Well, it’s been a hot minute since I last posted. Fortunately, it was for good reason! I got to spend two weeks with my family and catch up with friends in Oregon.
First, there was my dad’s 75th birthday. Normally, he doesn’t do a big show of his birthday but as he’s had a few moments of facing his mortality, he decided it was a good chance to open up for some recognition for the good life he has. There were a mix of people from his past and present who came to celebrate, including his older sister and brother. It was a lot of fun for me to see them!
Then, there were the two cutest newest members of my family and friends’ circle (matched with the blankets I made for them):
Oh my goodness, do I love a bit of bebe snuggles!
Finally, but definitely not the least, was a mother-daughter trip to Vegas to see “Beatles Love” and the amazing Adele.
Every time I go home I feel like it’s the best time. I cherish the moments I get to spend with my family and my friends. It’s a blessing to be able to make regular visits to Oregon, share experiences and conversations, and reconnect with my childhood home.
Now, I’m back in Italy. However, it’s going to be a busy month of June with visitors. We are looking forward to it! Hopefully, I’ll be posting regularly again, though. 😀
It’s social season as the weather improves with warmer temperatures and sunshine ☀️. It’s not yet deadly hot, so it is ideal for eating, drinking, and being merry.
Usually, I prefer a smaller quainter lunch so when I initially started organizing this one, that was the plan. Then, before I knew it ten people turned into 24 (including us)! We provided the setting and meat dish while others brought their table contributions. We definitely ate well! 😬
We also took advantage of our open terrace space this time so that people could spread out. It was a seeming success and no one left hungry or very sober. 😅
It was a great way to spend an afternoon before I head off to the States again for a couple of weeks.
Well, it was just barely a week – perhaps not quite since I braided on Wednesday and it was out on Tuesday…. Yup, it is what it is.
Sadly, my sensitive skin and physical nature just doesn’t like natural fibers or foreign products. When I say natural fibers, I mean things like wool which makes me super itchy. Foreign products that are not natural or organic however are my enemy.
While it is possible that the braiding was just too tight, whatever it was, my head broke out in hives slowly but surely. I gave it a few days with attempts at treatments, but alas, it was not to be.
So, this last Tuesday evening, I made M help me as watched TV together and five hours later, the braids were gone. On the plus side, my perm stayed and my hair seems to be a bit happier to be free so it is looking nice on its own. I also have a renewed appreciation that it is, at least, not straight.
Anyway…no more braids for the foreseeable future. If I ever do the style again, it will have to be with my own hair at a long length without any extras unless it is added at the end of the hair rather than near my roots. I cannot say that there will never be braids again, but I can say that my new aim is to grow the hair long and then see where my whim takes me!
I’m sitting here with a stack of printed pages that mark various expressions of my written work. One is a draft of the poetry book I want to publish, but need to read them to find themes and possibly re-order or reword. The other is a mere 82 pages of my novel that is finally back in the actionable part of my brain to get on the forward moving track of progress again.
While I generally try to save paper and keep most of my writing in electronic form, there does come a time when the physical print out cannot be beat. Now is that time.
With the poetry, it’s because I need to see how the poems are laid out and how they might read with spacing. As I want to consider how the page might look with possible images or combining some of the shorter ones on one page, etc. There’s more to a poetry book than meets the eye. Plus, poetry as a published form is new to me even though I have been writing poems for almost as long as I can remember writing in general.
For the novel, well, I think that my spontaneous method of writing has finally become a blockage where I forget where I left off in the various threads of the story. If I have it on paper, then it is easier to revert back to where I was. I also have bits of the stories written out in other documents, but I cannot keep track of whether or not I already included that in the main thread. So… with the printing out of it on paper, I am also returning to my software program where I can keep the flow outlined even if I am not necessarily writing it out in that order. If I can maintain a balance in being organized and letting the story come, then I think I can maintain my forward motion in getting this story on the page. I really need to get it out as I have many more stories in my head waiting in line to be allowed their moments.
So, it’s a wonderful way to start the week. In fact, starting my day with the writing made a difference since I usually start with “work”, otherwise known as the paid stuff. However, as I’m starting to consider a new creation of my creative activities, I am prioritizing my own work first knowing that the paid side-jobs will always get done anyway.
I know…I just can’t help myself. Back in October, I did what I really thought was the last time of braids since they lasted about two weeks before I got annoyed by the look, etc.
The problem, or problems are, is that I get bored easily with my hair and look. My philosophy that hair grows back or can always be made simple again makes it easy for me to make decisions about doing crazy/different things.
So, after I did the last set of braids, I got my hair permed in Japan because I trust my stylist there. I thought it would be enough for a while as my hair grew out as that’s my aim – long hair again.
Then, I got distracted and obsessed – again.
Whenever I see long beautiful braids on my social media feeds, I start to imagine the possibilities. I just love the look of them on others and on me, to be honest. Somehow, I feel it suits even if my sensitive head might disagree as it screams from the tension of the pulled hair to braid or the irritation of the foreign hair on the scalp.
This time, I started chatting with a lady who was advertising her braiding and hair extension services. She is located a bit far away, but her work looked amazing on the videos and pics she showed of her clients. I mentioned about my sensitive head and she suggested I use Brazilian wool instead of “hair”. After a few more exchanges, I think she might have gotten annoyed with me and my lack of knowledge about where to purchase the wool or hair if I just wanted extensions – because I love long hair these days.
In the end, I got back in touch with the original place I have gone to in Rome. She is always affirmative in her answers and I know that when I get there she will explain things. So, I booked myself in.
