Half Year Resolutions...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 07:00:00 +0000

What the last 6 months has taught me, the next 6 months will inspire me to...

Spend the rest of this year, more mindful slowing down to enjoy the present - not always planning ahead;

But remembering also, to plan ahead! Set goals for myself, because I work better when I'm working towards something...

To hold my babies tight, and make one-on-one time, with each of the five of them, so they all know how especially special they are : )

Go for Winter walks with my bestie;

Get back to playing my piano, and preparing to record that solo album;

Finish this weight loss thing, and move into maintenance mode once and for all;

Eat clean, and organic and fresh - for body, mind and soul;

And then indulge once in a while!

To stop eating my feelings - and start blogging of them, again.

{Oh, and now I've spoilt the ending}...

Get back to my blogging, I have missed this place, and those who I read, and who drop by for a gander at the aspects of this, my poetic life.

It feels so good to be back!

Talk soon,

Shell xx

Merry Little Christmas...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 06:11:00 +0000

{www.thebirdsongblog.blogspot.com}

Need I say more..?

Shell xx

Post Script: I pray your Christmas was very Merry also! xx

On our Anniversary...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 04:36:00 +0000

You couldn't be here, because you're working so hard abroad to keep our bills paid and our family fed (and a little extra money for Christmas).

Yet you still spoke to me the moment you woke up, by saying Good Morning in your sweet and loving tone.

You still sent me flowers, delivered with love and a hug by a surprise visitor... *thank you*

You wrote me a text which said: "If I could do it all over, the only change I'd make is to meet you sooner."

You still made me feel special, and so loved even from afar.

For Sixteen years I have been your girl. And I will love you with all that I have, until forever.

Shell xx

12.12.12...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 04:17:00 +0000

It's been an extraordinary year, round here.

First I have to come to you and say how sorry I am for not visiting, and commenting on your blogs more often, for not making more posts of my own in this space, for not sharing my journey of late in as much detail as I would have liked to. And believe me, I would have liked to...

You see, my family and I have been thrown into an ongoing crisis by an outside predator for the past twelve and a half months now. I know you will understand that I cannot talk about the details, and you will pray, or wish us well anyway.

This crisis has been like a fire that tore through my poetic life, leaving the ground blackened, and the sky grey...

Within me, it brought out a very primal 'fight or flight' instinct - which is what caused me to start running and losing weight, toning my body into a stronger machine - a part of my life I had let slip away into a sea of denial and a few too many cupcakes!

I pour my heart out to you now, and why now? Why today, and not some other day? Because of this amazing date of wondrous repetition. Because the number twelve feature's in my blog's title? Because it finally feels like time? And I am finally ready to share...

I have been so guarded, and hasten to admit, so uninspired to post because I have been so underneath the monster, licking my wounds on more days then not.

I have only had the energy to keep my children calm, my husband supported, and my house tended to, and to get up in the morning before they wake and rebuild myself mentally and physically by working out - I have obsessed over fitness and overall wellness for something other than the crisis to obsess over! I hope this is making sense?!

So in many ways I feel like the little flower that bloomed, in spite of the burnt and blackened ground. That fire which aims to destroy everything always underestimates the plight and vigour of new life born in the aftermath.

And just like that flower, we grow up. We grow back.

Wider eyed and thicker skinned.

More poetic is a life which faced the fire, and lived to tell.

Shell xx

Castle on a cloud...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 05:19:00 +0000

I've been whirling through my days with a spring in my step, but so many steps in each day that my feet feel as though they don't touch the ground.

I am climbing the mountain, running on the tracks, changing nappies, washing clothes, cleaning (so. much. cleaning)... lifting weights, eating fresh and clean. Loving my five babies and tending to each of their different and changing needs. Holding hands with my husband, and with his support, I am currently in rehearsals for my first musical theatre performance...

I am more excited than I can say, and I can't give much more than that away before opening night!

I feel like I have a new body, and with it, a new journey and a new confidence to make these new connections and lean a new type of singing and performance.

I am walking amongst, befriending, acting and signing with people I had never met before September when I first auditioned. But already they feel like kin. Such an amazing cast and a wonderful production. I have taken a leap, come on home, this place is my place. These people, are my people.

Shell xx

Ridiculous Self Portrait Series #5...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 21:49:00 +0000

Shell xx

Enter November...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 12:06:00 +0000

I woke up this morning and realised that somewhere, amongst the washing piles, the care taking, the care giving, the daydreaming and a million other miscellaneous tasks - it had somehow become November, without my permission.

