“Love life, engage in it, give it all you’ve got. Love it with a passion, because life truly does give back, many times over, what you put into it.”

Maya Angelou

I’ve been home 2  days.
I had a scheduled interview with one of our Australian Glossy magazines yesterday which really made me think and prompted these words.

A delightful young journalist who happens to live locally arrived, as the morning progressed and we chatted, I had silent thoughts and wished I could turn back time and envied her youth.

On the other hand she envied my lifestyle.

It made me more aware that I live two different lives.

The life of a Designer, Author, Photographer and Tutor, which I absolutely love.
I enjoy the time I spend with my students and everyone involved in my quilting life.
This is my life.
It’s very hard work and of course interconnects with my life at home due to the preparation for extended tours.

But then there is my life as a Mum and Spouse and Daughter at home.

This morning, still suffering from time difference sleep I was up at 3.00, I lit the fire, put on my music, cleared the dishwasher and came out to the studio to begin work.

By 5.30 I felt the pangs of hunger and though I usually try to eat at normal times, I succumbed and ate breakfast early. It’s great to cook for myself rather than have hotel   food. (sometimes a bowl of cherios in my room)

Keith had an early conference so I dropped him off at the office at 7.00. Whoops, no petrol in the car, because Josh has been using it.!!!!

After domestic chores, I sat down on my chair for another coffee and fell asleep until 9.00.

I mention this because there is a huge difference in the things I do in my life…

Business and travel on one hand and Domestic and family on the other. Sometimes it takes a little time to integrate the two when I get home.

Last night, I cooked roast lamb, the families favorite, they will come for miles to have a roast. It’s usually one of the first things I do when I get home from touring.

Rachael, Granddaughters Chianne and Tilly, Joshy, Keith and I… enjoyed the comfort food  and the fact that the house was warm with the wood fire. It’s like a huge rug being wrapped around you.

Then again, 3 days ago I was in a luxury apartment in Las Vegas… what could be more different.

Today I spend time with my Mum, book the next 3 month tour and work on my book… and I might just have another sleep after I’ve done the ironing.

I’m lucky with my two lives and who says you can’t do it in your 60’s.