Luffa's
It's three months into the new year, and I've reopened my blog. Why? Because we're not moving. Bet you weren't expecting that? Well, neither were we! It was a done deal as far as we were concerned. But then life happens and changes the way we look at things.
Every reason which was important for going, turned out to be manageable where we were. Not easy, but still manageable. The main change of heart came when my husband decided to switch careers recently. Only it would involve several years of studying, training and practical experience to get there.
No more suitcases
Such a large alteration on top of getting resettled, would be even more challenging for our family. We decided we weren't going to wait another year changing careers, as that is how long it would take to move and resettle. David is hitting the books and computer to make that new change today.
While away from this blog though, we've done a few things to the property (progress with Hilltop) plus a few more projects lined up. It all takes time but I look forward to revealing them.
Out for a walk
How long are we going to stay here? It will be eight years this Easter and maybe many more years to come. Our son, Peter, is growing quite attached to the backyard. Our eldest moved here at four years of age, and grew attached to the concrete footpaths we walked every day in the suburbs. Our son though, is growing up and learning the well trodden bush tracks, we walk him through, nearly every day here.
Natural play
He loves to search out and shuffle across the log bridges, and basically yearning to be outdoors as much as possible. So comfortable with space is he, that he wants to do everything by himself. Fearless.
I don't have a crystal ball, but I'm fairly certain we won't be moving for a while. There would've been many new opportunities to enjoy in the city, but I'm also quite relieved we're staying. It's not an easy life here, but it's what we know and I guess, ultimately, what we love.
Truth be told, we had to disengage from this place while considering moving and that was torture. I'm glad we don't have to go through that any more.
Chris, this is fantastic news! I'm delighted to hear it. I definitely agree in meeting family needs first, so it's wonderful to know there were other opportunities to be found. Moving is never easy. Peter is so adorable! A little man on a mission!
ReplyDeleteThank you Leigh. Family is so very important. :)
DeletePeter's mission outside is to explore, get dirty, pull grass seeds off and he even helps with the chicken chores now, at nearly two years of age. He loves the chickens, and is fearless with them too. I remember the first time I met chickens at my grandmother's house, I squealed and ran to her legs for protection, lol.
Just look at the beautiful boy! Those little arms look so determined!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are back here-it seems to me from here that this is exactly what you should be doing because its where you belong right now.
Thank you Linda. He's definitely determined, lol. He doesn't always like it when I draw boundaries for him though - like not stopping at meat-ants nests, walking in long grass and taste testing the dried kangaroo poo! Mums are fussy like that. ;)
DeleteIt certainly feels like this is where we belong, even if it does play hard-ball. I hope that mud clears up for you guys soon. Its a sure sign Spring is on its way in the northern hemisphere! :)
Oh I'm so glad you're staying! You have done so much work on that property already, I'm looking forward to seeing what else you do with it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Liz. And I know all you three lovely ladies, have worked hard on your respective properties (with your partners) too. It's incredibly hard to walk away from those efforts. I'm happy we can reopen the door and try again, with still plenty to do. :)
DeleteI'll join the "I'm glad for you" chorus as well. While I'm enjoying the art work blog, I have missed the 'Grove'. I think it's good for kids to be growing up in a non-suburbia environment and learning self-sufficiency skills. Plus learning how the 'real' environment works by actually living in it.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back!
Thank you, foodnstuff. It's Bev, though, isn't it? I recall someone calling you that on your blog, or am I imagining things?
ReplyDeleteHaving raised one toddler in the burbs and one in the countryside, I'd have to agree in your comments about learning in a real environment, versus a mostly constructed one. The more natural the environment, the more hyper aware people become. I wonder if its because our biology impels us to interact with other living things?
Yes, it's Bev. Certainly our biology impels us to interact with other living things. We are part of the living earth, not separate from it. Unfortunately, our present culture doesn't see it that way and we treat the earth as a commodity, something to be exploited and used. Indigenous peoples have always had a much healthier view and see themselves as just one small part of life. Leaving the natural world and living in cities was the worst thing humans ever did, both for themselves and for the rest of Nature.
DeleteThe natural world is changing some minds though. Many in the city, seek to carve out a place in nature where they can. Those are hopeful signs. :)
DeleteWe may find it difficult to pay back our collective debt of convenience though. I try to remember that when I think I need something I probably don't. ;)
Good to hear you are staying put, Chris...even though it is lovely up here on the hill. You sound so happy to be living there.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nanna Chel. Your place definitely sounds like a nice place to be on the hill too! All those fruit trees. I guess we find and make our happiness where we can. :)
ReplyDelete