IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE

Because I always enjoy a good 'Taking Stock' blog post, 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. #ifwewerehavingcoffee

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE

If we were having coffee these are a few things I'd be sharing from November - we're having coffee AND cake today because we're celebrating November being my birthday and Cresting the Hill turning five! (More on both below...) Because I always enjoy a good 'Taking Stock' blog post, 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.

BIRTHDAY-ING

So....the first reason I chose a coffee and birthday cake pic for today was for my birthday at the beginning of the month. I must confess that I  had a bit of a "moment" the day before my birthday - I normally don't have problems with birthdays (except for change of decade ones for some reason) but turning 58 seemed to get to me and I was feeling a bit flat. Quite a contrast to my usual upbeat "I love Midlife" take on this age and stage.

I pulled my socks up, decided I'd "name it and claim it" (to quote the OTT televangelists) and be 38 instead of 58 this birthday. I figured I feel about 38, so why not? It cheered me up for a day or two, then I got over myself and I'm now happily sailing into my late 50's after being in my "mid" 50's for the last few years. Getting older is a weird concept and I realized part of it is that I'm the age I always think my Mum is - if you'd asked me how old she was I'd probably have said "around 60" and now that's me! Wow!!

BLOGGING

Reason 2 for the cake and coffee is that it was my 5th blogiversary last week - I can't believe that it's been 5 years since I clicked on "start a free blog" and jumped into the world of Midlife blogging. I've met so many wonderful people, made friends, been inspired (and hopefully inspired others), shared my journey, worked my way through my losses, and celebrated my wins. Life in my 50's has just gotten better and better - and blogging has played a key role in helping me discover all the positives that this age and stage have to offer. A big and heartfelt thank you to every one of you who stops by to read and engage and share life with me - I'm grateful beyond words that you're here and I hope you'll keep coming back.

Cresting the Hill is five years old - and every year it gets better and better! #blogging

MORE-ING

Down to the last few letters of new things for the year and this month it was "R" for radio. Janet from Middle Aged Mama was interviewed on radio about Midlife blogging and bloggers and shared the love by mentioning several of us - a big thanks and shout out to Janet for her kindness. You can listen to her HERE from the 1 hour 1 min mark (I'm mentioned at 1 hour 14 mins or there abouts).

Also there's "P" for pajama pants. I found these great little cotton pants that I refer to as my "leisure pants" but really they're my being-lazy-and-nobody-sees-me-at-home-pants. These ones are very appropriate for being a cat and coffee mother! The fur girls obviously approve - now I just need the tee shirt to complete my leisurewear ensemble...


FAMILY-ING

I had a wonderful day catching up with our daughter and SIL, our son and DIL, and our two delightful grandgirls on the weekend before my birthday. My DIL made a cake (with a candle for Sophia to help blow out) and we had a lovely time sharing lunch and laughter together - a perfect birthday present. They also bought me gifts and it was just a special time that I can never get enough of. Our next big catch up is for Christmas/Boxing Day and I'm counting down until I get to see them all again. The Christmas presents are bought, wrapped and ready to go under the tree. I love Christmas - especially in Australia where it's warm, sunny, and perfect for celebrating indoors and outside too.

JIGSAWING

One of my birthday presents was a jigsaw (or two) and this one was a bit of a challenge with its weirdly shaped pieces and lots of cloudy sky. I pushed through and it was beautiful when it was all done and dusted. I really enjoy having the extra time to chill out with a puzzle and a podcast now I'm not working anymore - all part of my Unbusy retirement plan.


CATTING

Well Luna's not a kitten anymore - she's now a teenager and testing her boundaries. Her latest "thing" is to find somewhere that looks like a nice place to sit - regardless of whether it's permissable or not. Needless to say, there's been a lot of cat removing going on in our house. But it's hard to be cross when she looks at you with that little cute face!

Luna - Scottish Fold #cutecats

READING

This month I went from the ridiculous to the sublime. I started with the four book Waterfire Saga series by Jennifer Donnelly- described as Percy Jackson in mermaid form, and that pretty much covered it. Young Adult fiction set under water - an easy read series that I was happy to finish and won't bother waiting around for the next adventure to be written. 

Waterfire Saga - Jennifer Donnelly - books 1-4 #YAfiction

I followed them up with something a little more edifying and thought provoking - Jing-Jing Lee's "How We Disappeared" which tells the story of characters based around the occupation of Singapore in WWII and the horrors of what "comfort women" experienced from the Japanese soldiers. It was beautifully written and reminded me of the huge gulf between the atrocities suffered by those exposed to war, and how much we take for granted in our comfortable First World lives today.
How We Disappeared - Jing-Jing Lee #book

WATCHING

As I mentioned in last month's taking stock post, I had to go and see "Last Christmas" because I love Christmas movies, romances, and the two lead characters. It wasn't fabulous, but it was sweet and pleasant - and (according to one critic) you judge Christmas movies on a different scale to "normal" movies - you expect a degreee of schmaltz, and tinsel, and good cheer.... and this movie had all of those in spades.

