Oh no, I hear you say - not another self-help lecture. I promise this blog will not go down that track. But I love lists, I love simple goals, I love to tick things off and move on to the next good thing. If I feel myself floundering or getting a bit lost in the daily grind, there's nothing like a list to help me set my course again. And so, thinking about four simple goals is part of that. Nothing too hard or world-changing - just a few things to work towards to sharpen my focus.

I will menu plan and cook using the stash in the pantry and freezer this week - this may end up getting a little creative but could be fun!
I will take a walk each day this week - rain, hail or shine, even if it's only for 10 minutes.
I will write a letter to a friend or relative, find a stamp and send by snail mail.
I will declutter and reclaim the spare bedroom - how many rolls of Christmas wrapping does one person really need?

A favourite blog

I confess that over the years, I have spent a lot of time reading and being inspired by a number of beautiful blogs. One of the first blogs I discovered was Alicia Paulson's blog Posie Gets Cozy. Alicia lives in Portland, Oregon, USA and shares my love for the simple life. She loves to make things and her photos are always a treat. Her blog roll has also provided many hours of browsing and enjoyment.

A drive on a back road

I'm making the most of my free time before starting next Monday. Each year at this time, I have always loved to drive out into the countryside along a favourite back road to enjoy the wattle flowering in the bush. It's not far out of town but once you've ventured onto the gravel road, it feels a bit in the middle of nowhere. I stopped at a picnic area and got out the Thermos and had a sandwich and coffee. It was perfectly peaceful and good to take the moment to listen to silence apart from birdsong and the breeze in the trees.