With all of our dramas and flooding issues at home lately, life’s been a bit full on. But enough’s enough!
We all have our hard times so a big step back is sometimes necessary. Time out from the serious stuff where we can take a few deep breaths and focus on something lighter.
What better way to do that than through the cheeky antics of our pets and the animals that share our world.
Their ability to adapt and survive can help put a new spin on things and teach us a few light-hearted lessons on resilience.
After all, things always work out in the end, even in challenging times.
1. Life isn’t about accumulating stuff, it’s about experiences.
These roos on the beach at Cape Hillsborough aren’t bothered by too much. They’re a bit watchful but otherwise couldn’t care less that I was taking their photo.
They remind me not to be so attached to our things. We can survive on so much less than we think.
2. Be determined and fearless
Check out this eagle, the determined way he’s standing. “I’m gonna crack this egg if it’s the last thing I do”.
Be determined and go after what you want, but don’t let it be ‘the be all and end all’. Have other options and know that you’ll get there in the end, whatever the challenge.
After all, there’s more than one way to crack an egg.
3. Be open to new experiences and unexpected encounters
Ah, the places we go, the people we meet.
I love meeting like minded souls but this camel at Kings Creek Station was a little bit too friendly for my liking.
What started out as a bit of a kiss ended up as him trying to eat me. What a cheeky, frisky beast!
I suppose it’s flattering to know you’re the object of someone’s affections, even if they’re not entirely honorable.
4. Live in the moment
Who doesn’t hanker to escape it all sometimes? But whether we’re on the road or at home amongst routine, we can still make the most of it all.
Feel the wind in your hair, the rush of a new day, embrace whatever the weather is doing. Enjoy the moment and the ride.
Harry is expert at this. Dogs are like furry gurus. They know what makes them feel good. We need to take a leaf out of their book.
Live and love like there’s no tomorrow, with all of your senses.
5. Find those who share your passion
Lamby taught me a few lessons while she lived with us. Now she’s living like a real sheep in the high country and, as of this weekend has a new paddock buddy, Reggie.
Life is so much better when we have a good friend to share it with, especially someone who thinks the same way we do.
It’s not so baaaaaad.
6. Don’t take life too seriously
Cockatoos and kookaburras know not to take life too seriously.
Actually most birds do. They greet the morning with a song, fly freely and don’t hold themselves back.
Tweet, smile, chatter, do what it takes but I bet you’ll find if you laugh the world laughs with you.
7. Fake it till you make it
If all else fails don some glasses, put on a cool face and know that you can bluff your way through anything. Yep, anything.
Just like my daughter’s dog Tilly.
After all, isn’t everything about perception?
Stay sane, keep smiling and don’t be afraid to be a bit cheeky. It makes life so much more fun, plus it makes everyone wonder what you’re up to!
Keep enjoying the journey.
Feeling inspired? Want to connect with me on Facebook?
Come check out my new group for like minded travelers
Outanabout YOLO “You only live once”
In response to WPC: Cheeky
Enjoy the journey…love it. I like your photos Miriam 🙂
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Thanks Arlene, I had fun putting this one together. 🙂
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Great post. I love that shot of Harry. Is it taken in South Australia? You brave sitting there with that camel! They can be very cranky. I love how you put these types of posts together. Have a great week….a birdy one. x
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Thanks Louise. I think from memory that pic of Harry was taken in Vic, near the King Valley. And yeah, I should have known better, sitting next to that cranky camel. Hope you’ve had a good weekend. xo
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Was that camel attacking your butt?? Lol….
How’s the house Miriam? Hope all is better now. Xx
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Yep, he was! Sure made me move in a hurry I’ll tell you that!
The house is fine, thanks for asking. It’s dry, a bit of a shambles but slowly I’m sorting things out, dealing with plumbers and insurance etc. we’ll be fine. Have a great week ahead Lorelle. xx
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I would have jumped too 🤣🤣
Slow process 😔
You too lovely. Christmas rush is approaching!! Xx
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It sure is. And coming way too quickly for my liking … too many other things to think about. x 😏
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We will have to reschedule our catch up in the New Year 😊
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…which isn’t really that far away. Look forward to it! 🙂
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👍🏼😊
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So true, you only live once!
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Absolutely!
