IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE

It's time to have a coffee and a chat - I'll tell you all about what's been happening in my world during

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE

It's time to celebrate the end of June, so why not share another virtual cup of coffee with me while I update you on what's been going on in my life lately. I love a good 'Taking Stock' blog post, so I hope you'll humour me and sit a while as I share my news.

BLOGGING

Well it's been a busy month with the start of my Social Saturday posts - I kicked off with Sue from Women Living Well After 50, followed up with Donna from Retirement Reflections, then there was Jo from Lifestyle Fifty, then Chistie from ChristieHawkes.com...... and finally finishing up with Denyse from DenyseWhelanBlogs. I loved the variety of topics and having blogging friends visit from all over the world to share their thoughts.

I have another great line up next month - all locked in and ready to go. I hope you'll be popping in for a visit on Saturdays to catch up with the next group of Midlife bloggers who are sharing a little of themselves (I even have a surprise non-blogging guest writer who was game enough to share their thoughts).


AWARDING

Occasionally I go through a bit of a lull and I question whether I should be doing this whole blogging thing. Then a lovely surprise comes along and this month I was delighted to find that I'd received not one, but TWO blogging awards! 

The first award was Top 10 Blogs for Women Over 50 to Follow in 2018 and I shared that honour with a Sue, Jo and Kathy (three great fellow Aussie bloggers!)
The second award was 16 Women Over 50 Bloggers - also shared with several fellow bloggers who I love connecting with regularly.

Women Over 50 Blogs
16 women over fifty bloggers

FAMILY-ING

Well, as I mentioned in my May Coffee post, we had some extra family time with our son, DIL and lovely grandbaby. Our son wanted to come down and go on a father and son hiking expedition - limited to two days due to time constraints. The weather wasn't looking great, but they decided they'd go despite the rain that was forecast (note the umbrellas).

Adventuring off on the Bibbulmun Track - Mumballup to Collie
Adventuring off on the Bibbulmun Track - Mumballup to Collie
Well, the forecast rain lived up to predictions and they were rained on for a good portion of both days (and the evening) but still had a great time - with lots of stories to share afterwards. Our son was also reminded (by his stiff legs) that he now sits at a desk far too much and isn't the teenager he used to be!

Sending the hikers on their way
Sending the hikers on their way
Meanwhile my lovely DIL and I shared some retail therapy and lunch out at a little cafe (to eat the BLT she'd been looking forward to). After coming home, we talked about blogging, ate chocolate and watched a chick flick - so much better than all that rain and tramping along the Track. At least the men got to sleep in a semi-enclosed shelter (slightly better than a tent in the rain) but not as snug and dry as we girls were.

GRANDBABY-ING

I have to share a couple of pictures of the delightful Sophia - the first is from when she was unwrapping her belated birthday present from her Aunty and the second is from the send off of the hikers. She just keeps getting cuter!


STUDYING

One of the things I had listed to start on my Vision Board was some online studying. I signed myself up to a Writing for the Web course on Open 2 Study this month and am proud to say that I'm flying through it and learning little snippets here and there along the way. I was worried that it might be a bit hard on my brain, but surprisingly enough, it's turned out to be a breeze so far and I'm planning on diving into some more once this unit is finished.

Studying at Open2Study in June 2018

TAI CHI-ING

Another item I had listed on my Vision Board was to start Tai Chi again - I'd been to classes a few years ago, but had forgotten all I'd learned. I found a class in our neighbourhood that was run at the Senior Citizens' Centre and the class prices were a bargain. I came to the slightly scary and somewhat depressing realization that I actually qualified to be a member! Apparently you are officially a "senior citizen" if you are over 50!! 

Well, after taking a deep breath and not looking a gift horse in the mouth, I took myself off to my first Tai Chi lesson - a completely different style to what I'd done previously - more gentle and 'girly' but still very Zen and good for my co-ordination. I can't say I was completely on the ball with all the moves, but I didn't make a complete fool of myself and nobody was looking at me - they were too busy following the instructor. I'm definitely going back for more.

