Joy is…a seaside treasure hunt!

I’ve never been the most hands-on, crafty person. But sometimes inspiration strikes, and I try my hand at something beyond writing, doodling, and prolific biscuit dipping.

Such was the occasion when Sharni and Johnny suggested we go fossicking at the beach and spend an afternoon crafting with our found delights.

Ignoring the gale-force winds that always seem to lie in wait the moment I step on sand, my joyful friends scampered ahead with carefree abandon while I trudged behind like I was on day four of an arctic expedition.

Sharni had made sure we all had bags to contain our seashore treasures. While I was still wrestling with the wind to open mine, Johnny had already half-filled his with twigs and sea sponge. He threw his little arms up in delight when he spotted something else in the sand. Shells. Lots of them.

Sharni squealed and ran to join him as they all but nosedived into the crunchy pile. Clearly they’d discovered seashell heaven, and they began sorting like expert conchologists curating the world’s finest shell collection.

Each shell they found was apparently more beautiful than the last. Occasionally, though, one fell short — those rejects were either discarded with dramatic flair or handed to me with a little shrug, as though I’d be desperate enough to accept sea scraps. Of course, I was. It saved me having to bend down in the sand, so I gratefully snaffled them up.

Soon our bags were bulging, and after patting more than a few friendly dogs, we headed for home.

I’ll spare you the details, but let’s just say there was a hot glue gun and a lot of joyful chaos. Many shells were glued to sticks and fashioned into quirky (and sometimes useful) things, but plenty were left unused.

It was agreed we’d return them to the beach. But we’d might want to be quick - or take the kite - said Sharni. The wind, apparently, was picking up.

— Sam

Joy is…a picnic in the park!

Here’s a little confession: I’m not great at being outside in nature. There, I said it.

Maybe it’s the writer in me — or the fact I was born in England — but I’m far more comfortable indoors, where I can control both the temperature and the bug life.

Sharni and Johnny, on the other hand, love it. Rain, wind, or the kind of heat that makes you fear for your own safety (otherwise known as an Australian summer) — none of it bothers them in the slightest.

And now that it’s spring, conditions are such that our joyful friends think they should be outside. All. The. Time.

Oh my.

So when they announced we’d be going to the park for a picnic, my first thought wasn’t, “Oh, how lovely.” It was, “I’m definitely getting bitten by ants. And I’ll probably sit on a worm.”

I must not have articulated this quite so clearly though, because before I knew it Sharni was assuring me they’d find the perfect spot to roll out the rug — a spot where no worms would be squished and no ants trampled.

She had mistaken my preoccupation with my own comfort for concern for the wellbeing of others. Bless.

And so it was, on a random September day, I sat with my cheerful friends Sharni and Johnny, munching on warm crusty bread, fresh grapes, and cheddar cheese, sipping apple juice through a paper straw.

Even I had to admit the weather was delightful — right in the sweet spot of the Goldilocks zone: not too hot, not too cold, but just right. And with Johnny’s constant wisecracking, Sharni’s sweet ability to laugh at all his jokes (funny or not), and (if you can believe it) the warm sun on my face… I really did enjoy myself.

I might even go so far as to recommend it to you too, if you’re in need of a little joy today.

Just know there will be ants. I was definitely lunch for a couple. But the worms kept their distance — so there’s that.

— Sam

Joy is…Spring!

Spring has well and truly arrived, and Sharni and Johnny are getting less sleep.

Longer days and warmer temperatures mean more chances for Johnny to indulge in his new passion for surfing. He quite fancies himself the next Kelly Slater. In reality, it’s all he can do to keep his little head above water — and his surfboard in one piece. It’s rough out there for a little bean, but Sharni cheers him on — even when he wakes her at daft o’clock to check the conditions.

Though a little sleep deprived, Sharni has been marveling at the sound of birds outside her bedroom window, and on their recent road trip she even saw lambs! She likes spring. Soon new leaves will sprout on the frangipani tree in the garden, and she’s loved flinging open the windows to welcome the fresh spring breeze into their tiny home.

Actually, I should say super shiny clean tiny home. Johnny has outdone himself this year with the spring cleaning. He’s dusted the house to within an inch of its life — just in time to welcome back all the bugs that disappeared in winter. Where they go remains a mystery. Johnny suspects they migrate or hibernate during the cooler months. He might look it up… but first, he’s going for a surf.

- Sam

Joy is…a road trip!

To celebrate the end of winter, Sharni and Johnny decided to swap their cosy home for an adventure.

Last weekend they hit the road to go somewhere new — and learn a little about themselves along the way.

Their ‘somewhere new’ turned out to be a very long drive, so making the journey joyful was essential. Luckily, they discovered the perfect recipe: a banging good soundtrack, plenty of snacks, frequent toilet breaks, and (most importantly) being unbeatable at spotting yellow cars.

Which Johnny was. Or so he says. It’s a contentious topic — and things may have gotten a little competitive between the pair.

But they made it home safe and sound, full of cheerful stories from the road. And Johnny’s car still works, which is a bonus.

Oh, and Sharni reclaimed her Spotto title the very next day. She insisted I make that clear — in case Johnny tries to argue otherwise.

- Sam