I left on Friday and came back Monday. My lovely Papa came out and stayed in my brother's summer house, so I wasn't totally all alone. We had breakfast and dinners together but spent the days doing our own thing. It was perfect.
The time spent alone was totally magic. As much as I love my family, my life, my everything, it is seldom I get the chance to be on my own in silence with my own self. It was liberating to be only me.
I thought I would get bored and restless, having so much alone time. I thought I would find it hard to fill the time. I thought I would sit and crochet all weekend on the porch. Or maybe do nothing at all in pure shock of not knowing what to do with all this alone time. Does that sound weird to you?
Well, I didn't do any of the above. The time went by in a flash and already at lunch on Saturday I felt I needed at least one more week to really be me with only me. I wanted more time, although my time had just started.
I went for walks. I listened to radio. I crocheted on the porch and made great progress on my Circle In Square Blanket WiP. I potted around in the house, walking bare feet on lovely thrifted rag rugs and discovered hidden wooden floors underneath the plastic carpet. I measured the house for the new drawings. I watched TV and felt bad for all the refugees coming in from Syria. I read magazines and picked an autumn bouquet of the flowers that are now blooming beautifully in our garden. I gave the flowers to my Mum in town, and spent my last night there.
Now I'm back home to kids, chaos and husband. And that feels good too. In a different way. I wouldn't say No to another mini break in the near future though. Life just rolls on in super speed. We never get the chance to stop and reflect. There should really be a law telling you to go on a mini break at least twice a year. Think about how much good that would do to us. Giving us the opportunity to re-connect with our souls to avoid burn outs and stress related sicknesses, to give us the chance to make major decisions in clarity without distractions. I'm all for it. If I was a politician this would be on my priority list. Together with 6 hour work days and much much more...
Kärlek
Annette
Annette
FOLLOW My Rose Valley HERE:
Gorgeous, gorgeous photos. Time alone is hugely underrated - I love my family to bits but they don't exactly give me space to think! Your weekend sounds like it was delightful. Oh and having just moved to Sweden, I really hope to own a little cottage like yours or day :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flowers... marvellous rugs... awesome blanket you're making!
ReplyDeleteI must confess I'm a little bit jealous of your time alone... :-)
I think Im in great need of a break. So much has happened in the last year and few months. Though my children are grown. Doesnt mean much. I live with my youngest and two small grandbabies. I love them dearly. But im ready for a long 20 year later vacation. My mama died last march left me a mess my oldest daughter try to committ suicide two months ago she now is in mamas house with four children my middle sons there my youngest sons there each with there own issues. Id give anything for a retreat even if it was two days sounds so lovely glad you got that chance to un wind its important... With love Janice ps sweet looking place
ReplyDeleteI love your pictures - They reflect the rest that you were feeling! Your WIP is really lovely - It really was sweet for your father and you to spend some time - So glad you enjoyed the little break!
ReplyDeleteSo happy you got to do that and share photos with us so we can also mini-break vicariously! ;) How far is the summer home from your home? Will you remove the carpet and use the wood floors?
ReplyDeleteIt all sounds wonderful! I just need a summer house! Love your photos and the new crochet project of circles in squares!
ReplyDeleteGood for you. You totally need that and in fact, all mums do. I love my girls but sometimes I'm pulled in many directions. I can't think straight and then mama tiger comes out. What is that connecting yarn you're using? Its colourway? I love it every time I see it.
ReplyDeleteIf you were a politician, I would definitely vote for you. Compulsory time alone to de-stress sounds perfect.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Excellent relax!
ReplyDeleteIt looks blissful! I can see why you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteLove your blanket!
xh
So glad you were able to have that refreshing 'me' time Annette. I treasure the times I get alone at home as I also treasure the times I have with my family around me. x
ReplyDeleteAbsolute Bliss. I need a place like this. I need a few days by myself. I wonder if I left right now, would my hubby, 3 kids and dog take long to notice I had disappeared? :)
ReplyDeleteI had a week to myself in Spain this year. Absolute bliss, and I felt so much better at the end of it. Ready to see my family, but ready to spend time on my own again too. Glad you enjoyed yourself. x
ReplyDeleteYour time away in the summer house speaks to my soul, even though I am retired and now have a lot of time alone. I remember those hectic days with family, kids projects, cooking, etc.; they bring great joy, but time alone also can give you a sense of being revived to take on the life of a busy mother and wife. I am so glad that you recognize the need for that, and that your family is supportive of it - it is a good thing. : )
ReplyDeleteThat sounds absolutely lovely. We all need a bit of time occasionally to centre and be restful and it's good if the loved ones around us can recognise that and can give us that time.
ReplyDeletelast summer I had one week at home and had all the same feelings. It felt so good to be myself in our home. I picked everything up once and then enjoyed the week with everything is the same place as where I had left it. Bliss! I didn't get one this year but I will tout for another week next year! The summer house reminds me of our cabin. Jo x
ReplyDeleteSounds fantastic! I totally agree, twice a year for everyone...now how do we implement that?! ; )
ReplyDeleteWonderful way to recharge Annette!!!
ReplyDeletexo Kris
A break like this once every two months might be the thing, twice a year is probably not enough. Glad you had a good time. (Long time reader, few comments!)
ReplyDeleteOh Annette, you're a genius and you're so right. Silence and being in your own presence is soul liberating and there is so much guilt surrounding it. I know if I requested this, my husband and kids would have a complete meltdown...it's just not accepting in our society. :( Sometimes you have to persist and just do it. Just 2 weeks ago, I took a day off from work and brought the girls to our babysitter and did my own errands. It only lasted until 3pm and it was HEAVENLY. I have vowed to do this at least every other month. Thanks so much for the inspiration as always. :) xoxo
ReplyDeleteWhat a good idea with a break away! I love your little house in Sweden, and I bet you will transform it in time :-)
ReplyDeleteLove - Lotte from Denmark (lottesroom.blogspot.dk)