WATCHING

In between all the new stuff, I managed to fit in a date with my lovely husband. We're both Star Wars fans - I remember seeing my first Star Wars movie at the Drive In (remember those) with an old boyfriend when I was 16 in 1978! So FORTY years later I was back at the movies to see their latest offering: Solo - A Star Wars Story. It didn't get great reviews so we went with fairly low expectations and were pleasantly surprised with how much we both enjoyed it. We suspect there's another episode to follow because there was more back story to be revealed, so stay tuned!


THAT'S IT FOR NOW

Is there anything interesting happening in your world? Feel free to update me in the comments and I look forward to having another virtual cuppa with you at the end of July  (the middle of Winter in Australia) and I'm sure there'll be lots to catch up on.



It's time to have a coffee and a chat - I'll tell you all about what's been happening in my world during

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52 comments

  1. Wow, it's coffee time already? I've made myself a pot of tea and am marvelling over your month. Here's to July.

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    1. I know! It comes around mighty fast doesn't it Jo? Still - I always love sharing my month and reading about what other people are doing - it's almost as good as a catch up IRL!

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  2. Congratulations on the awards, Leanne! I didn't know about them; am delighted to see that your talents and dedication are recognized.
    It sounds like you had a wonderful June. I hope that July is every bit as fulfilling and soul-satisfying.

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    1. I was so pleased to get two honourable mentions this week Karen - I've been feeling a little bit so-so with blogging lately. They gave me a bit of a pick-me-up that was needed more than I realized!

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  3. Loved reading your recap, Leanne. Sounds like a lovely, balanced month between learning and family activities. Someday I am going to try Tai Chi - my mom used to do it and she enjoyed it.
    Congratulations on your awards!

    Deb

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    1. Tai Chi seems to come in different 'flavours' Deb - the prev one I tried was more martial arty and this one is more flowy. I'm not very good at things like Zumba so this is as close to a co-ordinated series of moves as I'm likely to achieve any time soon!

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  4. What a busy and lovely month you have had and Sophia looks absolutely edible! And give me chocolate and a chick flick any time over tramping in the wet x

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    1. Yep tramping through the bush isn't a favourite pastime of mine Jan - and the rain added to the mix made it a big No - they enjoyed it though and will have stories to tell for years to come! And Yes, Sophia is adorable :)

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  5. congratulations leanne on your awards - and pleased to hear they have given you the spark to continue in the blogger sphere - also good on you for actioning things from your vision board -it is a great feeling isn't it when we get around to that thing we have been wanting to do ... and until we do we don't know if it is a fit for us or not. you are an inspiration leanne and I am deeply appreciative of you and your blog.
    blessings for the next month

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    1. Thank you for your kind words Sandra - sometimes I wonder why I blog, then I think of the friendships it has brought about and that makes it so worthwhile - those two little awards were icing on the cake - and gave me a smile.

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  6. Congratulations on your blogging awards Leanne, well deserved indeed!
    You really are powering through the "to do" list on your vision board. Isn't it great when a new (or new-ish) thing turns out to be more enjoyable or easier than expected? Hope you continue to enjoy your study and your Tai Chi (senior citizens or not, lol). But you can have Star Wars all to yourself....... xx

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    1. Ahhhh so you're not a Star Wars fan Sue? Don't tell Hannah because she and Jared are huge fans (check out his Lego!) And yes, I'm adjusting to being a "senior citizen" and it's worth it for how cheap the lessons are - and the low competition level - everyone is so helpful and kind and I love that.

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    2. Haha, yes I've seen the great big Star Wars spaceship thingy that Jared designed and built. Super impressed with the Lego side of it, but pretty sure I wouldn't have been able to recognise its origin if I hadn't been told, lol!

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  7. How coincidental is that we both received the same awards/recognition? My post also focused on what I've been up to in the past month. Life has been so busy and I feel like I need a holiday! Maybe in a few months time. #TeamLovinLife

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    1. Yes I saw that you were in the group for both of them Kathy - nice to see that different focuses didn't negate our eligibility - and to be recognized without being aware of it was just lovely. I also enjoyed your monthly round-up (you've been out and about a lot!)

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  8. Congrats on the awards, Leanne!! That is one way to keep the spirits up, isn't it?? There are many times I wonder if I should keep blogging, yet I rationalize, it's a fun family affair now!!
    Sophia is absolutely darling---thanks for sharing!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. I'm the same Jodie - I look at all the guest posts I have lined up and I figure if they're kind enough to offer then the least I can do is keep on with this whole blogging journey - it's such fun (except when my mojo deserts me!)

