SUNSHINE, LOLLIPOPS AND RAINBOWS - WHAT'S MAKING ME HAPPY #1

In times of uncertainty it's good to focus our thoughts on the things that bring joy and remind us of how blessed we are.

IT'S TIME TO BE HAPPY

I've been thinking a lot lately about how we have to find the positives in life and the more we turn our eyes towards the good stuff, the less impact the bad stuff has on us. I feel like there's so much antsy-ness in the world right now with all the worry with coronavirus, and then the civil unrest, and such a generalized feeling of unsettledness everywhere. 

It's time to share some sunshine. So, instead of a virtual cuppa (which we've been drinking together every month for the last three years) I thought I'd have a change of pace and do something just a little bit different for awhile - because a change is as good as a holiday - or so the saying goes.

HAPPINESS, SILLINESS, AND GRATITUDE

I have a soft spot in my heart for the cheesy little Lesley Gore ditty - "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows" and thought that maybe I could relate her words to things I'd like to share at the end of each month here on the blog..... Sunshine - what's been happening to make me happy, Lollipops - silly things and memes that gave me a smile, and Rainbows - what I'm grateful for this month. So without further ado - here we go with the song to get you bopping along and then my SLaR for this month..... 


SUNSHINE/HAPPINESS

There's been lots to be happy about this month and first and foremost is always family - followed by a few other pleasures - like blogging, getting my oven working again, and how I've been spending my time over the last few weeks.

FAMILY

We went up to Perth at the beginning of August to see our son and daughter-in-law and grandgirls. It was a slightly belated birthday visit for my husband and they surprised us by taking us to a lovely restaurant and paying for our lunch. It was a beautiful spot and our son snapped this lovely photo of us with the grandgirls just before the food came out.


An added bonus was that our daughter and son-in-law have decided to start doing some weekend camping trips as a way of having a break without travelling too far. Their first one was down our way (so we got a bonus catch-up visit) and you can see from the photo below that they had a great time over their weekend get-away.


BLOGGING

Next comes blogging - because it's such a lovely part of my life. You may (or may not) have noticed that I've been cutting back a little bit on my blogging this month and I'm planning on sharing one blog post a week on a Monday, with maybe a smattering of 'bonus' posts here and there if something pops up unexpectedly. I'm just feeling the need to step back a little for now and see where things go in the future.

An added change is that Sue and I have decided to stop running our #MLSTL party each Wednesday. After 131 parties we thought it was time to give ourselves a rest and take a break. I'll still be blogging away every Monday and I really hope you'll subscribe to get my posts so we don't lose connection (the sign up box is in my sidebar).

LOLLIPOPS/MAKING ME SMILE

So, what's been making me smile lately? I thought this would be a great place to share a funny meme or two and I loved these ones on wearing masks (we don't need them in Western Australia because COVID is almost non-existent here), but I smiled on behalf of those who do need to wear them because I totally understand the frustrations:

funny covid mask memes

And for a change of pace - this one called "If Animals Had Soundtracks" (the cat looks just like Luna).


RAINBOWS/GRATITUDE

We're in the middle of Winter here but there's still so much beauty - it had been raining on and off again the other day, but when I opened my front door there was a rainbow waiting to greet me - and I just had to take a photo. The beauty of nature and the unexpected little bonuses like this always make me grateful to be alive.

Western Australian rainbow August 2020

I feel like I have an abundance of gratitude for how things are at the moment. Life is still a little out of kilter with social distancing and staying away from crowds, but all in all, here in Western Australia life is pretty much back to normal. We don't need masks or gloves, we can eat out, visit family, socialize in good sized groups, and generally life feels pretty wonderful - I think lockdown and restrictions have given me a greater appreciation for all that I've taken for granted over the years. And how fortunate I am to live in Australia - especially when I hear about the thousands of daily cases elsewhere in the world.

