Hello, it has been a while, so much so I have forgotten how to even navagte this site… but I think I have got there in the end.

So in honour of my first entry on for a very long time, the joys of The First will be my first thread of thought. Do not worry I am not talking about the big stuff, first date, first house, first dance, first day at work, I am not so interested in those huge landmarks currently. Not just because at my grand age of 46 those grand moments are a little fleeting, but because why can’t the small things be worthy enough for firsts.

So firstly, I am only all about the everyday firsts, the accessible to all firsts, the firsts that sprinkle a little bit of hope to the day and make you feel like you have conjured up the motivation for a whole life change. When the reality of course is it is just an everyday undertaking but for a moment that glimmer is real, it’s almost tangible.

Now, there are rules to this, we can’t just over indulge to these small happenings, they are firsts and first-most only firsts. One tiny incline into seconds and the illusion is shattered, crumbled, it is no more. The irony of all this is of course noted that this won’t be the first time that the firsts have been written about but I think that is ok, it is a first for me.

So here goes…

1. The first cup of tea of the morning, (insert drink of choice) Of course it needs to be in the correct vessel, (another conversation) but that first wake-up call, that first hit of caffeine, the refresh, the feel of a new day. It can be consumed slowly, or whilst doing hair, in the shower, packing a bag, reading emails, even on the most manic of a morning, it’s a ‘sip of time’ for me and the armour for the day. But now, indulge in one and one only. The second is too much, it is not as fresh, not as tasteful, it is staler and has provided you with a platform to hold back for too long, no more sieze the day, that ship sailed. I need to just have the first, but really revel in that first.
2. The First Page of a new Notepad. Yes I am a Gen X notepad gal! Paperchase, John Lewis stationary dept, WHSmith, Liberty, Papier you name it…..I ALWAYS and forever feel that the first page of a notepad has the possibility to change my life completely. When I get this pad, things are gonna happen for me, I will miraculously be this multi faceted, creative, organised, switched on, overall brilliant woman. Oh and it’s not just any pen and pencil, there is consideration there too. This is innate from school of course, but just as it was back then you flick through further and there she is, the real me….but hey didn’t that first page feel good.
3. New hosiery, not that I say ‘hosiery’ but I feel when they are brand new I am that person that says ‘hosiery’. My friend once said to me “I think one of the best things about being super rich must be that you can wear a pair of tights once and only once. I bet JLo wears a pair of socks once and then they are in the bin” Obviously, sustainability aside for now but is there anything nicer, than the first wear of a brand new pair, no nicks, no creases, no bags, no ladders, the sheen. They provide the ability to hold you together like you rule the world Beyonce style but with one wash and it’s over. The second wear, we are straight to the bagging, the sagging, the ‘is that my tights or my pants half way down my leg?’ the half put together feel, not so ‘sheeny’ anymore. The fall from the life of hosiery to tights is overnight but it can definitely make you appreciate that first wear.
4. First night of fresh bed sheets. So this can also be a duo with new/clean pyjamas but to me they come hand in hand because who one earth changes the bed sheets with out new clean pjs on? Once again that is another conversation. But is there a better feeling of fresh, crisp, new bed sheets for a good night’s sleep, it is as if you know after this night you are going to win all your games in the morning, woman you are ahead! I think it’s also because of what else happens to create this feeling in the surrounding area, it’s fully cleaned, polished, organised, the cat is brushed, I’ve even been known to specially iron a pair of pjs before getting in the bed, what is that about? All just to create this feeling of synchronised harmony, and you go to bed feeling like that same person with the brand new hosiery, knowing full well that the next night won’t be the the same, you didn’t even make the bed, you’ve toothpaste down your pyjamas and let’s not even talk about the cat, (actually no, she can do wherever she wants) but it’s ok because you fully soaked up the first night of clean sheets.
5. Candles. Now is there anything nicer than having a full new candle ? That when you light it, it is beautifully straight and pretty and you can burn to your hearts content, it sits in the room, on a pedestal oozing glamour, light and sophistication into the room like the goddess she is. Alas, already by the second light, it’s gone crooked, you have to cut it down, its messy, wax is everywhere because when you blew it out the previous night, wax flew all over your mantel piece. You get soot everywhere and then the worry sets in that is a ‘special’ (expensive ) candle and one which really should not be lit it on a random Tuesday night. But oh that first evening was everything.
6. Marmite, I suppose you can have condiment of choice here, but it’s Marmite in particular for me. There is nothing, more satisfying than a new smooth, silky and clean jar inside and out to be open for the first time. It is clean, it is not running everywhere, it glides on to the toast like it was meant to be and tastes all the better for it. The second visit we are already dealing with the sticky residue of the first and whatever else it has picked up sitting in the pantry for the night, it rips the toast because its was also cold in your cupboard and it is letting you know that. It also then likes to leave its traces all over the counter tops, chopping board the lot, it’s a definite love or hate! Let’s shoot straight back to the first use, alluding to the fact it is all going to work out just fine.
7. That first tipple of the week. I would even goes far to say the first sip. That moment which says goodbye to the week and hello weekend. The drop of fun and relief and decadence…but this one is truly about the first only. The second, is a whole slippery slope, which I will not pretend I don’t go down, but it is always a question I ask myself after… and for the decadence, well, she left straight away. Let’s just drink up that very first sip and well if it’s the first night with number 5 too, well double firsts make it even more magical.

So there you go, 7 of the small firsts, all peppered with moments of joy. It is what is keeping me motivated, hopeful and bringing a little peace and possibility in a very small way. So I am going to try indulge in these firsts for a little longer and take this time to relish in them. Which I suppose I am also aiming for on this return to the blog….but hopefully this is the First of many and the next will be just as worthy.

Of course please let me know your firsts in the comments.

Thank you for reading x