Monday

If you know where and how to look, you too can have a perfect day!

6am and the radio came on playing classical music.
6:15 and my back up alarm went off.

The sun was streaming in under the so called black out shades and the room felt like I was back in my Nice flat in the height of summer. I asked myself, " am I really in Durham?" Then I had a wave of excitement as today was the launching of the Transition Project that I worked so hard on for the Laing in Newcastle. It was going to be hot and sunny and the activities that were planned for outside would be a success...I could also wear my fabulous vintage Hawaiian summer dress from the 1970's, which up until today lay folded and sad under the bed in a plastic box..boohoo, whoohoo!

I guzzled my coffee, no longer made by the coffee maid, but by me. I got tired of having to remember to bring up milk, fill the cups with the coffee and put water in the machine. When it really does all that by itself, and whistles a tune, maybe I will give it a second chance. I am much happier doing it myself, and it gets me out of bed!

I showered, dressed and then made lunch for my husband and a bagel with butter for myself.

Zelda happily dressed herself and met me downstairs. I gave her a nice hair style, kissed her good bye and caught the bus to the Market Square. I love the walk from the square to the train station. I have about 200 steep steps to climb, a dizzying roundabout to negotiate and then another 200 steps to the inside of the station. By the time I arrive my mind is alert and my body is feeling the "burn".

I bought my ticket and sat in the sunshine with the paper until the 8:13 train arrived. I got a window seat and enjoyed the ride.

I asked myself " where else could my commute be 12 minutes long and full of the most spectacular scenery. I saw gorgeous cattle, cows, sheep and galloping horses. I had a huge smile on my face for the full 12 minutes. I even let out a small giggle. I was thrilled to be me!

9am on the dot and I entered the Laing. Another xxx set of stairs and we were in full swing for today's program. The kids were fantastic. They enjoyed the activities and are looking forward to returning tomorrow. Even though my job is not paid, I get a great deal of satisfaction from it. I love that the children are engaged and that they can not only relate to the art but to me too.  I was touched by their willingness to participate and their eagerness to share their feelings.

2pm and the day ended. I raced to the station to catch the 2:25 back to Durham and then onto Zeldas school where they were having an art exhibition of the students work. We bought an amazing painting of a butterfly for only 7 pounds! Framed and signed by Zelda.

Oh did I mention, on  my walk back, I saw the most balletic Blue Hereon fly and land in the river. It was pure poetry. Commuting is great!

After the show, we took Zelda to the park and then went to some friends for some ice cream. We walked home along the river, up through the woods and behind the old church yard. I got stung by nettles, for the first time ever, but I did not mind. I did not have to walk on any roads, pass any cars or hear any dirty noises. It was a lovely family walk home in peace and beauty.

My husband went to meet a colleague for dinner and Zelda and I snuggled on the couch. She drew some lovely pictures and then we read some books.

She was fast a sleep by 8:45.

Time check: 9:11pm. Back to the blog. Back to sharing my joy. I guess I just needed to keep my happiness to myself for awhile, but its bursting out all over so now its time to let it out again.

So, if you look, listen and live, the perfect day is all around you!