It's The Little Things That Matter in Life

Isn't this a lovely saying?  This week has been full of trials and tribulations.  Being a mum to two teenagers has its interesting moments and holding down a full time job while things are going a bit 'pear shaped' at home can be a test to the system.  BUT, as I sit here writing my blog post and just letting my fingers tap gently on the keyboard, I look at what is surrounding me right now.  A hubby who is happy and well after receiving his last health tests (all clear!), a Mr Teenager sitting quietly and happily in the same room, Miss Teenager in the study engrossed in her Twitter/Tumblr while talking on Skype with Mr J  Artwork and Coco snoring (quite loudly) in the kitchen.  Life throws some real challenges along the way but once worked through and sitting down on the other side of everything, you know what?  I shouldn't complain, it's the little things that matter in life - health and happiness.

A thing that isn't little in my life are my friendships.  Friendships can be all shapes and sizes.  Some we build from children where we support each other as we develop through the tough school years, some through work where after a while the social side shines through, and then there are friendships where you would never imagine they could ever happen.  After all, what if you have never actually met them - and probably never will?  How can this be called a friendship if you don't know the sound of their voice?  Would you know them if you saw them in the street?  Blogging has taught me all sorts of things - the thoughts going into each post, the photos taken along the way to show events as we see them and then that thoughtful, special moment of clicking 'publish'.  Into the world flies an electronic 'penpal' post firming up the interlocking chains that hold special blogging friends together.

I can remember receiving my first comments and being so happy that someone had taken time out of their busy day to let me know they were there.  I was not a lonely cloud anymore.

Each week I learned more, more about me, more about my readers and more about the wonders of blogging.  I look back now on my first posts and cringe a little, however it has recorded my journey and taught me how to find my voice and practice my writing skills for the book journey I will be venturing on soon.  Yes, gearing myself up for my Grandad's story and the creative juices are overflowing into different branches on recording his life.

Along the way I have found some truly wonderful, inspirational people who have encouraged me and the exchanges between us have been like catching up with very precious friends with the same hobbies, thoughts and dreams.  One of these is the wonderful Julie from Julie's Lifestyle who has made me blush with her latest blog post.  Please go and visit this lovely lady from across the pond and savour her creations from cooking to all sorts of crafts.  Thank you so much Julie for your wonderful friendship!  And thank you all so much who have continued to be extremely kind and visit me to hear about my little ramblings along with a very warm welcome to my new followers, I am looking forward to catching up with your posts.

Take care. 

 ♥ Chel ♥ 

 (Remember that if you want to see a larger version of my photos just click on one and a slide will appear)