. Your farmer boy is certainly a keeper!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could list all the things I am grateful for here, especially trying to type on the teeny weeny iPod "keyboard", but I can certainly try for a couple.
I am grateful for my boy, too, he has grown so much as a person, a man & a father since we first met & is getting better all the time, I think. He puts up with me in the nicest way, he balances out my worrying side, my judgmental side, my hermit tendencies. He makes me laugh, especially when I think I don't want to, & let's me get my own way much too often.
Of course I'm grateful too for my crazy little kid, my funny, loving, beautiful Punk & for the future we've all got in store with this almost-baked-belly-bub. I'm also grateful, Kate, that we WILL NOT be calling our son Arnold....
I am grateful for each childs laugh as I hear it. I feel like I might be doing something right if my children are happy.
ReplyDeleteI am also grateful for my own farmer boy here. He is wonderful and he helps me be the best I can.
I might have to plan an escape myself one of these days, except I have no idea where i would go around here as a day trip...
I like you Kate am grateful for the ability to see when some me time is needed to benefit no only me but the entire family and even more that that a partner who allows and encourages me to take that time. What a gorgeous Generous Give away you are sharing :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a fabulous day - and I love that you snuck into a bookshop to refresh yourself about your knitting!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm grateful that my husband will be back tonight after two days in Melbourne for work. We have two healthy and happy kids but they're hard work on your own.
I'm so glad you had such a lovely day by yourself. Clearly it was much needed and appreciated. Give your man a big pat on the back, he's really quite special.
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful every day for my family. They make me very happy (well most days), they give me so much to fill my days with (yes washing, tidying, cleaning...), they are never short of a hug or a kiss (yes usually messy face ones), and I wouldn't be me without them. I love being a mummy and a wife, it's my dream come true only better.
hmm, bit of sucking up to Bren going on, I wonder if that's because he's choosing who gets the fabric handouts...(I think you're ace too, if that helps!)
ReplyDeleteGrateful. That's a great word. Let is roll around on your tounge. GREAT- FULL. Sounds like you had a day to be Great- Full for yesterday Kate. I think all those contradictions are what my trip away will be all about! I too am grateful for people who love me and try to support me to become more whole and healthy.
And for music. Loving music at the moment. Thinking about music to travel with- any suggestions?
I too love going to the 'big city' occasionally, then I am grateful that I can return to my spacious and slower paced hometown. But from everything I am the most grateful for my mother, because without her help I would be a wreck.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely that you had a nice day exploring and finding new things, to think your own thoughts uninterrupted is a rare blessing as a mother.
ReplyDeleteYour Bren was probably uppermost in your thougts for the day, his intention all along. And to come home to kids in pj's is one of the most glorious of moments. Dont mind me. Im tripping out here while listening to COD. Ummm...
Im very grateful that we are all well at the moment and that as a family we havent had too many hospital visits over the years. That would be my thought for today.
I love your sheet fabrics, x
Sounds like a fabulous day! Thanks for such a great give away...I am grateful for an ability to craft. Am am never bored and I have met so many amazing people because of it.
ReplyDeleteGlad that you had such a super day to yourself Kate and your feeling re-energised. Bren must be feeling so happy that your happy too. Things I am grateful for, my craft which keeps me sane, my kids (when they arent driving me crazy, lol) and my friends who I have both through the wonderful internet and real life. Without wonderful people in our lives life wouldnt be worth living would it!
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for husbands JUST LIKE YOURS!
ReplyDeleteI am off this weekend for four whole days by myself. It will be the first time i have been away by myself without my family since i met my husband and had children, 6 whole years. I am meeting up wiht friends in the big city, but ti get to drive for 5 hours each way, and spend the weekend doing whatever i like, while he takes the boys with him to the bach for a "mans" holiday.
xxx
I am super greatful for being able to buy our house just before the boom which enabled us to have some land (veggies and animals) and not just a house. Super lucky.
ReplyDeleteI am greatful for the most amazing daughter that teaches me how to be a good person and mother everday.
Mox
I am grateful for my beautiful family and op shops. i got a bag full of doilie goodness today. it made me smile. so glad you had a day out on your own yesterday, good on you.
ReplyDeletex
I must say, i am grateful that my husband, due to injury, hasnt be at work recently and wont be for a little bit!
ReplyDeleteNot only are the girls absolutely loving him being at home, but with me being morning sick and so so tired, Its been a lifesaver having him here!
I am simply grateful to feel loved and hear laughter in my home every day :)
ReplyDeleteAm loving your blog so much ...a wee bit jealous .
