Hello and Welcome to Deb’s World
As you know my 2022 Word of the Year is Gift and I’m thoroughly enjoying the various ways I’m seeing the word show up in my everyday life. I’m truly living it and loving it!
April is one of my favourite months with the change of seasons and autumnal colours everywhere. It starts to get cooler and so we look for ways of being cosy which is where my sunroom comes into its own. It holds the heat but keeps the cool air out and I can sit and read in comfort most days, even if it’s a wet day.
G I F T
G – the gift of gratitude. As part of her WOTY (Word of the Year) which is Peace, Donna from Retirement Reflections and fellow co-host of this monthly linkup, started a Travelling Book of Inner Peace project.
Donna explains the project in her post: “This is the Travelling Book of Inner Peace. Three copies were initially sent from Vancouver Island, Canada, in February 2022. The hope is that you will read it, gain inspiration, and share it. When finished reading, please sign your name and city to the adjacent list and then pass it on. Kindly drop me a line, so I know where the book has been. On the last Friday of each month, I will post updates on my blog to indicate the books’ travels. If for any reason you wish not to join in, please pass the book on to someone else so that it can continue on its journey. Thank you for contributing to this Travelling Wave of Peace.“
I received the Little Book of Inner Peace from fellow blogger Sue during the month and have now read it so will pass it on. The book is full of insights, practical ideas and quotes on how to gain an understanding of inner peace. I’m full of gratitude for Donna and Sue for including me in this lovely project.
The mind is like a torch, shining on either the sorrows or the joys, the problems or the solutions in our life. Fortunately, we hold the torch and get to choose where to shine it.
The Inner Book of Inner Peace
I – the gift of imperfection. That might sound strange but when you think about it, how many people do you know who are perfect? If we can accept our own flaws and be happy within ourselves we can accept others for their imperfections too. I had a bit of a crisis and fashion meltdown during the week and have to learn, although I’m 61, to accept my imperfections and get on with it!
F – the gift of family time. April seemed to be a month of holidays – including Easter and ANZAC Day – and time spent with some of our family members.
During the month we did some kilometres in the car – we were in Canberra, Nowra then Sydney’s northern beaches. We had a great day out at Taronga Zoo, a ferry ride on Sydney Harbour and took in all the hectic-ness that is Sydney!
Exciting plans are underway for us to travel to see our youngest daughter and her family up north in June and then to the UK in August to see our eldest daughter and her family. I can’t wait!
I also spent time with my mother who had been away for a few weeks, picking her up from the airport and spending the night with her, then attending the ANZAC Day March with her.
Family time is so precious isn’t it?
Memories are perhaps the best gifts of all.
Gloria Gaither
T – the gift of living in a small town of Tumbarumba. I know I’ve said it before but I really do live in the best little town. We have an active and supportive community with lots of positive things going on which are always well supported.
Just last weekend we had the first marathon run on our Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail, the first rail trail on public land in NSW – a hugely successful event! Later that same afternoon we had the first Night Markets with food, markets, kids’ activities and drinks available – they were very well supported too.
Coming up soon we have the official opening of the Snow Valley’s Sculpture Trail. We are proud to be involved in the local Rotary Club’s trioBikes taking the less mobile members of our community out for rides along the rail trail and during April we had some lovely rides.
The Gift of Reading
As part of my WOTY, I’ve been reading and listening to books with the word gift in the title. So far this year I’ve read (or listened to):
- The Gifts of Reading: Essays on the Joys of Reading, Giving and Receiving books – a book of short stories from a variety of authors, extolling their joy of reading and giving books as gifts. It was lovely to hear their thoughts on what books they like to give as gifts and how important books are in their lives. Many of the books, and some of the authors, were new to me, but I still enjoyed it.
- The Secret Gift of Lucia Lemon by Celia Anderson was a fun light read.
- I’ve just finished The Girl with all the Gifts by M R Carey and throughly enjoyed this very futuristic story!
- I’m now looking for a new book with Gift in the title! Any suggestions?
I was also given the gift of an advanced copy of Toni Pike’s latest book Linda’s Midlife Crisis to read and review and really liked it – 5/5 stars from me – highly recommended!
Other Gifts this month
- I saw the Wiggles in concert with my 3yr old granddaughter – I can remember taking my youngest daughter to see them over 30 years ago!
- I had a wonderful massage from my therapist – so good!
- I had my hair and colour upgraded – a lovely feeling!
- My online bookclub started our new classical author Jane Austen and we’ve started with Persuasion. We had a great chat after we’d all read half of the book and will finish our discussion next week followed by ‘Cooking with Zoom’.
- Beautiful autumn weather with warm sunshine and glorious colours.
- I gave a gift of my time to various organisations.
- I gifted a whole heap of clothing after my wardrobe meltdown and subsequent purge pf my cupboards. A gift for those less fortunate than myself.
