Just right Nothing at all stressed me out today. Things seemed leisurely, but I got quite a lot done. At my part-time gardening job, I trimmed hedges in the late afternoon with the electric hedge cutter and felt like Lara Croft, but did not look like her. The owners of the villa gardened too. We... Continue Reading →
Desk-bound, yet free
Sources of Joy - Day 23 Now that I have had the benefit of some quality sleep, I can highlight what brought me joy yesterday, when my workload meant movements were restricted to within spitting distance of my desk. There is a certain joy which those in occupations which demand imagination, creativity and problem-solving are... Continue Reading →
Work
Sources of Joy - Day 22 I really do love working. I got confirmation of an editing assignment set to begin in about three month's time. The client offered to make part-payment at the beginning of the job, which made me feel about ten times more special than I really am. Other aspects about this... Continue Reading →
Sources of Joy – Day 21
Relaxation I was not of a mind to take photos today, so here is one from yesterday. It is a photo of a wall, but you may be tricked into thinking it is of a dry river bed. I loved watching the little kids singing in Church today. Each has their own distinct character and... Continue Reading →
Sources of Joy – Days 18—20
Fuel, and refuelling The only thing worth mentioning about my car running out of fuel for the second time in two weeks on almost the same spot on the same road is that both times I was able to phone a friend to rescue me; the second time rather more fortuitous than the first because... Continue Reading →
Sources of Joy – Day 17
Far from the crowd As the expression goes, I took the whole day for myself today. What I mean by it probably differs a little in the detail to what is generally meant. To me, it means that all I do is work; and I work because I want to. Apart from showering and dressing... Continue Reading →
Sources of Joy – Day 16
Lawns and hosepipes Today's joy was derived mainly from feeling the sun on my back this morning while mowing the lawn and other gardening delights at the villa in Boliqueime where I still have a part-time job, which I do not really need, but I do enjoy. It was with a sense of liberation after... Continue Reading →
Sources of Joy – Days 14 and 15
Festa da São Faustino It does seem a bit of a cop-out to write about two days together, although it does appeal to the non-conformist part of me. I love seeing other people working in cooperation with one another, especially when creativity of an ordinary kind produces something beautiful and shared. It is what makes... Continue Reading →
Sources of Joy – Day 13
Acupuncture, singing, work, greenery, caterpillars, sky, and clothes Yesterday's third acupuncture treatment was wonderful. It gave me energy and calm; precisely the two things I needed last night to survive the choir practice - a slightly different group of singers from Tuesday night - for this Sunday's festival at São Faustino, the little chapel on... Continue Reading →
Sleep
Sources of Joy - Days 11 and 12 I love sleep. I especially love the rare occasion when I get 8.5 hours' sleep in a row. Last night's unusual headache had me retiring early. The real joy is experienced today: No headache, and a marked increase in concentration. This makes me a happy, efficient translator. So... Continue Reading →
That elusive pair of jeans 