We also watched "The Knight Before Christmas" on Netflix (I was on a Christmas roll!) and it was much the same - sweet and romantic and pleasant viewing - my kind of movie (I'm not a fan of horror or suspense - both keep me awake at night or give me nightmares).



WHAT ABOUT YOU?

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


Because I always enjoy a good 'Taking Stock' blog post, 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. #ifwewerehavingcoffee

To keep up to date with my posts, feel free to add your email into the spot especially for it on my sidebar and I'd love you to share this post by clicking on a share button before you go xx
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39 comments

  1. You absolutely do judge Christmas movies (and Christmas novels) through a different less judgmental lens. A little sweetness and light and a dash of schmaltz is absolutely required. Happy blogaversary. I for one am very glad that I've got to know you through the blogiverse. Here's to a great December.

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    1. Hi Jo - I'm also stoked to have met you (online and IRL) - blogging has brought me so much joy and opened my world - just love it!

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  2. If I didn't say it before, Happy Birthday and blogaversary. Both are to be celebrated for sure. I didn't feel any different for 58 but in March I'll be 65 and perhaps that will give me pause. My mom is 96 though so I'm definitely going to follow her lead and keep on keeping on! There are a few Christmas classics that I love and try to watch every year. Muppet Christmas Carol is one of them. I wasn't interested in seeing "Last Christmas" though.

    Janet’s Smiles

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    1. You didn't miss much not seeing Last Christmas Janet - it was nice but not unmissable by a long shot. Thanks for the birthday and blogiversary wishes and I can't believe you're 65 - I thought you were my age :)

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  3. Happy Birthday and Happy Blogiversary, Leanne!
    You've had lots to celebrate this past month -- that's an awesome lead up to the Christmas season.
    I'm not much of a television or network watcher, but sometimes a Christmas movie is in order.
    Last night, I watched 'Christmas with a View' on Netflix. Sweet, schmaltz, tinsel and good cheer were all included. Patrick Duffy (Dallas fame) and Vivicia A Fox each added a special touch to the film. The next time that you are looking for a Christmas movie, I recommend giving it a try.

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    1. I'll definitely check it out Donna - I can only take one Christmas movie every couple of weeks - so it'll be on my list! Thanks for the good wishes and also for your support and encouragement throughout most of my blogging life xx

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  4. Happy birthday and blog birthday! I've been enjoying reading you since I found you and plan to read some of your A-Z posts when I have time, as I need help dealing with aging, myself. Your kitty is adorable, like an Instagram cat star! Regarding books, I'm looking for a gift for my almost-13 year-old niece who loves reading fantasy stuff. Is the Water Fire series of books good for that age, do you think? She loves Percy Jackson books. I'm on a WWII stories kick right now. I read Born Survivors, which was horrifying and inspiring at the same time. And Beneath a Scarlet Sky and Ragged Edge of Night were both about people who had the courage to resist Hitler's regime in their own way. They were really good. It's not a Christmas movie, but I started watching the series The Durrells in Corfu, on Amazon Prime and it's really charming. I do want to see Last Christmas, it sounds cute and I like the actress.

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    1. Hi Lori - I'm so glad you enjoy my blog - and I really hope it inspires you to enjoy this age and stage. When I started writing it (when I was 52) I struggled with the whole aging thing too - but now it feels so much more comfortable - choosing your attitude when you can't change the situation helps a lot!
      Yes the Waterfire series would be a good choice for a 13 year old - I'm also a huge fan of Tamora Pierce and her Lioness series that brances off into other series if she likes it. Maria Snyder also writes good stuff too. My daughter and I also both loved Graceling by Kristin Cashore too - a great read.
      I'm back to reading some Nora Roberts while I'm on holidays - lazy, feel-good novels are perfect for vacations.
      Oh.... you can also download my free AtoZen book from my last AtoZ series if you go to here: https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2018/05/the-to-zen-of-life-free-e-book.html.

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  5. Happy belated birthday Leanne. I love your cats and that is something we miss is the contact with pets. Not to worry I can enjoy everyone else's :-) Yes, some days it doesn't seem real getting older as like you I don't feel like I am over 60 [in my case].

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    1. I think 60 (a bit like 40) is one of those 'marker' birthdays that we associate with certain things Suzanne. For me it's been about being "older" and maybe even the whole "pensioner" thing - but we'll just keep reinventing ourselves and see where the decades take us. I'm certainly finding my 50's to be a really enlightening and empowering decade - so who knows what my 60's will bring (once I get over the transition!)

