I really needed this mini break. For a few reasons I had hit a wall by Wednesday last week and needed some time out. Crazy I know. I gave myself a ME day on Thursday, a mental health day, and wow it was so great. I did all the things that I love. Rose early, went for a long run, did some gardening, swam laps at the pool, went shopping, had a yummy healthy lunch, had a siesta, had a bath, ate a healthy dinner, read my book, watched some Netflix, then went to bed early. SO good. And then Friday it was time to head away for an extended weekend getaway.

After some early morning exercise I took off for Rockingham, where i met a friend for a long walk and a swim. The beach down there is so great and easy to swim in, and the sculptures by the sea happened to be on too, an added cultural bonus. After relaxing on the beach for a bit we then went for some lunch, at the Pita Pit. I had a super healthy and yummy wrap with lots of salad and greens, so delicious, and will be back again for sure. And then I was on my way to Collie. 

My friend had asked me to look after their farm for the weekend while they were away, and with great glee I was more than happy to potter around be helpful. Collie is only 2 and a bit hours from Perth and a really great weekend getaway. My friend has a great farm, with an apple orchard,  sheep, chickens and ducks and a very abundant veggie garden. I was super impressed by the growth of all the greens and some new flowers, and some very tall prickly artichokes!

Saturday my friend came to join me and we toured around and explored some nature spots. We started with Black Diamond lake which is so blue and magical, one of the few really blue lakes here in WA. Then it was onto Honeymoon Pool where we began a small walk towards the dam. My friend has bad knees so we only walked a short way, but what we saw was so beautiful. I will have to go again and complete the hike another time. 

After a small drive around town to check out the properties, my friend drove home and I came back to the farm and rested for a bit. By early evening I decided on a small stroll around the property and took some photos. 

I have always dreamed about having my own country property. For now I will simply enjoy visiting my friends! 

Here is a small poem I felt like writing:

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When things feel out of whack, 

Don’t worry, just take a step back.

Time can fix and mend and heal,

All your problems will disappear. 

Sounds ideal I know,

But the trick is to only think about the now. 

Right now everything is perfect, 

Drifting back or forward, just won’t have the same effect. 

Nothing ever really stays the same,

Remember you only have yourself to blame.

Take responsibility for your happiness,

Life is really like a game of chess.

Just try to be a few moves ahead, 

Not too far or you will lose your head!

Focus on the things you can control,

Practise your rituals and keep on a good roll.

If it all goes pear shape, 

Take those deep breaths and don’t be too hard on yourself. 

Because at the end of the day, we wont be getting out alive!

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Summer is not far away now. I am looking forward to those beach morning swims, cups of tea in my garden, cycling around the river, and the general slower pace of the summer holidays. Only 8 weeks of school left now for the year, I am sure it will go fast as the silly season approaches. 

Keep smiling 🙂 

Anita xx