Tuesday Essays
A collection of thoughtful, personal essays from Our Little House in the Country, exploring seasonal living, ordinary days, home, family, change, midlife and the quieter things we notice along the way. Published on Tuesdays, these are reflections on living more intentionally — finding meaning in everyday life, making space for where we are now, and learning to move gently through the changing seasons of both the year and our lives.
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Living in Two Seasons at Once
September asks us to live between things: summer and autumn, freedom and routine, what has been and what comes next. A reflection on the strange beauty of allowing two seasons — and sometimes two truths — to exist at once.
- Intentional living, Midlife Reflections, Parenting and Family Life, Seasonal Inspiration, Slow and Intentional Living, Summer, Tuesday Essays
The Quiet Gift of Beginning Again
September has always carried the quiet feeling of a fresh beginning. This reflective essay explores why we don't have to wait until January to begin again and how small, intentional changes can gently shape a new season.
- Intentional living, Midlife Reflections, Parenting and Family Life, Seasonal Inspiration, Slow and Intentional Living, Summer, Tuesday Essays
Stay Here a Little Longer
As August gently gives way to a new season, it's easy to find ourselves mentally rushing ahead. This reflective essay explores the quiet practice of staying present, noticing the beauty of ordinary evenings and learning not to leave a season before it has finished unfolding.
- Intentional living, Midlife Reflections, Parenting and Family Life, Seasonal Inspiration, Slow and Intentional Living, Summer, Tuesday Essays
The Beauty of an Ordinary Day
Most of our lives are made up of wonderfully ordinary days. This gentle reflective essay explores why the quiet moments—morning coffee, walking the dog, hanging washing on the line and evenings spent at home—are where life truly unfolds, and why learning to notice them might be one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves.
- Intentional living, Midlife Reflections, Parenting and Family Life, Printables, Slow and Intentional Living, Summer, Tuesday Essays
Let August Be Enough
August has a quiet way of slipping past almost unnoticed. This gentle reflection explores how we can stop rushing towards the next season, savour ordinary summer moments and discover the beauty of simply letting August be enough.
- Intentional living, Midlife Reflections, Parenting and Family Life, Slow and Intentional Living, Tuesday Essays
The Unexpected Gift of Creative Rest
What if the missing ingredient wasn't more inspiration, but more space? In this reflective essay, I explore the unexpected gift of creative rest, how slowing down rekindles creativity, and why wonder often returns when we finally stop trying so hard.
- Intentional living, Midlife Reflections, Parenting and Family Life, Seasonal Inspiration, Slow and Intentional Living, Summer, Tuesday Essays
The Summer I Stopped Trying to Do Everything
For years, I thought a “good” summer meant making the most of every minute — filling the calendar, planning memorable days, creating magical moments, and trying to hold everything together for everyone else. But somewhere along the way, summer became another thing to manage rather than experience. In this reflective essay, I share what changed after burnout, stepping away from full-time work, and spending slower days in France with my family. It’s a deeply personal piece about emotional exhaustion, motherhood, invisible mental load, nervous system calm, and learning to stop trying to optimise every season of life. This is a gentle reflection on slow and intentional living, ordinary summer joy,…
- Intentional living, Midlife Reflections, Parenting and Family Life, Seasonal Inspiration, Slow and Intentional Living, Summer, Tuesday Essays
What a Few Weeks in France Reminded Me About Slow Living
After a few wonderful weeks in France, I returned home with a renewed appreciation for slow living, family time, creativity, and the beauty of simple summer days. Here's what this year's holiday reminded me about what really matters.
