ENJOYING A FABULOUS AUGUST
Well, today marks (almost) the end of another month - August supposedly
heralds the end of the cold Winter days and evenings, but the seasons
seem to be a bit slower these days, and I'm sure there's more rain and
cloudy days ahead.... But that doesn't mean that life is any
less Fabulous, and today I'm sharing what went on during the weeks of
August....
FAMILY-ING
We headed up to the city to catch up with the kids and grandgirls
earlier in the month and had a lovely time celebrating my
husband's birthday a little late and our youngest granddaughter's
birthday a little early. They both had presents to open and our
DIL baked chocolate topped muffin cakes in her new pie maker.
Nothing beats family time and laughter, food, and hugs. My heart
was full when we left to head back home to the countryside and our
cats.
We also had our annual day or two of the river over the road from
us rising high enough to lap the grassy verge - it certainly makes
for a pretty outlook and gives my husband a great excuse to get
out the canoe and have a paddle before it recedes back into its
usual size.
PODCAST GUESTING
At the beginning of August I was approached by Hugh Willard who
produces a podcast called Aging Well - Finding Beauty In the Gray.
He asked me if I'd like to be interviewed about my blog and my
approach to living Midlife in such a positive way. Of course I was
happy to agree. We did the interview over Zoom - and he just
used the audio part for the podcast. If you're interested in
having a listen, the link to the podcast is here:
When Hugh sent through the finished product I noticed his mellow,
professionally miked voice and how it compared to my Aussie accent
and crackly laptop mike (sigh....) and along with that, our super
friendly cat spent her time climbing all over me so she could
participate - so this meme gave me a smile.
BLOGGING
The rest of the month in blogging has been quite varied -
including a post on how I'm dealing with the pain while I wait
for my hip replacement operation, and the lessons I learned from
my old toxic job. I've included the links for all of my
August posts below in case you missed any and want to catch up.
COLLABORATING
My collaboration continues with Chalmers Dale & Co, a lovely online Australian health and beauty company, and you
can click on their ad in my sidebar if you'd like to check out
their products and use the 20% off code with any of your
purchases. They've been a pleasure to work with and I've enjoyed
playing with their products.
CREATING
I've finally finished reading every single one of Ilona Andrews' book series. Fun to read and she even does a few cross-over characters that made me smile when they appeared. That freed up some time to finish my latest book of collages - and I've ended up with two books of 20 double pages each of collages based around the art of Amy Sol. I decided to give them (one each) to the the grandgirls when we saw them a few weeks ago and they really loved them. I wasn't sure how they'd be received, but I guess little girls like pretty pictures - so it was a nice feeling to have my books find a happy home.
I started a new book a few weeks ago, using images based on
Renaissance women from Alla Tsank - they're a little bit
other-worldy and I'm enjoying creating around them and doing
something on a different theme.
FABULOSITY
Not much shopping happening this month to inspire a fabulous purchase, but I did decide to buy a new dressing gown (first time in a couple of decades!) and some slippers for down the track when I finally get to go to hospital for my hip op - I figured it was better to get them now before Summer arrived and there were no mid-warmth clothes or shoes in the stores. I was pretty happy with what I ended up with.
A FABULOUS QUOTE TO FINISH WITH
JUST A FINAL NOTE:
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leanne.crestingthehill@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you.
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Hi Leanne, Always a good reminder how we live on the same planet, connect in real time, yet we are in different hemispheres. I love your phrase “my heart was full…” I will check out the podcast. By the way, I enjoy listening to your beautiful Aussie accent along with listening to my other Aussie friends.❤️ I checked out Chalmers Dale and Co. Good move on getting prepared for your operation…mentally and physically. Thank you for sharing a fabulous post. xx
ReplyDeleteHi Erica - it's always such a joy to read your comments - and I can hear your lovely Canadian tones in my head when I do. It's funny because my daughter listened to the podcast and said that Hugh spoke really slowly, whereas I thought I spoke quite fast. It's funny how our culture and age affects our perceptions isn't it? x
DeleteGreat catch up and glad you for some family time to store into your beautiful memory bank. That is cool how you have made the books and your little girls love them. A very special memory. Congratulations on your purchasing ready for hospital….I remember doing that too, and yes to thinking ahead for hospital. My tip? It can be extra warm too in hospital…so I had both sleeveless and sleeved nighties…but wore hospital gowns while I remained “messy”…I am practical. Take care and before know it 2023 will be here…Denyse
ReplyDeleteHi Denyse - thanks for the advice. I haven't stayed in hospital overnight since I had my babies 30+ years ago, so it's a challenge. I've now been told that you get dressed in your 'day clothes' during the day - so no lolling about in pjs and dressing gowns (maybe I could have saved my money?) I just want to have it done and dusted because it gets harder every day (I think that's a song?) :)
DeleteHi, Leanne - I agree with you 100%. Nothing does beat family time and laughter, food, and hugs! I'm delighted to read that your August was a good one -- despite your hip pain. I love how you refuse to let it stop you from living your life. And - awesome interview with Hugh. You sounded great!
