The Anticipation is building

Posted on by Miriam

Today is my wedding anniversary. I still remember the anticipation of the day 24 years ago, the happiness and the nerves and butterflies. But mostly I remember the excitement and the sense that a new chapter was about to begin.

Today, as hub left for work on a Melboune Monday morning after we exchanged cheesy cute cards, I reflected not only on the weekend that’s just passed but on the journey we’ve been on together.

Reflecting on where we’re going in the corridor of our hotel

I’ve been blessed, there’s no doubt.  But sometimes in marriage – and in life – things don’t always go as planned.

Last Saturday night we stayed in the city.  I’d booked a deluxe Bayview Room to celebrate our anniversary with guaranteed water views of Port Phillip Bay. I was so excited and the sense of anticipation was huge as we waited to check in.


We enjoyed complimentary champagne and friendly banter with the lovely staff at our hotel on St Kilda Road before heading to our room.

When we walked into our room that sense of anticipation plummeted. Instead of sweeping water views  I was greeted with a huge construction zone, cranes in the sky and a gaping hole in the ground, 13 stories below.

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When I rang reception they were very apologetic and tried to find another room but everyone had checked in and the bay view rooms were now all taken. We were upgraded to a better suite but still had the same views.

I could have remained stuck in that disappointment but there was no point. I was with my man, and he wasn’t fussed about the view. It was up to us to appreciate what we had and make the most of our weekend.

I decided that it wasn’t about looking down, at the hole in the ground but rather about looking upwards.


And at night when the sun went down and the lights went on the cranes and construction somehow became beautiful.

As with all things in life it’s about having the right perspective.

So often in the past I’ve allowed moments to be ruined through expecting something which didn’t come to fruition and dwelling on it. But not this time. We had a lovely room, time to savour the things we loved and our homeland city waiting to enjoy.

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We had a wonderful weekend of fun reminiscent of our early years together. Of reconnecting, with a few hilarious and impromptu moments of city busking thrown in. I’ll elaborate on that in another post.

With Christmas just around the corner I’ve been feeling very unprepared. I feel as though I’m juggling those balls and demands that always fall flat.

I’ve felt it hard to embrace the festive spirit this year. But suddenly things seem clearer. And the anticipation is building, in a good way.

Our weekend away together has helped me refocus. To see what’s important.

It’s not the things or the views, it’s not the “stuff”. Although they’re nice it’s not what matters.

What matters is right under our noses. It’s about family and love. It’s about telling those closest to us how we feel. It’s about talking to and hugging our kids even when hours before we’ve wanted to throttle them. It’s reaching out to friends we haven’t seen in a while. Tomorrow I’m visiting a girlfriend who lives an hour away and I’m so excited about it.

It’s about forgiveness, of ourselves and others. And it’s about accepting that sometimes when situations (and people) are less than perfect  it’s okay.

It’s about doing our best. And doing it with love in our heart and a sense of peace in our soul.

It’s anticipation of a new year but even more importantly it’s about enjoying the moment and the beauty of today wherever we are.

Embracing whatever comes our way and turning those ordinary moments into extraordinary ones.

That’s my focus now and that’s what I wish for all of you for this Christmas and beyond.

To all of my beautiful blogging friends I wish you and your loved ones a very happy and blessed Christmas.

Stay safe and remember to keep enjoying the journey.

Let’s keep the excitement alive and the anticipation building. We don’t know what lies beyond but I have a feeling that something great is coming.

In response to the Weekly Photo Challenge: Anticipation

99 thoughts on “The Anticipation is building”

  1. Happy Anniversary, Miriam (& hubby)! Looks like you enjoyed your getaway! The two of you look like you just met! You keep inspiring me. 24 years is a really long time! That’s a milestone I’d like to achieve. Haha! We share something else in common. Our anniversary is coming next week. I don’t think it will be as exciting. Have a super week ahead! May the new year and Christmas be filled with joy and happiness. xo!

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    1. Hey Cheryl, thank you my friend. And yes, 24 years is a long time. Doug’s always joking that he’d get less for murder! Happy anniversary to you and Basil for next week too. Hope you have a fantastic time and a great week ahead. Hugs xo

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      1. Haha! Doug’s got quite the sense of humour. 🙂 Thanks a bunch, Miriam! I’m hoping the week ahead will be better than the one that passed. The sun’s out today and I’m feeling positive! Sending you warm hugs from Seoul. (It’s pretty cold here and I’ve heard in January temps dip further! Brrr!) xo

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        1. Brrr, rug up Cheryl, sounds like you’re heading into the big chill! Hope the positive vibes stay and you have a much better week ahead. Sending you not only warm hugs but some warm heat rays from down under. xo 😎

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  6. You both look so cute together. So sorry about the construction outside your room. At least you put it aside and enjoyed precious time together! Life is short and sometimes we tend to dwell on the negative, but you did the opposite! well done! Love the photos! have a lovely week ahead!
    xo Yvonne
    http://www.aproposh.com

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    1. What a nice thing to say, thanks Yvonne. And yes, it can be too easy to dwell on the negatives but it really was a wonderful weekend. Thanks again and have a lovely week ahead.

