comfort craving

At the moment, I am craving the comforts of home.

This time last year, I was going through one of the hardest times of my life, and I found sanctuary at my parents home in Inverell - the house I grew up in. I spent my time with my family - Mum, Dad, Amy and Spitfire (Michael was off and flying with the RAAF), read books, marvelled at the new synthetic hockey field (I only wish it was there when I grew up) and enjoyed the crisp mornings outside conjuring concepts for my university assignments. Afternoon walks with Spitfire and helping Mum around the house, movies with Amy and hanging with Dad at night - always with a topical conversation.

My childhood best friend, Jasmine, made the time at home much more special aswell, with chats that seemed to go forever and never run out of steam, coffees and lunch dates, dinners at our family homes, books, books and more books - The Dust Jacket and Out The Back being our favourite haunts. We hadn't lived in Inverell together since we were 12 and 13 years old. Back then, we 'lived in each other's pockets' (as our Mother's would say), and it felt like we just picked up where we left off. I am so grateful for her friendship and to have her as a significant part of my life again.

I'm in a different place right now, and have been for some time. Each day taking steps for a brighter tomorrow. Living with my little sister Amy (fresh out of school), here in Brisbane, by the river in a cute and cosy two bedroom unit. Full of all the comforts that make this my new home. I am so lucky for all I have - a fabulous flatmate and gorgeous little sister, friends that have proven to stand the test of time and a Boyfriend that puts the icing on my cake - keeping me laughing, even when I want to be angry because he's thrown my cushions all over the room. Grinning from ear to ear with a frown seems to erupt into laughter, even at the most serious of times.

Feeling rather sentimental today. Definitely ready to curl up with the rain pitter-pattering on my window, a good book and a glass of Shiraz Cabernet. This is very possible once home from work. Follwed by a cup of Earl Grey.

Today, I have decided to pick up Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. This novel reminds me of school (my Year 12 Extension English studies), home and the movie I bought in Inverell, The Jane Austen Book Club. This movie may be responsible for starting The Book Club Janelle and I established in 2009, and so I think it's about time I read a 'classic'.

The image below is a book I came across in my googling today, The Truth Universally Acknowledged: 33 Great Writers On Why We Read Jane Austen by Susannah Carson, and one I'm quite interested in with contributions from the likes of Virginia Woolf and many more. The model in the image seems completely absorbed in the book and the pastel colours along with the traditional vintage cover design, plucks a few of my heart strings this afternoon - and I simply had to include it.

I am waffling, and I best get back to work. I have much to do, followed by a therapeutic late afternoon of cake decorating, baking and Austen, Boyfriend and Sister.

Love, if only for your patience in reading my waffles.

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