Good Stuff Nice Life Reminders Pip-Life

What’s cheering me up …

October 14, 2022
A floral couch and crocheted blanket plus pillows AND a plate of cheese on toast

Inspired by a favourite YouTuber (the brilliantly bookish Gina Stanyer) I thought a post about bolstering things would be a very good idea!

Here are some things that have proven cheery this week (and possibly every week!)

Cheese on toast

It’s really such a simple comfort with a giant cup of tea, especially with lots of freshly ground pepper … perhaps some chutney and a slice or two of tomato snuck underneath the cheese? Or perhaps a special Stephanie Alexander inspired cheesy toast mix, grilled until bubbly? Totally cheering, in my opinion.

Hot drinks outdoors

There’s something about a cuppa outside that encourages a pause, serving as a reminder to take a breath and check in with all my senses, rather than my phone. Very calming. Quite cheering.

Books that avoid cynicism, champion nuance and nurture intimacy between reader, writer and characters

I was chatting to someone about this on email last week, talking about Rosamunde Pilcher’s The Shell Seekers in particular. There’s a sort of unwritten companionable contract between reader/writer/characters that makes the story such a cosy joy to read. Many of her other books are like this too, as are Maeve Binchy’s. They are the queens of comfy cheer.

Messages from pals

I’ve had a lot of kind messages and support from various good sorts this week. It’s a privilege to be in a position where people aim their thoughtfulness in my direction. Super cheering and incredibly bolstering.

Saving up shows

I’m such a dork, but I like to save all my new episodes up to stream in one big, enjoyable slumpy chunk. Just add tea and treats and I’m all set. Cheering.

Looking at pets

There is something special that happens when you REALLY look your pets in the eye and have a gentle chat with them, don’t you think? It’s very cheering and lovely for both parties. If you don’t have a pet you could go looking for the friendly neighbourhood cat? Or look at a friend’s pet? Highly recommend.

Books on my phone

I have a Kindle, but I prefer to read ebooks on my phone as it’s smaller and easier to hold for extended periods. PLUS I find the library’s Libby app really easy to navigate. Whenever I have a bit of down time, my book is not far away and I have a very busy shelf of current reads and to-borrows and holds and magazines (Country Living, The Simple Things, Gourmet Traveller, Delicious) to browse when I need some inspiration or occupation. I read a lot of ebooks in bed because holding books hurts my arms (stupid illness!) and when my eyes get tired, I turn out the lights and switch to audiobooks  instead. I’ve done more reading this year then I ever have, so that’s one good thing about having this blasted ME. Bookish cheer!

What’s bringing you cheer these Spring-y days, pals?

xx Pip

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6 Comments

  • Reply Wendy October 21, 2022 at 8:01 PM

    Pip, you have such a lovely warm way with words… I find reading your posts very cheering! And a great reminder about the joy of a cuppa outside, sans phone. I read a new cookbook cover to cover with sticky notes in hand today, which is one of my fave things to do. (It’s RecipeTin Eats Dinner cookbook- fabulous!) Wishing you well.

  • Reply Jennifer Jones October 19, 2022 at 11:46 AM

    Hi Pip this is my first visit to your blog. I was pointed in your direction by Denise from DenyseWhelanBlogs. I loved this positive and uplifting post. What’s making me happy at the moment is the sunshine after flooding rain here in Central Victoria.

  • Reply Kerry October 14, 2022 at 8:05 PM

    Love this!! So cheery and inspirational. Thanks for sharing!

  • Reply Rachel October 14, 2022 at 11:30 AM

    What a wonderful collection of little joys! The hot drink outside really resonated with me – I had a lovely time watering the garden yesterday, hose in one hand, cup of tea in the other. Certainly a peaceful way to soak up the spring sunshine!

  • Reply kate October 14, 2022 at 10:36 AM

    Seeing blog posts like this one, that remind me it’s more than okay to be grateful for the simple but important things.
    Coffee and my daily walk always always make me want to get out of bed, closely followed by watching the birds in (literally they are nesting in our roof!) and around our place. Along with that I’ve become quite invested in the youtube channel watching the peregrine falcon chicks in Melbourne.
    You’ve reminded me how I could combine those two loves by taking my next coffee outside, might include some grilled cheese on toast alongside it. I had the most delicious ham and cheese toasty recently, I think it was because they had used plastic cheese and cooked it in a pan so it wasn’t squashed thin enough to post. It really was the best toasty I’ve had in a very long time. Reminding me that often the basics are still the best.
    Also I’m off to check out magazines on the libby app, I do love magazines but am often disappointed to find only 1 or 2 articles i enjoy and they are so expensive.
    Take care dear Pip
    cheers Kate

  • Reply Karen October 14, 2022 at 10:11 AM

    Such brilliant ideas as usual Pip! Your posts always remind me to slow down and enjoy the same things in life that you enjoy. I’ve read so much this year because I joined an online book club that sends you a surprise book ever month.. It’s the best! Karen xo

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