It’s time for the weekly #WeekendCoffeeShare where I share thoughts and special moments from my week. Natalie from Natalie the Explorer started this idea earlier in the year and I link up each week with my contribution. It is a great way to record what happens in life, like a diary or journal really and to reflect and be grateful for the good things that happen in my life.
If you would like to catch up on previous posts you can find them HERE.
Weekend Coffee Share #7
What I’m grateful for – a celebration before COVID lockdown struck again
My daughter will be celebrating her 40th birthday in April and rather than having a big party she decided to have special time with different groups of friends. Rachel introduced me to the Saturday Sisters over 10 years ago and we wanted to celebrate her special birthday together with a High Tea.
I am so grateful we had the opportunity to enjoy this lovely High Tea afternoon, because on Monday at 5pm, Greater Brisbane went back into 3 day lockdown. Brisbane was declared a Commonwealth hotspot on Tuesday afternoon, after six new cases of community transmission were reported as part of two distinct clusters . Coming up to the Easter School holidays, a continuance of the lockdown period, may be a huge blow to families planning to travel. My heart also goes out to my friends living in Canada who are now back in lockdown after a very short reprieve.
Quotes I liked
I love this quote. So often, I hear people asking me ‘why do you run’? and then tell me how much they hate running, ‘Why did you bother starting a podcast?’, Why this? and why that? It can be easy to be brought down by negative people but for me it is about doing what is right for you. Forget comparing yourself to others, forget following the latest trend. If it doesn’t feel right for you, then don’t do it. BUT…..let’s not fall into the trap of being critical of others for what they do (which we all do from time to time – we are human). Let’s support and encourage each other to be happy, living well and enjoying life.
What I did to stay healthy, happy and living well
I’ve been trying to think of different ideas to increase my vegetables during the day. It is so easy to just make a quick sandwich rather than taking some extra time to make a healthier and more nutritious alternative. These Vegetable Fritters took about 10 minutes to make from beginning to end – so the ‘I don’t have time’ excuse won’t wash. You can make them and have snacks or lunches for the week or add an avocado and salsa sauce with salad for a main meal – if they last that long!
I would have preferred to use wholemeal or an alternative to white flour to make it even healthier. You can make them any size and as I like to call myself a ‘rustic’ cook, I’m not too bothered that they aren’t all identical in size.
Vegetable Fritters Recipe
On the Podcast
Staying fit and healthy is important, we all know that. However, for some, slogging away in the gym or running a marathon seems more like torture than enjoyment. My guest today in Conversation, is my very good friend, Donna Connolly from Retirement Reflections.
Donna found a passion for hiking when she was inspired by a friend to attempt the famous Camino Trail. Despite coming from a low base, Donna and her husband Richard, set the goal of hiking the Camino.
You can listen to the Podcast or watch the conversation on YouTube : Finding your passion to stay fit and healthy After 50
New to the Podcast – Micro Mondays starting Monday 5th April
I’m excited to announce that I’m expanding the podcast to include Micro Mondays – Resetting your Mind, Body & Spirit for the week ahead. Micro Mondays are short, bite sized ‘micro’ episodes with a message.
- Tips to live well
- Thought for you to ponder during the week
- Affirmations & Meditations
All designed to help us grow and continue as Women Living Well After 50.
A new podcast for you to listen to
My friend, Debbie from Deb’s World took the plunge and has started a podcast – Life Inside Deb’s World I’m so proud of Deb, she is a good friend of mine and we are definitely cheerleaders for each other. It isn’t easy to try something new and put yourself out there. I’m giving her a ‘shout out’ and well done!
Blog Posts you may have missed
Cats, Dogs or Humans – it is all about connection for improved health and well-being
What does being a Hero really mean?
Well that was my week and I hope you enjoyed taking a peek into my life. How was your week? I’d love you to share with me what you have been up to.
12 Comments
So much to love here Sue, you are doing so well with your blog and podcasts, I so enjoyed listening to Donna while walking in the forest! Thanks for being a great friend and encouraging me when I decide to do something new!
Hi Deb, thank you for being my cheerleader! xx
Hi Sue, I love the quote you shared and it is also one of the things I like most about you. You don’t allow anyone to define your life and what makes you feel happy and fulfilled. The tea party with your daughter looks grand, and thanks for recommending Debs podcast. I’ll go look into that.
Hi Suzanne thank you for your compliment although at times I do fall into the trap of ‘what will people say or think’. That is just being human, I suppose. We had a wonderful High Tea for my daughter and yes, check out Deb’s podcast. I’m so proud of her being BOLD and living her WOTY xx
Hi, Sue – MicroMondays sound awesome. I look forward to following them.
Thank you for the podcast experience and the shoutout. I learned a great deal (and have already changed my Zoom background). ;D
Happy, happy birthday to Rachel!
Hi Donna, I hope MicroMondays are well received but you have to try, don’t you? You were a very entertaining and interesting guest and I hope there will be a repeat in the future. Now I need to change my Zoom background! Thanks for Rachel’s birthday wishes. Her birthday is actually in April but we started the Rachel’s Festive of 40 celebrations early xx
Hi Sue – I still love that quote and the reminder that we all have different interests and energy levels and should be cheering each other on, rather than comparing. Loved Rachel’s high tea and looking forward to seeing what else she slots into her Festival of 40 over the weeks ahead.
Hi Leanne, yes it is a great quote and really sums up the idea of celebrating our differences and supporting each other rather than having the ‘tall poppy’ syndrome. The High Tea was delicious you need to come and visit and I will take you there. xx
Hi Sue, The High Tea party looks lovely. I’m glad you were able to make it happen before the 3-day lockdown. Happy birthday to Rachel! I just watched you and Donna on YouTube, and left a comment on that terrific post. Happy Easter to you and Mike! Thank you for sharing your week. #WeekendCoffeeShare
Hi Natalie, the High Tea was delicious and it was so lovely catching up with the running girls. It was the first time in over a year we had all be able to be together so that was very special for Rachel. xx
I didn’t realise you had a podcast! Maybe I’ve seen it but just browsed by because I’m not so interested in podcasts. I think it’s cool that you do it though. I’m totally with you about the comparison and thing with negative people. Especially now, it’s so easy being negative but in the end it only makes people miserable. I try all I can to focus on the positives in life, also now, or maybe especially now, but it seems like on social media etc I’m surrounded by people who just dwell on everything negative.
I tend to compare myself with others a lot which adds stress to everything and I actually quit one of my blogs last week because of this. I will be back with something similar though – and better too, just with a totally different mindset and in a way that will make it a fun project for myself.
Hi Susanne, it is really difficult not to compare ourselves but good for you in recognizing what you needed to do to remove the stress. I look forward to hearing more about your new blog and love your attitude to the new project by making it fun! x