Camping out in my apartment with no power and water. Needed somewhere close to town to stay last night and thought, "hmm what about home!". Gas is still working so I am boiling some water for a coffee this morning. The place is a ghost town. It's quite spooky. When I came in last night, all you could see was the occasional candle burning in a window and you could hear the sound of laughter and conversation as people learn that there is is life without TV. I sat and read my 'making your soul happy' books by candlelight. I felt like I was out in the bush.. it was so quiet. I was delighted that Warren had turned his generator off in our courtyard. My next door neighbour was home. For the first time in my life, I didn't mind the smell of his cigarette smoke. Made me feel less lonely!
Was thinking last night about where my ol' blog is heading this year. Pretty houses and decorating just don't take my fancy quite yet. I am healing my heart, rebuilding my soul. "The Soul That A-M Built"?
I am just going to take it as it comes. It is so good to be back.
and it's good to have you back... how bout you name it "the journey that A-M took!"
ReplyDeleteSo long as there's water for a cuppa, everything will be ok :)
ReplyDeletexx
Welcome back A-M, it is good to have you back too.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to know "The Angels" have looked after you, Brynley & Kristian.
Stay safe beautiful.
Sending you much love. xox
And it's good to have you back! One day at a time, and know that we are here to help you rebuild your soul.
ReplyDeleteI can see your positive attitude shining through.I'm glad your home and you always know it's home when you can put the kettle on (well sort of put the kettle on!)..xx
ReplyDeleteYour update reminds me of the aftermath of Florida hurricanes ... I survived three direct hits. Charley, Frances and Jeanne in 2004. The same quiet, no power or water, the massive clean-up.
ReplyDeleteStay safe,
Helen
Isnt it good that we can't see into the future but sometimes the future can be amazing and better than you ever knew it could ! Enjoy the camp out, i love how people connect again with no TV. Mel xx
ReplyDeleteThis is stuff you will be telling your grandkids about and by then it will be a funny story.
ReplyDelete:)
Lovely to have you back.. despite the dramatic nature of the last week! I look forward to seeing where the year takes you, the boys and the blog. The Life that A-M lives perhaps?
ReplyDeleteAnd it's SO good to have you back A-M, we all don't care what you write about but... soul, home, lizards, boys it's all good :)
ReplyDeleteJxx
Thinking about you all the time A-M
ReplyDeleteI also find it very hard at the moment to think about pretty house things when there is so much distress about the floods...now in Victoria.
Mrs B xxx
Lovely to have you back A-M.
ReplyDeleteLisa K xx
just listen to your inner self...go with the flow and see reason in opportunities..
ReplyDeletexo Colette
It's lovely to have you back and the picture you paint of inner-city Brisbane is so evocative.
ReplyDeleteRebuilding your life has such huge parallels with all that you've shared in the past - it sounds like you're laying terrific foundations already.
Felicity x
A-M. Thinking of you. x
ReplyDeleteOh, Sweetheart, it must be such a relief to be back in your own place, retaking control over your daily life. And on so many other levels. I imagine a spot of solitude might be just the ticket for you after the noise and turmoil of recent times. Some time to reconnect with yourself, I guess.
ReplyDeleteAs for your blog's title, what about 'The path that A-M takes'? That way, you could still keep your compass logo. You could change the floor plan to a map. Just a thought.
Stay safe, my friend.
J x
Welcome back, so lovely to see you back.
ReplyDeleteKatena xxx
Hi A-M, I dont feel like blogging about pretty things either......
ReplyDeleteIt is good to have you back A-M and I agree it is difficult to blog about decorating etc, it just doesn't seem quite right at the moment. I do hope that you and the boys have a good year, it will still be very difficult at times but you will muddle through. Looking forward to your posts again, best wishes. ;-)
ReplyDeleteGreat to have you back A-M.....Thanks for keeping us informed about the flood damage in your area....I can't help but think how this disaster will change many people's lives in many different ways...it's uplifting to see such great Aussie Spirit.
ReplyDeletep.s. I hope your power is soon restored.
It's so good to hear that you're home, despite the power! From a camp ground operator to a camper, enjoy the peace while it lasts! Whilst the situation is not ideal to say the least, enjoy that quality time with your family, I think they call it a "staycation" don't they!? Get out the scrabble, monopoloy and deck of cards, cook a BBQ and camp out knowing you are now safe and life will go back to normal before you know it! Hoping you have a smooth ride back to reality.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are back A-M. You can write about whatever you like, it's just so nice to have you back. Reading by candlelight can be challenging, I hope the power comes back on very soon. Rebuilding your soul and healing your heart will be helped by doing what you love with the people you love - some good music and a great red can also help - it just takes time. Enjoy your day, Robyn
ReplyDeleteA-M , I think just what you've said is great.... "Soul searching, taking it day by day" ... that sounds great.
