LIVING LIFE WITH A SMILE EVERY DAY
It's catch up time on the blog today - all that's been happening here
over Spring. This is the BIG birthday edition where it's been all about a little sunshine, a
little rain, a little bit of family, and a lot about my 60th birthday. There's plenty of
other happenings, but these are a few of the happy moments that have popped up over the last few
months in my life.
A BIG BIRTHDAY
Well, for those of you who missed my blog post about turning 60 or who didn't see the various updates on my Cresting the Hill Facebook page.....(where have you been?) It was my 60th birthday at the beginning of November. I was a lot more "okay" with it than I expected to be - probably because so many of my blogging friends have been rocking their sixties for a while and shining a light on how great this decade can be. It's been so lovely to launch into a new decade with anticipation, rather than with a little kernel of dreading getting older.
I had a lovely week of time with family and friends. I had cups of
coffee, flowers, morning tea, lunch, dinner, cake, presents, and lots of
birthday hugs and well wishes. I couldn't have asked for more. My kids and
grandgirls came down to spend time with me, my mum was down as well, and
my brothers and sister-in-law came out to celebrate with me too. All in
all it was a pretty delightful week and below are a few pics from it
all.
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| Morning tea at my favourite coffee spot with my daughter, daughter-in-law and Mum |
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| Birthday lunch by the water with my lovely husband, brothers, sister-in-law, and Mum |
VISITS WITH THE FAMILY
The family were down for the big birthday, so there was time to talk, time
to laugh, time to eat, time to play. All the good things that family does
together. I miss living close to our kids, so when we get to see them for
any length of time, my heart is alway full and very, very happy.
WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING ON THE BLOG
I decided that I'd give myself a birthday present and turn my comments
back on. I noticed that a lot of my friends drifted away while the
comments were off, and that's okay because I'd hate to think someone was
reading my blog because they felt obliged to (and even worse that they
felt obliged to leave a comment). It's been lovely to re-connect with
some, and for others to find an easier way to comment than having to email
me or flip over to my FB page. I'll be leaving them on for now, and if
things get out of balance again, I'll decide what to do then.
My daughter collaborated with me to help me write about how to separate my self-worth from the opinions of others - she's such a wise young woman! And I wrote a couple of posts about leaving my 50's behind and turning 60, and one about getting my head around this lovely new lifestyle that retirement has brought with it. I've added a few links at the bottom of the post if you want to catch up with any you missed.
HOW THINGS HAVE BEEN GOING CREATIVELY
I've been having such a blast doing my collaging. I started collaging in
a re-purposed book and new ideas pop into my head regularly. I put
the first nine into a Power Point
on my blog's FB page and thought I'd do the next 10 for an update
here.
And as well as that, there's been my paint by numbers project. It was a birthday gift and one that I've been wanting to try my hand at for a while. I can't say that it's as spectacular as it looks on the Facebook ads, but it's been an interesting challenge and it's great for maintaining my manual dexterity. After 13 hours of painting, we framed the final result (in a frame we already had on hand which suited the olde worlde style of the picture) and hung it in our guest bedroom because she fits in with the decor perfectly.
FINALLY.....
Spring has FINALLY arrived here in Western Australia - we seemed to have a lot of rainy days right through into early November, but it's blue skies, sunshine, warm weather, and wonderful opportunities to get out and enjoy it all. I thought I'd finish with a pic of me with my lovely husband out enjoying a walk along the estuary - we finished it off with an iced coffee for me and an iced chai for him - very pleasant indeed.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Do you have some highlights over the last few months that are
making you smile and count your blessings? Is life in general
treating you well, or are you feeling a bit swamped by some tough
times? I hope you're choosing joy where you can and that you find
little nuggets of happiness - and live your best life every
day.
A FEW RECENT POSTS IN CASE YOU MISSED THEM
JUST A FINAL NOTE:
If you'd like to know when I write a new post, please
click HERE for email updates.
If you'd like to comment but not here on the blog, feel free
to email me at
leanne.crestingthehill@gmail.com - I'd love to hear
from you.
And please share this post by clicking on a share button
before you go.
