“By all means use sometimes to be alone. Salute thyself; see what thy soul doth wear.” — George Herbert. Early morning, Waikato River at Mercer, NZ. Image: Su Leslie 2020
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.
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
Pauline at Living in Paradise
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
Brian at Bushboy’s World
Gill at Talking Thailand
Ju-Lyn at All Things Bright and Beautiful
Zimmerbitch 
Yes, I think there’s a few of us that have found July a challenge. Must be wintertime!!. It certainly doesn’t help to keep us cheerful. Awful to think that the recession hasn’t really taken hold yet, and the small towns around our country will be hit further with businesses closing. The Pukekos are always a pleasure to come across and I enjoyed seeing the rest of your July photographs. Here’s to a brighter August, Su.
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Yes; I fear a bit for the future of places like Matamata which seemed to rely so heavily on “Hobbit” tourists. Finding somewhere to eat after 2pm there proved really challenging!
I’m hoping for a better August too, and suspect that just getting on and doing things will help my mood no end.
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Nothing has changed then regarding trying to find somewhere after 2pm 🙂 Keeping ourselves busy and less looking inward focusing can be more positive. For me, it’s exercise and food, or is that the other way around!
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I don’t remember it being that bad — after 3 maybe!
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Su, my previous comment was “said” with tongue in cheek. You’re no doubt right!
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🤣🤣
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You’ve done – are doing – well. Here in the UK, with daily life still restricted by Covid, no end in sight, and the economic reality for so many beginning to bite, it’s getting hard to stay motivated on a personal level, so I’ll try to take inspiration from you as I’m beginning to drift. I look forward to your August Achievements! Great photos.
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I understand. Talking to my mum in the UK, I wonder how she manages to stay so cheerful.
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Pingback: The Changing Seasons: July 2020 – Ladyleemanila
love your photos Su 🙂
https://ladyleemanilablog.wordpress.com/2020/07/30/the-changing-seasons-july-2020/
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Thank you 😀
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You’ve given yourself a little leeway and that has to be a good thing, Su. I admire the ability to set challenges and rise to them. I bob up and down through life like a leaf on water. 🙂 🙂 There’s no doubt of the damage to businesses here, but it is feeling busy again and the beaches hum gently. It’s a great place to be, and you know what is making it very special for me.
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I’m so glad you’re getting time with your family Jo. Hopefully, local businesses will survive and we’ll see an end to this soon. Have a great weekend
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Fabulous gallery of photos, Su. Your July has been an enviable creative month by my standards. I’ve given up on the aspiration of being creative. I think I prefer to just sit in the dirt and wait for some small bird or creature to come by. 🙂
The entrance to the surreal garden nearly did my head in. Love it though. I hope the little communities pick up. It is so disheartening to see people abandon their entrepreneurial dreams.
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Thank you Tracy. The surreal garden was fabulous; I need to go back when it’s properly open as there are other features of it I’d love to show.
We have fan tails flitting about the garden, and I have been tempted to trying just sitting in wait, but so far it’s been too cold and wet.
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Yes, it must be chilly. A lot like Melbourne but not as hot in the summer. I’ve been looking at the map of NZ. and the real estate ads. Just dreaming. There are a lot of mountains and where there are no mountains, there are a lot of big rivers and low lying flood plains. I might be able to afford Invercargill, but you would have to hope the sea level doesn’t rise very much. Gulp. Hence, I gave up looking at the ads and went back to looking at the birds. Sitting and waiting is a good idea when your sun eventually comes out.
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Quite a lot like Melbourne, but really humid in summer. We get the “four seasons in a day” too, but they’re not quite as extreme. I’ve never been to Invercargill, but Southland floods badly even without sea level rise. Does NZ really seem expensive from outside? We’re finding that the gap between Auckland and “the rest” is closing — which is good in general but bad for us.
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Pingback: The Changing Seasons – July 2020 – Reflections of An Untidy Mind
Your photos suggest you had a lovely July in spite of how you might have felt about it.
The old gold mining ruins remind me of something I would expect to see in an Indiana Jones movie, however my favourite photo is the close-up of your knitted blanket. You have a great eye for a photo. It’s a rather unusual perspective and I love the flecks of teal blue.
My world has shrunk to the perimeter of our yard. On one hand I fear I might be turning into a hermit, yet on the other hand, I’m starting to make a list again of all the things I would to explore someday … hopefully in the near future.
Arty August sounds like a great title for a month. I’m looking forward to seeing your creations 🙂
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Thanks Joanne. I have found joy in things like beach walks and being able to explore the countryside — especially as I am aware of how many people are now living under some form of lockdown.
