doing what you love...
when we moved from the sandy beaches of sydney to the english countryside a few years back...
it opened up endless opportunities for our family...
travel & the daily experience of living abroad...& for my husband, the chance to follow a dream & to work on foreign shores were the obvious...
but many other opportunities arose that we hadn't given so much thought to...
friends for one...
this move was for our family- the five of us to have as *our* adventure...
i don't think we'd realised how special new friends would be & will forever continue to be no matter where we all are in the world...
life in the countryside...
we are beach-reared...salty haired...freckled nosed...& at home by the ocean...
i *know* that we didn't realise just how much we'd love the countryside & the changes each season brings...
we have a love for the surrounding farms, produce & animals that we would never have gained living by only the beaches forever...
& finally...a love of working from home for me...
when we finally decided to follow our dream of working & living abroad whilst our kids were young- we still had small children...
they ranged from 2 to 9...& we were still in the early stages of keeping it all going...
a last little one at home & all...
as they grew...& we all grew together with the experience...it opened up a life that allowed me to get back to work...whilst still being there for the kids...always...
in sydney- the hubster had worked seriously loooong hours & was away from home an awful lot- travelling & working into the evenings...
the experience from all he has given over the years- has meant that we are now in a position for him to work less hours but to enjoy the lifestyle we've worked hard for...
this has meant that my years of parenting on my own for vast hours each day has changed dramatically...
we now permanently parent together...side by side...
this coupled with all three kiddos being at school, has meant that our life in the countryside has co-incided with me starting up a successful little business from home...
we feel blessed...
this experience abroad would have been vastly different for us all if i'd gone to work outside the house & the kids spent hours in childcare or alone...
having a dad around the house has been so wonderful...
{god knows how he balances it all- work & home...but he's a seriously cool camper!}
&
opening my own small business has meant that we are all experiencing our daily english life together...
the kids see it as my job...& they give me the time to get orders done & we still do all the other regular stuff together...
we just do it as a big family now...with both of us around for the kiddos...
so all our memories are made together...
...my *good life wednesday*...
...my smelling of life's roses...
my moment to recognise the wonderful *extra's* this move abroad has given to our family
&
...to me...
~~~~~
thanks to my inspirational bloggy friend from *down under*
for the weekly reminder to stop & smell the roses
sarah from A Beach Cottage
Oh I LOVE visiting your blog!
ReplyDeleteI love your tales of living abroad with your family. We are in exactly the same position - my husband and I and our three boys live in London while our families remain in New Zealand. All our children were born here so the grandparents very rarely get to see their grandchildren as trips to the other side of the world are very expensive...!
But whenever I read your blog I am wonderfully reminded that this time we have in London is our special adventure as a family and is something very special and bonding that we are doing together. We don't know how long it will last but we have been here nearly 10 years now (!) and, as yet, don't have a desire to leave...
So thanks for sharing your experiences, they inspire me to keep making the most of our time abroad as a family. X
I enjoyed reading this! The joys of family life are infinite! Cx
ReplyDeleteWhen I first found your blog I assumed you must like to sew (because of the name obviously) :) but this is the first time I've heard you mention your sewing or show some of your pieces. So cute! I would love to see more. Do you have a website where you sell them?
ReplyDeleteHello Melissa, you certainly have been fortunate with the opportunity to travel around the world and spend time in the country! such a lovely post, and i loved seeing little bits of your work too!!! have a wonderful day! Laura xx
ReplyDeletehi melissa..i LOVE the fabric combinations you have there, just beautiful!! do you sell online? nice for the kids to have dad around more often.
ReplyDeletecheryl xx
It all sounds so wonderful. You have such a great outlook on life and your children are so lucky to have such fab parents. You are teaching them so well and their lives must be so full of wonderful experiences. It's so nice to see what you have been making. I adore your bag so much!! What great fabrics you have used. Enjoy your day and keep giving us your smiley posts.
ReplyDeleteHello Mrs M
ReplyDeleteSorry I've not been catching up of late. I have been reading, but finding the time to sit at the laptop has been fleeting. I'm sat here with the hubby reading this post over my shoulder and boy does it resonate with us. The hubby quit his full time job a couple of weeks ago to concentrate on his business and spend more time with the family. Scary times, but you have to take a leap of faith at times. Good to hear that it all paid off for you! and only hope that we are too blessed with good fortune! Take care.
Lx
Lovely Melissa, you've just described all those things that are very good for the soul. Fresh air, friends, family and quality family time. You'll probably live til you're 100. We are always 'on the verge' as far as leaving Sydney goes. A country move will no doubt happen before Lily starts school and these are the perfect reasons to move. As Laura said, sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and yours certainly paid off. Have a great week xx
ReplyDeleteIt's certainly more than a good life Wednesday isn't it? And stopping to smell the roses (or beautiful peonies) is so good for all of us to stop and do.
ReplyDeleteI'm needing some of that gorgeous bunting...can you make me some??
Thanks for the lovely inspiration as always my friend. xx
This post makes me UBER happy. :) You go, girl!!!
ReplyDeletelove what you've made, melissa! you're family is experiencing such a fantastic adventure...take in every second :)
ReplyDeleteDear Melissa, you are living the dream... and thankfully sharing your experiences so we can share some snippets too.... your creations look so gorgeous... happy weekend! X
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely, thought-provoking post. We too are so glad {and blessed} to have chosen a life abroad. XOLaura
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post :) Glad life's roses are smelling so sweet for you and your family. Happy Good Life Wednesdays to you!
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa!;) I LOVE your chippy bistro chair and the darling banner and bag!! have a wonderful weekend~ Hugs, Rachel
ReplyDeleteFrench Farmhouse 425
Ah, Gorgeous, bring on that Etsy shop...J x
ReplyDelete