Sunday, December 30, 2018

August 2018

Month 8 of 12...recap!

1st - Holy frog shizzle...its August! You know what that means for us here in the southern hemisphere yeah...only 1 more month of winter whoo hoo! I don't know about you but it seriously feels like the year has just swished past, albeit jam packed full with a smorgasbord of all its offerings from the ups, downs and everything in between - which reminds me, I need to update my blog (Hahaha better late than never right?). Anyway peoples, its a glorious day and its my last day off before starting back at work tomorrow doing that which I have worked hard to achieve and love passionately SO I am going to go and make the most of it. 


Ok so today I stayed in my pjs and did a whole lot of "Sweet FA". Yes, my never ending mumma-wifey-student-businessowner to-do-list was neglected for the day and thats A-Okay with me!

**Stillness soothes my soul**

Imbolc blessings - Imbolc is the celebration of all that is fresh and new with the imminent arrival of spring.  As well as planting seeds into the earths soil to be nurtured for growth, now is also a great time to focus on your own inner seeds; your dreams, directions, desires.  Allow this time of thawing to inspire and motivate you to look at the world with fresh new eyes, taking the time to give thanks that the warmth is returning to the earth.  Love, Light and Peace to all at this time of awakening.



**I have the power to manifest my dreams**

2nd - My favourite part of the day is snuggling on our bed chatting about this that or the other. I love my family to pieces even if somedays they do drive me to the brink of insanity.



**I am filled with happiness, gratitude and contentment**

3rd - We got another curve ball thrown our way today that totally knocked me off kilter for a little while...okay so I'm still not quite back in the game BUT I, we will work it out! We just need to process it mentally to release fear, and have faith that all is as it is meant to be!

**I handle lifes challenges with effortless ease**

5th - My kid sister is 37 today!

The night she was born, 7 year old me prayed over and over for a little sister. Ofcourse at stages during my early teens I can remember thinking 'why, oh why did I pray for you!' - you know all the usual joys of having a younger sibling. There is no doubt that for the most part we are Felix and Oscar (the odd couple). But there are moments of resonance where duality no longer exists - a bond that only sisters can share. So, as I sit here now as an adult reflecting upon our times together during her 37 years around the sun, I give my eternal gratitude that my prayer was answered!

Happy birthday Kiddo, may your prayers (wishes) today and forever more also be heard and answered.

13th - Pottered about in the garden today.

**I am thankful for the beauty that surrounds me**

14th - I am having surgery tomorrow. Healing prayers and thoughts for its success and a restful (quick) recovery would be most appreciated.

**All is as it is meant to be**

22nd - Its been 1 week today since my nose job haha well an inside one anyway...deviated septum, sinuses and a whole heap of other complicationed otolaryngological stuff. Whilst I feel and look a little better than yesterday and a little more than the day before that, etc etc, I will be honest and say I still don't feel amazing but baby steps are okay! I see the surgeon on Friday...fingers crossed its a good review. Whilst I still can't breathe properly, I am confident that once the swelling goes down the improvement will be phenomenal. 

**My body is constantly healing**





24th - There is method in the madness and madness in the method! Whether its the path full of potholes or the one thats smooth rolling, at the end of the day it matters only that you are actually moving forward toward the desired outcome! Check out the view along the way, stop to refuel if needed, question the route you are on, kick a flat tyre or two to get out the frustration but most of all keep your eye on the prize!


**I trust the process**



25th - Saw surgeon today - it f#=king hurt like hell! Gotta go back in 3 weeks. He pulled out some stitches and a bloody booger that was like 2ft long...his words "wow thats an impressive booger" haha...mind you with the forceps up as far as they were I'm not sure it wasn't my brain stem. It will take a good month for swelling to fully come down and nasal bones to heal but I am healing well and bruising is fading...mood is still low but its okay to not be okay, bp is also still low which isn't helping me feel any less blergh. Headaches, face and teeth throb is still horrible but he said thats normal from surgery trauma...little pills make it bearable. As much as I don't like taking them I also know that sleepless nights due to pain prolongs the healing process and I need to be on my feet and fighting fit by mid Sept, so on that note goodnight!