Lastly (for this post) I'm grateful for how well we're doing financially. So many have lost jobs or their businesses and are struggling with paying their bills and getting by. We've been very fortunate to be debt free before the economy went into freefall, and we've managed to live quite comfortably on the small, steady income that my husband earns for us each month. I'm so glad that neither of us are materialistic or big spenders, to live quietly and comfortably within our means has been a wonderful blessing.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Do you have some highlights this month that are making you smile and count your blessings? Is life in general treating you well or are you getting swamped with the dismal state our world seems to be in right now? I hope you're choosing joy where you can and that there's some sunshine in your day.

RELATED POSTS


In times of uncertainty it's good to focus our thoughts on the things that bring joy and remind us of how blessed we are.

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
This post was shared at some of these great link parties
Cresting the Hill - a blog for Midlife (Middle Aged / 50+) women who want to thrive
In times of uncertainty it's good to focus our thoughts on the things that bring joy and remind us of how blessed we are.

41 comments

  1. Love the new concept Leanne and I do love that old song too! Looks like there is plenty to be happy about in life and your August catch up with family would have been very special. Highlights for me was the overwhelming love and wishes I received for my birthday. So grateful for my family and friends IRL and virtually. It is bittersweet to finish MLSTL but we did a great job creating a wonderful and supportive community of women in midlife. Have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sue - yes I thought it was time for a change after 3 years of coffee dates. I wanted something that reminds me of all the good things that happened during the month - the more gratitude the better these days! I'm so glad you enjoyed all your birthday love - it's so nice when we hear how special we are from others - and you are very special indeed xx (and yes, finishing #MLSTL is bitter/sweet isn't it?)

      Delete
  2. Hi, Leanne - I'm all for mixing things up. I love the focus of this post. I am also a firm beleiver that focussing on the positive helps us to see more positives that otherwise may have snuck past us.
    I look forward to seeing you at dinner early this week! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Donna - I'm all prepared and ready to eat! That's another highlight in my life. And yes, I thought it was time for a bit of a change and a little variety - but I still wanted a taking stock post because I love catching up on everyone's news.

      Delete
  3. What a fun post and change up Leanne! That song is an oldie but a goodie :). I love your memes and your family shots and news makes me happy as you all look so contented. Thanks for all Sue and you did for connecting us at MLSTL for all that time, you are fabulous! So much gratitude in your post :) #lifethisweek

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Deb - it was such a fun way to revamp things and remind myself of how lovely the month was. I was a bit tired of posting books and puzzles, so thought I'd swap it out for something a bit different - and gratitude is really big for me atm x

      Delete
  4. Lovely cheery post!! I've just had a weekend away so still revelling in the gloriousness of walks on the beach and good cheer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nothing beats a bit of time away Lydia - expecially now when it's so special to be able to leave our neighbourhoods! Glad you had a break and re-energized (something we all need to try to do more often).

      Delete
  5. Hi Leanne :) It's different in Melbourne, total lockdown again. We have a family there. I'm in Norway and here is calm even though there is a lot of new cases every day. You are really lucky to live in area where this virus is not actual.
    I'm finding my happiness in nature. Rainbows and lollipops are welcome too :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Marinela - I think the Victorian situation seems so much worse because there are so few cases elsewhere in Australia - it only takes one or two selfish people to start it off again - and they are constantly jumping the border or leaving quarantine. It makes me really cross that they can't think of anyone other than themselves.
      I'm glad you're doing okay and hopefully the new cases will ease off over there soon too x

      Delete
  6. OMG I love the picture of Ted and Marcia! Great one of you and the grandkids too. Nice that you were able to see and spend some time with family. Love the SLaR idea. Happy Monday.