ReplyDeleteHi Donna - thank you for your kind words about the interview. My daughter says he talked "too slowly" and that made me smile because I thought I was talking too fast - it shows the cultural differences doesn't it? And yes, nothing beats family - and a bung hip won't stop me from enjoying life!
DeleteFabulosity indeed. Lots to love in here, but especially you getting your creative on. I checked out Amy Sol's images on Insta, they're lovely...
ReplyDeleteHi Jo - I loved Amy Sol's art and fortunately the grandgirls did too. I didn't want to pass them on something that they had no interest in, so I was pleasantly surprised when they both took time to "read" them - the pictures are pretty and that certainly helped. :)
DeleteIt does sound like a fabulous August! We are the opposite here as we struggle with drought like conditions at the end of summer. Luckily all those dry sunny days made for lots of outdoor fun.
ReplyDeleteHi Joanne - I always feel that each side of the world struggles a little with the end of their summers and winters - they seem to get longer while Autumn and Spring seem to be shorter! I'm looking forward to some sunshiny days to get out and about on my scooter again without freezing in the wind!
DeleteLeanne, congratulations on the Podcast. I really enjoyed your conversation with Hugh. Your authenticity shines through.
ReplyDeleteHi Suzanne - thanks for having a listen xxx . I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was different to what I'd expected and he chatted a lot, which threw me a bit - I thought it would be more question and answer style. Still, it was fun to do and I love stretching myself here and there.
DeleteHi Leanne - how wonderful to guest on that Podcast. I will have a listen. I'm sure you're fabulous on it! We might think our Aussie accents sound daggy but people from other countries usually seem to like our accents! Good that you're finding time to be creative and get some reading done and lovely having some family time. I'm enjoying the last days of our lovely cool climate and I'm dreading the harsh humid and hot summer ahead of us. Thank goodness for aircon and swimming pools! Hope you have a fabulous September!
ReplyDeleteHi Min - it was lovely to be approached by Hugh and to know that he thought I had something of interest to offer his listeners. I'm not sure who his audience is, but he has quite a wide range of guests - and that keeps things interesting I'm sure. I felt like a very small fish compared to some of the people he'd interviewed!
DeleteI'm not looking forward to a hot summer either - but I am looking forward to a mellow spring and getting closer to an operation date for my dodgy hip!
Hi Leanne. What lovely gifts, for your grandgirls! I'm sure the gifts were all the more special because they were made by you, someone they love and adore. I really love the new book you've started, with the Renaissance women. That type of art really appeals to me, as well. For awhile, when we were traveling in Eastern Europe, I was able to find pictures, and cards, in stores, from the art nouveau, period, which I used for decoupaging, over planters, that I made. I miss being able to find those types of materials, here. I'm looking forward to this winters travels, to find some inspiring art. Where do you find your art pictures? Everything you do is so well put together. Thank you for sharing, dear friend. xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Christina - thank you for your kind words - I love Art Nouveau art too and Pre-Raphaelite women are also particulary gorgeous (but hard to cut out). I tend to find my 'characters' by seeing something on Pinterest and then going down the online rabbit hole - I find I like having a theme to my books now - where they all have flow into each other - my husband says he finds my mind very weird at times when he looks at what I create.....But I love doing this and it's an added interest that doesn't need my limited walking ability to achieve.
DeleteHow lovely all of this fabulosity! Just what I needed to feel good today.
ReplyDeleteThanks Judith - I'm glad I could bring a little sunshine into your morning. Life is pretty fabulous if you choose to focus on the good stuff.
