It’s time for me to write. Not because I am an expert, but because I am wanting to learn and grapple with these ideas that are bouncing around inside of me….. wanting to come out. I feel heavy laden with them. So I feel it’s time to unload them….. give birth to them…. in the shape of a blog.
For those who know me well know that I run. I am one of those crazy people who foregoes sleep to do it. I do it everyday…. without fail. My husband has long stopped telling me to rest, despite only having a few hours interrupted sleep because of babies. He knows it’s what makes me tick. I have tried to figure out why I do it. I don’t want to compete in any races and don’t want to lose weight. I think I have resolved that I do it because I am so accustomed to my natural endorphin release that I now can’t do without it. But more so, I love to think, reflect, meditate and pray without interruption. Basically it’s where I get my soul food.
So what has this got to do with blogging? Well over five years ago we moved areas and I lost my running buddies. It was then I discovered podcasts. I listen to 2 or 3 every morning, everyday. They range on topics from parenting, marriage, education, science & faith. Basically I listen to anything that gives me an insight into this world in which we live, and the life created within it. And wow I have discovered some pearls. It is these pearls that I want, or need, to share. They are not mine, they are borrowed and translated through my own life experiences as a mother, wife, daughter and friend. Some of these pearls I have managed to successfully implement in my life, many I haven’t. However I feel, through sharing them I think I will hold myself accountable in the areas I lack. The unique thing about pearls is that they are something unique and valuable that have been formed through a process of discomfort and irritation for the oyster. It is very much the same for these areas I plan to target in this blog…… areas I have struggled and have endeavoured to overcome. Yet I believe something beautiful has come out of it. And if you are like me and you are in a season of life where catching up on sleep has taken priority over reading, then this is the blog for you. I have pretty much taken some advice that experts have written several books on, condensed it down to deliver it in bite-size pieces and filtered through the reality I am living right now.
So what’s with the “butcher’s wife”? Well this has recently become my title it seems. I first heard this when a friend told me she was talking about me (having seven kids) to someone unrelated, when the woman responded “oh yes, that’s the butcher’s wife….”. I have been referred to as this several times since but it was this first time that stung the most. I had to analyze myself and why I squirmed when given this title. I actually think butchering is one of the most hardworking professions out there and my husband, Simon, would be proud to be a butcher. But it was more that I don’t even have a title of my own. I have long stopped referring to myself as a teacher, as I have been out of the classroom for 13 years and I never struggled with being referred to as a stay-at-home-mum. I was born for this mothering gig, despite my failings at times, so I wore the “home-duties” badge with pride……. but no title at all was a bit ouchy, particularly in a world where it’s all about self-expressionism and identity.
It wasn’t until I was being prepped for a surgery recently that it became clear to me. The theatre was nearly held up because the highly esteemed surgeon found out I had seven kids and wanted to glean some tips for helping his unsettled firstborn and his distraught wife at home. After offering some advice it dawned on me that when it comes to parenting, marriage and anything to with the complexities of life and relationships….. we are, in essence, all butcher’s wives. You can have multiple degrees and a thousand letters after your name, and yet parenting can bring you to your knees. When it comes to matters of the heart, it is a level playing field. We are all figuring it out whether you are highly skilled in your profession and whether you didn’t finish school…… if you came from a loving family or a disfunctional one. Heart stuff defies all backgrounds, gender, race and education.
Needless to say, once I came to this conclusion I was fine with being a butcher’s wife. And I can honestly say my worth is not based on what my label is or what I do. I am actually more secure in who I am than I have ever been, which is probably a healthy place to start a blog. But the journey in which I got here does explain the random title….. Pearls from The Butcher’s Wife. I have to say I am excited about releasing these borrowed pearls. I am planning on writing as regularly as possible, spanning from topics such as teens, marriage, discipline and even sex. They are all written on the bases of design…… the beauty of design and what we can learn from it.
I hope you will journey with me, but if not that’s ok. If nothing else this will be a record for my kids to know what their mum gets up to while they are snug in their beds at dawn, and despite my flaws my intentions are pure; for them to be fully known, fully loved and to discover their purpose.
And just for the record, Sime is actually a muso/business owner/fun dad…..not a butcher but he doesn’t mind if you assume otherwise.
Love,
Greta, The Butcher’s Wife ????
Oh Greta I friggen LOVED reading that!!! Can’t wait for the next one. Love you girl!
Loooove you my friend! I am getting those links on soon. For some reason they don’t appear on iPhones! X
Amazing, Greta. You are a beautiful writer and I can’t wait to watch your blog flourish.
Thanks Fiona. Pretty awesome photos hey? Xx
Grets,
I’m beyond excited you’ve now started to write…you write so beautifully and it speaks to all of us.
I can not wait until your next instalment…
Xx
Thank you beautiful friend xx
Lovely, light hearted and relatable!
Thanks Jodi. So glad you enjoyed it xxx
Wow Greta, you write so beautifully! I look forward to gleaning from some of your wealth of experience and wisdom as a mother and wife and find the large family thing fascinating! Xx
Greta, I’m so excited for you. I’ve always loved reading your words, they flow from you like music. Can’t wait for the next installment ❤️
Thanks so much Nerida. So appreciate and value what you think! Glad to journey with you. Cuppa soon? X
Ohhhh Gretz!! I’m so proud of you. I love your writing and can’t wait to read this every week!!
You inspire me!! Love you gorgeous friend xx
Thanks my gorgeous friend. I have you to thank for my special title ????????????
Love your first blog Greta! You write so beautifully! I look forward to reading your great pearls of wisdom about being a mother and wife. I’m also fascinated by the whole big family thing and wonder how on earth you do it so well!! xx
Thanks Caroline. That means a lot. I am actually really looking forward to it. Feel like I have heard so many great things but no where to share it. Thanks for your encouragement xx
Oh Grets, that’s wonderful . I thought it was coming but didn’t know that you are now launched into the stratosphere. This is the start of something big! Go for it girl! Xx Dad
Thanks Dad. Been on my heart for a while, so thought I’d take the leap when I had a spare hour this arvo-phew! X
Reading this all the way in Santorini… your one of a kind Greta x
Thanks my beautiful travelling friend. I think you are one of a kind too! Have a holiday cocktail for me! X
Oh Greta!! This is fantastic!! I cant wait to continue reading :):) So happy for you xx
Thanks Nikki. You are soon lovely xx
I would love to journey with you, Greta! It is wonderful to see you use your gifting for all. x
Oh thank you Nell. You are such an encourager and a blessing!
My lovely and gorgeous one…ive just sat down and read your beautiful and articulate words. Just awesome. I love it all and will look forward to your next instalment ????????????????????
Oh thanks JJ. What you think means the world to me. Glad to know we will be connecting in some way when I put out these posts. BIIIIIG hugs to you xx
You are beautiful inside and out Greta! So honest, gentle and someone whom I admire. Keep sharing these pearls of wisdom and I know you’ll touch the hearts of many, encourage people and share God’s love as you go… be encouraged!!!! XX
Thank you Leanne! You made me tear up! XX
I knew that was in you Greta girl! I can’t wait to read more. Well done for making the shift.
Thanks Sarah. Yes took a bit of prompting to finally make the shift, but glad I have made a start. Very encouraging from someone I admire xx
Aww, Greta! This is fabulous! I’m looking forward to learning from the master! Being on the pearls of wisdom!
Thanks my lovely friend. Means a lot coming from you! XX
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