Tuesday, August 7, 2012

an update






I have to say that it's been a reflective week or so of blogging. We talked about multi-tasking. It seems just about all of us do this around the house. Multi-tasking to be more productive. To make housework more interesting. But I discovered that there is far more to this subject than meets the eye. Your comments made for very interesting reading, and really got me thinking. It seems there may be a darker side to this thing. The tendency to get obsessed with the list of the day (whether on a literal or subconscious level) as well as the balancing out of the needs of the house with the needs of the family. And do we really get more done or are we just left with a bunch of unfinished tasks? All things I know I'm guilty of. I've felt the need to be a little more conscious of it lately. Not to have too many things going on at the one time. To slow down just a little. And to try not to always have my mind on what is next. It may not be an easy thing to concentrate on the task at hand. I certainly don't think I'll ever be able to stop my mind drifting while doing the washing up. I know I will always multi-task to some extent. But I am trying to be a more present person and parent.

I think in my case, staying at home has been my chosen career, at least for the foreseeable future. In our careers, whether outside or inside the home, there is always room for growth. For learning more efficient ways of doing things as well of learning when to step back and when to step up.

One thing I do know for sure is that my days would not be the same without rewarding myself with the odd coffee, tea or a half hour of knitting or sewing. Sitting down to read a small child a book, no matter if halfway through something else, has to be time well spent. It has taken me three children and eight or so years to really embrace this.






Last week we talked about the link of weather and mood. Your support and kind comments were greatly appreciated in what was a bit of a down week. I soon discovered that many of you were in a similar place. I also received my first nasty comment. Which I soon deleted and have since stopped thinking about. I know that most of you know, that I don't write in this space to "whinge". But I think a blog with only positivity is not the truest reflection of a person's life. I've always wanted this to be an honest space. We all have our ups and downs, don't we?




So I sit here on this (sunny, thank goodness!) morning, coffee in hand, and still with a cold, but I can hear the sounds of my eldest (home sick, but not too sick) and youngest playing happily together. I'm listening to little conversations. I'm thinking about new projects and finishing off old ones. I'm dreaming about blue shades of wool and Liberty prints. I'm looking forward to the day.



29 comments:

  1. lovely post :) I'm in such a similar space, with a cold, with the weather and I totally agree with you on the multi-tasking too. it can be handy ~ but a bit dangerous too! hope you have a lovely day x

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  2. Lovely post Tania! You've talked about a lot of things I myself have been thinking about lately - slowing down, being more present, not worrying about my to-do list, focusing on tasks etc. You're right though, being staying at home mums, we still need to reflect on our roles and 'careers' and think about ways to improve what we're doing for both ourselves and our children. For me, I've limited my weekly to-do list dramatically to one or two 'essentials' and no more than a few others. I also now have a weekly focus (as in a bigger project or area of home life that needs attention) and I find that while I do often stray to other projects, I try now to stick to the one I am focusing on for that week. And like you, I couldn't get through my day without tea breaks and a spot of reading here and there :) Take care, hope your're all over your colds soon (Grace is here on the couch with one today too)... am off to catch up a bit on your posts...

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  3. 'they' say you know your blog has really made it when you start getting the odd nasty comment! Personally I much prefer it when bloggers are 'real' and don't pretend everything is perfect all the time. I'm loving your blog at the moment so keep up the good work!

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  4. Oh, and I meant to add that any nasty pasties who leave comments are not worth worrying about. As you say, a real blog contains lots of positives, but also down times too,so is the natural flow of life. Only posting positive things isn't being true to yourself so don't feel bad about sharing down days occasionally or 'venting' about things bothering you - that's what your readers are here for, to listen and be supportive, not to berate you for doing so. Big hugs xx

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  5. Cannot believe you got a yucky comment Tania. Your post was the most non whingy whinge post to start with as you instill positivity into all your posts, even the downer day ones. An honest post is important, we all know it is not sunshine every minute being a mum. Sit in that sun with a tea and a toddler book and remind yourself it's only a few weeks until Spring. melx

