Lesson learnt

It was a blustery Autumn Sunday, an unbridled sea beckoned.  
Rich and I went to explore some nearby rockpools on a particularly rugged part of the coast.

I stared down this narrow path for a good while, assessing or not whether to risk it.  All of the drama was going on beyond the break wall, while the water was choppy it seemed contained... (that sounds really stupid now)

So I boldly stepped out.

Each step opened up a new perspective of the coastline. I was around a hundred metres seaward when I finally stepped out of the shadows of the headland into the sun and stopped to soak up the view and the noise. Man, it was beautiful.

I looked down. All the pretty colours...

Meanwhile... A rogue wave hit the breakwall.

Looking down...

Still, looking down 

I learnt a valuable lesson that day.  

Being knee deep in a freak wave while perched on a small path halfway out to sea is NOT an ideal place to be. 

And you never turn your back on the sea.

But you probably didn't need me to tell you that.

Stay safe!

Belinda x

Perspective

It's been a week where my life has been put into perspective. A reminder to treasure the things that are truly important to me.

* Precious days spent by the sea

* Laughter and experiences shared

* Little hands and big imaginations

* Video calls to England, being connected

* Creativity

* Making time

* Taking care

* Having their back, and knowing they have mine. Unconditionally.

* Hope

Enjoy.

Belinda x

Mother

Missed my beautiful Mumma yesterday. I think this was our first ever mothers day apart.  Don't feel too bad for us though, she's in the middle of the holiday of a lifetime with Dad, they'll be sailing into the heart of Santorini (Greece) right about now. Lucky ducks!

I'm really blessed to have this lady as my mother.  Inspiring women are commonplace in my life, but Mum, she's at the top of my list.

She's taught me everything I know, especially about who I am to others. She's been there for me through everything.  She is so thoughtful, kind hearted, generous and has such a strength and fire in her soul.

Amongst her many achievements, my mum was ranked the #1 Australian deaf female tennis player for a number of years, she represented Australia in a few international tournaments - including the Deaf Olympic Games.  Yeah, she's pretty awesome!

There have been many times over the years when people have asked me what it was like growing up with Deaf parents.  I'm beyond proud, I'm so lucky.  The deaf culture has enriched our lives and is a fundamental part of who we are.  But ultimately I'm lucky because my folks are amazing people, being hearing or deaf doesn't come into it.

What a handsome couple!

My mum and I, we cry easily and worry too much, we're gullible, we're creative and you wont need to ask us twice to go all out for a fancy dress party, we're huge dags and we live for each other and those we love.

Thanks Mum, for everything. You rock the suburbs and I love you the world.

Belinda x

Bow tie love

I went to my first Opera the other day. A friend of mine was performing in the Sydney Philharmonia Choir (wow, right?!) Turns out people still dress up for such occasions.  I saw more than a few bedazzled, floor length gowns and bow ties.

I dont mind a good dickie bow in their natural habitat - dapper older gents, opera going folk, Brad Goreski and the hipsters. But I'd sidelined them as ever actually being a legitimate part of my own sartorial repertoire.  Well, now Nicholas Ruiz's Bow Tie Collection has made me wonder whether I had it all wrong.

The best part, is that Nicholas Ruiz is now working on a Made in Forest Hills bow tie collection that will be available to purchase. I'm looking forward to see what he comes up with next. I think my wardrobe needs a bow tie brooch...oh yes.

Belinda x

Luminescent

What is it with the light in Autumn? 

These sharp and shiny days have really been helping to make my heart feel lighter lately. 

I feel like I've alot weighing on my mind, some of it work (bleurrgghh) but mostly important stuff.  Properly important. I'm still deciding to what extent I can be brave and share in this space.  

In the meantime, whenever I get a chance, I'll be stopping to soak up the shine.

.......or sitting under a super moon, at the edge of the ocean with my love.  

Have a great week!

Belinda x

That last photo was taken by Rich, not bad considering we don't have a zoom lens :-)