Enjoying the Present Moment

Our eldest son has just returned to China after a three week break at home. It was lovely to have Sam home, enjoy his company and catch-up with his life in more detail - Skype is not quite the same as hanging out in the kitchen over vinyl and a drink. He's definitely more assured and independent and, of course, he had plenty of interesting tales to tell of his ten months living in central China.

Now that he's on his way back to China (to teach English again but this time in Shenzhen bordering Hong Kong), I'm left with the impression of how much he made of his three week visit in the UK. He caught up with old school and uni friends in different parts of the country, was keen to see grandparents as well as other family members and he also took himself off to a gig in Birmingham. Sam took it all in his stride and seemed to be equally happy with simple pleasures such as relaxing at home or going food shopping to find ingredients for a (very spicy) Chinese dish which he cooked for us. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that he was focused on the moment and was open to making the most of each day, whether that was a day at home or an opportunity to visit London to see a friend and do some exploring. Enjoying the present moment and seizing new opportunities is a great attitude to have if you're 22 or even 51! Thanks for the tip, Sam!

Can I just say thank you to everyone who's left me a comment – it's lovely to hear from you too!

Hi!

Well hello! I thought I'd return where I left off with a few glorious photos of Lyme Regis. It was a much needed break - unlike my last blogging break which I wish had not been so long. I could blame many things: new working patterns; a virus infested computer; digital overload; caring for parents whilst managing offspring from afar; perfectionism; 50 plus hormone changes; and the list goes on. In truth, it's been a mix of all these things but today my little red laptop returned home and I had the urge to write a blog post (and then I had to remember how to write one). Yes, it's been that long! But I did it. How have you been? xo

Half-term Plans

I love this time of year when the leaves are at their most vibrant but I also feel a little bit sad that British Summer Time (BST) is about to end (reminder: clocks turn back next weekend). So, these last days of longer daylight hours are precious. I've decided I need a list and I need to be accountable. Here goes... a list of things that I'd like to achieve, as well as jobs that need to be done and I've also thrown in a few fun ideas too.

• Get going with a new community garden initiative that we're involved in, to revive a disused allotment site (more posts on this to follow). I've got 200 leaflets to distribute around our neighbourhood to publicise an open afternoon next weekend. We should be proud allotment owners soon.
• Visit our youngest son in Reading for the first time since we dropped him off. I can't wait to see him. We're taking Mum and also dropping in on my brother-in-law and partner who live in nearby Wokingham. I'm looking forward to some quality family time.
• Do some more painting in our hall; the walls are very marked, painted magnolia and are screaming out for some fresh white paint.
• Tidy our tiny garden, empty some summer pots and plant a few more bulbs (I've already planted some tete-a-tete bulbs).
• Hang some fairy lights in the kitchen for some winter hygge. 
• Resist the urge to have my haircut. I'm finding my pixie crop too expensive to maintain. 
• Finish reading Inside Vogue: My Diary of Vogue's 100th Year by Alexandra Shulman. I've really enjoyed this book so far.
• Visit Lyme Regis. We've got a two night stay in an airbnb.
• Read Persuasion - it's partly set in Lyme Regis.
• Choose, carve and light a pumpkin, then find a feel good film to watch for an early Halloween movie night.
• Get outside more: walk rather than drive; go for a short run; walk through the woods; listen to the sea; kick some leaves; sit on a bench with a beautiful view; watch squirrels scrabble about; do some digging in the garden; and throw some leaves into the air. 

Have a great week xo

50. Happy Friday Links

Back on track with my blogging and thrilled to bring you some delightful links. 

• Short Blonde Hair Care by This Mom's Gonna Snap. I'm on the same page as Jaana when it comes to loving short cropped hair but I think I can learn from her how to vary how I wear it.
• How To Help a Friend in Crisis by Katherine Willis Pershey via The Art of Simple
• Wow! This place is awesome - huge but simple and Jasper Conran is so amusing. Check out In Residence: Jasper Conran via NOWNESS.
• Interesting... by Cal Newport: Are You Using Social Media or Being Used By It? 
• How to Stop Overthinking and Overcome Anxiety Now by Katherine Hurst via The Law of Attraction
• Creating Abundance Through Minimalism by A Small Wardrobe. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this blog before but it's probably my favourite minimalist blog right now. It's pretty hardcore minimalism but authentic and joyful - if that makes sense!
• Perfect half-term reading from Nigel Slater

It feels great to post here again. From today I'm on holiday for ten days for my half-term break so I'll be squeezing a little blogging back into my routine. Sorry I went AWOL after my last post - after an extended summer holiday I've been working hard at supply teaching. It's going well and the great thing is I have no school work to do in the holidays anymore! 

Enjoy the links xo

Minimalist Monday: Crete Wardrobe

These are the items I'm taking for a week in Crete in late September. My holiday wardrobe contains: 3 pairs of shorts; 1 pair of leggings; 1 pair of khaki trousers; 1 maxi dress; 1 tunic dress; 2 cardigans (1 warm for the plane and 1 a light linen mix); 5 tops; 1 bikini; 1 swimsuit; 2 scarves; 3 items of footwear; and 2 bags.

Other items I've packed but not photographed are: 1 pac a mac; 1 pair of sunglasses; 1 hat; a small selection of jewellery; and 1 belt.

