Postcards from Italy

I turned 50 yesterday and part of my present was five wonderful days on the Amalfi Coast in Positano with my wonderful daughter Alice. It was so fantastic and perfect in so many ways, spending quality mother and daughter time together was one of the main joys, just being together in the sunshine eating nice food, and relaxing by the water.


I worried so much about my birthday milestone and then when it arrived yesterday I realised it was just another day and I took stock of what I had achieved to date rather than writing myself those awful lists of "things to do before I turn...." which set you up to feel a failure if you don't do the whole 30, 40 or 50 things. I am now looking forward to no longer worrying so much about what people think and say, embracing my grey hair and the freedom it gives me from endless hours at the hairdressers and letting my wrinkles show my life rather than hide it all with botox! I also have so many things to look forward to, my constant trips backwards and forwards to Sydney Australia have been because we are moving back there permanently at the end of the year/early next year. My husband is currently over there and it has been tough being away from him for extended periods but I decided that the children (nearly 22 and 20) don't need me helicopter parenting and it's time to do stuff for us! we have bought a house by the sea and I will take the dogs and the cat with me and leave a part of my heart here in London with the children but I know they will come out when they feel the time is right to leave.
So, this is probably the most I have ever written on this blog, but thought I would keep you all up to date! I also wanted to thank you for taking the time to look at my blog over the years, it has meant so much.


24 comments:

  1. Preciosas postales de Italia, unos paisajes muy bellos!!
    Un abrazo grande.

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  2. This sounds like a perfect start into a new decade, Justine!
    Moving back to Sydney - that's so fantastic, Justine! I've been seeing all those wonderful photos from Australia on Instagram, and it's still a place I want to see (especially as the temperatures are more what I love ;-) )
    All the best to you!
    Oh, and I do hope you'll keep up posting here and on Instagram to stay in touch!

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  3. Oh, my, Justine!So much happening in the year you turned 50! {And it is just a number.} This is a big life change and I wish you well and I can't wait to see your posts and photos from Sydney. And your idea to go to Italy with your daughter for your birthday was brilliant!

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  4. Well, Happy Birthday Justine. Glad you have embraced the grey and all that comes with it. I've been gray since around 50 also and loving it. Blessings to you. Enjoy your trip. And, oh by the way, Alice is lovely and you both look so happy to be with each other. I hope that never ends for you two.

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  5. Oh wow, I was wondering about all those trips to Australia and now I know why. New adventures on their way. Happy Birthday, and yes, it is just a number, one to be celebrated but not agonize about. I am thinking of a trip to just that same spot in the near future....Positano, Italy. Would love to hear about your trip in more detail, where you stayed, what are the places you would recommend to stay or dine or not miss seeing. email would be great....gswauger@sbcglobal.net

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  6. your beautiful Australia images in recent times conveyed so much love for it, so I`m very happy for you that you`re moving there permanently. I think the new decade is starting off just nicely for you. Looking forward to your adventures

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  7. Justine, you & Alice look fantastic, so relaxed & beautiful. What a great way to spend your 50th birthday- these photos are really lovely.

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  8. Well Justine, my first thought when I saw your photo was "what gorgeous hair". You look stunning. It seems 50 suits you. The photo of you and your daughter is precious. Blessings with your move!!! And Happy Birthday to you!!!

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  9. Congrats on turning 50 -- you look wonderful! What a fabulous way to celebrate your birthday!! It seems like this is a big transition year for you.....a house by the sea sounds just right!

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  10. Happy 50th Birthday! What a beautiful place in the world to spend it too. Good luck with your move to Australia!

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  11. Happy Birthday to you!!! Love your hair, it really suits you. Your daughter is gorgeous. I always love to hear when mothers and daughters have a strong relationship, so important. Wishing you all the best with the move and your new adventures. Your photography is always so inspiring!

    Barrina x

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  12. Happy Birthday, You are beautiful. I need to embrace my gray but for now I choose to hide it just a bit longer.

    Praying your move to Australia will be a smooth one for you and for your fur babies.

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  13. Happy birthday! That'a a beautiful shot of you and your daughter, how lovely to spend time together in Italy.
    Congratulations on the move to Australia, a house by the sea sounds perfect.

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  14. You're wearing 50 well my dear! Happy Birthday. I turned 50 last fall (see something else we have in common) and it's the first time I had a little jolt on a decade. The others were no biggie. It passes though.
    Congrats on the new house-by the sea. How wonderful. Your children will find you wherever you are. Congrats on being able to "let go". I have no kids, but I understand it's difficult but wonderderful. Glad you had this time to cherish with your beautiful daughter-I can see where she gets it from.

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  15. Hi Justine and Happy 50th Birthday to you! I have been out of the 'blogging world' for a while but I am so glad I clicked on your link today and saw these beautiful pictures of you and your daughter! Absolutely gorgeous.
    Good Luck with your move back to Australia! xxx

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  16. Happy Birthday Justine! Mother Daughter time is the best! Glad you were able to spend that special time with her!

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  17. Happy birthday Justine, a beautiful Mum and daughter photo, it looks like you had a great time. 50 is a big milestone (mine is next year) and whether you choose to celebrate it or not, it still makes you think about what makes you happy, and what the next chapter will bring.

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  18. Happy, happy belated birthday Justine! I so so agree with your attitude about turning 50. I had the same epiphany last year. It's just another day and live life to the fullest without all those silly "lists." Your trip to Italy looks like it was amazing. Now the next step in your life, your move to Australia, sounds exciting and wonderful and I can't wait to see even more photos from there now that you will be living there! Enjoy!!

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  19. Justin beautifully written .... your signature, but also my story ....
    yeah the clock is ticking does not say anything ..... let the gray hair and wrinkles .. and fond memories of the children and photos ....
    congratulations lioness

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  20. Well Happy Belated Birthday my friend. It sounds like the perfect way to celebrate. I turned 50 as well this year. I agree its just a number. Best of luck to you on your move to Australia.

    Hugs~

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  21. Happy Belated Birthday to you! What a lovely and deserved break away. I am in England at least a few more days, hopefully longer, and I can relate to your push/pull feeling of having your heart in different places. I am wishing you lots of luck on your move too - it sounds like just the thing for this stage of life!

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  22. Happy Birthday...belated!!! Congratulations on your move!!! Given that I'm a sunshine girl originally from SoCalifornia...I don't think I could live in London for very long...beautiful...wonderful to visit...but oh so wet and dark!!! Australia...how exciting...and on the coast?!!! Fabulous!!! Enjoy settling in.

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