HOLA! Week one of January done!!!
I made the most of my Monday morning.
It was my only chunk of free time this week.
Sam was supposed to come with me but an extra hour in bed was more appealing.
So I went solo! Parked up at the YHA and headed out for some fresh air.
Relishing in the the odd nod to Spring and new growth.
It's a lovely walk....
....just me!!
I didn't see another soul for the duration of my walk.
The forecast for the weeks ahead are wet.
I have loved these clear blue sky days.
It makes such a difference to my general well being and happiness.
This is my favourite tree.
Is that odd, having a favourite tree?
It is the perfect shape and stands proudly, on it's own, in the middle of the field.
And this is a feature I have found on my phone, that can change the style of an image
(pic from above) There are a few to choose from, I think they're cool, just a bit of fun. I needed to disguise a gallery pic (see below) and as a result discovered this fancy feature!!
Simple observations, like the light on this leaf, make me happy x
I took this photo back in late November. It was on the pavement outside Snails Deli in Cardiff. This week the words have really resonated with me. Over the Christmas period we had some extremely sad family news. My cousins' 27 year old daughter passed away, I won't go into the details but such a sad end to a young life. And earlier this week I was told that a work colleague had a terminal health diagnosis. Both upset me greatly. Both made me take a deep breath and want to shout 'Live life to the full!' at the top of my voice. Take every day and see the joy, be happy, seek out the positives, however small. None of us know what is around the corner, what we might have to endure, so when life is just plodding along, find the small moments of joy, the things that make you happy. Walk past people, say hello, smile, just gesture kindness. Make the most of a blue sky morning. Tell someone they look nice today or hold a door open, help someone with and everyday task, just small gestures of kindness and positivity make a huge difference to another person or how it can make you feel.
I was working in the gallery yesterday and another teacher messaged me to say she was on her way back to school and passing by Starbucks, would I like a coffee. That small, but incredibly thoughtful gesture made my day.
I have been in school, back to work, all week. It's been a shock to the system. The positive, my week has whizzed by. I have been invigilating U6 mock exams. I do the additional support exams, so end up with the students who use laptops, have additional time, rest breaks etc.
In-between the exam sessions and during any free time, I have been helping out in the gallery...
.....preparing for the student exhibition.
Outside, looking in.
It was the Private View on Friday evening and then I was in all day yesterday hosting the exhibition to the general public. I love this exhibition. Unfortunately the work can not be photographed or shared on social media, hence the blurred and enhanced images, as it is current exam work. It's such a shame as the art work is brilliant, so you need to pop in and see it in the flesh, if you are local!!
One thing I am going to try and do, in addition to my monthly round-up, is a weekly best nine!
I have a plan/idea to showcase my year in one square!!!
So every Wednesday evening, I am going to do a weekly round-up of images that reflect my week. As always, you can see these in real time over on my Instagram account. It's currently set to private, so if you do wish to pop over and have a nosey, you just need to request to follow and then I can approve your request to access my account.
So, today I am doing nothing!!
I have two more full days of exams next week, then my current exam stint is done, until the main exam season starting in April. I am in for the next two Saturdays, hosting the student exhibition and then return after February half term for the next exhibition run of four weeks.
So I have a bit of free time ahead. I am hoping we get some dry days to get out walking. I have lots of people to catch up with over coffee. There are a few films I'd like to see. I want/need to have a good de-clutter at home and then take any good stuff to the charity shop and lastly, I want to find a pocket or two of time, to read my book. I'm currently reading 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo', by Taylor Jenkins Reid. It's a great book but I've only been managing a chapter a night, as I've been so tired!!
Wishing any readers here, a great week xx