I for one am glad you've turned your comments back on - I'm not on Facebook nearly as often as I probably should be & of course it's all about me lol. Your birthday celebrations & family time looked lovely & glad you're getting your creative on too. x
ReplyDeleteHi Jo - I found that very few people seem to be on FB or email as often as I thought they'd be. Turning the comments back on (with a few tweaks) is working well for me so far - and there's a lot less of them now - which is interesting....
DeleteHi, Leanne - Your birthday celebrations look fabulous, fun and filled with family and friends. What could be better?!
ReplyDeleteI am also happy that you've turned your comments back on (at least for now). When I'm reading, I feel as though we are chatting together and I love being able to immediately respond! Wishing you an awesome December ahead!
Hi Donna - yes I missed the 'chatting' too, which is why they're back (for now) and I've tweaked the ones that come in later to being moderated so I don't have to check back so often. And my birthday was just lovely - you can't ask for more than that can you? x
DeleteHappyhappy birthday! I have a friend turning 60 next year and we are hatching plans to maybe meet up and party in Greece. It was getting down to booking out a specific restaurant on Rhodos so it feels real....if only this stupid virus will allow.
ReplyDeleteYour art journal is lovely.
Glad you had a lovely day and celebrated with those you love. #lifethisweek
I can't imagine booking a trip to Greece any time in the next decade Lydia - so you're much more optimistic than I am. I guess you still get lots of joy from the planning and anticipation...then if it actually happens, it'll be the icing on the (birthday) cake :)
DeleteHappy birthday!! So glad you were well celebrated and well loved. Such warm smiles among all of your family members.
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed by your collages. They are lovely. I like the roses-sunflowers piece and the one where the woman's hair is not hair at all but large blooms. My sister and I have enjoyed doing collages together lately. Just created a Christmas tree with scraps of paper following the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtBLDKbhOng We did have the intense ink blocks so used old music and magazine pictures for our background. Lots of fun. I added a bit of glitter because you have to have glitter for Christmas.
Glad to catch up with you and to see how you are embracing an exciting new decade. Big hugs!!
Hi Leslie - yes glitter is always important - each of my collages has a bit included (although it doesn't always show up in a photograph). I saw your Christmas tree collage in your post and it looked great. And yes, so far 60 is looking pretty fabulous x
DeleteI can relate to what you say about comments. I close them on book reviews because I don't expect people to think they have to leave a comment and I'm not reading other blogs in between link-ups so realise people shouldn't feel they have to visit my site etc...
ReplyDeleteI love the birthday catch-up photos and how nice to have a few different things with different people. It's often easier that way rather than try to have everyone together for something.
It's been raining here for weeks so doesn't feel very spring-like. I don't really mind the rain but it does make one feel a bit maudlin after a while.
We've had a LOT of rain this season to Deb and I'm a bit sick and tired of it (especially when I want to get out for a walk). To have a sunny weekend was an absolute joy. And the comments on/off thing is tricky for me - I like to comment, but realize that not that many others actually bother and it kind of does my head in, and I wonder if it's worth it....but I do miss the conversations. So we'll see how it goes. x
DeleteYour birthday celebrations look like great fun Leanne. I love the photo of you and your lovely husband out walking. Your faces show the joy. I understand why you turned your comments off, but I'm so pleased you have turned them back on. I've been reading while they were off, but rarely open FB these days so missed connecting with you.
ReplyDeleteI've missed your comments too Jennifer - although I've been popping into your blog regularly and leaving comments there. Yes, we had a lovely morning out in the sunshine - it's nice to leave winter behind and to be out before they decide we need to be wearing masks!
DeleteI love what you are doing creatively, Leanne! I used to do scrap booking years ago, and now you've inspired me to get back into it. The words that I was drawn to, this morning, however, were, separating my self-worth from the opinions of others. Somehow, I missed the post, that talks about the very issues, that I've had on my mind lately. I've been asking myself, why I value other people's opinions, more than I value my own. My little idiosyncrasy has to do, with constantly asking for approval, and re-assurance that I'm doing something right. I couldn't sculpt a fairy doll, without asking my husband, constantly, if this looked right, or that looked right. I'm working on learning to value my own opinion, especially before I take up sculpting, again. I know it's all part of improving my self-esteem. It is getting better. So glad that I found this post. It really helps to know that other people, have similar issues Christina Daggett
ReplyDeleteHi Christina - I'm glad you liked the post - it's a huge issue for me and when my daughter talks about all the flak she deals with and brushes off afterwards, I had to dig a bit deeper into why it's so easy for her and so hard for me. This inside part of me just seems to need affirmation - and even when I get on with things, I still feel the small hurts every time someone lets me down. I think it's from our childhood and we can beat it, but it takes a LOT of reprogramming. PS: I really want to see the fairy doll sculpture - I think I want one!!
