However, I write this a few days into the new school term. Both of my children have surprised and delighted me with their tenacity and bravery at stepping out and doing something new. It is such early days but seeing them go off this week has been heart-warming for me; one of those rare moments of parenthood when you feel you've prepared them well. Of course I can't take all the credit, but I do think that the effort we have put in now shows through. With children, to a point, you get back what you put in. It doesn't come for free, so I am glad that the work and worry and toil to acquire the educational opportunities that they have has, at least this week, seemed worthwhile.
Meanwhile I am at home, very much dwelling on my home. The prospect of a few months off work has triggered the need to create the perfect home environment. I feel like I have one chance at this as before I know it I will be back to the corporate grindstone. I genuinely want my whole house to look like this:
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| via thursday night dinner |
An almost overwhelming urge to get clear everything away so that only the simple and the beautiful remain. And talking of beauty; it's a topic I have mused about a lot recently.
Having spent time observing 'people like us' on holiday, I can conclude there is a very particular type of beauty when women near 40. There is something of a 'crossing over' that I can sense as I approach my 39th year. I wouldn't however describe it as a decline; more of a shift, an acknowledgement that time has passed and a different beauty is evident. I am fascinated by the concept of ageing beautifully and gracefully.
It makes me aspire to be natural and the only way I can think of to achieve that is to make everything simple. Wardrobe choices are increasingly about the quality of the fabric, the style and elegance, instead of the latest fashion. The thing is: when you see women who have it, you know it - but it remains an elusive thing to acquire! Ever hopeful...
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| via tire swings and summer dreams |
I agree completely, but it is a complicated journey. I turned 40 this year and find beauty in so many other ways and places than before.
ReplyDeleteHi Lou,
ReplyDeleteWell, I 'crossed over' many moons ago, so I must be looking stunning by now !!!! haha
So, so sorry that I haven't been around for a while......this new Mac takes some getting used to and, I'm still waiting for all of the 'stuff' on my old PC to be transfered to my shiny new MacBook Pro.........should be getting back to normal soon though.
It's lovely to hear that both of your children are embracing this new phase of their lives...... they sound as if they are adjusting to it beautifully and will be fine.
Enjoy making your home beautiful and lots of love. XXXX
I am having the same thoughts re my home. Having moved in the last week, I so want to clear the decks and start a fresh. There is something very cathartic in throwing out the unwanted and unused and stripping everything back to basics. I find that usually these leanings toward a simpler home, actually mean that I want to simplify my whole existence. I wonder how successful I will be in achieving this?
ReplyDeleteXXX
You'll be alright! Happy 39th birthday! Keep looking forward for more surprising lessons in life and a lot of fashion explorations, of course. Life is what you make it as they always say! :) More importantly, just keep on thanking God for everyday you wake up
ReplyDeleteI am approaching my 50th year, YIKES! The kids are happy at university. I'm at home full-time after many years in corporate America. And yes, my body, skin, hair, eyes have all changed. Feeling pretty looks a lot different now than it did 10 and 20 years ago.
ReplyDeleteI always love your words!
ReplyDeleteHugs, daniela (67)
I'm ten years behind you but hope that forty gives me something more of the fleeting feeling I get as I rapidly approach thirty, that I can see more of me when I look in the mirror and I like that. I'm not minding looking older and kind of liking the change (not a natural thing for anyone I think). I'll follow you with interest and hope I can capture some of your beautiful thoughtfulness when I approach it.
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