New Blog Address.

My new blog address is up and officially live :)

Although I'll keep this page open for a tiny bit longer.....all new posts will be happening on the new URL from today.

Please head over to www.claireeverafter.com and continue being apart of my bloggy journey there!

Its EXACTLY the same content {I transferred over the past 4 years worth of posts} but simply under a new name and URL. With the closing of my business; Scissors Paper Rock - it was a fresh start I needed. A way to continue writing and sharing, but under a more relevant name and title :)

The new space feels revived and fresh. I feel inspired.

I am in the process of moving over all feeds, subscriptions and followers {BlogLovin' and Networked Blogs}, but if by any chance I vanish from your emails/feed/updates, then please find my new URL and re-follow.

Thanks for all the support. See you all over at CLAIRE EVER AFTER.

Mwah

22/52

{A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013}

Ryder: You wouldn't know from looking at this photo, but he's currently got a middle ear infection and a swollen, red throat. Ugh....the winter bugs have already crept in. But in true Ryder style, he's all smiles and cheek. Loving a moment, all of his own, at the park. Top of the slide - King of the Castle.  

Ella: My little fairy in the garden. Exploring the park. Busy in her own little land of play. 

Joining in with Jodi.

Hope you're all having a fab weekend.

My new blog URL is up and working. This week I will do an official switch over to it. I hope to see you there!!!!! www.claireeverafter.com

Stay tuned....

What we're reading.

In an attempt to slow down the pace of our life and the busyness of our days, I've been delving into lots of reading again. As much as I love the online world and the instant-ease of technology, I still love nothing more than a traditional paper book. In fact, I've developed a little bit of a book buying addiction. I have more books to read than I can keep up with - but that's ok. There's something so calming and beautifully solitary about loosing yourself in a book and the feel of the paper underhand.

I thought I'd share with you a few of our current reads....

I started reading Carry On Warrior by Glennon Melton on the plane last weekend. And am hooked.

It's one of those books that just speaks to me. That's what I love most about Memoirs - you can find ways to completely connect with them. No, my life does not mirror hers - in fact we have SO many differences. But we also have so many similarities that hit-home with me. I love the new perspective a Memoir can give. And Glennon's book is one I just can't get enough of. She's funny, and witty and brutally honest. She talks about past addictions, motherhood, God, betrayed marriages and more. She throws in twists when you're least expecting them and her ability to carry on.....is inspiring!

Next on my reading pile is: Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. A few people {online friends} have highly recommended this book for an insightful and thought-provoking read. I'll let you know what I think once I'm done. {along with the other 405 400 books that await my attention haaa}

Whilst in Melbourne, we went to several kid's bookstores. I finally got to step foot into The Little Bookroom on Degraves St. It was all kinds of delightful. I bought Ella "Zog" by Julia Donaldson.

A little further down the main street in the city, we came across a 'everything $5' store. I bought Ryder 2 books. One was this {above} "Machines - Touch and Feel" book. And boy oh boy, does he love it? It's hardly left his hands all week. He carries it around, sets up seat on the couch or the stairs or the coffee table and turns to his favourite page, every time - the Diggers & Trucks page of course. And together we talk about trucks and dirt and rocks and noise and diggers.

With Ella now bringing home daily readers from school, we're not getting as much time to dig into many other books. However, during an afternoon play session, on weekends or before bed, we bring out some of her faves to enjoy together. At the moment she is loving Grandpa's Gold by Robin Adolphs {which we went to the book launch for and it was fabulous fun}, and Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andrede. Both of these have a catchy storyline and fun illustrations. 

Chris isn't much of a bookreader. However he spends probably 80% of his time at work; reading. Reading and writing and corresponding. And he is always up to date with the latest news around the world, as reading the news headlines online is one of the first things he does each day. He keeps me updated, as I rarely hit these websites.

So, that's what we're reading at the moment! And please tell me, what are you reading or what do you recommend we read next??

I'm such a book nerd these days. My eighth grade English teacher would be so proud :)

My book launch is on JULY 13th. Check out my website for details and subscribe to my newsletter.

Waves.

I've often learned that the ups and downs of life come in waves. For some; the ups seem to rise more frequently - their life is abundant with perfect peaks, and for others the downs hang around longer, all wishy-washy and hard.

I don't nesseesscarily believe in luck, as I've seen bad things happen to good people. But with that said, every now and then; I do believe in some aspects of Karma. And I definitely believe in living well, staying positive and being kind. Always.

