Sunday 16 January 2011

Musings on motherhood

Good evening, lovely Planetarians, all 233 of you! After a horrible week of bad news of floods in Queensland, landslides in Brazil and cancer claiming two people I know, the sun has finally come out in Hobart and it's actually *felt* like summer on Planet Baby for the first time this year. You know, that balmy evening feel with long daylight when you can fling open the French doors (we did) and dine outside (will tomorrow)? It's lifted my spirits a little. 

So, too, did a delicious dinner last night with three other Hobart bloggers, my first time ever to meet so many bloggers in person! I spent four hours in the delightful company of three extraordinary women who have all arrived at motherhood in different ways but who share a passion for mothering and many values. It was a privilege to be there and I'll be sure to organise another one soon.
What it's all about
I'm going to try to follow my own advice and have a early night tonight so this is a short post. I found this quotation from the film 'Motherhood' a while ago. I haven't seen it but this resonated with me strongly so I wanted to share it with you.
Motherhood is about accepting the limitations of time and energy which stretch beyond you. Even though sometimes it feels like they could consume you.
Search for, and hold onto, your own true self. If you lose that, what kind of mother can you be?

Things are always changing, no matter how much we might want things to stay the same. You could take a picture of your children every single day and every single day, they would just be getting older. That’s a fact. A heartbreaking fact. Still a fact.
So seize your days and dwell in them fully. Look to your children because they know how to inhabit brief periods of time with extreme passion.
And for nothing more really - that's the sake of those moments, they can help you remember that. If you only slow down and let them.

Feel fortunate, because chances are you actually might be.
It makes you think, doesn't it?  I really need to pin this up somewhere visible to remind me of what's important, especially the second paragraph. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Photobucket
This post was rewound on 14 October 2011 in And then there were four's  Weekend Rewind. 

44 comments:

  1. Thank you for posting this gorgeous - the line 'So seize your days and dwell in them fully' really resonated with me.

    I haven't heard of this film, so am off to follow your link to a new space - and then like you, to an early night.

    Hugs,

    Felicity

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  2. What a lovely quote. It is so very true. I'm going to make a copy. And how lovely for you to have a bog meet! I hope I can meet fellow bloggers too one day:)

    Ness

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  3. So very fortunate...lovely Jane :)

    Jeanne xxx

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  4. So great that you got to meet up with some other bloggers. I definately want to do one again. I love that quote and especially the 2nd paragraph. I guess that is what I am trying to do this year. Get back a little of Simone and not just mummy. It's quite exciting! xx

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  5. Love, love, love it!

    How awesome you met up together - very special and so glad you had a great time.

    Naomi x

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  6. How lovely to meet fellow blogger friends and put a face to a name. A lot of good reminders in this piece about motherhood. I think acceptance of time, ageing (be it ourselves and our children), and that there often never seems to be enough is key.

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  7. I'm with Maxabella. Just lovely.

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  8. What a fantastic night Jane. It was so lovely to have so much uninterrupted girly conversation. And wine and food and being out after dark. The whole lot!

    You just gave me goosebumps with that quote. So wise, so true.

    x Sarah

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  9. I do think that we don't spend nearly enough time reflecting on the good things in our life. I think we're all guilty of that. I watched Black Balloon tonight and watching Toni Collette play the mother of a seriously disabled adult child certainly made me count my blessings. You take care and I hope you had a wonderful night's sleep and a lovely dinner out in the glorious weather tomorrow :)

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  10. Know what you mean Jane. My eldest is five this year and as I wrote it on the calendar, I actually caught my breath... it only seems yesterday that she was born... I told the hubby that I wish I could freeze time... but he just tells me that it's a good thing, that she's growing and experiencing life... she does tell me that she'll 'live with me forever, and I can look after her babies'... Lx

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  11. I really like the 4th paragraph "So seize your days and dwell in them fully. Look to your children because they know how to inhabit brief periods of time with extreme passion." I suppose then the fact on the back of my Libra panty liner is correct, children laugh up to 500 times a day ... adults only 15. Carpe diem, folks!

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  12. Nice little reminder to stop and smell the roses and hug the kids while they'll still let me! Glad summer has finally arrived... A x

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  13. Looks like we are back to winter today, well, at least it is not like our summery weekend. How wonderul to meet some bloggy friends. I bet you had a great time. Despite not being a mother (to a human at least) this quote is lovely and no doubt very ture. I have to say I feel that was about my Molly!! x

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  14. Beautiful Jane! I love the finishing line, it sums up life perfectly. I hope you sun keeps shining and you enjoy that wonderful outdoor dinner you have planned for tonight!

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  15. that is lovely, and I do feel lucky to be able to do what I do..very lucky.x

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  16. What a gorgeous quote! Your post what just want to need to read this morning, so beautiful!

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  17. What a wonderful quote! I am so sorry to hear that you have lost two friends to cancer Jane. Thinking of you dear friend. xx

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  18. The quote is a good one and thanks for sharing. I partiularly like: 'Look to your children because they know how to inhabit brief periods of time with extreme passion'. Yes they do. They also know how to inhabit LONG periods of time with extreme whinging! :D xxx

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  19. Well, it seems this quotation really struck a chord with you - I'm pleased. Yes, that 4th paragraph gets me as well. But you do make me chuckle, Fiona!

