Toodyay my new Home💝🙏

Country Musings

It’s ben six months since we made the move to this beautiful, scenic town called Toodyay.

I have been reflecting on the differences between city life and country, and how these different places affect me.

The pictures below are the views that I have from every single window in my house. Even on the loo, I get magnificent views! To have the privilege of such diverse, stunning views fills my heart with gratitude. Every single day.

I awake to the sounds of kookaburra’s, cockatoo’s, magpies, 28’s, willy wagtails, butcher birds and owls. I jump out of bed, make my morning drink and head outdoors to our deck, and slowly walk around listening, watching, and drinking in the early morning darkness. I’m always eager to see kangaroos, as I see evidence everyday of them being on our property, but yet to witness it.

I am amazed that after a long hot summer, a summer of dry land, searing temperatures of 45 and above, no rain, no greenery, the land turns lush so quickly after a couple of good downpours. To wake up and see green everywhere feels like an honour.

How I view rain has similarly, totally changed. I used to see it as an inconvenience for my washing, driving, and getting about town. Now I am excited to have rain and ponder over my tanks filling with water to sustain us. The taste of tank water is divine. Pure, clear, and sparkling water straight from our taps. No fluoride, no treatment, just untainted water. The discussions on rain are now limited to, “Ooh, how much did you get?” or “When is it raining again?” The need for a weather station has never been so vital.

If I ever saw a mouse in suburbia, it was a loud shriek and oh my goodness that’s disgusting. Now, here in the country, the mouse population is near plague proportions. Lucky for us, we have two invigorated cats who love nothing more than to catch a mouse and proudly bring it to Mum. I now say, “Good girls, get back to work!!”

I know where they nest, but to remove that big bush only drives them elsewhere, it is pointless. The cats guard their entrance all day, so leaving them there is better for us all. Now when I see a mouse, it’s “Oh, there’s another mouse”. My pantry has never been so organised! Lucky for us, they don’t come into the house, the cats well and truly earn their keep. That doesn’t mean I’m not on alert though!

Turning our huge farm shed into a Studio has been just amazing! It is exactly as I imagined it would be.

Calming, peaceful and a haven from day to day life. My Husband and his good friend Steve, did an excellent job on restoring this shed and turning it into a studio. I feel blessed to open the door each morning to my own special place, that members of the community to can come to and feel invited, loved and safe to be who they are. I quite often sing and dance on my own in here, looking at the amazing view and feeling so lucky to have this opportunity.

The saying is, "Build it and they will come". These lovely Ladies below did just that. My little business keeps giving and growing everyday. I set out a call for a new Tribe, and the beautiful Ladies of Toodyay have come. I couldn't be any happier🙏

So far, our country life has been exciting, adventurous and welcoming. I feel blessed to live in such a beautiful home with loads of land to admire, wildlife to adore and tranquillity to soak up. No more staycations and holiday settings for us now. We have arrived at our true home, Toodyay.