Someone like me…
It’s tipitty top on the list of why I love this space. I’ve been lucky enough to meet & make a lot of 5th date mates through this space (if you don’t have a blog you might not get this – but hang in you can probably apply it to other areas of your life).
I confess most of them are in my “wave”. Do you know about the wave? I made it up – so I guess you might not. I think about my internet wave a lot. You know … all those people who were floating about together with their wetsuits on when you first started out. Everyone was crazy enthusiastic & cheering each other on & high 5ing each other when they had a win. Most of the folk who were riding that wave are now sitting rugged up on the beach laughing at the few of us still bobbing about in the water. Every now & then they pull on their wetsuits and dip their toes back in (I’ve learned not to get too excited about this, they’re weekend surfers now).
Due to the fact that I’m pruned & chilled to the bone from staying in the water so long there have been a few folk who were a couple of waves behind & somehow managed to double somersault & land feet first on my board or in one case with her arms wrapped firmly around my waist. There have been a couple of world champs too, who were many waves in front and gave me an encouraging nod. The seasoned surfers who know where all the rips are.
It seems like it’s a good day in the ocean – just looks who’s back on the board.
As a result of this thought provoking piece I found a kindred spirit…she’s been bobbing about on the same wave but maybe surfing Ocean Grove while I’ve been at Lonsdale. She managed to articulate exactly what I haven’t been able to.
I’ve been banging on about this stuff to people in my real life but somehow it’s felt too much to say out loud here.
My work is unpaid but it’s work I love & I’m duly rewarded. I have three great kids who are happy & having a crack at being the very best they can be. I have a husband I adore. I choose them.
The craft & the click & the run & yes the surfing too…it’s just cream.
Maxabella
281 days ago
I loved this analogy, K. It’s perfect and I get it. x
Kirsty
281 days ago
Thanks so much.
cath @chunkychooky
281 days ago
I think I get what you are saying. I certainly agree that there are people who ‘get” it and people who do not.
I read Pips piece too and really liked it, as I commented there, I am at a cross roads and deciding which will I push forwards with… the constant is my family, our little group of 4 ( we include the fur child) is what is important and all decisions are based on what is best for all of us…. but I wonder will it still be my passion, will is remain so if it is my main activity?
Kirsty
281 days ago
It’s really tough isn’t it?
The modern woman is supposed to want it all…I just need to own the fact that I don’t. I want to be the best mother I can be, I want to be the best wife I can be. Of course I need to do things for myself & probably keep myself employable but right at this very minute I just want to be here.
I acknowledge that some people need to work either for financial reasons or for their own sanity…I respect that.
Good luck with your road choosing Cath…I’m sure you’ll make the right decision.
Jo
281 days ago
Ha, I just LOVE a good analogy, in fact I run my life with them… somehow one of my favourites is about compost not surfing, but I guess that’s just the way that I roll…
You sound life you’re enjoying a few breakthroughs right now. Good stuff.
Maybe it’s the year for it, but mine I just can’t seem to get on out there on the old blog, all the important people in my life know what’s happening, and maybe it’s all a bit too personal and raw to hang it all out there yet. Or maybe it’s because I only dip my toes in on the occasional ‘weekend’ now.
Food for thought.
Have a great week. Jo x
katiecrackernuts
281 days ago
Wanna grab a coffee after we’ve hit the waves? I don’t feel like a weekend surfer, I feel like an everyday surfer, but my blog probably feels like a weekend ride for readers. Oh well. I feel like I’m bobbing along but time’s my problem these days. Maybe with summer and a bit more light I can share more pictures. Plenty to share just there’s not enough time between sets for a breather.
Pétra (Creative Mom)
281 days ago
What a wonderful analogy! I have loved reading the links in your post as well they all strike a nerve. There are so many things zooming around in my head it’s hard to even articulate but it’s coming together I am finding my way.
kate
281 days ago
One of the best posts I have read.
I’m just thrilled you let me hold on…it’s been the best part about my tome in melbourne.
Love ya x
Kylie
281 days ago
Mrs Smith’s post just made me cry… so beautiful. I need an injection of this – no, a constant drip to remind me that what I have is more than enough. Great post Kirsty – thank you
Kx
Kylie
281 days ago
Forgot to say, the wave analogy… pure magic
Kx
Michelle
281 days ago
Great analogy. Sounds like you are on the perfect wave right now.
Tania
281 days ago
I had my nose to the grindstone yesterday – but I snuck a peek over at Pip’s and Mrs Smith’s and all the nose to the grindstone bizzo made it impossible to digest – let alone cheer wildly via a comment. Once all the practical, bread and butter stuff is out of the way, I will be back to read this and both those posts again. Cos I reckon you need a bit of space and a bit of quiet and a bit of sitting in your thoughts, while you plot which wave you’re gonna catch.
Mrs Smith
281 days ago
I love the sea and that it brought you to me.
Thanks Kirsty,
G
Tam
281 days ago
Love your analogy – spot on!
I’m sitting on my board…waiting for the waves to catch me I guess…
xxt
Annie
280 days ago
I utterly get your analogy, and it’s a brilliant one, as is your whole post
CurlyPops
280 days ago
Love this post Kirsty. I read it yesterday at first, but I had to have a think and come back and re-read.
The ocean (love your analogy) has certainly changed over the last few years, but I’m so glad that I found early surfers such as you when I began.
salvation jane
280 days ago
I am the one wearing the ill fitting wetsuit, too weak to paddle out the back, constantly getting dumped. But I’m tenacious. I know one day my wave will come. And I’m learning so much from the pro’s…you included. Thanks heaps X
Bron
278 days ago
Loved the photo and sentiments – recognized both immediately – spent 40 years of camping holidays then staying with friends at Lonny and Queenscliffe – getting withdrawal symptoms just thinking about it
Gina
278 days ago
Blogging is a strange thing. Being a full-time parent is a strange thing. I like this post. I’m glad you’re still in the water, even as wave upon wave of newbies enter… and I’m glad you’re recognising the legitimacy of what you do, unpaid as it is, and choosing it. Amen to that.
die, adjust or migrate
277 days ago
this is a fabulous analogy. i would have to say that i am probably somewhere out there beyond the waves, bobbing up and down and doing the occasional doggy paddle! i am so glad to have read your post tonight. i have been getting down on myself lately and needed the reminder that what i have this minute is not just enough, it is MORE than enough. thanks.
Andrea
275 days ago
Yes, staying the distance and surfing and endless wave can be trying. occasionally you do need to break and sit on the shore to enjoy watching others, or even leaving the beach complete change of scene altogether. I’m learning that pacing oneself is important.
And i’m glad that one is back on board too…Loobylu has been the marker for blog world for me, an online bookmark, a page to return to all these years.