Literally singing ‘lets start at the very beginning’. So here we go!
This 1967 model is a good one. Aging well and developing nicely into the well rounded embodiment it was created to be. Like any good vintage it has done some miles, been lots of places and encountered so much that has only added to what is here now. Some things one would not tell and some things were made to be told.
I grew up, hmm or I ought to say spent my early years, here in Jennings. Rode my bike, played sport, learned to be creative and to love fishing. Sewing with my Nanna’s, my Aunty and my mum were a big part of my childhood. I learned about fixing my bike, fixing a car and what it took to respray one as well. Splitting and stacking wood, mowing lawns, and making what we could as needed from cages for birds to cabinets or tools. I remember dad fashioning a softball bat from timber and me building my first pair of stilts.
I remember being picked on, chased home from a birthday party, bullied most of my years at school, fights and fear. I remember the adults that were abusive, the kids that followed and wanting to just die. I also remember the mischief I got up to, the way I would make waves when there were none and the times I would get into so much trouble I wanted to disappear.
I remember these times, not with sadness or anger, yet with gratitude. You see the world always works in balance. As much as these times taught me self doubt, anger, fear, pain, abandonment and so much more they gifted me greatly. The resilience, joy, confidence, boldness, resourcefulness, creativity, independence, life skills, empathy, communication skills, compassion and love I have is because of these years. I would not trade them.
I remember travelling around this great country, meeting amazing people, seeing beautiful sights, experiencing the wonder of being country, the sweetness of giving and receiving and the dynamic beauty of nature. There is the excitement of being a part of teams that achieved much. The heartache of loss. The devastation of divorce. The horror of realising how dysfunctional one could be. Oh and the absolute awesomeness of discovery that comes with healing and renewing and freedom.
There is the gamut of emotions, actions, processes that come with being part of small communities. There is the serenity, beauty and finesse that comes from being alone. The abundance of things that go with being married. The absolute awe of being a parent. The grief of loss. The fear of lack. The knowledge of God. The belief for tomorrow. The joy of giving. The blessing of receiving. The learning to be me, simply no more and no less than I am.
There is hopes, dreams and a great big imagination. There are thoughts that chase each other, seemingly chaotic to others, yet rapidly and delightfully ordered to me. There are plans, goals and desires. Some will see the light of day and some maybe never will. Some need to and simply do not.
There are people, important people, that have been a part of my life for a very long time that I cherish. There are people, important people, that have been but a fleeting moment, a word, an encounter, an experience that I cherish. Each one a part of who I am in some way, valuable, impacting, giving me gifts I use today. Some for knowing what I will never do again and some for what I enjoy doing often. Each one a gift none the less.
There was a shed in the back yard where I began to sew, to create and to make. Dog treats, coats for kidlings, overalls, harem pants and more. There was mending and alterations. Oh and mouse traps galore. There was a small space and belief and determination. There was a need to move and the discovery of ‘The Mansion’ where the business is now.
There was years of work, mostly on the building, the business, the acquiring of goods and the challenge of finances. There was the embracing of new, removal of old and the beauty of what now is. This is for the business, the premises and myself.
Today, there is me. A valuable memory of what was only in that it has shaped who I am and I am truly thankful. An exciting possibility of what is to come. A beautiful awareness, grateful acknowledgement and joyful embracing of what is coupled with the amazing moments of share this with others. There is what is and there is not what is not but only for now.
All that is needed is coming, a part of the process that only adds to the value here. There is ‘This That & Those’ not a business, not a thing. It is an experience one that is a reflection of me and a gift for you.
And there is you. A gift.
Stay safe. Keep well. Embrace the process and Enjoy the ride.