There's been times in my life, when things are going just a little too perfectly, and I await the arrival of the inevitable dumping wave. The wave that sucks you up, throws you around and heaves you down - leaving you feeling drained and wasted and almost lifeless. And because I know those types of waves are just apart of life - I try to accept them, attempt to embrace them and then with all my might - survive them.

Maybe we have to experience the bad.....simply so we appreciate the good?

During my 30 years of life, I've surfed beautiful, crystal formed waves. The type that peak and roll and glisten. Waves that make you feel on top of the world. They bring good materialist things; like holidays and new handbags and fancy meals out. Blessed things like new houses, family support and connected friendships. Miraculous things like pregnancies, marriages, love, healthy children and good health.

More good things have happened in my life than bad. And for that I'm grateful.

But of course, like everyone on this journey of life - I've experienced many dumping waves too. Bad relationships, unkind words and money troubles. Pregnancy losses, surgery and tragedies. Death, grief and loss. I've felt pain. I've questioned the world and the universe many times.

After the high of the weekend and the abundance it brought, I was catapulted back into reality yesterday at my post-surgery checkup. It's been a month since the operation and I was assuming yesterday's appointment would be a quick "everything went well, you feel good, you recovered great, you're all fixed - see you in 6 months for a Pap Smear" But it wasn't. The specialist delivered bad news. News that again - could've been worse.....but could've been better.

Seems that the disease had spread deeper and further than they had anticpated. Although, I'm still pre-cancerous, some abnormal cells still remain in my cervix. Cells that can't be left or ignored. Cells that will multiply and turn invasive overtime. So again, in 8 weeks, I face another procedure and more tests! Ugh!

A plan will be concocted once that procedure has been done and the pathology results are in, but from the specialists' persistent questions about fertility and our plans to grow our family - I'm dreading what the 'outcome' will be.

I never thought at 30, I'd face this. And to be honest, I'm exhausted from the mental drain of all of this.

I have to keep reminding myself though - it could be worse. Compared to some people's story - I ain't got nothing.

I am blessed. Life is beautiful:::::::: My mantra at the moment.

What waves are you riding at the moment? Hopefully the perfectly formed peaks of happiness and calm!!! If not, hang in there....they'll come!

Stills. The Melbourne Edition.

1. Two glasses of Chandon, all foggy and sweet.

2. We stumbled across a second hand book market. I was in heaven.

3. A real Autumn-covered ground.

4. Chris about to devour his entree' at dinner, Friday night.

5. Saturday's Breakfast menu.

6. A gorgeous, glary City view.

7. Side street fruit vendor.

Linking up with Em today.

A Weekend in Melbourne

Sorry for my lack of presence here in Bloggy Land lately.

I once read a poster that said "Live first, Blog later". So, that's what I've been doing. And this weekend was all about living. I did not open my laptop screen once and although I love this blog and writing about my adventures, the break was also very welcome.

Chris was in the USA all of last week for a very quick business trip. And when I say quick - I mean he spent more time traveling & sitting on planes than he did actually in America. However he got to explore San Francisco briefly and was captivated & keen to explore again. One day, not too soon though! Enough planes and time zones for now :)

Before the USA trip was booked we had arranged a child-free weekend in Melbourne to conincide with the AFL Dreamtime Game. It was kind of a big deal - to be traveling interstate for a whole weekend - leaving children behind. The USA trip slightly changed our plans - resulting in Chris and I meeting in Melbourne instead of traveling down together.  

I hate flying. With all of my being. But it's a means to an end, it's a convenience and it's the one thing I have to deal with, if I want to live an adventurous, big life.

Every plane flight over the past 5 years, I've done with a baby, toddler or both in tow. I've been distratced by bottles and snacks and Dora movies and tantrums. But this time, I had to face my fear; head on.....on my own.

I'll be honest. I was a mess. After a week of single parenting and very little sleep, I dropped Ella at school and Ryder at Chris's parent's house, and headed down to the Gold Coast airport, solo. It was rainy and windy and miserable. My heart was racing, I was sweating. I was a knot of anxiety. Anxious about leaving the kids for a whole weekend. Anxious about being 2 states away from them. And very VERY anxious about the flight. I cried.

