19 Jun 2013

fatherhood - and a giveaway

Darren wears a check shirt and messenger bag c/o Joules.

Men are thrust into fatherhood. Like the unlikely actor ripped from the audience, planted centre stage and illuminated by a single spot light these bemused souls stare out into a sea of blank faces for reassurance. A tiny creature heckles them from a clumsily wrapped swaddle, its boos and hisses rising in volume with each muddled line or gesture.

Women on the other hand are immersed in the entire production from the get go. There is much prop buying, the mammoth yet deliciously creative task of set design and the scrunching of feather soft fabrics whilst collating the star's wardrobe.  Gatherings of like minded souls occur often to dissect and discuss every detail of the dialogue, the cast and each scene as it unfolds. And there are ample opportunities to rehearse complex manoeuvres with stunt doubles.

But even with this lack of rehearsal all the men I have known have found their voice and shone on the night. The glare of their fifteen minutes of fame fading gently to a beautiful glow of the everyday. I have seen calloused hands cradle downy heads with such tenderness and fragility and rivers of tears wash down the steeliest of faces. Wide shouldered bear like fellows bedecked in sparkly this and that in the care  of a four year old hairdresser and wild, raucous belly laughing from little people ensnared by tickling fingers.

Without book nor gaggle of mentors they muddle, they navigate and above all they blossom. Inspired by an innate yearning to protect, to hold close. And to heave squirming, giggling bundles up upon their shoulders.  Such is their way.

Steph x

When I was approached by a representative for Joules I was delighted to be able to gift my beloved with some high quality lovelies.  As a wonderfully hands on Papa he chose a slouchy man bag". Made from a sturdy canvas it houses his wallet and other paraphernalia as well as a spare nappy, wipes and morning tea for the poppets. I feel my shoulders levelling as my bag is just that bit lighter now that I can share the load. It is exceptional quality and looks...well...manly. Darren also chose a cotton shirt in a go anywhere, go with anything check. With that bespoke air and superb fabric quality it is a classic piece that will last for many seasons. The online experience was a refreshing change also for a man who runs a country mile from a department store change room and he now has his eye on a waterproof wax  jacket from their men's jackets range for rainy walks with the babies. Perhaps Father's Day my love.

The lovely people at Joules are offering one of their gorgeous woody classic polo shirt for a lucky Papa (the winner can choose their size and colour). To enter you simply need to be a follower of this blog (new ones welcome) and pop over to Joules'  facebook page and become a "liker" or  alternatively, follow them on twitter. For a second entry like this brown wren on facebook. For a third entry, share this giveaway on instagram, facebook or on your blog. Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Open to international readers. The winner will be chosen by random generator one week from today.

Comments are now closed. The random generator chose number 23. The lovely Tash of little bit of thyme will be spoiling a special man in her life! Thanks so much everyone.


31 comments:

  1. My other half is also a Darron (slightly different spelling though).
    No babies for us yet, hopefully within the next few years. I'm getting a nice little collection of vintage baby clothes though.
    x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Stephanie I think Im more smitten with your storytelling words than the product here (that slouchy bag sure is killer though). Beautifully written and there is truly nothing more beautiful (and sexy) as a man rockin' fatherhood!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You make me want to get that bag for Justin. He is the carrier of all of the nappies, wipes, food, cameras, water bottles, and well all of the stuff involved with a toddler. Though his bag is not stylish, it is a grubby old back pack. And yes he deserves something way better

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your darling husband makes a great Papa, But I agree (and you have nailed it on the head with your description of being in the spot light) I recall my husbands face when the Dr said as he wheeled me into to theatre that we would be parents in 10 minutes. 10 MINUTES - I thought WOW, 9 months of growing will be over in 10 MINUTES. Tim's face reflexed my thoughts and we both smiled and looked at each other and said "Let the party begin"
    I would love to win one of these for the man of this house. He needs a treat this year after everything that he has been through health wise.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh so handsome, and loving that bag! x

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oooh, I'd love to win this for my lovely husband! I 'liked' on facebook : ) Thanks for the opportunity Steph!

    ReplyDelete
  7. so so lovely ... all of it xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. I follow your lovely blog. x

    ReplyDelete
  9. I 'like' you on facebook x

    ReplyDelete
  10. I 'like' Joules on facebook x

    ReplyDelete
  11. And also "Like" on Facebook via my personal page xo

    ReplyDelete
  12. Have also liked Joules on facebook too, great giveaway! xo

    ReplyDelete
  13. Ohhh a man bag. Me likey this. My big daddy of the house could do with one.
    I'm already a fellow follower on here and Facebook.
    Just liked Joules though :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a wonderful giveaway. My Timmy would look great in that polo in blue.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I *like* them on facebook, too!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Funny, my hubby mentioned to me today that he'd like to get a new checked shirt ... I laughed ... and agreed ... then laughed again.
    Just shared on facebook :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great give away
    Follower yay

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh I realised I still hadn't entered!! Such lovely items, such a gorgeous model!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. What a wonderful giveaway, the Papa's seem to miss out on all the giveaway fun! Following with delight and liked Joules on Facebook

    ReplyDelete
  20. And of course loving you on facebook too x

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh, how lovely to offer something for the lads - thank you!! (follower) x

    ReplyDelete
  22. And another entry, as I now follow you on FB too x

    ReplyDelete
  23. Great idea, love this. Following, fb and Instagram:) xx

    ReplyDelete
  24. Oooh how lovely! Regan would LOVE this :) I'm a follower of your lovely blog

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am a follower on your Facebook :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. I am also a follower of Joules :)

    ReplyDelete

Your words brighten my day! Thank-you so much for joining me on my adventure. x