Dear Maleny, I stumbled upon you two weeks ago as a recommendation from a friend, and booked 3 nights without knowing very much about you… I arrived 3 nights ago, and instantly fell in love. You are exactly what I needed….
Beautiful in every single way, not only your breathtaking views, but the way you have made me feel. Safe, loved and free. I’ve been able to be myself with you and you haven’t judged me. When I was driving up the steep hill to your borders, I had tears rolling down my cheeks when I looked out of the window and saw the view. Nothing has ever done that to me before. I knew instantly that there was something special about you, something I haven’t experienced before.
You have slowed me down. You have made me realise what it truly feels like to live in the moment and not think about later on, tomorrow or the next day but to appreciate what is in front of me right now – whether that be beauty, calmness or indeed – challenges. You have taught me the importance of just stopping and appreciating, and I will use what I have learned here for the rest of my life. I truly believe that that night where I sat on the roadside at Mountain View Road, looking out over the Glass House Mountains – changed something inside me.
There are no photos that I can show you that will ever be able to explain what it’s like here. I’m not sure words can do the job either. If fact, if you ever come to Maleny, I can’t even guarantee that you will even like it. It’s a special place if you enjoy peacefulness, breathtaking scenery, good coffee, delicious fresh local produce, walking in nature, wildlife, listening to birds singing, reading, sunshine and good company.
I am so grateful for the photographs that I have in my memory, as they will last forever…
or until the next time I visit.
Rachael x