Summer 2012 has been wonderful for this family of four, defined as it has been with lots of sun, trips to the beach, barbecues, passionfruits from our vine, sunsets and star gazing and a quintessential family holiday to the wild, unspoilt and spectacular coast line of southern WA. The 2 weeks spent discovering idyllic beaches cemented the love affair with this dramatic and isolated coastline which was only heightened by the relentless calls from friends "back east" bemoaning their lack of summer, the rain, oh and did we mention 'the rain'. Choosing to stay here and not make the annual return was not only a message to our friends and family about our life (we love you, but we live here now), but a brilliant decision.
Thrown in the mix of all this lazing about and enjoying ourselves was the occasion of my birthday, the big Four 'OH', which I was approaching with some trepidation and anxiety until the little voice I carry around reminded me of the blessing it was to have this day and to embrace the opportunity to reflect, to be grateful for all that I have,and all that I can look forward to, and to enjoy. And enjoy myself I did. What seemed like a festival of events with special family dinners, a romantic sailing trip, unbelievably good presents & even more beautiful cards with sentiments that made me cry, the arrival of 'old' friends from far away places, and new friends who helped celebrate at a very fun, kid-free party, left me feeling indulged, loved and above all, very happy (and hungover - but even that was OK).
Turning 40 for some people seems to be about looking at all that you have achieved with the emphasis being on success and material acquisitions, and maybe for some that is how they judge themselves, but for me its about the life I have shared with my best friend for 20 years, the children we have brought into the world & are navigating our way around, the beautiful friendships I have kept since my teenage years, the home we have made and the community we have found at 6163, and the fact that we are still here.
One of the quotes in one of the cards I received summed up this summer for me..
"There is beauty to be found in the changing of the earth's seasons, and an inner grace in honouring the cycles of life".
