Hanno and I will be at the Maleny Real Food Festival this Sunday. I'll be having a conversation on stage with the lovely Morag Gamble at 1.45 pm in the Eat My Words Hall. If you come along, please introduce yourself. I would like to meet you.
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Spending so much time in the backyard these past couple of weeks has allowed me to rethink my place here at home. I'm guessing I did all that thinking because we now have a table, chairs and umbrella right in the middle of the vegetable garden, and I've never sat there before. Of course, I've walked around the garden for endless hours and I've worked there, planting, weeding and watering, but sitting there doing nothing gets me thinking about the scheme of things and where I fit in. You know, the big questions, they're always there floating around at the back of my mind.
The main thing that's hitting me right now is how much I love being here; with each passing year that feeling grows stronger. I suppose I could say I'm savouring every moment: feeling the breeze on my face, smelling the orange blossoms, being comfortable in my own skin and knowing that I'm happy here. But it's much more than breathing in the fresh air and knowing we're living well, it's more about appreciating every day for what it gives us and not wanting what I don't have.
Contentment isn't about money, jobs, status or assets, it comes from an attitude of acceptance and gratitude, a feeling of self acceptance, being aware of what enough is and knowing that we have it. A quick glance at the TV news shows us that money and prestige don't bring happiness. I think potential for contentment and happiness is within us all but we only feel it growing when we unload all the excesses of life. I know a lot of you have done that. I have too but being here at home never fails to remind me that this kind of deep fulfilment is home grown.
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I completely agree. there's no place like home!
ReplyDeleteLovely words Rhonda. It *is* True; the more years go by, the greater the Gratitude for Simple Things; the process of each new day and all it brings.
ReplyDeleteI so anticipate to hear your positive reflections.
love ~Carolyne
ps.....I also know you'll love making "Miss Maggie Rabbit", Alicia's patterns are fun~!
"Contentment isn't about money, jobs, status or assets" - just today we talked about money and our six year old said: "Why we need lots of money? We have have air to breathe and thats enough."
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouraging words and thoughts!
This is so true! I really enjoyed reading this post Rhonda.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it lovely to finally be at that place in your life where contentment is easily found! It took me six decades of fretting and rushing about, but I have found peace in my existence, also. It is sublime. I hope you and Hanno spend many lovely moments at your garden table.
ReplyDeleteA lovely post, Rhonda. Ooh, I see you have bought Maggie Rabbit from Alicia Paulson. I can't wait to see her put together. Enjoy your garden spot,
ReplyDeleteCheers - Joolz xx
Wise words Ronda....it has taken me a long time to enjoy and be comfortable with "just being"... And I love it. enjoy the Festival on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteI still need have work to do to reach where you are now. I enjoy reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteClaudia in Kansas
Rhonda, I so want to meet you in person. Do you plan to do a book tour when you release your next book? Maybe if you are going to be in Victoria I will be able to get myself there to meet you.
ReplyDeletecheers Kate
Hi Kate, I haven't spoken to Penguin about the book tour yet. I might go to Tasmania. I'll find out soon.
Deleteoh wow, that would be so awesome. I'll watch for news about your launch tour.
DeleteWe were discussing the huge caravans and cars that regularly frequent our area during the cooler weather . I remarked that although they are beautiful I personally couldn't imagine any thing worse than holidaying that way . We have an older small Winnebago that ticks all our needs and we worked so hard to purchase it several years ago so our holidays in the future would be taken care of. Just a little bit of fuel and food and our holiday would be complete .. I thought it was brilliant when my husband also acknowledged how wonderful it is for people who own them but finished with " But it's just not us is it?' (Smiling to herself) no it's not us we've already found our happy place ... All Power and respect to those who need bigger and better but we're happy with enough..
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely post Rhonda.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder to be content with where I am and what I have. The less I have the richer I feel.
xTania
There time I just dream of all the cool and fun projects I could do once I retire. But I'm lucky that I only need to work part time.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on
I am learning this little by little as times goes on. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteI bought just the pattern for the rabbit and used my own supplies- they are so very cute especially the little boots.
ReplyDeleteSo very nicely written, reading your blog helps ground me and keep me on track. Thankful for home and what I can give my family through taking care of it. Blessings, Pam in Norway
ReplyDeleteOh! I too have miss Maggie rabbit - isn't she lovely, Alicia is so talented, you must show us when she is finished!
ReplyDeleteVery well stated, Rhonda. You just may have discovered the meaning of 'peace on earth'.
ReplyDeleteI do so love your blog, Rhonda. A cornucopia of knowledge and wisdom. It is about the essence of life and not about the fleeting virtuality that seems to pervade most of todays world.
ReplyDeleteOn a more practical note; love your chickens! The little curly one is hilarious. I have a new set of them as well (the old ones died of old age). Sweet, round and fluffy, Orpington bantams in a variety of colours, lovely disposition, slightly timid and very quiet chooks.
Thank you vroon. The little curly girl is a frizzle called Tricia. She's a real scream. I love Orpingtons and I love bantams although I've never had Orp bantams. I'm sure you have many happy years with them. xx
DeleteAs always, thank you, Rhonda.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Rhonda. Contentment comes from being grateful for what we have.
ReplyDeleteLove the chookie photos, Rhonda! After reading your post about how much you enjoy sitting in your back yard, I have come to the conclusion that my favourite spot is also our back yard, sitting at the table watching the chooks and the aviary birds. They are all so busy in their little worlds :-)
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