This is my monthly wrap up of things that made me smile during the month of June. Earlier in the year I made a commitment to myself to make a concerted effort to think about the great and positive things in my life, and in particular, those things that make me smile. These days, most of the things that make me smile are the simple, every day things that many would consider to be unremarkable. No longer do I need big things or big events in my life, to make me happy.

When I decided to write monthly, about the happy moments during each month, I had no idea that Covid-19 was about to appear in our lives, causing life, as we know it, to change. I’m sure most would say that the past few months have been quite stressful and worrying. But this post isn’t to dwell on those worries.

I’ve found lots to smile about and many small highlights during June. Due to self isolation, I’m still staying close to home, still only venturing out for groceries and exercise. Life in isolation has forced me to slow down, and take a look around me. For a change, I have time to appreciate my life and realise that, amongst the negatives, there is so much positivity and much to smile about.

• In the genealogy world, there have been many conferences and webinars held online. Pre-pandemic many of these would have been held face to face, in places far from where I live. I would also have been working and not had time to participate. I’ve been enjoying having the time to join in with some of these events.
•  Regular walks on The O’Keefe Rail Trail.
•  To add a little fun to being in isolation, we have been bushwalking in places that are travelling distance from home. We rarely see anyone, so it doesn’t put either of us in danger of catching the virus. We take a picnic lunch to have after the walk, which has been fun.picnics in winter are a bit different, but still fun.
•  Baking Anzac biscuits for one of our picnics, using the recipe from Jo, who blogs at And Anyways. I used Jo’s tips and they were the best that I’ve made. We both agreed that it doesn’t have to be Anzac Day to enjoy Anzac biscuits. I also made old fashioned cup cakes, or patty cakes, as we used to call them, for another picnic.
• Every day in June, my Facebook memories have been showing me photos of The Camino de Santiago, my piligrimmage walk across Spain, which I did seven years ago. These photos have made me stop, and remember all the amazing experiences that I had along the way. Most of them, I’ve never talked about, so it has been lovely to stop and remember.
• Many hours were spent scanning files onto my computer. To ease the monotony while doing this, I have watched the three seasons of Broadchurch on SBS on Demand. I hadn’t heard of this series, and came across it accidentally, but am so pleased that I did.
• Picking lots of winter greens from the garden including snow peas, peas, silverbeet, bok choy and cabbage.
• Watching the  guineas fowls definitely make me smile.

What has made you smile lately? I’d love to hear your thoughts and promise to reply to all comments.

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