IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE

If we were having coffee these are a few of the things I'd share from my life that happened in May. #midlife #ifwewerehavingcoffee

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE

If we were having coffee these are a few things I'd be sharing from June - which is the first month of our Aussie Winter (although I'm sure those who live with several feet of snow in Winter would scoff at our fairly moderate effort Down Under). I always enjoy a good 'Taking Stock' blog post, so I hope you'll humour me and sit a while as I share my news. There's nothing like a virtual cuppa and a chat, and I have lots to share from the last few weeks..

BLOGGING/RETIRING

Life on the blog continues happily along, I had the pleasure of guest posting over at Sue's Sizzling Toward's 60. Writing a bit about what it's been like leaving my job behind and getting my head back together again. Blogging has been such a blessing for dealing with the transition from being so gutted to getting my mojo back again.

In the "What's Next?" category, I think I'm moving from recovery to anticipation (it's a bit like the stages of grief when life smacks you around a little). I pulled out my old resume this month and began the process of updating it and adding new referees in. I think part of me is becoming more open to seeing if there's still something out there in the big, wide world that might be worth chasing. But it's a very tentative time for me and I'm extremely reluctant to give up the peace I have atm for anything that's less than ideal. Time will tell and my husband thinks I'm nuts to even be thinking about it.

MORE-ING

My latest new thing to tick off my List of More this month was having a video chat ("V") on Zoom ("Z") with Anne Bird - a lovely UK friend I met through  my blog's FB page. She was a delight to talk to and we're discussing whether there's anything we could collaborate on down the track.

I also tried something different this month by writing Sophia a little children's book to post in her new cubby's letter box. So it was ("A") for Adventures of Flitty plus ("S") for Sophia's Book ticked off. It was a story about our cat wanting to get Sophia a present for her next visit. Such fun to do and Sophia enjoyed it too - she'd been quite unwell, so it was lovely to do something that gave her a smile.

The Adventures of Flitty - my first children's book

FAMILY-ING

Early June brought with it a long weekend and a visit from our son, daughter-in-law and two grandgirls. We had a lovely few days with them - lots of Nan time for me and also an excuse to head out to one of our local beaches for an afternoon stroll and then fish and chips on the way home. It's so lovely when they visit and such a pleasure to spend time with them all. 

Family time at Koombana Bay Bunbury Western Australia #Bunbury

KITTEN-ING

Our cats seem to be getting more and more attached to each other. Luna is very fond of her big sister and likes to invade her personal space as often as possible. Flit tolerates her most of the time - especially on cold days when she provides some extra heat!

sisterly love #cats

READING

This month has been all about reading the Medora Chronicles by Lynette Noni. It started slowly and I almost didn't bother, but by about half way through Book 1 the momentum picked up and the characters became more believable. By the end of Book 2 I was hooked. Needless to say it was a great read (and I cried when one of the goodies died! That's the sign of a good book for me.)

WATCHING

I've been checking out a bit more on Netflix - tried some "Lost in Space" and "Stranger Things" - can't say I'm overly thrilled with either, so Netflix continues to underwhelm me. I've also been watching a new Aussie series called "Five Bedrooms" - which I've found to be surprisingly enjoyable - maybe I had lower expectations, but the characters make me smile and also remind me of a few people I know IRL!

JIGSAW-ING

I tackled another 1,000 piece jigsaw this month - this one was a painting of a little side street in Italy. It looked bright, cheerful and easy - but proved to be more difficult than I expected because paintings are a bit blurrier than photos and trickier to put together. So, I was very pleased to push through and finish it (and to find that all the pieces were there!) 

jigsaw - 1,000 pieces and trickier than it looked!

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Well that's it from me during June. What have you been up to? Any exciting events, good movies, book recommendations, holidays or family stuff going on in your world?


