Tag: love

Music, Sweet Music

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Good Morning Lovelies!

Though it be raining today and the forecast shows much of the same for another week, I am a happy little vegemite. My morning workout is complete, I’ve got a jar of overnight oats and peanut butter in my hand and coffee brewing.

This is quickly becoming my morning routine on days where I have a late start at the bakery. Once my breakfast is ready and I’ve started the coffee, I sit down and catch up on the blogs I follow (Brooke and Sean’s is a highlight at the moment!). The first I started with today though, is Cup of Jo, and this article took my fancy.

Isn’t music incredible? The power it has to soothe, enhance, excite, evoke emotions and transport you in time will never cease to amaze me. Reading over Jo’s list this morning, got me thinking of my own. These are the few that first come to mind…

Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 – Bob Dylan
As my Dad’s absolute favourite artist, Bob Dylan echoed through our halls throughout my childhood. My parent’s favourite story to tell is me, as a toddler, blasting out the lyrics “Everybody must get stoned”.

Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
When I was 7 or 8, my Mum took me to see The Parent Trap at the movies. I fell in love with the film and it’s soundtrack. Since then, I have watched this movie too many times to count and can still quote it back and forth with Mum. This heavenly Beatles song reminds me of so many things, but mainly of my dear Mumma.

Teenage Crime – Adrian Lux
For three years in a row, the girls and I would pack up a couple of cars full of snacks and camping gear. We’d drive for seven hours to Bremer Bay and spend the week frolicking in the sun, swimming in the salty ocean and giggling non-stop around the campsite. When this song played one year and my dearest Courtney mistakenly sung out “all my friends, sin da loo!” she burnt a memory into my brain so deep that I can’t stop laughing while I type this.

Skinny Love – Bon Iver
Within the first few seconds of this song, my body freezes. I wait for my mind to catch up and decide if we’re going to start crying or if we’re going to smile with fond memories. This was played at my step-sister’s funeral and will always be her song, no matter how much time passes.

Hey Ho – The Lumineers
Last year, Andrew was asked to MC our good friend’s wedding and the biggest announcement he was to make was introducing the bridal party as they made their first entrance to the reception. He felt a huge responsibility that day and wanted to make sure he got it perfect for them. As I listen to this song I can hear his voice calling out “and finally… Mr and Mrs Lyons!”. Such heavy emotions on that perfect day, and I love reliving it through this song.

(Lover) You Don’t Treat Me No Good – Chet Faker
We have listened to this cover around a million times, and can probably quote the intro conversations. We are obsessed with this song and anytime it’s played will break out into song and dance. It takes me back to our little home in Perth, sharing a drink or two and absolutely loving each other’s company.

I hope you think of your own little list, take a trip down memory lane and smile for me, remembering some killer moments in life. Ain’t it great?

Hanbel.
x

Somebody Call Out to Your Brother

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Facebook is a funny ole thing, isn’t it? God, I would love to delete it. To be rid of it’s constant reminders that people make stupid comments, or that your life isn’t as good as your work colleague’s, or you don’t care as much about social issues as your old primary school friend.

However, it does make group catch ups even easier to organise. It does let my Mum know that I’m still alive. It does make it a million times easier to make friends in a new city.

It also gives the occasional flashback that makes me smile.

This morning, the book of face reminded me that three years ago, I posted this photo of my brother and I – in celebration of his 21st birthday.

If you’re doing the maths, then yep, today (Perth time) my baby bro turns 24.

 
My brother and I have a relationship that I am quite proud of. Growing up, we were best friends first and brother and sister second. Our parents moved us around a couple of different countries and cities, and throughout all the changes we were each other’s consistency.

When our parents separated, we banded together, moving from house to house each week and sharing in our annoyances of leaving something behind. We coped together with new family members, adjustments to every day life and moving houses several times. We celebrated our new sibling together, and mourned her death together.

When I travelled Europe for six months, Ali shortly followed. He made his own adventures and walked to the beat of his own drum, but we often met up. One of my favourite memories is Ali joining me in Paris to celebrate my 21st, buying me the most disgusting chocolate cake and wandering the winter markets with me.

As we grow up (eventually) I can see we’re becoming quite different people, but I see nothing wrong with that. I love my brother for everything that he is, everything he has achieved and everything that is yet to come. He’s the sweetest, coolest, most down to earth guy I know and I’m so lucky to be related to him.

Gah, all the emotions – I’m sorry!! Being away from home does this to a person.

Happy Birthday little brother, sending you all kinds of love from across the globe.

