Gently reminding us of the simple pleasures in life: Nick and Liesl

When the cherish theme was first announced, I admit to having some trouble choosing an artist that would adequately reflect all the things I cherish in my life – my family, my babies (The Pupstars aka two dogs), friends, good health etc. Little did I realise at the time that the universe would provide me with an enormous opportunity to cherish not only all the above, but also my personal strength and capacity of ‘knowing’ that had been waiting to be acknowledged.

For you see, one of my gorgeous Pupstars, Molly, was diagnosed with a nasty bone tumour late January, and the options initially available weren’t palatable to say the least. I cried rivers of tears, broken hearted and screamed at the world “why?!?” until I gasped in sorrow, with fear of the unknown and the realisation of having to make such a decision.

The honey coloured dog hairs that clung to my clothing and made me look as though my grooming was lacking, now became a reminder of a love and understanding with another being and that I now cherished and wore with gratitude. At the same time, it was a reminder that we know each other so well, and that when I quietened my mind I already knew what to do to help her.

Fast forward to February, and Molly is now home and adjusting to life on three legs with such a remarkable resilience and acceptance that I can’t help but cry with sheer joy. She obviously cherishes being here too for its not usual for a 13 year young dog to have such strength and tenacity; that is of course unless they’re my Molly (and yes, I’m completely biased!)

I don’t have to look too far now to cherish the small successes and joys – The Pupstars wiggling their little bottoms with excitement when they greet me each day, seeing Molly run to the door when she thinks someone knocked, being able to belly laughing with girlfriends and family and taking time to ‘know’ the beauty in these little things. I am learning to appreciate and cherish myself and those around me a little more with each step; my heart is full of hope, love and gratitude.

It’s this appreciation and awareness that led me to Nick and Liesl this month, an enchanting little duo based on the Central Coast of Sydney. Their unique voices flow harmoniously as they share their stories; effortlessly taking you on a journey, gently reminding us of the simple pleasures in life… “Smile at me and I will smile at you too”… ah, how a simple smile can light up your day!

Their EP ‘Wyong River’ is warm and inviting; the kind of warmth you feel rugging up in your favourite cardigan on a cold winter’s night with a glass of red wine. I’m unsure if it’s the folk influences from Liesl’s hometown of Sweden, or some of the quirky beats that speak to me the deepest, but either way, their EP provided me the space to acknowledge the peace of knowing; the kind of knowing that you feel deep in your soul.

There are so many pearls of wisdom in their songs, displaying a maturity well beyond their years and with a calmness that is addictive. ‘Happy is simple’ tells us that “it’s easy to do; all you need to do is start” (surely it can’t be that easy?!) and “Open your heart and your mind will follow”. They make this thing called life sound so uncomplicated that I’m prepared to believe them!

Their joyful little song ‘Friend and Lover’ makes me wish I was wearing a big flouncy skirt that I could swish from side to side and skip through some long grass in a field somewhere. The message that stirs my heart the most in this song is “I’ll never give up on you”. I know it’s a message I need to hear and more importantly – feel. Such a beautiful reminder that it’s healthy to cherish myself as much as I cherish others.

If part of happiness is being able to open our hearts and cherish others and ourselves, when I look at all the people I cherish in my life (the canine variety too!), I’m in a pretty good position to say – I am one very happy camper!

Are there simple messages stirring in your soul that you need to cherish? I encourage you to take a look with fresh eyes to see the beauty they hold.

http://www.myspace.com/nickandliesl

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Photos Credit: © Jen at Greyscale Media