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  9. That was a lovely catch up & thanks for having me (in advance!) this weekend. Your post would get some love on Monday for my link up - Taking Stock - hope you can make it. Your granddaughter is a delight! So cute! Denyse x

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    1. I'm really looking forward to sharing your post Denyse - it is such a positive look at the lessons you've been learning and I think it will be really helpful. And yes, I'll be linking this one up with you on Monday x

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  10. Oh, my goodness! Two awards! Fantastic! And when I read of all your exploits, I am in AWE!!!

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    1. It was quite a surprise to receive two awards in one week Di - not at all what I was expecting and a nice boost when I've been feeling a bit flat lately.

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  11. Hey, Leanne. Congratulations on the well-deserved recognition! I enjoyed your update from the other side of the world. Moments spent with your Granddaughter and her parents are precious and pursuing your own personal development goals - inspiring! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Hi Kimberley - I always think round-up posts are lovely because they give us the chance to get to know each other better (even on opposite sides of the world) and yes family time is so lovely and it warms my heart until their next visit.

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  12. Congratulations on your well deserved awards Leanne. I’m so pleased for you. I loved our chat over coffee!! All your efforts and hard work are paying off nicely. Your granddaughter is very cute and I think you’ve summarised the whole month really well. All the best for July 🌞

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    1. Hi Deb - it's nice that we can have a monthly coffee - even when you're off hobnobbing on the other side of the world! And thanks for your kind words about the awards - they were a nice pat after a fairly dry month for me :)

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  13. Hi Leanne! Sounds like your June was a good month for you. And thanks for the review about the Star Wars movie. I agree it didn't get good reviews so we were mostly avoiding it--but we too are big fans of the series so might try to squeeze it in. And good for you for going to Tai Chi alone. Thom and I took it for a couple of years but the teacher was just too annoying. Honestly. We then switched to yoga which has been a bit fit for us. But we did have some good memories from tai chi and I think there is something really good in it for us all. And congratulations again on your blogging award. It is ALWAYS nice to be recognized! ~Kathy

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    1. Hi Kathy - I wouldn't have picked you for a Star Wars fan but it's nice to know that you are :) Yes give it shot - it was no better or worse than any of the new ones that have come out. And I can understand how an instructor could turn you off Tai Chi - the lady that's running this course is very kind and not controlling - which I really like. The class has been really welcoming too and that's been great. I think about doing yoga but haven't found a class anywhere nearby - or one that's affordable.

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  14. Hi Leanne, love the coffee catch ups and I'll invite you to mine on Monday. Great to see you expanding with some courses. There is so much to offer online these days and if it is free so much the better! Tai Chi is a wonderful way to keep fit and although I haven't tried it, it looks easy but the control of the movements would certainly give you a workout. I finally saw Finding My Feet and have just finished The Wife Between Us which was a book full of twists and turns. Sophia is adorable and great to have family time isn't it? You seem to have had a well rounded June with something for you in every facet of your life. Congratulations on the awards which are so greatly deserved! #1 in my book!
    Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond

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    1. I'm looking forward to hearing about what you've been up to for the month Sue - I'll be over on Monday to check it out. I think you'd be a natural at Tai Chi with your ballet background (you would be much more co-ordinated than I am!) and thanks for your kind words about the awards - it was lovely to share one with you x

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  15. Had to laugh at "Apparently you are officially a "senior citizen" if you are over 50." Around here the year you turn 50 a subscription shows up from AARP (American Association of Retired Persons.) Without fail, it's there. The magazine used to be called Modern Maturity but that sounds even older!

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    1. I don't feel like a 'senior citizen' Jennifer - I don't rock the short curly white hair that a few of them have, but at the same time there are several women there that aren't that much older than me, so I really have to start getting my head around the fact that I'm now officially a "Senior" - I'm going down fighting though!

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  16. Congratulations on the awards - well-deserved! I've been meaning to try Tai Chi forever. There's a session offered at the local botanical garden on Saturday mornings, but I've yet to get out there for it. I keep a yoga mat on my back porch, thinking that I'll do some early morning stretching there. Oh, best intentions!