ReplyDeleteIm gald youre back blogging with us again.... Missed you.. Julie in HOlland :)
I am very happy you are back, and we can be a part of your soul rebuilding! Have you checked up sunny mummies? have a look xxx
ReplyDeletefleur
Let the blog just flow.....I think you've already got a direction for it though. No matter what, there's always a reason to write. Welcome back my dear and enjoy home.
ReplyDeleteXO, Andrea
I am so happy that you are home and safe with your boys...that is all that matters.
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
Some major life stuff has taught me to step back and allow nature to run her course rather than rushing in and trying to enforce a result. So yes I believe you are on the right track with letting this blog find it's own natural path.
ReplyDeleteLoss of utilities gives us time to reflect and enjoy the peace, even if it does involve cigarette smoke!
xx
I'm so glad to read that you're home again and that the restlessness is gone; good to hear from you that you'll take it as it comes, one day at a time, that's the spirit!
ReplyDeleteBye,
Marian
I'm so glad to read that you're home again and that the restlessness is gone; good to hear from you that you'll take it as it comes, one day at a time, that's the spirit!
ReplyDeleteBye,
Marian
It's just been so lovely seeing you back here over the last little while - we don't mind what you blog about, just blog about 'you' and your life with your gorgeous boys, your lizards and whatever else happens to take your fancy at the time. It is the lovely lady behind 'The House That A-M Built' that we adore, not 'the house' part :) Take care xx
ReplyDeleteThat's the spirit!!
ReplyDeleteEventually when the time is right your thoughts will turn to houses and cushions and stuff, but for now just getting through day by day is the Key x
Wonderful to see you here. Dont worry about what the blog becomes just let it shape itself and we will still visit you often and lend our support in anyway we can. You are not alone :)
ReplyDeleteWhatever you feel like blogging about, we'll be here with you.
ReplyDeletePerfect idea! When one has been through what we "Queenslanders" have been through over the past fortnight you quickly realise that you must cherish the simple things everyday. Enjoy those quiet nights they're fantastic for the soul... xk
ReplyDeleteGreat to have you back A-M - life is an open book so this chapter can be exactly what you want it to be - look forward to listening to the story! Leanne xx
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to have you back A-M. Missed you! And I love the name "The Soul that A-M Built".
ReplyDeleteA-M it is so good to hear you sounding resolved to healing you. I have seen the amazing support you have received through this blog alone, and that must give you so much strength. Draw courage from knowing that so many people care for you. We will all be following you closely on your blog, anticipating hearing of big steps forward. All the very best as your suburb endures the restoration process. Our town of Toowoomba is slowly crawling back to life.
ReplyDeleteLove and thoughts, Beck x (www.afortunatelife.blogspot.com)
Glad to hear things are on the mend, in more ways than one.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, do you know how "The House" faired in the flood?
V :)
Glad to have you back A-M. "The Soul That xxx
ReplyDeleteRe: 'The House' - haven't ventured over to Norman Park yet. It should have been fine. It sits high on a hill, or as my friends and I label any land that didn't go under, "a grassy Knoll". A-M xx
ReplyDeleteLove your post A-M. We are another Qld family whose life is taking a new path in light of the recent devastation. We are so lucky - and I can not stop thinking about all those who have lost family members and those that may never be able to get their lives back on track. I pray for all of them. While we are consolidating and gaining a new understanding of exactly where we are at - while we are still nervous - we are also starting to feel a little excited about a new beginning. We are talking - lots. Within our family; with our neigbours. Life without brings about some wonderful happenings. In some respects I feel like we are free falling. I am reconnecting with the wonderful simplicities of life and about time.
ReplyDeleteThis year I wish every bit of joy in rebuilding, rediscovering and reliving. It's great to see you back.
You have a beautifully positive attitude A-M and it is so good to have you back. I am praying for you as you walk your journey. Take care my dear. xx
ReplyDeleteHi A-M
ReplyDeleteGlad to have you back... It must be strange camping out in your own unit.. I bet you're glad to be sleeping in your own bed... I like Rachael's idea.. "the journey that A-M took!" It's all a journey... and I'm sure yours has taken a different turn now... whichever direction we are always glad to be there with you.. Take good care of yourself and your boys... ciao xxx Julie
It's good to have you back, and that's what blogging is all about. Not just chronicling pretty things, but chronicling real life...and you're the real deal my friend! There's no cushion or kitchen as beautiful as life!
