New Directions and Where I Am

I might as well say it right here on the blog - there have been some big changes of late in my neck of the woods. Along with all this decluttering, or perhaps as driver for the decluttering, I find myself enrolled in a new and very different (for me) course of study. Something that is far, far removed from the heavy textbook-based courses I've previously done. And it has meant withdrawing from the course I was already doing, which was naturopathy.

Thing is, I'd barely touched my naturopathy books for months and months and months. And it dawned on me that I probably wasn't going to pick them up and start studying again. And it also became apparent what I do actually enjoy doing, and what I could potentially do to earn a living at some point in the future. So, out with naturopathy, and in with a diploma in graphic design, part time and online. 

So I'm in, and it's happening, and I'm loving it. I have never 'loved' study before, I've just done what had to be done to get through it. But this is totally different, and it's doing things I enjoy and it certainly doesn't feel like study. It's been a bit tough finding the time to myself to actually do it, and juggling things around at home to squeeze an hour or half here and there, but somehow we're managing. And a few less blog posts as well.

I'm finally allowing myself to follow a creative path. I can say I was fairly well conditioned to follow a sensible path through life, which is how I ended up doing the degree programs I did and spent ten years of my life being an accountant. A complete case of square peg round hole. And the constant job-hopping that ensued since I kept hoping that I would find a job that suited me. A lot of conditioning there, that had to be recognised and undone before I could follow this path. And this path has been on the radar for some years now.

Anyway I'm not sure exactly where it will take me. I know what I want to achieve in the end but I'm loving the new direction, and seeing new doors open up for me is just what I needed. I'm drawing. Drawing! I quit drawing when I was grown up enough to stop drawing horses all over everything (some time ago now..). And learning new tricks on the macbook that I can already apply in things I do for fun. So I'm very, very happy. 

Anyway, enough about that. What you really need to know is that today I'm guest posting on Think Big Live Simply, contributing to the series that Becs is running called 'A Meaningful Garden'. It's a beautiful series she is putting together and I'm completely honoured to be contributing. I'd love it if you would hop over and take a look! Becs writes a lovely blog that is full of beautiful images and inspiring words. Well worth lingering over with a cup of tea.

You will also find me in the kitchen making a delicious pear, walnut and coffee loaf, the perfect autumn treat. And because now that I'm back on the coffee train, any excuse is a good excuse. 

Love: A Guest Post

Today I'm happy to be sharing a guest post from my March large sponsor, Manda Rave at Unlaced Heart! I discovered this lovely blog recently and have become a regular reader. I'm sure you'll see why.

Hello Dusty Country Road readers! My name is Manda Rave (from Unlaced Heart) and I am so thrilled to be on Jacqui's blog today. She has a great space here, don't you think?

I want to talk about something that is dear to me -love. I know what you're thinking: isn't that dear to everyone? Well yes (at least I hope so!) but I am talking about all-encompassing, strong, beautiful love for other people, the world around you, big things, little things, and yourself. The kind of love that wraps itself around your whole body and shines new light on everything.

I believe in viewing the world and the people around you with love. There are things I hate of course but it is not healthy to focus on those things. Or to approach anything new or unknown to you with anything but the kind of openness and compassion that comes with love.

 We are all connected through the Earth we share, the air we breath, and the beatings of our heart. By holding onto negativity and dwelling on it, we are not only poisoning ourselves, but those around us as well. When we dwell on our hatred we affect our loved ones and the people we interact with on a daily basis.

Take a day to really pay attention to your thoughts and actions. Notice how you find yourself thinking about things and how you view other people. Judging people on how they look is not love. Getting angry at other drivers on the road is not love. Thinking negatively about yourself is not love. Assuming the worst is not love.

Take some notes if you want on how you go about a normal day in terms of your mentality. Once you recognize where negativity has a tendency to wiggle into your life you can start to weed it out. It's an ongoing practice, and no one is ever perfect all the time. But I believe that by really putting in the conscious effort can make a huge difference in our mood and mental health.

Light & love,
Manda Rave

Thanks so much for sponsoring and sharing this post Manda! A timely reminder, for me! If you haven't been over to visit Unlaced Heart yet, do go and take a look. If you're interested in sponsoring dusty country road, take a look at my advertising page.

I'm Over at Red Parka Diaries!

Guess what - today I'm lucky enough to have a guest post gig over at Red Parka Diaries, one of my favourite blogs from the awesome and inspiring artist/blogger/explorer, Jen. I'm sharing my simple way of making one of my favourite things ever, homemade basil pesto. Please go take a look, and check out  her blog while you're there, I'm sure you'll come away feeling inspired for your own blog or business. I always do. 

And if you're really in the mood for some lovely things, check out Red Parka Designs on Etsy. I have so got my eye on a few of these prints for our nursery [currently in the making... yep, we're last minute kind of people]. 

Go on, homemade basil pesto, it's good!