25 January 2008
So, I did take a few photos in London, but not so much blog-fodder photos. Here are some of my kitchen plants instead:
To summarize the trip, S was able to see a lot of fun and noteworthy things, and I've gone off London. It's just not right to holiday in the city in which you used to live and which wore you down when you did so. All future holidays will be spent in the middle of Ireland or northern Minnesota (ie, places where there's nothing much to do except take a walk if the weather is favourable).
Luckily, though, the holiday set me up for an exciting return home. I'm really happy to be back, and I've got a lot of ideas banging around in my head. Some of my plans for the coming year:
-- Keep a written journal. I've never had much success doing this, but I've made a few small, month-sized notebooks; a new journal for every month will keep me interested!
-- Expand the garden in the spring. Duh. I was thinking about this year's garden when I was still harvesting last year's veg.
-- Start a garden/vegetable diary and photolog (not on-line, though), with an eye to turning it into a Blurb book when the year comes to an end. I'd like to document the process from the very beginning (planning the year's garden, searching for plants), from different angles (growing my own veg, buying from the farmer's market, etc), and throughout the year (coping with gluts of certain crops, learning to preserve/freeze the extras). It would be halfway between a photo book and a journal -- something inspiring, which I'd like to have around.
-- I also want to throw together a Blurb book of my favourite photographs from the past few years. Mainly for myself, as I've been shooting only digital for a while and don't have prints, but I may make it public as well. It's funny -- working in publishing has taken the shine off finding a publisher (vs self-publishing/POD services like Blurb). I would much rather do it all myself and sell two copies than to convince somebody else to have faith in it and then worry about selling through a print run.
-- I've joined a gym, and I'm really excited about getting back in top shape. I went from running four times a week to taking long walks almost every day to. . . sitting around, not doing much of anything. It's cold out, is my excuse. It's sad how quickly one loses one's endurance when it comes to running, but I've started from scratch before, so I know it's not really that hard to get back into it.
-- S and I are taking ballroom dancing lessons, starting next Wednesday. Much excitement.
-- I'm going to get some simple dress patterns and cheap fabric and make a few casual dresses for myself. I'm tired of people asking if I sew my own clothes and having to answer 'no'. Of course, I said I was going to make skirts back in September, and that never happened.
-- Speaking of things that seemed to never happen in September, I also swore I would finish my zine. I did, and I made several copies, but never got around to doing anything with them. I've got a couple of other handmade paper items (bookmarks and to-do index cards) wanting a home, so maybe I'll check out Etsy.
Who has time for holidays with all these plans? Not me. Starting now.
I enjoy reading your blog but I must highlight it in order to get the contrast sharp enough to do so in comfort. Would it be possible to make the text darker? A little bigger would be nice too.
posted by Charlotte at January 26, 2008 05:54 AM
wow, it sounds like you will certainly be keeping busy with an abundance of activities!!
posted by VeggieGirl at January 26, 2008 05:32 PM
looks like it's an exciting year coming up for you :) most of all I liked your ballroom dancing lessons! we have been planing salsa lessons for more than a year now but... I hope that finally we'll follow you :)
best wishes from Denmark
posted by ievute at January 26, 2008 05:42 PM
I love your journal idea...and I am so jealous of your ballroom dancing classes!
posted by Katie Heule at January 26, 2008 07:11 PM
Hi cutie, I've given you a 'You make my day' award over on my blog, cause y' do, you and Minnie in the crochet cosy coat (best pet clothing I've ever seen) la la la, makes me want to sing.
posted by cally at January 29, 2008 04:13 AM