THE 'SIGH' FACTOR

ROUTINES AND EXPERIENCES THAT PROMOTE WELL-BEING

1

Making a cup of tea.

Turning on the tap, filling the kettle and spooning loose leaf aromatic tea into a teapot. Waiting for the kettle to whistle and finding a favourite cup or glass. Making tea and waiting for the alchemy of the 'brew' to take place. Pouring the tea and taking time to enjoy drinking it.

2

Hanging out washing to dry.

Pulling clothes out of the washing machine and inhaling the smell of eucalyptus oil in the final rinse. Walking through the garden with a laundry basket on my hip. Dry,dusty earth under my feet. The smooth swing of the Hills Hoist as I peg out damp clothes. Blue, blue sky, parrots and pigeons in the trees.

3

Walking on a beach.

Barefoot and feeling damp/dry sand between my toes. Walking in the sea and getting cold feet.

4

A drink of water.

Pouring cool water into a glass and drinking slowly.

5

Sleep.

Getting into a bed made with clean cotton sheets.

6

Reading.

Going to the library and taking time to select some books. In the evening, choosing a book, getting lost in a story and forgetting the time.

7

Curtains.

Opening curtains to sunshine. Closing the curtains on a cold night.

8

Preparing a salad.

Selecting tomatoes and slicing into a deep china bowl. The crunch of damp celery, chopping the stalks and smelling the sharp tang of the leaves. Washing lettuce and patting it dry with a linen tea towel. Slicing cucumbers and removing the seeds. Chopping salty olives and feta cheese. Making a dressing of oil, garlic and vinegar. Using my hands to coat the salad with dressing.

9

Snow.

Waking in the morning to snow outside. A hushed and muffled lack of sound. Bright white light on the bedroom walls.

10

Sitting in a cafe alone.

Ordering a favourite pot of tea or a well made coffee in a thick china cup. Watching the world go by. Deciding that a croissant would perfect the experience.

I could go on. So far I have written twenty-five routines and experiences into my Journal. I am sure I could add more here...................................................?

However, enough of me. I wonder what promotes well-being in others? Do tell.

BUTTONS

'UNBUTTON'

'The most erotic word in the English language'

Philip Larkin

FABRIC

"I WILL DIE WITH AN UNREFORMED AND CARNAL LOVE FOR FABRIC"

From ' A Thousand Days in Venice'

by Marlena di Blasi

I went out to the local Op shop last week. Just look at what I found. A huge bag full of beautiful cotton fabrics and all for $2.50!

YESTERDAY'S JOURNAL

So hot yesterday. The mercury hit 41 degrees and I went into lock down mode! I have been in Australia for nearly five years now. Every year I aclimatize myself to tolerate more heat. I can manage 37 degrees so far. Yesterday was a swine though. Not only was it hot, it was humid too..

Windows open until 10am, then ceiling fan on. Air conditioner on at 2pm. I have a profound admiration for all you Aussies who live quite happily without air conditioners! Our house is partially solar passive ( I say partially, because we still have vast amounts of renovation work to do), so that helps, but all I wanted to do yesterday was drape myself on a couch ( we don't have one) and call pathetically for cool drinks ( who am I kidding? I have yet to train our dog to be my Butler!).

However, there was plenty of Domestic Goddess type housework to do ( yawn), so did some of that and then sat down with my journal for half an hour ( see above). Then, oh then, the rain arrived. It poured, it gushed, it was a deluge and the leak in the kitchen ceiling did not leak ( the small things make your day don't they?). However the old leak in the sitting room managed to produce a couple of drips( cest la vie).

So, TOUCH. Had a think and made the list in my journal. I went into lock down mode yesterday, but I now realise what tactile creatures we are and how I have been taking that ability so much for granted.

ANOTHER LIST

TODAY I WILL

PLANT

GIVE

COOK

ACCEPT

LOOK

SLEEP

HEAR

EMBRACE

STRETCH

SING

Well, I will try!

PINCUSHIONS FOR SALE - SOLD !

TWO LITTLE PIN CUSHIONS SITTING ON A PLATE................

These two pin holders are up on eBay for sale. Bright colours, embroidery thread and vintage and modern buttons. Go on, you know you want to and they each need a good home! AND it's my first attempt at using eBay.

You can find the Flower. SOLD

You can find the Drum. SOLD.

CODA

WHAT THE HELL,

YOU MIGHT BE RIGHT,

YOU MIGHT BE WRONG -

BUT DON'T JUST AVOID.

KATHERINE HEPBURN

NANNA'S VASE

I grew up seeing this vase at my Nanna's house. She liked to put daffodills in it. She was Welsh and round and proud of her cooking skills. She swore in Welsh ( and taught me to do the same). She had eyes in the back of her head ( or so my brothers and I thought), so we called her the Welsh Witch.

