Something for the Weekend

• The sun is shining and the mercury is rising in Switzerland. As always in the summer time, we will be spending our weekend at our local pool. If Annabel could swim all day, every day, she would – and this summer she has officially ditched the water wings. I have mixed feelings on this one… I’m proud of her fearlessness and the fact that she now swims pretty well on her own (with one of us never further than an arm’s reach away of course), but I’ve taken on a whole lot of worry as well. I’ve been reading up obsessively about delayed drowning (also called secondary drowning). I think every mother constantly treads the line between vigilant and paranoid, and I’ve written recently about the everyday fear we all feel when it comes to our littles, but – paranoid or not – I always watch out for the signs after a swimming session.
• I’ve also been reading up on some games to play with the kids in the pool – just to show I know how to have fun as well as worry!
• The world has been reeling today from the shock Brexit results. I  call myself a South African Brit (having been brought up in SA by British parents before moving to London 10 years ago), but as I now live in the centre of Europe (albeit not in the European Union), I don’t know how qualified I am to have an opinion on whether Britain has made the right decision or if they’re crazy. My first feeling when I heard the news this morning was one of shock and disbelief – and sadness too, as I really did believe Britain to be stronger as a part of Europe than without it (and don’t actually know anyone who disagrees with me – so I’m not sure what that says about the diversity of my social circle… but will ponder that another time…). Change is always unsettling. But the majority have spoken and this weekend I’ll be watching the reaction coverage and keeping an open mind about the future.
• This week I’ve been reading Nina Garcia’s Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occasion, and loving all the cute and quirky quotes (“When you’re feeling blue, think red.” “Fashion happens every morning when you wake up.”) and gorgeous illustrations. A really fun read that will get you thinking about your wardrobe and the purpose your clothes play in your daily life.
• I think every mum should read this poem. It brought tears to my eyes when I saw it on Facebook last night – the writer spoke straight to my heart.

Happy weekend!

xxx