Goodbye

This year was not my most favourite year. 

Today I will answer my last two questions in the reverb'12 challenge. I had intended to take this pondering into 2013, I was enjoying the insight that this challenge has given me. But now, has I stand on the edge of a new year, I want to leave 2012 and all that I felt, behind.  

Reverb12 Question12: What where your most intense emotions in 2012?

Often I felt overwhelmed, frustrated, helpless, frightened, daunted. I felt loss.

Five major events (for want of a better word) shaped 2012 for me. In each scenario, I was an onlooker. Big changes were happening for other people close to me, all effecting me deeply and emotionally.

I have struggled to work through these feelings, to identify them and what they mean to me. As the year draws to a close and I can take a step back, I can see things more clearly. I understand that these things happened and everyone is OK. We have to make adjustments, it's been a difficult year, but we have made it to the other side with smiles on our faces.

I am stronger for it.

Reverb'12 Question 13 - Post your favourite picture of yourself from 2012.

This was interesting. Did I even have a picture of myself taken in 2012?

One.

And I am not going to post it, it is not a favourite, I look as if have a double chin. Instead I'm sharing this photo of me at Byron Bay in July. It was the only other photo that I was in in 2012. It seems like the perfect fit for this post.

Tonight we will be joined by my closest cousins and their children. They have travelled from far and wide to be here on this night. Who knows when we will all be together again.

Right now, everything is, as it should be.

Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year!

"Keep Cool Fool"

(Grace Knight image from here)

Reverb'12 Question 11: What was music to your ears?

My husband and I went to one concert this year, it was a rare night out. We saw Grace Knight who was touring our area and played in a small intimate venue. We sat, cabaret style, it was dinner and a show. Perfect.

I love Grace Knight, we have seen her in concert a few times before, she is fantastic live. This night did not disappoint. It was fun, it was lively and as usual, when she sang "Fever" the whole place was jumping. But it was her two opening songs that really stuck with me.

Did she know I was coming? Had she written them just for me? It was like she had pulled a chair up to our table, sat down and softly sang the words to us. The words of those songs were exactly what we needed to hear on that night.

I don't listen to the radio, so I rarely listen to new music. I loved this new CD, especially some of the Irish songs that she sings on it. We bought our CD on the night and got a signed copy as we have done at other concerts. While I was in the line, I was chatting to an older man and talking about Grace Knight and her music. I think he was surprised when I said I had all of her CD's. I realised then, that her music is almost the soundtrack of my life. From right back when I had the Eurogliders record blasting out during my teenage years at home. Her music has filled every home I've lived in, and particular songs bring back memories of those times, whether I was 16, 21 or 33.

(Melody Gardot image from here )

(Katie Melua image from here)

(Madeleine Peyroux image from here )

(Morcheeba image from here)

(Norah Jones image from here )

And in the last month I have been listening to new CD's by Norah Jones, Melody Gardot, Madeleine Peyroux, Katie Melua and Morcheeba, actually, maybe they are not new? but they are new to me. They are all in the player, I'm discovering new favourites. Things have been pretty swoony around here while I wrapped the last of the Christmas presents today.

What are you listening to right now?

Taking risks

Reverb'12 Question 10 - What was the greatest risk you took in 2012? What was the outcome?

You know what, I think that this is it!

Joining up for reverb'12 and posting my answers here in this space.

Because really, who is reading? No one? Everyone?

I'll admit that after my very first post, I woke up in mild panic. I thought I might delete the post I had just written. I thought I would send a polite e-mail to Kat saying: "sorry, I made a mistake, I can't be part of this after all". But then I took a deep breath. This is where I am at.

I know I could have opted to start a private journal for my answers, but as silly as that sounds, that didn't occur to me until later. This was an Internet challenge and I saw it as that. So I have written about things that I usually keep from my blog. This is my happy place, there's no place here for doom and gloom or self discovery. But then I realised, if my blog wasn't about self discovery (perhaps in a round about kind of way) and self expression, then what was? I like to blog about what we did, where we went or what we ate. It highlights some memories, I might otherwise forget. It documents chapters in my life. Well this is a chapter. As if riding a tidal wave, I am on a journey to self discovery and change whether I like it or not. When reverb'12 is over. I'll go back to blogging about those changes in a more practical ways. My posts will be more about 'doing' than 'feeling'. I will feel safer with those kinds of post, less vulnerable than I am now.

