Gatekeeper
Another day and another set of excuses. After reading more of the Terry Pratchett biography I thought of writing an autobiography, but it soon passed. I’m having enough trouble keeping up with a blog and a bit of poetry. Add a talk for the Numismatic Society and a historical whodunit and I definitely don’t have the time or the energy. And, as a final point, I’m not famous, successful, on reality TV. or the possessor of either an abusive or criminal past. so I really have little to offer in the way of subject matter.
Mint Moth
That, of course, is the lesson to be learned from Terry Pratchett – he never seemed to stop writing once he went full time. So far today, I have written what the counter on this blog tells me is 133 words. I’ve also replied to a few comments and done another 150 words that I deleted. And written a haiku to finish off a haibun I want to submit in a couple of days. That’s it. It’s not an impressive work rate.
I don’t even know why I’m not happy. My time is my own, I have plenty to do, and I am being paid to stay away from work. This should be the best time in my life. I do know it won’t get much better. Julia just told them at work that she will be leaving at the end of September. Once October arrives I am likely to find myself living in a less relaxed way, and having a lot more little jobs to do. I’d better start appreciating how lucky I am.
Comma
Photos are from July 2015. It all seems so long ago, and there seemed to be more butterflies.
Oh dear! What a shame you aren’t feeling up to scratch. Surely just starting on a crime novel would set a match to your rear end. PS the mint moth is pretty good in its own way.
We used to sit there at night as the mint moths fluttered round. they are quite small, but interesting when you get a good photo. They also seem to prefer oregano to mint.
Yes, it should get me going, but even that seems to be failing. That was why I told people, so that I would ahve to do it. 🙂
I think that not adding another autobiography to the great heap that already exceeds the demand by a considerable amount is a most commendable action. Embrace idleness for the good of humanity.
Thank you for that advice. I think “embrace idleness” would make a good motto if I ever get a coat of arms, or “amplecti otium” as Google translates (though it translates back as “embrace leisure”. It will do.
Your secret is out – you use a word counter. And here was I imagining you used your fingers.
Busted! I’m using technology. 🙂 I’m too old to draw 25 five-barred gates of ten fingers each – much easier to use the counter.
The moths and butterflies are beautiful, Simon, and you do write beautiful poetry.
On another note, one’s microbiome can figure into mood, and more research is being done all the time to elucidate which strains are beneficial, and how they are working, even with other our animal companions, like cats. You might find this FAQ from Purina on one of their probiotic products for cats, an interesting read. It is short, only 2 pages.
https://www.proplanveterinarydiets.ca/sites/g/files/2021-06/2105E-CCCFFAQ_PPPVS%20CALMING%20CARE%20Feline%20FAQ%20Sheet%20UPDATE%20EN%20FINAL2.pdf
Interesting read. One of our major points on the farm was that working with soil exposed you to organisms that reduced depression, apart from the therapeutic value of working in the open air.
There is so much more to health than just pills and doctors isn’t there?
For sure!
🙂
From my advanced years of 66, I have learned that contentment—not complacency—is a key factor to a happy life. You write beautiful poetry. Why isn’t that enough?