precious moments

In the quiet afternoon sun we play

| brightblueballoon

It’s a busy day,

Lots of to dos to get through.

Moving faster than I should.

Determined to tick off a record amount.

Our tranquil living room welcomes the afternoon sun,

Just like it did yesterday.

Challenging my frantic, multi-tasking thoughts.

In a moments breath I see your smile.

You are playing so contently, so enthralled.

You know what it’s all about.

You have captured the moment.

This precious, precious moment.

The to dos are static they will be there tomorrow,

But this moment will change.

Anxious pulls of errands and admin melt away.

As we just be.

In the quiet afternoon sun we play,

So enthralled, so content.

Words and image Copyright Lisa Moralee McLardy 2018

Cherishing Life’s Chimes

| brightblueballoon

Ten thousand stories I have to tell,

Some things I picked up around a wishing well.

I heard ten different stories a thousand times

Little tips on know-how and to cherish life’s chimes.

They said that’s life it’s the way it goes

Sometimes you get it right

Sometimes you don’t know

Just put on a smile

Go with the flow

Put one foot ahead

Find a way to go.

You know its love when your heart breaks

You can’t help sometimes from being late

Sift through the keepers and lose the fakes

Hold on to mementos from picnics by the lake.

They said that’s life it’s the way it goes

Sometimes you get it right

Sometimes you don’t know

Just put on a smile

Go with the flow

Put one foot ahead

Find a way to go.

Find a hobby that will keep you sane

Don’t watch lightning through the windowpane

Jump on a pile of leaves you’ve raked

Stop holding on to things that hate

Dance in the city in the pouring rain

Remember it’s okay to tear the pain.

They said that’s life it’s the way it goes

Sometimes you get it right

Sometimes you don’t know

Just put on a smile

Go with the flow

Put one foot ahead

Find a way to go.

Just do what you do

Go with the flow

Put on a smile

Find a way to go.

I wrote this poem (also intended as a song) many moons ago. I originally posted it on Cherishing Life’s Chimes  but wanted to share it here on bright blue balloon.

Happy page turning x

Words and image copyright Lisa Moralee McLardy

Good Night Like This by Mary Murphy

| brightblueballoon

This sweet bedtime story (by Mary Murphy) has become one of my favourites (and the boys too of course). It was one of the books in Carson’s toddler Bookbug Bag. We have enjoyed (and reread) all the books introduced through Bookbug. Good Night, Like This has not failed to impress. Its the end of the day and we have the opportunity to say goodnight to an array of adorable creatures including bunnies, bears and ducks.

One of my favourite things about the book are the illustrations and colours. Deep shades of blue, orange and purple span the book setting the tone for bedtime. Also split-page flaps are used to show the animals transitioning from awake to asleep.

We highly recommend snuggling up and reading Good Night, Like This.

“Good night, bears, sleep tight…like this. Good night!”

Title: Good Night Like This
Author: Mary Murphy
Publisher: Walker Books

Happy page turning x

Thanks for making me the one you call Mummy/Mama

| brightblueballoon

It means so much to be your Mummy,

I hope you know.

The privilege is mine as I watch you grow.

Your hand grows in mine and my heart smiles but pangs at the same time.

Too quickly you want independence,

To show me what you can do.

I know you can,

Anything you want,

Anything you dream.

It means so much to be your Mummy,

I hope you know.

You chose me and I’m honoured, truly

Words can’t express it fully.

Every step you take,

Every milestone

Every first, second and hundredth

Ill be there watching, smiling, celebrating.

Thank you for choosing me to be the one you call Mummy/Mama.

Happy Mother’s day to all the lovely Mums out there! I wrote this for the two little people who made me a Mummy.

Words and image Copyright Lisa Moralee McLardy

“Your mountain is waiting…”

Quote | | brightblueballoon

Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr Seuss never ceases to inspire me. A copy was gifted to my son Owen by a Great Aunty when he was born. Both myself and husband often read it to the boys when we too are in need of inspiration. This quote in particular always lights a fire. I can imagine writing it in cards for the boys when they celebrate important milestones like the first day of school or university.

Your adventure awaits, it wont all be plain sailing but its yours for the taking. You just need to take the first step. “Oh the places you’ll go!”

“So…
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea,
you’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!”

Happy page turning x

 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

| brightblueballoon

Finally we have read The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, I cant believe it took so long. I of course knew of the book and it had been on the reading list for ages, but it kept slipping through the net. It was worth the wait! Owen chose it from his nursery school library and I couldn’t wait to come home and find out all about the celebrated caterpillar.

The brightly illustrated story follows the life cycle of a caterpillar from a tiny egg to fluttering beauty. A few lessons including counting and days a of the week are woven into the story.  And a valuable lesson for us adults too – perhaps we all need a hearty green salad after some overindulgence 😉

We all highly recommend indulging in The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Read it sooner then we did!

Title: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Author: Eric Carle
Publisher: Philomel Books

Happy page turning x

 

 

 

 

Garden Adventure

| brightblueballoon

Dad and I went into the garden to play,
It’s full of adventure Owen, Dad said.
Let’s start by looking in the flower bed.
I see lots of roses and buttercups too,
Don’t forget the snail and its trail of goo.
Next we roll around on the grass,
Let’s see how long we can last.
Dad gets tired and stands up straight,
I’ll race you to the wind chime hanging on the gate.
I get there first and smile with glee,
Dad says well done, you are much faster than me.
Now the pond with the swimming fish,
I know Dad, let’s make a wish.
After a grumble in my tummy I say,
I know just what to wish for after all that playing.
Just then I hear Mum saying,
Lunch is ready you two.
I look up at Dad and grin,
I’ll race you, let see who will win.

Words & image (C) Lisa Moralee McLardy 2018

Little Bear

| brightblueballoon

Little Bear 2

Come and sit with me Little Bear,

Sit and stare at the starry sky.

Wait a while, be patient

It has something to share,

A wonder that that comes at special time of year.

Though it’s different now as you are here.

Now I have something to share.

Aurora Borealis can’t wait to see you.

Sit with me Little Bear,

Sit with me and stare at the starry sky.

The Northern Lights are here.

A welcome warm for Little Bear.

They stop for a moment and stare at you.

Then soar across the sky.

A river of bright, colours delight,

A rainbow at midnight.

Each year we’ll share this wonder,

Forever more special, because you are here.

Words and image (C) Lisa Moralee McLardy 2018