I chose to continue with reverb'12 in this space, wondering, if maybe? Does anyone else out there feel the same? I have appreciated those who have commented, other people focusing on a personal journey of there own.

And how do I feel about it? The outcome thus far?

Liberated. Excited. Brave.

It seems like such a long time since I have really taken notice of this life of mine and where I am in it.

It feels good.

What risks did you take during 2012?

A real page turner

Reverb'12 Question 9: What was the best book you read in 2012, and why? (And by "Why?" I mean: Why did you read it? And why was it your favourite? Although these answers could be one and the same...!)

My best read this year was "Radical Homemakers", with "Depletion and Abundance" being a very close second. I read "Depletion and Abundance" immediately after reading Radical Homemakers and probably wouldn't have sought it out, if I hadn't read Radical Homemakers first. I can recommend them both.

Why did I read it? 

I had seen it on other people's blogs and was intrigued by the name. What was a radical homemaker exactly?

Why was it a favourite? 

It was like this book was written for me. For as long as I could remember I have wanted to live on a small acreage, completely self sufficient with my own water and power supply, growing my own food and living a simpler life.

This kind of life is different to the way I grew up. I come from a small country town. Both of my parents worked. I guess our family was middle class and mainstream. I went to the state high school down the road and left home to get a job at 17. People who lived the kind of life I wanted, were known as 'hippies'. It wasn't something that you aspired too. So, off into the world I went. I gave only fleeting thought to the 'simple life' during my early twenties. I got caught up with shopping and doing and acquiring. I travelled. I worked multiple jobs. I bought and sold properties and cars. I got married and had children. When I look back, it seems like I was just riding the wave. My early vision for my life had been pushed very far to the side, but it was still there. On the day my son turned six, it hit me like a jolt of lightening. I wanted to live a more authentic life, for me and for my family.

I hadn't known it before, but finally I had a name for it.

When I grow up, I want to be a Radical Homemaker.

While the entire book was filled with 'aha' moments, it got me thinking, it got me excited. I photocopied one page and it has been stuck on my fridge for the last 5 months. Here is an excerpt from that page:

To accomplish this, the homemakers had to become autodidactic, that is self-learners. The tips for becoming a self learner, as they reported them, were to think independently, embrace general knowledge, work with what they had, make mistakes, find there own teachers, and muster the courage to start from wherever they were.

I love the diversity of the people interviewed for the book. People were using their 'radical homemaker' skills in tiny flats and urban environments. I know I can expand my skills and knowledge from right where I am.

Yesterday was the first day I have been home all day in a while. I made bechamal sauce from milk that was at it's 'end of use' date (for the freezer). I roasted the last of the tomatoes and capsicums from our garden to be pureed (for the freezer) I made my own yoghurt for the first time in ages. I tried Rhonda's five minute bread recipe. My son juiced a bag of oranges and I dusted off our juicer and juiced a pineapple, we mixed the two together and have made 'frosty fruit' ice-blocks. I stewed plums and peaches with raspberries and honey to make a fruit sauce (for the freezer) I stewed apples. And out of the kitchen, I made a start on some Christmas aprons for the kids.

It seems, I am on my way.

What books have you been reading in 2012? I'd love to hear from you, reading has been put high on my priority list for 2013.

My most important relationship

Reverb'12 Question 8: What was your most important relationship?

I am in many relationships, as are you. I am mother, daughter, wife, friend, cousin, aunt, niece, sister-in-law, granddaughter and daughter-in-law.

Being a mother, is my most important role, but it is not my most important relationship.

Without question, my most important relationship is with my cousin. Without her I don't think I could cope with all of those other relationships. I know that I went on about about finding inner strength just a few days ago. Well, yes, I am getting there. But that comes and goes. My cousin is a constant, always there with exactly what I need every single time.

Considering the idea that nothing lasts forever: what was the most important relationship that you fostered in 2012? How will you continue to nurture it in 2013?

I have had other great friendships, but life changes and people change, friendships rarely last forever. However this relationship; a combination of family, friendship and history are strong and I know that I will always have it. I feel so very blessed. In 2013 I can only continue being me (that is good enough for her) and hope to be as supportive and as inspirational to her, as she has been to me.

This special someone is having a birthday today. I wish I was there. xo.

Happy Birthday!

What was your most important relationship in 2012?

