On My Mind in September
Autumn plants. Cyclamen, ivy and oak tree.
It’s the middle of September and soon the autumn equinox arrives. Autumn, with its fiery foliage and brisk breezes, whispers secrets of transformation. It's a time to shed the old, embrace change, and let fresh beginnings take root, just as leaves gracefully fall to nurture the earth.
The Ebb & Flow of Creativity: The tide is still on the ebb. But then I read about another artist who also hoped for miracles. Who also felt like the floor beneath her was pulled away by her loss. And she couldn’t paint. She’s not sure how long it took, a year or two, and then the darkness lifted a little. One day she slowly started painting again. And she still keeps his room intact, in case he returns. So I’m no the only one. I hope dawn breaks soon.
On my Palette: muted shades of pink and apricot. A splash of zesty lime green.
Pen and Ink: Letters to lost ones.
Reading: The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka.
Watching: Happy Valley.
Starting: Nordic walking which blends cardiovascular activity with a vigorous muscle-conditioning routine that targets your shoulders, arms, core, and legs. While walking without poles primarily engages muscles below the waist, incorporating Nordic poles activates the entire upper body musculature in addition to the lower body. I think this will be an activity that is low cost and easy to fold into my daily life.
In my Kitchen: oven roasted tomato, garlic, and red onion soup with fresh herbs.
On my Radar: Just One Thing - with Michael Mosley: The surprising health benefits of Tai Chi.
On my Balcony: A burgeoning lilac dahlia. White asters. Verbena. Oregano, sage, parsley.
Weekend project: The Farmer’s Market at Tessinparken in Stockholm. Bread, grapefruit marmalade, garlic, tomatoes, red onions, and a bunch of flowers.