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we learn so much from animals, don’t we? love all of these Miriam! Have a good week
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Thanks Lisa, we do indeed. Have a great week yourself.
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NIce Post. Loved the way you put things together. I can imagine the fun you must have had putting all of it together. That process is so consuming (in a good way ) isn’t it!
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It is indeed, thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
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Very inspiring post Mirriam..
Its been raining so hard here too.and some areas were also flooded for days..
But mr. Sun has come out lately and i hope he continues to spread a ray of sunshine…
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Ah, so happy to hear that Mr Sun has shown his face. Hope he stays out and beams his light on you for a long time. Warmest wishes Mich, stay dry. xo
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Beautiful post Miriam, both philosophically and pictorially.
Some deeply wise, some fun.😊
miriam
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Glad you enjoyed this, thanks Miriam.
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Delightfully fun and inspiring! Life! : )
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Love love love your photographs and your advice all I can say is a big resounding YES! Living with many cats I have learned from them how to flow with life in many ways. Thank you for this uplifting and delightful post. As for that camel …. oh my goodness!!! 😂
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Thank you so much Amy. Yes, cats really are masters of their own destiny aren’t they? I’m glad you enjoyed this 🙂
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Spot on as usual!
Over here we can monkey about a bit but home in a week n will be busy packing up 4 a new lifestyle …. nudge nudge wink wink
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Enjoy your last week of monkeying around over there. Sounds like you’ll be home just in time for a warm Aussie Christmas.
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These are fabulous life lessons, Miriam. You are so lucky to have kangaroos on your beach! In our neighborhood it’s deer, bears and cougar. Kangaroos would be a nice change!
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Ooh, that sounds like an interesting and potentially volatile menagerie of wildlife Donna.
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Reading this was an excellent way to begin my day and it, of course, brought a massive smile to my face. Animals are medicine, and if we all lived with the same attitude as they do, the world would be a much happier place. Today I am going to remember to be present and enjoy every minute. Thanks, Miriam. I hope your house is less soggy and that your weekend was lovely. Big hugs! xo
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Your comments always bring a smile to my face Tanya. Thanks! Yes, the house is less soggy, the plumbers have been out and things are in motion. As for those animals, I couldn’t agree more. Have a great week ahead. Big hugs back! xo
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Delightful post Miriam. I love the mix of photos and cheeky life lessons. I like most of your furry friends, but watch out for that camel fellow. 🙂
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Haha, absolutely Brad. I’ve since learnt to keep my distance from the grumpy bums. 🙂
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LOL
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Oh Miriam, this was a super post, and I loved all you said, and so loved the analogies and those wonderful photos that emphasised all you said.. Such wisdom and insight dear friend.. Thank you.
I smiled at the too friendly camel, which reminded me of my own encounter with a Lama, as i fed him at a Farm park, he then proceeded and spat at me, in what was a very unpleasant sneeze.. Talk about biting the hand that feeds.. LOL.. but my granddaughter and hubby laughed their heads off.. LOL..
Have a wonderful week, and yes, enjoy every moment.. we are here to experience.. ❤ Hugs, and much love Sue xx
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Thanks so much Sue. Oh yes, those lamas are absolutely notorious for spitting. Clearly they’ve never been taught good manners lol.
Have a wonderful week ahead too my friend and thanks, as always, for your delightful comment. Hugs and love x 🙂💕
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Mega Hugs back Miriam xx ❤ xxx
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All of the above…but also, I always like it when you guys use that umbiquitously British/English/Aussie/Kiwi/etc term: cheeky.
🙂
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Haha, glad you enjoyed it 🙂
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I’m a kid when I see animals not native to where I live. Too cute. Tilly seems so relaxed. Many of us should take a lesson from her. 🙂
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Oh absolutely Bernice. Tilly’s very relaxed and sometimes too cheeky for her own good! 😏
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Harry always looks like he’s having the best time.
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Yeah, he has a pretty good life!
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Enjoyed this article so much Miriam! I’m inspired not just by the messages you are sharing but the whole theme itself. Animals and their innocence teach us so much.
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They really do, don’t they Divya. Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed.
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Great post Miriam and I loved the photos.
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Thanks Maverick.
