I had the worst case of 'mummy guilt' yesterday when I took myself off to the Royal National Show, without my kids. I felt so guilty as I looked around at all the other children with their parents, taking in all the sights and smells. At the same time I saw the frazzled looks on the parent's faces, constantly worrying that their children were in tow and listening to their demands every 5 minutes.
I can remember many times growing up that Mum would take off to the Show on her own with friends while we were at school, just so she could catch up with relatives showing cattle and having a look at all the handiwork and baking displays, which is what I did.
After I had a look around at a few things, I was feeling a little disappointed things weren't what they used to be. The showgrounds sit on prime Brisbane real estate, close to the CBD and Royal Brisbane Hospital. Most of the showgrounds are already under development for a new urban village.
Old standing companies aren't around anymore like the Queensland Butter Board who used to make fresh sandwiches. (Both of my sisters worked there in their younger years.) There was the same amount of people that you would expect on a Saturday but not much room for them all to go. It was very crowded and very busy.
At least the cattle and other animals never change. As soon as I got off the train, the smell just hit me and took me back to my younger days and Ekka memories.
After a quick look around on the way to the showbag 'tent', I picked up a couple showbags for the kids (who won't know about it until Monday afternoon) and headed straight to the train station bound for home. As disappointing as it was to not find it the same as it was when I was younger, I have to realise that time doesn't stand still. Even if I did take the kids, they would find excitement in things they saw, smelt and heard and make their own memories. Maybe next year? (Watch this space.)
On another note, the Queensland Country Women's Association (CWA) celebrates its 90th birthday TODAY! They've been at the Ekka since 1925 when the first tea room was in a tent and records show they made a profit of 20 pounds.
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| Even the actor Geoffrey Rush stopped in to have tea and scones at the CWA rooms a couple days ago. (Photo courtesy 7 Yahoo News)
Happy birthday Queensland CWA! Here's to the next 90 years, supporting women and their families in Queensland and Australia.
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It looks like you had a grand time! I totally understand the mommy guilt thing! It is nice to take the kids places but it is also really nice to have time relaxing without them.
ReplyDeleteMummy guilt is hard sometimes Anne. But don't give yourself a hard time of it. We seriously can't be and do all things for our children all of the time. Sometimes you need to do a little something that nourishes your soul, so if that is reliving childhood memories at the Ekka, that's the thing for you. You deserve it Anne, and as you said there are always other years.
ReplyDeleteI have been to the Ekka once with a friend who I call my other mum. It was such a jammed packed day of animals and arts and crafts all my favourite things. We ended the day with fireworks and the arena show. I'm glad to have been once and as an adult, now I have special memories with someone very special to me in my life.
That looks similar to the Sydney royal Easter show.
ReplyDeleteAren't those cakes amazing? Especially the patchwork one.
ReplyDeleteI always feel like they need a tasting section for the baking!
Look after yourself Anne. Guilty feelings not allowed.
Happy birthday to that magnificent organisation the CWA. They have supported so many generations of Aussie women.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite part of a country show is the fruit displays and the cake decorating. Glad you got to sneak off and indulge yourself. Mother guilt is so over rated.
Carolyn
Glad to see the QLD CWA ladies put on an impressive display Anne. Have you joined up yet? I understand the guilt feelings but its important to nurture yourself too.
ReplyDeleteAnne, what a fun fair. Don't feel guilty about not bringing your kids along. You deserve some time to enjoy things as a woman rather than as a mom. I'm sure the kids will come along with you the next time! ;)
ReplyDeletethose cakes are too fun!
ReplyDeleteNice posting!!!!!!!!!
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