I don’t know about you, but 2020 has been a millennia-long and not nearly as interesting as it should have been. Not to say it hasn’t had its moments.
Like many people, I’m trying to find a new path, a new way of being. I’m looking for interest catching things that get me engaged. The same old, same old just isn’t enough right now.
I am enjoying and appreciating content from people who are actively looking for ways to find positives, or at least an upward direction.
Cathy Hay has been offering thoughts on self care and self healing that, for me at least, provide not only a sense of calm, but a positive vibe that is sorely needed right now.
I’m looking to my U.K. folks, like Mr. Carrington, Luke Catleugh, and Hermione Chantal to show me not only their daily experiences but the areas they visit. I’m still keeping up with “Escape To The Country” as a way of seeing the U.K. that isn’t as a tourist.
The amazing Mary Fons is currently in the U.K. with her husband, Eric. Thanks to Mary’s blog and posts, I am able to get a different view of the country from someone whose perspective is one I admire and enjoy.
And, as if there is an overload of U.K. content, I’m once again enjoying Australia via Better Homes & Gardens.
The armchair tourist aside, I’m also looking at crafters from many areas who bring their own personal touches to different projects. I recently discovered the Quilting Marine who took up the craft after 20 years of service and a need to battle PTSD. The paper crafters I’ve been following are bringing some interesting ideas to us, many using tools that are relatively new to a lot of people.
Over on the book table, I’ve been enjoying new additions to ongoing series. Thanks to Audible’s expanded programs, I now have loads (tons?) of free books in additions to my monthly credits. It is a great way to stretch the budget, discover new authors and continue enjoying great storytelling.
In the kitchen, I’m working to get out of the rut of the same old, same old. While the budget might not be unlimited, the opportunities might be. When I inventoried my library this past summer, it became obvious that I have a huge (!) collection of recipes, ideas, options, and opportunities. I want to take advantage of that.
I keep coming back to the old Julie and Julia blog. I think the idea of focusing on one particular cookbook or chef interesting, but I haven’t quite made up my mind if I want to go that route or not.
I do own Mastering The Art of French Cooking (Volumes 1 & 2) and find the work not only amazing but homier than many might think. I also have a couple of Jacques Pepin’s books, with a similar thought to those books. This doesn’t begin to include the other volumes of cookery books, magazines, pamphlets, etc. that I’ve collected – and actually used – that I want to revisit.
Speaking of food, Mind Over Munch has been looking at personal relationships with food. The newsletters have been thought provoking, something that I might not have seen, or said, prior to this year.
It all comes together in what I am perceiving as an opportunity to revisit connections to life in ways that enhance and encourage, rather than to just get by.
I’m thinking that as we work our way through 2020, we are presented with opportunities to make sure that the way we are living our lives is one that provides the most opportunity to be happier, more content, more productive in ways that are fulfilling.
What do you think? I’d like to know.