    Yes, it was just fantastic to meet some bloggy friends. Sarah B, you're one of the next on my list of Hobart bloggers I'd love to meet ☺.

    And as for the cancer deaths, thanks, Emma. At least they're no longer suffering now, I suppose.

    Fingers crossed Hobart's fickle weather turns finer for dinner tonight! J x

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  20. Great quote Jane - and we truly are fortunate (even though sometimes we don't feel like it). It was lovely to catch up and eat and chat and drink without interuption and to get to know you a bit better!

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  21. oh I love it!!!!!!!!!!! thanks for sharing:)

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  22. What a beautiful quote, it really resonates. I have just got back from a 40 minute walk (always helps the stress) and was thinking how I need to live in the moment more and enjoy every day with my kids. Gx

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  23. So glad to hear that the sun has eventually come out for you honey...be sure to rest up and rejuvenate now.
    Love your thoughts on Motherhood...so very very true.

    Sending big Hugs,
    Anna x

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  24. just wonderful :) I too am trying the early nights thing - cross fingers it makes a difference - hugs le xox

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  25. I often forget to just stop and enjoy the kids. Even if it means the kitchen is a mess and the washing doesn't get done. This post is has come at a perfect time for me ... thank you!!

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  26. What a lovely reminder Jane, thank you. I hope this week is better for you.x

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  27. oh my gosh jane....i have tears rolling this time!!!!
    what do you do to me!!???
    i am a little emotionally exhausted and probably need a good dose of sunshine and a splash of salt water....or that trip to london in two weeks!! tee hee!!
    you MUST read my post for today...uncanny that we are on the same page all the time!

    glad you having a good dose of fun, you time, to start this new year...that has to be good for you my friend!
    melissa xxx

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  28. limitation - hmmm better go look that up in the dictionary.
    sounds like a great evening, always good to compare notes with other exhausted souls.

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  29. Beautiful Jane! I love taking photo's of my girls, all the time, to remember the normal, silly everyday moments. Motherhood is a great experience, Nightnight,
    Maureen x

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  30. Precious post, Jane. the little things in life are the ones that really matter.
    I threw the sweet Jane notes in the big giveaway hat, fingers crossed.
    Enjoy your morning cup while I;m off to bed, it's way too late xxxx

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  31. Actually I disagree with the bit about it's heartbreaking that the kids get older. As my tribe hit their late 20's/early 30's, I'm finding this time of my mothering journey to be one of the most exciting & fulfilling. I love spending precious moments with each of them, but now, instead of doing all the talking, I do a lot of listening & I love what I'm hearing from them. And the cuddles & kisses are still there, just as they were when they were little boys. A belated Happy NY to you dear Jane, I hope this year brings you many magical surprises.
    Millie x

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  32. this post made my very teary...i worry about my little one growing older everyday. the little things are so very precious! x

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  33. Ah, ladies, I agree - this quotation is a goodie.

    Ange, it was such a delightful evening. The best I've had in a long time. And the first of many, I hope!

    Oh, Miss Melissa, I'm off to read your post now, you darling. It's called synchronicity! Great minds think alike and all that.

    Lee, I hope we can catch up for dinner when you're next 'down south' ☺.

    And Millie, I'm so pleased to know that - it's a huge relief to hear. You're a darling for sharing that perspective. I really appreciate it!

    Sarah, wait until you have two! That feeling is magnified even more, the more children you have, I've found. Hence this blog to help me capture those precious *moments*. J x

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  34. This is gorgeous and
    so true, dear Jane!
    And, congrats on being
    a Stylish Blogger ~
    loved your seven facts : )
    Glad you are soaking up
    the balmy weather. Please
    soak up a few extra rays
    for this Minnesota, USA,
    girl, who experienced a
    HIGH of 5 degrees Fahrenheit
    here, today!!
    xx Suzanne

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  35. Nice post Jane :) I'm feeling like a real mother these last few days - BLOODY NITS (see my post). And it's school holidays! They're the bain of my existence. Have they paid a visit to your place yet?
    Megs x

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  36. Beautifully said I say! Jane, where do you find time to always post such lovely little comments on my blog?? Thank you. I've told you before... you are an inspiration!!! xxx

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  37. Aaah, so much truth in these words. I must print them out and pin them up in my study. Thank you fo rsharing

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  38. Thanks, Suzanne - I really value your insights, especially given your children are older than mine.

    Oh, Megs, the horrors. No, not yet (touch wood).

    Glad it appealed, Ange. Er, the answer is 'Play School'!

    My pleasure, Christie. I think I'll do that, too ☺. J x

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  39. Very timely Jane, as I start to think about sending #3 of 4 children off to Kinder this year and for the first time in over 8 years am grieving no more babies.
    Time to really soak it all up and enjoy each and every moment.
    Beautiful quote, thanks.

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  40. Oh my, Kat! That feels like another lifetime away for me ☺. So glad it appealed. J x

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  41. Scrolling, scrolling... Oh! Here I am! What a fantastic quote Jane. So much to think about. Thanks for sharing it at the Weekend Rewind x

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  42. Thanks, MM - my pleasure! J x

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Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, you gorgeous soul. You've just made my day! J x

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