MARCH IN ALL ITS FABULOSITY

Here's what's made March fabulous for me - family, friends, fun, and fabulosity at its best.

MY FABULOUS MARCH

March marks the beginning of Autumn here in Australa and we're still waiting for those cooler days and nights to arrive in full, and see an end to a very long, hot Summer. I think it's been the hottest and driest Summer I can remember - with very little rain and many days of temperatures in the 40°C range - and that's VERY hot! It's been Fabulous to have an occasional cooler day here and there though, and on that note of celebration, here's what's also been Fabulous throughout the lovely month of March....

FAMILY-ING

We took a drive up to Perth during March to catch up with our kids and grandgirls. It's always so nice being able to spend a few hours with them and to catch up on all their news. After all the covid isolation of previous years, I'm even more grateful for any time we have together. There are no photos from our visit because it was just the usual family stuff of eating, chatting, laughing and enjoying the opportunity to be together.

Instead of a photo from our weekend, I thought I'd share this one my lovely DIL sent of our oldest grandgirl being so proud of her math skills in Year 1 - they certainly start their learning early these days (I think I was still at 1+2=3 when I was that age!) I love how excited she is and I smile every time I look at it.

when math is exciting

BLOGGING

It's been another lovely month of blogging and I really think I have my balance back in place. I'm loving having the comments turned on and being able to chat with those who take the time to leave a thought here or on my Facebook page - if you haven't 'liked' my FB page yet, I'd love you to pop over and hit the button to follow me there - I share a couple of upbeat, positive quotes each day to bring a little joy into the world.

And if you missed any of them, here are my 3 other March posts (including a great collaborative post on setting yourself up for a relaxing retirement).


CREATING

I've been continuing on with my collaging - it still makes me happy and fills a small part of each day with something a little bit creative. My recent efforts are in the short video below. I'm also planning on getting back into some calligraphy, and I continue to do a few colouring pages each month to chill out and relax.


LOVING

In honour of six "F" words for my 60's, this is what I've been loving lately....

Family - Well, this is a not loving entry - my poor husband has been blighted by shingles for all of March - fortunately not life threatening or too debilitating, but still painful and uncomfortable. He's been taking some pain relief and I've been smothering him in calomine lotion to see him through the worst of it.....not fun for him at all.

shingles

Friends - I'm so grateful for the fabulous friends I've made online through this blog. The comments, the emails, the other blog posts I read, the link parties....the list goes on, and they all add up to making my Midlife so much more abundant and engaging. I remember dreading turning 50 - then blogging came into my life at 52 and turned it right way up again. So a big thank you to every one of you who cheers me on and inspires me every day. xx

Figs - I LOVE figs fresh from the tree and our fig tree has finally reached the stage where it's producing a nice little crop at the end of Summer - so delicious!

this season's figs

Freedom & Flexibility - It's been three years this month since I left my toxic job and headed into the unknown. I thought I'd pause, re-calibrate, and go back to work.....little did I know that it would lead into a pandemic and that by the end of it all I'd be happily ensconced at home with no desire to do anything other than enjoy life on my own terms. So this month I've been quietly celebrating being home in my own space - such a privilege.

I love being at home, at peace, comfortable.

Fabulosity - I've been trying to treat myself to a little something now and then to celebrate this next decade of life. This month's little purchase of Fabulosity was this great coffee cup that makes me smile every time I use it.

sixty, sassy and a bit smart-assy coffee cup

A FABULOUS QUOTE TO FINISH WITH

lingering in my fabulosity
Image courtesy of Collene


Here's what's made March fabulous for me - family, friends, fun, and fabulosity at its best.

JUST A FINAL NOTE:

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Cresting the Hill - a blog for Midlife (Middle Aged / 50+) women who want to thrive

35 comments

  1. I love the "smart-assy" mug! And your collages continue to inspire me... I've been doing some more crafty stuff and having fun with it. I'm tempted to play with collage, but then I look at yours and think - no way can i be as brilliant as Leanne in doing that! (Sorry I've been away from blogging past couple of weeks... Life, as they say. But back now.)

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    1. Hi Pat - I loved the coffee cup - just so "me" and it makes me smile when I use it. You should try your hand at collaging - if a completely 'unartistic' person as myself can make a reasonable go of it, then I'm sure you'd do a great job. I love moving the pieces around (a bit like a jigsaw) until they come together into something that feels right.

