Sunshine

It has not been the best of days. It started very early in the morning when our toddler stood shouting 'Mama, Mama, Mama' from inside the confines of his cot. He was only to be placated by the warm folds of our own bed covers but his now starfish shaped body engulfed the bed and we slept fitfully. From there the day began to follow a rocky path that continued up until this evening when I was the self appointed guinea pig for a recipe containing Peppermint essence icing (rather than the neat essential oil I used). Over dramatic perhaps but I did search 'death by peppermint oil' on Google just to be sure.

Driving home from my new gym last night however and my mood was considerably different. It has been a terrific week for me personally in more ways than one and I set off for home wishing to appreciate the moment with a loved one. The drive was too short for long conversations with my Mother and sister at home in England and I pulled up at the house to find all the children awake. The moment passed. If I had known what tomorrow would bring I would have made an effort to celebrate that week, that day, right there and then.

In Denmark one does not take for granted a day when the rays of the sun pierce through the heavy grey curtain that sits across our landscape for much of the winter. Having the brightness dance across my face as I close my eyes to drink in the warmth of the sun is so precious I try to make the most of every minute.

Last Friday was a beautiful day and being the last one of our Winter holiday we bundled ourselves into the car and headed for Klampenborg beach. The sun was sitting proudly above the city as we parked. Bundled up in their winter layers the boys scooted as fast as their legs could manage all the way down to Charlottelund. A long scoot but how glorious to walk beside the sea on a bright bright January morning in Copenhagen. We passed through Skovshovedhavn taking some time to look at the boats moored there for the winter. The cafes and restaurants were all closed and we enjoyed the emptiness of our surroundings as we wove our way through heading to The  cafe Jordenrundt in Charlottelund. By now the boys were exhausted and ready for the sandwiches, soup and the obligatory hot chocolates that we ordered. It was warm enough to sit outside to eat so we did and their faces glowed as they chattered away, laughing at each other's exploits on the journey down.

Stomach's full we approached the return leg which I accuratly  sensed would require a little more coersion than before. Tired legs became even more exhausted and a futile attempt to scoot with the 'other leg' ended in wobbly hilarity. The five year old fell off his scooter resulting in a black eye and a yet to be discovered mound of dog poo on his shoe. I walked a good long distance bearing the weight of a two and five year old on the pushchair, a scooter perched across my shoulders and the yet to be discovered mound of dog poo.

We had a brilliant time together despite the bruised eye and the discovery of the dog poo once sat in the car and I share some of the scenery with you here. Two and a half hours in the day to step outside and breathe in the sunshine, another adventure for the boys and I to remember. We lived in the moment and enjoyed it immensely.

Which brings me back to this evening, I decide to end this arduous day by celebrating for myself all that I achieved in the week preceding. Achievements that I will share more of in the future but that sit within my heart and my head in contentment right now at this very moment in time. I can make my own Danish sunshine and for that I am eternally grateful.