I am also grateful that Vic wont be calling her new bub Arnold ;) Specifically today as I recover from a hospital visit I am happy for the quiet time I had while all the kids were out of the house. OK Who am I kidding? These days, I appreciate quiet time anytime lol.
ReplyDeletewhat a great day to recharge and re-gain some sanity in a crazy world!
ReplyDeleteI have much to be thankful for, but my mom got married this past saturday, and I am most grateful that she found a loving, caring, good man whom both she and we love!
I am grateful for all the wonderful friends I have made thanks to the internet. I will never meet them all but they all have a place in my heart.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for my son who has spent the majority of his short life doing my head in with his hyper activity but told me on the way home the other day that he was looking forward to having a "beauty sleep" with Mummy and big sister while watching movies on the lounge while Daddy is away this coming weekend.
ReplyDeletei am grateful for . . . a no refund policy for children at hospitals. they have been treatened that such a thing exists.
ReplyDeleteno seriously - my family, the LOML who spawned this misbegotten lot upon us ;) - to think we never wanted kids - what happened there ?
my family - mum, dad, sister & BIL - who nuture this next generation.
and for the blogospherians - because of their generosity of their lives, arts, crafts, cooking, ideals and dreams.
I'm grateful for medicare and the rebate today that was subsequently spent on a pair of new shoes :-)
ReplyDeletemel x
I am so grateful for my circle of girlfriends. They are there to listen, comfort, support, cook meals when they see a need, visit and chat in ways only girlfriends can. They fill my life and save my dear husband from the constant chatter that he may have to endure (as much as he says he loves it) if they weren't around. They also enjoy "what if" scenarios which I think only other girlfriends can!
ReplyDeleteWhat a dream day! I must go to Tessuti's, I've never been. And Haigh's too of course...yes I've been there- often!
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful to share my life with my gorgeous son. It's not very original but it's what fills my heart. I'm very, very lucky!
I'm grateful for the little things.
ReplyDeleteI've had two migraines over the past 3 days with a lerking headache inbetween. After a horrible nights sleep last night, this morning my husband put on a load of laundry, got me some breakfast, and even let me sleep in a little longer resulting in him being late to work (because I have to drive him).
And today he let me buy something I've wanted for a long time.
*Happy sigh*
Among many things, today specifically, I am thankful for a new perspective -that of my 3 year old nephew who thought a disabled ramp was a jump.
ReplyDeleteOn the topic of awesome hubby's, I am grateful especially for mine in winter when he microwaves my underwear in the morning before I am even out of bed. And for the cuddles that warm my back when I am all hunched over concentrating on what ever it is I am creating. Men are pretty handy to have around. So glad you got a good one too.
xB
Sounds like you had a great time Kate, good on you :) I would kill for a day like that at the moment, but for now I am supremely geatful that my 3rd child (my just over a week old baby girl Brontë) is sleeping through the night already, giving me that little extra bit of sanily to deal with my 2 boys!! Oh and thankful for my folks who volunteer to do the school run (a HUGE help condidering school is an hours drive away!!) I am pretty darn lucky :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great day. Today I feel grateful for my health. I had a blood test on the weekend that showed the possibility of a pulmonary embolism thankfully a lung scanned revealed all was clear but it made me very thankful and I went home from that test and gave my girls the biggest hugs ever.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for health, family, friends, love, laughter,good fresh food, a full water tank, a dog that is home and safe, a small who is healthy, a husband who loves me to bits.
ReplyDeleteHi Bren, I am not entering as I would just end up sending the fabric to your place. Just wanted to say hi and join in the gratefullness. xx
I'm so grateful to have joined the ranks of motherhood, I never thought I'd be so lucky :)
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for my husband who is working weekends so that I can go back to work part-time while he looks after the kids. The time away for myself to be a better mother/wife is certainly not underestimated in his eyes.
ReplyDeleteHi Kate,
ReplyDeleteSo glad your special day went well for you. There is nothing like having all the hard work done when you get home.
Like you I am also grateful to my hubby. I am now in the phase of looking for some part time work after seven years of being a full time mum raising the girls. So I am grateful for my hubby who every day trundles of to the salt mines, slaving away so that our girls have a childhood with a parent at home.
What a wonderful day! Fingers crossed it works its way into a regular feature in your future :)
ReplyDeleteI am grateful every day to live this wonderful life of mine full of love :)
I'm grateful for people like you who make me feel 'normal'. People who make me realise that it's okay to get frustrated with your family, to want to have time away from them, to need to be alone. That these feelings don't make me a bad mother - just human.
ReplyDeleteI am also extremely grateful for my family - both the one I have created and the one that created me - I get so much love and support and encouragement and it's absolutely priceless :)
l
x
Oh Darling I'm sad you felt that way and ecstatic as well that your wonderful Bren 'get's you'!
