Resonant
A quote from an interview with conductor Marin Alsop about listening to music, or not, in her free time. Writing seems to fill some of the gaps for me
We all loathe looking at other people's holiday photos don't we? So here we go, this is my blog and I can put up what I like. This album is a record for me, a few glimpses, reminders of good times and things that piqued my curiosity and took my fancy. We no longer have those huge folders with their stiff sticky filmed cardboard leaves taking up so much space and gathering dust. I put up the equivalent of an out of office announcement on my Facebook page yesterday and the effect was interesting - it helped me commit to actually being in holiday mode. By Christmas (sorry) I'm going to see if I can manage to set that up for my email account.
Works really well
with strong decaf for a bit of a boost - don't most people want to lie on a hot beach under a coconut tree?
This is day 2 of my caffeine detox hence the manifold meaning of the title of this post. What can I give up next? Perhaps exercise the way things are going - I've committed to four classes this week in an attempt to stay awake and keep my energy levels up and my mood buoyant, and not eat anybody or punch them in the face. With my customary sense of commitment, I've bought a box of decaf tea and ordered some highly recommended coffee beans as the ready ground stuff isn't cutting it in terms of either flavour or process. We'll see how I go. The mornings are tough as I'm awake at 5 and soon gagging for a proper brew. There's the mid morning slump followed by the post lunch slump and the late afternoon one to look forward to, and the day wouldn't be complete without an après supper sag.
Balance Balance
Balance Balance
It makes me think of a sign at my friend's house where I'm going for a bit of a break at the end of the week which reads "drink coffee - do stupid things faster with more energy". I did get a lot done in two days and probably more calmly than if I'd had my fix, but my fuse has been short and my mood foul when alone or when the slightest challenge arises. I would say I'm able to deal with issues more calmly though, so that can't be bad. I've felt a lot of neck and shoulder tension today but that could be down to having a session on the hedgehog in Pilates last night.
Pilates hedgehog
Not an instrument of torture, it really gets into the pressure points, especially when I stand on it or position it at the base of my neck or lower back
Tomorrow morning's big job is cleaning the oven, guaranteed to have me cursing and ranting although I'm never happier than when it's done and it will be clean enough to eat my dinner out of. It will be detox day 3 and as yet I haven't managed a single page of the book I have lined up as my holiday read. I feel it will be a case of all or nothing again. Getting an extra 2 hours' sleep won over reading today and I could have slept on. And on.
YSP deer shelter
With my lovely nephew engaged in chat in my favourite corner, the stone benches warmed by recent sunlight,
One of my nephews came to stay last weekend, at first for one night and he ended up staying for three. I started switching to holiday mode when I met my sister, her husband and one of my two other nephews at Huddersfield leisure centre. Sharing the company of minors gave me the excuse to put on my swimwear and join them on the huge and slightly terrifying slides. Morgan and I would have kept going had our collective hunger not stopped play.
Morgan
with his new best mate. Llwyd is very picky about the company she keeps and Morgan's gentle chilled energy led to her sleeping at his feet all night
It was interesting having company in my house. As low maintenance as they get, Morgan's easy going presence felt like a soothing accompaniment to my life. All he wanted was plenty of sleep, some light entertainment and a bit of food. And a lift home to Wales. He can come again.
Enormous old cedar
Tiny young nephew
We got our dose of culture and fresh air visiting two of the wonders of the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle, the Hepworth and YSP. Accompanied by two friends, it was a hilariously educational trip for all concerned.
Unidentified objets d'art
Stimulating company
Hypnotised
by Shiota's work yet again
My domestic chores ticked off the list, all that's left to do is pack my bags, make a few calls, paint my toenails, pay a visit to my lovely seamstress Pola, and get to Aquafit by 2. Once I'm on that beautiful coastal road to somewhere, the A55, I'll know I'm nearly there. I'll be lightly packed too. No harp, no pillow, just a small suitcase and a bag. Everything I need is already there.
Surreal gift
Pink and red, one of my favourite colour combinations. I had to tear myself away from the Dali replica Aphrodisiac telephone in the gallery shop
Location
Wakefield Rapids. The heron can't have been feeling photogenic as he'd just heaved himself up into the air
