A little bit of Lanyon.

Hello Lovelies,

Hope everyone had a wonderfully sweet long weekend. The boys begrudgingly went back to school this morning after four days filled with play, chocolate and cuddles from Nana and Aunty Kate. In between dishing out hugs to the boys and making us laugh with her antics, my mum was busy volunteering at the National Folk Festival over the weekend. She had such a great time and got to listen to a huge variety of music while she was there. Yesterday was the final day of the festival so this morning I took her to Lanyon Homestead for morning tea before she headed south to the Snowy Mountains to volunteer at The Man From Snowy River Festival. 

As we drove through the gates we both realised that the last time I’d been at Lanyon was on the day of Rach’s funeral a year ago and the last time Mum was at Lanyon was when we came with Rach and the kids two years ago  What a bittersweet feeling it was to come back again today.

We had coffee on the terrace then took a stroll around the garden which was looking ever so pretty with a family of ducks waddling about the orchard and artists perched on little stools painting landscapes with their watercolours. 

We bumped into Lanyon’s housekeeper who was gathering flowers and I’ve decided that I VERY MUCH want her job! Imagine working in this glorious place....happy sigh!

We bought a couple of Autumn Joy sedums from the tiny homestead plant stall by the front gate. I’m going to plant them with the sedum I bought from Lanyon last year. There something special about having a little bit of Lanyon in my own garden. 

Thanks for such a lovely visit Mumma! Hope the next festival is just as fantastic! Love you to the moon and back!

xx Em

Salve for the soul.

I was born in the city.

I was raised on the coast.

But my heart will always feel at home in the country.

Yesterday was a bit of a struggle to be honest.

The culmination of a whole host of reasons.

I was physically exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed.

Just didn't have the energy to keep my chin up.

After a stressful school drop off with a tantruming 5yr old (who excels in class but has big behavioural issues at school), I wanted to curl up in a ball and hide. I longed to get into bed and pull the covers over my head.

Six years of incessant sleep deprivation/disruption has been catching up with me and the longer it goes on, the less I'm able to bounce back. I'm very much aware of the impact it has on my emotional resilience too. We all struggle with it, as parents of little ones, (well, most of us do anyway).

So...feeling like a weepy zombie, I dropped Hubby at work and kept driving towards the Brindabellas. I needed to be in a comforting space, preferably with caffeine, which is why the Jackman and I found ourselves at Lanyon Homestead.

Sitting in the sunshine with a strong coffee in my hands, watching Jack running knee deep in clover, was salve for my soul. It was peaceful and beautiful and comforting.

Wandering about the orchard and listening to the fairy wrens in the hedgerow lifted the weight of my worries momentarily and let's face it, it's impossible not to feel happy chatting to a herd of curious cows.

My problems haven't magically disappeared but the fresh air and space gave me a little respite and perspective.

Lanyon will always have a special place in my heart.

Its a precious piece of countryside and I'm grateful for it.

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Littles Love Lanyon

 

Saturday was a completely gorgeous Autumn day...perfect for a morning at Lanyon with our Littles. The Lanyon Plant Fair is run by Open Gardens Australia and is a magnificent event held in the grounds of the Lanyon Homestead.

 

 

Plant stalls, sculpture, guest speakers, garden & house guided tours...

 

 

Gelato with a view to cherish...

 

 

A vintage machinery display by the Canberra & District Engine Club.

 

 

A cottage garden to covet...

 

 

 

A children's marquee with all sorts of fantastic crafts and activities...

 

 

Including THE best kids guided nature trail.

 

Harry really loved wandering about with his fellow botanical artists carrying a little stool, clipboard and a pencil. He peppered his tour guide with all sorts of questions as they discussed plant varieties, illustration techniques and a little bit of Lanyon history.

 

 

It was beautiful to stand back and watch. The artist in me was cheering them on...to see them all so absorbed in their drawings was wonderful.

 

 

The Jackman meanwhile...spent a great deal of time running about on the lawns in superhero mode.

 

 

It's on again today from 10am. Definitely worth the short drive south to Lanyon Homestead.

 

There's nothing like a family outing in the country!

 

 

xx Em

 

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