Rollercoaster

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 My week has been a rollercoaster.

• New nephew arrived last week, that new baby smell makes my ovaries burst.
• News of friends' pregnancies makes me feel warm and fuzzy knowing that they are bringing another special version fo themsleves to the world
• A tinge of personal saddness, wanting it to be me in that position. Must keep my Pollyanna plaits firmly in place.
• Group of work colleagues have won a lotto 1st division - 10 of them sharing 1/19th of the jackpot - not "chuck in your job" life changing, but enough for them to have some breathing space and hopefully some fun - proof that real people can win lotto.
• A good friend's brother passed away on the weekend in tragic circumstances. My heart aches for her and I want to be able to take away her pain.

All these things make me so grateful for my journey of life and I will be giving my boys extra big hugs tonight.

So many things running through my head at the moment. So many happy things and also so much saddness. So many blog posts to write, but I can't get the words to form onto a page. I need to sit back, take stock and work out what I want to say.

Chantel x

Postal Excitement

I love getting parcels in the mail - especially when I have forgotten I even ordered it.

I just had to share this one.

It is my "Choose Joy" necklace from The Vintage Pearl. These necklaces were designed to help to raise money for Ashley, the owner of the wonderful kids clothing, design and crafting blog 'Lil Blue Boo'.

Ashley has an amazing blog with wonderful craft ideas, funky kids clothes and organisation tips. Unfortunately recently, it has also become a place where she chronicles her fight against cancer. She was diagnosed with choriocarcinoma in October 2011 and is giving it a good run for its money. She writes honestly and with optimism about her daily battle and treatment regimes. Even when she has down days, she allows herself these, but continues to 'Choose Joy'. She writes on  her website:

                                 "Life can be hard... there's financial trouble, difficult relationships,
                                 health problems, death etc.... But everyday I have a choice:
                                 I can let these things bring me down.... Or I can choose joy
                                 and just be thankful that I'm here. I can choose."

She is an inspiring woman, running the race of her life and winning. I love her determination and I think everyone can learn from her journey.

I choose joy!

Chantel x