Checking in with friends.....

As you may remember, I did a course a number of months ago now called "Unravelling". I met some amazing women in that class, who I continue to be connected with via our flickr group. I haven't been able to touch base with them as much as I would have liked to of late, but tonight I really felt the need to check in with them. I was re-reading some conversations that were posted and one of my fellow Unravellers shared an inspiring blog post that came from Tracey Clark (creator of Shutter Sisters). I adore her reference to dandelions at the end. You can check out the post here.

P.S. This one particularly goes out to my lulu pal Emma T, who I hope will find this helpful in some way. X

Taking a break....

Today I am sick. Should have seen this one coming (exhaustion is usually what triggers me to start questioning myself, create anxieties that aren't really there, worry instead of living etc etc - exhibit A, my last post.....). I have lots of things going on in my head today but do not have the energy to formulate my thoughts here. I do want to put out a few little words and thoughts though. So here goes:

Hugs and kisses to all my "Unravelling" friends who have come to my rescue in snapping me out of my self doubt. These women are brave, inspiring, real, wise, caring, fun....I could go on and on. How I have been lucky enough to come in contact with them I don't know, but I am very, very grateful. 

New blog of note: fat mum slim . Read this today and will definitely be checking in on a regular basis. Her post for the day was an amazing quote that I have not come across before. I will leave it as my final bit for the day:

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are.

Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart.

Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.

Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so.

One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face

in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky

and want more than all the world, your return.

Mary Jean Iron

Lessons learned...

The topic for this week in my "Unravelling" course is "Reflections". I have left it right up until the last minute but I have finally posted two photos for this week. To be honest, up until yesterday I had only taken one photo and I wasn't even going to take any other pictures or upload anything. I was stuck worrying about what I look like or how I would be perceived etc etc. But tonight I just became so angry with myself and I thought what am I doing?. I have already wasted enough of my life (particularly the teenage years and early twenties) being extremely self conscious and feeling as though I don't measure up. I have come so far in terms of self acceptance, so why have I resorted back to my old ways of thinking as soon as my physical appearance is concerned? 


Anyway, I posted a photo of myself (as you can see above), just as I am tonight. I am who I am and no amount of self criticism will change that. Over the past 9 months I have learnt beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is my attitude, my actions, my values, my heart and my spirit that define me and have drawn other people to me. These are the things that have helped me get my life back - not my physical appearance. When I look in the mirror now, I see a person who is caring, determined, mentally strong, passionate, hopeful and happy. I am now genuinely proud of who I am. And that is what has finally made me feel beautiful.

Shoe Envy.....

I started my "Unravelling" course last week and the topic of our first assignment was 'feet'. Today was the first chance I had to read some of the comments that my fellow 'unravellers' had written about my photos. As pathetic as it may sound, I was like a proud mother when I read the compliments paid to my AMAZING brown boots from Barneys New York. They are one of my most treasured possessions in the world. They make me feel so happy when I wear them and I love everything about them. I love their colour, texture, the wedge heel, the hidden zipper, the front shape......ok I will stop now because I'm going a bit overboard - but they are one HOT PAIR OF BOOTS. I promised my 'unravelling buddies' that I would add some photos here to show the full effect of the boots. I also haven't been able to control myself and have included two other pairs of shoes that were purchased on the same trip. (There were others as well but this will do me for now). It may seem excessive, but when you consider that I bought these shoes on a trip 3 years ago and I have not purchased any other shoes since then, I say that is value for money. They are still all going strong and I hope they bring as much joy to you as they continue to bring to me.........!

Marc Jacobs black bow heels

Black suede boots with side

flower from Soho

Barneys New York boots