Ok, so it’s been a weird old week. When I penned the wrap for last week I was on a bit of a high from release day for Happy Ever After and certainly couldn’t have imagined that just a week later I’d be writing this week’s wrap-up from a hotel in Canberra so we can attend a friend’s funeral tomorrow. What a difference a week makes…but enough about that.
There was still plenty about the week to smile about, so let’s wrap it up…
What I was grateful for…
Blue skies, warm days, the best beach in the whole world (I’m not at all biased) and ducted airconditioning.
What I wrote…
Okay, I’ve hit a bit of a wall on my nanowrimo project this week. I’m currently at the 38,000 – wordmark for this new manuscript, but with everything else that’s going on at present, I doubt that I’ll be in the right sort of headspace to write much over the next few days. As a result, I don’t think I’ll be making my 50k word target for November – although I will end the month with a lot more words than I had at the beginning of the month so will resist the urge to beat myself up too much.
Where I wrote…
I’ve cut back a half a day in the day job at present so snuck out to this oh-so-cute little cafe in a nearby town – Sweethearts at Eudlo. Eudlo is one of those towns that has a cafe, a general store, a hairdresser, a post office and a community hall – and, aside from the railway station and the Rural Fire Services, that’s it.
The cafe is, however, lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed my cup of tea in the sun in their garden.
Where we lunched…
We tried out Homegrown Cafe in Palmwoods – another small town in the Hinterland. It’s the next train stop along from Eudlo on the Brisbane – Nambour train line, and we’ve eaten at the pub a few times, but I’d heard some good things about Homegrown. I’ll pop something up on the Sunny Coast page if I get around to it.
We ate outside in the garden under the watchful eye of one of the friendly lizards – so friendly he hopped onto the table to check out what I was eating. Don’t worry, he didn’t eat much.
It’s one of those places that’s mostly green, mostly homegrown and mostly local (in case the name didn’t give it away) and has just a few menu choices each day. I had a fabulous black rice salad bowl with kale, asparagus, avocado, greens and gingered beef with a ginger soy dressing. Miss 20 had homemade pasta with rocket, pea and almond pesto. I was still raving about my salad on the plane this morning. So much green, so much taste.
Still on green food…
Check out these little apple cucumbers we got at the farmer’s markets yesterday. We had some friends over for dinner last night and I put them out just like this as “befores” – they were demolished.
What I cooked…
This spicy duck bowl for dinner the other night. Yummy, easy and quick. I posted the recipe here.
I also made a lemon curd pavlova for last night’s guests – I even made the lemon curd. I’ll pop the recipe up during the week.
Ok, so that was my week…how was yours?
And Anyways... 
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss of your friend, Jo. These are always difficult times. Well done on your writing even though your head might not be in the right space. I loved Happy Ever After and eagerly await your next book. My week has been mainly cleaning and decluttering my MIL’s house ready for sale. So much stuff! I also spent time with my darling grandsons which is always a joy. Have a beautiful week and yes bunting always makes me feel happy for some reason. xx
It’s all part of the texture of life, isn’t it? Have a great week.
Jo – so good that you could find some quiet reprieve during this time of grief. The cafe looks enchanting and the foods you prepared look scrumptious. I had the joy of my daughter home from school for two weeks – and have been continuing to make progress on my book for nonprofits. I’m at just over 16K words but still have high hopes of hitting about 25K by mid-December!
Having your daughter home must have been a joy. I’m expecting a word count update in December, Janet! Have a great week.
Hi Jo – I’m glad there are plenty of summer goodies and bright colours for you to smile about during this difficult time. From your photos, I agree you do have the best beach. #lifethisweek
We sure do Natalie. Have a great week.
Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Glad to hear you’ve been on a book launch high though – that is great 🙂
Am also grateful for air con on some of the days we’re forecast to have this week!!
I’ve been in Canberra for the first couple of days this week & it was a shock to the system to have single digit overnights again. Have a great week.
Hi, Jo – This is such an inspiring post all around. Those are such cute places to write….and healthy delicious dishes to prepare. This has been good incentive for me!
Thanks Donna. Have a great week.
Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Life is so unpredictable, isn’t it? Love the places where you write and the food looks yum!
Life is so unpredictable – I guess that’s what gives it the textures though. Hope you’re enjoying your holiday.
Hi Jo, I’ve finished your book Happy Ever After and loved it! I’m sorry your week ended on a sad note but I enjoyed your post and your oh so cute cafes. #Lifethisweek
Thanks so much Debbie – especially your feedback on the book. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I will do a review when I’m home again.
Life is full of highs and lows isn’t it Jo? So sad about your friend, but lovely that you could take time out to sit in the sun and enjoy that little cafe. I love uncrowded, tucked away coffee venues – so much better than the loud franchised ones 🙂
I so agree…I’m not big on the franchised ones either.
I do like the idea of doing some writing at a cafe. The closest I got was doing work stuff at a cafe on the weekend. Which wasn’t the best work weekend I’ve had. So very tired from it still.
SSG xxx
Yeah…there’s no fun in that!
Having been to “your” beach it sure is up there with the best. I would not have felt comfy at lunch with the lizard…no sir. Sorry your week also meant a funeral of a friend. Life. So sad. Glad about the cutting back of work by half/day. Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek. Next week’s optional prompt is Taking Stock. Denyse.