Isn’t it lovely to receive an invitation from someone? Even if it is as simple as why not come over for a cuppa on Friday, there will be loads of people popping in and out, it could get noisy and clattery, but it will be fun and there may be scones or a slice. Well of course, I was quick to RSVP in the affirmative.

So the day has come, I’m thinking about who I might find here and who might find me.

I’m off to a tea party at Pip’s place. Loads of bloggers will be there, how fun!

I’ve got my intro ready in my head – hi I’m Annette, I’m from Melbourne and I’m a newbie to blogging. My blog’s name is I Give You The Verbs. I’m often found writing about whatever thoughts pop into my head, and I hope you’ll stop by soon. You’ll find an ode to my bed there, reflections about being in a season that makes me feel vulnerable, a story about where you can buy happiness, a crazy tale of mugs on the run, and loads more. It’s a fun, irreverent place and I’d love to share it with you. Like the Dilmah man says ‘Do try it’.

We’ve been asked to bring something a little unusual to the gathering, a smattering of things we’re loving right now. A top five to get the conversations flowing.

Without further ado, here are mine.

1. Generosity

I am LOVING that I seem to have stumbled into a group of people (all these other bloggers around me) who are so gosh-darn GENEROUS. Times are a bit tough at Verbs HQ, as I’m currently looking for work, but I have been almost (but I would never use that word in this context, because I know what the word means) literally lifted up by people’s kindness and encouragement.

From people’s comments on the blog that have made me smile, sigh or cry (the good kind of tears), to the Coles truck pulling up outside the door, receiving a note and a recipe and a gift, a sweet card with a red cross parcel or one with a box of chocolates, I am seriously blessed by this community. Thank you so much. Love that!

2. A new (old) blanket

The other day I was visiting the parental units and I was saying that I’m finding my place a little chill-some. I’d just helped my mum stuff a blanket back into her linen press (quite a feat) and then she decided that the blanket would be a good gift for a chilly child. Score! It’s a gorgeous woollen blanket doing a bang-up job of keeping me from turning the heater on quite so early in the day. Love that!

3. Cook books – via the library

As I have a lot of time on my hands, I’ve been hanging at the library regularly (great views, free wifi) and borrowing loads of cooking books. They’ve just been renewed for another month of flicking through, oohing and aahing, scribbling down notes, trying new recipes and inspiring me to cook myself warming, delicious meals. Love that!

4. Tea!

I’ve been a dedicated coffee drinker for my entire hot beverage drinking life – the Milos of my youth notwithstanding. This week, just a few days ago I thought, I might try a cup of tea. And guess what? I liked it. So I see tea adventuring in my future. I don’t like flowery, fruity teas, I’d rather eat a delectable crumble if I need a hot fruit fix. So for now it is a wee box of Liptons, which I am enjoying. I knew my whistling red kettle was more than a kitchen prop. Love that!

5. Blogging

Last but certainly not least, I have to say that I am loving this blogging caper. I’m really enjoying the community that has come up around Pip’s great blogging course. I am convinced you’ll hear this elsewhere at the tea party, but Pip is a brilliant, giving teacher and if you’ve got a blog that’s a bit sad or saggy or lost, or just the inkling that you’d like to explore blogging, I say lay your money down and get ready for the ride of a lifetime. It’s SO GOOD. I promise you. There’s a July intake, so get on it people.

As for my blog, I really find it incredible that people are coming back, week after week, to read what I write. Not because I think my writing is dodgy, no siree Bob, but because there are so many blogs out there. What that tells me is that we can all have a place, and find people who like our style, want to hear our ponderings, ramblings or musings. Maybe someone who reads my blog here for the first time, will pop by I Give You The Verbs again, and find something else they like. Love that!

So that is a quick hit of just five things I’m loving right now.

The party seems to be winding down, I think we’ve drunk Pip’s entire tea supply dry and the scones and slices were so delicious, they’re all gone too.

What’s great about these kinds of parties is once you get home, you can check out everyone’s blogs from the comfort of your couch. I’d love to see some of you again, and I’m sure to be finding new blogs to bookmark after such a lovely party.

Thanks for having us Pip!

Cheerio,

Annette x