August Slow Notes
August. Farewell. I don't know what it is, but I can not write a month reflection unill the month has actually finished. I feel like I am 'cheating' if I wrap it up too quickly. Besides so much more could happen.
August was the month we finally got to go camping for our winter trip. Ironically it was a great trip because it wasn't too cold. Compared to last year where we nearly froze to death. This year the weather was mild and it did not rain (who knew this could actally happen?? Not us.) As I've always said I'm not so keen for the bush camping, where my husband adores it. This trip this year had something for both of us. A beautiful free camping spot near a babbling brook, camping on the highest peak in NSW where the clear skies gave us an incredible star-filled show. We visited my favourite Woollen Mill at Nundle, had a yummy lunch and a few beers at the iconic pub. I even learnt how to chop wood. You can see more of our camping holiday here.
On our final night, said husband surprised me with a trip to Lake Glenbawn. I was shocked at how stunning the area was. The water, the rolling hills, the visiting kangaroos, the space around us, it was truly remarkable. And we could not believe how fortunate we were with the weather. Once home, reunited with the pup, we found out that a few days later it snowed at Nundle. Which would have been beautiful, but not so beautiful when you have to sleep in a tent!
Lake Glenbawn with water, rolling hills and kangaroos during a winter camping trip.
We have had a few big decisions to make in August. In terms of where we will live for the next five years. We are very lucky that we have the opportunity to exit the rental rat race. There have been no rental properties that have become available that are suitable for our needs (ie, the dog's needs). The continued looking has become a tad stressful. And it is very noticeable how the prices of the house rentals have increased (a lot) while the house prices have come down.(Apparently, and definitely not a lot)
So I was very methodical in my house research and went through every real estate web page looking at each house one by one. It is through this search that I found a little house that ticked all of our boxes(and had not come up on my real estate notifications). And it was super cute. An added bonus was when I realised the house was a ten minute walk to hubby's all time, top five beaches in the world! One Mile.
And just like that -after a lot of stress, worry, sleeplessness and anguish - at the close of yesterday, the house became ours! We have a month to cleanse this house, and by that I mean declutter all of our stuff. Oh my gosh, I am getting excited!
Despite all of these heavy decisions we have had to make, I have not had a migraine this month. Headaches, yes, but they have been managable. I put this migraine free month down to my massages with the lovely Yashmena and being able to rest when I need to. I am also attributing it to walking most days. 2km with the dog, and my big 5km walks on my own. I have come across an amazing trainer on YouTube, Senior Shape Fitness who teaches you how to strengthen your body. Admittedly it is aged at Seniors. But(!), due to the problems that caused so much pain in my arms and shoulders last year, I needed to start from the beginning. I have been reading about the importance of women to become strong, especially during perimenopause and menopause. These workouts/yoga focus on these area and are enjoyable.
I create my playlists where I can target strength, mobility and balance. The key for me is to be organised so I plan my playlists in advance. I write down what I'm doing on a paper with a pen, so I can see that I have actually completed it. I love ticking it off, knowing that I have done something for myself. I really do feel like I am becoming stronger.
The studio has picked up this month. I have loved making my favourite beanies, rompers and pants. Sending them out into the world makes my heart sing! This month I was able to add my new lined granny square crochet tool kits to the studio. As always I have added a pocket. And more teacher's gifts have been made too ~ they are ready for sending.
Studio makes
I was surprised this month when I realised that my Slow Granny Blanket Project had come to an end. You can read all about it here. But after the move I plan to have another on my hook as soon as possible as I really miss it.
This month I've been thinking about how to downsize the studio, not only for the move, but how to be more organised. Also I feel like I have honoured my promise to my husband that I would have less yarn for this move. It's been tricky, but I have only purchased yarn if I no longer had it in stock and it was requested for a custom make. My studio, looks less full!
I've listened and watched some great tv shows as I've been making and creating this month.
TV shows this month
Podcasts are great for when I'm at the sewing machine. I'm intrigued by cults (perhaps I was in one in my previous life?) It amazes me that cults are in towns that I've actually been to here in Australia, not just overseas. If I'm reading something amazing I also do a deep dive and listen to the relevant podcasts.
Podcasts I've been listening to
This month I have been in my reading era. Books have kept me happily from too much screen time. I have had some amazing books this month that have kept me enthralled. I'm finally free of the reading limitations I placed on myself where I only 'allowed' myself to read just one chapter as there was so much other 'stuff' I should be doing. And admittedly I did go camping, so I had plenty of reading time on my hands.
In my reading era
Have you done something just for yourself today? I've finally booked into doing a journalling workshop next month. I love writing my morning pages and it will be nice to meet some like minded people in person. I'll let you know how it goes.
And one last thing before I go, I found this image online and it really hit me. Maybe it will do the same for you.
Take care
Melissa
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