What a stressful few months these have been, what with landslips, gas leaks, temporary accommodation and moving house – it just seems that there has been one thing after another. Luckily we had the joy and relief of a wonderful holiday to Copenhagen, Kalmar and London restoring us in the middle. August was a month of packing up the house, clearing a huge amount of clutter but also enjoying burgers as part of Wellington on a Plate’s Burger Wellington and seeing my crocus appearing.
At least moving house, while stressful, is turning out to be a positive move. The new place feels like home already even though we are still living out of cardboard boxes, still need to further downsize and still need to get some essentials like a new vacuum cleaner and somewhere to store towels (thanks for the ideas Retirement Reflections).
It was thus very timely to read Sue’s post on Self Care September and her Action for Happiness calendar. Right now, it is something I need to keep in mind, and today my self-care moment was visiting the osteopath to iron out the kinks and stresses caused by packing and unpacking.
I also set up on Wednesday what I called ‘an oasis of calm’ on one of the kitchen counters with a bunch of tulips as the centre piece. I just look at that when I am feel overwhelmed.
Last week when I was packing, I listened to an old episode of the podcast That’s Helpful from 1 September 2022 – Learn to Love Living Anywhere. It also seemed so apt and appropriate, dealing with adjusting to a new living spaces and the importance of getting to know your neighbourhood. I now have a new walk to work which takes me past the Magyar Millenium Park. The electricity box is covered with a mural by Whanganui based Hungarian artist Daniella Sasvári and tells the story of Hungary.
You can also see this pole or “kopjafa”, which apparently symbolises freedom, and these engraved pavers marked with the names of Hungarians associated with New Zealand. Although I had driven past this many times, I had never stopped to look, so fun to do so on my way to and from work today.
So….that is me at the start of a new month and a new season, with lots of things to look forward to in the days ahead. There is still a lot to unpack, a lot to sort, but we will get there slowly but surely.
How was your August? Check out what others have been up to at the what’s been on your calendar event hosted by Debbie, Sue, Donna and Jo.
Also entered in the weekend coffee share hosted by Natalie the Explorer.
Thistles and Kiwis is a Wellington, New Zealand based blog written by Barbara, who likes cats, summer, good food and pretends to garden.
You can find Thistles and Kiwis on Facebook, and also on Instagram @thistlesandkiwis. If you want to get in touch, email me on thistlesandkiwis@gmail.com or lofgren@thistlesandkiwis.com
Thistles and Kiwis 
A new season, a new home, and warmer days to look forward to. Your post has several interesting links and has left me feeling more cheerful about our cold, overcast Spring Day 🙂
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We have been lucky with a sunny start to spring.
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Slowly but surely is a good mantra. Trouble with me and moving house is I tend to want it done. This most recent move of ours, back to a rental in Sydney (we are priced out of buying since we left in 2015) has taken us 6 months to feel settled. And I love it now. Take care. Denyse.
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Yes it takes time!
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So glad the new place is already feeling like home; that is huge! Loving your tulips and calm center too.
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Packing up all your belongings is huge.. and it is done! 😁.Are you still reasonably close to the Botanic Gardens?
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And now we are unpacking….and yes still close to the Botanic Gardens.
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Hi, Barb – You’ve had a VERY full month. I love your ‘oasis of calm’ and I greatly admire how you always end up focussing on the positive.
Thank you for the shoutout. I hope the storage ideas prove to be useful!
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I found the kitchen utensils at least today!
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You’ve certainly had a lot going on Barbara. Hopefully your September is a good one and you settle in well! Thanks for joining us for WBOYC.
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We are getting there bit by bit….discovering things like a very sunny spot to dry laundry is nice.
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The murals on the electricity box are fun to look at. Seems like it would be a nice thing to pass on the pass to work especially when there a few minutes to spare for looking at it closer.
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Yes my thoughts exactly.
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I think that it is very progressive to have an electricity box so pleasantly decorated. I can’t imagine the authorities allowing such a thing here.
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It is nice – cheerful too.
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Happy new house! I adore that little oasis of calm – moving is so overwhelming I bet you’ve needed it a lot. Thanks for linking up.
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Thank you! We have a really big pantry which is also making me smile.
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I bet it does!
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Moving house is always stressful, but also really exciting. I hope your new home brings you a lot of joy and the satisfaction of making the right decision for the years ahead.
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I am so very happy to hear that the new place feels like home! That is wonderful news! Unpacking, and exploring the new surroundings can be so much fun. Enjoy!
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Thanks!
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Hi there, I didn’t realise you were moving away from the place where the landslide happened. Moving can be very stressful but also refreshing in a way! Good to hear you feel like home there. And how nice to move to a new place when you’re going into spring too.
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Yes – and glad to get away too I must admit. The new place is still a bit of a mess, but we are getting there bit by bit and getting used to its noises and creaks! Yes – spring is a good time to move.
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