I told myself that I wouldn’t get to write today. That I wouldn’t have time. But then my 15 year old lad has just told me he want to do worm charming (I am guessing this is something akin to snake charming?!) and I thought this was too funny I just had to write it down!… which then got me on a roll - as soon as I start I am off.
I just woke from a very deep sleep (I put my alarm on for 20 minutes this time but only did 12), I think, I know, I have been out my body. Little one is still sleeping after a LUSH outdoor swim this morning. Normally after swimming I let him fall asleep in the pushchair then either go to my favourite café (Bobber’s Mill transport cafe where all the van drivers go - I have a van too so it’s allowed) and have a greasy fry up.
Or I go and sit in the gym cafe and not buy expensive coffee. Now and then my budget allows it but their “card only” policy does annoy me so yeah, I’d rather go 5 minutes down the road, get a sausage meat sandwich and go home (or write there while the little one sleeps).
Today I rushed home as I have so much to do for my “garden party” tomorrow. Since it’s my birthday next week I’ve asked all my friends to come and help me clear the weeds and grass in my now overgrown and very wildlife friendly garden.
I did a small amount of writing early on as I had to send my baking/singing newsletter out. Oh god, just realised I forgot to do something. Must ring a few more people on my list. Now I feel really terrible. Last minute as always.
See, now I am in the flow of writing and don’t want to stop. Sitting in the hot, hot sun again on the front between my front door and the van. It is sheltered enough to be able to sunbathe properly. I really do think there is an "anti-sun" agenda these days. I’m sure our ancestors can’t have got skin cancer 1000s of years ago. We need sun to live and thrive. I know some people have sun sensitivity, it make my littlest boy sneeze! and sometimes it’s too bright for my north European eyes.
But how wonderful it is to get the sun on our bodies. Now the pool is open for the summer I am taking the kids whenever possible. Particularly important to get the sunshine on Robin’s chest where his scar is. And don’t get me started on sun-cream. It has never felt quite right to me somehow.
I digress (again!). So, writing for me today is just this diary.
Two things have inspired me - first was getting a lovely handwritten card in the post from a friend. It’s always soooo nice to receive such a thing..... which reminds me - I have so many letters to write! and parcels to send.
I really must declutter my writing desk (hate that word - “declutter”, as I like my clutter - I guess I just mean move the crap).
It used to look like this after all!
Now it's just piled with papers, bits and bobs, tarot cards, dried herbs, and other such paraphernalia.
Anyone else do this?
I owe you a letter too - I haven’t forgotton xxx (well I had tbh!). There is one that is half written since xmas (remember when you were doing your xmas card writing zooms?). Oh I really miss those gatherings of friends. I know they were online but they were nearly as good as meeting IRL.
I had a double whammy from the postman today - a book delivery from LWS1. So neatly packaged, I half opened it and thought I'd savour it while I drink my coffee now but actually I have put it to one side to open on my birthday.
I'll write about the book then too and how the author (a fellow LWS writer) has inspired me to write.
For now though, I am signing off. Got to get my house sorted for guests. I doubt I shall have the headspace to write now until Sunday at least (it’s Friday today). Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts!!
London Writers Salon
Love you Julie Russell…you are an amazing person. Love all your writing. Keep being you, you magic starbar xx