ReplyDeleteI feel so very grateful for having the most excellent relationship with my gorgeous girls, for the times we share and for how much we love and are always there for each other!
Your happy generosity makes me feel grateful too ;)
Hope you don't mind but I blogged my response and linked it back to you x
ReplyDeleteGlad you had time for you.
http://kissthebirdie.blogspot.com/2010/10/being-grateful.html
Kate, I'm so happy you had a great day, and hope that soon it is a regular part of my life... today, I am grateful that my life has been easier than that of the client I just met ... and that hopefully I will be able to help him... so many more things I could say, but I think all the comments above cover it pretty well
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had an amazing day! I'm jealous! I'm grateful for the fact that even when we have no money, and I don't really have my health, my kids do, and we have each other. So I'm grateful for my little family, especially the little cheeky one I never thought I'd have.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for the four healthy children and for my husband. He is my Irish farm boy.
ReplyDeletemayzesimone@hotmail.com
Lucky you it sounds like a great day. I am very very grateful that my lovely hippy gave up his shed, his haven to go and whittle bits of stick in, extended it, gave up half the garden for it, just so I could continue having a studio space to work in when the landlords put the rent up 70% on my old studio. What a guy!
ReplyDeleteI am grateful to have sleepless nights due to a healthy baby boy and his midnight feedings....
ReplyDeletehappy you had a happy kates day in the city. im grateful for my own gorgeous farmer boy, for my three healthy kids and for our freedom. we are so so lucky. dont enter me in the giveaway....i have so much fabric its not funny....i really should start some making xoxo
ReplyDeletei have already won one of your gorgeous giveaways, i feel guilty, but i really need those vintage squares to help piece together a beach quilt. smile.
ReplyDeletei am grateful for all the inspiration and support i have been blessed to experience here in blogland.
What a beautiful post about freedom, happiness and love!Those moments are truly priceless!What a cute picture of your little one and this mountain of great fabric!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the chance to enter your amazing giveaway!
Today, I am grateful for the smile on my girls faces and the love from my partner ...
When I read your post I could so relate! I had a day just like that as a birthday present just a few weeks ago from my hubby. I went to a craft trade show and it was the first day since my baby boy was born that I had to myself (he will turn one this week). I was so grateful for that! And right now I am very very grateful just for how lovely my life is ... that I have the two most gorgeous lovely kids in the world, that I can persue a creative dream and have the support of my hubby - even though I do not know yet whether it will work out! This makes me so happy ... I am loving each single day!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your giveaway! And thanks so much for your post. It reminded me so much of how I felt that day at the craft trade show ... :-)
ulli-xox[at]web[dot]de
Grateful for so many things. Right now, having just come back from a walk, I'm grateful for intervening in a troubled teens pursuit of walking out into the surf and not coming back. Dripping wet, I feel calm and reflective and happy in the knowledge that she will be alright tonight. I then came home and hugged my girls very hard hoping that their teenage years will be less traumatic! Kate, I don't need any fat quarters my friend but thanks for the opportunity to download. I hadn't planned on doing that.
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome that you had such a great day! Its funny that even when alone our thoughts still never stray far from our families isnt it!? But its having the time to ourselves to actually think about them without interruption that makes it so important. I was speaking to a friend yesterday and we spoke of people from our past and how so many of them are in such bad relationships and it made me realise just how grateful I am to have a man that is appreciative, nurturing and thoughtful and who isnt perfect but more importantly my equal.
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of your day Kate; the three coffees, the children's section, the slightly panicky thrill of the day. ..I've got to say, I'm grateful for my loving partner Keith - like Bren, able to support and free me when I really, really need it. How lucky are we? xx
ReplyDeleteNot wanting to sound like miss world but right now I really am grateful to live in relative comfort, able to choose which colour yarn to use next and to have food in the cupboard.
ReplyDeleteDont get me wrong I don't have the perfect life, but who does right?
Sounds like you had a lovely day getting to know yourself again.
I can just picture all your lovely ones jammed up! Sweet!
Clare
(sneaky comment to correct the one I made a while earlier... I meant to say "I hope that soon it [time to yourself] is a regular part of YOUR life", instead of "MY life"(freudian typo, methinks!))
