26 November 2011

i'm grateful for . . . 'feeling the love'

Greetings all,
This week i'm so grateful for the love i'm feeling from family, friends, bloggers & . . . sales assistants.  How sweet is this little stamped heart on my Chrismtas ornament parceled up with love??  I was in Kikki-K purchasing a gift for a friend & said to the sweeet girl behind the counter "oh, & the white love heart Christmas decoration please as i love me too." 
I grew up with a ridiculous amount of love, time, compliments & attention from my parents, i used to feel awkward when girls would say about other girls "oh she loves herself" when i thought, i love me too, why is that bad??  Of course they meant 'that girl is a stuck up selfish cow' not generous of heart & oozing love!!  My end result has been a self assured & confident female, able to accept, embrace & return lashings of love.
 I would never term myself as a needy person, my husband is, just ask me when he gets 'man flu' & right now he is homesick.  I'm sending lots of love, attention & parcels his way, i have plenty to give.  It's just that when he comes home in June next year, he still has 6-18months in Brisbane, totally 3-4years living interstate (it was meant to be 2 years).  This is his 5th deployment & i'd hate to tally the total number of years he has spent away (courses, exercises & training).  I support him, imagine how it is for the guys whose wives & gilfriends have had enough, but the boys still want to be soldiers??  
 I collect hearts, not as some blazen heart breaker, hearts like this . . .
 they make me smile & after watching 6 romantic comedies this week, boy am i lucky to have found romantic love & stayed in love!!  My husband & i have a very uncomplicated relationship, i don't play games & there is an enormous amount of respect.  He is none of the RomCom cliches - the moment he met me, he wanted love, committment, marriage & babies, no arguments there!!  I was so young but it was so right, he knew he wanted to join the regular Army too, he can love us both, thanks to my attitude.
 I cry in movies, um, i cry in animal documentaries & long distance telephone ads, it gives me a break from being strong, determined & tenacious.  I can't watch The Notebook, way too close to my Mummy's Alzheimer's.  After 56 years of marriage (i came along after the 20th wedding anniversary) they still hold hands & walk to the letter box together.  My father was career navy, over 30 years at sea & went to war too, i know what they think when they are out there in danger, it's all about home & love.     
I have read & re-read a letter from an eloquent friend, who suggested that after a tumultuous year, her 'to do list' of gifts & commitments at this time of year was so long, she is sending out love: true friends will gracefully understand & she's being gentle on herself.  She is a giver & i applaud her focus on energy, where it is best spent.  I have 4 children & a husband at war + hands which can barely lift, so why exactly am i hammering myself about Christmas gifts for my enormous family??  I'm rethinking the gift list (we live interstate, no events, just gifts in the mail) the post man is handing over the gift, not me - with my smile, the message is lost??  I am going to do things differently forever more, i don't need the Brownie points for giving the best or most gifts in my family, i'd rather do something of substance with love!!  Love Posie

17 comments:

Susan said...

Here! Here! Well said! Love is the absolute BEST gift we can give!

PinkPatentMaryJanes said...

Beautiful, beautiful post Posie. I'm a crier too, so, of course, there are tears streaming down my face after reading this. Love, xx

Thea said...

Another great post. Oh the Notebook was the one movie that I just couldn't stop crying through. So bittersweet. You would have a hard time watching it with your mum's situation for sure. I hope you can relief soon with your hands. Has your op been scheduled? xx

emma @ frog, goose and bear said...

I agree. Far too much hoo-ha with presents for all. Even for me who loves to give gifts! You're right, the reason behind it all is far more important. Speaking of packages in the mail though.... I got a gorgeous one from you this week - thank you!!! Love all the little extra touches - very cool. Thank you.
P.S. you really are an inspiration. i love your positive attitude in the midst of hard times. A positive attitude goes such a long long way. Thanks for sharing it with us.

ally said...

Oh Jennie - you have so much love to give - it shines through every thing you do.
I hope you continue to feel and give the love!!

Felicity said...

Hurray!!!!!!!!

Sending you a great big hug from afar beautiful You!
You do indeed have a glisteningly lovely heart.
xx's

TexWisGirl said...

what a great message. you just put more of the giving back into Christmas for me this season. i was not looking forward to any of it.

Jan Maree said...

Posie you couldnt be more right about loving yourself and being gentle with yourself - if you look after yourelf and reserve your energies for the important things and priorities in your life you will cope better and so will everyone else around you!

Mum on the Run said...

Loving the love!
Your perspective always amazes me.
Inspiring.
:-)

Jodi @ Lipgloss Mumma said...

Just gorgeous and so spot on Posie. Love for ourselves and other is the greatest.
And oh yes, I'm a crier too. Marley & Me comes to mind...

Claudia Lane said...

it's always lovely to visit you Posie, I always enjoy your posts and your words, you are such a wonderful, generous lady :)
Sending some blog love your way xo

Unknown said...

we decided as the kids got older that we would give gifts when we found something we wanted to give... on any day of the year... that meant you might get your birthday present 3 months before your birthday...or 3 months after... and everyone was happy with the decision!

Mel @ Coal Valley View said...

Oh Jennie, I am sooooo relieved to here this after reading your previous post on your extensive Christmas list!! You have got it spot on and since you have such a great heart those that know and love you will respect you even more. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Mel xx

Maxabella said...

What the world needs now... is LOVE, swee-eet love. It's the only thing there is just too little of. What the world... x

Mimi said...

I too love hearts, I have a few dotted around our home. I cry at so many movies, actually when I think about it, I am quite an emotional person. Have a lovely day Posie. Mimi xx

Unknown said...

Feeling the love, Jennie! You certainly are generous of heart and very lucky to have 'no strings attached' to that love. You are truly fortunate to have it (all)! You cheer me up every time I read your posts....T

Jane said...

Oh Jennie, that eloquent friend has nailed it. She speaks perfect sense. I'm all for it! J x