    Janet’s Smiles

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Janet - the memes made me laugh - and I think we all need a laugh during these weird times. I also think we need a bit of sunshine and happiness too - so that's what I'm focusing on from here on out xx

      Delete
  7. Hi Leanne, positive people inspire positivism and I really like this direction. You seem to have grown so much in the past year and have settled nicely into being comfortable with the life you are living. That is the true definition of 'having it all.' Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Suzanne - I still have my ups and downs and wonderings about the future, but at the same time I know that the choice of how to respond is in my court - and I choose to be positive and happy and to count every single blessing - and there's still a lot of good to be happy about - life is pretty amazing really xx

      Delete
  8. Loved this upbeat post from you, Leanne. Haven't heard the song before - what a great blog post title. I'm grinning at the animal sound track video. Have a great week ahead.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Corinne - I had to put the song on the post because it makes me happy just listening to her - and reminds me of simpler times. I think life has kind of run away with us these days and maybe paring back a little is the way to go.

      Delete
  9. Even the title of this made me happy. I get that there's lots not to be happy about, but that doesn't mean we can't choose to see the glimpses of good stuff - and you had more than glimpses last month. Here's to September.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jo - that's exactly how I was feeling when I decided to go with this idea. There's always good if we choose to seek it out - and the more we look for it, the more we appreciate what we have in our lives. My life is full of lovely stuff and I intend to keep my eyes on that and away from the stuff I have no control over. x Bring on September!

      Delete
  10. Your title immediately made me happy, Leanne. I became a little teary, listening to Lesley Gore’s song. A feeling of nostalgia.

    A very beautiful photo of you and the grandgirls. The love and happiness leaps from the page. A great photo of your daughter and son-in-law.

    The “masks are the new bra” made me belly laugh. How true. A huge Wow on the photo with the rainbows.

    We have had a big uptick in cases in British Columbia. Trying to stay positive, present and grateful.

    I really enjoyed reading this post. A very creative way to share. Thank you for my smile, Leanne.xx 🙂

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Erica - I've been loving the positive gratitude posts that have been popping up, so thought it was time to make a bit of change here - my blogging seems to be changing all over the place atm. There've also been some great covid memes floating around and we need all the humour we can get in that area - so sorry to hear that cases are still climbing near you - we've been so fortunate to keep them down to almost none (mainly returned expats) and I'm extremely grateful for that every day.
      Thanks for the positivity you always bring into your comments - you should have been a cheerleader - it suits you perfectly! xx

      Delete
    2. Back at you, Leanne ❤️ Thank you! xx

      Delete
  11. Well this post was a ray of sunshine - so much joy! Those memes were hilarious - thank you for the smiles! August was a bit of a mixed bag but although every day isn't good there is always something good in every day. Plus if all else fails, I resort to puppy cuddles!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We have to make do with cat cuddles here Sam - but that's okay with me. And yes, each month brings with it a lot of turbulence, but there's always joy to be found in the midst of it all - and that's what I want to focus on these days - smile where I can and let go of what I have no control over xx

      Delete
  12. Hi Leanne, I'm grateful for the fact that I have a husband with an EU passport, which makes it easier for us both to stay here in Bulgaria (or anywhere in the EU actually) and that we don't have to move again for a while. I'm also grateful that we are financially - well, not comfortable - adequate. We're now in a very inexpensive country and we can manage (for now) with everything life is throwing at us. So pleased that you're able to spend time with your family, it's really important (don't I know it!). xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Cheryl - it must be such a relief for you to feel settled again - and to know that your finances can stretch for a while before you have to worry. Also good to know that your family over here is in a country where there is so little covid on the radar. Life is pretty good when all things are considered isn't it? x

      Delete
  13. Looks like a lot is making you happy. So very cool. Very nice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Patrick - every month is a good month if we look for the positives :)

      Delete
  14. What a great post. And now I have that song in my head!!! Sometimes it's good to remember the things we are grateful for. This week I am grateful for the wonderful hospital care my grandson received. He was quiet sick but now he is home and on the mend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Veronica - I'm so happy for your grandson (and the family) being unwell in these uncertain times can be such a worry. So glad there is a positive outcome and I hope having the song stuck in your head gave you a smile too x

