I had such a great time with finding my last 5 Things That Made Me Smile This Week, that I’ve decided to do it regularly. It does me good to sift through a weeks worth of experiences and pluck out a few treasured moments that brought happiness into my life. So here goes!
1. Finding a lovely old tree covered in wisteria.
Bear and I were out running errands this weekend and one of the places we stopped was a farm way out in the boonies. All around us was bush filled with the usual array of gum trees, but one of those gum trees was positively dripping with these lavish wisteria blossoms. Isn’t it marvelous?
2. These faces.
I can’t get enough of them. One moment they’re spazzy and awkward as they run and leap like mad off logs, rocks, and each other, and the next they’re cuddled up in a furry heap snoozing happily.
3. Dark Chocolate Truffle Ice-Cream bars.
Yesterday was a scorcher, the first really hot day of Spring. It was wonderful to get in the shade and nosh on these decadent Magnum bars as we made plans for the farm.
4. Really Good Though Totally Not French Food.
Let me explain. Whilst Bear and I were out running errands in the boonies, we became ravenous. Not knowing the area at all I turned to the NavSat to choose a place for us. I looked up French restaurants, chose one that sounded good and off we went. Imagine my surprise when instead of a French restaurant, we pulled up to the Springwood Bowls Club! The only thing even remotely French on the menu was fries. 🙂
Undaunted (and starving!) we decided to give it a try, expecting the usual fish and chips type fare. Much to our delight it was actually GOOD! The very young chef, Joel Elliott, is a lovely, gentle soul who readily accommodated my gluten-free needs and served up steak, chips and salad. Normally I do not order steak at a restaurant because I nearly always find it tough, dry, gristly, and disappointing. Joel did not disappoint, however. The steak was moist, tender and flavorful, the chips crispy and piping hot, the salad made of actual greens and veggies with a delicious dressing. We were so impressed. Not only was the food good, the service great, and the price fantastic, during our entire stay we were greeted by resident bowlers who made sure we were welcomed and looked after.
Wonky NavSat, you are forgiven for your lunacy.
5. Lucy
When I sold up everything and moved to Australia, I knew it would be a while before I could afford to replace things like cell phones, cars, and cameras that I had to leave behind. When I got really sick and wasn’t able to work much, the hope of those things receded into the distance.
It was hard, but I learned to do without and just focused on getting better and rebuilding a career based in Australia. It was a year before I could afford my first phone, but I tell you, I sure do appreciate it! I thought it would be ages before I could get a car again and contented myself with lots and lots of walking. 🙂
But I didn’t figure on Bear.
Turns out over the last two+ years he was secretly putting aside money each paycheck so he could surprise me with a car. I couldn’t believe it and promptly cried when he spilled the beans a few weeks ago. 🙂 We’ve both been through the wringer these past two years, dealing with visa and medical issues, and he thought it was high time we had something really good in our lives. Yep, he’s a luv.
So the past few weeks we’ve been discussing makes and models, driving to homes and farms all over Southern Queensland looking for something that fit our needs and budget.
This weekend we found her and brought her home – our lovely Lucy, a 1973 Classic Datsun 1200 Coupe. She’s in great shape for her age and although she’ll need a bit of TLC before she’s ready for the road, we love her. It’s so fun to work on her together, scrubbing her up, cleaning her out, sourcing parts, and getting her shipshape.
As you can imagine, my heart is rather full this week, feeling a mix of gratefulness and love and a whole lot of emotion. It’s been a roller coaster ride these past few years, and it is amazing to be in this place of peace, healing, and hope.
