Hello friends, how are you? I’m doing good, thanks for asking, and I know that so many of you have, you lovely people. I have had messages, emails, little things from you over the past month since I wrote this post and admitted that I was constantly feeling a bit bluergh and like a solid 5/10 most of the time. I can’t really get my head around the fact that it’s August next week. I know this is getting tired, hearing me say this over and over again but SERIOUSLY? It’s like I am stuck in May.
Happy May.
But slowly and surely and this week in particular I am FINALLY feeling more like myself. Sure it moves from a 5-8 most days but I actually feel like ME again you know? More connected. More here. More me. It’s taken much longer than I expected but here I am. Still lots to smile about.
There’s been lots of good things to enjoy. Time with the kids in the holidays and time at the beach – a change of scene is always good for me when things aren’t doing so well. While I do worry that it’s just a big distraction from reality, this seems to have worked and completely reset the slump I was in. LOTS of reading, lots of listening to music, LOTS of time off my phone, lots of walking and doing nourishing things rather than things that I “need” to do that actually just suck the life out of me. It’s pretty simple right? Why is it so hard to do though?
This week while Rob has been away, it’s been OK. Maybe something to do with the fact the kids are back at school?! I had some friends (Mr & Mrs Romance) visit for lunch on Tuesday and I had a lovely time faffing about making some soup (chicken soup here’s the recipe) setting a table and enjoying the company of people who work in the same industry as me. It’s always good to use people as a sounding board for frustrations as well as brain storming some new ideas.
The days have been sunny and quiet and I have been able to get my headspace changed from woe is me to how can I switch things up. It’s so easy to get trapped in the same story over and over isn’t it? It’s harder to try and make some changes…the old definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results has some merit doesn’t it?
I’m cooking and faffing and reminding myself of all the things that I DO love about blogging. There’s lots to be reminded of about that. I love sharing recipes and cooking and entertaining and helping people and sharing it all, I really do.
Did you know it’s going to be 12 years since I started blogging on Sunday? 12 years!
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I have also managed read two GREAT books. I was mostly thrilled by the fact that I was reading and not scrolling, I have always been an avid reader and love when I am back in my groove.
I loved loved LOVED The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland. It was such a beautifully, sad story but written so well and I just adored all the flowers in it. Worth a read if you are looking for something I would give it 5 stars. You can buy it online here.
And I also read this one The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah which is a WW2 story set in France and is an amazing story of women during the war. My goodness what a reminder of the atrocities of war and just how it really wasn’t all that long ago. I have had a bit of reading hangover from it though, I tried to get into another book and just haven’t been able to again. Hope I do soon…you can buy it online here.
I also picked up this magazine which I loved as it was filled with puzzles and I was reminded just how good it is to stretch the old brain and so things you always loved to do (I was mad for puzzles when I was younger). Well worth checking out Audrey Daybook, in fact I asked for a subscription for my birthday so I can keep the puzzles up instead of scrolling. I am determined to break my bad habits.
This morning I had a lovely coffee with a friend who made THE most delicious cake I have had in SOME time. I got the recipe so expect that on the blog soon, I’m off to a book launch tonight with my Mum for a local woman who has written a beautiful book and tomorrow night I am off to Brisbane to celebrate Nikki’s 10th birthday for her blog. I’ll keep walking, keep writing, keep reading and reminding myself of all the things that make me happy.
There’s plenty of that, I don’t have to look very far.
How are you?
What have you been doing lately?
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keep up the awesome posts Beth….. sharing all the feels (and recipes)..Love love your blog and IG stories and photos.. 12 years ! wow, I’ve been following you now since 2012.. 6 years, how that time flies.. and loving every minute of your journey ..Just booked our annual holiday to Fraser Island on 30th December and I’m sure it will be xmas in the blink of an eye wtf!!!! xx
I’m so glad you are still writing here, I am inspired by your faffing and nest building, not to mention your recipes. I too am trying to spend less time scrolling, it’s not easy but I know it does my mental health and self acceptance a world of good.
Looking forward to the cake recipe and also hearing about the shenanigans from the weekend.
So pleased to hear that you’ve had a reset and are now finding the good in your life again.
cheers Kate
You may not realise this but I find you such an inspiration. Amazing mum, hilarious stories and posts. Gosh I would love you to write a recipe book. I know you can just google recipes but I love the feel of a book. You already have a great photographer and a stylist and I am sure you know someone to do the marketing? I think it would sell well and how about kids books, featuring Maggie and Archie. Would love it. Yes I know it takes money to get these things done but, you are so amazing at entertaining and anything food wise. They say that the year goes faster the older you get. I am 57 so it is just flying by. x
Great post Beth. Glad your groove back. I am so jealous that I am missing Nikki’s Party of all Parties. You will have such fun. Enjoy every minute and please have a drink or 3 for me and give her a big hug. Wow 12 years for you – that is exciting. Are you planning any more of your fabulous events? You do them so well.