Month: August 2013

I love my book club

| louisefletcherphotography

I really LOVE my book club.

I am a big reader, I love to read, but bed time is the only chance I get.  I tend to know what I might like and stick to that.  Since being in my book club of 9 fabulous women, I have read (or part read) books I would not have looked at twice.

But more than reading, knowing my diary has a monthly commitment to be somewhere with a plate of food and a bottle of bubbles for a long night of chat and laughter, is worth so much, when putting myself first is my last priority.

I missed my last book club because my little one went into hospital two hours before it started.  I missed it.  I missed the girls.  I missed that me time.

Book Club is held at a different person’s house each month, in no particular order.  One of us recently moved to Bowral and she still comes up most months for our get together, but a few months back, we went on a road trip down south.  Only 5 of us made it but what we lacked in numbers we made up for in appetite, laughter, hugs and the setting!!!

Here is a little snapshot of our day away at the Berkelouw Book Barn with the most amazing book buddies you could wish for.BC1BC2Our book – The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared.  Made all the better by a glass or two.BC4A fabulous setting for a chat about books.BC3And country-style winter food on a bitingly cold afternoon.BC5BC6And our next book, Mr Wigg – a recommendation of the Berkelouw staff. BC7A fabulous day in a magical setting.

I thought you might be interested in the books I have read with my Book Club so far:

The Paris Wife – an insight into those creative, over-indulgent days in Paris

The Great Gatsby – couldn’t get into it this time at all – all too self-indulgent.

Before I Go To Sleep – a scary premise with a twist.  A fair few holes, but gripping.

The Dinner – a great discussion book with complicated motivations.  Loved the time frame from different viewpoints.

The Colour of Tea – sweet and uplifting community of local and expat women.  An easy feel good read.

The Light Between Oceans – one of the most memorable books i have read – harrowing and tragic, but beautifully written and could not ut it down. Controversial in the Book Club

Gone Girl – Gripping and edgy and characters so weird and messed up.  Great book.

The Audacity of Hope – sorry, too dry, not in the mood for it.  Would have preferred an autobiography.

The 100 Year Old Man Who Climed Out of the Window and Disapperared – i really loved this crazy “fantasy” life and romp through history.

Mr Wigg – it took me awhile to slow my pace and get tinto it, but when I did, it was magical.

Feel free to make a recommendation.

Happy reading.

 

All content is the copyright of Louise Fletcher Photography.

It has been awhile

| louisefletcherphotography

Wow, it has been too long since I have blogged and I have missed it.

I notice my last post was all about what an amazing year was planned and how busy it would be.  Well, it has been BUSY!  Good busy, but I do tend to over commit to things.

One of the things I wanted to share about here and now was my amazing journey on the Michell Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation programme.  It was an amazing experience.

What I achieved and learnt in the last 12 weeks:

  • I feel stronger and fitter than I have in a loooong time
  • I started Cardio Tennis which I love
  • I am exercising 5 times a week and am sad if I miss a day
  • I am eating smaller portions
  • I am eating less carbs at night
  • I am more in tune with my body and I know my body does not like over indulgence
  • I am better at emotional and boredom snacking – have mostly been reaching for healthier options
  • I enjoy wine, cheese and chocolate and I will indulge, but won’t overindulge
  • My arms are looking great and i can see muscle!
  • I can fit into my old jeans and I have lost a few cm off my hips
  • I have lost 6kg since the programme started and 8kg in total
  • I am respecting my body and have a new appreciation for what it can do
  • I am more accepting of my body and what it has been through – the “scars” mean so much
  • I love myself
  • I feel more confident and that has me wear my clothes differently
  • I feel happy and energetic and generous
  • My family and friends love me the way I am, and have always been
  • Michelle Bridges is fabulous – a generous, inspiring coach
  • I would recommend this programme to anyone at any level of fitness
  • It really was the right time for me to get “me” back
  • I will continue to follow the eating and fitness and healthy lifestyle I have started
  • I don’t have anything to prove to anyone
  • I owe myself and my family and especially my kids, to lead by example in how I live my life
  • I love my life
  • I will be wearing a bikini come summer – cellulite and all
  • I have proven to myself that I can do it, that I am that person who can have exactly what they want if I work for it
  • If you want something in life, you have to commit to it
  • I did not reach my “target” weight loss of 7.5kg, and I know why I didn’t
  • Every moment in life is an opportunity to learn and choose and recommit
  • The way I speak to my kids about this journey is so important.  Conversations about diet and skinny and weight loss and “how I look” have no place in our home
  • Conversations about health and fitness and strength and energy and activity and respecting your body are the conversations to have
  • My weight loss target has been a measure of how I am doing and who I am being about my health and my body, not a goal in itself
  • I am 43 and have never felt happier, healthier, stronger or more loved in my life
  • It was time!!!!

afterPhoto courtesy of my 5 year old daughter.

Enjoy whatever journey you are on xx

All content is the copyright of Louise Fletcher Photography.