Here are some things I am grateful for this week:
This colourful $5 print from Croatia makes me smile each day. Mr B and I had a magical holiday there a few years ago.
Being able to prepare delicious French food at home.
This cookbook is fabulous and it reminds me of a lovely meal we had at the restaurant below.
One of my favourite meals in Paris was at this delightful little bistro called Les Fines Gueules. Their specialty is Steak Tartare, however I ordered their grilled fish with vegetables and it was divine.
I recently had
one of those evenings that really soothed the soul. After a stressful few
days, Mr B and I decided to go to the Continental Cafe in New Farm. It
was absolutely fantastic and I cannot wait to go back. Here is a photo of their signature dish - Risotto aux fruits de mer, roast tomato &
garlic, local prawns, fish, mussels.
Seeing Mr B smile whenever he reads this book or uses this wine thermometer. I am not much of a wine drinker, however these gifts were a hit with Mr B at Christmas time. Now I am not permitted to drink a glass of wine without him getting the temperature just right.
Spending time with my mum. This is a photo of my mum and I on my wedding day. Although she still knows who I am, my mum has been suffering from a rare form of dementia for the past fourteen years. Despite the sadness this situation brings, I am extremely grateful that there are so many wonderful doctors, nurses and carers who have helped us, especially over the past twelve months. My dad has been amazing too.
Great Apps. One of my favourite apps is called Gratitude Journal. I use it each night to create a list of ten things I have been grateful for that day.
A fabulously simple outfit. This is a DKNY little black dress that I have owned for years. I love my new half-price Lanvin flats as well.
I hope you are all having a great week and take care.
Fifi x
I hope you are all having a great week and take care.
Fifi x
Oh Fifi, I had tears reading about your mum. My mum had tumours in her brain, along with dementia caused by the cancer. It was a fast progression and such a change in personality over the year that she was unwell. Fortunately she was always cheerful and happy, so we were lucky - so many experience a less positive change in personality. But it was hard to see such a strongly intelligent woman become so vague, forgetful and just not herself - there was no shading to her personality any more. Dementia at such a young age as your mother is particularly difficult as facilities are set up for the very elderly, so many difficult decisions to make that you wouldn't expect at her age. It's a difficult road, and my heart goes out to you. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your message Heidi. Really sorry to hear about your mum xxxx
DeleteMy heart goes out to you Fifi because my dear mum (who as you know passed away recently) suffered from dementia. There is no easy way to get through this journey and in mums case throwing cancer into the mix was a bombshell.
ReplyDeleteI am convinced my mother knew me right to the end, I really truly do with all my heart and I'm sure your mum will know you too.
xx
Thank so much Annie. I was really sorry to hear about your mum and thanks for your kind words xxxx
Deleteam so sad for you, you are so brave, stay strong.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo of you and your Mummy xxxxxxxxxxxx
Thanks FF. I love this photo too xxx
DeleteHello Fifi:
ReplyDeleteYour post is a reminder to us all that there are so many things in life to be grateful for , even when, as clearly is the case for you at the moment, that things are proving stressful and difficult. Dementia is such a cruel illness, robbing as it does people of their dignity and creating incredible strains upon those who are in the positions of carers. It is, however, a great comfort, we are sure, that you have wonderful support from the health care professionals.
Your little black dress looks so incredibly stylish. Simply divine!
Thanks so much Jane and Lance - The past year has definitely helped me to see how many kind and caring people are out there, especially in the health industry.
DeleteMy mum always told me to have a good quality little black dress in my wardrobe, so I took her advice!
Hope all is great in Budapest xxxx
Oh Fifi, I am so glad that your mum still knows who you are, it must be such a wrench to watch her go through this.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to stay grateful every day this post reminded me to do just that.
Thanks Tabitha. Mum still knows who I am, so I am very thankful for that and it is also why I am trying to spend as much time with her as I can.
DeleteI recently heard the quote "Nothing new can come into your life unless you are grateful"
xxxx
Very sad to hear about your mum. The good thing is that she still knows who you are. It is important to count the small blessings.
ReplyDeleteAs for living in the moment - so, very, very difficult, but oh, so important. When we forget to do that, life becomes much harder and we wish it away.
Hang in there and stay in the moment, as much as you can.
zxx
Thanks so much Z!
DeleteDefinitely important to count all of the blessings.
I hope you are well and that you are getting excited about half term. Are you going to go away for a holiday during the week off? Hope all is going great in London xxxx
Dear FiFi,
ReplyDeleteWhat a challenging time you are facing. My mother too suffered dementia in the last months of her life and like your mother at a relatively young age was cared for in a nursing home. Something that was very confronting for me as a young woman in my 20’s.
The reality of life is that there will always be some pain for us. That is inevitable, but allowing ourselves to make room for the pain and at the same time anchor ourselves in other parts of our life that make us grateful and are in the moment helps ease the suffering. You are living fully to this principle.
Kate Bx
Thank you so much for your lovely message Kate.
DeleteI am really sorry to hear about your mum's experience as well. Spending a lot of time in nursing homes has been very confronting but I do feel lucky that we have them as an option.
xxxx
So, so sad to hear your Mum has dementia at a relatively young age. It is a very difficult thing to watch and to be involved in their care and I am pleased you are being helped by professionals. You have a wonderful attitutde to finding the happy things in life, and I know that helps you through. Fourteen years is a very long time and more to come. Keep strong dear Fifi. I am glad she still knows you; my MIL had severe dementia for many years but knew us until the end, whereas my Dad's dementia is of a slightly different type and he can be quite vague about who is who from one day to the next. PS beautiful photo with your Mum and how stylish are you both!! xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your message Patricia. Really sorry to hear about your MIL's experience.
DeleteAlso really sorry to hear that your dad has dementia as well. I love reading your posts, especially when you take him on drives to beautiful places.
My mum used to buy really beautiful clothes and would always look amazing when she went out, however she started to struggle a few years ago. My dad ordered her entire outfit for the wedding which was amazing. She looked so beautiful.
xxxx
Three cheers for your lovely Dad! xxx
DeleteFifi
ReplyDeleteTake care! So sad to hear about your mum but glad that she is receiving the care that she needs.
I admire your strength and positivity.
SSG xxx
Thanks so much SSG. I am so grateful she is getting really good care. My dad did an incredible job for so long, however it was time for her to get a higher level of care.
DeleteLove the Baby SSG photos on your blog. He is adorable and I hope you keep blogging, as I love reading all of your posts xxx