Taking Stock – June 2020

Watercolour Painting by Min – Course task was to ‘Paint by Observation’. This was my attempt at painting a cutting of some Camellia’s from my garden.

Taking Stock – it’s that time again! Regular readers would know that I do a Taking Stock post quarterly each year. The first Taking Stock post for 2020 was Taking Stock – March 2020. The global pandemic had just hit our shores here and when I look back at that post, I can see that I was very scared. I’m not quite as scared now, but the pandemic is still here and so there is still concern and need for caution. We’ve been lucky here in Australia as things haven’t gotten as bad as experienced in other countries. I really do hope it can stay that way.

Let’s get started on Taking Stock – June 2020!

Making:  Art!  I completed a short watercolour painting course and created a bit of art along the way. Loved it and plan to do more courses so that I can learn all there is to know. The outcome of the last task of the course is the image at the top of this post.
Cooking:  Lovely winter warming slow cooker soups.
Sipping:  On a coffee as I type this.
Reading:  The book I’m reading at the moment is ‘Phosphorescence’ by Julia Baird.
Waiting:  For Natalie Martin’s next course to be released. Should be soon!
Looking:  Forward to a little 3 night getaway only booked yesterday. Obviously it is in Queensland as our borders are firmly shut and we are encouraged to travel and holiday within our state. Let’s just say it is somewhere known to get rather cold. We’ll be staying in a rustic cottage with a fireplace and there will be plenty of nature and wine available.
Listening:  To podcasts is something I’m enjoying very much.  With my current inability to read for any great length of time, listening to podcasts is a great alternative. I really should try audio books!
Wishing:  Covid-19 would go away … for good!  Anyone else over it all?

Woorim Beach – Bribie Island (This image was used as the feature image for this post as seen on the home page, but with a painted filter effect.)

Enjoying:  Walking, winter sunshine, and the fact I finally got my feet on a beach and in the ocean on Sunday even if briefly when we took an afternoon drive to Bribie Island just north of us.  (I shared more pics and videos on our visit to Bribie on Instagram – main feed & stories).
Appreciating:  Not having to get up, rush around and commute to a job. I did that for decades and actually enjoyed it at the time (certainly not ALL the time though) but I am filled with much gratitude that nowadays I no longer need to.
Eating:  Too much lately.  Too much snacking!
Liking:  The cooler weather very much!
Loving:  The first coffee of the day on a cool winters morning. Heaven!
Buying:  No Pong natural deodorant. Might not sound exciting but for someone like myself (and one of my sons) who reacts to most deodorants, this is a fabulous, and affordable find!
Managing:  Time is something I could do better. The days just don’t have enough hours in them.
Watching:  The kittens – I could do it for hours and hours. They’re so entertaining!  Here’s a quick video of Axel and Amaya now at 5 months old (excuse me saying “pussy puss” over & over – I was trying to get them to look at the camera).

Hoping:  [Read ‘Noticing’ First] That I at least feel less horrible on the lower dosage patch!
Wearing:  Comfy clothes and layers as I’m mostly home these days.
Following:  Lots of watercolour artists on Instagram and Watercolour painting YouTube tutorials to learn. They all do things differently and it’s fabulous to learn new techniques and ways and try out what might suit me and what might not.
Noticing:  That I am not responding well to HRT patches (I wrote a bit about this in this post). In fact I feel much worse since I’ve been on them. Went to the doctor yesterday and we’re trialling a lower dose patch for a week and then reassessing. Personally, I don’t think it will be much better. I don’t think my body likes the introduction of artificial hormones regardless of dosage. It was worth a try though and we shall see!
Sorting:  Through the garage. We have too much stuff and much of it never used. They’ll be photographed and sold. Apparently ‘Marketplace’ on Facebook is THE place to sell stuff these days.
Getting:  Very low on my foundation and some skin care products. Must remember to order before I get caught out!
Bookmarking:  This morning I bookmarked a crochet pattern. Maybe my crochet bug is starting to come back?!
Coveting:  A getaway, a holiday, nature nature nature! There may have been a booking made for a 3 night getaway in July but more on that at a later date but I did drop a few hints under ‘Looking’.
Feeling:  Sad that my daughter’s time with us has ended and she has gone back now to Cairns.
Hearing:  Children playing at the nearby school.

If you’re interested in Taking Stock too, pop over to this post at Pip’s blog – Meet me at Mikes, where the whole idea originated from. Scroll to the bottom of the post and you can copy and paste a blank list of the prompt words and go from there!  My next Taking Stock post will be at the end of September 2020.

Can you believe that June is nearly over and July will soon be upon us?  My niece and nephew are already on school holidays (private schools) and the public schools will join them as of Friday this week.  I personally love July and August – lovely winter months here in Brisbane – cool mornings and evenings but still warm sunny days (if you’re in the sun). 

Enjoy the rest of your week and remember to take care of yourself. Do things for yourself that make you feel good. You are worth it!

Ciao for now,