26th - Spent the weekend in bed...boys set up camp next to me!  I love those moments of togetherness so much!



27th - Whilst yes, there is an abundance of blessings in my life. Yes there is most likely someone out there in this big wide world wishing they had even a smidge of the good fortune I am so honoured to have. And yes sadly there is probably, a poor bugger suffering far greater adversity than I. I feel like I am living on quicksand! I have fought against it for weeks now, keeping it tucked inside the pandoras box within and there is a part of me that feels I need to keep wearing the mask, keep hiding the overwhleming emotion that feels like it might devour me. But, I know that in order to move forward I must surrender to that which isn't all moonbeams and unicorn farts and truly allow myself to feel, to express, to release that which will only cause more dis-ease if suppressed. Despite the fact that it is a dense, dark heavy load to bear!  So here I am being ultra real and admitting to myself that I'm not 100% okay and thats A-okay! I will not unpack and stay here! I have not lost focus of my gratitude, faith or hope, I am just simply too exhausted to pretend right now!



Whilst I can count way more than only one, my GOOD for today is sucking it up, pushing through the blergh haze and getting the house back to where I like it. I must say though that Mark did okay at staying on top of it all considering he's unwell but it was just missing that final touch...besides, looking after the boys really is the main thing and at that he gets an A+. Anyway in doing this simple thing I know it will help to clear my mind.



**I acknowledge the abundance of good in each day**



28th - Tonight we were watching a movie and there was a scene in it where they were having a "Math Debate". Ofcourse I found it funny and said outloud 'Hehehe they are mathdebating". Ace sitting beside me puts his hand on his head, shakes it and says disapprovingly with a smirk "'Mum!'. I'm like "But...but...its funny". We then both start laughing. Jazz looks up from his laptop and asks what's funny. In unison Ace and I answer "Just something silly mate, don't worry about it", which makes us giggle even more. I think what makes it funnier for me is that it was a Christian movie...hmmm might have to say some Hail Marys now!


29th - TWO weeks post op today. Whilst mentally I will admit that I'm not 100% okay, I am happy with my physical healing. Yep, its still tender, yep the swelling hasn't come all the way down, yep part of my face is still a bit numb...I can give a small smile now though and yep my BP is still low which makes me feel light headed, nauseous and just generally weak and icky (seeing GP today) BUT there has been progress and that is awesome.


**I believe in my ability to heal and have the patience needed to recover fully**

31st - It is the last day of winter here in the Southern Hemisphere. Whilst I do enjoy the snuggles, hot chocolate, cosy socks, warm scarves and hoodies that is all part of winter, I am so excited at the thought of warmer days and nights ahead AND the fact that summer is getting closer!

My little man Jazz (Mr. 13) was blessed to see snow for the very first time a few weeks ago. When asked what it was like his response was "Bloody cold!"...haha this coming from the kid who has worn shorts to school everyday throughout winter.

Hopefully next year we will be able to take Ace to experience the snow also. Although he's a bit more like his Mumma and prefers the warmth, he is super keen to see it and maybe even try snow boarding...lord help me!

And thats a wrap for month 8 of 12...stay tuned for more recaps!

July 2018


The ups, the downs and inbetweens of month 7 of 12!

3rd - Well, today was exam day! All I can say is thank goodness I went in with a subject pass as I sure as heck know that today’s grade won't be anywhere near even what I consider "good". Gotta be honest, it sucks as ofcourse I wanted the HD, D or even the C...BUT I am going to have to settle for "good enough" and get used to the P (4). Despite a myriad of reasons as to why I struggled with study this semester bottom line is that it just wasn't a priority and my grades reflect that. Anyway, results not released until the 20th of this month so time to let it go, rest, reset and refocus on kicking butt next semester!  SO…it turns out that I did actually get a Distinction!