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Enjoyed this! Interesting set of animals/encounters, and Harry is one cool dog – love that out the window photo! My Dad had a llama, Brian, for a while, can’t remember why(!) but he wasn’t that friendly. Dad said Brian had lovely eyelashes…
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Thanks PC. Llamas are very cute, no doubt about it, though they’re also renowned to be cranky, they spit and have bad manners. I think I’ll stick with Harry. 🙂
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Love this post. It made me smile. Especially the camel and the sheep. Your Lamby posts were so much fun.
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Thanks Marie, she’s definitely a character and it’s nice that I can still post updates.
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Great photos Miriam. Couldn’t agree more on all of the inspirational titles especially life being about experiences. Who needs stuff eh?
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A little bit helps but I know what I prefer. Give me an open road any day! 😏
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A few odds and ends are ok but only if we can carry them.
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True
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Hahahahaha!! “It’s not so baaaaaad.” Oh you crack me up! 😀 My son had to come over to see why I laughed.
Loved this! Great wisdom and value in these lessons!
Love you! *hugs* ❤
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Aww Ness, I’m so glad I could make you laugh from all the way over here. Big hugs. Love you too. xo ❤️
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Wow, such a wonderful entry.
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Thank you so much!
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Miriam, a lovely post showing us the wise lessons ready for us see and absorb. The photographs are wonderful…I can’t get over kangaroos on the beach!!😀 Harry just has ‘it’ in his attitude to living and I had to laugh at your daughter’s dog…yep, some days are just like that! Others we battle on until we break that egg…hugs from a snow-swept England. xx ❤️
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Thanks for your lovely comment Annika, yes our animals really do embrace living in the moment don’t they? Hope all’s well at your end. Stay warm xo ❤️
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A lovely fun post Miriam. I love the kangaroos on the beach and that camel sure had good taste! So glad Lamby has a lovely friend in Reggie. Wishing you a lovely Christmas. I am taking 3 weeks out from blogging etc from Friday. x
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Thanks so much Brigid. A break from blogging sounds very therapeutic. In case I don’t ‘speak’ to you before Friday (though we probably will) I wish you a wonderful break and a very happy and peaceful Christmas. xo
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Wishing the same for you and your family Miriam x
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Thank you Brigid ❤️
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This post (like most of your posts) made me smile! I agree with all of these points, especially the first one about experiences being more important than possessions. I think we need to get to a certain age to really appreciate the wisdom of that simple expression. I can’t wait for my next adventure. Have a wonderful week Miriam 🙂
ps: reblogging this one my friend!
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Thank you so much! And thank you also for your insightful comment. I think you’re right, with age comes wisdom and the realisation that all that stuff does is weigh us down .
Have a great week yourself. x 🙂
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One of the benefits to getting older 🙂
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Absolutely! 🙂
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Reblogged this on Invisible-No-More and commented:
No one says it better than Miriam! Another wonderful post by a special lady 🙂
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Aww, thanks so much …
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Very creative post and meaningful reminders. Great read. Thanks!
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Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it. I’ve just popped across to your blog as well. Nice!
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Thanks for visiting and your positive feedback. Big hug. -Dominique
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Animals are great teachers, they certainly don’t sweat the small stuff. Some great advice here. Love your blog Miriam. xx
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Thanks so much Barbara. You’re absolutely right, animals don’t sweat the small stuff. Have a great day. xo
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I loved the take on this theme! Great life lessons too!! 🙂
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Thanks Amy! 🙂
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Hey Miri! Love this post. Made me smile. ❤
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I’m glad Nikki! Great to hear from you. 💕
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So glad you took a step back to assess what’s really important! Love those roos…they must be such fun to watch hop around too. Boy oh boy that camel was getting a little obnoxious…they can be quite mean actually…glad you were ok. Wow great shot of that eagle and the egg…as you know I love birds so all your bird photos are great!! Yes Harry reminded me of me last week when I went soaring across the bridge with windows wide open and hair blowing…it was such a great, freeing feeling!! Hope your plumbing is fixed soon though so you can be done with it once and for all! I think we’ve found those who share our passion!! 😉 Great post as always, such a feel good, forget about it, kinda mood, I’m left with…loving it!! Big carefree hugs xo 🙂
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Glad you loved it Deb, I had such a great time putting it together. Just came to me the other afternoon when I honestly thought, enough’s enough. Gotta laugh at life sometimes and all the dramas that make up our days. Ha, you sound just like me driving with your window wide open and hair flying everywhere, music full chat … love it! 🙂
Big carefree hugs back xo
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I bet it added to your good mood and helped to shift your focus too!! Yes we definitely have to laugh at life, most of the time…the Universe had such a sense of humor!! Big happy laughing hugs xo 😆
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Love this post!
