Since leaving London, almost 6 years ago, after eleven years in the capital, I've often questioned whether we were, my husband and I, 'tired of life' as John Samuel's famous saying goes, when we departed.
Sunday saw this family get wrapped up in our winter gear and head for the stunningly Autumnal Golden Acre Park in Leeds, where we met with my friend and fitness trainer, Caroline, and her three gorgeous boys, Barnaby, Ralph and Henry, for a walk around the lake.
So today I popped over to one of my all-time favourite blogs, The Joy Chaser, written by my good pal Michelle, who never fails to inspire and spread joy through her words-and this post of her's HERE stopped me in my tracks and reminded me of the importance of fighting our fears.
Life is busy right now. Crazy busy but I've never been happier. I love being rather manic, it's my default mode, and doing what I love: blogging and all that that entails is constantly stretching and stimulating me. I feel ALIVE people!
I know I'm incredibly lucky in so many ways: I have a strong, supportive, wise and loving husband; the smartest, fun and most encouraging folks you could ever wish for, and a big group of fiercely bright and brilliant female friends (and one male bestie too of course-Will, you rock).
So yesterday saw me head to Manchester for a special meeting with renowned modelling agency Nemesis. One of the biggest modelling agencies in the UK, they discovered and made so many of today's British stars, famous: Robbie Williams, Gary Barlow, Melanie Sykes, Vernon Kay, Michelle Keegan and as of today, they're representing little old me!
It's a common misconception that being kind to yourself is well, a little self-indulgent and ridiculous but it's quite the opposite when you think about it, the kinder you are to yourself, the more accepting you are of you, the more energy and time you have for others and the happier life can be.
I mentioned on Facebook recently how mesmerized my son, Oliver, aged 4 1/2 was by the movie of the moment, the modern ET, Earth to Echo. I've never seen a film, any film effect him as much as this one.
Some days I feel like I have a little Buddha in the making on my hands, a four year old son (4 and a 1/2 to be precise) seemingly wise beyond his years offering me kernels of wisdom only innocent children who so often so clearly see life as it is, can.
This family LOVES Liverpool, I nearly studied English at the university there before opting for the bright lights of London and Goldsmiths, University of London- but now we live in Leeds, we like to visit it a lot-for culture, shopping, great food and family fun.