Hanbel.
x

 

This is for My Girls All Around the World

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There are endless positives to travelling, and I have blogged about so many of them already. The beauty of a blog, or any social media account, is that you get to choose what part of your life you show the world. Usually, it’s the highlights, the best days. Particularly with blogging, I don’t feel like uploading any of my downsides. My writing is motivated by my mood, and when I’m feeling down I’m far more likely to reach for Netflix than WordPress.

This doesn’t exactly give you a clear picture of everything that is happening in my life though, and for a little reality check I’d like to share with you one of the downsides to travelling. It is short lived and relatively easy to overcome, but the first couple of months are the most affected by this factor.

It’s quite simple to adjust to a new currency, a different climate, small differences in culture and everyday life. These adjustments happen quickly and without much stress. What takes some time though, is making friends. I’m definitely getting there, everyone in Whistler is so chilled out and up for anything. My work crew are awesome, and ladies’ nights are giving me opportunities to meet so many gals with similar interests. It will improve over time and I am in no way worried about being alone here. I just have moments where I miss my gals.

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I miss calling someone up on a quiet afternoon to grab a drink, go for a long walk or stay in with popcorn and a movie. I miss the easy banter and the support system. I miss the hugs!

I miss Konga with Brooke, life analysis with Brianna, mild abuse with Rach, a sneaky wine with Kendra. I miss laughing with Courtney, finding the best new restaurant with Anh, marathon chats with Luce, and I even miss Laura talking through movies.

Life is good, I promise. It’s just that these girls, and the friendships we have are unparalleled. I’m thinking of you all today, and want to share some snaps where we are at our happiest!

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The best gals 🙂
Hanbel.
x

Lights Will Guide You Home

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You guys, doesn’t it feel a million years ago that I wrote this post?

Almost two years later, I’m having déjà vu like crazy. Moving into a home has been the biggest excitement and relief. Being able to actually unpack my backpack after 6 weeks on the road was such a privilege. I blasted some Beyonce, made myself a cuppa and felt right at home almost instantaneously.

Andrew finished up his course yesterday and MOVED IN. I was starting to go a little stir crazy and had definitely had enough of my own company, so yesterday was a really good day.

A couple of you have been asking for snaps of the new crib, and I always deliver. So, without further adieu;

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The spot is studio style, all in one big room. I’m assuming it used to be the basement or lower floor of this HUGE house, which the owners have converted into a small home with the addition of a kitchen and bathroom. Above is the bedroom/lounge room with a TV unit and plenty of floor space calling for more furniture.

The sheets and duvet cover provided had seen better days, but luckily Blake and Tash dragged me along to Walmart in Squamish for some necessities!

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This be the rest of our place. I love that the kitchen and dining area are a little separate from the bedroom. It’s a decent size and works for us! Our communication skills could do with some work though, we’ve somehow ended up with two packets of paprika and three of cumin. Baby steps…

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Scoping the Pique newspaper has turned into my favourite hobby. Reading the upcoming events has turned me onto free yoga at Lululemon, ladies nights in the park and a plant sale in the village. I picked up these babies for cheap and find that they’re helping us make this place a little happier.

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The owners of this place actually live in the same house as us (we have a separate entry and hardly ever see them), and are the nicest little family. They’re looking after us really well so far, by installing a new lock on the shed (so all our bikes have a home) and letting us use this table on our front patio.

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This is essentially the view from our driveway, and I’m not mad about it all. From certain angles you can see Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb, this place is insane.

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I’m even getting used to filter coffee, mainly because I haven’t been paid yet and life is expensive in Whistler. Kicking back with a cup, reading blogs with Spotify on the go is making me one happy gal.

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Life in Whistler ain’t so bad, especially when this is the view riding home from an awesome ladies’ night. I’ve started work too, and I promise to give you details soon. For now though, just know that I already love it and am getting goooooood feelings about this place. Hope you’re all well!

Hanbel.
x

 

Ready Freddy

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Today is a very emotional day for me. It’s my beautiful mumma’s birthday.
It’s also the 3 year anniversary of my step-sister’s death.
Talk about mixed emotions.

However, this post is about neither of those things.

This is about excitement.
Anticipation.
Impatience.

We are 46 days away from flying out, and I just can’t wait. I’m so ready for this adventure.

I’m ready to visit more of this crazy world, to meet some new people, try new food and get out of my comfort zone. I’m ready to move countries without much of a plan and learn to go with the flow. I’m ready to do this all with my favourite person.

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For now, I’m soaking up the last few weeks in Perth, doing the things I love most with the people I love most.

Today is good day and I’m grateful for this life of mine.

Hanbel.
x