I know that I have posted this photo of my cousin before, but my two other favourite photos were (1) so old and grainy that when I enlarged the photo the two of us were unrecognizable and (2) this one was another photo of the two of us that I love, my cousin looks so beautiful, however it was taken a day before my son was born and I am blown up like a puffer fish!

Making choices

Reverb'12 Question 7: What's the one thing you want to take with you into 2013?

It is this quote, I can't remember where I read it, it was sometime mid year and it just stuck with me.

"I am who I am becoming, not who I have been."

Do you have a favourite inspirational quote?

This beautiful painting is by the amazingly talented Janet Hill. I wonder if it is too late to add a couple of her prints to my christmas wish list?

Lessons

Reverb'12 Question 6: What did you learn?

2012 has been quiet a journey. It has only been during the last month that I have realised all that I have gained from this, my least favourite year. I learned:

• The only thing that's constant in life is change, I might not like it, but I will be OK.

• I can love someone and help them when they need me, but I can only guide them, I can't change their way of thinking. I know that sometimes I need to walk away with the knowledge that I have done all that I can.

• I can love someone and help them when they need me, but I must still make myself the priority, I am no good to anybody if I am sleep deprived or not eating well.

• That I am only human, I will make mistakes and do things that I am not proud of. That everyday is a new day and I can aim to do better.

• That I am everything that I need. If I look deep within, I am there; with strength, confidence and love.

The last point is a bit 'Eat, Pray, Love' but it's true. This realisation is slow and the journey continues. It's a process. Day by day, I am growing more confident with the decisions that I am making for my future and how I want to live my life.

What did you learn during 2012? Was it a life lesson or a perhaps a new skill?

The image above is by the wonderful Nikki McClure.

Still dreaming....

Reverb'12 Question 5: What was your dream destination in 2012 and why? 


























I didn't make it, but it was Tasmania.

Why? For the food! For local wines and artisan beers. For growers markets and pick-your-own-farms. For antique stores. For seasons. For history. For the wilderness. For country drives. For fireplaces.

Why? because Mt Wellington was the very first place that I ever saw snow. I was eight. Mt Wellington was the very first place that my husband ever saw snow. He was eight. My kids are desperate to see snow. I think Mt Wellington would be a good place to start, don't you?

Why? Because for a very long time I have wondered... could I? would I? should I? move to Tasmania.

Why? Because there is no point dreaming about riads in Morocco, farmhouses in Sweden or beach houses in Uruguay, until you know your 'place' in your everyday life. 

Is Tasmania the 'place' for me? In 2013, I would like to get a chance to find out.

I have written about my Tasmanian dreaming before.

What is your dream destination?

These images are from all over the beautiful apple isle: Island Menu (one of my favourite food blogs - check it out) Slow Food Hobart, The Agrarian Kitchen (I am so desperate to visit this place), And sometimes I just sit and lastly the lovely Hugo and Elsa.

Looking after you

It seems that I have set my own rhythm for the reverb'12 challenge. I wholeheartedly intend to respond to all of the 31 questions, however it will be at a slower pace, I suspect, I'll be taking these musings into the new year.

It is simply not possible for me to be here everyday. This coming week is the children's last week at school and I will be at school everyday too. There is a 'wet play day', a carols concert, a Christmas craft day, and separate break-up parties for both Spunky Monkey and Miss Moo Moo. There is 'bring a plate' cooking to be done for each.

With that said, it is appropriate, I think, to be answering the following question today.

Reverb'12 Question 4: How are you going to celebrate your self this festive season? 

I would love to tell you that I'm taking off for a week of solitude. Somewhere fabulous, somewhere cold. Somewhere with impeccable food, a roaring log fireplace and a great book. Somewhere where I could snuggle deep under a fluffy doona and role over and go back to sleep in the morning. Somewhere where I could pad around in Swedish woollen socks on aged floorboards. Somewhere that I could sit in an over sized chair and look out of the window with a cup of french hot chocolate.

But that's not what's happening, it's not even possible. So I have gone to Plan B, which perhaps is a better idea all together.

I am entertaining!

No, I am not talking about the Christmas lunch that I am preparing for my family or the New Year's Eve barbecue that I am having with my cousins and their children. I'm talking about real entertaining - with friends! This Christmas, I have completely stepped out of my comfort zone and invited twenty mum's from school to a "Long Table Christmas Dinner" (mum's only) To be honest, I'm a little out of practise. The couple times that I have done this in the last eight years, were not that successful, I forgot things and having small children underfoot was very disruptive. Entertaining is who I am, it is time that I return to it. I am excited.