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Thanks!
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Enjoy your journey 🙂
I loved the pictures..
Have a great day ahead Miriam ma’am⭐
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Thank you very much Nisha.
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Congratulations for being nominated by that fiery Scottish lassie Alba. Nice post
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Oh I’m laughing out loud!! The dogs looking at me like I’ve lost the plot… Not everyone can say they’ve ‘picked up a camel’… yep a bit of flirtation does us the world of good – even if it is with a camel! You’ve come out smiling that’s for sure and in doing so, you’ve spread your smile to the other side of the World – how amazing is that!!! Fab post Miri and good for you xxx
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Oh Wendy, you’ve made my smile even wider with your funny comment. I never thought of it as ‘picking up a camel’ but I guess you’re right! Ha! Thanks for always being my cheerleader. I’ll be replying to your email very soon. xo
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Oh hilarious! It’s a good job we’re on opposite sides of the World – I’m not sure everyone would appreciate the laughing too loudly!! haha xx
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Now that’s a cool dog 😉
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Harry is pretty cool (and cheeky)
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I’m sorry that things have been rough for you lately, but glad that the animals are helping you cope! It’s true that we can learn so much from them, but only if we are smart enough to pay attention. Thanks for helping the rest of us remember that! And I hope you have a wonderful week ahead; you deserve it!
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Thanks Ann, that’s very kind of you. Yes, I’m sure you know first hand how animals, especially dogs, can help put things into perspective. Things will be fine here. Hope you have a wonderful week as well. xo
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This is a really lovely post. Lots of great advice for life here.
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Thanks so much. Appreciate your comment.
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You have such a lovely way of summing things up Miriam, really enjoy reading your thoughts and your positive take on life Love the pics too, specially the amorous camel 🙂
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Haha, cheeky beast that he was. Thanks for your kind words Debbie. 🙂
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So much wisdom between those fun lines:) Thanks for that! x Selly http://www.enchantingnotions.com
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What a nice comment, thank you!
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Hey Miriam I must have missed this post on first pass. So glad I came back to check it out! I was doing a lot of nodding along to forgotten pearls of wisdom, but when saw the camel smooch, I felt like we were same-eze;) Life really is so much more full when we open ourselves to new experiences and unexpected encounters, live passionately, and (I forget this a lot), don’t take ourselves too seriously.
So glad to see that Lamby has a new buddy in Reggie too (although they look like they might need a trim in the near future;))
I’ve been working on to a sketch inspired by a photo of rising stone steps that you graciously allowed me to use as inspiration on and off for the past several months. It’s still not quite right, but after reading this, I think its time to share. I hope it brings you a measure of the joy and perspective that you give to all of us!
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Oh Gabe, that would be so great and so very timely for me. I’m in big need of a lift this morning so thank you. I’d absolutely love to see it. And thanks also for your awesome words here, yes, here’s to living passionately. 🙂
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hehehe I just published it (was the fastest post I’ve ever written so keep expectations low;) )
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Really? Let me go check. My phone’s just about to go flat!
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Brilliant! I just found you through Gabe, and I’m glad I did! I’ll be following along on your exploits now, and keeping these thoughts in mind: Be bold, open, present, and light. Find kindred. Enjoy the grand experience of life, and smile through the not so grand times.
My kind of advice. 😎
Kudos, Miriam! 👏👏👏
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Hi Tom, how wonderful! Thank you and welcome. It’s always nice to meet another fellow kindred spirit. 🙂
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Another wonderful post Miriam. Always good to be reminded of the important things in life. Thank you
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You’re very welcome Cath. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week.
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Always a treat to read your blog and get bowled over by stunning pics, Miriam:)
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Thanks so much. Appreciate your comment.
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Wonderful. Just…. WONDERFUL.
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Thanks! So glad you enjoyed 🙂
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