Up until she died we had Christmas lunch at her house. We all crowded round the table and my Grandad lay planks of wood over chairs so there was room for everyone to sit down. I'm pretty sure all the adults would much rather have stayed at home and put their feet up, but we children loved going to see Nanna.

The vase went to my Mum, who put daffodills in it. When I left home, she gave it to me and yes, I put daffs. in it too. Then I moved to Australia, the Stag in his forest was packed up and came with me. Now he has bunches of Wattle or sprays of Honeysuckle to look after.

Thanks Nan.

VALENTINE

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
To all those I hold dear ( you know who you are).

NUMBER 86

33 degrees today.

4pm, Fremantle here we come!

THE BEAUTY OF ORDINARY OBJECTS

• A curtain, at an open window, blowing in the early morning breeze.
• A deep blue glass vase on the window sill. Sunlight shining through it and casting patterns on the floor.
• A handmade, slightly worn at the edges, cushion.
• An old willow basket, overflowing with sewing projects.
• A pile of books ( just waiting to be read) on a Jarrah table.
• A glimpse throught the kitchen door, of my recently organised pantry.
• Three large glass foil beads. Russet, Blue and Gold.
• A tall candle in a terracotta holder. The wax having dripped down and pooled onto the shelf on which it stands.
• Incense smoke drifting through a shaft of sunlight.
• A string of tiny brass bells hanging in a door way.

USING MY NOSE........

Old books, bought at a second hand shop. Now added to one of my bookcases.

Local garlic, cinnamon, brown sugar, rye bread.

vanilla, fish, cheese, lemon soap.

Coffee, orange muffin, cash from the ATM

Rain and eucalyptus trees

And the rest of list is ( in no particular order, as I'd scribbled them down, once I got home)

Stationary shelf at the newsagents.

Celery ( when cutting it for dinner).

Chinese jasmine ( in the garden).

My old handmade bag ( cotton and white musk).

My green cord jacket( musty, from lying in the back of the car).

Tea rose perfume ( buying some).

Chai tea (drinking some).

The Bear.

Hot Popcorn.

ONE HUNDRED THINGS.....

1. I am a bookworm.
2. A tea drinker.
3. I wear sarongs all Summer.
4. I like handmade soaps.
5. My beloved is my rock.
6. I am not dressed, unless I am wearing perfume.
7. I must have candles at home.
8. I have short hair ( after years of long).
9. I adore fabric.
10. I prefer natural fibres.
11. I am not a Mother.
12. I am an Aunty.
13. I like tea rose perfume.
14. I am 1/4 Welsh. ( I like to say, from the neck up!).
15. Learning to be a gardener.
16. I like dogs.
17. I covert earrings and silver bangles.
18. I prefer cold weather.
19. Walking with my dog helps me think and centres me.
20. I buy books even when I can't afford them.
21. I like to cook.
22. I drink Malt Whisky.
23. I like new pens and stationary.
24. I wish I was always tidy.
25. I feel physically better when I am tidy.
26. Incense is a must.
27. I wish we had a deep, deep bath. ( we have a 1970's shower!).
28. I like to 'people watch'.
29. I relish chilly, misty mornings.
30. I listen to Leonard Cohen ( imagine having someone write the words to 'I'm your Man', just for you!).
31. I enjoy buying fruit and veg.
32. I have to watch the Bear and Bryn start their morning walk.
33. Skinny dipping is life enhancing.
34. A massage once a month is very important.
35. Clean feet = comfortable feet.
36. I have a scar on my nose.
37. I look forward to an afternoon nap.
38. I am FEMALE ( hear me roar!).
39. I collect old books.
40. I dislike confrontation.
41. Op shops are a necessary part of retail therapy.
42. Radio 4 BBC.
43. Radio National ABC.
44. I passed the Advanced Drivers test.
45. I like wearing hats.
46. Is my age this year.
47. I know I am sometimes moody..........menopause here I come!
48. I like to belly laugh.
49. I now keep a handwritten journal.
50. When I am fifty, I want to celebrate outrageously.
51. I could eat baked potato and salad for dinner every night.
52. I do not eat meat.
53. I do eat fish.
54. I always say Please and Thankyou.
55. I like to swear in Welsh.
56. I like Bluebell woods.
57. Cold empty beaches are better than hot crowded beaches.
58. I have been told that I am good at reading aloud, especially to children.
59. I like expensive leather shoes.
60. My favourite dessert is creme brulee.
61. I now have to wear glasses for reading.
62. I read poetry.
63. I have stopped dying my hair.
64. I have two piercings in each ear.
65. I like to craft, sew, mosaic, bead and try to knit.
66. I admire Alan Rickman's work.
67. My favourite film is..........The railway Children. ( I always cry when Bobbie meets her Father at the train station!).
68. I like pre-Raphaelite art.
69. I will not watch any of The Lord of the Ring films.
70. I have just re-read Milly Molly Mandy.
71. I enjoy the art work of Stella Bowen and Grace Cossington Smith.
72. I need a studio/shed/room of my own.
73. The sound of wind or rain always helps me sleep.
74. I do not function well in extreme heat.
75. I live in Australia.
76. I was born, grew up and worked in the UK.
77. I still miss The North and South Downs.
78. I can 'breath' in the wide open spaces of Australia.
79. I think Tea Tree oil is miraculous.
80. My home is dusty.
81. I like to sing.
82. I like to plant fragrant herbs.
83. I made our wedding rings.
84. I dance while doing housework.
85. I have to have periods of being alone.
86. Fish and chips in Fremantle by the sea, with a bottle of beer after a hot day.
87. I have two Brothers.
88. I have two Parents.
89. A long cold Campari and soda.
90. If I had more cash, I'd buy more artwork.
91. Rutter's Requiem makes me cry.
92. I miss Caerphilly cheese.
93. One day I hope we'll have two dogs.
94. I cannot play a musical instrument ( despite 2 years of piano lessons at school).
95. I like Affagatto.
96. Rose geranium, clary sage and sandalwood essential oils.
97. A fountain pen or a Bic Classic fine biro.
98. Live Jazz.
99. Clean linen sheets.
100. Dark plain chocolate with a hint of orange spice.