ReplyDeleteKat :)
Dear A-M,
ReplyDeleteI have been away from my computer for a few days, and have been wondering (and worrying about) how you were going. The first thing I checked on my computer was your blog to see (with lots of hope and prayers) if your apartment and belongings (and especially Nigella and Brianna) were spared. What a relief!
Your photo of your two gorgeous boys with their beloved lizards is the most heart-warming image I could imagine!
I wish I could pitch in and help (a bit hard from here in Adelaide with 4 children to care for unfortunately!) - so I have given to the Premier's Flood Appeal - and make sure I give each time there is a collection (..and there have been lots...from the tub on the counter at our beach-side deli, to the gorgeous young girl busking with her violin at the Farmers' Market...)
Don't you love the Australian Spirit? Lance Armstrong is in Adelaide at the moment, and had his (now famous) "twitter ride" here on Sunday, this time using it to raise funds for the victims of the floods. At a press conference he commented on the giving, community spirit of Australians, saying that he had seen traffic jams of volunteers getting in to Brisbane - and what an amazing sight that was!
Take care,
Caroline x
PS - It is so lovely to have you back! x
Take your time A-M. If your heart is not in the right place, your taste in decorating won't be either!
ReplyDeleteJust keep blogging and writing about whatever you are feeling because everyone here in blogland will support you until your true love returns.
So glad to have you back A-M, any format is welcome!!!
ReplyDeleteChristine xo
Dear Ms A-M, I was so happy and relieved that your apartment and your sons' lizards were spared. You were so due a change of luck. I so understand that feeling of being in a place devastated and so pleased to be alive and to have my children alive. But shaky feelings take some time to get over. Be kind to yourself and take your time healing your heart and rebuilding your soul. Go and have a lovely coffee with your friends and hug them and have them hug you. love Linda xxx
ReplyDeleteoh AM, you seem so resilient, I do hope you blog on, whichever way it goes, it will be great to be with you along the way, Annie... xxxx
ReplyDeleteHi A-M,
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear you're back at home, camping in the candle light.
So brave and beautiful, you are.
See you soon.
Love,
Luma
A-M great to 'hear' the old you in your posts.
ReplyDeleteLife can be a B--CH but just go with the flow and you will be fine. You are stronger than you think.There were tears in my eyes when I just saw that photo of the boys and their lizards.
Keep strong
Alison
I very much like the idea of 'The Soul that A-M Built' and just reading your words here, the feeling I get is that you are well on the way to finding an inner peace. It's peculiar how real life events in nature could be seen to be a metaphor for what you have been feeling. Maybe you are now beginning to relax into the calm after the storm, and that the pain of recent months has also begun to recede. I do hope so.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to have you back and to know that you are all safe and well.
I am so glad you are really back, I am only sorry it took such a disaster to make it happen!
ReplyDeleteI love your idea for a new title!
please leave your heading for blog the same - it's still you! so pleased to hear you brighter.
ReplyDeleteThe blog is just evolving with you. Who knows what shape it will take but whatever happens, it will be a great ride!
ReplyDeleteDear A-M, I hope that you enjoyed that coffee this morning while contemplating life and your blog. You can write about anything you want, be it pretty things, finding your grassy knoll or the darkness that has enveloped your life over the past few months. We look forward to your posts and seeing some of the light shining back into your life through your words. Personally I find your blog inspirational no matter what you write about. Take care. Alison xx
ReplyDeleteYou are such an inspiration. You have a lot of support and your readers are happy to hear anything you want to get off your chest. Take care of yourself. x
ReplyDeleteLuma and Ingy, come home! I need someone to eat takeaway with on the floor! No don't... rumour has it it's going to be 3 weeks until power restored. New switchboard is on a slow boat from China! There are only a certain number of cold showers we could bear hey! Gas still works though. .... and Warren said that I could plug a lead into his generator... and so he should, it IS in my courtyard, scaring the lizards to death! A-M xx
ReplyDeleteIt feels so surreal to see the images from this, so hard to imagine that it happened in Australia!
ReplyDeleteSending you warm thoughts - from now on it can only get better!
So glad that you are back!
ReplyDelete