I only just admitted this to Chris the other night - and am now taking a jump and admitting to you guys too. This is depressing and slightly horrific.....but everytime I get onto a plane, I'm convinced it's my last living hours. I look at the other people on board and ponder that these are the people I will die with. I feel lousy writing that. Dramatic even. But it's how my brain works as I come face to face with one of my biggest fears. Chris and I talked about it. He asked when the fear of flying began for me. And as I tracked back through my years of travel - it was indeed since Nick's crash and death in 2002. That reality that, yes, planes really do crash, not just on movies, sunk in and has never left. Maybe I need therapy.....or maybe I just need to get over it. Either way, flying ain't my thing! {The way back....with Chris next to me....was much better. No tears and I hardly even broke a sweat - PROGRESS!!}

Anyways.....on to more positive things. Because Oh Lordy....the weekend was ALL POSITIVE!

I survived the flight. Virgin got me to Melbourne safely. Stepping out into the world, still alive & surprisingly quite calm, was a magical moment.

This is Adam {above}. Him and his fancy Audi chauffeured me to the hotel. To meet my Prince.

It was all very romantic, really.

And then I got to our suite. HELLO MELBOURNE! AND HELLO CHILD-FREE WEEKEND!

It was very spech. And I found my Prince asleep, all jetlagged and snoozy. But hey, without kids around, you can curl up in bed at 2pm!

The feeling of freedom sunk in. We had nowhere to go, nothing to do. No one was waiting for us or relying on us. No one to feed or dress or play with. No routine or schedule. Just us, and a weekend of nothingness yet everything; lay ahead. Bliss - pure and utter bliss.

We laid around and talked. Proper, grown up talk about our previous weeks and experiences. We had long showers in peace and wore white fluffy robes. We left messes, knowing we wouldn't have to clean them up. Lovely, I tell you!

It was so nice to be just the two of us again. We got to talk, really talk. And laugh.

We got to connect.

And let our hair down and have some fun.

The drinks flowed, the dinner was Ah-Mazing and we truly had one of the best nights in a very long time.

We ate dinner at KoKo {Japanese restaurant} in the Crown Casino. If you're ever in Melbourne - I highly recommend!

Yes, I drank way too much and kept eating for the sake of eating - but it was such a fun night.

After dinner, we had a bit of a play and explore in the casino - where I won on a Tinkerbell Pokie Machine :))) And some coffee, greasy wedges and calamari at midnight from Room Service topped the night perfectly.

A slow, queezy start to the day and a 9am sleep in, on Saturday - exactly what the Doctor ordered, I'm sure! And then we set off to devour the City.

It was lovely to experience a real Autumn. With brown fallen leaves and that iciness in the air.

We walked for a couple of hours - shopping, tasting, simply looking around.

It's such a beautiful city. Vibrant and busy.

That's what I love about exploring different cities - seeing everything through new eyes. Although most cities are so alike, they are all so different as well. The culture and atmosphere. The people and sights. The transport and building structure. So much to see, so much to take in. 

Saturday afternoon rolled on, with hot baths and lazy sessions of reading and snoozing. I kept saying to Chris "Oh it's so quiet!" And although I missed the kids and thought about them constantly....I also truly loved the peace....the space....the calm. For the first time, in a loooooong time - I shut off. I shut off my brain and my pace. I relaxed - truly relaxed.

We then dolled up and walked the 5 or so kilometers into the MCG. Not a great idea in heels- but enjoyable all the same!

I saw the perfect Autumn leaf  - all lonely and still, on the side of the road.

The footy was such a cool experience. 86 000 people in one place. A sight I'll never forgot. The atmosphere was electric. We caught up with friends, ate, drank beer, cheered loud and celebrated!

Go Bombers!! It was a good game - and a good win!

Sunday, kind of disappeared. We slept late {oh, it was heavenly} and enjoyed a room service brekky. Adam picked us up at 10am and off we went to the airport to begin the journey home.

Both Chris and I were refreshed and ready to get back into reality. We were both hanging out to see the kids. We missed them. So much!

Hugging their little bodies and kissing their perfect faces, I felt grateful for the break but ever so grateful to be back. They had an absolute blast with Nanny and Pa.

It's now Monday - life has resumed as it was. Work and school and appointments. Messes to clean, bags to unpack, meals to cook, deadlines awaiting. I need to wake up and get back into it.

Thank you Chris for such a romantic and wonderful weekend. MWAH!

Have you ever stayed in Melbourne City? I can't wait to explore it more one day!

We stayed at the Crown Towers in Melbourne. If you're looking for luxury and style - you MUST stay here! It will not disappoint, I promise!