DeleteSounds like August was truly a fabulous month for you, despite the pain. That dressing gown looks good and I'm sure the slippers will provide you comfort during your recovery. Glad the grandgirls loved your books - a lovely keepsake for them. Perhaps a podcast of your own would be great. It's pretty simple to get going! Wishing you a fabulous September, Leanne.
ReplyDeleteHi Corinne - I don't see myself as a podcaster - I don't listen to them for some reason - I seem to prefer written or visual formats (although I do listen to sermons via podcast - just not interview type ones). Thanks for your lovely comments about my collages and clothing choices. x
DeleteHi Leanne - Glad to see you had a good time with the family. And did some good reading as well. August has been a very busy month for me. The fewer blog posts is perhaps the best evidence of that. I haven't been able to catch up with my friends' posts either.
ReplyDeleteHi Pradeep - yes I've noticed your blogging has slowed down recently (nothing in my inbox for a while) but I'm sure things will calm down again soon and you'll be back to writing and commentinng on the world around you.
DeleteHi Leanne, Thank you for your weekend coffee share. Sounds like a fabulous August for you. I agree with you that nothing beats family time with laughter, food and hugs. Your new book of collage looks beautiful. Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteHi Natalie - it was another great month - life just seems to get better and better as I get older - and once I get my hip sorted out, I'll really be on a roll. :)
DeleteIt's always so weird to hear your own voice - or even authors voices, who you discover you've attached a voice to and they're real one is different.Will try to listen this week. Good for you on the podcast and the colab. Well done. #Weekendcoffeeshare.
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia - I felt like such an Aussie hick with my accent, but I definitely agree that it's a self-consciousness thing and it doesn't seem to have bothered anyone else. My daughter listened to the podcast and enjoyed it (and that's high praise from someone who would tell me if it was rubbish!)
DeleteHi Leanne, I totally know what you're talking about with the cat on the Zoom meeting. I've joined a few guitar courses on Zoom and my cat frequently comes up to my desk to join me during the sessions! I really liked the Gwen Stefani quote - it resonates with me 100%. It's good to hear about your family time and your creative activities.. sorry to hear you need surgery for your hip though. But at least that should make you better. I'll have to go back and read some of your other posts... I haven't been around much on other people's blogs while I've been away from blogging myself, plus I've been super busy lately.
ReplyDeleteHi Susanne - I totally understand how you can miss out on reading posts and blogging on your own when you're busy. I fluctuate between being on top of everything, and then swinging to wondering why I do it all. A few bloggers are cutting back and I can see how it impacts on engagement and keeping up with everyone's news. It's lovely that you found the time to stop by - and thanks for your encouraging words. :)
DeleteI love the idea of looking back each month on all the fabulous-ness! Good luck with your hip op and keep us posted! I just may need to have my other one done soon.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathleen - I'm sure there'll be a blog post or two when I finally get my hip done. I think I've read or watched everything on the internet that relates to THR and it scares me and excites me in equal measure. I'm just waiting for my operation day to arrive and praying it won't be cancelled at the last minute.
DeleteI hope you're able to get your surgery soon! The robe and slippers will be an upgrade from the standard-issue hospital gown and booties.
ReplyDeleteThe meme cracked me up. I haven't had cats in awhile, but my greyhounds used to be quite the pests when I was on Zoom or otherwise trying to work from home. Nothing like trying to type with a long canine nose on your keyboard.
Hi Janet - I feel like pets are like small children - I remember my kids always appearing just as I took a phone call (pre-mobile phone days!) and nothing says "I don't care" like a cat's but on the screen! And yes, I'm hanging out for my hip op!
DeleteI loved your update and those quotes. I'm going to listen to the podcast tomorrow morning.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kirstin - I hope you enjoy the podcast - it was fun to do and it makes me smile when I hear the contrast in our voices and accents!
DeleteSo fabulous Leanne! Hope September is another good month for you.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb - lovely having you back in the blogosphere again and yes, September looks like it with be fabulous too - nothing beats the mornings getting lighter and the days getting warmer.
DeleteJust listened to the podcast. I really enjoyed it and thought you did excellent. I didn't hear the "scratchy" noise at all :)
ReplyDeleteHi Kirstin - so glad you enjoyed the podcast. I'm glad my voice and lack of quality miking didn't throw you off - I think I was more aware of it afterwards because it's so weird hearing myself (I obviously think I have more dulcet tones than I actually have!)
Delete