July | 2020 | Zimmerbitch

I consider it a success in life that I can accept (if not entirely understand) the ebb and flow of my emotional state. I’ve learned to recognise when I’m struggling, and not to make the bad times worse by beating myself up about having a bad time.

I’ve also learned that eventually (so far) I will find something — however small — that triggers joy and that a little turn of the screw in the right direction can re-set the machine and get the cogs moving again.

July, it has to be said, has been a month largely lacking in cog action.

A short road-trip (in lieu of visiting my dad) provided an opportunity to read, think and relax away from all the usual chores and responsibilities. I didn’t venture too far from home, and despite the rain and school holidays, enjoyed re-visiting Hamilton and the small towns of the Hauraki Plains. It struck me though, that even as we’re being told the country is open for business, Covid 19 has taken a huge toll on many small communities, especially in the tourist-dependent hospitality sector. Those cafes that were open at all were operating shortened hours — which led to some “interesting” ad hoc meals.

Even the wonderful Hamilton Gardens seemed straggly and bare, with several of the themed gardens closed. I know that is partly a consequence of the time of year, but suspect the vastly reduced number of visitors has provided an opportunity for low-impact maintenance and repair.

Since my return, I’ve pottered about and made a little progress on a few projects, but generally got to the end of each day and wondered where the time had gone.

As the month-end approaches, I’m feeling a sense of being able to draw a line under July and move into August with some enthusiasm. I’ve got two weeks to prepare for the first “posh” dinner I’ve hosted in years, and I suspect I’ll be testing a few practice dishes on The Big T (like he’s going to complain).

I’ve also set myself the challenge of doing one creative, just-for-fun thing every day in August (is Arty August too cheesy a title). I have a few biggish projects that can only be done in stages, but think I need to also set little goals — like a daily doodle or something similar. In announcing my intention, I’ve made myself accountable; if only to my end-of-August Changing Seasons self.

“The surreal is but reality that has not been disconnected from its mystery.” — Rene Magritte. Entrance to Surreal Garden, Hamilton Gardens, NZ. Image: Su Leslie 2020

Entrance to Surreal Garden, Hamilton Gardens, NZ. Image: Su Leslie 2020

Alice in Wonderland statues, by Anneke Bester, Time Court, Hamilton Gardens, NZ. Image: Su Leslie 2020

Detail from Alice in Wonderland sculpture, Hamilton Gardens. Image: Su Leslie 2020

Karangahake Gorge, NZ. Image; Su Leslie 2020

Ohinemuri River at Karangahake Gorge, NZ. Image; Su Leslie 2020

Remnants of the past; old gold-mining infrastructure, Karangahake Gorge,NZ. Image: Su Leslie 2020

Beach, Thames Coast, NZ. Image: Su Leslie 2020

Image: Su Leslie 2020

Ohinemuri River at Paeroa, NZ. Image: Su Leslie 2020

Hamiton Lake, NZ. Image: Su Leslie

Pukeko, Hamilton Lake. Image: Su Leslie 2020

“Without great solitude, no serious work is possible.” — Pablo Picasso. Beach at Kaiaua, NZ. Image: Su Leslie 2020

Finished: knitted lap blanket for those afternoons snuggled in the armchair with a good book. Image: Su Leslie 2020

Making progress, knitted cotton facecloth. Image: Su Leslie 2020

About The Changing Seasons

The Changing Seasons is a monthly challenge where bloggers around the world share what’s been happening in their month.

If you would like to join in, here are the guidelines:

The Changing Seasons Version One (photographic):

Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery that you feel represent your month
Don’t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them.

The Changing Seasons Version Two (you choose the format):

Each month, post a photo, recipe, painting, drawing, video, whatever that you feel says something about your month
Don’t use archive stuff. Only new material!
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so others can find them.

If you do a ping-back to this post, I can update it with links to all of yours.

Update

Please visit these bloggers to find out how July played out for them:

Tracy at Reflections of an Untidy Mind

Little Pieces of Me

Pauline at Living in Paradise

Ladyleemanila

Tish at Writer on the Edge

Marilyn at Serendipity — Seeking Intelligent Life on Earth

Sarah at Art Expedition

Suzanne from Life at No 22

Darren at The Arty Plantsman

A Wonderful Sheep

Brian at Bushboy’s World

Gill at Talking Thailand

Ju-Lyn at All Things Bright and Beautiful

Image: Su Leslie

“It was one of those perfect … autumnal days which occur more frequently in memory than in life.” ― P.D. James

Autumn is the perfect time of year to live in New Zealand. The summer humidity abates, the weather settles (apart from the odd tropical cyclone) and the kids go back to school, making it a great time to travel on less crowded roads and stay in less price-inflated accommodation.

This year of course, we spent a large part of the season in lock-down, exploring the neighbourhood not the country. In doing so, I found that my suburb has a lot more deciduous trees than I remembered.