ReplyDeleteGrateful for fellas like ours. Who said raunch culture was girls on poles? Pfft. Raunch culture is a bloke stacking the dishwasher, bathing the kids and giving you time off. THAT'S raunch. Grateful for my man xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfectly wonderful day it sounds like you had.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for family - for my parents who are always there for us, Dad is always helping us with the practical things in life, like chopping down a tree, changing the oil, looking after Miss Grace, negotiating the price on the new car. Mum is there with sound advice, a listening ear, wisdom and love. My brother and his wife provide us with great friendship and fellowship and their girls are so warm and loving towards our Miss Grace. My hubby is the best ever, always a strong shoulder, a thoughtful man with a strong sense of justice and yet so playful and fun with Grace and our Miss Grace provides me with a nurturing unconditional love. My husband's family do not live close to us, but always provide great fellowship when we are able to spend time with them. Truly, our family is blessed with family, and for that I am grateful.
Sounds like you had a lovely day.
ReplyDeleteRight now I am grateful that the kids are all nn bed (although one is asleep) and I finally have time for a cup of tea and reruns of Glee.
Seriously though I am grateful that my children are all happy and healthy, that I married my best friend, that I have a wonderful family, for lovely friends, that I get to do what I love and that I love what I do, for good books and the time to read them, for sunshine, and for spring rains.
Sounds like a dream some true!!! Of course I am greatful for my hardworking husband and my 3 precious children but today I found myself especially greatful that the sun was on its way, I didnt realise how much I had missed it and how easily it puts a smile on your face :-)
ReplyDeleteat the moment I feel very grateful for my own health holding out just enough so I can get to the hospital most days to see mum and hopefully that will include tomorrow before her big op and I am VERY grateful to hubby for doing just about everything with and for the girls even more so than usual while I use my small amount of energy for mum for a while AND he still doesn't say anything when I order art supplies from Etsy even though I am sure I have enough for a while!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you that you had a wonderful fullfilling day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway, what fantastic fabric's!.....I am grateful for being healthy and strong for my family.
What a fantastic day - I hope there are many more for you! I too feel guilty when I take time for 'me' but without it I am just not the mother/wife/friend/daughter etc I want to be. I don't mind if it is an hour to go op shopping or a chai with a friend it's just a moment to recharge. I am grateful for so many things in my life and try very hard not to take anything for granted but right now I am especially grateful for a husband that (mostly - he he) "gets" me and and supports my choices about how to raise The Munchkin.
ReplyDeletePS. Great giveaway and post!!!
I'm so glad that you had a good day yesterday and I hope that you will be able to enjoy more of those days to yourself, to be Kate for a day.
ReplyDeleteToday I am grateful that when I had my routine skin check up that all my little moles are ok. Even though none of them have been cancerous I still worry but there is no need to worry now!
Have a wonderful Wednesday Kate. xo
I feel so gratefullly excited when I got home 10 mins ago from a kindy meeting and Stevo told me he saw an Eastern Dwarf tree frog in our recycled bath tub frog pond that we created some time ago and have been patiently waiting for a frog familiy to move into and call it theirs!!!
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for our patience and hopeful the frog stays!
At the moment I am thankful for my daughter's fabulous, fantastic first grade teacher. She gives my little aspie what she needs to be calmer, more thoughtful, and happier. Then, she spends time playing nicely with her little sister so I can drink a cup of coffee and check the internet. But seriously - everything is better when Blue's teacher 'gets' her. School is better, home is better, mom is happier. Life is good.
ReplyDeleteso glad you had a day for you!
ReplyDeletei'm grateful that at the end of the day i can curl up in bed next to my husband. this is often my favorite time of day because of the stillness, quiet, and coziness. i feel safe there.
I know it sounds corny but I am just grateful for every day....there are too many things in each day to list them all!
ReplyDeleteEvery so often I schedule a Cairns day for mum ( its a 2 hr drive there and 2 hrs back so not much shopping time but enough ) and I feel exactly the same way...its a funny mixture?? If i don't get that day every so often, especially before the school holiday where I am doing it all by myself as hubby works almost 24/7, I get very short and cranky!!
PS don't enter me in your giveaway as I have nowhere to put the stash...now if it was wool on the other hand I would find a place :-)
Hi Kate I am so glad you enjoyed your escape and that it made you realise what you have to be grateful for. I jsut had a weekend to myself and it gave me a time to be grateful for my health, my happiness in my own company and my hobbies which keep me sane. I'm going through redundancy and the serious illness of a close family member, so anything that can keep me happy can't be a bad thing. Much love, Fiona xx
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great outing! I'm grateful for my two beautiful children. They are true mircacles. Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteI am very grateful that my husband found a job and we're able to live on our own again after 7 months. It's been stressful living with family and friends - but we made it and we're a stronger couple for it.
ReplyDeleteIt is certainly good to nurture yourself every now and again. I am grateful for the memories of a daughter that was and children that are. Cherish every day with those we have close by.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for every second I get the chance to stop, think- and be grateful. There are plenty of things, but so little time/energy, at least now with three small boys. I'm afraid I will forget these days, but I try not. Nice to read about someone with thoughts I can recognize. (Enough "my-life-is-perfect-blogs"). And- sewing gives a little energy, a little joy and inspiration. Hope to win!
