Yesterday on June 2nd, marked my 5th wedding anniversary I share with my gorgeous husband James.
On Friday, with my younger sister minding the kids at home, we dined at Quay in Sydney to celebrate this milestone in our life. It was fun to dress up and drive in together, talking about how blessed we are to have met each other and for our relationship to be so strong and honest.
Guava Snow Egg
8 Texture Chocolate Cake
Here are 2 of my favourite photos from that very special day 5 years ago. We were married on Hayman Island in The Whitsundays, in front of an intimate party of 50 friends and family. Looking back at these photos yesterday made me slightly sad, as a few people have passed away since this day which made me realise how amazing and fragile life can be. I don't take my love for granted, and these photos remind me of how lucky I am.
In late November, I purchased tickets to see Bon Iver at the Sydney Opera House. I cried tears of happiness when those sweet tickets arrived in the post and I tucked them away safely until that special day.
That special day came yesterday. I have been excited about this show for so long, that I was actually nervous on the drive into the city last night. Would the show be all I wanted it to be? Would they sing my favourite songs?
After a pre-show drink at Opera Bar, we hurried over to the Concert Hall and took our seats.
What transpired for the next hour and 45 minutes was nothing short of miraculous. I started crying about 13 seconds into the first song. I couldn't hold in my feelings any longer.
The setlist was absolutely perfect. A mix of old and new. The crowd and myself were in awe, respectful and enchanted by what we were all witnessing. If I had to pick a favourite track, then Perth, Beth / Rest, Towers, Calgary, Blood Bank, The Wolves [Act I & II], Creature Fear and Re: Stacks would have to top the list.
Tears flowed as my heart swelled with love as every song seemed better than the last.
If you have been reading my blog for awhile, you will know that music is a passion of mine. Almost gospel like. It's my religion. It's all around me, always. In the car, on my ipod at the gym, when I blog, in my house, always on.
When I got in the car and digested what I had witnessed, I realised that I had just seen the best show of my life. It was utter perfection. And best of all? I am blessed enough to be seeing Bon Iver again in 4 weeks at Coachella Festival.
If you haven't already heard the brilliant Bon Iver, I highly recommend that this video below be the first taste of their talent.
The latest act to record a unique set are Bon Iver who recorded their set recently at Air Studios, February 2012 in London.
Speaking about the simply shot but stunning session, the filmmakers behind, artists Iain Forsythand Jane Pollard it told Q: "Sometimes the simplest ideas really are the best - two remarkable musicians [Justin Vernon and Sean Carey] in one of the best recording studios in the world, both playing incredible Steinway pianos. No jiggery-pokery was needed, we just captured what happened in that special moment."
I love to swim. In my younger days, I used to train in squads every Saturday with my siblings and we loved it.
I'll swim anywhere too. Rivers, lakes, pools, but my love is the ocean. And by this time of year, I'm aching for an ocean swim. The 1st real swim of spring or summer. But alas, no swim yet.
I cannot wait. To ride waves in, to float over them as the break, the salty spray in your face, feeling your problems literally float away...
Here are some swim images to get you (and me) in the mood. Photo 5 is my favourite. I love that moment as you almost get caught in the wave as it rolls.
I bought some flowers for my mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law this afternoon and stopped at their place to wish them a happy early mothers day. They both loved their flowers. I also bought my mother-in-law 2 new books our the trip to Bali which she loved.
This is my Mothers Day present from J and Abi. Just a neat little lens for my DSLR. Can't wait to start using this for portraits.
At some point, I think every woman has listened to Love Songs with Richard Mercer on late night radio. Yes, that photo above is the infamous MR LOVE! I doubt many unlucky ladies in love have gained anything from his advice on love or life, but it's the only place you can listen to soppy love songs when you feel the need.
I love a good love song. A powerful ballad that makes you cry and think of your loved ones. I used to make my husband "mixed love tapes" when we were dating in high school. These tapes consisted of songs from artists such as Bon Jovi, Boyz II Men, Jodeci, All 4 One, Puff Daddy, East 17, En Vogue, Silk, Brandy. In other words, REALLY TERRIBLE love songs!!
The 90's were big on love songs such as "From this moment on, How Do I Live, Don't Wanna Miss a Thing, (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, I could go on and on. Like Celine Dion's heart did in Titanic.
These are some of my favourite lesser known love songs. I love love. It's my favourite word in the english language and I often miss my nights with Richard Mercer.
xxx
This song just shatters me. I love this song. Utterly beautiful and devastating at once.
This was released as Duran Duran's career was coming to an end and some fans will say this isn't their best work. Nonetheless, I love it. It's sexy. Very sexy.
I'm so happy I got to see Human League perform about 10 years ago in Sydney. They wrote some amazing songs in their career. This is one of them. It reminds me of when there was doubt and sadness in my life and I picked myself up and turned it all around.
This is the 1st song I heard as a married woman. James and I walked out of the church to this song. It reminds us of being young in love.
This was our 2nd dance at my wedding. I danced mostly with my Dad for this song and it was lovely.
An oldie but never goes out of style. "Loving you forever, is what I neeeeeeeeed".
Sexy. So sexy.
Not the most obvious love song, but it strikes a chord with me.
Was quite a big fan of Junkie XL's production back in the early 00's and this was always my favourite song of his.
This song gets me every time. It's featured in lots of movies for good reason. Wahhhhhh
From the soundtrack of 'Cruel Intentions'. Love it. Simple and romantic.
Next love song post will include tacky 90's RNB love songs I promise.
This is my husband James. This photo was taken on our wedding day, obviously!
Our tale is a special one.
I began dating James when I was 13 years old. Yes, you read correctly, 13!
Over the years, we grew up together and formed a special friendship. A partnership, if you will.
In 2002 whilst holidaying in Paris, he proposed marriage on the banks of the River Seine, a moment that I will never forget. I accepted and with the addition of a lovely but simple ring from Tiffany & Co, we continued with our lives as normal.
It wasn't for another 5 years that we finally decided to make it official and marry in 2007. We were married on Hayman Island in the Whitsundays, around a small group of family and friends. The 4 day weekend was enjoyed by all, as we celebrated of love, friendship and family as well as the beautiful tropical surroundings.
We have our moments, like every married couple does. But we love and respect eachother. I guess that's all that matters...
This is my daughter Abi. She is the light of my life... Literally, the best thing in my life.
She was born in Singapore last year. We recently moved home to Sydney and she is adjusting well to her new surroundings here...
I want what every parent wants. I want her to be the best person she can be. Intelligent, honest, compassionate and loyal. Funny, witty, clever and confident. Charming, sweet, beautiful and caring...
Raising a child isn't like anything else in the world. Every day is different to the one before. It's challenging and scary and fun and intense, all at once.
I wouldn't trade motherhood for anything in the world.
I remember when I first heard the word 'blog'... I was so mystified as to what the heck it was!!! That was so many years ago now... And here I am, penning my thoughts for the world to see. Well, not the world... Just whoever stumbles across this page...
I'm not the most articulate person in the world... Sometimes I make no sense... to my husband, friends or even myself... So bear with me...
This is my daughter Abi. She is the light of my life... Literally, the best thing in my life.