Today I've.........

* Somehow managed to pull myself out of bed at 5.50am and tiptoe out of the house leaving behind 4 sleeping beauties to catch a 6.20am train with a dear friend and headed off to a conference on "The Nature of Play" in Leeds.

* Wondered how it can still be SO cold in June - then remembered this is Cumbria - and it was 6am.

* Spent time on the train planning and getting very excited for the Blessingway I'm leading for a beautiful friend this weekend.

* Remembered my own Blessingway and what an incredible experience it was, and marvelled at how wonderful and just how strong we Mamas truly are.

* Heard the words "design", "incentive" and "equipment" far too many times and wondered what on earth they have to do with play.

* Found myself at the conference feeling totally disappointed but not so suprised by the intentions, philosophies and discussions of those responsible for "protecting natural play opportunities" for our children (more on that another time), and been glad I don't rely on them to do just that for my own children.

* Remembered this walk up Hallin Fell last week to confirm that last relief.......

* Realised I am totally out of my comfort zone in big cities, or towns for that matter – like stick-out-like-a-sore-thumb uncomfortable - even the size of the shop doors unnerve me, and when it comes to figuring out train times and platforms – well, let’s just say it’s a good job I wasn’t alone.
* Felt so grateful for the beautiful place we live in and the nature we see all around us every single day.

* Come home to reunite with 4 very much awake Beauties – including Elena running and shouting “Mummy” a million times with the most delicious smile on her face, arms waving in the air and giving me a huge smack-on-the-lips kiss when I told her I’d missed her all day :)

* Wondered if it’s possible for Sophia to grow even more in just 12 hours – she seems to manage it.

* Enjoyed the chickpea and quinoa hotpot my lovely lot had created whilst I was gone.

* Relished the feeling of being out and coming back – that flood of love when you walk back in the door and the beautiful knowledge that tomorrow you get to stay home.

* Been really touched to receive welcome back comments from some lovely people on this space and wondered how and on what to re-start posting –

* Decided today was as good a place as any to start. ;)

Here's hoping your day was good, whatever you found yourself doing. xx