ReplyDeleteI feel that given such a "day off" I would have those same sensations of attachment and freedom. I really appreciate your description of the day. I'm glad you had the chance to fly solo for a bit. :)
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for the freedom to stay home with my little one who has chicken pox. I secretly wish for a good reason to stay in all day, and now I've got my wish (she's not suffering any fever or itchiness)!
I'm grateful that I woke up this morning and was able to get out of bed. I'm 66 yrs. old and I love to sew for my 6 grandchildren. Every day is a blessing from God!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are very lucky to have such a thoughtful husband. I am grateful for my husband who gave me my two beautiful children, and who also gave me the time to be with them whilst they are still young enough to need me. I am also grateful for my health.
ReplyDeleteWhat a heavenly day! My husband and I recently watched a movie called "Date Night" with Steve Carrell and Tina Fey (don't know whether it has made its way to Australia yet). At one point, Tina's character, a working mom, says that her fantasy is a hotel room all to herself and a diet soda. "Yes," I said to my husband. It sounds a little more depressing than your day, but the sentiment is certainly the same. I love my life, but sometimes I just need to be by myself (rare these days as we have added a new baby to our brood).
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I am grateful that my father-in-law is recovering from a near-fatal blood clot. We were sure that we were going to lose him. Thank God he's so tenacious!
How lovely to have a husband who listens ;)
ReplyDeleteSo pleased you had a great day
I am grateful to be alive on a day with blue skies and cold cold autumn air.
I am grateful to have had the privilege to know and love people in my life who are no longer with us.
I am grateful that I am me, despite all my faults.
What a gorgeous day, Kate!
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful for my brood of wackos and the husband who keeps me from throttling them all. ;)
Enjoy those days. They are wonderful. I'm grateful for my family...my boys are now teenagers and growing so quickly, so I'm grateful they still love their crazy mom :)
ReplyDeleteHi Kate !!
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful that I have 4 healthy children, since I work with sick children to daily. My family means a lot to me. The kids gives me so much joy and reminds me to be playful and enjoy everyday life.
Cecilie
So glad you got to have your day to yourself. It sounded so good too. Here's to being grateful! I am grateful everyday that I get to be with my family, and also for the times I have spent just with my girlfriends recently. I am grateful for my life balance - most of the time;-) xx
ReplyDeletei'm grateful for all the wonderful blogs like yours, that let me know that sometimes, things get a bit rough & you do just need some time without your kids :)
ReplyDelete& for my husband who would love to give me a day to myself, but a night to the movies last night (for the first time in 4 years) was the best he could do at the moment xx
What a wonderful day - lucky you! I had an escape day recently and it did me the world of good, exhausted me and made me realise just how much I love being at home.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful that I get to be a stay at home mum, even though some days I'm pulling my hair out at the constant bickering and the eternal mess. x
oh and i am also grateful for my chooks. now i know that bren will probably not get this, because you have a gazillion chooks but when i'm stressed or cranky, i go and sit with them and they calm me down. they are so hilarious to watch. they have the funniest personalities and heck, they are so dumb it's funny.
ReplyDeleteand as a bonus, they give me lovely eggs :)
l
x
Hi Kate (and Bren), I'm glad you had a wonderful day and I also use bookshops in the same way. Please fon't enter me in your competition as there are far more deserving peoples out there (and I'm trying to reduce not increase in prep for our trip) and really I am just being sneaky and saying hello as I know that in the party that is your inbox you will be most likely to read the comments on this post :). But while I am here I may as well answer your question. I am grateful that despite all the horrible my family has been through in the last 6 years I can still see the wonderful and haven't forgotten how to smile. The only way is up and that is where we are heading.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have a great day, and a few hours away does make you miss the family like crazy and know that they are home, and always will be, even on the mundane days that you do want to escape from.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love that you snuck into the bookstore to look up stitches. Something I have done before and am sure to do again.
I love that you found some time for yourself but didn't forget everyone as you did it. May it continue.
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful for my mum. Thanks to her I've always had a little bit of time for me since I've become a mum myself.
sounds like a wonderful day Kate, you very much deserve a day in the sun, knitting, drinking lattes, flicking through books and just enjoying.
ReplyDeleteof course I am grateful for alot of things, mainly my gang & my family, but after a really hard loss in my life I have come to become grateful for just the simple thing of health. with health, everything else is a bonus.
hugs sweet one, enjoy the beautiful sunshine today ♥
oh so many things - funnily enough I have friday for Kate at the moment and when it works it is wonderful. I am also grateful for living in the home town of haighs! also for spring sun to help us celebrate each day and for my enormous bed that the delights of my world pile into every morning. hum hum hum happy days...