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  2. I also love that Smart-Assy Mug. How perfect is that?!
    I'm sorry to hear about Ross's Shingles. I hope that he is feeling better soon.
    Your "Six F Words' are such a great idea. They cover so much!

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    1. Hi Donna - if the cup fits....drink from it! And it feels like a mighty fine fit for me :) Ross's shingles are slowly improving but the pain lingers on (another one of the 'joys' of aging!)

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  3. So many fabulous F words (did you see what I did there?) in this post. I'm not sure which of these is my favourite...after family, of course. Hope hubby is on the mend soon...

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    1. Hi Jo - nothing beats a Fabulous F word! And the shingles are gradually improving - although I think there's still a way to go before they stop hurting and the numbness that's developed goes away...

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  4. Not good Ross having shingles, hope he's on the mend soon! Your post oozes fabulosity and I'm so pleased :). That photo of the little one at school is just too cute. All the best for April Leanne, and keep doing what makes you happy.

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    1. Hi Deb - I loved the school photo - she's just so proud of herself and seeing that love of learning is so great (hopefully it'll continue into the high school and uni years!) And yes, life is pretty Fabulous - nothing OTT, just peace and pleasantness - and that suits me just fine xx

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  5. Hi Leanne, oh your poor hubby! I hope his shingles clears up soon! I love your six f words and your collage video was lovely! There's a lot of creativity there! That photo of your granddaughter makes me smile too. It's so lovely to see them pleased with themselves. Loving that final quote too! Lol Hope you have a great week! xo

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    1. Hi Min - thank you for the lovely compliment about my collaging - I'm really enjoying the process and the different themes that come to mind. I've started a new series that I'll share next month - more ethereal I htink.

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  6. I would smile every time I looked at that photo of your granddaughter as well Leanne. It's so cute!!!

    And I love your positivity as usual. I'm getting happier because I LOVE winter so glad the hot weather will soon be behind us.

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    1. Hi Deb - it was a lovely cool day today and after all the stinking heat of this summer (and the lack of rain over here) I'm so grateful to be able to be outside without sweating to death. Life is good and I think we realize that more and more when we find our groove and settle into it. And yes, that maths photo is just delightful!

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  7. Nothing like getting together for a good chat and laughter, with some snacks and drinks! Glad you all had a nice time!

    My son, when he was in college, had shingles, not too severe; nevertheless quite painful. Calamine lotion was what we applied too! Hope your husband is recovering fast.

    So lovely to see your grandchild's cheerful display of her proud achievement. Children of this generation are far more gifted and talented than of our generation. Wish her the best in everything!

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    1. Hi Pradeep - I think this generation's children just start their education journey earlier - more work and less play right from the beginning in kindergarten! It's great for those who love to learn, but I worry a little about those who struggle - there's certainly more pressure these days to achieve.

      I've enjoyed your posts on your wedding visit journey too - nothing like keeping up with what others are doing via their blogs. :)

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  8. Leanne, aside from your husband's Shingles, March looks fabulous indeed. My doctor offered the Shingles shot, maybe I should have taken it. That looks painful.

    I love figs too, sliced, add a dollop of goat cheese and drizzle with honey, yum! The absence of family photos shows how much you were enjoying the moment. Have a wonderful week.

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    1. Hi Suzanne, I didn't know there was a shingles vaccine. It comes from having had chicken pox and the virus lying dormant in the body (like cold sores do). I'll have to look into seeing if there's a vaccine if you've already had the virus as a child..... And yes, figs are just the BEST!

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  9. What a fabulous mug! I hope your husband is feeling better soon; my dad had singles years ago and he still talks about how painful it was. Love that photo of your granddaughter; it is amazing how much we keep teaching such young kids isn't it? Their brains are so adaptable and quick to catch on.

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    1. Hi Joanne - I'm amazed at how early they start with kids' education these days - great for those who are academically inclined - maybe not so good for those who would rather be climbing trees! The shingles are improving but he still has the nerve pain and a strip of numbness that is interesting (for me - not him!)

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  10. I'm so glad you are happy with having your comment form turned on and it was very uplifting to read your blogging experience and about how it's enriching your life. I really enjoy the chats I have with you on your blog and mine. I hope your husband recovers soon from the shingles, it's incredibly unpleasant even in a light form! The figs look incredible - enjoy!

