You move too fast

I spoke to one of my old friends this week on the phone. We don’t speak as much as we should, life gets in the way, but when we do we are able to pick up exactly where we last left off. It’s easy. When she spoke to me she mentioned something that I’ve been thinking a lot about, long after we got off the phone. “You made this move, to the country, to have this idyllic country life, and I’ve never seen you so stressed out.”

Huh.

It’s been making me think. I’m not so much stressed out, as busy. It’s just so busy. There’s deadlines and work and the girls and their School, there’s the community stuff I do, the function I’m organising and the house and washing and food  and LIFE. I’m not complaining, not one bit. Almost all my busy comes from my own creation, and it’s not like this all the time, just particularly now. And it’s OK.

This afternoon I was down interviewing a local for the next issue of BEVERLEY. I had Rob with me shooting some video, Daisy was home from School because apparently she was sick, but was actually fine, and I had a tired 3 year old who struggled in her gumboots and fell over approximately 45 times, one time hurting her knee with a cut which meant that my interview was actually consoling Harper, rather than asking questions. It was the most perfect afternoon…walking through organic produce…having the girls learn the name of the veggies, picking them and eating them as they went. Rob and I working together, towards something creative and interesting. We’ve been meeting such wonderfully  interesting people, all doing creative things, making a difference, living a life that fulfils them. It’s been such a privilege to do so.

HOLY SHITBALLS. Hit me like a tonne of bricks. Life might be busy, but it certainly is bloody good.

And then we drove home, and whilst there was a whinging 3 year old losing her shit over her hurt knee in the backseat and a big sister insisting on being treated like a dog, I forced Rob to pull over (not to throw the kids out) but to take a photo because HOLY SHITBALLS look at this place!

Sometimes you just need a reminder right?

P1 P2 P3 P4
I hope you guys have a fabulous weekend. We had plans, that got cancelled, so we have a gift of time at home ahead of us. They’ll be some gardening, some work and plenty of just slowing down.

Comments

  1. Alli @ ducks on the dam says

    I agree that country life isn’t slow! We are also busy. Catching up with friends -every day because we see them everywhere. Being involved at school and in community. We don’t go away much – but maybe that is because there is so much to do here. I love where we live. Coming up to our 7 year country anniversary I wouldn’t have it any other way. Gorgeous photos – that ripper Autumn light.

    • I was only chatting to one of the School Mum’s about this. Being part of a small community and School especially means that you really have to get in there and get your hands dirty. It’s much busier than it would be if we were in Sydney, but the flipside? Wouldn’t swap it for a million bucks. Or two. Or even 3.

      • mid30slife says

        Great post! Such an interesting comment there, and one I have to throw in my two cents about. Having grown up in the country and now raising city kids, I always remember being told the trick to living in a big city is to “make it small.” Best advice ever! So yes, we are in Sydney but our local school is our community, and everyone gets their hands dirty – so I don’t know that you’d find it that different here! That’s what I think anyway. (PS: have not blogged, or read any blogs, for ages. This is my first for ages – exciting!)

  2. Alli @ ducks on the dam says

    And by the way…… our paddocks aren’t anywhere near as green as yours. Lucky you

  3. Busy is wonderful. I never ever get bored. We are busy too, but I look at it as fitting lots into this short life we’re given. The key is to stop and enjoy the view or smell the roses, just like you did today.

  4. There is no better gift than time in your house and not having to go ANYWHERE on the weekend. And HOLY SHITBALLS is my new favourite expression. Favourite.

  5. Reannon Hope says

    You’re right Beth, life is good. Whether its busy, slow, relaxed or stressful it’s all good!
    Enjoy your weekend xx

  6. Jen @ frommetomum says

    They sure are some vistas Beth. Beautiful. There’s something weird about 2013 don’t you think? Everyone I know is limping to the finish line… 6 months early. There must be something in that. But with views like those and an attitude that CAN see the wood for the trees, you will be just fine. Jen x

    • There IS something about 2013…I know so many people feeling like this, and I keep hearing the same. I wonder if that eclipse might have shifted things? Hope so.

  7. ahoy.jenni says

    Agree…life is shit busy since moving to the coastal country from the Blue Mountains (8 yrs now) but I love it too, love being part of the community, knowing people where ever you go, a trip to coles takes ages cause there is always someone to chat to….love it!

  8. Magic. x

  9. Adventuresindinner says

    That’s the thing isn’t it? Busy is often mistaken for stressed. DH needs to really learn that the roller coaster ride is the great part of life. CAN’T wait for your new issue.

  10. A friend recently said to me “Why do we always feel the need or perhaps the pressure to say we are busy?”….and it’s so true. We all feel the need to justify our lives – and to say we are busy is an answer which practically says that our lives are full, our businesses are successful and our children are happy. It’s very easy to get sucked down the negative spiral of being “busy”….but once you take a step back and see the beauty of being “busy” – you wouldn’t want it any other way. Feel blessed to be busy – for it means that your cup is full and overflowing with opportunities, love and memories…..and your exceptionally gorgeous life X

  11. Lisa Mckenzie says

    It is beautiful where you live Beth I am a tad jealous and yes we do make a rod for own own backs ,My sons girlfriend actually said that to me last night after they had dinner after us and I asked for her and my sons plates and she said “you make work for yourself so don’t complain” and she is right ,I think being so tidy and doing things for them makes it easier for me and things get done my way but I should chill a bit and just go with the flow a little more,who cares if those plates sit in the sink till the dishwasher has finished (me just quietly) but it is not the end of the world ,it might take some time but I will get there!
    I am glad your plans were cancelled just enjoy the weekend and your family and have a Happy Mothers day Beth.

  12. MotherDownUnder says

    I am crazy busy at the moment too…but it is entirely a busy-ness of my own creation and I am busy doing things I am passionate about so mostly I don’t mind.
    Of course I whinge about not sleeping enough and blah, blah, blah but really I wouldn’t have it any other way!

  13. stunning Beth…. sorry Harps is falling over sooo much.

  14. HumbirdsSong says

    I get this. I really do. I take where I live for granted, and it’s only now I’m REALLY appreciating the space.. the river..the little oasis in the desert. Beautiful photos xx

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