39/52

"A portrait of my husband and our marriage, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Richard: Music and gadgets. Two of his very favourite things. Combine them and he'll happily tinker with his head nodding for hours.

We: The time has come for us to be slower and more thoughtful. We're planning a health cleanse routine for the month of October. Regular exercise, more whole foods and time spent outdoors. A chance to renew before the silly season arrives.

Participating in the 52 Portraits series led by Jodi at Che & Fidel. You can view all of my weekly portraits by clicking on the button in the sidebar.

Belinda x

Weary

A discussion with my doctor that knocked the wind out of my sails a little. 

Work developments that have resulted in my creative plans feeling further out of reach, just when I thought I might be close to taking some big, exciting steps forward. 

This week, my body succumbed and I've been quarantined with a particularly nasty cold. 

A tiny boat anchored, surrounded by the vast ocean. Everything in waiting, control feels just beyond my reach. I want to fight back but I haven't found the energy, the fire. Yet.

Blogging has been on the back burner. I have TEN draft posts waiting to be completed. They're piling up. I'm desperate to write and connect with you and share my stories, catch up on how you've been but there has been much in the way. 

Not least of which my own self.

I dragged myself to the gym this morning, boxed my heart out. Trying to wake the part of me that has the energy to fight back. I know it's there. 

Time to focus on getting enough sleep, eating well and exercise. I can see the corner, I'm coming for it.

What do you do to take back the reins when you're feeling a bit battle weary?

Belinda x

38/52

"A portrait of my husband and our marriage, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Richard: This week a close friend, someone I have known for over twenty years, said she couldn't remember us without each other. I love that.

We: A week of celebrations. First, to remember the perfect day we were wed in Fiji, three years ago. Yesterday, a fantastic afternoon spent with friends and family to celebrate Richards birthday. Ending the week feeling exhausted and blessed.

Participating in the 52 Portraits series led by Jodi at Che & Fidel. You can view all of my weekly portraits by clicking on the button in the sidebar.

Belinda x

37/52

"A portrait of my husband and our marriage, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Richard: Home.

We: Are at our best, together. No matter what life throws our way.

Participating in the 52 Portraits series led by Jodi at Che & Fidel. You can view all of my weekly portraits by clicking on the button in the sidebar.

Belinda x

To see a landscape as it is, when I am not there.

I'm home. Slowly navigating my way through the topsy turvy land of jet lag.

Since returning home, I've treasured every waking minute spent with Rich and The little one. The time apart from them was felt so fiercely. 

After Rich returned home to Sydney to start his new job, I had a day to explore London on my own before heading to Turkey.

Sharing travel experiences has to be up there as one of the true joys in life. But flying solo forces you out of your comfort zone and right out into the world. Instead of sharing real estate with your companion, your heart is wide open to discovery. You walk and you see with intent.

London really turned on all her fancy tricks. I strolled along the Thames, I lost myself for hours in the Tate Modern (pictured), I went hunting for vintage clothes, I ate lovely food in achingly hip cafes and I felt downright pleased with myself asking for a table for one. Who even am I?!

That day, life shined brightly. Possibilities seemed endless and I was utterly inspired. London, you're alright.

Belinda x

36/52

"A portrait of my husband and our marriage, once a week, every week, in 2013."

A different approach since I haven't been in the same country as Richard all week. I've missed him beyond words. So, a portrait for every day we've been apart, taken during our recent UK holiday together.

Richard: The best song in the world. This is just a tribute. *

1. Twenty minutes out of town, rural english countryside.
2. Slightly dusty from the night before.
3. Willow tree wig.
4. Equinophobic.
5. A late night bite in Soho after seeing a West End show.
6. Not a fan of the London Underground.
7. Saying goodbye.

Participating in the 52 Portraits series led by Jodi at Che & Fidel. You can view all of my weekly portraits by clicking on the button in the sidebar.

Belinda x

* Reference - Tenacious D.

Healing

After a particularly dark week, we recently escaped the city for a day to the Blue Mountains.

We met friends at the Blue Mountains National Park, early on a bright Winter's morning. Rich and Mike completed an adventure race involving almost four hours of flat out mountain biking, canyoning and kayaking. Meanwhile, Sammy and I ducked into beautiful Leura for a hearty breakfast in a bustling deli cafe, followed by a hike in Leura forest overlooking the majestic Jamison Valley.

Great friends, fresh mountain air and a spirit of adventure. It was just the tonic we needed.

Belinda x

Postcard

Dear friends, I feel I've been neglecting this space, and you!

I've been on the road these past few weeks. First, some down time with Rich and his family in England. And now, I'm in Istanbul, Turkey. Work has brought me here for a jam packed week of hosting and seeing the sights. I know, sounds horrible right ;-)

I've been taking LOTS of pictures and trying to fit in a few quiet moments to edit along the way. I have so many stories to share with you. And I'm well overdue to pop by your blog for a cuppa and a catch up. I will soon, please bear with me!

Hope all is well and your days are happily full.

With love, from the road.

Belinda x

35/52

"A portrait of my husband and our marriage, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Richard: You can take the boy out of Manchester. But Manchester never leaves the boy.

We: are so grateful for quality time spent with loved ones in the UK over these last two weeks. The people you see in this shot are genuine, generous, funny and a bit bonkers; in the best possible way.

Participating in the 52 Portraits series led by Jodi at Che & Fidel. You can view all of my weekly portraits by clicking on the button in the sidebar.

Belinda x