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    1. Hi Susanne - turning off my comments for a while gave me the balance between still being able to write, but not having it take over so much of my life. I feel like I have the time I spend blogging more sorted now and spread myself out more during the week. I love the conversations too, so I missed that when the comments were off.

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  11. oh no on the shingles. I seem to know a few people with it at the moment. That looks so terrible. he has my sympathy!
    Glad you are getting a charge from your collaging - that's great. And ditto enjoying all that life offers for you three years in retirement.
    Lastly, what a cutie that granddaughter is - and clearly clever too!

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    1. Hi Lydia - the shingles are gradually improving - but it's been a long month and probably at least another month before they clear completely and hopefully the nerve pain and numbness will resolve by then too. He can't figure out what triggered them, and hopefully it'll be a one and done for him!

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  12. Hi Leanne, March does seem like it's been fabulous for you and your family. Except for those dreadful shingles. I had them once so understand how dreadful they are. And that smile! So much happiness coming from one little girl is great to see. Just looking at the photo makes me feel happy.

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    1. Hi Jen- I was so happy that her mum let me share the photo. Her smile just lights up the room and you can feel how proud she is. It's so lovely to see them thriving - and you'll get to see those smiles when you rock up in Queensland in a few months!

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  13. Gosh shingles are the worst for pain. I had them once but didn't know what it was till it was took late for anti virals. Poor Dad has had them a few times but knows to get to meds fast. Love a proud learner's face!! Maths like that makes sense..not the rote stuff but I still use that is my head. I am so glad for your creative side shining. And hey, we can send you some rain...plenty on offer east coast wise.

    Thank you so much for linking your blog post up for Life’s Stories my “now” fortnightly blogging link up at Denyse Whelan Blogs.

    I appreciate your support and continuing blogging connections and friendships.

    I will be back with the next #LifesStories link up on Monday 11 April 2022.

    Denyse.

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    1. Ross didn't know what he had until it was too late for anti virals too Denyse. He's been weathering the pain and numbness like a trooper - but it certainly hasn't been a pleasant experience (to say the least). And yes that huge proud grin on Sophia's face makes me smile every time I see it - hopefully the love of maths will continue.

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  14. Hello Leanne. I love the photo of your granddaughter learning math. That smile says it all! I hope your husband is feeling better. I've heard shingles are miserable. They certainly don't look fun. Here's to another month of fabulosity!

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    1. Hi Christie - yes to a month of fabulosity and yes to kids enjoying maths - I just hope that she has teachers in the years to come who can foster that enjoyment and build on it. And you're right - shingles are miserable indeed!

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  15. Hi Leanne, I'm sorry to hear about Ross's shingles. I hope he's feeling better. Your granddaughter is adorable and so smart. Even though I like summer, 40 Celsius would be too hot for me. I'm glad you turned the comments back on. Your collage looks beautiful. Thank you for sharing your fabulous March with us at Weekend Coffee Share.

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    1. Hi Natalie - yes the shingles are gradually healing - although there's still some pain and numbness. At least he's beginning to sleep a bit better and that's a blessing. Yes 40C is way too hot for comfort - especially when you get several days of it. Roll on the cooler days of Autumn - but I'm not in a hurry for Winter yet :)

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  16. Oh my goodness...I *love your collages! They're so bright and vibrant, they exude joy and inspiration. My maternal grandpa did a lot of collage work in the 50s and 60s and it always amazes me how I seem to see something new in them every time I pull them out again. I do hope your husband feels better soon and that your slide into Autumn is a lovely one. Hope you have a great weekend!

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    1. Hi Melissa - thanks for the lovely compliment about my collaging. I don't think I'll win any art prizes, but I like that they're pretty and they bring me a sense of creativity that I didn't have in my life previously when I was a lot busier.

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  17. Oh I'm so sorry about the shingles. I have known a few people who have gotten them. I enjoyed your update. We are having a very wet spring!

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    1. Hi Kirstin - a little more rain here would be very welcome - it's been a long hot and very dry summer. And yes, shingles are no fun at all - he's pretty stoic, but the nerve pain has definitely been a drag and tiring for him to deal with.

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  18. Hi Leanne,
    I feel for you with that intense heat over in WA. I've been in Perth in Summer and seen candles melt and bend over in the heat. Hopefully, Autumn will be more pleasant. I love Spring and Autumn where there's that middle ground.
    Hope you have a great week and manage to keep dodging the seemingly undodgable.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

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