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  7. Happy anniversary, Miriam. I love your positive spin on that getaway and your take on what really matters to us. In a way, being surrounded by concrete buildings coming up symbolises growth and change – that no matter what, we all go through changing times. The least we can do is try to stand tall and stick together 🙂 Good to see you had a good time in the city. I love the city in Melbourne, though sometimes the crowds can get to me. Many more happy times with your husband ❤

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    1. What a wonderful comment Mabel. I love the way you interpreted the building and construction as change and growth, that’s so true and it’s really a part of life we often can’t control. Yes, Melbourne, like most capital cities, is busy and bustling but strangely this weekend the crowds didn’t seem that bad, or maybe I was just too happy to be bothered by them. Have a lovely week ahead.

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  9. Happy Anniversary and Merry Christmas to you and your husband Mirriam! 😊 Thank you for sharing your pictures together. You two really make a lovely fun couple! 😊 Aww, that’s too bad you didn’t get the room that you reserved. I could feel the disappointment…but it’s geat that you didn’t let this drawback ruin your weekend with hubby. Thank you for the reminder that what’s more important are the people and love and friendship- good relationships with the people we love and care about! I’m with you on that 101% 😉 God bless your family and married life. I wish you more years of excellent adventures and happiness! 😊

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  14. Happy anniversary, Miriam! I love how you noted that the construction lights at night actually looked beautiful. It’s such a great metaphor for how in each moment we have the power to make or break our experience through our perspective and attitude. Thanks for the reminder, especially since I’m feeling a bit blah about the holidays this year, too, and do needed some encouragement,

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    1. Thanks Kim. It’s true isn’t it that it’s really only our perspective that determines how we relate to a situation. I hope you can get past the ‘blahness’ of the holidays, it seems to have taken a hold of many of us this year. Enjoy this time with your family. xo

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  19. Aawww… How wonderful and sweet, Miriam. I like your positive spirit and that you didnt allow the little dissapointment to ruin your special moments. Those are lovely photos of you and your hubby. Thanks for sharing with us. Happy Anniversary once again and wishing you many more glorious years together. Stay blessed. Xo

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  21. Happy Anniversary! It’s too bad that you didn’t get the Bay View but you are right it’s not about the view, it’s about loved ones and family. What’s a view without them!! So glad you enjoyed yourselves and wishing you many more blissful years together! Hmmm you have me curious about city busking…don’t know what that is, but if it has anything to do with that picture of you juggling I look forward to that post!! Wishing you a wonderful visit with your friend “today”. Warm hugs xo

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    1. Hi Deb, thanks, I had the best day out with my girlfriend Lily today. Now I just have to catch up with everything back at home.
      And yes, it was a wonderful weekend away, filled with lots of moments of fun and lots of laughter. The city “busking” was hilarious and very unexpected when I was suddenly thrust into a comedy/knife juggling skit with a jester for about 15 minutes. Did I tell you I don’t like being the centre of attention? 😎 Hope you’re well. Big hugs back xo

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      1. Oh so glad you enjoyed your visit. Oh my knife juggling, can’t wait to read about it. ☺ Enjoy your evening. It’s minus 1 degree this morning, that’s even lower in Celsius!! Hugs xo. Brrr

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        1. Brr, rug up Deb, it sounds freezing! As for that knife juggling, hmm I was mainly holding them for him while he did the fancy throwing! It was fun though. Stay warm over there. xo

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  22. Yay! Happy Anniversary!! Woohoo! I’m so glad you had the chance to get out and have a wonderful weekend together!

    I’m sorry about the view from your window though, but you are so right – it’s about the view from the heart that’s most important. I’m so happy you have those heart-eyes that see what matters most. 🙂 ❤ *hugs*

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  24. Pingback: Anticipation: Opening | What's (in) the picture?

  25. What a very wise post, Miriam! I was cheering along with you all the way, though initially I too was disappointed- at missing your anniversary. 😦 Life is so very much about how we respond to it. This week has been all ups and downs for me and my Christmas spirit is wavering, but I’ll try to look beyond and do my share of hugging. Wishing you peace at Christmas, and happiness in the future.

