Almost there

Just three more days before it's officially spring but already, the weather has been absolutely spring-like. Beautiful sunny days, interspersed with fresh breezes. Flowering trees. So much green.

In embracing the season, I have decided to nurture my body, soul and spirit. I have been doing long walks in the morning and then opening all the doors and windows when i get back home to let in the sunshine. The simple act of opening makes me feel better- no more shutting out but letting in- letting in the good, the lovely. I put on some jazz and sit down to a leisurely breakfast whilst spending time with God- swiss muesli with strawberries and soy milk or wholegrain toast with butter and honey and some English breakfast tea. And then i read blogs and start on my work, taking a break if i need it. A freshly squeezed fruit juice in the afternoon completes the routine. And for dinner, no more heavy stews. Instead, an Indian curry pilaf, a potato and sausage salad, fish and steamed vegetables.

I feel more alive now, letting go of the past that used to haunt me everyday and running towards the future, embracing it and letting the goodness seep into my skin.

Glad i've waited for so long

I walk past this jasmine bush all the time. In the last two weeks, i've been scrutinising it every time i walk by to see if the flowers have bloomed. Today, i wasn't disappointed. There it was- one little white flower. I was so tempted to pluck it but i resisted, not wanting to spoil the joy of any other spring lover who may have been waiting for this bush to be in full bloom.

Life has been good. Really busy but i'm enjoying it. I had my first dress fitting on Monday and it was nice to see my dress again. I had completely forgotten what it looked like on me. I had brought my shoes with me (they match!) and when i was told by the seamstress to hold my chin up and walk, i felt absolutely regal. The only alteration to be made is to shorten the length of the dress by an inch or so. Everything else fits like a glove.

I have my make up trial next Saturday and then a pre-wedding shoot with our photographer at Bronte. We also have two weddings to attend in the next 3 weeks. Tomorrow, we fly to Townsville for Jon's sister, Felicity's, wedding. Then comes the hair trial two weeks after, which is when i assume all the madness will begin- seating plans, place cards, flowers (which we have planted- white daisies! My favourite!), waiting for our rose petals to arrive, finalising the music (i have found the perfect song for when we sign the register- We are man and wife by Michelle Featherstone. And it was also played in the One Tree Hill Nathan + Hayley wedding episode- a plus since i love this show.) First dance is Songbird by Eva Cassidy, another one of my favourites. I absolutely adore Eva.) and gosh, everything else that i'm sure will pop up.

But wow, what an amazing season this is for me. I am relishing it.

baby's back

I've been back in Sydney for three days and every single one of those days has involved me going to the beach. Apart from Jon and my closest friends, it's probably one of the biggest things i missed about Sydney whilst i was away having a fantastic time in Singapore.

On Sunday, Jon and i went to Bronte beach in the afternoon for some fish and chips. It was just so right being back there- listening to conversations, people swimming because it was relatively warm, beach towels, families milling around, fish and chips. We sat on the grass, talked and ate, enjoying each company with every bite; savouring the brush of his arm against mine, something i had missed trmendously whilst away- physical closeness with him.

Jon also treated me to afternoon tea out at Double Bay after lunch. We found out that a cute little cafe we had visited back in January had closed down so we looked for another and went into one with loud waiters and a generally fun atmosphere. I had a soy latte made perfectly, which is always pleasing to the palate (and soul).

These past two mornings, my flatmate and i have been going to Bondi beach to do the coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte. It's been really good- heaps of steps and hills. Time to get fit again so sickness stays far, far away from me. I also visited Norton St grocer yesterday and got a lot of fruit and veggies. They all looked amazingly fresh.

So, it's good to be back. It's good to have Special K with cranberries and almonds for breakfast again. It's good to sleep on my bed. It's good to smell the fresh air. It's good to see cherry blossoms and magnolia trees blooming. It's good to know that spring officially starts in about 17 days. It's good to know that the wedding is in seven and a half weeks. It's good to be emotionally better after my trip. It's good to be back in Jon's arms, to hold his hand whilst walking, to kiss him, to be even more in love with him now than i was before.