So in my dismay, I thought how better to calm my raging spirit than to reflect on the past couple of months (which I suspect have been lagging longer than that!) by exhibiting some of the photographs which I've managed to frame within my increasingly wonderful, stressful, hope filled, very real, sometimes frightening and alway poetic, life...

From top to bottom:
- Spring time Floriade + Sean within an origami forrest,

- A trio of a day's eats,

- The first salad leaves from my kitchen garden,

- A crafty progress before & after shot made by my sister in law in the same place one year on,

- Celebrating 9 months of running

- Resting and sunning my feet in the Spring sunshine

- Our wonderful Halloween Jacker-lantern

and

-My boys on the day bed, being beautiful.

Shell xx

Of Trials and travels pt 3...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 04:25:00 +0000

It seems like too many weeks have gone by without me finding, or making the time to post about our family's September adventures in South Australia. So above are the rest of the sights from our travels:

An emotional visit with my beloved Omi, whose face, and heart are softer than velvet, and sweeter than honey.

One of many delicious family picnics in the September valley's sunshine enjoying the local produce.

German style delicatessens which feel as though time be standing still, and are all the better for it.

And my love, and I. In Hardorf on the way home feeling the chill of the Adelaide Hills, and loving every moment of that...

With love, and apologies for my tardiness.

Shell xx

Of Trials and travels pt 2...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 02:04:00 +0000

I spent most of the weekends of my childhood visiting my beloved grandparents in the Barossa Valley.

So to come back here, as a woman, with my family and explore the beauty of this special place again has been magical.

Wonderful.

Restorative.

And like a sort of homecoming.

So many things are coming full circle for me right now...

With love,

Shell xx

Of trials and travels pt 1...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:41:00 +0000

Oh blimey! Welcome and good day to the wonderful Australian season of Spring!

I cannot believe I didn't make time to post a poetic little entry to welcome her in and to take photos of blossoms! I feel like my life is moving so very fast that I cannot keep up with some of the things I enjoy most of all, like being a blogging goddess!

In truth, I have been away on an adventure across the country and down south to my home town of Adelaide to be a guest at the wedding of my handsome younger brother. And since he has not permitted me to post any photos of him, or the wedding on the internet as yet, you will have to look at one of me in my outfit for the fine occasion! Lucky you!

We made it a family affair all round, and frolicked in the slightly warmer weather, marvelled and played at the base of the ancient fig trees in the Botanical Gardens, took the kids to the Zoo and Museums while in town.

There is more to share, and more to say but before I go for now, how have you been?

I would so dearly like to know!

Shell xx

Bush walking at the Springs...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 07:50:00 +0000

In the cool, clean air of the great Australian bush it's hard not to become inspired...

I know I don't come here often enough, but when I do, I truly remember to take the time to breath and pray and be present here, with my family...

Shell xx

Dancing in the city for Canberrang!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 04:00:00 +0000

On my Campbell's 12th Birthday!

It is difficult to imagine anything else to be as much fun as this!

Happy and Glorious...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 23:26:00 +0000

{Photo from the ABC}

{Photo by news.com.au}

I watched the entire opening ceremony for the London Olympic Games last week with a tear in my eye, and a smile on my face. I sang, God Save the Queen at the top of my voice, I both laughed and cried. Completely wonderful. That's all!

My heart beamed and swelled for Great Britain, for London, for the world. The magnificence of athleticism, the brilliance of determination, and the impressiveness of skill, talent and achievement at this height of athleticism.

I am not just watching the games for my country Australia, I am watching as many athletes as I can, from anywhere in the world in order to celebrate and be inspired by people who have chosen to give their all to their particular sport.

And for me personally, I am a little more tearful this time round watching the Olympics when I witness the passion and the determination required to break through into excellence. Because having now lost nearly 30 kilograms {66 pounds} so far this year - I feel I have come a little of that way to excellence myself... ; )

God bless!

Shell xx

My Winter Brood...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 13:49:00 +0000

Our winter has been a very special one.

We have taken hold of every (rare) moment to be all together,

And made wonderful times and lasting memories happen...

We have braved the cold

and ventured outdoors

to have good times

and to take in winter's freshest air

on some if it's chilliest days.

But in of doors,

my home is the warmest and cosiest of cottages to return to,

to escape such cold.

