It's The Little Things in Life

It's been a while since I posted. My husband Michael had emergency spinal surgery in early September, so blogging, day trips and photography have been put on hold.
Thankfully he got one of the top Neurosurgeons in Brisbane and his surgery has been a great success. I thank God for everything falling into place!

I decided that my first post back would be to share the importance of the little things in life and how that should always be our focus; they are the things that bring true happiness.

If happiness was determined by big meaningful events, then it would be difficult to continuously achieve. It is the small, and often unexpected, pleasures in life that can make us smile each and every day to help us build happier and more meaningful lives for ourselves and for others.

Small victories, random acts of kindness, a smile from a stranger, reading a book, laughter, a genuine hug, receiving an email or message from a friend, watching a sunset, small unexpected surprises, listening to your favourite music...

"Perfect happiness is a beautiful sunset, the giggle of a grandchild, the first snowfall. It's the little things that make happy moments, not the grand events. Joy comes in sips, not gulps."
-- Sharon Draper


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At the Lake

Each time I visit the lake at Minnippi Parklands, it looks so different.
These images were taken way back in 2013, after a LOT of rain... The lake was at full capacity.

I love this image; the cloud formations were particularly superb that day!

I really love Minnippi lake! Each time I visit, the scene is so different.
The following shots were taken in 2012.

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A Fabulous Weekend Away in the Country

Two weeks ago, Michael & I had the opportunity to stay in a gorgeous 100+ year old Queenslander for 3 nights, owned by Suzanne & Tony "McHolden" (via AirBnB)

On our arrival, Suz was most welcoming; providing us with a tour of the house, information on the area, as well as providing us with suggestions of local places to get a great meal. Suz even went above & beyond by recommending great spots for me to photograph sunset! 

The house was clean, cozy, relaxing, well appointed and a great home away from home. We also appreciated the lovely warm fire each evening while watching a movie or reading.

While I enjoyed photographing the property and local birdlife, Michael was in his element playing his Cello on the front verandah during sunset.

We thoroughly enjoyed eating breakfast while enjoying the view, and sipping a nice wine in the afternoon, on the front verandah.

There was even a rusty old barn on the next door property!

We are incredibly grateful to Suz & Tony for opening their home so we could enjoy a wonderful weekend away!"


More images of the Scenic Rim area to come in another post....



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Shorncliffe Pier Refurbishment

Shorncliffe Pier is Brisbane's largest timber pier and was constructed in the 1880s. It is one of the longest recreational piers in Australia, reaching approximately 350 metres out into Bramble Bay. It also forms part of the Sandgate/Shorncliffe foreshore and is a feature of Moora Park. 

The pier is well known and used throughout the local community and is popular with residents and visitors to Brisbane. It is an iconic part of the Bramble Bay foreshore and holds great historic significance in the Brisbane City Council region. 

In March 2012, Brisbane City Council closed the pier to public access, due to safety concerns associated with the condition of the structure. A number of the pier’s piles, headstocks and girders were inspected and found to be in such poor condition that the risk of structural failure was too high to allow the pier to remain open for public use. The plan was to 'renew" the pier at a cost of $20 million.

Old pier showing uneven boards and railings.

The pier removal works commenced in mid November 2014. Construction began in early 2015 and is now complete. In early 2016 the restoration and rebuild of the pier was completed, and it was officially opened to the public on Friday 25 March 2016 in conjunction with the Bluewater Festival.

The pier is perfect for picnics, photography, fishing or even just a stroll. Many locals use the pier to walk their dogs.

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FAMILY: Blessings and Gratitude

I rarely get the opportunity to get out to photograph sunset, or much else these days. If I do, it's a quick backyard sunset (as above) while I'm preparing dinner. I do hope to get back into more photography eventually, but right now, I am loving spending more time with family; particularly the 4 of our  9 young adult children who still live at home and love going on weekly coffee dates, shopping dates, or day trips to the mountains or the beach.
 **Apparently we are still cool enough to hang out with!! :) **

Family life has changed so much since August 2016!

My oldest son is back in our lives, (I hope & pray, this time for good), as his marriage has broken down irretrievably. He is currently living with us while he tries to get back on his feet. As all loving parents would, we have been here to support, guide and love him through the process of rebuilding his life and fighting for his 4 young children and the ability to see them. The legal process doesn't come easy when you (and your family) don't have the finances to pay for Family Lawyers but you don't qualify for Legal Aid. It's been a very hard road for him.

We have been having our 4 grandchildren (7, 5, 3 & 21 months) for the day on most Sundays, which has been a wonderful answer to prayer. We are loving getting to know our grandchildren; spending time with them each week, watching them grow and develop, and observing their unique little personalities. They are such precious little people and I have so much love for them!

We also have our 5th grandchild on the way, which is very exciting!

We've had some difficulties to deal with this year, but we've had so many more blessings. I choose to be grateful in it all, the good & the bad.

“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.” - Maya Angelou



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