4th – Mr. 13 made me a cuppa for the very first time today BUT didn’t boil the kettle in case he burnt himself and only added the teabag for half a second. Drink it down and smile Mumma bear, drink it down.

July 5th - Up at 5am, at car depot by 6am, on the plane at 7.30am. Tassie here we come!  Up up and away!

Day 1 - Hung out  at Mum and Dads exploring their yard. Very thankful for the huge woodpile – its bloody freezing!

6th – 7th – Day 2/3 - Dark and cold outside so relaxation mode well and truly set in.

8th - Day 4 - While the rest of the family went off to church and then out to visit friends, I spent the day in bed unwell.

9th - Day 5 - While I spent the day in bed my sweet man went into town with his Mum and the boys hung out at home.

10th - Day 6 - A quick trip into town to the docs and chemist with Mum and then back home to rest.

11th - Day 7 - While the girls spent the day lazing around at home watching movies, the boys went off digging for hidden treasures.

12th - Day 8th - After a freezing cold night we woke to so many beautiful sights and the boys had fun smashing ice. I spent the day rugged up in a blanket resting.

13th - Day 9 - While Mum and I made the long journey into the Launceston Hospital for the day, the boys went on a fishing trip to Scamander.

14th - Day 10 - Lazy day at home in front of the fire.

15th - Day 11 - Church followed by a lunch gathering. Whilst I don't believe that attending church makes you any more Christian than sitting in a garage makes someone a car, it was a lovely experience. I love listening to my husband read scripture and talk about his faith - four years of Bible College has certainly impacted his life and I feel a strong desire to embrace and support that side of him more. What I love most is that despite our differences of belief which often result in debate like conversations, our love still grows strong. 

16th - Day 12 - We didn't do much today other than enjoy each others company.

17th - Day 13 – HOME!  Its a bittersweet feeling to be home. Despite me being unwell for most of it (Docs tomorrow) we all really enjoyed our time away. Whilst we didn't get out and about much, our time with Mum and Dad (Nana and Grandad & ofcourse Livi the pooch) was very precious. We are so very blessed to have a home away from home and especially to have a wonderful home to return to.

18th - After attending my doctors appointment, having an emergency chest xray and emptying the chemist of umteen pharmalogical products in order to help with a severe respiratory infection which the doctor suspects to be pneumonia...I have spent my day in bed. I am so blessed to have netflix and am halfway through season 2 of Anne with and E - oh gosh it brings back many memories - I would love to watch the original again though.  Anyway only a quick update...may you all have a restful night.  P.S.  On top of all this now Mark is under the weather too OMG …SCARY SHIT!

24th – Jazz has a dislocated finger, which is a possible break…xray tomorrow – bloody scooters!  Of course it goes without saying that we are ultra grateful for it only being a finger *phew*. So with that now being 3 out of the 4 of us needing medical intervention of one sort or another this week, if you see Ace wrapped in cotton wool and bubble wrap you will understand why LOL!

28th - In honour of our glorious full moon on this magical night. May the light that shines within be focused upon our dreams and not our fears, shedding the veils, dispersing the shadows and manifesting a reality that sees us rise and glow in your wonder.

Todays Gratitude focus is upon the blessing of friendships; knowing that despite each of us navigating our own storms, we are still there for each other shining our lights and holding each other up even from a distance. Pretty darn spesh I think and I love yas all.

"Sometimes one must physically lose sight to know that they can still see in the dark" - Natasha.


30th - Today we open the gateway and learn to navigate new territory, new terrain, new paths. Whilst fear of the unknown is admittedly a little daunting, there is also an element of excitement and hope that this gateway will provide a deep and enriching lifestyle change that will be most beneficial to our entire family. But first...to ask the questions and learn the answers so that we may put it all into action and gain wisdom. Everything happens for a reason, whatever that may be....have faith that all will be revealed!

