Hi, I only rarely post here, perhaps because my days are fairly mundane usually, and filled with chores and getting by. The last few weeks have been quite interesting though, unusually. I have two sons, with a big gap between, one who is very close, the other not. And that's it for local family.
So very few family commitments, a son who is now in haste to fly the nest, and only relatives living on different continents! In a crazy flurry of communication and travel I have had in quick succession a visit from my brother and family from the US who were over here with DMB, real flying visit stuff, so two days in v pricey hotel in London, some sightseeing, and then they were gone again. I miss them a lot. My nephew is 8 and an absolute delight. This was followed by contact with cousins on 4 continents, and a visit from my elderly doctor uncle, with absolutely no warning! He is in his eighties and still a practicing doctor in my mum's home country, Sri Lanka, and though he now looks old he is in an incredibly fit state of health, putting me to shame! He was sad about the PD, he looked after my grandmother who also had the slow stiff variety I have in her final years..... and knows the score. This is more contact than I have had in 30 years! And I am grateful and happy, but wish that PD had allowed me more energy to do more....

On a completely different topic I watched the Obama speech on health care reform and the following press conference, and realised the incredible complexity of even trying to make changes, and saw that there were a lot of issues there of concern. Though it is my personal opinion, seeing things from the outside, that it is not just the US but the entire world that cannot afford the cost of medical care in the US. I say this not to take any sides at all. It's a huge challenge. I hope that care for elders and long term is not compromised, and that whatever comes it brings real benefit to all.

My really positive event for the last few weeks has been that my younger son, who just hit 18, has helped me change my little used dining room into a studio for us both, painting it, and getting it perfect for me to go back to my long term love, making art, and for him to do the digital design work he is so good at. We work in a companionable space, me at my own slow pace, and are loving it. And - he has also made sure I have a place to do computer work too. IT is great when your kids do something for you like that - without prompting! It's the first time since 1996 that I have had a dedicated space for being creative that is not about work and making a living.... joy!

For the third year running we are having a summer with torrential rain, it seems a new pattern, like a mild tropical monsoon season...... the sun when it comes out is hot and beautiful - there is little in between the two though, and I have been drowned out on several occasions.... plants are loving it, and we seem to have more wild birds in our city this year.

Wherever you are I wish you a good week, peace of mind, and the best health you can muster.

Lindy

Lindy, I didn't read anything mundane about your life.

Family scattered around the globe. A new work space for your (artwork). My mother would call that her "nest." What a kind teenager you have , not that common to have one that would dedicate so many hours just for his mum! with your wonderful craft.

Let us hear more of you travels from time to time, and about your artwork. From my humble perspective it sounds lively.

You have a great week too,
Carolyn