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for the blogging community!
ReplyDeleteI recently went through a terrible break up which forced me to leave my home of three years, New Zealand, and the career/life I built there. On my blog I wrote and shared every feeling and emotion I was going through, it was my therapy. I also asked for advice and help because I had no one else to turn to. And people responded. People I don't even know reached out to me, sent me words of wisdom and kindness. With every thankful tear I had as I read the letters and comments sent to me, I realized how important blogging is my life, how thankful I am for being part of this community. How thankful I am for the woman and men out there who share their lives with me and for those who have reached out to me.
I am humbled and extremely thankful for the fellow bloggers in my life.
I am grateful for my poor sick girl at home on the couch - it sounds like a silly thing to be grateful for but with my home-business and a hubby in a good job I can be a SAHM; I feel so grateful to be able to take a quiet day with her instead of having to stress over who is taking a day off work to babysit ;)
ReplyDeleteThis morning I am also grateful for:
the first spring roses in my garden
bees buzzing in lavendar
chooks scratching in the vegie patch
washing drying in the sunshine!
Glad you enjoyed some me time - I think we are all better parents if we occasionally get a day off!
Sounds like you had a lovely day to yourself Kate.
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful for a lot of things but at the moment I'm grateful to you for having such a great giveaway! I love your sheet stash and I want some of it. Call me selfish if you will. xx
Glad you had a nice day out...so good to recharge!
ReplyDeleteI am glad for all the lovely people I meet online. They inspire me and motivate me and make me feel like I am not alone as I get on with that new part of me-mothering!
I did a whole post about things I was thankful fro the other day! It's good to be thankful it gives you joy! I am thankful for my friends husband returning safely from Afghanistan, suspected broken ankles being just sprained! and fantastic trips that are coming up!
ReplyDeleteOh, how I would love to raid your fabric stash Kate! Now that would be something I'd be grateful for :)
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm feeling grateful for the past three days of absolutely stunning sunshine, just in time for my big girl's birthday, after weeks of heavy rain.
x
I feel very grateful for all the rain we have had this year!
ReplyDeletei'm grapefruitfull, really i am, i just had some for lunch!!! but i'm also very grateful for being strong enough to see the world through optimistic eyes xx
ReplyDeleteI am grateful that I really had to think hard to shortlist the things I am grateful for ( my life has not always been like this ), My first thought was that I am grateful that my 2 small boys sometimes syncronize their daytime sleeps and I get to kick back and read all the great blogs and enjoy a good cup of coffee to recharge for afternoons of painting and visiting the park. But you got me thinking, I am grateful for all the things I can do for my family. I am thankful to all the wonderful blogs that share an insight into their families that provide the inspiration to make me be the best Mother and wife I can be. I am grateful to have a wonderful husband and 2 Healthy happy children ( for that I am grateful medical science that knows how to save babies at 28 weeks) .. see I told you I have so much I am grateful for - I cold go on ...
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you got a day to yourself- we all need it sometimes!
ReplyDeleteAs cliched as it is... My Oma used to ask me when I was about 5 what I thought the meaning of life was. I came up with all sorts of answers and it was only when I got a bit older I realised she meant love, family & friends so, I am grateful for these things. I am especially grateful to have a wonderful man in my life who accepts me for me & encourages me to embrace the 'real' me.
Selfishly I am also grateful that I have been able to find the inner strength to help that man get through some pretty tough times of late.
Thanks for hosting Kate- you're ace!
Ooh Kate, your 'day off' sounds like it was just the ticket. I love being a tourist in Melbourne city (even though I live a stone's throw away I rarely do it) - I'm so pleased you enjoyed it with your whole might.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, I'm grateful for being up the duff, yee har!, and also (sort of) grateful that I don't have a packet of those Haighs freckles next to me right now as I feel like scoffing the lot. Oink oink.
Hi Kate, I' grateful that Annie-Rose is ok after her hospital vist this week!
ReplyDeleteOh where to start? I am so grateful for so many things - big and small... I am grateful for fresh drinkable running water into my home, a roof over my head, a gas heater to keep me warm and an airconditioner to keep me cool. I am grateful that even though I can be heard exclaiming "I have nothing to wear" that infact I have more than enough options to keep me decent and looking clean and tidy. I am grateful to live in a country where if I am sick I can see a doctor and be treated, and where an education is considered a right. I am grateful that our culture values libriaries, arts, diversity ... and that for the most part the dickheads just put stupid and insulting stickers on their cars rather than carrying guns.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for the love of my life, that I found him, that he loves me, that we're together through the ups and downs, that he is most of all my partner in life, my mate, my friend, my lover. ... and of course I am grateful for the two small children that have blessed our lives (and turned it upside down!)
