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or getting used to the pace of change

A double issue this week, but not really, because I missed out an issue the other week and then cheated a bit by using Chat GPT to write my newsletter at the weekend.

I’m getting old. I’m 52, which is not considered old by anyone over 40 who is alive today, but was considered old a few hundred years ago. Talking about blood pressure reading and side effects from medication are regular topics of conversation. (See the dilemma of do I take strong painkillers for my back for relief but then risk nausea?’)

I watch slapstick videos of my young nephew (who enjoys falling over on purpose), and wonder if I ever had enough upper arm strength to climb a rope. I would definitely (spellcheck autocorrect changed it to defiantly, which is also true) need a bit of a sit down and a cup of tea if I fell over these days. I haven’t ‘given up’ per se, but I have accepted that today could be the best I ever feel or look, so if there are things I need to do with my life, then I best crack on and do them. Well, I would if these darn hips didn’t ache so much!

Here’s a video of me wrapping up one of my vintage novels that I’ve repurposed into an artists sketchbook, using watercolour paper. It’s speeded up, so you don’t lose interest.

The bookbinding hobby/business is going well. I’m always thinking about the next book, or how I should take some books and props with me for photo ops. This time last year I never dreamed I would have my own youtube channel, instagram,facebook and tiktok accounts with almost 100,000 views between them.

I found this postcard story the other day that I wrote last year. I sent it into a publishing competition, but it was never used.

I should get a grip and stop grumbling. When I see the life Lowry had, I should feel blessed.

My Hitlist

I’m always slightly smugly delighted when I’d read a book before it comes out as a film/tv series, so I am looking forward to binging on ‘Magpie Murders’ on BBC iplayer very soon. In fact I have a whole week off work for the Coronation, so in between bookbinding sessions, I may just watch it all. Plus it has Lesley Manville in it.

BoyGenius and a fab video that remind me of all of those ‘roadtrips’ I took in my early 20s. Bare feet on the dashboard, singing along to The Cure. I am sure there were more hitchikers back then.

My current status is planning mode for a trip to Sussex. Brighton. London. National Trusts and other historic houses of note. I’m looking forward to seeing where Vanessa Bell and Virgina Woolf used to chill out. I had Virginia Woolf’s country office as a backdrop for my zoom classes during the pandemic.

Until next time, have a good one.

Nx