On Friday, Tim finally came and joined us. We had been apart 2 nights, the longest we;ve been seperated since we got married 6 months before. To feel his big strong arms around me was just what I needed. The night before was tough, bumping into Josh's family, and also revisiting the Hall where we got married. I needed Tim's support, his hugs and kisses we're missed greatly!
So, with my husband by my side, we went in to listen to some music, and mostly we just looked at the markets. We all enjoyed spending some quality time together. It was beautiful weather. We were very fortunate as it almost always rains over the Easter weekend.
Over the next few days, we worked out who we wanted to see, and what time they were playing. There were 5 different tents all set up with bands playing from 12pm, to 12 am. The highlights we listened to was Ziggy Marley (Bob Marley;s son) real reggae mon! He was excellent. I really enjoyed his performance. Another highlight, was some home grown talent Josh Pyke,( although, as a mum of small children I did'nt appreciate his swearing) and Richard Clapton. Blue King Brown were amazing absolutely AMAZING! Real talented drummers, and leader singer, just took everyone to a happy place. That's why I love music, it invokes such happiness. I was left stunned and in awe of their talent. If you have never heard of this band google them, youtube them, download there music. Pure talent!
And then there was one more.. John.
John Butler was the one act I wanted to see, from Start to finish. And I got my wish! I love his music. I loved his performance. I love JOHN BUTLER! That is all!
I really enjoyed our time away. To spend time with my kids, with no T.V. no computer games, some arguing, but no bedtimes. We had lots of fun together, I am without a doubt always going to be UNO queen, I am UNBEATABLE! Poor Taj, he would throw a wobbly everytime he lost a round of cards. I missed Tim so much, especially trying to set up that dreaded tent! I came to realize how much we have become a team. When he is not by my side, I felt like a single mum again. And I take my hat off to single mums, but I sucked at that job. I am grateful, that I again have a loving husband to walk through the twists and turns of life.!
I loved spending time with my dear friends. We shared drinks, we shared stories, we shared laughter, we shared our love of music, and we shared an experience that none of us will forget!
Until next year x
This year we decided to go away for our Easter break. I usually do everything possible not to go anywhere, because of the busy roads and the amount of people that are out and about. But last year in August my friend Rach and I decided to "surprize' our men by buying Bluesfest tickets. For those of you that have never heard of the Bluesfest, it's a 5 day festival, with all sorts of music genre, anything from Rock, Blues, Reggae country and western to mainstream pop.
Everyone that went had a fantastic time. We had to camp, which is a novelty for my kids. Just as it was getting easier with our kids, to go and do things like that as a family, Josh passed away. And I'm not the type of person to invite myself with others, as I don't really know how to set a tent up. Tim was at work on Wednesday, so I still needed help, Just as well I had Jason (Rach's husband) and my very cool friend Lise.. They put up our tent in no time!
On Thursday, Lise and I took the 3 kids into Byron Bay. It is a diverse and interesting town. It's full of alternate lifestyles. In years gone by, I would have turned my nose up at these kind of people. But These days, I'm more tolerant of how others live. It's not wrong, just different to the way I live. I even got into the "spirit" and brought a tied dyed dress!
On Thursday Night we attended the Memorial of Jesus Death. As according to the Jewish Calender, it was Nisan 14. Getting into nice clothes in a tent, and literally getting dressed in the dark was a challenge. But we did it! We were patiently awaiting Jason and Rach, when we get a frantic phone call from Jason "Can you give me a jump start, my battery is flat" Talk about cutting it fine, time wise! But we made the 7 o'clock start.
As soon as I sat down, I started to cry. Not because we were a smidge late, but because this Hall we were attending, {Brunswick Heads} was where Josh grew up. It's where we got married, and its where we had Jordan and Larni. It was not a sad cry, just a moment in time that I'll never forget. Josh's Uncle Denis gave a prayer, and there were lots of cousins in the audience {who gave me beautiful cuddles after, thanks Bec and Darren, and lil Jack } Thank goodness I had such good friends around. During the talk, Lise held my hand, and stroked my arm. She did'nt have to say anything, but I knew that she was there for me. I feel so very blessed to have her as my friend. And after, Jason and Rach listened as I talked through emotions, and feelings that I never thought I would feel by just entering a building. Again I feel very blessed to have beautiful friends, who let me be "me" Not the funny Barb, or the goofy Barb, but the real Barb, that sometimes just needs to vomit out words. So thanks Jas and Rach for listening to my verbal vomit..lol
The whole meaning of the sacrifice of Jesus' life means so much more to me now. The children and I look forward to the time when we can see Josh again, and I thank God everyday that we will have the opportunity to welcome him back into our lives.
Until then, we will continue to listen to lots of music, cause it makes us happy :)
To be continued....