DeleteHow lovely to see photos from some happy 60th celebrations! I'm glad you had a good time and could enjoy the company of your family.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see your comment section back on. To me it's still a separate step because I need to open another browser to be able to comment on Google, but that's ok and feels more connected with the current post than when I send an e-mail. However, isn't it good to have so many options!
The last few months I must say I've been pretty much swamped by hard times, but I'm very thankful that I'm mostly back to my normal self now. After a storm and some quite cold weather, we're back to sunshine and around 10 degrees here.
Hi Susanne - I'm sorry that life has been a bit difficult for you, but glad you're coming out the other side (a bit like the weather!) Thanks for doing the extra step to leave a comment and I know it can be a bit of a pain - I comment on a different blog and have to do a two step proces plus put all my details in each time.... but it is what it is :)
DeleteOh I am so happy to see your comments are back on! It sounds like you had some really wonderful birthday celebrations and I am loving your paint by number. I used to paint on canvas for years but could never really get the hang of the paint by number...
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to have them back Joanne and to chat again - I feel like I've found a good balance with my blog again (for now) and yes, the paint by numbers is a lot fiddlier than I imagine normal painting would be - less broad strokes and more filling in tiny areas - but it was fun to try and I'm happy with the result now it's framed.
DeleteHi Leanne, what a joy to see your birthday photos with family all around you. Can't ask for anything better in my opinion, regardless of what age we're turning. Not long until I turn 61, I still can't believe how much fun being in my 60s is, so I hope you also enjoy the next decade.
ReplyDeleteIt was always going to be all about family Deb - nothing beats time with my kids and grandgirls, so my heart was very happy and full with them visiting and spending time together enjoying each others company. And yes, I think the 60's look like they're going to be pretty darn fabulous x
DeleteHi Leanne,
ReplyDeleteYou have certainly had a good birthday month, surrounded by love and attention from the people you care about most. Sixty really is the new 50! You'll see. There is something very liberating about this decade; no need to prove anything; just own who you are and to hell with opinions. I clicked on the post you wrote with your daughter and couldn't agree more with your advice to 'filter' where the 'opinion' is coming from. A few months ago a women in my neighborhood (who I barely know) told me that I had an 'off-putting, abrupt manner.' Strangely enough, it stung momentarily, but it didn't hurt, if that makes sense. Sounds like progress to me.
Ditto what others have said and I am glad you have turned your comments back on. It makes me feel like I'm invited to the party, not standing outside the window, looking in. Thanks for that. A big part of the comments section is being a part of a group conversation and when I see a particularly insightful comment, I like to check out that person's blog. Sometimes I discover a new blogger that I connect with and learn from. For me, that is what this arena is about - fostering positive connections. Anyway, enough about that. I'm sure you are tired of hearing it!
I love your artwork and your collage journal. Very creative use of time and an excellent display of your talents. The photo of you and hubby speaks volumes - life in the sunshine is good! Welcome to the best decade yet!
Hi Suzanne - it's lovely having my comments back. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with things there for a while and rather than quitting the blog it seemed like a good way to pare back a little. But... I really missed the interaction, and I'm hoping that now I'm one of the awesome 60's brigade I'll be better at letting the things that hurt or sting flow over me.
DeleteI thought that distancing myself for a while was the best option - I dont' think we realize how a small word or opinion can cause a flow on effect. But I'm back for now, loving the interaction, moderating what comes through and allowing myself to respond when I'm in "the zone".