I hope your world safely can expand again soon
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As a city, Toronto is finally doing well with its COVID numbers. We have been consistently tracking under 10 new cases a day for a while. Tomorrow we reopen to stage 3 – not that it makes any difference to me. I stay home.
I can only hope we can continue to keep new cases under control. Face masks have been mandatory here for a while and thankfully the stupid people are in the minority (… but why are stupid people so vocal?!)
Let’s hope we all weather this one safely. It’s going to be around for a long while.
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That’s good news about such low case numbers.i agree; this isn’t going away in a hurry and it’s changing the world in so many ways.
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Pingback: Changing Seasons : July 2020 – Living in Paradise…
Loved all your photos Su. A mini road trip to Hamilton is always interesting, sad to hear the smaller centres are still struggling. I look forward to seeing your creative projects you have planned for August. Always a good idea to have things to look forward too. I have not done any blogging for July. But I couldn’t let the month slip by without recording the monthly “changing seasons”. retiredfromgypsylife.wordpress.com/2020/07/30/changing-seasons-july-2020/ hope August is a happier month for you. Stay safe and healthy.
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Thanks Pauline. I think it shows that we have become over-reliant on tourism, which is unsustainable in many ways. The good news is that Kiwis seem to be really getting behind supporting small businesses and that can only be good.
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I think there is going to be a lot more people holidaying in their own countries and not flying anywhere. That should help the economy and small business
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Having been able to capture all these amazing photos, you must have experienced a great emotional boost in spite of the fact that it is winter where you live. Have a great August, Su!
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Thank you Peter 🙏
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Pingback: The Changing Seasons – July 2020 – Little Pieces Of Me
Lovey galleries Su. Artsy August is definitely not too cheesy…it is perfect.
https://littlepiecesofme1.wordpress.com/2020/07/29/the-changing-seasons-july-2020/
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Thank you 🙏
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It has been a rainy few weeks, so I have been mostly inside. Not near as creative as you, though. That lap blanket is gorgeous. A ‘posh’ dinner….sounds fun. Hang on for a few more months, Su. I have my fingers crossed 2021 is much, much better.
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Thanks Lois: I certainly hope so
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We have to cling to those moments of joy Su. It is a beautiful world and in spite of the ups and downs of it we do have many blessings.
Leslie xoxo
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Thank you Leslie
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I think anxiety is understandable. I was very anxious at the beginning when I thought we were all going to catch it, then I accepted that there was nothing I could do about it anyway and felt better. Now that things are opening up again my anxiety is returning because I have choices and decisions to make which I didn’t have to worry about during lockdown. No doubt this will pass too! And I hope you enjoy August more.
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Thanks Anabel. New Zealand really does feel like an island at the moment as we watch what’s happening in the rest of the world. I think we all suspect our “normality” may not last, and of course, its the longer-term shape of the world that I’m really struggling with.
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Of course, we’re an island too and could have done what you did if we didn’t have that numpty in charge! I just read Pauline’s piece, and her remarks about how fragile the new normal is struck a chord. And you’re right, the longer term prospects are frightening.
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Pauline’s words struck me too. And I totally agree about the numpty. It does seem that Nicola and her government are doing all they can, but with limited power. My mum was saying that Northampton, where she lives, may have to go into lockdown again. She hurt herself recently and I am so worried — despite her assertions that she’s fine.
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You’re right about the Scottish govt. That’s another thing that struck me about Australia, that they are very sensibly closing state borders if one has more infections than others. At the merest hint that Scotland might consider restrictions on people coming from England all hell broke loose. It’s all party politics and anything the govt does has to be bad because it’s the SNP. Makes me sick. We’ve had 0 deaths for almost 2 weeks but the death toll is still presented on the BBC as “U.K.”. Sorry, you’ve got me off on a rant!
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Don’t apologise; I agree with you. A lot of what I know about the UK situation is originating with some of my Scottish cousins who feel as you do. This has helped make Nationalusts of a few people I’d never have picked!
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Oh, I know – many people we know who were firm No’s last time round are now champing at the bit.
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What do you think? Will there be another referendum?
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I hope so! I think if the SNP wins a majority in May with a referendum in its manifesto it SHOULD be democratically undeniable. However, I’m sad to say I don’t think we’re dealing with democrats.
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Sadly I think you are right – as they keep demonstrating. ☹️
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Pingback: The Changing Seasons – July 2020 – Life at No. 22
Hi Su, back again with my contribution. Hope your day is going well. https://lifeatno22.com/2020/07/31/the-changing-seasons-july-2020/
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Thanks Suzanne 😀
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Well, your photos are smashing as usual. Love the little Alice in Wonderland theme ones, and your Aug challenge seems like a good step in helping you turn those wheels 🙂
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Thank you: the real challenge will be to see it through and not get distracted with other things
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Your opening sentences really resonated with me as I am having one of those “blue” weeks. Too much COVID, 24/7, can’t escape it. No, we’re not sick nor is anyone in our circle, fortunately, but it’s taking a toll on us anyway—the fear, the anger, the isolation.