What does the word GIFT mean to you?
Did you give or receive any good gifts during the month? Mother’s Day is fast approaching!
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my end of the month post. My WOTY is a gift that keeps on giving in so many ways!
Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
Mother Teresa
Thanks very much for stopping by and for making me smile. I always appreciate your visits and any comments you leave me 🙂
You can find my co-host’s WOTY posts here – we’re hoping you can join us!
Deb xx
You’re invited to our link party! So what’s it all about?
This year I’m joining co-hosts Donna, Jo and Sue, to provide a link party for anyone who also wants to write a monthly update to help keep the focus on their WOTY. We’re hoping you can join us.
What: 2022 Word of the Year Link Party #2022wotylinkparty
When: Last Thursday of the month PM (Northern Hemisphere)/ Last Friday of the month AM (Southern Hemisphere). The link will be open for 3 days so you’ve got plenty of time to join.
Why: To encourage us all to keep the focus on our chosen WOTY.
Where: Link Party, Blog, Blog Comments, Instagram or other Social Media.
Who: This linkup is open to everyone.
How: You can share in the comments, with a blog post, or on other social media of your choice. Include the hashtag #2022wotylinkparty so that we can find you and include your link in our posts. Whichever way you choose to share, don’t forget to leave a note in the comments so we can find you.
We’re live at 9am (AEDST) on the last Friday of each month and if you’re linking up a blog post you can do so by clicking on the blue link below, it’s open for a few days so don’t panic! Take a look at some of the posts to see how others are managing their WOTY in 2022 – there are some great words out there and creative people!
You can also find Deb’s World in lots of other places – stay in touch by clicking any of the buttons below.
Everyone has a story to tell!
Deb is a young-at-heart & active 60+ blogger/retiree, after being made redundant from her 22-year career managing education programs in a men’s correctional centre (jail). She now spends her time reading, blogging, riding her ebike and travelling. Deb was awarded a Bravery Award from the Queen when she was 17 after a tragic accident – a definite life changing moment! She is married with 3 grown-up daughters & has 4 grandchildren. You can read more of Deb’s story here
Copyright © 2021 debs-world.com – All rights reserved
Deb's World 
I missed your link party, my friends, but WOTY is still working in my life. You had a lot of positive experiences this month. Here’s my belated link. https://alwayswrite.blog/2022/05/07/my-coffee-bounced-into-the-street/ Have a great week, Deb. 🙂
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Glad to hear that your WOTY is working in your life. I’m off to read your post 🙂
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I’m enjoying your word this year. You have the gift of words. 🙂
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That’s so sweet of you!
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It’s good to focus on a positive word like Gift. Thanks for the inspo, and for joining the link-up.
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Thanks Gail, gift has been a great word to focus on so far this year. I’m really enjoying finding all the unexpected gifts that happen.
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I loved everything about this post!!! What a great idea with reading and passing the book along. How do you all decide who to pass it onto next? I think it would be a fun idea to try to do. So glad you got to spend time with family. There’s nothing like it. My girls LOVED the Wiggles when they were little. I loved your thoughts on “gift” and reading books with the word “Gift” in them. The first one sounds really good. To me, the word gift means anything that brings a sense of unexpected joy. A hug from someone, a compliment, a note on my coffee cup, an actual gift. 🙂
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Oh many thanks Kirstin! We can pass the book onto someone we feel with appreciate it and continue the travels. Yes simple things are sometimes the best gifts of all!
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Over the years I’ve learned to never let perfect be the enemy of the good. I’ll come with one idea but if the outcome is not exactly how I want it, I can find opportunities learn from it or let it go.
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That’s a great way of looking at things Julie, thanks for your wise words.
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I’ve been trying to really enjoy those little gifts in my daily life: a child’s hug, a sunrise, the features on my new(ish) car… The birds, the green grass… so much to delight in that we usually take for granted.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
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They all sound like lovely gifts to appreciate Mireille, thanks for joining me 🙂
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What a wonderful post! I am grateful for the gift of this life every single day and I always thank for the universe during my morning meditation ❤
Hugs all the way from Portugal (!)
Suzy x
http://www.thegreybrunette.com
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Yes I too am grateful for for the gift of everyday too! Thanks for your visit Suzy 🙂
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Debbie, I love your WOTY as it implies something pleasant and unexpected. When we open ourselves to the possibilities, gifts are all around us. You have certainly had a month filled with beautiful gifts. If you haven’t already read it, ‘Gifts from the Sea’ by Anne Morrow Lindburg is wonderful.
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Thanks Suzanne, I like your thoughts on gift! I agree that gifts are all around us and it’s lovely keeping a record of them in my WOTY posts this year. That book has been suggested so now I’d better read it!
