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Right now, I'm happy right here.

It feels like I've posted a few pieces recently that were rather heavy. Maybe that's the reason why it's Monday and I needed last week off from writing. I had nothing left in me to write. But it wasn't emptiness I felt, I was replete. Maybe I've made amends with a few demons and traumas from my past. Maybe I've passed a difficult time with my own self and become more content. Whatever has happened, I feel good. 

I no longer spend time putting photos on social media. I don't have the energy. I can share a few with friends or family if I need to but I'd rather focus on reading than sharing moments that can be stilled in my phone and kept personal. It's also made me take photos less but of better quality. Anything to use my phone less. 

I don't even have a thirst for wine. When I'd be having a hard day, I'd reach for wine - now, I'm listening to myself that maybe a cup of tea (loose leaf decaf Assam is a new favourite) would do. And it does. Seeing tea clouds disperse into hot water, and to stir it methodically, is one of the most calming moments to have. Tea is nice, yes, but we've got a Barolo sitting in the cupboard and I can't wait to open it up soon. Good wine is heaven.

Currently, I'm watching Chef's Table: Pizza. I love the programme. It's all about the best food by the best people in the best corners of the world. I want to be in Italy. To be drinking an espresso with Oscar whilst getting lost through the tiny streets and back allies of a town. To be beginning a tour of the local cicheti and wine. To be inhaling a pizza like there was no more food left on the planet. Food is the reason for most joy in our household. I've just ordered 5kg of 00 flour so I can make pasta with Olive this week.

A lifetime ambition will be for Oscar and I to own a simple little house in Italy one day and enjoy all the food from the land. The best produce that circles the sun. I still haven't decided where, I haven't found my favourite place there yet...I've got a lot of land left to explore.

I literally cannot wait until June is three. When she's big enough to really understand the world. Like Olive is now. I want them to feel the simplicity of life. To enjoy the best food in the world.

It's getting late in the evening for us and I'm going to go eat ice cream out of the tub. Porridge for breakfast, and maybe I'll pop out for lunch with June somewhere because Olive is at nursery. Maybe she could try sushi for the first time...then home for a roast dinner because we didn't have one yesterday.

I've opened up the fire to let some air in so that the last few logs can simmer away and keep the house warm through the night. I'm at peace. I have love and two healthy daughters. On nights like this, I feel so overwhelmingly lucky that I know that I'm living through the best years of life.

Lacrosse is exploding in popularity in the local schools. We are working hard to get it out there and it's slowly paying off. The Parent Village is thriving. I love that parents now find it a hub of friends, advice, and support. It's just what people need after birth and I'm proud that we can find comfort there.

My poetry club through WhatsApp is glorious. We analyse one poem a week. My book club reads one book a month. That's how I'm keeping my my foot in the teaching door. I must get down those CPD books, though. One day. Right now, I'm happy right here.

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