Thursday, March 7, 2013

In my stride



 My default state of mind currently seems to be bursting with an enthusiasm that is suppressed by a body that refuses to collaborate. At the moment running is out of the question because my knee is still giving me trouble (though it doesn't hurt when actually running or walking; but it does feel worse afterwards, so it cannot be good), and I am battling a chest infection that sees me in bed most of my free time. I would love to make my bed an island on which to read, write and draw, but it is not happening - I manage to read a few pages before falling asleep.*

My mind, however, is very active in my waking hours, planning and sorting and dreaming and anticipating. Somewhat paradoxically, I am also doing my best to be in the moment, but that can be difficult, especially when what I would like to do in the moment is not possible, though of course I realise that being in the moment entails accepting what is.

Despite the need for a hot water bottle and/or flannel sheet in bed, Spring is on its way. I am certain of this because I want to eat raw vegetables on their own, something that seemed wrong until very recently. I have been using jasmine oil on my face (with jojoba as a base oil) and drink at least a litre of jasmine tea every day, and it puts me in a happy mood. I object to jasmine routinely being described as a "corpse" smell, though I get the sweetness link, but I find the thought a bit disturbing.

* [for Spanish speakers]: I am reading the quirkily brilliant book Artistas insólitos by Daniel Monedero, given to me by my friend Pilar, who recommended and subsequently invited Daniel for our festival - he gave a hilarious presentation on some of the books he has published in collaboration with amazing illustrators. Here is a little animation about Artistas insólitos.

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Thank you for your lovely comments and e-mails over the last few days. I am behind on the e-mail (as usual... Funnily enough I have been procrastinating on ordering this book on procrastination - I like to think that as soon as I own a copy - I have read it -, I will be a procrastinator no longer), but I will reply soon!


6 comments:

  1. FYI if you disallow anonymous commenting then spammers like the one above ^ don't be able to spam your page. I had to do this and it has helped prevent spam! Darn spammers :)

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    1. Hi Keith, thanks for that - I checked the settings, but it seems that if I do that, it means only registered users can comment - some of my friends and family comment without registering, so not sure if that would block them (though it does say "includes OpenID" - I must double-check). A lot of the spam I get only appears as a comment in my e-mail, but not here on the blog, so not sure how some of the spammers get in if others are blocked! Thanks for the tip.

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  2. Sorry to hear you're under the weather, Marina, but an active mind is just as good as an active body (and the two colliding can be a little too chaotic!). Feel better soon! xx

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    1. Indeed; that can be too much. Thank you, Catherine; have a great weekend! xx

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  3. Sorry to hear you're not well, chest infections can be horrid.

    Whenever I'm under the weather my mind fills with things I could be doing, I vow that as soon as I'm better the house will be spring cleaned from top to bottom and I'll do some much needed major decluttering. It's strange how once I'm better the motivation leaves me, perhaps I need that procrastination book too!

    Keep warm and cosy and I hope you're feeling better soon.

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    1. Thanks so much, Jan. Yes, it's strange how the motivation can evaporate as soon as we are actually able to do everything we've been planning. I have finally ordered The Now Habit - will be good to reread it; I'd recommend it!

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