Lisboa

I recently travelled to Lisbon for one day (I know, crazy right? I love being spontaneous) normally April is a rainy month but I was lucky as the sun was out and it was rather warm.

I met a lovely Lady called Noura on a tour of the Alfama district in Lisbon, my iPhone kept playing up so she kindly sent me some of her photos. Lisbon is a beautiful city with character and culture, I hope to travel there again for a longer period of time! 

Petra, Jordan - February 2014

I travelled to Petra in Jordan in February 2014. I like this photo for its sense of mystery, design and graduated colours.

Current thinking

Uniqlo WOMEN Silk Long Sleeve Blouse in colour "12 pink" (size s , small). If anyone out there no longer wants this blouse in size s please let me know as it's on my wanted list!

Limbo- I feel as though I am in limbo, not exactly truly lost but needing and wanting some meaning in my life.  I sat an exam today and don't think it went that well even after taking unpaid leave of seven days :(
I'm not sure my current role and life is meaningful for me. Perhaps that's why I feel a little lost?

When I was revising for some periods in the British library I was surrounded by people who were buzzing away most of them on their MacBooks, researching, writing and probably working for themselves in a field they love.  It made me reflect further that I need to change my life somehow if I'm ever to get some happiness from work and general day to day life.

Over the past few years after being partly involved in Almeida projects and being a spectator for Angel  Shed theatre, a group for children and youth theatre, I find that type of work inspiring and life affirming. I also have dreamt about writing a play and a book. I don't know why I procrastinate and don't look after myself very well. Time I started.....

New role, new aspirations and material girl me :-D

I'll be honest with myself here I HAVEN'T BEEN HAPPY FOR A LONG TIME-true no one is happy all the time, but for most of the last decade I would say I have't experienced many happy moments.

I have cheered up emotionally although it doesn't physically show yet as I have a new role!! One which matches my knowledge and studies and I am sure I can succeed.

To polish myself up I'm going to be materialistic and hope to buy some (patent shiny) heels and a bag (messenger bag with edging) from Zara:

Dreams

I've decided to join a book club. I used to love reading when I was very young, being absorbed in other worlds and places. I feel as though I have become lost and blank not discovering new things and being in limbo over the past few years.
I hope to read Rebecca and Handmaid's tale early in the new year. Oh no!! actually Rebecca is out of the question now as I have missed the late Jan slot and cannot miss my sisters 20th birthday evening on 9th January. So it will be Fight Club and Handmaid's tale in February & March. I am really looking forward to this.

Penguin great Loves ❤ ❤❤ ❤❤❤❤

Friday!!

Yes, its Friday and what a week it has been. I didn't have a good working week to be honest, rather rushed and a little traumatic. I'm glad I can relax for a couple of days. I have no plans to go out, I shall:

Read a book or read a couple of books, finish my oil painting of peonies, prepare for an interview for Monday!!! Oh and yes soak up some sunshine :)

The Skin I'm in

No this isn't me- I wish I had radiant skin like this young woman! Although maybe she is wearing makeup and illuminator? Image from http://www.scotch-soda.com/en/collection/campaign/category/women

For some reason this photo also reminds me of my drama classes at school and also a workshop training programme I attended a couple of years ago, it must be the theatrical effect and the black top (we had to wear all black for our drama classes at school). Wow those drama lessons have left an imprint on my memory- this was 15 years ago!

It's often said the way your skin looks shows your state of being. Mine is rather dry and dull. Just like my life over the past 5 years :(

To be honest I don't really look after it so its my problem really. In the past I have tried various organic creams and oils and the effect is short lived, so I half gave up just exfoliating with St Ives radiance cleanser and rubbing in some Astral or Nivea before dashing out anywhere. Yes I normally neglect my skin when I just bum around at home...

So is there a secret to good skin? I don't know but I'm not going to save up for any expensive creams. I shall:

1) Drink several glasses of water a day
2) Eat raw fruit and veg (try for five a day)
3) Exercise more- Join Netball club if evening classes in Sept don't clash, or go jogging twice a week.
4) Try to do happy things once a week or more like watch a good film, read a good book, paint or play my guitar.