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Hi Debbie, Your April was lovely. Family time is definitely an extra-special gift. So exciting that you have your trips planned for June and August. I look forward to the updates! Thank you for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare.
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Thanks Natalie, I really enjoyed my family time in April and am looking forward to my upcoming trips.
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I’m so happy you have been able to spend so much time with family over this past month. The traveling book idea sounds fabulous and the book on inner peace sounds like one I would definitely enjoy.
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It’s a sweet easy read Astrid and full of good ideas to help us gain some inner peace. I’m sure you’d enjoy it! Thanks for visiting and joining our linkup, it’s been a good month for me 🙂
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I loved your quote from the inner peace book! Very good reminder of the power we have to steer our thoughts and focus in the right direction. What you say about imperfection is also very spot on. I’ve mentioned something similar in my WOTY post. How boring would it be if everyone was perfect and brilliant? Isn’t it our imperfections that make us human and, most of all, interesting?
This month we’ve come back to what really feels normal in terms of socialising… and I’m truly enjoying the gift of friendships, the possibility to enjoy the company of other people, this time for real, not through screens (although I’m also thankful for the possibilities screens have given us).
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Thanks for your comment Susanne and for joining us in our WOTY linkup. I thoroughly enjoyed your post too! Our imperfections make us unique and human as you say. It was a good insight to have, and one that fitted in well with my WOTY. I’m pleased you are feeling better about socialising again, it’s been a hard time and I still get a bit apprehensive in larger groups. Have a lovely May!
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Hi Deb – I love how your gratitude just shines through and I can certainly relate to the Gift of Family – we had our son, DIL and g/girls for a few days and then a couple of days later our daughter and SIL, and now my Mum’s down visiting as well. My heart is very full atm and I’m so grateful for the joy of a family that likes being together. I bet your trip to England is going to be an absolute highlight of your Gifts this year. xx
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Thanks Leanne, gratitude for what I have in my life is very real and I’m glad it shines through in my post. I’m so pleased you’ve had some family visits and that your heart is full, it’s a lovely feeling isn’t it? Gift has been a gentle WOTY compared to previous years words, but I’m actually enjoying it far more than I thought I would!
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It sounds like you have had a beautiful April full of gifts. I loved all your quotes in this post too. Plenty to reflect on. Thank you for sharing.
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Yes April was a great month of gifts in all forms Janine. I’m glad you enjoyed the quotes as they really resonated with me as I compiled my post. Thanks 🙂
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You have some lovely trips coming up this year – how lovely to be able to make plans again!
I love the idea of playing ‘pass the parcel’ with a book!
You certainly are totally embracing your word this year.
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Yes to making plans Deb 🙂 , it really is. a great feeling to have things to look forward to and anticipate! Gift has been a lovely WOTY so far and I’m making the most of it!
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Your post each month is a gift. Yes, sometimes life does have its ups and downs but after every shower, nature gives the gift of a rainbow (just how philosophical am I?) Awesome post…
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Oh thanks so much Jo, your comment has made my day!
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Love the gift you give sharing your world and your town…and more. Lovely read Deb and thank you for the reminder…clothes are in my wardrobe that I won’t need again and some people may be grateful for them. Love that you have been pampered this week. We are so often last on the list for this! I had hair cut and after a gap of about 2 years, a massage for my shoulders, neck and upper back..we carry so much tension there: computer is a big culprit. Enjoy whatever your weekend brings..tomorrow we are getting the gift of flu vaccine!! D x
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Thanks Denyse! It’s been a lovely gift to join you and others to share our Words of the Year like this. So pleased you are getting your flu vaccine, I’ll be doing that myself in a week or so. A great gift indeed!
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Hi Deb, your posts are always so uplifting and truly are a ‘gift’ to your readers. Your April was lovely and yes, so many gifts to be grateful for. The family photos are beautiful and I admire the work that you and Grant continue to do within the community. Have a wonderful May with lots of gifts coming your way. (Oh that rhymed!) xx
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Many thanks for your lovely comment and your friendship Sue. You’re now a poet 🙂
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Hi, Deb –
Awesome post. Thank you for the shoutout and for contributing to the Travelling Peace Train!
I agree that all of the gifts you mentioned in this post are extra-special, especially family time. I am delighted that you will be able to do two family trips this June and August. I greatly look forward to the updates!
Books that I can think of that have the word ‘gift’ in the title include: The Gift of Imperfection by Brené Brown. The Gift: 14 Lessons to Save Your Life by Edith Eger. How Not to Become a Little Old Lady: Mini Gift Book by Mary MacHugh (okay so the last one is a stretch – but the word gift is in the title)! 😀
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Thank you Donna, for all you do to inspire me and others with your travelling peace train! Also thanks for the gift book suggestions, I’ll add them to my list 🙂
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Gifts From the Sea by Ann Morrow Lindbergh
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Thanks Carol! Added it to the list 🙂
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