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I’m glad that you and your whanau are well, but I totally understand the emotional toll. Even as we plan social gatherings and weekends away here, I am in a state of constant anxiety for friends and family overseas — especially my mother in England. I wish I could see an end in sight ☹️
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As do I, Su. I am ordinarily pretty good at taking it one day at a time, but for a number of reasons, this week it just hit me harder than it has in a while.
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I hope next week is better Amy.
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Thanks, Su. My birthday is Wednesday, and I think that also is making me feel out of sorts. Another year older, and no celebration with the family. 😦 But I just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Genealogy and writing about it really help.
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That is hard!! Wishing you a day of connection, and love and peace in whatever way these can be created right now. And definitely wishing you a better year ahead.
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Thanks, Su! For all of us.
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Pingback: The Changing Seasons ~ July 2020 – Tish Farrell
The tree silhouettes and many shades blue-grey (pale orange flushes) of that first shot are very lovely. It speaks very much to my actual mood too (though I’ve attempted upbeat in my post as I’m curbing the inclination to rant). And there’s not a thing wrong with Arty August. It’s an encouragement to us all to do something creative each day. Loving your today’s (much more than a) doodle.
https://tishfarrell.com/2020/07/31/the-changing-seasons-july-2020/
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Thank you so much Tish. I understand the tension between trying to attempt upbeat, and allowing ourselves to “feel what we feel.” I seem to retreat further into home-garden-nature-family as the bigger picture gets uglier and more confused, and am grateful to have these things.
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Yes, I feel that way too. In the UK the gov. lurches from one cock-up to another, and there’s huge discrepancies in the stats and tests while much emphasis on the hysteria. Gaslighting comes to mind.
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☹️
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That first shot of the reflected tree line is amazing! And we definitely have to put the Hamilton Gardens on the list! Those Alice in wonderland sculptures are fantastic! Love the quotes, especially the one by Picasso. The Magritte entrance is so cool too! So much art – I feel giddy just looking at your pics and will probably faint when seeing it for real! 😂
And I’m so excited about your Arty August!!(not cheesy at all, alliteration always works 😉) Hope to join you, there’s nothing like cheering each other on to the thriving of creativity! 😀 💕💕
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The gardens definitely have to go on our list; just not in winter when everything is so bare. It would be lovely to have you join me: making art is so good for my soul. It’s only the second day of the month, and I feel like just by giving myself permission I have opened a door to someplace good.
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Oh, I’m so happy to hear that making art is doing its magic on your soul, dear friend! I love that picture of an opened door to someplace good – just go through and many wonderful things will await you! Thinking of you! xxx
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Pingback: The Changing Seasons – July 2020 | Art Expedition
Your photos are so elegant. They look downright edible.
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Thank you Marilyn. I’ve got the same meh, nothing new to photograph as you. Without those few days away, it would have been very much an un-changing seasons.
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Love your photos as always Su. That one at the top with the reflections is amazing especially.
I am glad that you have found some moments of peace and creativity in July, despite your anxieties, and I look forward to seeing the results of Arty August!
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Thanks Darren. The result I really want is probably a bit intangible, as I’m sure you understand. But hopefully some of the products of my time will please me too.
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Pingback: The Changing Seasons – July 2020 – The Arty Plantsman
Pingback: July 2020 – The Changing Seasons – A wonderful sheep
Your photos are stunning as always, Su, but your writing this month really resonated. I really admire what a thoughtful writer you are. I look forward to seeing what creations you make in August.
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Thank you so much. Ironically, for someone who has earned a living as a writer, it’s something I still struggle to do. Each blank page still terrifies me.
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Hi Su, I have done my July at last.
I just love your images and Artsy August is a great title 🙂
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Pingback: The Changing Seasons: July 2020 – All things bright and beautiful
The Alice in Wonderland sculptures and space are wonderful – I hope they made up for the absence of ooomph in other respects.
What I’ve noticed in our neighbouring Singapore Botanic Gardens is the major cull – as soon as our Lockdown started to lift, the drastically trimmed the shrubbery all through the gardens. So much so that we could see right through to the roads and other amenities which were otherwise hidden previously. Also, the sound of traffic at the fringes of the garden is now audible, although not terrible. But I imagine once nature takes its course, all will be hidden again.
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The sculptures are wonderful; so detailed and nuanced.
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Pingback: What’s been happening? – August 2020 – Life at No. 22