Saturday, December 11, 2010

positive and negative (my happy list)


It's fair to say that I've been a "glass half empty" person for most of my life, from my school days when I'd get 19/20 in a test, and focus on the one mistake I made...

These days, I sometimes find it hard to see beyond the never-conquered laundry pile, or the cracks in the concrete occupying most of our little backyard...


Then I read this post by Kate, who, in spite of some very real and frustrating challenges facing her family and their farm, chose to focus on what makes her happy... and has inspired many others to do the same.

So, inspired by Kate's happy list challenge, this is what makes me happy right now...

Living in a home where creativity and imagination is valued more highly than neatness and perfection...

a place filled with "magical fabrical houses" and teapot toasties


a place where just a cup of water can create a wonderful puddle (not that we've needed to supply the water lately...)


a place where my lack of pruning has led to a safe place for a bird to nest (right outside our loungeroom window! I'm trying to keep my distance and give them some privacy, and have managed to keep this a secret from our girl)


More happy list inspiration over here (thanks Kate!)

16 comments:

teddybearswednesday said...

Oh Catherine this is wonderful post and you know I was inspired by Kate in the same way yesterday. I actually was having a crappy day, but seeing her do it, and knowing what's going on for her at the moment, made me want to follow suit.
I LOVE you list so much !! xo

Tracy said...

A really lovely list. The nest is special.

Makeminemidcentury said...

Oh, teary! You've turned those negatives all on their heads! I always love your posts ... always so simply done yet full of meaning.

Good one, Catherine!

Cath @ chunkychooky said...

I had to do a double take- your little girl does look like Busy!!!

Lovely post. x

Kate said...

I just thought the same as Cath! How funny.
Gorgeous happy list Catherine. I had shivers up and down my arms reading it. Thanks so much for joining in and sharing the happy thing. I hope you are having a fun and wonderful weekend.

Anonymous said...

lovely list.....
I love the pic of your sweet girl making her own puddle........too cute!!

Knicky Knacks said...

Gorgeous post. Love those photos and I'm now thinking I should make a list too. Thanks for the inspiration.

Tas said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous photos to match a beautiful list.

Cathie said...

oh my! I thought your little one looked like a younger Busy aswell!
wonderful list Catherine but you seem like such a glass full kinda girl to me, so smiley & happy.
i love your fabrical creative house & your magical land of creativity.
I definitely prefer that than a spotless sterile house.
hugs ♥

Heidi said...

Super sweet post!!
You have a wonderful blog....I would love for you to hop over and enter my giveaway!

Cate said...

Such a gorgeous post! I really did mean to get around to writing my own....hmmmm, maybe I still will one day :-)

BTW I'm dropping by to let you know I've nominated you for the Stylish Blogger award, because I think you are very stylish!! Drop by my blog today to 'meet' me and have a squizz at the rules for accepting. Such fun :-)
Merry Xmas
xxxCate

Maxabella said...

I like the idea of both a creative and imaginative house a house made of fabrics! Of course, they are one and the same. Lovely list of treasures to hold close.

I've popped over from Cate's place. Congrats on your well-deserved award. x

allison tait said...

What a beautiful list. Visiting from Cate's blog - congrats on your award!

Evie said...

isn't life so much better when we focus on the positives. it has taken me a long time to learn this and of course there are days when i struggle. from your wonderful list your life is pretty magical and fun and your daughter is an absolute cutie. thanks for your lovely comment on tdf guest blog post on my blog : )
i hope you and your family had a wonderful christmas full of positives. you have a great blog too btw xx evie

small forest said...

I love how youve written about the cracks in the concrete above this post but that is precisely where your little one is finding her play place!

That sheet on the clothes line? is such an image from my childhood. wow

kit and nancy. said...

what a gorgeous post. i am LOVING the fabric house and the teapot toastie! proves you can never grow out of the treats from childhood. lovely blog you have too.