learning from my opposite

a lovely gift from tinyfolk - a house that inspires hours of play

Whilst pregnant with Poet I constantly reminded myself that I had to let go of my birth experience with Che because second time around it was going to be different - I was birthing a different baby. Not once did I consider that the same rule would apply to parenting.

When Poet was about 18-months-old she started to really assert her independence. She is all fire and quirk; she's fearless, quite demanding and rough with affection. She is my opposite and she's taught me that while consistency in parenting is important, honouring and respecting the individual child is essential, too. It's one of the most humbling realisations that I've had as a parent; never presume you've got it under control because when you do, your two-year-old with throw her head back, let out a raucous laugh and then look you in the eye and say: "No!"

There has been so much intellectualising of parenting lately; there are a myriad of labels and countless news articles explaining "how to". It can be so overwhelming and to be honest, I often think it's unnecessary. Right now I'm accepting the fact that sometimes, it's best to surrender to laughter instead of keeping a straight face. 

Daniel and I have had to let go of everything that worked with Che and go back to basics, right back to the beginning. As we wander the windy toddler path we teach right from wrong once the giggles have eased. 

winter : haiku

I should probably start by apologising for taking so long to announce the winner of the winter giveaway. Truth be told, life has been slightly chaotic and I wanted to set aside a good few hours to sip tea and read haiku. It was such a treat to scroll through the entries - you're a talented bunch and I really appreciate you bringing your creativity to this space.

I chose ten of my favourites and sent the list to each of the brands who had contributed to the giveaway. They emailed me with their favourites, which included:

#106 - Angela

"Cocoon me" he says,

my heart swells as I wrap him

safely in my love.

#144 - Jane

Now we turn inward

Slowly, softly waiting still - 

Life blooms underneath.

#66 - Lucy

Crisp, frosty morning

Snuggly cuddles warm my soul

Babies bundled near.

#8 - Anna

Please remember me

eating all these tangerines

winter dusk is come

But there was one poem that really captured the essence of winter in the most simple and innocent way. Written by a five-year-old named Chilli who, whilst sitting around her family table in Tasmania, pronounced syllable for the first time and learnt all about its meaning. The next day she wrote this:

The wind whistles here,

Blowing a gale all around,

Then it starts to rain.

Congratulations, little one. I hope haiku helps you to celebrate each and every season.

..............................................................................................

If you're interested in introducing haiku to your children I highly recommend Today and Today, Zen Shorts and Zen Ties. If you have any other suggestions please leave them in the comments section. 

six | practicing simplicity

the end of the jetty / a moment of solitude

Living a less-distracted life : come back to your breath.

How often do you stop to feel yourself breathe? I'm presuming your answer is "not often enough" - and that's ok. 

If you watch a baby or young child breathe, they do so with their whole torso; it rises and falls with each inhalation and exhalation. It's called a whole body breath and adults don't do it enough. After childhood, when we begin to experience stress, it's quite normal for us to revert to short, sharp breaths into the chest. Ideally we need to breathe into the belly - a deep, nourishing inhalation followed by a long, releasing exhalation. 

Breath awareness is one of the most effective relaxation techniques. Simply observing the breath has the power to bring you into the present moment, to the here and the now. When you start to become aware of your breath you begin to notice its quality - light or heavy, smooth or jagged - and from there you naturally become more aware of your body. 

It can be quite confronting to stop and realise that you've been running on auto, that your breath is shallow and your body is tense. But I promise you that it doesn't take long to establish awareness; to make it an essential practice in your day. You can do it right now - mentally repeat "let" as you inhale and "go" as you exhale. It's also a beautiful way to settle before sleep, encouraging your breath to move down into your belly, letting go of your day and any unnecessary thoughts. 

So: inhale and exhale....become aware of the rise and fall, ebb and flow. 

30/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: He gave me 10 shots before he ran off to play with the neighbours; bright winter sun on a day cold enough for a scarf (and he needs a haircut).

Poet: We have arrived at two - "No" and "Miiiiiiiiiine" have been the words of the week. 

Following on from the discussion about capturing the child's beloved belongings within a portrait, I've been thinking about the idea of home. I usually capture close-up portraits of the children but this week I'm going to work at stepping back, capturing them in their home - the photographer just passing by. 

....................................................................................

This week the happy, colourful shots over at Airstream Family made me smile / Free of fever and looking absolutely adorable in a corner of light - little Saul and his mop of curls / I love Harper and Finn's expressions; so honest / Possibly the best silhouette-by-the-ocean shot I have ever seen...and I can't go past a pouty, sleeping babe / and finally, a sketch from a dad besotted with his girls. 

roses - $6 a bunch

Who knew that a $6 bunch of supermarket roses could become so many things....

Table decoration, a trigger of childhood memories and subsequent reminiscing; "he loves me, he loves me not," ingredients for pretend tea, the inspiration for a portrait, the perfect prop against crinkled linen, windowsill installation.

There really is beauty in the simple things...and the simple things are not expensive. 

five | practicing simplicity

curled up on linen, wearing mismatched socks and pants that were once full length

Living a less-distracted life: tune out, switch off.

I spend a lot of time on my laptop; it's a necessary part of my work life and it's also where I indulge in a little creativity - writing, editing photos, seeking inspiration. But lately, as I've had deadline after deadline to exhaust me, I've made a conscious decision to stay away from the computer and its long list of distractions.

Steering clear of the laptop gets me out of my head - quite literally. I stop thinking and start doing. I'm more aware of my body because I'm moving it, taking strides, stretching skyward. I use my hands differently too; instead of the monotonous tap, tap, tap, I hold a littler hand in mine, I touch salt water and sand, I massage the earth whilst gardening and ground myself in the best possible way. 

By switching off I find clarity; creative inspiration and much-needed perspective. 

Read the series : practicing simplicity 

29/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Che: Plane, car and Astro Boy in Japanese; this week's beloved possessions.

Poet: Walking the sea wall on her birthday, the salt wind whipping her hair.

I unintentionally created a sequel of 28/52. I also wanted to create an example of portraits without faces; they are still such honest captures of my children. 

...............................................................................................................................

This week I adored Leah's captures of a journey; rich with the warmth of a summer road trip / Elie and his colourful blocks, a beautiful childhood moment / Logan in mid-summer; so sweet / Saskia wrapped in wool and bathed in light / and Matilda and George - in black + white, all the way from Scotland.