finding normal

Our days are slowly becoming the 'new normal'. Maybe not quite 'normal' as yet but certainly we are settling into a rhythm of sorts, considering that our living arrangements are also rather new! I mentioned in my 'debut' post, that we are currently living with our 22yo daughter and her partner for the foreseeable future but I thought I'd also share why!!

About 3 years ago Stuy and I thought it would be a good idea to buy a school bus. And it was a good idea because we live in Tasmania and my mum who is now 91 lives about 2000 km's and an overnight boat trip away on mainland Australia. Our idea was to fit out the bus, drive to mum's and live in it while spending some quality time with her now that we only had one child still living at home (she came with us). It took us almost two years to actually get organised to leave - we needed to finish renovating our house to rent out, as well as fit out the bus. Neither of which were fully accomplished by the time we left, but in April 2019 we boarded that boat and headed off on a new phase of our life!

We loved it! My mum was delighted to spend time with us and I am so very grateful that she is still alive and kicking (rather well in fact - she's still amazingly sprightly!).

My brother-in-law offered us the use of this very sweet, secluded little cabin on 100 acres to live in and we spent a happy 6 months soaking up the northern NSW sunshine, rummaging through fresh food markets, swimming in crystal clear waterholes and creeks and eating all manner of delicious warm weather food.....

 .........like pawpaws, fresh from my mums trees! Not everyone likes them but they are one of my favourite fruits along with mango and watermelon!

My sister who also lives in the north, was creating a heartwarming space for her aspiring business Sacred Earth Funeral Home and Sanctuary  * and I spent a lot of days planning, sewing and decorating the hall and the old church building with her.

Then the bushfires came and the idyll was over. I think it was late October when we were evacuated and had to move the bus to the local Showgrounds along with many others. It was scary and sad and happened really quickly

We returned to Tasmania in early December for Christmas with our children and fully intended heading back to mum in April. On Easter Sunday night in fact - tomorrow. But now it's not to be. We'll be staying here in Tasmania until the government says we can leave again. And because our house is rented out, and winter gets pretty cold in a bus, we have moved into our daughters spare room. Fortunately we all get on really well and are quite social people so life certainly wont be dull for the next few months!

I hope wherever you are gives you a feeling of home and who ever you are with can feed your soul with love and laughter.


*Do have a peek at my sisters website even if it's just to look at the 'gallery' page, it really is so beautiful. Not many people want to think about, let alone talk about dying, however my sis has a way with words and you might find something there of use to read about at this time.