Slow Living Notes • March 2026 •

March, I cannot believe that you have left us. I had so many plans and ideas for March. But, as usual life happened. No matter what you plan for, life always has other ideas, doesn’t it? March was no exception.

Some plans definitely went ahead, like our camping trip. Yes we were those people that despite a global fuel crisis, made the two thousand kilometer return trip to go camping.

But please let me explain. This trip had been planned for and dreamt about for over three years. And every year there has been a reason that we have not taken the trip. This year my husband could not be persuaded otherwise - we were going camping. And it was a great holiday. I am not a lover of camping, but my husband is. He is in his element camping. Finally I could let him live out one of his dreams, as he has always, always supported mine. We did get back home without a problem (we are however, not ever going to talk about how much money we spent on fuel).

women in straw hat enjoying a peaceful day at the beach

We have been to Moreton Island before, twenty-three years ago actually when my first born was in my belly. And that was such a weird reference point, because it feels like in a blink of an eye, time has passed. I was definitely a different person back then. I was so naive, although I would have sworn that I wasn’t. But if time has shown me anything, it has shown me that. I thought I had all of the answers for raising my family. Probably best that I didn’t know then what I know now. My husband declared when we were leaving that we would come back in another twenty years. As we will then be in our seventies (!!!!) I sincerely hope that I can still climb the ladder to the tent.

On the Island the weather was very warm. The water was warm (and oh so clear) and the days and nights were warm. Sleeping with only a sheet on, and all the windows of the tent open to encourage any breeze to come in. So it was a bit of a shock to come home to find the weather cooler. I had on a cardigan last night. And slept under the quilt. The water in the Bay was also cooler, very much cooler. I’m looking forward to experiencing an autumn in the Bay. Already the sky is clearer and the setting sun invites vivid pink fairy floss clouds to dance across the sky. It is magical.

During our drive home we were able to call in to a little sea side town and visit my old coffee van. A few years ago I blew up my working life and retired from teaching. I was done. Work life, family life and pressures, I knew I could not sustain that life any longer. So I brought a beautiful little coffee van and began my slower life. You can read all about it here. I was so happy to see that my little van was now having her own sea change and helping to create community and a slow life for her new beautiful owners.

In the Studio

The studio has been very quiet this month. All the plans I had for Easter creating evaporated out the window when my old arm injuries flared up. It was not welcome. And I tried not to dwell on the frustration I felt.

I was pleased to finally debut my first Sunflower Pattern Collection on Ravelry. The pattern and tutorial is for my Sunflower Granny Square. It was warmly received which warmed my heart.  You can find the free pattern here

Slow Granny Blanket

However I was able to continue with my Slow Granny Blanket Project. The blanket has now reached a pivotal point, in that it is so big, I can no longer ensure that I have different coloured squares in each row. Each square will now be chosen by my mood, each day. And just one square a day has been just what I needed.

When I lose connection with my craft, I really feel the loss in my heart. Crochet and knitting are exactly what I need to keep the intrusive thoughts away.

You can find the link to my pattern and tutorial here, if you would like to create your own slow granny blanket.

A Few Gentle Things

By the middle of March my dog’s legs had become stronger and we have resumed our morning walks. Although the walks are shorter in length, the dog and I are both very happy to start our morning this way. And the cooler weather makes it more enjoyable.

I am pleased to report that I have kept my ‘date’ with myself in walking once a week on the beach. I’ve enjoyed exploring new beaches, and yes new cafe’s. For me there is no better joy than sipping a lovely coffee. It’s the little things.

Book The Light Between Us by Laura Lynne Jackson and take away coffee on an outdoor table

Bicycle parked near a sandy beach with ocean view

Coffe and cake on a table at a cafe overlooking a table

What I’m Reading / Watching / Listening To

Due to my limited hand mobility I have been reading. A lot. And every single book that I have read has been so enjoyable. Three books I would recommend highly are The House that Joy Built by Holly Ringland (the author of The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart) and it is beautiful. I love how Holly writes about finding and tending to our inner country. And the importance of any creativity.

I definitely believe that books come into your life when you need them. And it was no coincidence that I was able to borrow The Light Between Us by Laura Lynne Jackson and All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert at the same time. If someone you love has passed, please read these books. They are powerful and moving.

Although it was all about books in March I did watch a few good tv shows, The Madison has been the show I’ve most look forward to.

As I have been investigating gentle ways to move my body and make my body stronger, I have come across the wonderful YouTube Channel Yoga for Knitters. I love being able to reconnect and stretch my body slowly and mindfully. It makes such a difference to my body and mind. And you don't have to be a knitting or crochet devotee like me. These movements will be helpful to everyone.

March Reflections

March has been very much about reminders;

The importance of looking after my body. Old injuries do not disappear, they just wait silently and reappear when you least expect it. Often at the most inconvenient times.

So I am slowly letting go of all my timelines and expectations that I have for myself and my studio.

I am learning that for me slow living is about taking each day at a time.

April Intention

For April I intend to check in with myself daily and really scrutinise how my body is feeling. Instead of ignoring pain and discomfort, I will move towards it and embrace it. After years of pushing my mind and body regardless, I will embrace this ability that I now have to move slowly with intention each day. No more rushing into each day.

Let’s see if that happens.

Please feel free to share what you have done, read, watched or your own intentions for April. I would love to hear.

And please remember to do something just for yourself today,

Melissa x