After a month of illness in this family, we finally all felt better and were in much need of a retreat, a break from the norm, not far from home to simply rest, relax and feel rejuvenated once more.
The universe must have been listening, as the wonderful Gorgeous Cottages got in touch to see if we wanted to break in a luxury holiday home, The Coach House in Yorkshire.
As you get older and perhaps a little wiser (or in my Dad's case, sillier, much, much sillier-it can go both ways) you start to realise what really matters in life.
I think having kids can do that to you, that whirlwind of new love for the kid you made merged with the mammoth overwhelming weight of responsibility (no more spontaneity in life is pretty sobering) and puts everything that came before, and after it, into sharp perspective.
You don't need to have a kid for this I should add. Yay for being wiser without having to actually use your cervix! Life experience, travel, pets, nurturing plants, charity work, whatever it is that takes you out of yourself, can be enlightening,
It got me thinking about all the tiny touching moments that make up the bigger picture, the intricately woven happy-making little things I reflect on right before I go to sleep or if I'm away from my kids, missing them madly, or my zone out to more joyous times when I find the children fighting over toys/films/my affection and I need a happy place pronto.
Linda Kozlowski is an acclaimed actress (best known as the leading lady in the Crocodile Dundee movie trilogy) and was married for many years to Australian film icon Paul Hogan.
As a recently divorced mum, Linda is embracing her latest role with an adventurous new travel business in Morocco.
We're now back from a glorious holiday to Halkidi in Greece (1 1/2 hours from Thessaloniki) and have returned totally refreshed and relaxed full of vitamin D, uplifting sea air and great Greek food (of which you can see more of the latter in my post A Taste of Halkidiki)...
This year wasn't even a big birthday (I turned 32)-I know, I look 25 right, but it's true, deal with it. Seriously though, I feel super lucky that I was so spoilt by family and friends.
No internet connection or phone signal nor desire to use them: check.
Breathtaking views from your rented 300 year old cottage overlooking Llangollen's riverside, castle remains and rolling hills: check. Argh Wales, I think I love you.