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  6. Happy birthday. I totally own being old. And can safely say I'll be the oldest person on the floor at Khalid tonight...unless there are parents with their young teens... Ha! The Japanese book looks good. She wrote another best seller didn't she? Will have to google.

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    1. Hi Lydia - your dancing and concert attendance always inspires me to think outside my parameters. I've never been into that sort of "scene" but always admire people who are, and who do it all so effortlessly. It certainly keeps you young!

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  7. What a sweet post Leanne. Happy you faced ypur feelings about 58 and could move on to celebrate. Congrats and best wishes. An expression that resonates with me is feelings are facts. In my mind I see this vision of anger, sadness, confusion, etc. just flowing through me. I've never done a monthly highlight post at Colors 4 Health, but maybe I will one of these days. Will pin this post and thanks for hosting #MLSTL.

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    1. Hi Nancy - it was a strange feeling to be down in the dumps over a perfectly normal birthday and age. I don't quite know what got into me, but it was also good that it only lasted a day or so and I could get back to normal and not feel any differently than I did the week before.
      Yes, you should definitely do a monthly re-cap post - I love them because they give little insights into the lives of other bloggers. We all assume we live similar lives, but the differences are there too and always make for interesting reading.

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  8. Happy Birthday and Hapoy Blogiversary Leanne. As usual I enjoyed catching up on your month. Luna has certainly grown but is still very cute. How We Disaopeared looks like a book that I would enjoy. I’ll look out for it MLSTL Will share

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    1. Hi Jennifer - yes Luna is indeed a cutie and gets away with a lot because she's such a gentle soul (except for her 5 minutes of crazy time that she has each evening where she chases our poor older cat all over the house!) And I read How We Disappeared through the Online library - a great resource!

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  9. What a great month you've had Leanne, congrats again for your birthday and blog anniversary. I'm so pleased to have met you and hope we can meet in real life one day! It's my birthday month this month and I'll be celebrating with family over her in England. It doesn't get much better does it, family is so important. I'm yet to see the Last Christmas movie so I'll keep your review in mind! Your blog brings joy to many :) and I have pinned for #mlstl

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    1. Hi Deb - Happy Birthday for when your day arrives.... and yes, being over the other side of the world celebrating would be fantastic - especially with Dottie doing so well. I thought you might have gotten Last Christmas on the plane movie list - maybe on the way home? Enjoy your time in the cold and keep the blog posts coming because I always enjoy seeing what you're getting up to - and we definitely need to Facetime together some time next year!

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  10. Hi Leanne
    First of all, happy birthday and happy anniversary! Wow, 5 years! That's quite an accomplishment
    Sounds like you are living your best life. Reading, jigsaw puzzles, family-love it all. I'm glad to see you so content.
    And yes, you have inspired me and continue to do so!

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    1. Hi Theresa - when I look at my month it all seems pretty non-eventful, but I need to remember not to measure myself by the standards of our go-go-go society, and just allow myself the privilege of leisure for as long as I'm lucky enough to have it. I'm so glad we connected and can encourage each other in this whole Midlife adventure.

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  11. I am the same when it comes to my age. It's the age I always think of my Mum being...so it's a shock for me to now be this age...and scary for Mum to now be so much older. Luna is so gorgeous and your other cat looks to be lovely too! I'll have to check out that mermaid series. I actually love a bit of young adult fiction. Easy reading and great escapism. Enjoy the rest of your week Leanne! xo

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    1. It's a weird thing to be our Mum's age and yet to still feel like we're in our 30's at the same time. It's all so relative isn't it Min? When it all boils down to basics, it's not about the number, it's about the lifestyle - and I'm loving mine atm!

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  12. Happy birthday, Leanne, and happy blogiversary! I've been thinking of age more than I usually do with my mother going into a care center. It's hard to believe that my generation (specifically ME) is next in line. I keep picturing my children doing everything that I am now doing for my mother, and it makes me uncomfortable. Then I remind myself that we only live in today. Worrying about the future won't change it. It only robs today of its joy. When I was younger, I thought 60 was old and now that I'm approaching 60, I see that it is a lovely time of life. On another subject, I love your jigsaw puzzle. I'm still plodding through mine a piece at a time. It's a tough one, but I also don't have a lot of time to work on it. I look forward to a more leisurely lifestyle in the coming years! And one more thing--I love the cat pictures! #MLSTL

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    1. Hi Christie - I wonder if my kids will actually be nearby enough to be doing anything for me when I get to my Mum's age and stage. I feel like our generation is the last one to feel family obligation - so I might need to move closer to them if I need any help down the track - or (more likely) I'll be paying for it through one of those care services!
      Part of me likes the idea of not needing my kids to look after me - it's not their job and I want to be healthy and active up until the day I just don't wake up one morning. Hopefully that won't be for many years to come! And you're absolutely right about living in the "now" and worrying about old age much further down the track.

