Make the time

After last week's celebrations. It was back to work with good amounts of rain, wind, and strong bursts of sun. I tracked the light as it danced around the flat. I also developed a photographic relationship with an Amaryllis as it came into bloom. 

I wrote in my journal on the 11th of March:

There is potential in all of us under the right conditions and if we are shown care and patience. 

I have had this Amaryllis bulb since late November (with the idea of forcing it for Christmas). Even after following the directions on the box there remained no life. I was about to give up on it, thinking it was a dud.

Inspired by seeing my mother's blooming Amaryllis over our video calls, I decided to try a few different tactics to encourage it to thrive. Low and behold it started springing to life in February and now it has bloomed. It is outrageously beautiful. 

Sometimes the rules/directions need breaking or changing because they don't apply to the subject. We can gently persevere with patience and care. We can ask what is needed. This Amaryllis needed extra support and it needed more time - it would not be forced.

The flower is an oracle and teacher. 
Make time to listen. 
_______________

The world is a mess and I am glad you are here, sharing your gifts. Take care until next week.

Conversations and quandaries

Broughton St Mary’s church turret in autumn

Hello Dear Reader, 

Here we are again, another Friday. I hope you are okay. I am not great but at least I am not ill and I haven't had any migraines lately so that is a positive. This week was frustrating and difficult for a multitude of reasons. Even with the beauty of autumn as a backdrop - I am weary. Are we all weary now? Is this just how it is going to be? I sure hope not. 

So let's focus on the beauty and the good parts, that seems to be all I know how to do. I can be struggling and still recognise the wonders of life. 

I went for a walk with my friend Jen on Saturday and introduced her to my favourite local tree. I had been hesitant to go by and visit my scottish friend tree as I was worried it might not be there due to some recent council heavy pruning. Jen kindly accompanied me as I faced that concern and we were both delighted to see its far reaching majesty, albeit very lopsided.  

On Sunday, I met my friend Julia, for a ramble through the city centre and down into Stockbridge. We enjoyed warm drinks and chips while sitting in the window of a crowded cafe. Afterwards we went to a charity shop where I scored a wonderful scarf. We then continued down the road to see the current exhibition, Beneath the Veil at The House of Smalls. This is only the second exhibition I have seen at The House of Smalls and I have been equally impressed and deeply moved each time. If you are in Edinburgh or passing through, I would highly recommend putting this gallery on your list to visit. Amy is a friendly and helpful gallerist and has created a space with an important and commendable ethos.

chai latte with Julia before the exhibition

After meeting up with Julia, there was of course my Sunday session of painting and talking about art with my mom. I worked on the two canvases below. Just adding different washes of paint. Roughing in and wiping away the colours in layers while listening to Brian Eno and drinking tea. Not a bad way to spend some time. I like them pretty well as they are, but may continue to work on them this week. 

work in progress

work in progress

On Monday, the haar rolled in, and it seemed like the perfect time to take a walk and make some photos. I feel fortunate to have this wilderness so close. I know these trees and this patch of land so well and in return I feel known by them. I find so much support and solace in these nearby woods and the paths by the water of Leith. 

As usual, there was work and all the other bits and pieces that make a life - exercise, meditation, meals, conversations and quandaries. I am now sitting on the sofa, listening to one song on repeat and feeling grateful to have shared this Friday ritual once more with you.

May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness. 

May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering. 

May all beings rejoice in the wellbeing of others. 

May all beings live in peace, free from greed and hatred. 

Thank you for being here. Until next week, take care. 

I work, I walk, I protest

In case you missed it, you can read last week's post here.

This week I feel pretty disheartened by what is going on in the world. I work, I walk, I try to focus on the cherry blossoms.

I also protest.

I am not quite done with the foods that make me feel poorly, I eat my weight in hot crossed buns and a vegan chocolate bunny... soon, soon. I am feeling very overwhelmed by all the art that surrounds me and probably overwhelmed in general.

You can read next week's post here.

My warrior, my champion is gone

I don't want to write this post, but I do want to honour my best boy, best friend, companion and love, champion, warrior, protector, familiar, dear heart - my sweet Theo. 

We worked so hard for as long as we could, but we had to say goodbye on Wednesday, April 26th 2023. 

My heart and house feel so empty. 

I will never forget you, Theo. Thank you for all the love, joy, and comfort you gave me and for everything you taught me. Thank you for being with me as I learned so much about my new country and myself. Every day I got to come home to you was a good day no matter what was going on in my life or in the world. 

Words will never express how much you meant to me or our bond. I would do it all over again and I wish I could. 

Hug your dear animal family, they aren't here long enough. 

Many thanks to Connor and Beatrice at Braid Vets and everyone else who crossed paths with Theo during his care there. I will always be grateful.

One hell of a week!

It's been one hell of a week. 

Monday - An unscheduled bank holiday (£££) appointment for Theo at the vet as he had some worrisome symptoms. Turns out he is fine, and it was a good reminder to me that we are dealing with a chronic ailment that we are managing quite well.

Wednesday - An emergency appointment at the dentist for me for a suddenly broken tooth and a total freak out. Turns out it was easily remedied and it was a good reminder that there are brilliant and skilled helpers in the world and that the NHS is such an incredible organisation. 

It was also election day but thankfully I had already voted by post - but the energy was still palpable. 

Friday - A rescheduled vaccination appointment (as I had to cancel on Wednesday due to my tooth). Another reminder of just how brilliant the NHS is at keeping on schedule and taking exceptional care of folks here. It was fast and efficient and the nurse who gave me my jab was brilliant and kind. 

As you have probably figured out I am playing blog catch-up due to the "one hell of a week." I will say that by Friday night I was exhausted and by Saturday morning I was feeling the common side effects - sore arm, low-grade fever, and body aches - much like having the flu. I am not going to lie - it was pretty miserable, but it beats the alternative! And by Sunday morning, I was feeling almost completely well again. Thank you, NHS!! 

Even with this hellish week, I did manage to fit in some drawing (see above) and filmed a Tuesday Studio Video Visit (Facebook hasn't let me post it yet - I'm still working on it). 

This week I was reminded of how good and caring people are and how interconnected we are. There are so many people who are doing good work, being kind, comforting, and supportive. We don't sing their praises enough. The vet, the dentist, the nurse, the volunteers, the taxi drivers, the delivery drivers, so many people are supporting us and helping us in this life. They aren't just showing up to work, they are making a real difference in the quality of our lives. I am filled with gratitude and reverence. 

Until next week, stay well, and thank you for you putting kindness out into the world. 

If for some reason you are reading this and you are unsure if you are putting kindness out into the world, just know that you are cared for and you are basically good and take it from there. 

If you missed last week's post, I shared a collection of some of the paper works I have done in the past year. I would love for you to go over and view them. You can do that here: https://meganchapman.blogspot.com/2021/04/weve-been-here-before-mixed-collection.html

Thank you.