You can read a little bit more about my love affair with food here.

What about you, what are you doing, just for you, this festive season?

Maybe you are throwing a Christmas party too?

The image above is from this website, take a peek, if you are into beautiful wedding photography, you won't be disappointed.

A life unhurried

Reverb'12 Question 3: What do you really wish for?

Cam from Curlytops prompts: Imagine a scenario where you only had one year left to live. What is one thing that you really wish to do that you just haven't had the chance to accomplish yet?

And Kat adds: what steps could you take (however small) to ensure that you accomplish this thing in 2013?

It is interesting that Cam uses this scenario. I have asked myself this question more than once in the last few months, to try and establish want it is that I really want from this life.

If I was, in fact ill, I would need to resist the urge to jump on the next plane and live out my days in rural France, Italy, Sweden, England or somewhere in the hills of Eastern Europe. It would be selfish to move so far away from my extended family. But could I resist putting my house on the market and moving to a beautiful old cottage on few acres? I don't think so. In fact, I know so. I need to be in an old house. I lived my entire childhood in an old house with high ceilings and vj's. The first house I bought was an old house, with high ceilings, vj's, polished floorboards and lots of light. While this new house where we live is wonderful, it has no character. Whenever I walk into an old house it is like getting a warm hug from a treasured friend.

In a heart beat I would move, to live my dream life.

When I first read this question, I was going to say: "All I wish for is a little farm." But here is the great thing about pondering a question that been asked by someone else. That's not it at all. (If you are interested, I've written about the perfect house here before.) But it's what we would do there that matters. Even if I was dying, this place would be where we would grow. A place to put down roots, both literally and figuratively. Home. Together, as a family, we would learn important life skills. We would learn through trial and error, about how to live a more sustainable life. And when I am gone, my children will have a place to call home. A place where they will remember building a tree house in the old jacaranda tree or planting outing out the orchard. They will go off and travel the world but one day they will want to return, to this place. Home. They will come back and wander through the birthday garden that they planted and when they sit down at the kitchen table they would remember it filled with cooling racks of freshly baked cookies.

I wish for a life unhurried. I wish for gentle moments to hear my children's voices. I wish to be a better role model.

Naturally, much of this can happen exactly where I am (now where have heard that before?!) and it is. Traditions have been made and passed on, so for now that will be enough. We will work on the things that we can take along with us through our lives. We will dream on, as our life continues to happen right here, but we will slow down, just a little, so to not miss to much of it.

Here are some small steps that I can take to help me accomplish my wishes:

1) First and foremost, I must get more organised. When I make a routine, I must stick to it. I am to adopt a 'just do it' attitude. For example, although I may be exhausted, it really only takes two minutes to do a quick sweep of the kitchen floor or wash that grimy baking tray in the sink. Because everyone knows that waking up to a clean kitchen, means a very happy mummy. As well as making routines that work, decluttering is high on the priority list for 2013.

2) Schedule in some 'me time'. It is hard to be a calm and happy mother when you have left no time in your life for yourself. I should know. By taking time to do something just for me, means I am a nicer person to be around.

3) Watch what I spend. I have recently started to save - yes save! This is something I haven't done in 8 years since finishing work. It's not much, it won't buy a little farm, but we might be able to take a holiday. We loved, our recent road trip, with all of us seeing and experiencing new things together. And this will help with Step 4.

4) Visit other places. Do I want to live somewhere else? If so where? What area most suits our needs, finances and wishes? Perhaps in the end, I will find this is the perfect area for us to live after all. But I need to know for certain. So more road trips it is.

What about you, what are you really wishing for?

And what are you doing to accomplish your goals?

'The Good Life'

There is an old saying: "start as you wish to continue."

If that's the case, things could be looking pretty bleak for the month of December. Despite my excitement of joining up with reverb'12, I have been finding it hard to get anywhere near the computer this week.

Oh, these December days are busy!

... and hot!

I am reminded of the kind words from Kat about reverb'12 - "be gentle" and then there are my own words from my last post, "December will not be perfect." So I'll do what I can, when I can.

As I have gone about my day, I have been constantly thinking of the daily prompts for reverb'12. It's good to think for a while, to ponder. I find that I have found a deeper meaning to the questions by doing this. Pondering, thinking, reminiscing, soul searching, evaluating, realising.