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  13. I love your little catch-ups. I turned 58 at the beginning of November and I think you're right about that feeling. Now we're not mid 50's anymore. I think I get into a funk in November each year, but now I'm out and feeling better about it all.

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    1. Hi Jennifer - looks like we're twins! And yes, I think I hit a bit of a snag because it was one of those moments when another 'era' was past (mid 50's) and another about to begin. I wonder what turning 60 is going to do to my psyche?? Fortunately we've got another couple of years before the tsunami of 60 hits us between the eyes!

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  14. Hi Leanne,
    Had this loong comment all set to send and hit the wrong button....argggh. LOL
    Happy Belated Bday. Loved the kitty pics; what a naughtly little one!
    58? You are just a kid...that's in my rearview and I'm happy to say life is better at 61 than at 58. Remember, it's only a number.
    #MLSTL

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    1. Hi Leanne,
      That last comment was from me, Nancy at Defining Third Age...not sure why it says Unknown????

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    2. Hi Nancy - I just read your guest post and you make 61 sound pretty amazing. Sorry you hit the wrong button - I've done that before and it's SO annoying! I'm hoping that my 60's look as good as your do :)

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  15. A lovely month for you Leanne and I wish you lived closer so we could go to the Christmas movies together. 5 years has flown and my blogiversary comes up in January. One of the best parts of my blogging experience was meeting you and forming our firm online and occasional IRL friendship. I wish you every happiness for your 58th year and glad you only had a small
    'moment'. If you are like me you are probably surprised at your number (I'm 62) because your body might be physically that age but your mind is still young. I still think I'm in my 30s LOL. Enjoy your holiday and have a wonderful December to round out the year and the decade. xx Thanks for being my BBB and co-host for #MLSTL

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    1. Hi BBB - yes, the body is aging, but the mind is definitely still in its 30's!! I'm not sure why I had my little blimp moment this birthday - especially when I'm surrounded by so many wonderful women who are rocking their 60's (you included!) I'm all sorted now and just loving life as it is and feeling very blessed to be able to go on holidays for a week of sunshine and serenity.
      I hope you're on the mend and enjoying a bit of a breather as you sink your teeth into that Cert III that's giving you a run for your money xx

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  16. What a lovely catch up. Happy Birthday and Congratulations on your blog's birthday. I used to get quite maudlin around my birthday and it related to my own expectations of what I "thought" should happen because "I" am the one who seemed to make others' birthdays happen. This year and probably the last two (since cancer diagnosis) has me with a complete turnaround.Cancer taught me that not everything can be controlled by me (who knew!?) and I had to let go of so much. I was able to apply that to this big birthday when asked what did I want, I said "our two kids and their kids to come here to lunch". That happened. I was happy to cater...and had fun with the prep. My daughter made the cake and....our family got together a while back and did the most amazing photo shoot for my birthday. Blown away. So grateful for their kind thoughtfulness. Denyse #MLSTL

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    1. Oh Denyse I'm SO happy that your family stepped up and made your birthday so special. Family is all we really want at this age isn't it? They're off living their lives (as they should) but it's so nice when they take a little bit of time to include us and make our day by giving time and love (and cake in your case!)
      I can't believe you've hit the big 7-0 because you seem so close to me in age - the last couple of years have definitely turned your world view on its head, and I think the silver lining has been (almost) worth all the pain and worry. Here's to many more decades to come!

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  17. Two Happy Birthdays to you Leanne! You're still just a youngster to me at 58, enjoy it! I'd love to sit down and share that cake and coffee with you, it looks delicious. Your love of celebrating Christmas in the warmth and sun makes me wistful for those times, but I'll have my family around me so will man up and smile through the snow flakes. Glad you are happy and content! xo

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    1. Hi Candi - I think all of us who have hot Summer Christmases harbour just a little hankering for a snowflake or two (too many White Christmas movies and books!) But you're right - when you're surrounded by family the weather is of very little consequence. xx

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  18. Congrats on 5 years of blogging! So glad you posted pics of Luna here - she is adorable! Happy December!

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    1. Thanks Jean - and yes, Luna is the prettiest little thing (which is why she seems to get away with a lot around our house!) Happy December and Christmas to you too xx

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  19. Oh my goodness, I love your cat! We also watched the same Christmas movie and loved it. Happy Blogaversary!

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    1. Hi Amy - did you drag your husband along too? I was so impressed that mine was willing to come with me and it was a lovely afternoon out together - and a very sweet movie.

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