Grand

This lovely lady arrived today. My beautiful Aunty Sue bequeathed to me my Grandmother's piano. She told me awhile ago that this was her intention. She thought we would most appreciate it, us Smiths, being a keen musical bunch. At the time, I had no idea that it would be arriving so soon.

The piano is a grand old lady. The story goes that my grandmother, Dorothy, loved a singalong and was a star whistler. She would stand by the piano and whistle to entertain her family and guests. I never met my Grandmother and I really wish I had. It's only since becoming a parent that I have realised what I missed out on, growing up grandparent-less, and how hard that must have been for my parents of 7.

My Dad always loves a singalong too and would often burst into a little Al Jolson or Johnny Mercer in a deep, warm baritone, weird, ancient songs to a little girl of the 70s. I just opened the piano stool and there they all were, hits by Bing Crosby, an Al And Johnny and old time movie hits, ageing sheet music unearthed like treasure. And in the bottom of the stool, I found this beautiful sheet music that brought a smile and a tear. The music for 'Georgia On My Mind' ... my song. Men of Sue and Dad's vintage would often break into this one when they learnt my name. And Dad (and Ray Charles) would sing this one just for me, I am sure.

Thanks Sue. It's such an grand legacy. It's an honour to have the Sutton song and spirit in the house. A grand old lady passed on from two very grand old ladies.

Conversations with Children (Mothers' Day)

Me: Do you like any girls at school Sacha?
Sophie: Yes
Sacha: giggle
Me: Who is it?
All: muchos giggling
Sophie: Her name is ... Invisi-babe.


They are completely crackers, but what would we do without them (apart from sleep, drink too much, dance all night and have disposable income?)

Happy Mothers' Day Ladies!

Before

So, I've signed myself up for a bit of a physical readjustment/overhaul/revolution and start a 12 week Body transformation next Monday. Needless to say I am shitting myself.

The program requires focus, discipline, commitment and organisation in order to transcend to a higher physical level. So, I am wondering if you can buy those traits at the gym with your protein powder, because I don't have a clue where I left mine. Maybe under that pile of discarded soccer gear on the living room floor? Or the pile of bills, drawings and important school notices on the ... hang on, I just need to finish the washing up and did I just eat that last biscuit?

Hmmm...

The transformation plan has been motivated by the many reminders of mortality that I've experienced lately, and by turning 40. No one wants to be fat and 40. I want a nice, long, able-bodied life. And I certainly haven't gone through the joys motherhood to drop off the perch early or be too unfit to play with the grand kiddies when they eventually arrive, not if I can help it.

The only times I have ever really lost weight, as an adult, have been through the power of sheer, anxious and dedicated self-loathing. Starvation diets, no exercise and it was all about looking good. Like being thin is the best thing you can be and being fat is by far the worst. Ridiculous. Now that I have actually learned to like myself a bit, I thought it was a good time to love myself healthy instead. Ew, that sounds a bit untidy but you know what I mean.

Today is weigh in and measure day. Yipes! It is a sad moment when you realise you are a 'Before' photo. But the hope for a better 'After' is tantalising.

Now, I am off to unearth that focus and discipline ... It must be around here somewhere.

Autumn Hols

These school holidays have been sweet.

This late coming Autumn has a beautiful soft feeling and with the luthier working from his atelier in the garden, our small life has a rhythm and flow.

Of course with the school holidays comes the bickering and the mess, and the job of short-order chef. But Monday will come fast, with its lunch boxes to fill and socks to find, so Monday can take its sweet time. And besides, I'll miss them.

Yesterday Sophie had been quietly and intently drawing away for quite some time, when suddenly she looked up and exclaimed 'Hang on! I've been entertaining myself!'

Perfect. That's what school hols and slow, sweet time is all about.