grateful.

This was a moment of pure peace. I’d bounded out of bed 15 minutes earlier, been for a run, bathed, got dressed (and all the rest that goes along with getting ready for work), and still had time to sit and eat breakfast in the sunshine (as opposed to the usual eating-breakfast-in-the-bathroom-while-doing-my-hair routine). Breakfast was, in case you were wondering, homemade granola with banana and 5am organic yoghurt (my new favourite). Such a small change – getting up 15 minutes earlier – but so very worth it in the end. 

I’ve been so grateful for moments of quiet like these lately, and seeking them out – sitting in my favourite armchair while reading old (inspiring) magazines, instead of numbing myself with bad TV after work; taking 10 minutes away from my desk to drink coffee outside; really revelling in shavasana – and it has done wonders for my headspace.

Thank you.

reminiscing, and travel.

2 years ago today… I know, I know. I’m living in the past (which has never been my vice of choice). This trip was just so life-changingly incredible, and while I’m disappointed that I didn’t share my experience while they were actually happening, I’m really stoked I get to re-hash the experience over and over again as I share photos 2 years later.









I don’t have my diary with me (in which I kept, in incredible detail, thoughts on our daily adventures), and I can’t remember everything, but here’s what I do remember:

We woke up fairly early with excitement, as we had a tour of the Everglades booked! Our hostel was oh-so-cool; just the right amount of dirty, colourful, and comfortable. I don’t remember what we ate for breakfast, but I do remember how it felt to see an alligator about 2 feet from me. I remember how loud the airboat was; how we had to wear earplugs. I remember how beautifully serene it was when our guide stopped the boat, and we floated; searching the water surrounding us for wildlife. It was absolutely stunning, and I would do that again in a heartbeat. After the tour we headed back to the gift shop (I’m pretty sure Rufus ate something with Alligator in it… I had an apple), and then to a small enclosure where we learned about how intelligent Alligators really are – that they can be trained – and to demonstrate this, the trainer put his head inside the mouth of the great big reptile. It was so damn cool.

Later in the day, Caitlyn and I decided to go exploring while Rufus had some solo time. We walked to the beach, and I was absolutely blown away. I had expected a dirty tourist trap, but the water, the sand, the beach-goers, were absolutely pristine! It was stunning. We weren’t wearing our bathers so we took our sandals off and splashed around in the shallows (I remember how warm that water was – how much it frustrated me that I didn’t have anything to swim in). We wandered up to Wet Willies for frozen cocktails, and sat for an hour or so – laughing our heads off, talking and drinking, until we didn’t make sense anymore.



I find myself travelsick more often these days. I have itchy feet. That’s the term, right? I’m planning trips in my head – shall we go to Spain? Morocco? Vietnam? New Zealand? – but without a solid goal, saving just seems so hard. We have plans to go to Indonesia and Singapore with two of our favourite people in 2016, but my God, that seems like a long time to wait! I have three weeks of Uni holidays in the middle of next year, and want to get out of the country – any destination ideas for a 3-week getaway?

In the mean time we have camping trips, Gold Coast adventures, and Great Ocean Road-trips planned for the next few months. I am so freaking excited and so, so thankful.

just a minute in August.

Wearing: my new tattoo – with pride! (The meaning of the white tulip. Also; this. We were there! We were raising our white tulips!) Also, a lot of black and grey.

Following: I go through phases with blogs I follow. At present, I’m cruising through the pages of Kylie Turley’s blog and pining for travel adventures.

Excited for: a trip to the Gold Coast with friends in October! We’ll be heading to the theme parks for Fright Night festivities on Halloween, and spending a few days on the beach in the sunshine drinking beers. This all happens after the completion of my exams. To say I’m excited would be an understatement!

Planning: trips overseas, tattoos, camping adventures.

Feeling: exhausted, satisfied, proud. I’m working full time and study 3 subjects per semester at Uni – life is full to the brim at the moment and although I’m happy as a lark, I’m so damn tired!

Wanting: travel, camping gear, and an Aeropress. Maybe also some new skirts, for when the weather gets nicer.

Grateful for: my adorable bunny, who has started giving actual hugs with his tiny little paws (it’s ridiculous). The brighter mornings, which make getting up at 6am for a run just a little bit easier. And the boxes of fresh produce we get delivered every fortnight – for introducing us to new fruits and vegetables, and encouraging us to eat seasonally and locally.

Watching: Ink Master, The Block, and Awkward. 

Reading: The Luminaries. I have this really bad habit of falling asleep while reading at present (and consequently dropping the book on my face), so it’s not moving along very quickly.

Drinking: coffee, mostly.

Listening: The Beginners Soundtrack, Broods, and Alt-J’s new song.

Loving: I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – the sunshine! Spring is definitely on its way! 

birthday boy.

It was this guy’s birthday last week. To celebrate the day, we ate dumplings and drank wine for dinner after work; because we know how to party. This weekend, the celebrations continued.









Burger crawl! Burgers for breakfast, lunch and dinner (except we gave up after lunch and just ate salad for dinner), many beers, potato chips, new DJ gear, art, and new tattoos. I love weekends like this – holed up in my happy place with boyfie. Happiest of Birthdays Rufus – I love you and your face.

quiet.