For the plane journeys I'll wear the green trousers, grey t-shirt, grey cashmere cardigan, blue converse pumps and jade scarf. These layers should give me enough warmth but can also be used again for the holiday. All the items have been chosen to mix and match and most are quite loose fitting.

This weighs in at less than 10 kg which is a lot lighter than what I've previously packed for a holiday in the sun. It's not as minimal as some travel wardrobes but it's definitely progress for me. I've tried to limit my holiday clothing whilst also allowing for some dressing up fun (hello silver sandals). Also, I'm hoping to learn from this packing experience and I'll report back on what I wore the most.

Have a great week - I'll be back to update you soon.

49. Happy Friday Links

Hello! I'm so pleased to be able to bring you this week's links. Relax and enjoy.

• On Discipline from Minimalist Meditations (a new blog started in January 2017). Written by Jessica Dang, whose other blog Minimal Student really inspired me to downsize, this is a wonderful essay to motivate you when the minimalist path gets tough.
• A critical look at moderation, Reconsidering Moderation, from Minimal Wellness.
• Mum happened to catch Songs of Praise from Tenby, which featured a trip to Caldey island and an interview with one of the Cistercian monks. It felt like I was back there...
• This post from Sarah of My New Roots is much more than a recipe post and is well worth a read if you're a vegetarian and/or interested in nutrition and well-being.
• How I love the Indie Projects and now they've introduced us to Florence and the Morgans, see more on this video from Explorer Buddies. Great outdoor adventures and small space living from the UK. 
• I love this Vancouver house from Small House Bliss, in particular the use of wood. I smiled when I saw the location of the washing machine and drier and knew Kirstie would approve.

Keeping the links down to six this week as I'm in the process of helping our youngest son pack for uni (he's off on Saturday). He's so calm and being very moderate in the amount of possessions he's taking, which is helping. 
Have a great weekend xo

Minimalist Monday: A New Start

So, I resigned from my full-time permanent teaching job. It was easier to do a second time around but still a very difficult process (I last resigned from a part-time permanent teaching post in October 2013). After having worked part-time for five years, full-time teaching has felt hard and has taken its toll on many areas of my life (although, I've had the opportunity to work in a very supportive school and gain new experience, for which I'm grateful). 

I vowed when I left my last job to never stay in an unhappy work situation again, and I feel proud of myself for recognising that being in a permanent teaching post was not for me and that teaching is exhausting especially for an inherent introvert like me. 

Luckily, having downsized and developed a more minimalistic lifestyle since 2012, I know my supply teaching income will be enough to supplement our income. 

So, it's time to start looking forward and finding balance in my life and to not feel guilty when not working or when turning down work. Supply teaching will be my main income and will give me a lot of flexibility and freedom. I'm open to finding other ways of making a living and using my time as I settle into this new lifestyle.

Minimalism was new, fresh and exciting when I first embarked on decluttering and downsizing and it feels just as exciting now. 

A simpler more minimalistic life is one that I want to continue to build. I don't ever want to feel as time-poor as I have during the last nineteen months. Through full-time teaching I have developed self-discipline, resilience and determination - all of which I can apply to living more simply. 

The good news is, I would still call myself a minimalist or at least an aspiring minimalist.

The great thing about minimalism is that it gives you the opportunity to wipe the slate clean (very appropriate for a teacher, I guess). Never be frightened to start again. And again. Remember minimalism is a tool which can help you to create a simpler life. Minimalism is about experimenting with less. It's about selecting what you want to own and creating new routines and habits. It requires discipline, personal challenge and asking yourself tough questions.

You too could make a new start. Just stopping every now and then helps: evaluate the last year, month or even this morning. Take simple steps: stop buying in excess; breathe deeply; try meditation and mindfulness to be present; seek out the beauty of nature; exercise to improve your mood; and practise gratitude. Gratitude always brings perspective in a world where the distribution of wealth and freedom is so unequal. 

And often it's those with the least who show the most gratitude and who are the most generous and happy.

A Short Break in Tenby

This is the third short break Mum and I've been on together since Dad died, and as before, I thought I'd share some snaps with you. We visited this area of southwest Wales when I was a child and we both wanted to return. It's as delightful as ever: a quaint harbour town, beautiful sandy beaches, pastel buildings and medieval town walls. It looks stunning whatever the light or time of day. I took rather a lot of photos both on my DSLR and phone - yes, I've returned to Instagram too :)

We didn't use the car during our stay which made it very restful. We explored the town which, I'm pleased to say, didn't have too many of the big high street names; visited St.Catherine's Fort (which has recently been reopened and was once a zoo as well as a fort); and went on a boat trip to Caldey Island which is home to a small order of Cistercian monks (a stricter offshoot of the Benedictine order). Caldey Island is just twenty minutes from Tenby but a very different world: quiet, unspoilt and with a contemplative feel. Walking along the coast path, attending a chanted service in the Abbey Church and even queueing for refreshments were carried out calmly and unhurriedly. The island breathed simplicity, creating a presence of peace - a feeling I hope I can hold onto in the future.

Mum was so happy to have a break and I enjoyed spending precious time with her. Tenby is a lot busier in the school holidays, I'm sure. However, it was beginning to get more crowded and hectic as the weekend and Ironman Wales beckoned. A spectacular venue but not for the faint-hearted. It'd be fun to watch, though!

Thank you all for reading. I'll be back on Monday with some minimalist musings. Have a great weekend xo