When I was in my 20’s and going through somewhat of an existential crisis, as a lot of us do at that age, I was reading vigorously, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, and everything of Paulo Coelho’s I could lay my hands on were piled up on my bedside table.

Carrie Fishers sage advice of “feel the fear and do it anyway” has stood me in good stead, and Max Ehrmann was hugely influential on me. As I start this new job, (I am loving it BTW), I remember the Desiderata line about career. Nursing has been steadfast for me for 38 years now, there have been times I have wanted to run screaming from it, but it has indeed been a “real possession in the changing fortunes of time” for which I am beyond grateful.

Desiderata: Original Text

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

by Max Ehrmann ©1927

Having time off between jobs was absolutely wonderful and allowed me to do my weekend routine every day. I am an early riser by nature; I like the serenity of the early morning before the world awakes. I check on, muck out, and feed all the animals as the dawn breaks, then sit back, enjoy my coffee by the fire and plan the day. It brings me so much joy this simple morning task, to be able to do this for 3 whole weeks was incredibly good for my soul.

I am back into the routine of work now, feeling refreshed and very happy to have made the change. I am enjoying the challenge, it is a bit overwhelming at times, but they are all kind and patient with me. Learning a new aspect of nursing and what it means for us as a family going forward, I am so very grateful for.

So, here we are halfway through 2026, Rich is home, he was missed but had a really good trip❤️.

The day after he got home and after a good night’s sleep, we went for our usual walk with Pica, it was a wonderful day for it, 19 degrees, so warm for June! Luca was not home; he had gone off to a birthday celebration the day before and it was another “all nighter” :).

They had lost his baggage, forgot to put it on the plane apparently, so was still in Vancouver. This happened last time and it turned up a few days later, as did this one. Oh well Rich and Luca share clothes anyway, so they made do until his bag arrived 🙂

The last couple of times Rich went to Canada, we had torrential weather, the house and property were not finished, there was mud and debris everywhere, our road was closed due to slips, I was working very long hours, doing a lot of travel, the animals were soggy, cold and disgruntled, (we all were), and it was generally a very stressful time. This time the house and property finished, the weather incredible, animals all very content. Luca was quite unwell in the last few days, (he does not do unwell by halves), the bug season has started, but as I was not working, we hunkered down, got him through it and he was on the mend by the time Rich came home.

Rich arriving back to warmth, peace and serenity, a much better homecoming, than freezing, mud and chaos😉

Luca is busier than ever at school; Prefect for Media, running Film Club, sitting on the Formal, (Prom), and Yearbook committees, are highlights for him. He is enjoying this year a lot, part of him does not want it to end.

He went to a “Media Matters” information day at the University in May and it really resonated with him, I believe it may have altered his study path, watch this space…

The mornings are dark, turning the light on is all too much for Pica, she hides her head until she is really ready to greet the day 😂. I have battery lights set up in the ponies and chook houses; rather than having to wear a head lamp when feeding and cleaning during the winter mornings these lights work incredibly well.

Some shots of how the property is faring this winter shows what a difference a couple of years makes!!!!!! Living on a hilly property rather than flat means flooding is not a problem, which given what is going on with the climate these days is a relief. However, hills mean good drainage is absolutely essential. It took us a few seasons to understand what was going to work best, seeing it come to fruition successfully is a good feeling.

There are a few more beautifying projects on the go around here. It is nice to be at the stage of there being no urgency to things being done. This new job has also meant I have been able to drop my hours, so I get to enjoy our little farm more, and spend time on other things I enjoy. I recognise the privilege in this and don’t take it for granted.

As I write, the house full of teenagers are sleeping, it is warm out and peace reigns, what a perfect way to start the weekend…