Tuscan Afternoons { When You're Not in Tuscany }

When I woke this morning, it was weirdly hazy.

And it's funny because it was also warmer than usual, and as I stepped outside, I felt like I was somewhere else...

The warmth and the subdued light.

Then, this afternoon as I drove north along the Pacific Highway towards the Gold Coast I realised that it was smoke; there was obviously a rather large fire just to the south of Tweed Heads and as the sun started to set everything was turning to honey.

And I was in Tuscany. 

Beautiful, beautiful Tuscany! Ahhhhh, to travel when you are not travelling. Dreamy bliss!!

I pulled the car over to breathe it in and capture its glory. A few minutes later as I crossed the Tweed River the golden ball of sun slipped deeper into the smoke and turned into a perfect crimson sphere. There was nowhere to stop so that moment just stains my memory with its beauty right now... but I at least have this one to share with you.

When was the last time you were transported to another time and place? Tell me, tell me.
Amber. XO

152/365 Living The Country Life

Morning sunshine on dew. Newrybar. 

129/365 Sunshine Paradise

Yesterday was Mother's Day.

And, well, hey, I thought we had already celebrated but - apparently I was wrong! My boys x 3 decided to spoil me rotten *smile* and it was actually my best Mother's Day yet I think. Which kind of rocked! It was simple and earthy and delicious. And healing.

French toast, coffee and magazines at home. Tea and a massage in Byron. And a beach picnic that spilt into sunset-hour. Glory. I'll put together a post in the next few days :)

How was Mother's Day in your house this year? x

Early Morning Raindrops

I grew up an early bird. I always loved mornings. But about four or five years ago I started sleeping in... or, to be more precise, going to sleep later AND waking later.

Maybe it was motherhood catching up on me. 

An attempt to fill a chasm of sleep-deficit. Maybe. And definitely driven by a need to carve out time for myself after everyone else had fallen asleep.

It's been a strange thing. T has been pretty kind about it and in fact has taken the role of our house early-bird. But, I miss the things you miss when you sleep in. 

I miss the light. 

The raindrops. 

The air. 

The silence. 

The peace.

And so I'm trying to go to bed earlier. In an attempt to be present. 

And these are the gifts that it gave me today :)

nb: Part of my inspiration is the Breakfast Club Diaries group. An invitation to capture first light. Have you joined us yet? x

113/365 Breaking Dawn

6:45am.
Alexandra Headland. Queensland.

108/365 Morning Light

8am. Good Friday. Interior.

99/365 Dogwalk

Finally everyone is home!  Let the dog-walking commence.
#happydays