Five things making me smile these days
Foxton Fizz bottles at Deluxe Cafe
I've done plenty of crying in the past few days. But there have been moments of joy and goodness too. Here are five things that have made me smile.
1. Taking blogger Katie and her friend Sandra on a tour of my favorite cafes of Wellington on Tuesday. We started out at Deluxe for a late breakfast (above) and then after I showed them Wellington's wild south coast beaches we stopped at the Maranui Cafe in Lyall Bay for coffee and cake. Maranui Cafe is housed in the old Maranui Surf Lifesaving club building and has an amazing view over Lyall Bay beach where there is always some brave soul out surfing, wind surfing or kite surfing. I love the surf club inspired decor, the vegan cupcakes (see below) and the outlook onto the coast.
Maranui (Surf Lifesaving Club) Cafe
2. This vegan chocolate raspberry cupcake at Maranui. No animals were harmed in the making of this treat. How can it be anything but good?
Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake at Maranui Cafe
3. Hanging out with my little friend Tom on Monday. We went to the beach, messed about in the sand and made friends at the playground. Knowing that his mum was enjoying her time alone as much as I was enjoying my time with Tom made me smile even more.
4. A monarch butterfly chrysalis sitting on my desk. It was a gift from a lovely friend who last year returned to New Zealand after surviving the bombing of Lebanon with her two little boys while her husband was working for UNFIL. She understands better than most people the emotional rollercoaster I'm riding these days and chose this thoughtful, magical gift. She assures me that the a butterfly will emerge safely even under my inexperienced care.
And last but very definitely not least...
Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra at Te Papa, 16.02.08
5. The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra. On Saturday after I'd had a good long cry about Mr B and a quiet, introspective afternoon my fabulous ukulele-playing housemate swung in from out of town and so I put on my high heels and lipstick and headed out to see the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra play again. By golly can they cheer a girl up.
Now, stop whatever you are doing and watch this. I guarantee a smile.
After the gig Gemma had the band back to our place so I spent Saturday night sitting on my couch with a glass of red wine listening to them play and sing their way through their songbooks into the wee hours. It was therapy for the soul.
Megan and WIUO guest Amanda at Te Papa
These things are making me smile.
I am so happy to read this post - to know that you are smiling again and feeling reconnected to your world. I'm hoping tightly that you have more and more of these moments and that the tears become healing. Please take good care!!!
love to you!
Posted by:megg | February 22, 2008 at 11:54 PM
I love imagining you by the beach, eating cupcakes, wearing red lipstick...I can't wait until I get to explore New Zealand with you!!!
Posted by:Swirly | February 23, 2008 at 04:24 AM
Ohhhh, a late breakfast with friends (my favourite), a trip to the beach (another favourite), chocolate-raspberry cupcakes (always a favourite), a meaningful gift from someone who's been there (favourite gift), and a night out with a YUKELE ORCHESTRA (will certainly be a favourite - do they ever travel to the States???) - these are things to smile about, Frida! And YOU made me smile today. When I got home from my trip this evening there was a card from you waiting on my table - thank you!
Posted by:susanna | February 23, 2008 at 07:19 AM
What memories. I recall being a junior member of Maranui Surf Club but much prefer the coffee and the chocolate cake it now offers than shivering on my surf board. Also enjoyed the 10th anniversary at Te Papa and feel myself much more relaxed about being back,almost.
Posted by:John Mullis | February 23, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Those are certainly 5 amazing smile-worthy adventures! I'm sending you good vibes to ease the transition into a new phase of life. All the best, Mandi
Posted by:Mandi | February 24, 2008 at 03:08 AM
A monarch butterfly chrysalis?? That has got to be the loveliest gift EVER.
Posted by:[a} | February 24, 2008 at 04:36 AM
awww, foxton fizz! now that makes a girl homesick. thinking of you. a monarch chrysalis really is a beautiful gift, that sounds amazing.
Posted by:chocolate covered musings | February 25, 2008 at 12:31 AM
love this! xoxo
Posted by:schmoops | February 28, 2008 at 06:18 AM
Sounds wonderful, my dear friend. I see a smile behind those tears...
Sending you love & healing thoughts ~
Send my love to Gemma as well!
xoxoox
(will reply to your email this weekend)
Posted by:Alex | February 29, 2008 at 01:02 AM
Wonderful that you're finding plenty of things to make you smile. xo
Posted by:Paris Parfait | February 29, 2008 at 01:28 AM