Look & Find

A love poem plus a bonus poem and Sharing is Caring Vol 5 featuring plenty of kid's books, a laundry win and things on the internet I've read.

It's March, not February, but today I'm going to be sharing a love poem I was inspired to write after Valentine's Day. We don't really celebrate it but I loved all the love poems that came up in my Notes and in newsletters.

This poem was inspired mostly by Erin Mount’s poem Lived-in Love. I loved the idea of describing the quiet, little things Chris and I do for each other to show our love.

I also really enjoyed reading Coffee and Crumbs Love After Babies essays they shared, particularly this one by Cara Stolen, this one by Allie King and this one by Molly Flinkman. As well as Ana Kurutz’s Dear Husband, Margaret’s Some Love Poems Include Vomit and Nelly Bryce’s Some Days.

Look and Find

There's an “I love you” in the sleep in,
you waking me up at eight,
And in the prior warning
that you'll be working late. 

There’s an “I love you” in the cold coffee
brought out while you mow the lawn,
And in the kiss and quiet bye
when you get up before dawn. 

There's an “I love you” in the phone call,
checking to see if I'm okay,
And in the speaking of the truth
when my worries are in the way. 

There's an “I love you” in the back rubs 
and the arms around my waist,
And in your prayer of thanks to God
for the meal that I've made. 

There’s an “I love you” in the chook pen
you built with wood and tin, 
And how you help me catch the hens
and together we clip their wings. 

There's an “I love you” in the couch nap
while the rest of us eat our dinner,
And in the cutting of your hair
even though I'm just a beginner. 

There’s an “I love you” in tomorrow's lunch
that I make for you some nights,
And in the way we try to
let go of the smaller slights. 

There’s an “I love you” in the warmth
of holding hands in the car,
And in the beckoning outside
to show me the moon and stars. 

These three little words said often, 
bring everything into focus.
But there's even more love in the acts,
all we need to do is notice.  

---

Bonus Poem!

I really enjoyed following along with Petra Hernandaz’s February poetry adventure. There were so many great poems that came out of this, but these were my favourites to read: If you ever go to Australia // Engine // Walking to the Restaurant at the Corner // Chatting Near Midnight // Passenger // Ticket my heart // Passport // Recess //

The first prompt was ‘Ticket’ and this prompt is the only one that I ended up writing a poem from myself.

If I Had A Ticket To Anywhere

Where would I go?

To the country side of France in summer,
Eating buttery pastries and fresh bread.
Or Italy instead. 
My sister went there recently and every photo was sun and food filled.
I want to go somewhere with simple, delicious food
that I didn't have to cook. 

How about to Scotland or England, 
where the summers are green and lush, and old cottages are around every corner. 
Do I want bagpipes or red phone boxes?
Or to see family in Holland,
and have a warm, gooey stroopwafel, just like my childhood. 
How about just a general ticket to Europe, please? 
I'll happily pay for the rest myself. 

But wait, 
I have a best friend in America, 
in a quaint town nestled among dairy farms,
and another in New Zealand,
so close to mountains.
I would love to see them again,
hug them tight, chat into the night, 
see where they live and love. 
Yes, that would be a ticket worth having. 

What about a train instead of a plane? 
I've always wanted to travel across this great country by rail, 
see the red dirt and the gigantic cliffs.
Just me and my love, 
finally getting time to talk and laugh and hold hands without interruption, 
while watching the land whizz by. 

You know what, 
I'd even be happy with a ticket to the theatre, cinema, museum or art gallery.
Anything to open my eyes to wonder and beauty, new experiences and a world outside my own four walls,
even for just a few hours.  

Don't we all just want to experience something beautiful? 

---

Sharing is Caring Vol. 5

My little boy loves the Training Young Hearts series from Abbey Wedgeworth. He loves the flaps and the illustrations are just delightful! They are also a great reminder for my older girls.

Over the summer we listened to Katrina Nannestad’s series The Travelling Bookshop on audio. We bought Greta the first book for her birthday and just picked up the 6th in the series from the library. We love that they're set in different countries, the characters are so fun and the illustrations in the print copies are by the fabulous Cheryl Orsini. A great series for primary school age kids and a great read aloud.

Bec and a great team of Aussie women have started Stories I’d Tell You At Dinner and I'm so excited! So fun to have something aimed at Perth/WA Christian women!

Coffee and Crumbs Spring Collection is out and I particularly enjoyed this poem. I love that they do collections so you can read them whenever you're ready without feeling overwhelmed. A goal I have is to submit a photo essay before they stop publishing soon! I have an idea, I just have to execute it.

For morning devotions we just finished Big Truth for Little Kids by Susan and Richie Hunt. I loved that it was aimed perfectly at my girls’ ages (7 and 5) and that they use stories to explain biblical truths. We'll now read C is for Christian by Alistair Begg, which has the most gorgeous illustrations!

I am a sweaty gal and ruin many a shirt with my natural deodorant and sweat. But I have found the solution. This spray has saved my well-loved shirts and made them look new again! It's the best when you find a product that just works!

Some interesting and lovely things I’ve read on the internet lately: the Theocidy of Encounter // Bless the Boys // Confessions of a Recovering, Rebellious Rule-Follower // 10 things Nan does when she's hosting that make us all feel like guests of honor // They're Only Little Once // Closer // Stuff of nightmares // Common Good Men // Notes // How Progressive Mothering Fails Boys--And Moms

I recently gave my copy of The Hiding Place to a friend and then later we fangirled over how good the book is and how amazing our God is. I need to give that book a reread but would love to know if you have any Christian biographies you recommend?

I love Princess Highway clothing and often find their stuff for my closet second hand. But I've had my eye on a gorgeous collared blouse for months and it finally went 50% off. I snatched it up quick as a flash, as well getting a cute dress for Greta. If you love a bit of dopamine dressing and want to add some animal and flower prints to your outfits then this brand is for you! You can also visit them in store under the Dangerfield banner. Ignore the more gothic, dark side and find the bright florals (I mean, unless dark gothic is your thing!).

Lately, I've been listening to Life in 3D and I love their 50s inspired original Put Your Head On My Shoulder. The Truth is such a power anthem for Christian women. We love belting it out. Gorgeous is your classic country love song, which is absolutely my jam. And Growing Pains will have you nodding along because #adulting.

If you love poetry and photography of life and motherhood, as well as recommendations from a non-influencer, Australian mum, then please subscribe!

Thanks for reading! If you like, let me know in the comments: What books are your kids loving, what books have you used for family devotions and do you have any Christian biography recommendations? What does quiet love look like in your life? And where would you go if you had a ticket to anywhere?