simple pleasures

I procrastinated for a good year but finally bought a dress from ace & jig; it’s made from the most beautiful cotton I have ever touched / Poet sucking salt water from her hands
I expected that Daniel would be exhausted when he got home; but no, he’s been fine. I’ve been the one to succumb to tired and so I’ve spent many afternoons curled up in bed with a book and a cup of tea, content with the knowledge that I don’t have to listen out for the children; there’s another adult in the house.

Thankfully this reprieve from busy has come at the perfect time – school holidays, Easter, the onset of true autumn (measured by the temperature and the trees, not the calendar). We’ve been playing at the beach where the water is still warm and visiting the library because my income can’t cover Che’s appetite for books. Simple pleasures.

On these slow days there is talk of change and work and adventure; possibilities that lay ahead and beg for attention and discussion. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by such talk but I know that’s neither helpful or enjoyable. Instead I’m happy to be here, now –  the opportunity to drink coffee and write this post, autumn sun catching wilted freesias on the table, talk of a beach visit come midday, a yoga class this evening; my body needs to stretch and bend.

I’m relishing the slow yet I’m mindful of the fact that I’m on the cusp of a really busy few weeks. Thankfully they involve a few days in Melbourne with my love. He asked me what my plans were for our trip and I said: “Drink coffee, wander laneways, take photos, read books”. The last time we were in Melbourne we had a four-year-old and a baby in a pram – not ideal for those tiny little cafes and my moseying ways. I can’t wait to don layers and boots and walk the lanes without a particular destination in mind. It’s an apt intention considering our life is taking much the same path: we’ll enjoy today because tomorrow we may be wandering, our destination unknown.

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Showing 26 comments
  • Elle Roberts
    Reply

    Beautiful photos and beautifully written as always! I am about to head to Melbourne too and while the thought of leaving my little one home, and having so much distance between us makes me worry, and sad, I am also excited to spend time in tiny lane ways, wondering slowing through bookstores and spending time with me and my thoughts.
    Not looking forward to the cold though, Autumn is still a way off here in North Queensland so I am not sure I am ready for the chill of Melbourne.

  • Becca Waterloo
    Reply

    I love ace and jig! I'm so glad you've been relaxing, you deserve it!

  • Tahnee P
    Reply

    My goodness Jodi – its sad how excited I am for you both to get away together! I have to hurry up and book a hotel for a surprise weekend in the city as a late birthday present for the hubby while my parents are staying with us next month. I cannot wait to do the very same things you describe here! The picture you paint of your autumn days is so beautiful, you make me want to live near the sea more and more.. xx

  • Pink Ronnie
    Reply

    I relaxed just reading this, Jodi.
    Hugs,
    Ronnie xo

  • Flick
    Reply

    Wandering aimlessly through laneways and consuming coffee are two of my most favourite things – enjoy your getaway, Flick x

  • look see. by naomi fenton
    Reply

    Drink coffee, wander laneways, take photos, read books Well. That's several slices of heaven, right there. Enjoy your Melbourne getaway. Love that city to bits.

  • mary
    Reply

    Your thoughts always inspire calm in me. Thank you! I love your new Ace & Jig dress. I'm embracing a very minimal clothing purchase regimen, and its allowing me to think of the possibility of fitting these kind of beautiful, quality clothing purchases into our budget.

  • Eb
    Reply

    please do a post on books and boys! need ideas on getting boys into books ..
    what are some favourites..

    • Jodi
      Reply

      I'd love to do a post on books for boys….will work on it in the next week or so x

    • Eb
      Reply

      yay!!

  • Emma @ My Book Corner
    Reply

    I love following Che's reading journey – can't beat a trip to the library. Our cards are always maxed out here – it's a bit of a juggling act!! Isn't Autumn just the perfect time to curl up with a good book?

  • Kelly Halverson
    Reply

    I want to see that dress on, is it huge on, I mean, it's meant to be quite loose, right?

    Enjoy your get away. We did the same a few weeks back and it was so lovely. The first time we've left our four children ever!

  • Inge
    Reply

    This post in itself is a simple pleasure! You chose beautiful photos and words – and a beautiful dress! I've been wanting to purchase an Ace & Jig dress for a while now, too, but I'm afraid I still have to wait a little longer.

  • Bridie @ Miss And Misters
    Reply

    I was always so exhausted after my husband came home from stints away. I think the biggest part was needing to power down after so long of being switched on. Tea and books sound the perfect remedy. And the prospect of a dreamy time in Melbourne. Sounds perfect. X

  • Kate James
    Reply

    Have a beautiful time in Melbourne Jodi. It's a little bit cold here right now but so many fabulous places to eat and drink. Some of my faves in the city are Chin Chin and Cookie (Thai and not too pricey), Isakaya Den (Japanese, bit more expensive – sit at the bar if you go), Bar Lourinha (tapas), Hutong Dumplings (cheep and cheerful – make sure you book) and Gazi (modern Greek). For coffee in the city, I love Journal, Brother Baba Budan, Eclipse and anywhere in the laneways (http://www.meldmagazine.com.au/2013/01/melbournes-top-10-cafes/) for the atmosphere. Out of the city try Auction Rooms (North Melb), Dead Man Espresso or Chez Dre (South Melb) or Three Bags Full (Abbotsford). If you have time to go to Fitzroy (you'll love it), have coffee at De Clieu in Gertrude St and a drink on the rooftop at sunset at Naked for Satan. xx

  • G
    Reply

    One of my favourite places at Che's age was the library – so many books, so little time, so unlimited.. Have a wonderful time in Melbourne with your love. x

    • G
      Reply

      whoops that should be so much time rather than so little!

  • Sam Stone
    Reply

    I want to be in bed reading with a cup of tea – that just sounds devine.

  • Steph @ this brown wren
    Reply

    Oh how I covet the entire ace and jig collection! And cups of tea in bed…sounds like a perfect idea right now. Hope your weekend is a lovely one 🙂 xx

  • Kristi
    Reply

    hey jodi, how does their sizing run? xx

    • Jodi
      Reply

      Small! I got the medium and it fits perfectly (I'm usually a size 10). You will absolutely adore the fabric; it's a dream x

    • Kristi
      Reply

      thanks doll, i have been eyeing the racer tank for our hawaii trip. xx

  • Janey G
    Reply

    glad you feel the reprieve time and that hints at plans underfoot quite literally! how exciting!

  • sew nancy
    Reply

    I have two ace and jig dresses and a top. I love the fabric. I also really like Poet's hat. Where is it from? Thanks.

    • Jodi
      Reply

      There's quite a few Ace & Jig tops I have my eye on. Poet's hat is from Caramel Baby + Child x

  • thejoyofmylife
    Reply

    Hi Jodi, Just wondering if you bought the ace and jig dress from somewhere in Australia, I looked on their website and it said they don't do international orders? Kylie

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