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  6. Dear Tania I am an avide reader of your blog and can't believe some one would be nasty to you. I to recieved nasty comments whilst blogging and took them to heart (silly old me) and so I am no longer blogging I have started one but just not sure about hitting that publish button. So darling girl keep smiling and hug those wonderful children of yours
    Regards
    Rhonda

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  7. I am so sorry that someone left a nasty comment on your blog, I can never understand the motivation behind someone doing something like that. I often feel like those people must feel a little sad inside to do that to another. We do have ups and downs and sometimes it's harder to go with the ebb and flow of life, we all feel the same so it's nice to be able to share that with one another. I do know that I need to take what you shared on, things have been getting on top of me and just try and focus on one thing at a time, slowly getting through the list but not stress if it's not done. Enjoy the sunshine that has reached you place and I hope everyone feels much better soon. x

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  8. Yes, as the others have said, you have quite the audience if someone is willing to take the time to leave a nasty comment. That is a bummer.

    As for weather, oh, yes, girl. The weather is a huge influence on moods. Right now it is so hot, I'm not willing to open curtains during the day, which leaves it dark, and its so depressing. But, this, too, will pass.

    Keep up the odd coffee or tea or the knitting or what-have-you. Do what you need to. Its good for you.

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  9. Hi Tania
    Firstly, what a great blog! I have been following for a while but never quite brave enough to leave a comment - until now! I think you do an amazing job with your little family, and being a knitter myself, am always keen to see what ou have on the needles! Sorry to hear of all the sniffles etc. seems to be a bad year for all these dreaded bugs. Keep up the great work and take care.
    Vicky (NZ)

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  10. One of my favorite things about your blog is the honesty. When blogs are all good, all the time, they are not being true, and (more importantly) they make the reader feel worse about their own lives.
    Thank you for writing truthfully!
    And yes - I have to reward myself a few times a day with a yummy coffee, a bit of dark chocolate, and knitting or handspinning breaks. Unlike my mother-in-law, I give myself little rewards and breaks all throughout the day. I get less cleaning done than her, but I'm the one with 2 toddlers running about. Inner peace is way more important to me than a clean house! A peaceful and happy mama is what my kids will remember. I'm sure the baskets of laundry hanging about and waiting to be folded (for days... ahem) will not be something that ruins them! :)

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  11. I'm also a lurker coming out of the woodwork. So sorry to hear nasty pasties leaving comments - you and your family are lovely so I can't possibly think why?! I love Amanda's ideas about having a weekly focus as I find myself with a million projects on the list with very few approaching completion. For me, I think I notice the weather more being a SAHM, as compared to when I was working, as a lot of my day's work is determined by it! Keep up the fabulous blogging. Natalie xx

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  12. Wise words, as usual, Tania. I think I might just hop along and dream about blue shades of wool too. Thanks x

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  13. Nice post, and honest...its what alot of mums who stay at home battle with....but also 'enjoy'...there are so many things to enjoy about being home as well....as for nastiness..well, obviously some people have toooo much time on their hands.....it could have been spent making someones day happy, not upsetting....enjoy that sunshine, I see some outside at my house today too... :)

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  14. I really enjoy your blog and don't find the 'down' posts whingy at all, they're just part of real life. I also thought what some others have said, that the nasty comment means the blog must be getting popular! You have a talent in photographing ordinary moments to look extraordinary. I was thinking as I was riding my bike with my 10 month old on the back, I wonder if Tania rides a bike with bub on the back, it really cheers me up getting out in the fresh air, more so than a walk because I can go father and feel free-er :)

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  15. Hi Tania,
    I love your blog and read regularly:) I dont have a blog but find yo
    urs inspiring. I love to knit and sew.Blue wool and Liberty? brilliant!

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  16. you've been really reflective lately! Loving your insight and am glad to read that others are sharing their thoughts too but sad to hear that you attracted a nasty commenter. I had a whinge on my blog the other day (broken my own rule) but then deleted it myself. Not because I want to create a false impression of my life but because I asked myself "does anyone want to read my dribble?". I do keep whinging here and there but I check myself. Your posts are conversation starters obviously. And they strike a chord with others. So, write all about it! Your thoughts are not whinging, they are helpful. xxx ;-)

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  17. I really enjoy checking in with your blog, I haven't left a comment before but you are my monday morning read and I like to see how life in the country has its similarities to in the city. As I dash around in Sydney I have been thinking of your multi tasking post, I too start and stop all day, in fact I was in the middle of hanging the washing out now when I decided to sit down at the computer !! Thanks for sharing your life with us all. Imby x

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  18. Dearest Ivy ;) I wrote a long reply to you yesterday but it wouldn't print something to do with a roug cookie on your page???