May 1st seemed a nice day as the first of the month as a new hairstyle start. Off I went on the early commuter train, which was actually very quiet since May Day is a bank holiday in most of Europe. Eight hours later by the amazing hands of Thomas from Nigeria, my hair was complete.
Thomas on the right – rare sight of two men working on hair!
So far, I’ve had two sleeps on it, given my scalp a light wash and rinse, done yoga, and it’s been good. The itchiness is still there, but the look still makes me happy. We’ll see how long I last with it, but as long as my head doesn’t go red, I feel good about it. If it doesn’t last, well, I’ll reassess if it’s worth it for a two-week look in the future… Or, maybe my own hair will get long enough that it can be braided on its own….
Anyway, you know my philosophy – it grows back and can always be adjusted!
For some time, I have been thinking about going on a retreat for myself. I hadn’t been on one since my yoga teacher training program when we went to Bali for a week. At that time, I didn’t love the retreat experience, but was very glad I had done it.
Since arriving in Italy, I’ve made some amazing friends yet not quite felt fully integrated with them on an intellectual and spiritual level. Thankfully, I’m starting to get to know my weekly yoga classmates more , but these things take time. Also, occasionally, I look at emails received about retreats in the area or see them posted on acquaintances’ social media. However, I struggle to justify paying over a grand – either USD or Euros – for something I’m not sure I will enjoy or with people I don’t know I will like, especially if I could spend that money going on holiday with M or even a personal retreat to somewhere.
So, it was the Universe’s answer to my inquiry on something more reasonable as well as if I can make some like-minded friends on a deeper level, when I received a random email about a yoga writing retreat to be held within 1.5 hours away from home.
Although I was a bit nervous about it, I went with an open mind and heart.
Having returned, I can’t believe how fast the three days went by and how relaxed I felt amongst total strangers. We all came from different places in life, but were united in our interest in yoga and writing.
I’m very proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone, opening up with my writing, and listening to my heart. Through this experience, I have more confidence in my writing ability and feel more motivated to do what I love most – write stories and poetry!
If you’re ever unsure about doing something like this, let me know because I’ll convince you to go for it!
Here’s a poem I wrote for our closing circle:
Before I came, I admit this retreat idea was terrifying As an introvert, life outside my head is mystifying
However, of like-minded friends l am in need So, with trust in the Universe, I followed her lead
What could be better than a combination of yoga, writing and fellow female inspiration?
To Elizabeth with gratitude Thank you for your beautiful attitude Toward the forming of our words And the open spirit of letting us be heard.
To Amity with grace Namaste for creating a sacred yoga space For stretching our bodies and minds, But, dang all those binds!
And Ria, whose next move stands on the brink I see you in shades of sweet pink
Oh lady in orange, Lauren A word I’d never use for you is “borin'”
For Eva, there are shades of green In heart and spirit, we understand even if not knowing what all our words mean
Not just your hair, but red for Mariella As grounded and sweet, Che bella!
Let’s not forget Martin After all that delicious food, a diet I have to now be startin’
So with a warm heart I’m sad we will soon be apart But I won’t be a sap, Thank goodness for WhatsApp!
We have wanted to see the ABBA Voyage concert since we first heard about it. Using technology the band is a digital version of their younger selves playing and singing the songs from times gone. Although at first it was a bit surreal, by the end it was almost as if it were a “real” live concert. Of course, there was some mindshifts in that clapping was really only for the live band and live back up singers, but then it was also for the mutual appreciation of the music. I did say, though, it was the only concert I’ve been to where people actually moved backwards instead of forwards to see the images on the screens and the average age-group probably needed eyeglasses. 🤪
After the concert, we went on a 24-hour whirlwind tour of England to visit M’s family. From long country drives to city sights, we had a rather lovely long weekend. Next time, though, I hope to stay for a few days of relaxation in London as I’m growing to love it more each time we visit. 🏴❤️
It’s that time of year again. Flowers are blooming. Sun is shining most days with a slightly cool breeze. Days are cool in morning and evening, but comfortably warm midday. Eyes are itching and watering. Nose is tickling leading to sneezing and sniffles. And, a lovely layer of pollen lands on everything that stops for a short period outside. 🤪
Sarcasm aside, I do love this time of year. It’s nice to sit in the warmth of the sunlight and get some Vitamin D soaked up naturally. Still, I am balancing my time in and outside. The good thing is that I have plenty to keep me busy on the computer. The bad thing is that I sometimes feel guilty for sitting in a cool, darker room when it looks so lovely on the other side of the window.
In any case, like with most things, it’s all a passing of time. Therefore, I am making the most of the season while it lasts.
Views from our garden
All is well from this past week. I have a nagging sense that I am not living up to my ability to dig deep into thoughts when it comes to writing or my poetry. Of course, the poems can be added to later so it’s enough for me to write out the ideas of them for now. However, something is just on the edge of my mind that I think will open up a new perspective on how to manage the more spontaneous lifestyle that we lead a bit better for a schedule-proned/dependent person like me. It’s just not yet in full formation, but it’s coming – I can feel it.
In the meantime, I am enjoying the days, spring colors, and lots of activity! Happy Friday! (OH, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY today to my mama!!! 🎉❤️)
This image about sums up my world these days – a bit of chaos, distracted by the sun, the world keeps on moving, emails and writing take up the time I do find myself with before other things come up to take me away.
Life is good.
The sun is shining most days now. The temperatures are rising. Social season has begun and the flowers are in bloom. Aside from my allergies not cooperating, everything is beautiful.
So, I am still writing and doing work, but less so in some spaces. We’ve also had visitors and been socializing more so that my usual schedule is a little off. With more travels coming and taking in as much of the lovely weather as possible, I may continue to be a little more sporadic, but I’ll post when I can!