If we were having coffee these are a few of the things I'd share from my life that happened in May. #midlife #ifwewerehavingcoffee

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44 comments

  1. That jigsaw looks like a nightmare! As for the rest of your month - it certainly looked (and sounded like) there was lots to love. Here's cheers to June and hello to July.

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    1. That jigsaw looked so bright and interesting on the box lid - but sooooo much harder when I tipped out the pieces - but I was victorious in the end!
      Looking forward to your monthly round-up Jo - you've had another busy one :)

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  2. Sounds like you are working through things. Have you ever thought about writing children's books? I bet Sophia loved the one you wrote for her. Enjoyed your post. Have a great week!

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    1. Hi Christina, yes I'm definitely working my way past all the drama and coming out the other side. It's so nice to be free from it all. The book was a fun little project - not sure how I'd go having to think up too many new ideas though!

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  3. My MIL is always working on a jigsaw puzzle. She makes it look easy, but I know it isn't. What do you do with it afterward? Sophia must have been thrilled with her book. Did you print that yourself or use a service? Very nice.

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    1. I have no sentimental attachment to the puzzles Suzanne (my MIL has dozens of boxes of them that she keeps but not me!) I get them from the library, do one over a few days and then admire it for a few hours and break it back down again. I don't have to find somewhere to display or store them that way! I'm a minimalist at heart.
      As far as printing the book, I did it up in Canva and then handed it to my husband to format (I think in Illustrator??) and print. It came out better than I expected.

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  4. Since my husband passed in May life has been a little hard so not much happening. Lots of family time, some traveling and spending time at the pool. Nothing productive on my part. I am with your husband on the job front why bother? lol

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    1. Hi Victoria, I noticed you've been quiet on the blog and assumed it was for that reason. It must be such a tough time for you and I'm glad you have your friends at the pool to keep you company and offer support. And yes, I'm getting on board with the "why bother?" part of the job looking too - I'm enjoying this non-working life a lot more than I expected to!

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  5. Great job on the puzzle! Sophie is so cute. Wonderful idea for the book for her. Sounds like you've had a good month!

    Janet’s Smiles

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    1. Hi Janet - I've missed you and it's lovely of you to stop by and comment. You really must join our #MLSTL party so I remember to pop over and visit you more often!

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  6. Oh I love the idea of writing your granddaughter a book! What a lovely gift, and I'd be interested to know how you did it :) I enjoyed reading about your month and enjoyed my cuppa with you. We will have to try a catch up some time soon using technology! Good luck on the job front if that's what you're wanting to do. Take care!

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    1. Hi Deb - I made the book in Canva (one page of writing + one page as a picture for each double page - if that makes sense) then my husband figured out the page order to print it off and make sure things looked right. It worked really well.
      I'm still not sure about job hunting - I was always eager before and this time I'm most reluctant - so I guess that's a sign that I might be over it all for good!

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  7. Yes I too love the idea that you wrote a book for your granddaughter. As an ex-kindergarten teacher I enjoy putting words to images to ignite their imaginations. Thanks for the cuppa :-)

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    1. I nearly became a kindergarten teacher - chose dental therapy instead (and still wonder 40 years later if it was the right choice!) The book was a surprising hit so I might even do another one in the future :)

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  8. Looks like a great month! Getting a little extra family love, reading, watching a little TV and finishing that challenging puzzle! My very favorite is the book you wrote for your granddaughter!

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    1. It was a lovely quiet month - as we slide into Winter I'm really relishing having less reasons to leave the house, and more reasons to stay at home in the warm!

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  9. It must be lovely having your kids and grandkids come to visit. My friend's mother flies down at least once a month to see her grandkids. I hope I can be that sort of grand parent. #MLSTL

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    1. It's always tricky trying to co-ordinate times when everyone is free, but I love it the most when they come to visit because it's always for a few days and we get some wonderful quality time with the grandgirls and their parents get to have a breather.