June 2018


Month 6 of 12…here comes the quick recap!

4th – Study time! I am grounded in the blessings of intelligence, knowledge and faith. I release all fear, anxiousness and doubt. I've got this!

8th - SO, I am feeling beyond exhausted, still feeling like crap and totally over the pressure of assessment deadlines. And yet I am NOT going to quit! I CAN do this! I WILL submit something relatively half decent and it WILL be on time! Okay break over, back to my totally unbalanced life of having my head in the laptop to achieve miracles! Eye on the prize Tashy girl, eye on the prize!

9th - Hoofreakingrah! Both assessments done and dusted and submitted! Holy crap...I freaking did it! Okay...now its time to relax, rest & recover at least for the next 4 days before exam revision starts anyway. Then after that...4 weeks break from study - bring that shit on I say! Aaaahhhh my smile has returned and am breathing again.  Must say, I'm feeling pretty bloody proud of myself. Mind you, I am definitely feeling the effects of my all nighter. Thanks heaps to everyone who gave me space, encouragement and help...really thought the quick sand had me at one point there!

10th - We had a birthday lunch with our little girl and her special family today (we can't make it to her party next weekend so this was arranged specially for us - so blessed) where we got to give her our combined gift of her very own guitar! 

19th – My baby boy turned 13!  In the lead up to the big day, Operation Goodbye Racing Bed and set up Teenager Double Bed took place successfully!  I am so ultra proud of my boy but when he says things like "Thanks for working so hard Mum so you can buy me nice things", I gotta say my pride metre sky rockets! Oh gosh...time sure does fly! Happy Birthday my precious boy. I love you intergalatic amounts!

I was just looking back at facey memories and realised that this WAS the first time in 2 years I actually got to be with my baby boy ALL DAY for his birthday. (11th he was with Dad in the morning and 12th I was in hospital with Ace) - oh gosh, eyes filling with tears. He may be a 13 year old but he will always be my baby boy...LOVE!



21st - Happy 2 months my sweet adorable sexy husband, the one who weaves a rhythmical creation so effortlessly and yet so beautifully.

Winter Solstice Blessings (Southern hemisphere).

Bare
Her roots embedded 
In the soil 
Damp with dew
Bare
Alone she stands
To the south the birds all flew
Bare
She reaches upwards
Towards the light
That filters through
Bare
She manifests her dreams
Where once again she'll rise anew

Written by Natasha Hurst-Shilling (21.6.18)

24th

Here

The mist is ever present 
Here, within the grey
No sense of dread nor elation felt
In this caven I stow away

Within this place this space in time
Here, within the shadows
A hibernating solace waits 
The veils one by one encloses

The stillness crisp like fallen leaves
Here, within this dabbled light
Slumber calls forth to thee
Like sermons etched in graphite

The colds drawn neigh upon thy flesh
Here, within the furrow
I mourn not for yesteryear
Nor manifest my morrow

A strategic pause a must to take
Here, within the silence
The spinning stops, her soul at rest
It is here, she seeks asylum

Written by Natasha Hurst-Shilling 24th June 2018

25th - Today we were invited to attend a special awards ceremony at the boys school.   Ace was awarded a certificate of academic excellence in Wood Technology and Jazz was awarded a certificate of academic endeavour in Physical Education.  Such a proud Mumma.


26th – Spent the day changing Aces room and giving it a good tidy up.  Omgoodness he is truly a bowerbird…just like his Mapa!


28th - Omgoodness I finally got one of my assessment grades back and I got 97/100. Which means, I head into my exam knowing I've already passed. Such a massive load off! Doesn't mean I won't spend my weekend studying though.
Still got a few more weeks for my sociology of food essay result which is worth 50%...I need 24/100 to pass - fingers crossed as I really don't want to endure the subject again...well the lecturer for the subject more to the point.

