Study and walking
You might remember that last year I set about reorganising my ‘study.’ Well, the last part of the refurbishment arrived on Sunday, and there’s a photo of it below. On one side of the room, out of shot, I have my typing desk, a corner pod that now holds my laptop with the printer beside it and a modern, Ikea cabinet for files and folders. Under the window in the middle, I have my old trunk and an antique looking box which is also a filing cabinet, and the window now has a green velvet curtain held back with a red and gold tassel. On the other side is what you see in the photo. My father’s old desk, my new chair, the lamp and my leather-bound notebooks. I use this desk for reading and writing by hand, feeing suitable old-fashioned and almost Victorian. The floor is now covered by a deep, red carpet that almost reaches the walls. I should have gone for the full fitting as the carpet was cut to order, but left a border as the walls in Symi houses don’t always square up. Anyway, it’s done now – apart from the bookcase which is white and needs either painting a darker, natural colour or replacing with a wooden one when/if I can afford it.
Yesterday, rather than spend the day in the chair, I went for a walk up to the old cantina overlooking Horio. A rainbow greeted me as I turned a corner on the road, though it wasn’t raining at that time. It was a pleasant morning for walking, and I didn’t need a coat. I was traipsing 1.5 miles uphill and then down again, so I was warm enough.
These walks are not just for exercise and a vain attempt to keep the weight down. (I have had to loosen the belt a notch over the winter and it’s now on hole two. Last November it was on hole three, an inch away, so I want to get back to that level at least.) These walks are also an opportunity to clear my mind and then refill it with ideas for stories, or to simply lose myself in the music I listen to and enjoy the rural scenery. Yesterday that included not only the grass and greenery now abundant on the island, but goats, sheep, dogs, chickens, a horse and the birds, ravens overhead and in the bushes. It’s also pleasant to wave at people you know as they pass in cars and on bikes. It all gives you a sense of belonging.
Back at the pod as opposed to the desk at nine, and the rest of the day is mine to create.
