Some things that made me smile in… August 2024
Including kind words for unkind days, reflection time and soaking up late summer
If you’re a regular here, welcome back! If you’re new, this is my round up of some of the things that have made me smile over the past month. Please feel free to share in the comments anything that’s brought you joy too, whether big or small! Are you currently a free subscriber but would like to upgrade? You can do that here.
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It’s been a funny old month and summer, of sorts.
August is traditionally a quiet work month for me (which I quite like), so over the last few weeks there’s been more being that doing. I didn’t go away on holiday. There have been unexpected endings too but the sadness of that has been softened by other things such as catching up with people I haven’t seen for a while.
The sunshine this month has been most welcome, though on the days that were particularly hot (by UK standards, at least) I found that rather than giving me energy, the heat left me wanting to curl up like a cat and do nothing.
I did indeed curl up on the sofa to watch other people doing the very opposite of nothing, achieving great things at the Olympics. One of my favourite Olympic moments was seeing Emily Campbell compete in the weightlifting and bag her bronze medal in the process. I think she’s a brilliant athlete and positive force. I really enjoyed this interview with Emily on the Great Company podcast:
Watching the weightlifting also reminded me of something I miss being able to do – barbell training. (It’s not that I was ever doing huge lifts, but the action of lifting is, for me, meditative.)
Some people see me walking around or teaching and assume that must mean all is fine. However, the rehab re. my back continues. It’s an exercise in patience because the process isn’t linear and some days are still painful. It’s also given me even more appreciation and gratitude for my body, which I’ve spent too many (wasted) years not liking very much. This month marked a milestone as during a physio session I stepped up to the barbell (albeit with no plates on it) for the first time in months.
Other than this, in between obligations and day-to-day practicalities there’s been journaling, daydreaming, reflecting, planning and thoughts about what I might hope the rest of this year to look and feel like.
It also never ceases to amaze me how many new things you can discover in a familiar area when you’re not in a car or on a bike. Getting out for walks to soak up the late summer vibes and take in as much greenery as I can before it disappears in autumn has been soothing and brought comfort as well as inspiration. Walking around my local area I’ve spotted quite a lot of passion flowers (one of which is pictured above), definitely more so than last summer – that always brings a smile.
Here’s a few other things I’ve enjoyed during a quiet August (often while doing my best cat-napping impression and gearing up for my Savasana September):
Listening to… Herbert Classical Music
I’m probably really late to the party on this, but I hadn’t heard of Herbert. I came across them via recommendation from none other than the Queen (Charlotte), or at least the actress who plays her, Golda Rosheuvel when I was scrolling through Instagram and saw that she had tagged Herbert Classical Music.
I’m currently listening to and loving Volume 8:
If you do check this out I’d love to know what you think.
Reading… Kind Words for Unkind Days by Jayne Hardy
This was gifted to me by a friend I caught up with this month. It turned out to be perfect timing because I’m in need of things that are kind and heartwarming and offer hope.
I’ve found this a lovely book to dip into with it’s words for when days feel overwhelming or when you feel stuck and frustrated and simple reminders of things we already know deep down.
If this sounds like a book you might like too then you can find Kind Words for Unkind Days here.
Watching… Dame Judi and Jay: The Odd Couple
On paper, the friendship between Jay Blades and Dame Judi Dench seems unlikely but they are indeed great pals! They met on The Repair Shop a couple or so years ago and the rest is history.
This was so gorgeous to watch. Even the hardest cynic would struggle to not find their heart warmed at least a little by the genuine nature of their friendship as they showed each other places that have been important in their lives. It was fun seeing Dame Judi selling plantain at Ridley Road Market and pretty emotional to watch Jay Blades deliver a speech from Hamlet at The Old Vic (not least because he didn’t learn to read until the age of 51.
Something I was particularly struck by Dame Judi’s curiosity and willingness to give things a go. As we get older it can be easy to stick solely to what you know, but I think that’s a sure way to shrink your world.
A reminder to self: stay curious.
Watch The Odd Couple online on Channel 4 here.
Also, Time Bandits on Apple TV is a joy – I’m only a few episodes in and I’m choosing to savour rather than binge.
Here’s the premise:
“An unpredictable journey through time and space with a ragtag group of thieves and their newest recruit: an 11-year-old history buff named Kevin. Together, they set out on a thrilling quest to save the boy's parents, and the world.”
There’s been mixed reviews for this series which nods to the original fantasy film from 1981, but personally I’m finding this show to be pleasingly silly, fun and full of heart.
Last but not least, this month’s kitchen dance track is a bit of youthful nostalgia (to me, at least) as I learned recently that 2024 marks 30 years of UK Garage: 21 Seconds -So Solid Crew
Over to you:
Thanks Paula. I have ordered the book. Loved the reminder about So Solid Crew, one of my favourites!