… laugh about the joys of hair lest I forget!
Today’s blog post can go one of several ways; in my life at the moment there is much to celebrate. I am fit and healthy, my garden is looking spring-like, I retire in a few weeks and creatively while I struggle with time and ability, all is well.
However, there is one thing that am finding difficult to reconcile and if you know me then you know what is is and if you don’t it will soon become apparent. I suffer from alopecia universalis; which means I have no hair anywhere on my body. Now, I can laugh about this because it almost funny, and until you experience say; no nasal hair;they do curb the dripping, eyelashes too; while I save a fortune on mascara, they do have a function. Eyebrows too do serve a purpose; I have given up remembering where they were; so pencil is redundant. The other hair … no need for a Brazilian and I care little about my bikini line! Then, there is the warmth; those lovely hairs as so cosy; I remember!
The cause is unknown; it is surprising how many people I meet think they know and they always seem to know someone who has ‘had’ it. Please don’t say stress; because because believe me none of us would have hair! There is no cure; sometimes it comes back often it doesn’t.
So mostly I muddle along trying to be brave and mostly it is a charade.
This weekend a friend was offering a walk-in photo opportunity; it was something I have wanted to do for a while. So, on Saturday on the way to meet a friend I dropped in …
I cannot say this is a celebratory pose; who does enjoy standing in front of a camera; stone cold sober. It was a mighty step to remain steadfast in my bid not to consider any alternatives unless to keep warm. So my dear friends no matter how well intentioned … remarks like ‘Oh you are so lucky scarves suit you, and hats they are such a delight’ aren’t helpful I feel ugly and vulnerable most of the time and a smile is all I need … and a hug if appropriate to keep me warm.
Or just a laugh about the joys of hair lest I forget!
Quiet in my garden …
A poetry workshop …
Today I am attending a poetry workshop; something I have wanted to do for a long time. While I enjoy writing poetry, it is not, I think, understood by other people. I am self conscious of my attempts to explore and celebrate ordinary objects; then in conjunction with my art work it becomes even more difficult .. for me it makes complete sense.
So I am hoping this class will either; allow me to see where I am going wrong or suggest that I am doing OK .
What more can I expect in 5 hours … miracles?
End of an era …
?????????????
In a few weeks I retire from full-time and paid employment to become a full-time artist. While I have made plans for my ‘retirement’ including making a print studio and organised workshops and courses; the transition after 50 years of ‘work’ will be difficult.
On one hand, I have the joys of fulfilling a childhood dream and on the other a huge space and lack of structure. I have spoken to others about my fears but have been assure that they are exhausting and unfounded.
So I have decided to grasp the nettle … not the stinging kind but one like this one I came across in the Book of British Flora for boys and girls by Mabel Coleclough.
I will at some point have to abandon my blog … begun when I had much to say about libraries, dead languages and my life surrounding those interests. So, I suppose this is where my regrets and fears come from and until I face them and celebrate my new life, there will be tension but I am thinking there is no harm in that is there?
What did you have for Christmas?
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My husband and I don’t swap presents; we haven’t for years and this year we decided to extend this a bit further … sending things to Brazil over the years as become a bit of an economic monster so we curtailed that as well. Of course we enjoy the spirit of gifts; but this can be done throughout the year, at more convenient times and also when there is a need … gifts are wonderful; rewarding, uplifting and vital.
That is why I result in buying a little something for myself.
A little before Christmas I came across this book called The man who planted trees by Jean Giona ; with lovely wood engravings by Harry Brockway; and beautiful story in about 50 pages can be read in an hour! It is available to download but this doesn’t have the illustrations and the afterword by his daughter Aline Giono … and this is the icing on the Christmas cake … Don’t wait until next year get now.
Happy New Year …
From the library this morning …
Working, in the Cole Library on a little section of very early books about the anatomy of animals 16th and 17th century just about … lots of lovely illustrations … mind blowing in detail …. these images are barely an inch square …
In the Garden …
I have a beautiful garden. For nearly 30 years I have lovingly tended it; planting anything that will cope with semi shade and those that will attract wildlife. It has been mostly successful, although I grumble at the pigeons, neighbour’s cats and a pesky squirrel.
I sit for many hours even after dark with a little brazier enjoying the peace and quiet.
This weekend I bought some bare rooted hedging and a little quince tree. The hedging will fill a few gaps and attract a few more birds and the quince is loved by bees I believe; but I just love the fruit and already looking forward to harvesting them next autumn. I am now looking out for a crab apple to plant along side; it might be a bit of a squeeze … but I will find space.
Silent Sunday …
Thursday’s Alphabet … B is for Black Tea and pot
Just thought this was nice …
I don’t have favourite tea; all, even those I have yet to try are special and hold a happy opportunity. Black tea, I take when I return home from work at 5.30pm or a little earlier at the weekend when the afternoon begins to fade at about 4pm; sometimes, with a cake or biscuit. The one I have at the moment is called Tippy Yunnan. It is a very forgiving tea and allows me merely to use boiling water (others are a little more tender and prefer 80 degrees) and steep it 2 or 3 times. While it is deliciously smooth; the first steep simply sparkles. Thereafter, the flavour softens and becomes comforting as the night draws in. Black tea is known for its anti inflammatory qualities, so lately after the leaves are completely steeped I add some camomile flowers, that also has healing characteristics along with aids to a…
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Coat Hanger Doll's House 