Day 467: Mexico

this makes me happy

You know, when I don't blog, I spend SO MUCH TIME thinking about blogging, but it's not quite the same. I don't get that blog buzz. I don't feel that sweet, warm high that I do when I share it. I do enjoy things, notice them, smile, talk to people about them, but the  feeling is definitely magnified by the pleasure and practice of writing in this little box, choosing some photos and posting it up. So here goes, finally. I won't get it all in. 

this made me happy

I very much enjoyed the rap course with Dave Waller. We had two evenings of it this week and there were moments where the flow took over and what came out of our mouths was only partially by choice. It was leading us, like a man might lead a goat. Ultimately, the goat will go where it wants, but there's a pleasure in being led this way and an exhilaration. It's like when you close your eyes and go boldly, knowing you have a guide. Laughed a lot. Enjoyed the people and the buzz.

Today, I was stumbled across by lovely Rachel Rooney. She stopped me in the street. I was too involved in my Cornetto to see her, but she shook me out of it (and kindly took a Cornetto from me - I'd bought a box of four as it was cheaper than buying one). I walked with her to the meeting she was on her way to and she kindly asked me to join them. 

these made me happy

Oh bugger, do I remember the lady's name? She was really nice. I liked her. Names slip through my mindcells like salt dissolving in water. They're there, but until they dry out again, they're totally intangible and not much use. This might be a bit over-ambitious. Maybe they're actually just gone. Anyway, the conversation was fabulous and I enjoyed it very much. Always a pleasure to see Rachel and I very much enjoyed being in a town small enough for people-stumbling to be likely.

this made me tasty gleeful

I finished the first draft of my first professional translation from Spanish. There is tweaking to be done, but I had another taste of flow... I love that feeling where words go in one way and come out another. It's heady in a giddy way, moreish and gorgeous. It feels like eating food. I smack my chops a bit while I'm doing it and I relish the fall of words on the page and off the tongue (or the mind's tongue, if you like). I am looking forward to going back over it, but I'm leaving it to sit for a day, like a good curry. When I look with new eyes, linguistic clumsiness will show itself more clearly and misunderstandings will make themselves known. Not all of them, I'm sure, but that's why we work in pairs. 

this makes me colour-fulfilled

I have the pleasure of Paloma, who I have never met. She was given to me by fine, delicious Amanda Garcia, now living in Mexico with her two children and her (Mexican) partner. Always fun to work with Paloma. Always lovely to think of Amanda. I haven't seen her since before her first child was born (AGES AGO!)... I'd like to. She rocks.

this makes me happy daily

I loved the library today. I love the library every day, whether I'm in it or not. It's great. I have six books that I don't own. I am blessed with that. I can take my pick. I can delve. Exciting. 

Time to go and gobble up some old chilli and drink grapefruit juice. Time to get bendy. Time for all kinds of things. Nice to see you again. Early start tomorrow, swimming on the Heath with Cat. That's good, isn't it? I bet we can fit in some sneaky yoga too. Ooh.

Oooh again. Grateful to Rachel Rooney for reminding me about the fantastic phenomenon of a huge rainbow arching over Brighton this evening, the day before Brighton's Pride festival. It was immense and full of colourful perfection. It couldn't have been prettier, or apter. Thanks, sky. Thanks, Brighton. Thanks again, Rachel.