What I wouldn’t give for a few hours of “nothing”. Nothing but staring at the sea – pottering around my home – hours in the kitchen. Not multi-tasking. Not worrying. Not planning for the next damn thing.

I love my life. I love my partner, my friends, my family. I’m happy in my job and engaged with my degree. I’m feeling enriched with the volunteer program I’m involved in. I have travel plans, and I’m happy with my finances. I’m just so damned tired. I want a day to sit on my butt all day. Bake a pie, maybe. Read a book. Drink some wine and cook a huge feast. Without the guilt or the rush or the racing thoughts.

Look, if that’s the worst thing that I’ve got to say about today, I’m pretty damn lucky.

That’s all. Thought I’d pop in.
Hope you’re well.

slices of weekend.

Another predominantly cold and blustery weekend in Melbourne. Rufus and I spent our time wandering around markets (the Finders Keepers art market on Saturday; Flour Market on Sunday), watching movies, and celebrating Christmas in July with a big feast, cute stocking stuffers, and kids movies.



Most of the photos we took on Saturday night are too hideous hilarious personal to share, so this dinner table is all I have. Rufus came up with the sweet idea to give ourselves a $15 budget and buy a few small gifts for one another. THAT was fun! In the evening, we got into our pjs and cooked some mulled wine (amazing!); Liam set a pork to roast; I cooked up a vegetarian stuffing, brussels sprouts in garlic butter, and honeyed carrots. We lit some candles and feasted heartily, marvelling non-stop at our cooking skills. We watched children’s movies after dinner, and for dessert; our newly acquired stocking-stuffer treats: Turkish Delight for him, Cherry Ripe for her.







On Sunday morning, we jumped out of bed bright and early to a beautiful day. We quickly drove to the beautiful Fitzroy Town Hall – anticipating the smell of fresh coffee beans, baking bread, and sugary-sweet donuts – for another installment of the Flour Market. It was to start at 9am – we arrived at ten-to. And the line was already snaked around the block (in the first photo of this set, we’d already moved a good 500m and you still can’t see the hall!). Sigh. We reminisced about the lines at Comic Con (1, 2, 3) while we waited. And really? It was worth the wait. We flitted from stall to stall, collecting crumpets, sausage rolls, donuts, croissants, and (naturally) coffee as we went. Then we crossed the road and picnicked in the park.







Winter’s alright sometimes. How was your weekend?

just a minute in july.

I thought I’d extend this monthly segment – adding in a few new questions and a selfie every month. I’m not usually a selfie person, but it might be fun to document the passing of time.

Wearing: anything to keep me warm! It’s currently a balmy 3 degrees C at 10am in Melbourne. It’s been cold, guys. Usually, my weekend wardrobe includes jeans, boots, a jumper, and my new(ish) favourite jacket from Bronze Snake Shop.

Following: I’m loving folkmagazine on Instagram at present, and have been searching through the pages of AWTW blog for inspiration.

Bookmarking: HA! This is my latest bookmark. That’s embarrassing.

Excited for: our trip back to Adelaide in August! It’s been way too long, and I need to see the sea.

Planning: to go op-shopping this weekend. Yay! (Also trying to imagine what my life will look like once I’ve finished my degree… I’m pretty excited for that.)

Feeling: tired, content, grateful.

Wanting: an Aeropress. Some new jumpers. A new camera lens. My tax money to come through. To travel.

Grateful for: my job, the sunshine, my Rufus.

Watching: Entourage (don’t judge me) and Penny Dreadful. We also recently finished Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, Best Ink, and Ink Master.

Reading: I’m re-reading the Fables comics, and have Under the Tuscan Sun bookmarked by my bed.

Drinking: lots of green tea! Red wine. And occasionally a coffee.

Listening: Mind Over Matter by Young the Giant, Yearling XL by Ace Reporter, and Pools by Glass Animals, just to name a few. 

Loving: the sunshine today! I can handle the cold; but I’m a misery guts when the sun isn’t out.

bendigo.

A few weekends ago, I went and stayed with my family in Bendigo (previous trips here, here and here). It was incredibly cold, but my Aunty’s warmly decorated home (along with the fireplace) kept me cozy. I spent time with my cousin, drank red wine and ate vindaloo with my family, reminisced on old photos in the evening, and woke up to pancakes.

In the morning, my Aunty and I donned gumboots, scarves and jackets, and went walking through their 25 acres of land – which I never even knew they had. We saw kangaroos, sheep (both domestic and wild), huge birds, and many-a-foxhole.

spot the kangaroo?

This farmhouse always manages to ground me; return me to myself. I think it’s the quiet.

today.

My head is full of words today, and I haven’t shared in ages, and these photos are not glamorous or well-edited, and my blog still has a terrible layout, and I’m not sure where this post is going to end up or just what I’m going to say, but I know it needs to be said. So I’ll start with today.