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    1. Thanks Jo. It’s not always easy to be ho ho jolly when the grey clouds are hovering. Trust me, I can relate. But I hope as Christmas gets closer you’ll find plenty of reasons to smile. Sending big warm hugs your way from down under. xo

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  27. Miriam, first a belated Happy Anniversary. ❤️ Congratulations on 24 years of marriage – if anything like mine the years have flown by. I love the cards and I had to laugh at what I assume is your hand written addendum about ‘cranky’. Great you could look past and above the mistake of the wrong room, it was definitely not worth spoiling your special break over this – although I felt frustrated on your behalf! Overall this is a beautiful post reflecting on life, marriage, expectations, learning about each other and oneself along the way. Wishing you a magical Christmas and all the best for the New Year. Thank you for your thoughtful posts of the past year, it’s been wonderful to follow you on your journey, prompting me to look at my own. Warmest christmas wishes. 🎄

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    1. Thank you so much for your warm and thoughtful wishes on our anniversary Annika. It was just what we both needed at this busy time of year, to slow down and just appreciate each other away from the normal routines of every day life.
      Wishing you and your family a beautiful Christmas and all the very best for the new year. Big hugs to you xo

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  29. What a lovely post! And happy anniversary, a little bit late! I’m also one of those people who tends to let the little disappointments and imperfections ruin what would be an otherwise wonderful experience. I’m so glad you were able to see past the issue of the room’s view and simply enjoy a wonderful mini vacation with your husband. You are so right, that is what life is all about, learning to “turn the ordinary moments into extraordinary ones.” Merry Christmas!

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    1. Thanks Ann. I’m glad I’m not alone. It can be too easy to wallow when expectations turn flat but I’m learning to rise above it. It really serves no purpose in the long run.
      A very Merry Christmas to you and your family as well Ann 🎄

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  30. I’m pleased you had an enjoyable weekend. Going into the urban landscape is quite the opposite for you two.
    My eldest son lives in Melbourne and his perception is that the Christmas craziness is downright stressful.
    Have a jolly, simple and joyous Christmas

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    1. Thanks Moira, it was a wonderful weekend and great doing something a bit different.
      Merry Christmas to you and your family. Hope it’s a peaceful and happy one. xo

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  32. That Cambozola looks scrumptious! Reading this post has left me with a warm feeling around my heart. Belated congratulations on your anniversary and best wishes to you and your family for the next year, Miriam!

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    1. Haha, it was delicious Paula, you’re obviously a woman with good tastes. Thank you for your kind wishes. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and new year. xo

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  35. I’m so glad that you decided to ‘look up’ Mirisam! And those smiles on your faces say it all 🙂 I love this. I feel we can all relate to your post, being pulled, feeling frantic, rushed, stressed, disappointed – but you bring it right back home to the heart. Life isn’t perfect, and neither are we; but we can love our perfectly imperfect lives. Thank you for sharing your lovely day with us Miriam! xx

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  38. Congratulations! Happy anniversary, and merry belated Christmas! 24 years of marriage – wow! That is both a blessing and an accomplishment! I love your radiant smile in all of these pictures. Glad you could see past the imperfections and inconveniences to appreciate the real joys all around you. And, of course, the photos are beautiful. Especially those vibrant flowers!

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    1. Aw, thanks so much Lulu. It’s been such a roller coaster this past year,. Yes, our anniversary getaway was wonderful but my inner world isn’t rosy, and in fact I’m going through some tough inner struggles of the heart and soul at the moment. I have to try and just appreciate what we’ve built together and keep my eye on the big picture. Thanks for being here and reading. xo

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      1. Miriam, I’m sorry to hear about your struggles and heartache. I wish you nothing but peace and goodness, my friend, and I hope that you find some relief from your current turmoil. I think there’s a role for the “big picture” view and for seeing the little details, simultaneously. Truth be told, I’m in a place of great uncertainty right now. I just want to know what the future looks like! Where will I be a year from now and what will I be doing??!!! I know that it will all make sense in retrospect, and the big picture will come together, but right now, I can’t see it. So, I focus on the little details of each day and just trying to do my best in any given moment. Sometimes, I look back at the big picture of the past few years or my life in general, and that gives me confidence that the future will be ok. Sending you love and support, my friend. xoxo

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        1. That seems to be part of my dilemma too Lulu, wanting to know how things are going to look 12 months from now but I guess none of us have a crystal ball. All we can do is the best with what we’re faced with right now. I wish you all the best my friend. Sometimes going with the flow is the only way to go. Take care xo

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