And though my blog space has definitely been a little too quiet of late -

be assured, that in my little house of green

myself and my darling winter brood

are brimming, and thriving

with signs and sounds of life,

and health,

and love!

Shell xx

Instagram-ing...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 10:45:00 +0000

Out to dinner for a rare and romantic treat, with my tall, my handsome, my best of friends, who flies in and out with much frequency, but never leaves my heart, and is ever my sweetheart. Where ever he be.

Shell xx

Fit, for a Queen...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 22:45:00 +0000

I simply adore the queen! And I have borrowed, (not only one of her family photos!) but also a little of her English summer here in Australia, by cheering along with the diamond Jubilee celebrations - staying up late and marvelling at the telecasts of the various events over the last weekend...

My friend is due to away before long now and I am always heart warmed by his gentle reading voice to stories and narratives to our babes at night before bed...

Me, I have been working up a sweat and keeping to a fitness regime which is paying off in more ways than I could ever have imagined - I feel like a worrier of strength, to strength, to strength! And more like my real self, really, than ever...

On Monday - which was our official Queen's Birthday holiday - I baked scones and shared them with cream, butter, streamers and jam!

We built a bon fire in the evening and put on our winter-warmest-wool-and-wellies to enjoy the festivities on a particularly chilliy night, gathered around the fire, we toasted marshmallows and chatted and celebrated in the name of the life, the service and the gracious longevity of such a magnificent queen!

Shell xx

Welcome Winter...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 12:22:00 +0000

We've got the beginning of Winter round here and I's got me a new mini skirt!

No frost on me baby!

Shell xx

See no grey...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 30 May 2012 10:49:00 +0000

As I pull open the cotton curtains in the sunroom on a foggy end-of-Autumn early morning, my friend remarks to me, 'gosh it's awfully grey out there!'

I look, but I see no grey.

I put on my shoes and twist in my headphones, open the door up and I go out to run.

I see golden leaves almost completely fallen before the impending winter, houses in the suburbs quiet and still, fellow joggers focused but friendly as they pass me on the track. I see the pounds falling away from my body, as the weeks go by...

There is no grey. I am alight with every colour.

Shell xx

To all the Mother hearts...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 13 May 2012 06:03:00 +0000

Today is Mother's Day here in Australia, and I must say I have had a superb day!

I ran 6 kilometres in the early, still cool Autumn morning -

Had pancakes with blueberries + freshly picked raspberries, lemon and maple -

I lunched with my loves along with a multitude of other mothers whom I admire and adore -

And in the afternoon we did a little dancing + photo shoot with the five little people whom I have the honour and the privilege of being mother to...

Blessings to all the mother hearts, everywhere.

Shell xx

Autumn's finery...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:04:00 +0000

Taking time to think up thoughts

and consider the next few weeks

with my husband/best friend away again

Finding beautiful places where Autumn goes to town

in all of it's finery to do such thinking.

Obsessing (in these thoughts) about weight loss & running

But also remembering to slow,

and to stroll...

~ all things in moderation ~

So in taking time to think up thoughts

I celebrate the day with distance running

followed by hot porriage

Strong tea to counter

the Autumn chill

Warm words to love and support my husband from afar...

Finding new ways to nourish my children

and myself

in every way.

Every day,

I celebrate.

Shell xx

Sunday/Monday...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 07:42:00 +0000

So after an absolute marathon of a Saturday [pun intended] - my friend and I decided we would make a true culinary treat of our Sunday - because while working hard is my favourite pass time - playing hard, and eating well is the delight and the balance of what life is all about in my opinion! And what better way to treat one's self than with homemade Sunday brunch!

Cucumber sandwiches, fresh fruit, poached eggs & sourdough toast!

And I whipped up my first ever batch of buttery homemade scones from an old English recipe!

On Monday the banquet continued after I rose with the sun and laced up my running shoes to complete another 4K run before diverting past my raspberry bush for these beauties to jazz up my porridge!

And lunch looked like left over quiche, freshly picked parsley, carrot sticks, hommus and green tea.

It felt like a celebration. Which food always is to me. I love being more accountable for what I eat of late, which somehow, and most unusually, makes every meal I prepare and partake in taste even better!

Wishing you a delicious week!

Shell xx

{Red earrings} Run Faster...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 06:54:00 +0000

When I decided to learn to run in 8 weeks with the 5K Runner app back in January, I never realised how it was going to make every single step I took, and hopefully will ever take, more confident, more focused (body and mind), and more forward than ever before...