Reverb'12 Question 2: What was your most significant expenditure in 2012?

(It doesn't have to be necessarily the biggest expenditure, just the one with the most impact.
What difference has it made to your life?)



Of course, it is a book. 

'A Greener Life' is the book that has changed, not only my thinking, but the direction of my life and the path I want it to take for the future. I first discovered it in a coffee shop back in 2011. My daughter and I ate here for both breakfast and lunch on a day we spent in Toowoomba. 

Often my daughters slow eating can get a little frustrating, but on this day, I was grateful for it. With time on my side, I poured over every page and picture in this book. At this time in my life, my thoughts had only recently returned to my dream of owning a little hobby farm. After discovering this book, I was gone! There would be no turning back. All of my old ideas and dreams were re kindled. Here is was, contained in a beautiful photographed book for our times (yes, I do like books with pretty pictures) All of the inspiration and practical advise that I needed was within reach.

Growing your own food, looking after the soil, companion planting, herb gardens and herbal remedies, wild food and how to get it, livestock: cows, pigs, sheep, goats, poultry and game, preparing a bird for the pot, bee keeping, fish farming, domestic animal care, pests, candle making, soap making, weaving, felting, dying with natural dyes, knitting, quilting, mending, making butter, making cheese, baking bread, smoking, potting, and drying food, brewing, wine making, preserving, natural paints, alternative energy and homemade green cleaners.

This is how I wanted to live my life. OK, I realise that all of this is not going to happen. I know for a fact, that I am never going to buy a sheep, shear it, spin the wool and knit a jumper from it. But isn't nice to know that I could, if I really wanted to. In reality, I hope to end up with plenty of space for the kids to run around, a vegetable garden and a chicken coup. Then I can take on want I really want from there. I would be in a different place in my life. To buy a little hobby farm, adjustments and compromises would need to be made. So maybe some bees, maybe a few pigs, but maybe I will need to go to work full time instead. That is the future, I can dream and wish and hope for something, but I can not foresee the future.

This book is not a one stop shop of information. I am saying that this was the book that significantly changed things for me. It prompted me to pull a pile of self sufficiency books from my bookshelves and borrow similar kinds of books from the library. I joined a permaculture group and made more preserves than ever before.

At the start of this year, I was poking about on Book Depository and found a hardcover copy of this book for just $12.00! I bought it immediately and it sits either by my bed or on the coffee table for inspiration.

While we are on the subject of significant books. There are a few more that I read during 2012 that made quite an impact. Rhonda's wonderful book "Down to Earth" was a gift from a very special someone. And the other three were from the library (so not an expenditure) - "The Radical Homemaker" ,"Simplicity Parenting" and "Depletion and Abundance" All of these books have adjusted my way of looking at things and all of them, including "The Greener Life" came into my life at exactly the right time.

 What are you reading right now?

What books have made a dramatic impact on your life?

What was your most significant expenditure in 2012?

Reverb'12 - Day One: This Day

Firstly, lets pretend that I posted this last night (the actual first day of reverb12) 

I did write this last night, however, I was too exhausted to upload the photos. 

Read on - you will understand.

I am so very grateful that I found out about reverb12.

In a round about way, it found me.

Last year I took part in Blogotberfest, however this year I had barely blogged at all. Only days after returning to blogging regularly, I was contacted by the lovely Kat to join in with Blogotberfest 2012. I couldn't believe that I actually said yes. I certainly found my blogging rhythm again quickly, after months being away from this space.

What I also found on Kat's blog was this thing called 'reverb.' Intrigued, I read more about it, I got excited, ridiculously so, and I marked it in my diary.

So here we are now and 'reverb12' has started today. I feel a little giddy and I have butterflies in my tummy. I'm not sure why. The adventure perhaps? What will this month bring to being? I have felt this year whoosh past. I am excited that something, (a force bigger than me?) is making me stop and take notice of what is happening around me.

I guess my blog will take on a bit of a different feel over the next month. More, how I feel, rather than, what I did. But it is still the silly season and life goes on. There will be plenty of festive posts coming your way as well. 






Now, to start with the first question of the month:



I am sure that Kat didn't expect me to take her question prompts so literally, but today that is what I am going to do. Focusing mainly on today's happenings, I have written two answers to each question. I realise now, that how I felt this morning is different than how I feel tonight.



I read this post this morning before breakfast and this is how I felt.