Today I’m grateful. I’m overflowing with the good stuff. I’m grateful for the tawny frogmouths I see on my walk from the car to my office, every single morning. I love staring up at the beautiful, big gum trees lining my path and searching for them; without a care for my odd appearance. I’m grateful for big boxes of organic fruits and vegetables; the look of them, the smell, the excitement I feel upon getting home – exhausted, lately – to a big box of goodies, and the meals we make with our produce (Moroccan pumpkin rice with hummus and chilli-sauteed greens, anyone?)… especially I love the little snail that had found his way onto our box last night (I have a soft spot for snails – I popped him back in the garden outside before recycling the cardboard). I’m grateful for friends who make me feel excited and understood – with whom hanging out is NOT a cause for anxiety. I’m grateful for mid-week dinners with such friends; Thai food and good wine and laughing until my face aches and my stomach burns (it must be said – I haven’t laughed that hard in such a long time, and it felt damn good). I’m grateful for the music shared between friends.

fresh, local, organic, delivered.

I’m grateful for friends who make the trip from our hometown to visit us for a weekend. I’m grateful for farmers markets. I’m so grateful that these friends are satisfied with a night of movie watching in front of the TV (not a night out on the town), and that they don’t judge me when I fall asleep on the floor. You make me feel known and understood and accepted. I’m grateful that my Rufus has found a job which makes him happy to get up in the mornings. Where he fits in. Where he sees potential and growth and positivity. That he gets home at night and can’t stop talking. (Maybe just a little bit, I’m also grateful for the freebies he gets; especially tickets to film festivals).

I’m grateful for the leftovers in the fridge, waiting for me to eat them for lunch – chickpea patties, brussels sprouts and carrots cooked in butter, and crackers with avocado spread on top. I’m grateful for a brain that moves quickly. Today, I’m grateful for the sunshine.

a perfect day.

I was perusing The Happiness Project website the other day, and found a list of interesting questions (which, for the life of me, I cannot find again). I filled them all out – I won’t share, as some of them got a little personal – but this one has stuck with me; playing on my mind since I realised what was true. 

What would your perfect day look like?

Wake up before the sun; drive (or walk) to the beach for a surf and to watch the sunrise; after surfing, stretch out on the sand – maybe do some yoga – and play with the dogs; meet Rufus for brunch and lots of delicious coffee; head out to an art gallery or museum or zoo and play; in the afternoon, meet friends or family for some red wine and cheese; head back home (to the country, with wide open spaces) in the evening with friends for some more drinks, a hearty meal (made with ingredients from our vegetable garden), and a bon fire; late at night, when all our friends are gone, I curl up on a huge, comfortable couch under a blanket with Rufus – we watch a movie (during which I fall asleep), eat popcorn and dark chocolate, and drink tea.

I was both surprised, and not, by my response. It was a little surprising to me, at first, that my perfect day would include so much alone time first thing in the morning. Although I suppose, as an introvert, I do tend to find those quiet moments most energizing. I think that morning time spent alone, in nature, grounds me; keeps me calm and clear and brings me back to myself. Doing some exercise in the morning is always good for my headspace, as is a view of the ocean and a sunrise. Brunch is no surprise; I love the meal! And wanting Rufus to be the first one I see after getting my bearings is not at all surprising. Getting cultural has always been one of my favourite ways to spend a day with Rufus, and everyone needs social time – the red wine and cheese is self-explanatory. A home in the country has only recently entered my headspace as an absolute necessity to my future happiness. I want space. I want character. I want vegetables and animals and trees and the vastness. I love everything about a bonfire – the smell, mostly – and can’t think of a more cosy setting than curled up in blankets and beanies and scarves, hands wrapped around a bowl of chickpea stew (or some other hearty, one-pot wonder) – red wine at our feet; laughing with friends around the glow of a fire. Curling up on the couch with Rufus makes me so happy – it had to feature in my perfect day. I’m sure he would be so frustrated with me for falling asleep, but there’s something about dozing off to the sounds of cinema that makes me so damn happy! 

It frustrates me that most of this stuff doesn’t exist in my everyday life. I struggle to get out of bed – leaving Rufus curled up all cozy and cuddly – and do my own thing. Surfing?! I’ve not been for a surf in years. I don’t live in a magical home that’s in equal parts close to the beach and in the country… However, I just know it to be true. I know that would be my perfect day. Perhaps some feeding of dogs and goats and piglets and bunnies thrown in for good measure. What’s most surprising, however, is how little food featured in my perfect day! Perhaps my emotional contentment is no longer linked to food?! (Baby steps…)

The question also got me thinking about context for this perfect day. What would the weather be? (Autumn, – cold at night, sunny and cool during the day – but still early enough in autumn that the sunrise isn’t too late in the morning) Who would the friends/family members be? When do I shower during this day? Would I have all of this planned out beforehand, or would it evolve naturally? (Still not sure about that one… I’m not sure which would bring the most peace; knowing what was happening and on what timeline, and potentially feeling rushed and not “in the moment”, or playing things by ear and having to make decisions on the fly. I suppose it depends on the people I’m with) I think these subsequent questions reveal so much about me. 

What would your perfect day look like? Please comment with your response, or flick me through an email (kelsey.hibberd@live.com.au) – I’d love to know!