.

CHAI TEA

A SPICED TEA

It's chilly this morning where I live in Australia. Time for a warm aromatic drink. I found this scribbled in the back of one of my recipe books. I can't remember where it's from ( apologies) as it's dated 1989!

180ml milk

570ml water

3-4 tsp of black tea ( plain, not flavoured)

6-9 cardamon pods, split

6-9 whole cloves

2.5 cm of cinnamon stick

sugar to taste, if desired

------

1

Put water and spices in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Then put lid on an simmer for approx. 5-10 minutes.

2

Here is where I do my 'Nigella' impression! Remove lid from saucepan and inhale. And inhale again. The aromas should by now be filling your kitchen and your imagination should be taking you to the Kasbah!

Add milk to the saucepan and a little sugar ( if you like sweet tea). Simmer for 5 minutes.

3

Add tea leaves and stir ( do not panic if it looks strange. Trust me, you'll be pleased if you do!). Cover saucepan again, simmer for a couple of minutes. Then turn off heat.

4

Go and find a suitable cup or glass.

5

Strain tea into your cup.

There is enough for two here. So share with your beloved or be your own beloved and drink it all yourself.

6

Take tea. Sit in comfortable chair ( I watch the morning birds visit the bird bath).

7

Inhale and just 'BE'..

BLOGGERS HELP NEWBIE

A huge thankyou to the bloggers who helped me out.

Ms Robyn at.........daily parcels *tied up with string*
Gemma Grace at.......Dandelion days
Garden girl at.......Escapology

Here we all are strangers in blogland, thousands of miles between us, never having met and the help and support comes drifting through the blogshere.

P.S. My next task will be to work out how to add you people to my LINK list! I think I'm getting my head round that now.

HELP PLEASE

How on earth do I get my profile etc back up under my title?

I have searched Blogger help, I have left 2 messages for Blogger support, all to no availe.

The Bear has been on the point of hurling the laptop at the wall!

I am a newbie to all of this and just don't know how to sort it all out. I want my blog back to normal.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

LIST

Today I will

BE

DO

SIT

TOUCH

WALK

LISTEN

REST

HOLD

LOVE

SEE

RED

THE CLEARING OF THE LEAVES

It's that time of the year again. The trees are dropping their leaves, the weather is hotting up and the bush fire season has begun...............

1

Set the alarm for 5.30 and fall out of bed. Put on long trousers, a long sleeved shirt, old walking boots and a hat. Cover back of neck with mozzie repelant.

2

When it's a cool morning I love this job (when it's hot, I endure it, get it over with and stagger back indoors). The air smells of eucalyptus and the last few flowers of Chinese Jasmine.Find a rake, gather up leaf bags and a pair of leaf grabbers. Put on gardening gloves.

3

Start raking and building piles of leaves. Pause to watch a Wattle bird land on a Gevillia bush for the nectar. Rake again, pause to throw the ball that has landed in the pile of leaves (the dog has worked out he can get my attention that way). Pick up leaf grabbers and shovel leaves into bags.

4

Magpies start to warble and find the bird bath in the herb garden. Drag leaf bags to compost bins and empty. Rake contents level and lean on rake to 'just be' in the moment. The sun is glittering and the trees rustle in the breeze. Breath deeply and relax.....................a wet nose snuffles on my wrist.

5

Get down to the real business of 'just being' in the garden, that is, picking up a ball and entertaining the dog!