The view from a window

I spend so much time in the kitchen that this is one of my greatest, yet simplest treasures: a peaceful view from the kitchen windows! This is the window behind the kitchen sink (I'm not responsible for the peacock in stained glass but it is an arty addition!) Washing up, for me, is a time of reflection and "looking out", even if it's only for a couple of seconds at a time, when my little Mummy helpers are volunteering (and chatting incessantly:) I might add). The view is of the Community Garden being constructed next door and the Baptist Church behind the fence. It's awesome on Sunday mornings when we can hear the church starting at 9am - often the songs are the same as what we'll sing half an hour later when we start our own service half an hour later in town! It's also a great reminder as we're busy getting ready for church as to why we're actually going and creates a sense of anticipation (for me anyway; Gary has already left to go to Prayer Meeting at 8:30am:).

I also enjoy the bougainvillea when it's in bloom over our carport (although the Community Garden committee don't appreciate it's shade casting qualities and keep chopping it back. Nevermind!

Another thing about this window is that my kids and I sometimes go next door to the garden (with their permission) and they play on the swing or climb the tree or admire the vegies or play in the sand or with frisbees and balls (we have a very tree-y ard so not ideal for this kind of play) and , if I need to return home to check on dinner, I can still supervise.

Sometimes, we even take the bikes and the "rocket" over to the tennis courts behind the Community Garden. (The Community Garden is using the land next door that also belongs to the Baptist Church, as do the tennis courts) There's something I really like about all this community feeling. We're made quite welcome by the church to pop over etc (my husband has taught the pastor's son for a few years) and I love the idea that my kids are going to grow up with these fun-loving memories of living next to a church that welcomes them... I also have similar memories of hearing hymns etc emanating from the Baptist Church down the road from my Nanna's house at Upper Mt Gravatt (My Mum walked to her wedding with red carpet down the footpath!)

All this from one window! Phew!