    Anyway I love what you write and I love checking in and seeing what your cooking or making. Your essence of your photography is just gorgeous and I love all your vintage wares.

    Sunshine and lollipops our lives aint. I love your bravery and honesty....you are a lovely thing and I think in real life I would love being your freind.

    Motherhood even when we choose it is a hard thing...the constancy of it, the unfinshed and quickly undone tasks that are all far too familiar but there is a lot of joy in amoungst the rain drops.

    Sometimes it's the isolation of motherhood that I find the hardest maybe not the mothering itself?

    I love being connected through the bloggers world. I saw myself in Julie and Julia...did you?

    Keep being true to yourself

    big hugs x

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  19. I too have been feeling like this lately and although i wish you felt better it is nice to hear someone talk about the not so nice stuff that can be part of real life. It feels like a lifeline to me at the moment and i appreciate the honesty. Take care.

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  20. A bit of sunshine can make the world of difference.
    I enjoy your real-life posts and pictures. Keep up the great work.
    x

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  21. The reason I rank your blog as one of my favourites is your honesty and how you "keep it real". Thank you for sharing with us Tania, for letting us look into your family's life -especially given you ask nothing in return for this privilege.

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  22. Just last week I mentioned you in a post because I always admire that you don't just blog exclusively about the positive. I feel it is a much more meaningful and accurate depiction of you. It makes you human. I appreciate it about your blog. I'm afraid I don't do a very good job of it on mine... I tend to be one of the only positive people I think. In any case, very good thoughts, Tania. Thank you for always being so honest and for seeing so much beauty.

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  23. So true, all so true....and very real for lots of us. It is hard to stop the mind moving on down the list - I can say I am guilty of this more often than not...although working on it.
    There are have been a spate of unpleasant comments across a few blogs, perhaps the weather is making people spend all together too much time on the computer and over thinking things! Never mind, it is good to be able to move along from it - and know there are many who greatly admire your blog.
    Is that a pictre of a chai? Yum!

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  24. So sorry about the nasty one. Those hurt.
    Loved this quote
    "One thing I do know for sure is that my days would not be the same without rewarding myself with the odd coffee, tea or a half hour of knitting or sewing. Sitting down to read a small child a book, no matter if halfway through something else, has to be time well spent."

    I totally agree!
    Blessings.....

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  25. I agree with you wholeheartedly that these blogs we do are about real life and we shouldn't feel we have to censor ourselves. One of the downsides of the internet is that people feel brave to say things to someone else without having to look them in the eye to do so. It brings out some bad behaviour with no accountability for it. I am also an author and whilst 99% of the emails are positive, the attacking ones hurt and there is no reply or conversation possible. So it is best to just move on. We love your beautiful blog!

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  26. Thank you for all your lovely comments, and yes, that is chai tea. I forgot that I had a two year old packet in the cupboard. Still tasted just as good though!

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  27. Hi Tania,
    I read that nasty comment and I think the least anonymous could have done was own their comment. Good for you for handling it so graciously. And you are right in saying we all have our ups and downs. Sunshiney times ahead! Leax

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  28. Tania,

    Sorry it took me so long to come back and visit and see how you were....but it seems that you are in a much better place and space and I'm so thrilled for you! I love that you have created a space on your blog filled with honesty and real family life. it is very much an inspiring place to come and visit and it's true testament to you that you feel that you can be so honest about all the feeling of life, not just a "rose coloured" glasses approach! Wishing you sunshiney days Tania
    xx

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  29. I just recently discovered your blog and I am really enjoying reading past entries. I find your daily life so relatable and lovely to read. I don't think the nasty commenter got what this blog is about at all.

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