What things gave you a smile this week?
a day off of work to go to the farmers market, making cupcakes with a friend, picking apples at an orchard, roasting grapes in the oven……
They all sound absolutely wonderful, @disqus_2LQ5qLN5aY:disqus 🙂 You make me homesick for Autumn. 🙂
Oh, I love this post! When we begin to really appreciate the small daily things around us, when we can find great joy in a simple but well-prepared meal and an ice cream bar or the beauty of a tree… well, then we know that we are living our lives to the fullest and just as we should. Your posts really inspire me, Krista, and help me focus on what is truly important. xo
Thank you so much, @71eb07213759ab4e5611e1dd9f1df8a7:disqus XO Your words cheered me no end. 🙂
Your post came at a much needed moment – I haven’t found a lot to smile about the last few days. . .a series of computer glitches, followed by a notice from our health care provider that outlined the impact of Obamacare in all too real dollar signs – major medical premium will double in cost – Jan. 1st, sigh. . .but you’ve at least given me some smiles by the wonderful post and things that made you smile this week!
Oh @disqus_WseMqaTPwi:disqus , I’m sorry things have been so rough lately. I’m so glad these things gave you a little smile and I really hope you get some big smiley things of your own this week. XO
A beautiful post with 5 great things – I just LOVE Lucy Krista. Wisteria is one of my favourites, those faces are too cute… All just great 🙂
Thank you so much, @wanderingsheila:disqus 🙂 Lucy is such a treasure and I can’t wait to see her ready for the road. 🙂
Loing your zeal for life, and strength that gives me encouragement and hope.
I love Lucy. So not cliched.
This week I’m smiling at
1/ The gorgeousness of magazines
2/ The beauty of Brighton Beach
3/ My understanding that I love food and want to work in food
4/ Friends
5/ Family
I love your five things, @132fe8be674f43d4508b19c8db8df791:disqus ! 🙂 How wonderful to KNOW what you really want to do. That is a brilliant discovery. 🙂 XO
oh lovely post. i guess it was a special week this week (glad for you for that!) for a lot of reasons but i do like the “five things” idea. don’t get me started about which of your five i like best! you don’t have the time! xoxo
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It really was a special week, @9d73767d10227efff04c7307e331304c:disqus 🙂 So many good things after so many hard ones really made them especially precious. 🙂
How lovely! These made me smile too (and I especially love the name of your car!) Thank you for sharing! It is so good for the soul to do this!
I’m so glad this project cheered your soul too, @monet_anecdotesandapples_com:disqus 🙂
Okay the goats are cute, the restaurant was a lovely surprise but that car made me cry with tears of joy for you. Life IS coming good, that’s for sure.
You are so lovely to cry with happiness with me, @OrgasmicChef:disqus XO
I am smiling with you… beautiful!
Thank you so much, @lizposmyk:disqus 🙂
Such a cute car!! And such good food that you’ve been eating…those magnum bars? Love em.
Yay! Another magnum bar lover! 🙂
What a fab list! And my first thought when I saw the car was “is that a Datsun??” – one of the cars of my youth in South Africa 😉 Also love Magnums, and how cute are those goats?! My kittens made me smile this week (like every week!) –
No way!! I love that you had a Datto too, @76b7f5617f998f38e3daf83409eb82fb:disqus 🙂
What a wonderful post and that car! A true classic!
I’m so glad you like them both, @494006859c92b38028518780817296b1:disqus 🙂
Your belong in a bold and bright red car :-). it is beautiful but so then so too are your other favorite things. I hope your week is off to a great start. Blessings…Mary
She is a cheery little car, isn’t she, @OnePerfectBite:disqus ? 🙂
What a fantastic post!
I love wisteria too, really any flower with a strong fragrance makes me instantly happy!
Thanks so much, @GourmetGetaway:disqus 🙂 Isn’t it wonderful when pretty things smell good too? 🙂
So lovely Krista – so much inspiration and gratitude. I particular love those goats and Lucy 🙂 I had a wonderful Lebanese dinner on Wednesday night so that made me smile lots! 😀
Oh, a Lebanese dinner would thrill me too, @119c2cee80d4ff8a6f3916096ddfc8dd:disqus 🙂
Beautiful! Joy is in the little things of life, it’s so important to stop and give them some credit! 😉
It IS important to give them credit, @48863519405b297f7368332c765306b8:disqus 🙂