I am not going to ever miss this place, I thought to myself.
Over the months away I have often remembered that moment. Maybe as a reality check, possibly to judge my progress, definitely to ensure I made the most of our time away.
Today is our last day away from that kitchen, our last day away from home.
This morning, just after I woke up, I lay in bed for a while and pictured myself there, standing in that same spot in the kitchen.
In my mind I slowly looked around and surveyed the scene.
Surprisingly it felt good.
In my imaginary visit home this morning there was family chaos as usual but it felt fresh! Airy. There was music playing, there was jam simmering on the stove (could it be jam season yet?), there were freshly picked flowers on the table, vegies brought in from the garden and there was the hustle and bustle of a meal being put together. Together.
It was homey.
Could it be that perhaps I am ready for home? To go home?
Or as farmer Bren put it to me this morning; Going home is just the next part of this adventure.
Happy travels friends.
Happy homes. x
ps. We'll announce the giveaway winner in the next few days.
Going home already?? But wasn't it just yesterday a that you were in WA... you're not rushing home are you? Don't make the last bit stressful, remember it's still a holiday until you pick up your work clothes to put them on!!
ReplyDeleteI really can't believe it's been 6 months already.
ReplyDeleteI thought when you were setting off that it would be such a long adventure for you & for us to follow, but it has of course gone by in a flash, for me at least!
I'm glad you are feeling good about getting home & on to the next part of the journey.
xx
Thanks so much for sharing your adventure with us all Kate, it's been amazing! I'm glad you feel good about coming home, and looking at it as the next part of your adventure sounds wonderful..x
ReplyDeleteGosh Kate I can't believe how quickly the time has flown-I hope it have flown for you...Our family has thoroughly enjoyed checking in on your blog and following your adventure. Happy last down of travelling!
ReplyDeleteI hope it hasn't flown for you...just correcting my typo. do you do that too or is it just me?
ReplyDeleteI have so enjoyed your trip. I'm glad you're ready to go home and I hope you will settle in OK. Your old life will seem very humdrum. Be prepared, in the first few weeks, for the restlessness that could have you making 'throw-it-all-to-the-wind' descisions. You're not the same people that left home 6 months ago. A couple of our most life-changing (though not regretted)decisions were made following long holidays.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with your farmer boy. In fact, as one who has strayed from home for extended periods, I always think that coming home is the biggest part of the adventure.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing you when you've landed and acclimatised!!
It feels like only yesterday you set off! Enjoy all of the creature comforts of "home". Thank you for sharing such a special adventure with us.
ReplyDeleteOh happy days, Kate. Best wishes to your TRUE adventure beginning in just one day's time. This trip has been fabulous, but I think you guys do just fine right back where you started too. I'll look forward to being there and wish you every happiness, patience and gentleness as you readjust.
ReplyDeleteMerry homecoming and merry Christmas. x
I have loved sharing your adventure with you and your family. I'm glad you continued to blog on the road. It's hard to believe it's 6 months, especially for you I'm sure. I hope getting home fills you with everything you're hoping for. Thanks for the travelogue.
ReplyDeleteHappy homecoming indeed!
ReplyDeleteIm a wee bit excited for you all that youre almost back. You sound so softly melancholy, Kate.
In the best way. In the way that you are bringing home the part of you that you needed to go away to find.
Hope you guys sing all the way home tomorrow!
x
Hell kate, I hope someone emptied that chook bucket !
ReplyDeleteThere's no place like home Kate (Toto)!
ReplyDeleteYep, sounds like it too me.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm so happy for you that with one way to go, your feeling that not the other way. I always find it's the most unexpected things I love or am happy to see/do when I return home.
thank you for sharing your journey with us Kate it has been a priviledge to be part of it.
I so much look forward to the next phase too.
xoxo
Wondering how the girls are feeling about returning home too?
ReplyDeleteSafe home!
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog a little before you headed travelling and have loved reading your adventures. Been meaning to say hello for ages! You had the courage to get up and go, treasure your memories and love every minute of building a new life when you're back at home!
Welcome home and like everyone else can't believe it has been 6 whole months. Have loved every travel post as much as every craft post prior and so looking forward to what the new windswept and well travelled Kate has up her crafty sleeve. melx
ReplyDeleteYikes Kate where has that time gone? Thank YOU for sharing, Thank YOU for making me laugh, cry, Oooo and Ahhh along your miraculous journey. I've gone all goosey for you Darlings being so close to home, so close to another chapter, Big LOVE, Huge HUGS and a Zillion Thanks for a marvellous time ♥♥♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteHome is where the heart is Kate and I think the next chapter of your journey is going to be just as thrilling :)
ReplyDeletex
There's always something so wonderful about going home, even if you've been so happy away from it. Wishing you the very best homecoming Kate :) Kx
ReplyDeleteTolkein had it about right.
ReplyDeleteRoads go ever ever on
Under cloud and under star,
Yet feet that wandering have gone
Turn at last to home afar.
Safe journey back to where you began x
Have a good last day then. I've loved reading about your journey, your blog posts have been so thoughtful and honest and inspiring. Good on you all for your big, brave trip. I hope the next phase of your adventure goes really well too.
ReplyDeleteHappy homecoming to you and your family, Kate - thank you so much for letting us share in your travels...
ReplyDelete(and yes, I think farmer Bren has put it perfectly!)
x
That Bren is a wise soul. I think what you bought today will help ease your adventure home. It sounds like a house makeover is in order and some chucking and decluttering? .
ReplyDeletethe journey (and adventure) continues....
ReplyDeletexx
Hey there Kate. If you hadn't stalked me I sure as hell would have stalked you! Welcome home and yet I feel I need to scroll back six months to join in at the very beginning of the adventure. Loving your wonderful photos too over at Instagram. So very lovely to make your acquaintance. Xx
ReplyDeleteI can't breve 6 months has passed - just 'like that'! Coming home will be an adventure and it will be so nice to slide into your own bed! xx
ReplyDeleteWow six months has gone by so fast!
ReplyDeleteTime has flown by. What an amazing adventure for your girls, they will remember this forever. Wow the stories they will be able to tell their friends at home. I've felt so privileged to share this journey with you. Thank you xxx
ReplyDeleteEchoing both Farmer Bren and Nikki. Also shall be hearing Paul Kelly's voice now for the rest of the night.
ReplyDeleteThis past 6 months has flown! FLOWN! Where did it go?
ReplyDeleteHolidays give perspective. Very interested to see how home feels once you pull up your drive and walk into that kitchen again.
wise words farmer bren. and, so it goes. good luck with the home coming kate. safe travels
ReplyDeleteps. dont forget to park frankie close to the house so you can separate slowly
Damn Kate....
ReplyDeleteThis made me tear up.
Going home is just the next part of this adventure.
XOXO Thanks for sharing such a personal adventure. It's been amazing seeing what you guys have been up to, and it's great to see you again soon once you settle in. And yes it's jams season already. I made Boysenberry and Raspberry Jam last week.
Thanks so much Kate - it has been just fabulous following you and your crew around the country, all those beautiful places you've seen, your reflections on travel, family and life along the way.
ReplyDeleteWelcome home! (guessing you're just about home now) xx
I kind of feel that end of holiday feeling just reading about it! You'll have plenty to do with Christmas just around the corner. Merry Christmas to you all..I'll catch up with you here again at the end of January and will be able to see how you've all settled in there again. Thanks for the trip you've taken me on this year, it's been a marvellous adventure!
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