      Delete
  15. I like the change of pace..and I so remember that song! Big Lesley Gore fan back in my teens. There is much to be happy about and grateful for as I keep reminding myself too. I too will sometimes reduce my blogging to once a week but for now, I have some draft posts ready for Wednesday publication. My friend Leanne at Deep fried Fruit is continuing her Thursday #lovinlife linky. I do enjoy coming to read your latest, many of your words match how I am going too. Connected...way across the vast land of Australia!!Thank you for linking up this week for #lifethisweek. Next week’s optional prompt is 36/51 Taking Stock #4 7.9.2020 and I hope to see you there too. Take care, stay safe and well. Denyse.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Denyse - I looked at that song video and thought how lovely those days were - so much simpler than how things are today (although they looked a bit old to be teenagers!) I'll stick with my once a week posting for now but will be throwing a bonus one in every now and then when something catches my attention - and I'll be popping over to your link up each week to stay in touch x

      Delete
  16. Hi Leanne, I came over from Corinne's Monday Musings and what a wonderful surprise to see one of your posts :) This one really made me giggle - thank you! I love Kermit the Frog's comment on the photo. I'm so happy you also managed to spend time with your family. And thank you for reminding me also how much I have to be grateful for, including my blog and my dogs ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anne - with #MLSTL closing I felt I had room in my life for another link up and wanted to see how Corinne's went. She's always been such a lovely connection that I made (I think through the AtoZ Challenge or something similar years ago). I'm glad you found me there and I do hope we'll stay in touch in the months and whatever ahead - because connection is what brings me the most joy from blogging x

      Delete
  17. Thank you for sharing your sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows, Leanne. I love this! I'm happy for you that you got to spend time with your children and grandchildren. For me, that's a huge part of what makes me smile. The rainbow was a lovely greeting, and thanks for making me laugh with the funny memes. I've found masks to be something of a nuisance, but not a huge deal and certainly worth the possibility that I am helping stop the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for the smiles this morning. Enjoy your September!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Christie - your thankful posts always make me smile and feel upbeat after reading them - it's all the little things that are what make up a joyful life. After reading similar themes, I thought I'd swing my taking stock posts a little more in that direction and focus on the happy, positive stuff - there's a lot of it if we look around and appreciate it xx

      Delete
  18. Here in El Paso, Texas we are somewhere between completely closed down and completely back to normal. We must wear masks everywhere and there is still social distancing as well as limited seating and occupancy in public places. Hoping by the end of this month, things will be closer to normal. But with school beginning, I am not sure if that will happen. Your baby girls are adorable. So glad you are able to see more of them and your children. I am babysitting a good deal for my granddarlings, which keeps me happily busy. My blogging often takes a backseat to baby snuggles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Leslie - you're so lucky to be able to see your children and grandchildren regularly - things here are similar to how you describe but without the mask wearing. I'm grateful that I don't have far flung family because I'm not sure when we're going to be allowed to travel outside our State - being locked down is safe, but sad for those who are cut off from their loved ones.

      Delete
  19. You had me at Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows! LOL. I count my blessings during my daily walks. The sound of frogs and very Aussie birds makes me smile every morning as I start my day. My new suburb, my city, my country. So blessed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think the same thing when I'm walking around my neighbourhood Leanne - to live in such a wonderful, safe, covid-free area makes me happy every time I think about it.

      Delete
  20. What a fabulous way to celebrate all the good things going on in life: sunshine, lollipops and rainbows. I love it! It is so easy to become overwhelmed by all teh negative stuff that is going on in the world right now but you have shown how important it is to take a step back and concentrate on all the little things closer to home which are going well. Gratitude is such a powerful emotion. Thanks for the reminder. x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sue-Anne - yes you exactly got the idea I was going with - gratitude and appreciation for all the small stuff that our life is full of. It just takes a moment to stop and think about all the good things that happen throughout the month and I start smiling straight away. There's so much focus in the media on the negatives and I want to look at the other side of the coin wherever possible.

      Delete

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