A few weeks ago, a mate shared an article titled "Put away the flags and enjoy your country on Australia Day" by a Colorado Poet Laureate David Mason. It wasn't a new article - The Age published it in January last year, but I hadn't read it before and it really resonated with me. You can read the whole article here, and I suggest you do because it is brilliant. 
So, no flag waving or windiness from me today or on Sunday. Instead, I'll spend the day really listening to the birds sing and, with any luck, the frogs heralding some more rain.
The girls and I will celebrate Australia's virtues with a family of Kiwis on Sunday - we're heading to Emily from Have a Laugh on Me's parents farm. Oddly enough, Bearhands will also be spending Australia Day with some Kiwis - he headed across the ditch this morning!
Australia Day Party
I'm excited to be hosting my third Australia Day Blog Party. Last year some very talented people linked up some fabulous Australian posts. So, for your reading pleasure - I present yarns, recipes and how-tos from Australia's best and brightest bloggers!
Bloggers: Please link up one original post that is Australian in theme – I’m happy for a broad interpretation here! The link will be live until January 31 – for those who want to let us know what they got up to on the Australia Day weekend. Your post needn't be new - so feel free to find something in your archives. If you’re feeling generous, add a link back to the party from your post. Thanks for joining in!
[inlinkz_linkup id=487899 mode=1]
How will you spend Australia Day?
Whatever your plans, I wish you a happy and safe Australia Day weekend.
Mandy, Barbie Bieber and Beyond says
I linked up one part of our RV holiday which we went on last year, 4 weeks, 4 kids, 1 RV travelling through Outback Queensland to the coast. This one is Australia Zoo, can't get much more Australian than Steve Irwin! Looking forward to seeing all the posts.
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
That's my backyard Mandy! (And yes, they don't come any more Australian than Steve)
astridjanet says
Lots of BBQ's get togethers. It's a great way to catch up with everyone at the same time!
Malinda (@MBPaperPackages) says
Great idea! Looking forward to a great list of reads.
Lauren @ Create Bake Make says
It sounds like you have a wonderful weekend planned - enjoy x
bakeplaysmile says
Happy Australia Day Amanda!
Rachel says
Can't wait to read your pavlova wisdom! Mine have always been ok but a bit on the average side.
Shauna 'Round the Corner says
Loved the article. I absolutely concur! We are very lucky indeed. A trip to the UK a few years ago really brought home to me just how good we have it here. I've linked a post that celebrates how good we have it too "Get outside and be Australian! O'right?" My first ever link up! Thank you for the opportunity 🙂
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Thanks for joining in Shauna. Glad you decided to pop your link up cherry here! x
Min (@riteofthemiddle) says
That American is a clever man! We are the lucky country and I'm grateful that i was born here! Happy Australia Day Amanda and thank you for hosting this fab linky party! 🙂
Robyna says
Excited to join in on this link up - I love that article and seeing my kids playing on the beach today just affirmed all of it.
Anne @ Domesblissity says
Something was niggling away at me all day, thinking I'd forgotten something very important to do this Australia Day and then I remembered. Link up to the lovely Amanda's Australia Day blog linky. I'm so glad you have it every year. Loved reading yours and everyone's posts. I've brought along Lemon Myrtle Scones with Finger Lime Marmalade and Cream and I'm sorry, but there's none left. I'll make some for you, special, if we ever get the chance to catch up. I hope so. Lots of love, Anne xx