Then when I decided to get the right shoes for my green little runner's feet in February, I could not have known how good it would be for me to run with the right gear - with thanks to great advice from the shoe fitting lady - and the woman sitting next to me also buying shoes who, knowing these were my first ever running shoes, suggested I enter the 5K event at the Australian Running Festival.

But today, I know...

I know about training, and energy, and sweat, and nervousness, the buzz of the crowd assembling to run, and family on the sidelines to cheer. The sound of the stater horn, and the thumping of hundreds of surrounding pairs of feet.

Of the fresh air, observing beautiful old oaks and pines in a stunning old Canberra district. Of careful, measured breaths, and knowing that red earrings, run faster!

Of hearing my Nike+GPS app in my pocket counting down the Kilometers, and knowing I had run them, every step. Of keeping upright, and reminding myself to always look forward, never down...

Of being tired and wanting to stop, but not stopping. Just keeping going, with just a prayer in my heart, a mantra in my mind, my love running by my side, and complete, sheer determination to get to the finishing line.

And today, I did it!

That's all.

Shell xx

Easter on my table...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 11:09:00 +0000

Over the last few days there have been many Easter activities and preparations happening on and around my table(s).

On Good Friday my children, along with one of my nieces & two of my nephews all painted eggs together and talked about the wonderful, inspiring love of a God who would allow his only son to die for all of our sins...

Many attractive baskets were assembled and photographed!

For lunch on Easter Sunday today, I went the whole 'hog' and put on a roast, with baked potatoes, carrot, onion, corn and peas as a celebration of new life

~ a risen Lord ~

a sunny autumn day, and as a homecoming feast for my dearest and darling-est husband who has been away for nearly this entire month past!

With benches cleared, and the dishwasher on, I spent the afternoon at my sunroom table decorating edible Easter gifts for my beautiful extended family in preparation for an afternoon tea (which was actually incredibly wonderful mother-in-law homemade coffee!) + an easter egg hunt for the children amongst the trees and groves of our precious garden home.

So I have spent the weekend with my table covered in homemade treats, and handmade offerings for a season which I always proclaim as a particular favourite - for the beautiful crisp time of year, for the symbolism, the incredible love and the sacrifice from my God, made for me. And for the occasion to make beauty and love, an extra special priority, for my family, from my table.

Happy Easter. With all my blessings to you and yours.

Shell xx
xx
xx

Swinging on swings...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:37:00 +0000

Autumn evenings are delicious. They are the last hurrah of Summer's warm, long nights, with a hint of a chill, in their breeze. They are perfect for walking to the shops with children on their bikes, and for sipping ice creams before swinging on swings.

Autumn evenings are delicious things!

Shell xx

Up and Running...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 02:58:00 +0000

Just wanted to tell you that - I finished this app!

***

For 8 Weeks I have trained 3 times a week

come rain, or shine.

Committing myself completely to the trainer's instruction.

And this morning I ran my first,

5 Kilometre {non-stop} run!

It has been an incredible journey - a life changing one!

I have had to channel both my courage

and my headstrong determination

to get through these weeks.

I am both surprised at, and proud of myself

beyond words!

This is not about to become a fitness and weight loss blog,

And while on the subject of blogging, I realise and humbly apologise

for not posting here as much as I should have lately!

And even though I have lost over 10 kgs! (22 pounds) in 8 weeks-

-the emotional, and spiritual benefits I have been blessed

with as a result of this adventure, carry a greater measure of importance to me...

Because this is, and has ever been

a lifestyle blog

about wellness in every realm and aspect,

of this poetic life!

And thus, I have turned a new corner,

and discovered yet another way,

to have passion, to create joy

seize the day,

and be glad in it!

Shell xx

More Than Twelve Short Stories...

Half Year Resolutions...

Merry Little Christmas...

On our Anniversary...

12.12.12...

Castle on a cloud...

Ridiculous Self Portrait Series #5...

Enter November...

Of Trials and travels pt 3...

Of Trials and travels pt 2...

Of trials and travels pt 1...

Bush walking at the Springs...

Dancing in the city for Canberrang!

Happy and Glorious...

My Winter Brood...

Instagram-ing...

Fit, for a Queen...

Welcome Winter...

See no grey...

To all the Mother hearts...

Autumn's finery...

Sunday/Monday...

{Red earrings} Run Faster...

Easter on my table...

Swinging on swings...

Up and Running...