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    1. I'm the same - really good at the best intentions and usually not getting around to them - the Tai Chi classes were almost on my doorstep so worth a shot!

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  17. It sounds like you've had a wonderful month, Leanne. Thanks again for including me in your guest post lineup. Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition. And finally, your granddaughter is darling! Thanks for sharing her with us. Have a wonderful weekend!

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    1. It was a pleasure to have you Christie (and obviously your post was appreciated!) And thanks for your kind words about my awards - it was a lovely surprise. And yes, Sophia is definitely a sweetie!

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  18. Extra family time is always wonderful. It is something that I always look forward to.

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    1. I can never seem to get enough of it Elise - snatched days here and there are still better than not seeing them at all though :)

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  19. Tramping up hills or through trees is not my idea of fun. lol I like the sound of you and your DIL weekend much better. Your Sophia is adorable, nothing like grandkids. I have to also wrap my head around being a senior I tried to deny it at first but a dollar is a dollar. lol

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    1. I was the same about realizing I was a "senior citizen" Victoria - when the classes were $3 each instead of $30 each I swallowed my age-ism and leapt into embracing all the little side benefits! And yes....a night at home with a movie and chocolate far outweighs one in the bush (with rain!)

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  20. Great updates Leanne -- thanks for sharing. Wrapping back to the vision boards and these monthly updates makes me think even more that I could perhaps benefit from some of these structures. After too many years of being scheduled and at everyone's beck-n-call, I've resisted - but now thinking it might be empowering. Thanks for sharing.

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  21. Thanks Janet - I surprised myself by actually getting the rubber onto the road and doing some of the things I added to my board. It did challenge me to up my game a bit and not just talk about doing stuff and never getting around to it.

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  22. Thanks for sharing your month. Your granddaughter is very cute. I've wanted to learn Tai Chi for a long time but can't find a convenient class (time wise). I keep looking and hoping.

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    1. I feel the same way about yoga Suzy - I keep looking for an affordable class nearby but I'm not having any luck so far - I keep looking and hoping too.

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  23. Congratulations on the award! And I'm so glad that the Saturday guest spot is doing so well for you. Always exciting when something you envisioned comes off in reality.

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    1. Thanks Melissa - and yes, I'm really pleased with how the Saturday series is going - so many great bloggers willing to share themselves with my blog and it opens up new conversations and connections - exactly what blogging is all about for me :)

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  24. Well done on getting your awards, that is awesome! I feel the same way about blogging, question why I do it and then an opportunity or something unexpected comes my way and I carry on.

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    1. That's exactly what I'm like atm - I was on a bit of a downward swing, so it was a lovely surprise to brighten my bloggy world at a time when I really needed a bit of encouragement.

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  25. Loved catching up, Leanne. I've been meaning to give tai chi a try. I've been fairly good at keeping up with yoga at home but tai chi has eluded me so far. So lovely that you had quality time with your daughter in law.

    SSG xxx

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    1. I need the encouragement of going to a class SSG - I've thought about yoga at home but I need the motivation of being surrounded by others who are giving it a go. I love the senior cits because they are happy to cheer me on while I learn - no competition what-so-ever!

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  26. I love this post...well-done on having so many lovely people join you for coffee...and notice some new commenters as a result of former bloggers deciding the get back into it and I invited them to link up.

    Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek. Next week's optional prompt is "My Home Country" 28/52. Denyse x

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    1. I noticed you had a lot of interesting bloggers linking up this week Denyse - I guess nobody can resist a taking stock series of posts! Thanks for hosting and for guest posting on Saturday x

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  27. Hi Leanne,
    Glad to know about the award you won. Congratulations!
    Nothing remarkable happening at my end. There is lot of official work (that is stuff related to everything going on in this world, since I work in the media). So that way I am well and truly occupied.
    In fact, the past fortnight I just didn't have the time to either blog or look up other blogs. I missed the #MLSTL party too.
    The latest post on my blog reflects what I have been busy with!
    https://bpradeepnair.blogspot.com/2018/07/an-eventful-fortnight-around-world.html
    Have a nice day. :-)

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Thanks so much for your comment - it's where the connection begins.