We had a busy day yesterday. With the major indoor renovations completed and the dust somewhat settled, it was time for a thorough clean up. Who thought a wrought iron balustrade was a good look? Dust catchers, extraordinaire! I regret not replacing it.
The home I bought 4-5 years ago had a strong Tuscan feel to it. Heavy patterned tiles, dark bathroom, wooden cabinets etc. but I saw potential in the home that I knew I could transform and make it my own. As we cleared rooms and tidied up yesterday, my home, yes, my home started to emerge. It made me feel emotional.
My home feels light and spacious. My garden area is smaller than my previous home and in segments. The lounge room overlooks the courtyard where roses and geraniums grow. Around the corner, where the minor bedrooms overlook, I hope to plant some native shrubs to attract birds and keep them away from the bully Rainbow Lorikeets that visit the back garden. The dining room (do people still have this!), overlooks the outdoor spa which I would love to get rid off. The sight of palm trees in this area is a source of irritation and still jars my sensibilities! The kitchen and informal dining area overlooks the patio and back garden where the jasmine, mulberry and pink crepe myrtle grows. My work study faces East, because my day starts at dawn. My front study is now a library and my quiet space, it overlooks the roses at one end and the spa area, the other. Upstairs, overlooks everything. My home is emerging. What I envisioned is coming to fruition. I have worked so incredibly hard to achieve this. And, I’m still standing and without a misstep.
I did not achieve this on my own. I have to give credit to my wonderful builder. He has had my house keys for the past few years and we have worked towards completion on a schedule that suited my circumstances. He has never entered my home without my permission even though he has it. I never have to question his quote as I know he is absolutely trustworthy. My builder has been my rock during, what should have been, an incredibly stressful time. I now have a functional home, thanks to him. It has taken all these years for my two children to accept the new home as our family home. They resented me selling the house they grew up in. It has taken time and effort to regroup and worth every minute of what was put in.
I’m reflecting on this because I have twenty young people coming to my home next week to dress for the wedding. I’m reminding myself, I have project managed and survived two homes being renovated. So, I got this!
Yesterday my son’s stress about his wedding seemed palpable. The contagion could have been easy. But I know from experience if I keep calm, he does too. Knowing this is key in being a parent and role modelling, matters in being a parent. I also know if he keeps busy, he can think more clearly, and oddly, enough, so can I. I have to squeeze in one more trip to the Wheatbelt before the wedding. A long drive and a heavy caseload awaits. Although it cuts into my time, I also know when I work, I am totally focused and in the moment. So it may be just what I need at this time.
Last night I lay in bed and visualised walking and driving through Boranup forest in the Margaret River region. I have plans for this trip. It calmed my spirit. Yes, I got this!
Until next time
As always
a dawn bird
I got to Bunbury just moments before the sun slipped into the Indian Ocean. A moment of pause for me and others too it would seem.
This morning I was up early and headed to Big Swamp where the bottlebrush is blooming.
Among the reedy grass I caught a glimpse of a swamp hen chick, not yet purple, blue and red.
The Welcome Swallow chick was a delightful ball of fluffy feathers. It is so new, it didn’t know fear of me.
There were chicks every where making a silent call for food.
A young New Holland honeyeater obliged with a moment of stillness.
Then came the Splendid Blue Fairy Wren, in his gorgeous feathers of blue.
After a frantic game of chase, he rested with his mate.
On the other side of the boardwalk, the big cormorant ignored my presence. I’ve not seen this type of cormorant here before. It sat on the branch for the whole of two hours I was there. Probably still there!
A Shared Space 
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