So it’s the end of February and I’m remarkably well. Not wanting to tempt fate and all that but feeling quite good. I am being more mindful…. For me that means saying no, understanding I am one person and only can do so much, being able to recognise what I have achieved and the biggest challenge for me, accepting myself. Yes I would love to be a stone lighter, yes I would very much like to be awake at 10pm instead of falling asleep half way (if I’m lucky) through a movie and I would very much like to enjoy chocolate, bread, cheese and wine without feeling ill the next day. But these things are minor.
I have a lot to be mindful and thankful for. I’m loving my new job; yes there are challenges, 4 maternity leaves to cover with half of my senior leadership team having babies. My to do list increase daily without ever hoping to reduce. I am eating, sleeping and dreaming about school and all the possibilities, plans and the differences we can make to the children. The children are fantastic, they make the long hours worthwhile. I’m constantly mindful of what I can do to improve their life experiences. I’m also busy busy making the first of those four baby blankets- this particular one is for a nursery being decorated in chevrons, stars and using a colour scheme of white, grey, lime and purple. She doesn’t know what she is having, so I think she has covered all bases there!
Then there is my wonderful family, two gorgeous sons (l can’t call them boys now at 17 and 20) and their fantastic dad, my Hubby. They keep me safe from myself, anchor me when I wobble and are always there to prop me up when I need a boost. They are mindful, as am I, that the times we have together now as a family are precious. They will be off into the world to explore and their own lives, hopefully as equipped for adventure as possible. Well at least E has his new blanket, a man-ghan I believe they are called! I have loved making this C2C stitch blanket using a colour recipe from The Patchwork Heart and the stitch instructions from the Felted Button.
Being mindful, enjoying the moment, connecting to the world around us. I did this at an exhibition this week at Rheged a local venue which hosts many beautiful textile works and events. If you are up north this way in the next few weeks I thoroughly recommend a trip to see it. It is stunning; the colours and the way the Harris Tweed is born from the land and the environment. I sat and immersed myself in the beauty of the images by Ian Lawson.
There are walks and journeys around his beautiful area that I live in- The Lake District National Park. Simply stunning and just on my doorstep.
So as I look out at the dreary, Cumbria rain which we get a lot of, I am happy to be making baby blankets and playing with designs and colours. I’m happy to be travelling through the beautiful western Lake District every day on my way to and from work, especially now the mornings and nights are getting lighter. I’m happy to be going away to Kendal with my lovely hubby to recharge my batteries and enjoy some pampering together before the craziness of school returns on Monday. I’m happy to be mindful. Xx
