It’s Valentines Day and hubbs is half way across the country on a work trip but that’s okay. It’s given me time to reflect on all that I have and love in my life and how much I’m grateful for. So that’s what I dedicate this post to.
Firstly, of course, I love my man. He makes me laugh, he’s funny, kind, caring, my best friend and my constant. He sees me at my best and my absolute worst. He’s supportive and always by my side, even when he’s not physically with me. I’m grateful for the 26 years he’s been in my life and I look forward to growing old with him.
I love my two gorgeous, crazy, chalk and cheese different kids who often drive me nuts but keep me grounded, forever on my toes and who give my life purpose.
I love to travel every chance I get, whether it’s free camping in the bush, by the beach or into the mountains. For me being amongst nature is therapeutic and food for the soul.
But just as much as I love traveling I love my home and feel blessed to live in such a natural environment and great community. Being surrounded by my pets, gum trees and nature, waking up to birdsong and looking out onto green hills is something I hope I never take for granted. I walked outside yesterday and there was this kookaburra, sitting there.
When I moved closer to him he turned and looked at me, as though posing.
I love my sister and brother, even though I don’t see them as much as I used to. And I absolutely adore my mum, unconditionally and with every ounce of my being. A strong, caring, wonderful mother and Nonna to my kids. Although sadly today she’s not the same woman she used to be after two failed brain operations last year, to me she will always be the mum who hugged me tight every time I came home to visit and who always believed in me. One day I will write a post just for her.
I love my friends, you know who you are. You’ve known me most of my life and even though most probably don’t read my blog you know me well, warts and all.
I am grateful that I earn money doing what I love, writing for magazines. To travel, write and then to see my stories in print is a dream come true for me.
And last but not least, I love all of you. My online blogging friends from all over the world, who I’ve got to know, some more so than others. I’ve reached over 400 followers and never dreamed I would love writing and connecting as much as I do. My world has expanded tenfold.
I wish you all much love today and every day.
Blessings abound… Lovely family. Sweet things you mention about your mum. That bird is priceless! Happy Valentine’s Day an ocean away.
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Thanks Jessica. And the same to you, an ocean away. xx
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Amen. The entire universe conspired me to find her…and then..oh well 🙂
Happy Valentines day to you too Miriam. Cherish the loved ones in you life and I pray that you are cherished too 🙂
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Thank you so much. You have a wonderful day.
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Love that book! Wonderful and beautiful. Our treasures are truly the simplest. Thanks for sharing! Much love from New Jersey.
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Thanks Sada, yes, The Alchemist is a classic, I love it too. Hugs from down under.
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Great post for today Miriam. I agree, travelling is the most wonderful thing to do, but oh, it’s so nice to come safely home again.
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Thanks. I couldn’t agree more.
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What a beautiful post, Miriam 🙂 I love you, too ❤
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Aww, thanks Monica 🙂
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❤
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Very nice!
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Thank you Frank.
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Happy Valentine’s Day, Miriam. 😊
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You too George. Hope you’re having (or had) a wonderful day. 🙂
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Wow, what a lovely post, lovely family, lovely sentiments. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Thanks Wendy, and the same to you.
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Miriam what a beautiful post! I feel lucky as well to have married my best friend and a wonderful loving man. It is so hard to find a good match and I am so blessed. What a lovely post filled with love and happiness!
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I’m so glad you have a good man in your life as well Nicole. We’re lucky women, aren’t we? Thanks for your lovely comments.
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Yes, we are indeed lucky. I can’t imagine not having a wonderful partner! 🙂
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Me neither Nicole 🙂
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Sounds like you have a good man there! Love the post and the photos, you summed it up beautifully 🙂
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I have indeed. Thanks so much for commenting. 🙂
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Lovely post! Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Thanks Ann. Same to you.
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That’s such a beautiful post. I’ll bet your bloke can’t wait to get home to his family.
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You’re right there. I spoke to him late last night and he was exhausted. He’s home tonight which will be nice for all. 🙂
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Happy Valentine’s 🙂 Beautiful family & pictures. You always make me wish I lived in Australia 🙂
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Thanks Blair. I’m sure your world is beautiful too. 🙂
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What a lovely post, Miriam. So much to love about our lives.
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Yes indeed, we are blessed. Thanks Mandy.
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Lovely post befitting the day.
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Thanks so much. Hope you had a nice day.
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Great post. Happy Valentine’s Day, Miriam! ☺
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Thank you. And the same to you.
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What a beautiful post. It makes me feel equally grateful for the people and places I love. Glad you had such a warm-hearted Valentine’s Day, even though your husband was away!
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Thanks Lulu. 🙂
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Happy Valentine’s Day to you and to your family too 😉 Elegant writing 🙂
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Thank you. I hope you had a lovely day.
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And I love you, too, Miriam! How sweet and lovely, this reflection!!! So grateful to be in your circle. ❤️💕
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As I am too Tiffany. Means the world. xo
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What a sweet post!! Combined with great photos too.
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Thanks Kally
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Happy Valentine’s Day!! ♥️♥️♥️
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Same to you. Hope yours was wonderful.
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Loved your ‘chalk and cheese kids’ comment….it makes me feel better as our fit that category also but it is not often one hears a parent admit to it.
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When they were younger it bothered me but as they’ve matured I’ve realised they are who they are! Now I tell them to embrace their differences. They’re both great kids with very different personalities and interests. That’s just how it is.
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Ours are the same. Fought like cat and dogs when young. After we moved their friendship group expanded and they seemed to settle down. Number 1 son bought a house about two years ago. Number 2 could not get out quick enough and the war we were expecting has not eventuated. Although Number 2 (practical) has often vented to us about things Number 1 (the academic) has done.
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Your two sound older than my two, mine are still bickering though. I often wonder how they’ll interact when they’re older. Number 1 daughter will be the first out, she’s already itching to drive and work and be independant. No. 2 is all academic, a bit of an IT guru and somewhat of a loner. So different. Ah, the joys of parenting!
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Lovely post. You sound like you’ve got life sorted and that you really appreciate every day.
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Thanks Jenny. I don’t always succeed but I try.
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Reblogged this on sherriemiranda1 and commented:
Although some of Miriam’s loves are different from mine (I’m not a good camper, for instance), we both share many loves in the world.
My mom has passed on but I will always love her with all my heart. Miriam doesn’t mention her dad, but my dad is my “Rock of Gibraltar.” He has fought for more than 40 years to stay alive for his family. And he’s still fighting the Good Fight! I appreciate him with all my being.
My hubby is also a really great guy & we were recently apart because I needed to go see my dad. Angelo is the reason I was finally able to write & publish my novel. He is always an inspiration to me!
I don’t have kids, but I have many nieces & nephews I love, as well as their parents, my sisters & brothers, and my in-laws too!
Thank you, Miriam, for this beautiful tribute to all those you love in your life.
Peace, love & life with all those we love,
Sherrie
P.S. I even have hummingbirds that visit, much like that unusual bird that posed for Miriam!
Sherrie Miranda’s historically based, coming of age, Adventure novel “Secrets & Lies in El Salvador” is about an American girl in war-torn El Salvador:
http://tinyurl.com/klxbt4y
Her husband made a video for her novel. He wrote the song too:
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Very intresting post!
Thanks for something worth a read 👍🏻
Just brilliant.
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Hi Sania, thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it 🙂
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Thank you so much. I really appreciate your kind words.
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New fan
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Thank you! I’m glad.
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