After watching SBS last night I am incredibly grateful to the guy who created the world wide web and "gave" it to the world - without his creation YOU and many others would not be my friend. I would not have been able to learn to sew, to crochet and other things because I would have been isolated at home.
... and this my dear friend is only the tip of the ice burg in terms of the things I am grateful for.
wow, nothing like a day out to recharge and reenergise a mum :)
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for having three healthy children, such a blessing.
Wow, what a fabulous day you had.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for a partner that works hard so I can stay home with our little one, but also appreciate that I need my me time too so she goes to a Kindy on a farm once a week so I can sew, create and just do whatever but it also allows me to sell my creations to earn a little pocket money.
I am grateful for the beautiful vege garden and chook house my other half has helped me build over the past few weeks so we can enjoy fresh veges and eggs.
I am grateful for wonderful blogs like yours that make me feel inspired (and hungry thanks to the piccy of that choccie)
Thank you so much for the opportunity to win some fabulous fat 1/4's :)
xx
It sounds like you had a wonderful - and well-deserved - day! Also, I really like your blog - it gives me a lot of inspiration;-))
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for being able to hang on to my inner child - thanks to my children (and my husband) - and to be able to appreciate the so-called little things in life.
Glad you enjoyed your Big Day Out Kate, sounds like you had fun!
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for lots of the same things as everyone else. My boys (3 young ones and 1 oldie) are great, healthy, happy, loving human beings,and I'm grateful that they are my little family. I'm also grateful for my 'big' family of parents, sisters, cousins,aunts etc, I've been very lucky ! Grateful that we live in this ace place and eat great food and have such minor worries on the big scale of things! Life is excellent!
Have a lovely day.
Sounds like the perfect day. There's nothing like a good browse in a good bookshop to lift the spirits - did you buy any books? It's sweet that Bren took to heart what has been weakening your soul and helped to make you feel better. Shame you can't bottle it!
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling very grateful for 5 whole days completely alone, no meals to get, no housework, no shopping, just pleasing myself - heaven.
Jak x
I am grateful that I have the change to win this give-a-way that includes the same sheet that my grandmother used to have (the purple floral). I have been hunting one down for years with no success to make my little girl a quilt to remember her great-nanna.
ReplyDeleteA little 'me time' is a wonderful thing. I have an amazing husband who understands this, and for that I am truly grateful.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a great day in Melbourne Kate - go Farmer Bren for taking on your role for the whole day.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be a bit scientificy and less warm and fuzzy than other responses but...I am grateful for modern medicine for keeping me on this earth at a moment when it mattered the most. Everything else is a bonus!
Oh Kate what a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for having found my tribe and being able to spend time with some amazing women each week.
x
I'm so grateful for my family and my health
ReplyDeleteGill
I am grateful for wine today and great tv! Definitely needed at the middle of a looong week with my 4!
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for EVERYTHING God has blessed me with :D
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway! -I'm grateful for many things...: my wonderful boyfriend and our miracle which is growing inside of me - we are expecting the miracle in February 2011 - My fourlegged girls, Munthe & Merle. They bring so much joy and happiness to my life. Unlimited love!
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful for the life I've been given and I'm enjoying every moment:-)
Have a nice day - I'm looking forward to follow your blog in the future!
Louise
I am salivating over your day :) And I have been struggling over gratefulness lately. I am particularly grateful that tomorrow I head out of town (and out of state) for a few days; that Aurora & I have so many sets of helpful grandparents; that my crafty "job" is starting to take off; for friends who keep me sane even when they don't hear from me forever or don't agree with me :)
ReplyDeleteYep...its the little things that are the big things..aka..our loved ones. I am grateful for our health, our healthy family, the ability to work and work hard and to show our family the importance of that and to give...to give and to do for others, simply because...its good...we all have more than we need. I am also extremely grateful right now, this very moment for the beautiful sunshine we have here in the mountains, after almost 2 months of rain....better get outside and enjoy it. I popped in today to see if i could see any of your gorgeous potholders. I am teaching myself to crochet and remember seeing your wall full of georgeousness....happy day :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great blog you have! It's my fyrst time visiting you, and I am grateful I did! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm also grateful for my amazing husband and 1 year old daugther. My extended family and my wonderful friends. I'm grateful for life and that I get to experience the world we live in! And I'm grateful for the oportunity of winning some amazing vintage-fabric!! ;-)
-Ingvild
I am grateful for many many things.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for my family, for you and your sisters and your children.
