9 things I love about ‘NOW’

In the short time since I started blogging I’ve been fortunate enough to link up with some pretty amazing people and I really enjoy reading what they choose to share.  Spurred on by a recent challenge many of them have recently taken on I’ve decided, having read Caroline’s recent contribution, to pick up the baton and write about 9 things I love about now.  I do this for one main reason – it is such a positive thing to stop and take time to remind yourself of the good things in your life, in your now.

When I sat down to write this I wondered what on earth my brain would come up with. I cherish much in my life – so what would my brain throw up for this post.

Firstly I thought about those I love.  I don’t have a wide circle in my life of family or friends, preferring to keep things tight, simple and special.  These special folk know who they are and how much I love them and I in turn I know they love me – so I won’t go down too personal a route.  So here goes, in no particular order this is what came up….

No. 1 – Little Old Me

It’s true I love that I’m happy and confident in my own skin.

I accept who I am, I know my faults and foibles and I also know that I have great strengths. Put them all into the mixing pot and they are what makes me ME and I kinda like that.

Sure I know that there is always room for improvement but in an uncharacteristically (and very un-Scottish) way – I can honestly say that like the person I am.

Things that make me ME - my much loved Dr Martens

No.2 – Study

I love that I have found the confidence to study and I’m a better kinda me as a result of it.

No. 3 – Being a Mum

I love being a Mum.  My son is 16, and although being his mum is not without it’s challenges, one day I hope he will realise that he has shaped me as much as I hope I’m shaping him.

No. 4 – Writing

I’ve discovered through this wee blog that I love to write and I get a real do get such a kick out of the fact that folk like you take the time to read it.  I feel good about being brave enough to start this and can proudly say I’ve come to really love my wee blog.

No. 5 – Our Home

Duart Lodge is my most favourite place in the whole world.  A good while before I married Peter I was a single parent struggling to pick up life post (messy) divorce.  I lived in a lovely (but freezing) remote cottage at the top of a hill.  Since moving into Duart Lodge the place has seen a good few changes (and there will be more to come) but it’s now my home.  I share it with Peter, Spencer (my son) and Sylvia (my 94 year old mother in law).  There is also Bella and Tam our cats AND would you believe, despite living right in the centre of Inverness we have deer that visit for food morning and night.  One special one, aptly named Bambi, is a regular (and she has been visiting for about 10 years).

"Never mind standing there admiring me, where are my apples?"

She waits patiently in the garden for you to throw her apples (which MUST be braeburns) – she doesn’t even mind if you’re in the garden with her.  I will never tire of looking out the window in the morning and seeing her looking up and licking her lips.

No. 6  - Chocolate

What more can I say.....

No. 7 – Cooking

Cooking is my destresser and I love to cook.  My family will tell you that if I’ve had a bad day dinner will always come with a white sauce.  The way I see it if I’ve had a day of things not kind of working out when you put the ingredients into the pan, you stir and it thickens – every time!  There is something wonderfully predictable and comforting in that.

If you’re looking for real comfort then look no further than Scotch Pancakes…… Put 4oz of self raising flour in a bowl, add an egg, a pinch of salt and enough milk to make it thick and gloopy.  Using a ladle (the mixture should be thick enough that it doesn’t run off the ladle but instead kinda falls gently and apologetically off slowly) dollop out pancake size amounts into a hot pan.  Watch for the bubbles and then turn them over.

A perfect bundle of pancakes in 5 minutes tops - enjoy.

No. 8 – Humour

Show me someone who doesn’t like to laugh and I’ll show you someone who doesn’t know how to live.  Humour underpins my life. It serves to keep me sane and to keep those around me laughing (so they don’t actually notice how insane I actually am).

No. 9 – My Biggest Supporter

Although I didn’t intend to single out any one person I know that I couldn’t end this wee post without a nod to my biggest fan in this life.  My man has been my biggest supporter and he is solely responsible for encouraging me to take the plunge into study.  He has also given up bachelorhood to share his home and his life with a crazy woman, her son (who is now his step-son) and two pretty unusual and equally crazy cats.  I have not only transformed his home, but also his life – and not always for the better – yet he doesn’t complain.  He reads my blogs everyday and never comments – maybe today he will – what do you think?

Peter the Invincible

So what are you’re 9 things you love now?

Even if you never share your list it’s an exercise that makes you appreciate what you’ve got. There is also the distinct possibility that in getting to No.9 your realise there are actually many more people, experiences, food, wickedly joyous things you can’t divulge, things you could add to your ‘things I love list’.

Go on I dare you to give it a go.