Look what we got today. Omg it is the bomb! I only had to do each section ONCE and it was done! Goodbye going over the same spot 10 times and it still looking like it wasn't done. I never thought I would get so excited over a household appliance but seriously...best investment in saving time and sanity ever! A huge thank you to everyone who spoilt us for our wedding to make it possible.



May 2018...

A quick recap!


5th - It has been 2 weeks since we placed these rings on each others fingers . I love you so much my sweet husband. It feels like it was only yesterday and yet here we are 2 weeks after the fact and still not down off our cloud nine bubble. I've said it before but it amazes us how nothing has changed and yet everything has changed at the same time and we wouldn't want it any other way.


Tonight we attended a farewell dinner for our dear friends Nicole and Anthony. Whilst admittedly a little sad knowing they won't be a stone throw away we are also so happy for them and hope their new home and new town brings many years of wonderful memories, oh and also happy 1 month anniversary beautiful couple.

9th - Well it was bound to catch up with me...running on empty = more susceptibility to viral infection = a me that is no help to anyone! Feeling like poop! On a plus, it's been a while since I was germy - okay back to bed - I'm fuggered. Catch ya once the fog lifts.

12th - 3 weeks WOW! Still makes me smile like a Cheshire cat. Although not included in our wording, my sweet husband certainly earnt his 'in sickness & in health badge' this week. Thanks for emptying spew buckets and keeping our home running smoothly babe.

13th – Happy Mothers Day

My sweet husband wrote me this…

A Love with depths immeasurable.
So selfless and so strong.Provider, Protector, Patient.Her Love goes on and on!Her Sons and Daughter guided;Be Kind. Speak Truth. Be Nice.Her tone is soft and pleasant.It's rare she needs speak twice.Her Children are her weakness.They are her pride, her joys.If any dare mess with them,She'll arise, defend, destroy!Today's a day to HonorOur Matriarchs, Our Mothers.This one's for Mrs Hurst-ShillingA Mum unlike any other! 

21th - So hard to believe it was 1 month ago...well technically 4 weeks and 2 days, that we stood beside the sea and pledged our eternal love to each other.


We've always ran with the saying that you don't need a special day to tell someone you love them...but I have to admit, it feels pretty spesh to be spoilt today How blessed I am by the gift of two incredibly adorable young men...my heart is full. If I achieve nothing else in my lifetime, I have already been graced with more than I could have ever hoped for.

20th -  Still blergh, but had to get my uni herbal prep made, good thing it was an Echinacea and Elderberrry syrup!

Ace gave me a spice rack he made at school today and Hosanna and I played some guitar together.

22nd - In local news...Thank you to The Moorabool News for our moment of fame on page 9 this week.



26th - I took some time out from study to potter around my garden today. It wasn't alot of time but enough to notice that my green chillies (that I grew from seed) are turning red AND that we have some shoots coming up. Soooo many leaves which has been great for keeping in moisture and funnily enough inhibiting weed growth, but it meant I couldn't see the new growth. Tree is not done shedding yet so I'm sure she will fill in the spaces we cleared lol. Oh and we have beetroot growing and one carrot LOL.

28th - Okay so I'm still feeling less than ordinary which I think is contributing a great deal to me feeling as overwhelmed by life as I was last night (melt down city). Anyway, today is a new day! I will get through my busy week of work, do great on my online exam, complete my two essays and stay on top of the usual mummy/wifey stuff. I've got this! Just gotta focus on the moment of each thing...when working - work! When studying - study! etc etc! Oh and remember to breathe through it. My brain and body is saying "I'm tired...quit and rest"...but I'm not giving in...I can do this. I am energised and motivated and will conquer this week! I've got this!

 Month 5 of 12 done and dusted...OMGoodness, still so much to fill you on.  Remember, if you want more details just head to instram or facey!