I am grateful that through your blog I am able to gain an insight into what a truly remarkable woman you are - talented, intelligent, perceptive, creative, insightful, kind and generous.
Don't count this comment for the giveaway because as you know I can't sew!!
What a great day! I can totally relate to the "knowing where the closest toilet is" comment! I am grateful for having gorgeous kids who make me laugh every day! Thanks for a fantastic giveaway!
ReplyDeleteAfter much thought, I've decided like you I'm grateful that I enjoy my own company immensely.
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks for the chance to win! Today I caught myself thinking how grateful I was for doctors and antibiotics as my son has Bronchitis right now. And, I'm grateful for the opportunity to have stayed home with him this afternoon which gave me time to play Julia Childs in my kitchen! I'll let you know how my dinner concoction turns out! : )
ReplyDeleteMe time is so important! We have to look after ourselves!
ReplyDeleteToday I feel grateful for the sunshine & warmth, that I do what I love for a job, and the fact that there is a window separating me from the most enormous spider web outside.
I am grateful for the big things like a healthy family and a roof over our head, and the little things, like time to ourselves. Pretty blog :)
ReplyDeleteYour day sounds lovely!
ReplyDeleteOf course I am grateful for many of the obvious things like family and health but one of the things that I am really grateful for is the fact that I am lucky enough to live in Australia. Especially considering the events that take place in many of the not so nice parts of the world, I am extremely glad that I can live in what I consider to be the very best part of the world :)
I'm grateful that I live in the time of the internet so I can connect with likeminded folk that I might not have otherwise met.
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect way to recharge.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for my husband allowing me the opportunity to stay home with my 3 little ones, grateful to have my 3 children and that they are all happy, healthy children.
Thank you for the chance to win this fabulous give-away.
Kerrie
kerrie_baas@hotmail.com
What a magnificent day! I know how you feel - feeling guilty and free at the same time. It always feels strange to be out without the kids.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful day and Oh my, the places that you got to visit.
ReplyDeleteYay for some you time!
I am grateful too for my fella who supports my family in every way. He is a stay at home DAD and does such a wonderful job with our boys.
Im also grateful for all the rain that we have had as now it makes all that sunshine all the more special.
glad you enjoyed your "me" time, it's very precious indeed.
ReplyDeleteI am Sooooooo grateful for my amazing husband, he is always trying to give me a break and does amazing things for our 3 beautiful children who I'm am extremely grateful for...( I am typing this with a 3 year old head on my key board, so I am so, so grateful for bedtime)
I'm so chuffed for you that you got a great day away all to yourself - fantastic! Today I'm grateful that my husband got up with the little lady and gave her breakfast and I had a big lie in. I'm grateful that she is happily quietly playing by herself and the cats are cosy sleeping somewhere and not whining to be let in..let out...let in again. Today I am grateful for anything and anyone who gives me some space and tiptoes gently round me as today I have a big ugly head cold...and I feel a bit delicate...sshhh.... x
ReplyDeleteIm grateful for having two healthy children and a husbands love, for food on my table and a warm bed at night. Most of all, Im grateful for living in such a wonderful country without fear of what so many others have to endure daily.
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful for 2 things right now. First, the smell of cool fall air after the long, record-breaking hot summer we've just had. Second, my weekly me-time: my yoga class. It's held in a grungy little room in our dingy old community rec center, but it's lovely to be there with a few other women and just breathe and stretch for a while.
ReplyDeleteToday I am grateful that I have the day off to go to the Quilt Show in Brisbane ;)
ReplyDeletePS I too am also grateful for my family, my dog, my health... ;)
How awesome! You are super nice to want to share this.Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI am am full of gratitude!I am grateful for my sweet and wonderful husband.Grateful for my two year old son who is such a wonderful tiny prince and I am grateful for good people that smile when you walk by them in a store or hold the door open for me when they see me struggling with groceries and a baby.Life is good
Thanks and have a wonderful day
jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com
Wow! I hope I'm not too late!
ReplyDeleteI am grateful to be working from home with approx 90 seconds of commute time.
In the big picture of life, I'm grateful for clever heart specialists, my family and my friends, both old and new.
See you soon, Kate!
Luv Simone
What a wonderful day! It sounds like you had such a great time, and I can totally relate with your mixed feelings.
ReplyDeleteAt the end of the day I am grateful for my amazing husband and my two adorable children. They are my world and regardless of where we live, how much money is in our pockets and anything else that's going on in the world I know I have them and their unending love and support. They are my everything. :)
Thank you for such a wonderful giveaway! The vintage fabrics look amazing! I love vintage! :)
~Teresa
www.sew-aneedlepullingthread.blogspot.com
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