Questions for Us

Ten years ago, in the last days of December, I took a series of shots (including the following) with a borrowed Polaroid camera. My sister was overseas – whom I missed terribly – and she wanted to see a photo of me getting near the end of my pregnancy…as soon as possible. We reasoned that this would be the fastest way.

I know it sounds stupid, but that’s just the way it was.

No digital camera. No scanner. No FACEBOOK.

Although we can do this now in the click of a download, you only had two options just a mere 10 years ago (for me, anyway):

E-mail and real mail.
We went for real mail…

…after all, I had two weeks to go.

Well, no I didn’t. An hour after watching the midnight fireworks over Sydney Harbour on the telly, I went into labour. I gave birth to my first child – a daughter – on the first day of the year.

I write this today because I am feeling a concoction of emotions.

My baby girl is 10. TEN.
I know many of you have passed through this milestone with your children – sometimes more than once – but this is my first time and I can practically see her growing – right before my very eyes. I can’t help but see the flashes of the soon-to-be teenager, as well as the giving and loving young woman she is deep inside.

I also feel overwhelmed about the job I’m doing with her (and my younger daughter) – whether I’m royally screwing things up some moments and doing amazing stuff at others.

It feels like a pivotal time and I’m fastening my seatbelt.

I’m starting to fasten my seatbelt with life too.
I feel a buzz about this upcoming year – like there’s a change approaching. I can smell it in the air.

So in these remaining few minutes of the 1st January, I want to wish everyone a fantastic 2013.
May it present a fresh start in an important area of your life; or a new and more positive perspective.

May it be a year of positive change.

May this year be the one that sees a shift in our humanity.

In the words of John Lennon:

“You may say I’m a dreamer;
But I’m not the only one.”

I’m also looking forward to the year ahead with you.

Lots of love,
Paula x