How are you starting this last month of 2012?
 
how do you feel...

Overwhelmed... I'm not ready. I'm not ready for it to be December first. I not ready for Christmas and all of the pressures that it brings. I'm not ready for 2013 that will be here so very soon. I am expecting a lot from 2013. I want life to be different. I want to be different. It is overwhelming. 

how do you feel in your body?

I am not so tired today, I feel good in myself, I know things will get done. 

how do you feel in your mind?

My mind is unclear, fuzzy and filled with disorganised thoughts. 

Today has been set aside to decorate the house for Christmas, but this morning I spent over an hour sorting out the mess in my cd drawers, a job that has been on my 'to do' list for months. After breakfast, I re-organised the kids wardrobes!

how do you feel in your day job?

Today's plans have had to be changed. I had planned to spend this day at home, doing odd jobs and setting up the Christmas tree and decorations. But as of last night some changes have had to be made: grandparents need to be collected at the airport, extra groceries need to be bought, there is now a Christmas lunch to attend, and spray paint to buy. I need to realise that Christmas is not called the 'silly season' for nothing. 

I need to relax, because if there is anytime when I need to be flexible, it is this time of year. Does it really matter if the kids have ice-cream on a weeknight because I have run out of the organic yoghurt that I buy from half and hour away? Probably not!

how do you feel in your creative life? 

I haven't crafted for almost a year, a few months ago I contemplated giving away all of my fabric and moving my sewing machine to the garage. 

I'm glad that I didn't! Last week I found some Australiana tea towels that I had bought a while back. I spent a quiet afternoon cutting it into bunting pieces to add to my bunting, I had made in January. It was just that one, quiet afternoon that brought the joy of creating, back for me. As Christmas nears, I am bursting to start some Christmas crafting, however I know I will need to schedule it in if it is going to happen. It is safe to say, that my list is a little overwhelming (there's that word again!)

how do you feel in your heart?

Despite the chaos in my head, in my heart I feel at peace. There is acceptance and now my heart seems more open. I'm a little trepidatious for the future. But this morning, there is calm. 








As the day has ended, and with things a little more in place, I feel a little differently about the start of December.

How are you starting this last month of 2012?

how do you feel...

Hopeful... I am ready. I'm ready for it all. Life will not be perfect this December, but I can do my best, to be the best person that I can be, at any given time. Some days I won't feel like it. Some days we will eat eggs for dinner. Some days I will behave badly. But that is OK, at least I will be trying. Hoping and trying and doing and risking.  

Hopeful... because I have a much more achievable 'to do' list written out for tomorrow. There is nothing like crossing off a 'to do' list to give you hope and relieve the stress. 

how do you feel in your body?  

Happily exhausted from my day.


how do you feel in your mind? 

Tired, I believe the expression is 'brain dead.' I have over thought all aspects of my life today (and that's nothing to do with reverb12!) Maybe a movie now or just bed. Yes, sleep. Sleep would be sensible.

how do you feel in your day job? 

My day job can be challenging. Ah yes! I'm a stay at home Mum, most of the people in my family think I sit around and watch TV all day. 

Aspects of my day today, were challenging, but I was proud of the way that I handled the troubles with my children, everyday is a learning curve. Each day I am learning more and understanding more, which I think is the key. Some days I do well and others I do not. But I wouldn't change a thing. I can only aspire to do it better.

how do you feel in your creative life? 

I have minimised my craft 'to do' list since this morning. I have picked out the fabric for a Christmas bunting that I want to make, and have come to terms with the fact that my fabric advent calender may or may not be finished before Christmas. I hope to set aside an hour a day to craft. I'm  making it a priority, so we can have some handmade gifts under the tree. Handmade with love, is important to me. Creating is important to me.

how do you feel in your heart? 

My heart is full. It is filled to the brim with joy when I see my children take on the traditions and routines of our Christmas decorating."Who's turn is it to put the angel on the tree?" "Mum, put the Christmas Carol's on, Dad's got the tree out!" and oh so many more. These are traditions that I have either started, or passed on. It is wonderful to see them delight in the details of life that are so special to me.

I will (fingers crossed) be back later today to join in with Day Two.

And also today, I hope to post over at jelly peaches and ice-cream, all about my 'Nana inspired' roast chicken dinner.

Until then, I am pottering and pondering.

How about you? How are you starting this last month of 2012? Maybe you are joining in with reverb12 too?