Firstly, I apologise for being a rubbish blogger this month. I have 3 posts in ‘drafts’ but cannot seem to find the impetus to finish them and hit publish. Truth be told, I’ve only written one paragraph on each, the rest is still firmly in my head – the place where many good ideas stay!
Enough about my failings and on with sharing my Little Loves for the month of May. You’ll know by now that sharing some of the positive snippets from my month is a routine that I rarely miss. So here I am, late but ready to spill the beans on what’s been happening around these ‘ere parts…
Read in May
I’ve pretty much failed on the book front but I did treat myself to a Red magazine, which was just about the limit of my concentration span this month. I was so pleased to see that Rosie Green is back writing for Red but horrified to discover that her husband, who she always affectionately referred to as ‘Alpha Male’, has (how can I put this politely?) b*****ed off and left her.
Rosie has written a brilliant but heartbreaking piece on what life has been like for her for the last few months. Whilst tragic, she managed to retain that unrivalled wit that drew me to her column all those years ago. In true Rosie style, she ends on a positive note by counting the small wins: ‘a fart-free bedroom, lots of lights on, heating up to sub-tropical temperatures, Gogglebox‘!
I might not have started reading it yet but I’ve bought a new book. After listening to Oprah Winfrey interview Tara Westover on her podcast ‘Super Soul Conversations’ I was gripped…
‘Tara and her family grew up preparing for the End of Days but, according to the government, she didn’t exist. She hadn’t been registered for a birth certificate. She had no school records because she’d never set foot in a classroom, and no medical records because her father didn’t believe in hospitals.
As she grew older, her father became more radical and her brother more violent. At sixteen, Tara knew she had to leave home. In doing so she discovered both the transformative power of education, and the price she had to pay for it.’
See why I wanted to read it? I’ll keep you posted next month.
Watched in May
A couple of weeks ago, I went to the theatre to see ‘Menopause the Musical’. It was as hilarious as you might imagine – four middle-aged women re-writing the words to some classic songs that we all know and love. Hot flushes, a lack of sleep and the ever-growing midriff were mentioned on more than one occasion. I went with a group of girlfriends and it was just the tonic that I needed.
There’s been oodles of great TV this month, so much so that I’ve not been able to keep up. A little late to the party but I did enjoy ‘The Victim’ on BBC. Another one that kept me guessing right until the end.
Heard in May
Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast is back! I subscribe to many podcasts but this one is right up there in my top 3. Fearne interviews some amazing people all about their mental health journey. Her interview with Ruby Wax was a highlight this month.
I heard loads of great music this weekend at Big Church Day Out but the band ‘I Am They’ stood out for me and in particular, this song…
Wore in May
I’ve not taken many outfit shots this month but I’ve enjoyed unearthing some of my summer clothes and shopping from my wardrobe. It’s been a mixed bag weather-wise and I’ve continued to live in my Boden (gift from a previous collaboration) trainers, come rain or shine. They are just so darn comfy!
Rumour has it that the sunshine is set to make an appearance this coming weekend so I may even get the legs out!
Made in May
We had a birthday this month, my eldest daughter turned 19 – the last year of her teens. Sounds so old doesn’t it? We kept it fairly low key as she isn’t particularly keen on birthdays but I insisted on cake (carrot cake is her favourite) and we went out for a meal as a family.
My mum’s birthday is the day before so we had a little family tea here at the weekend. I made scones which always go down well.
So that’s two things I’ve made in one month…what’s got into me?!
And Lastly…
I’ve missed my blog these last couple of months. My head hasn’t been in quite the right place to fully immerse myself in it but this has only confirmed that it’s my ‘happy place’ and I therefore want to try to make more time for it.
I’ve been working on a lovely collaboration with Desenio so I plan to reveal all on that next week. I’ve also started writing my spring catch up (aka mind dump) post so that should be published in a couple of weeks too.
Hoping you’ll hang in there while I try to get my act together. As always, I appreciate every person who takes the time to read and/or comment.
10 COMMENTS
Leslea Petersen
5 years agoWow, that song ❤️ I can imagine it being a source of hope to you. Big hugs xxx
Suzanne W
5 years ago AUTHORYes I think that’s why I liked it – hoping and believing that one day we will be thankful. xx
Sarah MumofThree World
5 years agoYou’re not a rubbish blogger, but I’m sure all of your readers (myself included) look forward to more posts from you when you’re ready!.Your trainers are lovely. Did the legs make it out yesterday? We really enjoyed The Victim here and I have still not listened to a single podcast about anything ever in my life! I love Radio 1 too much, although I can’t listen to it after 7pm (or 4pm at weekends) as I only like the mainstream stuff!
Suzanne W
5 years ago AUTHORYes Radio 1 is way too hard core in the evenings! Thanks for the encouragement, I really want to try to make time for it as I know it does me good 🙂
Tracey Williams
5 years agoNever apologise for being a rubbish blogger Suzanne, your readers will always be here for you. Hope your big girl enjoyed her birthday, and especially that gorgeous looking cake. I’ve never listened to a podcast, and I always think I need to start getting into them. Could be a good distraction when doing the ironing x
Lorraine
5 years agoI’m an avid Podcast listener Suzanne and like you subscribe to many, but Fearne Cotton isn’t on my list. I’m adding it tonight and will start with Ruby Wax. Thanks for the recommendation, hope you get a chance to write those ideas up.
Lorraine x
Plutonium Sox
5 years agoOoh thanks for the reminder about the podcast, I keep meaning to listen to it. That carrot cake looks delicious! I look forward to reading more of your posts when you manage to find the time for it again. Sometimes it’s good to take a break to remember how much you enjoy it isn’t it?
Nat.x
Gail
5 years agoAlways enjoy your posts Suzanne, Glad to hear the Happy Place podcast is back – it’s one of my favourites too. xx
Anna-Marie
5 years agoI need to have a listen to Ferns podcast, I’m slowly getting into them, found some great ones so far so will add this one to my list too. Love scones, yours look delicious and the cake looks really good! Everyone seems to be making birthday cakes this past month! The victim was really good wasn’t it? I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love Desenio so will keep an eye out for your post! Thanks so much for linking up this month and I hope you have a wonderful month ahead xx
Chloe: Picture Taker Memory Maker
5 years agoI think I’m going to have to give podcasts a try. I’m not an auditory person at all (and worry that if I listen in the car whilst I’m driving it’ll be like a bedtime story and I’ll fall asleep!) but I’ve heard so many people mention some amazing ones that I’m going to dive in and see how I get on. You never know until you give it a go, right? Stop using the word ‘fail’ – you said it at least twice. There’s no such thing as failure, only feedback. What feedback could you take from the things that didn’t go as you wanted them to that means you could do tings differently next time?! Sending a hug and belated birthday wishes to your daughter and your Mum. Seems like May is the month for birthdays – we had two in May as well!