And yes, having my kids and grandgirls was especially lovely for my birthday, I do miss them (even though they're only a couple of hours away) we brought them up to be independent and self sufficient - but I miss the closeness that came with young kids. But Christmas is on its way so I'll get another dose of them then and by that time I should have a full heart ready to embark on another year.
Thanks again for your lovely encouraging comment and for cheering me on xx
Happy birthday and welcome to the 60's! I'm glad your comments are back on...for when I have something to really comment on. As Jo said, it's all about me and I'm just too lazy to remember my comment while I find another outlet to type it into. I'm calling it lazy and not forgetful.
ReplyDeleteI realized when I turned them off that a lot of bloggers comment 'in the moment' and then move on. I get that, and it's been good to step back for a while, but I have missed "chatting" with those who are regular visitors. Surprisingly I had some wonderful emails from non-bloggers and that was a real blessing for me at a time when I was wondering if it was time to give the blogging away. Onward and upward! And into my 60's I go - with my blog still here and a new year fast approaching!
DeleteHappy Blessed Birthday and I always love your blogs as they always make me want to comment in a good way.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the birthday wishes and the lovely compliment for my blog Patrick - I think it's always great when we can interact with the thoughts of others and those who blog in a variety of different ways. :)
DeleteSuch a lovely post Leanne, and congratulations again on not only turning 60 but having all the things that made the birthday special happen for you.
ReplyDeleteLike others, I am glad your comments are back on. I enjoy the blog conversations and it's why I continue I think!! Your creative arts are so good. I am extra glad you dipped into what you thought you'd like to try and then more of what you enjoy too.
It was great reading your post today after linking up for #LifeThisWeek on my blog. Thank you! I can’t believe we are in December! Now “only” 3 more Mondays for #lifethisweek in 2021. See you next week too I hope. Denyse.
Hi Denyse - it's nice having the conversations happening again. I needed to step back and re-think how I wanted to handle my comments section, but now I think I have the balance right and I feel more at peace with it all.
DeleteThanks for the encouragement with my creative endeavours - I'm no da Vinci, but I'm having fun - and that's what really counts isn't it?
Your birthday celebrations look lovely, Leanne. What could be better than spending time with loved ones? I've never felt obligated to write a comment, but I confess it felt strange to read your blog and not leave some kind of notice that I had read it, that I enjoyed it, or what it made me think of. I'm glad to have the comments back on. I am so impressed by your artistic experimentation. Thanks for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteHi Christie - NOTHING beats family time for me, and having them make the effort to be there for my birthday made it even more special. I'm enjoying having my comments back too - we'll see how it goes in the months ahead - but for now it's great to re-connect with those who struggled to head to FB etc. x
DeleteHi Leanne, welcome to the 60s club and looks like you had a lovely celebration. I think it was a wise decision turning your comments back on as to me that is all part of the blogging experience, not to mention the ease for the reader of reading a post and commenting there and then. A huge month for you with family celebrations and look at you becoming creative as you enter a new decade!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the welcome Sue - and yes, turning my comments back on (for now) has been lovely, but I think each of us needs to do what works best for our life balance and mental health. For some that's taking a break from blogging, for others it might mean blogging even more, for me....it was taking a small step back and letting the dust settle while I decided what was next for me. I'm still not sure what that is as far as blogging goes - it's been 7+ years and maybe the end is in sight???
DeleteHi Leanne, Your birthday celebrations and family visits look lovely. I'm glad your comments are on as I don't use Fb. Great to see your creative artwork, too. I hope the nice weather stays so you can enjoy summer. Thank you for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare.
ReplyDeleteHi Natalie - I realized that a lot of people don't see stuff on FB or don't like to use it much. I just needed a break, and now that's behind me, I'm ready to engage again and to enjoy the comments - and that's what really counts for me. It's good to be back x
DeleteHappy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much - it was a very blessed one - and a BIG one too!
DeleteHappy belated birthday wishes. I have a Spring birthday as well but in March! I will be 70 and I can confirm that your sixties can be fun. (Visiting from Natalie's coffee share).
ReplyDeleteHi Anne - I think my 60's are going to be a very enjoyable and relaxing decade - I feel like I'm truly coming into a fulness of life that reflects "me" and that's a lovely place to arrive at. I think our 70's will just build on that and be even better.
Delete