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  10. Hi, Leanne - I greatly enjoyed this catch-up and loved your jigsaw puzzle of a side-street in Italy (very fitting).
    I am sorry to hear that Sophie has not been well -- I hope that she is feeling better soon!

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    1. Yes you'll be noticing all things Italian for a while Donna (until you slip back into your normal routine). Sophia just had a flu-y thing that lasted a couple of weeks and is back to her normal cheery self now.

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  11. Hi Leanne - That was a fabulous idea to write and print a book for your granddaughter. I hope Sophie is well now. I enjoyed reading about your month of June. Have a beautiful week!

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    1. Hi Natalie - I was going to write her a letter, but the book idea was easier and more fun (I was struggling with what to put in a letter to a 3 year old!)

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  12. Five Bedrooms...we love it...I initially thought oh I will record it and see. Now Im hooked. I love the characters. Your cats are beautiful. I loved reading these kind of posts...visiting from #mstlp

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    1. Hi Bree - Five Bedrooms was a surprise for me too because several of the characters reminded me of people I know and they were flawed but likeable. I was a little disappointed to see how few episodes there are in the series and I wonder how long we'll have to wait for the next season to be approved?

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  13. I love that you wrote a book for granddaughter, I bet she enjoyed it too. And those kitties are too adorable. I want to cuddle with them.

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    1. I do love those two cats to pieces Jennifer - both are people lovers and it's nice to have the affection returned (and Flit's always relieved to get out from under the additional weight after a while!)

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  14. Hi Leanne the monthly updates seem to roll around so quickly. I loved reading about the book you created for Sophia. Good to hear you are starting to feel more settled. Looking forward to hearing what’s next for you. #MLSTL Sharing on SM What a great idea.

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    1. Thanks Jennifer - you're right, I am feeling more settled and happy with not hunting around for a job that doesn't suit me. I've spent soooo many years working in jobs that were necessary rather than uplifting, and it's nice to be out of that loop now - and hopefully forever!

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  15. My husband has a 1000 piece jigsaw on the go always. His is a "wasgij"...the jigsaw is of what the observer would see of the scene. Crazy hard but he loves them and has done dozens and then does them over again. He made a special board to do them in which can be lifted from the dining room table if ever we have visitors. I get the sense that you "need" to try yourself in the job market again for some reason...maybe you do need to listen to the hub...mmm. However I also believe a gal has to do what she thinks she has to! Denyse #mlstl

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    1. My in-laws are huge Wasgij people Denyse - I've done a couple but prefer to be able to follow the picture on the box lid! I have a jigsaw board too, but have now started using our trestle table (from Bunnings) that is the same height and length as our dining room table - so it's separate but still looks okay.
      As far as work goes, I've been dipping a toe in the water here and there, and you're right about it needing to be my decision, I'm starting to actually believe that I might not go back to work - I'll give it another 6 months of teetering either way, and then settle I think x

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  16. Hi Leanne,
    My latest post comprises what kept me busy during the last three weeks.
    Visits by our loved ones can be quite exhilarating.
    The latest book I am reading is one called "The Rule Breakers" by a very popular young Indian author Preeti Shenoy.
    (#MLSTL visitor. Sharing on my social media.)

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    1. Hi Pradeep - I enjoyed your review on The Crown - something I've been planning on watching now I have access to Netflix. It was interesting to read your views on it. I'm about to start a Garth Nix novel next - I do love a fantasy novel or two!

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  17. My husband and I used to really enjoy doing puzzles. There is something relaxing yet challenging and so satisfying when it's finished with no missing pieces! I love that you wrote a book for Sophia! As for the resume...who knows...follow your heart and do what makes you happy.

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    1. My husband isn't a fan of doing jigsaws, so I just tell him to make positive comments every now and then as his contribution ("you're doing so well" or "look how much you've done" etc)
      As far as work goes, my heart is starting to lean further and further away from the 9-5 regime and I'm starting to listen to it more - the resume may not get much use!

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  18. Hi Leanne,
    I always love these post of yours, it give such a nice glimpse into your life and what is on your mind.
    I found it interesting that you are starting the process of thinking about what is next for your career, and beginning to dust off the resume.
    I know that your latest experience has taught you to go slow, and be deliberate...make sure that if you decide to go back to working that the situation will be a rewarding, fulfilling one and not another "soul-sucker'. I have confidence that whatever you decide will be right for you.
    #MLSTL

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    1. You're so right about wanting to find something that's interesting and fulfilling. The more I look at what's on offer, the less appealing the whole process is becoming. I'm a little disillusioned by what's on offer and whether I'd want to swap the peace and pleasure of not working for any of what's out there.
      I'll be thinking carefully before applying for anything - I've already decided against a couple of possibilities because they weren't a good fit.

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  19. Hi Leanne, Revisiting via #MLSTL (and on Chrome this time). It sounds like retirement is agreeing with you! :-) And now you are an author of a book, too! Hey, children's book author is just as big a deal as self-help book author. :-) It's good to see your letters of new things filling in as well... the hard ones of J (jigsaw), Z (zoom)and Q (quit) already done! I'm not going to be able to easily get those. But I did jump on a trampoline this week... can I count that as J?

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    1. You can definitely count trampoline jumping as "J" Pat! And yes, I seem to be sliding slowly into realizing that retirement might be a better fit than I first thought. So much has been about worrying what others would think and that I had no value if I wasn't working. Now I'm coming to see that other people want what's best for me and being my own cheerleader needs to start becoming part of my journey - because I'm loving not working and don't want to jump ("J") back into anything just for the sake of saying "I have a job"!

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  20. Leanne! Sounds like a lovely June! I'm so glad you're in a position to take the "right thing" if it came along but don't need to take the first thing that comes along. Visits with family are always lovely - I love the book, I made an ABC book for my grandson when he was little using only things/people he knew (as much as possible) and he still has it and will probably use it with his baby brother when the time is right.
    I'm with you about Netflix - I enjoy the docu-style shows most as they are higher quality (for me) as well as home/garden reno and up-cycling shows.
    Good luck with Winter - we're coming in to Summer in Canada and hoping for moderate temperatures and enough rainfall to keep the forest fires in check!

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    1. Agnes you're so right about not leaping into the first thing that comes along. I was offered the contact details of someone who had some casual work on offer and something inside me just recoiled at the thought of being back in an office. Needless to say, the contact has not been contacted! I'm not completely against working again, but I'm finding it very hard to justify giving up what I have for something mundane - just to say that I have a job!
      I love the ABC book idea and might even have a go at that (or a number one) as my next project - I think I have a couple more I could do for her as this one was so much fun.

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  21. What a lovely idea for Sophia, BBB and a beautiful keepsake for her. I love the connections we make through our blogs and social media. I know that we complain about SM sometimes but there are positives. I'm pleased to hear you are feeling better and moving onto the next step in this interim phase. Family time is always fun time and it seems like you had a packed month. Here's to a happy July for you and again as always I appreciate your friendship and partnership in hosting #MLSTL. xx

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    1. Hi Sue! We're off to see the family tomorrow and I'm looking forward to seeing if Sophia is still enjoying the book. If she is, then I might do another one (I loved Agnes's suggestion about an ABC style one next!) And yes, SM has it's uses - especially with friends and family - which is what it should be about (not the big noting of self that seems to have crept in for "influencers").

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  22. Sounds as if you had a lovely June, Leanne. Those cats are too cute! As is your granddaughter. June was delightful for me as well--between our big family vacation and a shorter girls trip with my sisters, I had lots of family time and R&R. Here's to a happy July! #MLSTL

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    1. I really enjoyed reading about your family holiday Christie. Family is soooo special and we're very blessed if we have a family that we actually want to spend time with. I feel so sorry for those whose families have fractured and especially when it comes to children and grandchildren.

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