13. Weekend Coffee Catch Up

22 April 2023

It’s been a while since we caught up over the coffee cups. We can think our lives mundane yet when I think how best to catch you up in a few words I realise we live interesting and busy lives. A lot has happened in the year, I’ve been absent, so we’ll start with this weekend. The present moment is a good space in which to anchor one’s reality.

Re-introducing us: Basil and Linda (me)

Last year we moved from New South Wales to Queensland. It’s been a game-changer. We feel like we’ve moved country, so different is the culture here: and different in every way, better. Our coastal town of Hervey Bay has everything we need yet not so big to feel overwhelmed by crowds or traffic. While we are able, we can ride our bikes along a stretch of 18km coastal cycle-way into town and down to the port and marina area. It’s a beautiful ride with much to enjoy along the way. The cafe culture is huge and there are many restaurants that we have yet to try out. All in all it’s the best place in which to live our retirement years.

Toan Toan Creek along the Esplanade

I’ve recently started doing the ParkRun, a global event, that happens every Saturday morning. My next “run” (I walk) will be my ninth and along with hundreds of Hervey Bay participants we’re out there in all weather, competing against ourselves for another Personal Best.

Since we’re having coffee, I’ll tell you about my foray into the world of watercolours and sketching. I’m loving it. I’m not alone in having my artistic endeavours sniffed at during school days. But age gives you the freedom, and time, to have another go. I’m not trying to be the next Caravaggio or Pro Hart but it is a lot of fun and while my animals are distinguishable for their missing heads, their bodies are okay.

The interest in painting and sketching happened during the late stages of COVID, c’mon I bet you picked up a new interest during those years too! It’s a portable hobby and one I plan to practice when we travel overseas in May this year. None of it comes easy but with practice things will improve. You think?

Horse with no Head – trust me his tail is wondrous!

Imaginary Coastal village, watercolours

We’re away from home this week camping at Poona, with not a lot happening hereabouts. So quiet activities and reading. I’m reading an Ian Rankin novel, murder mystery, detective stuff but it’s a slow read. As we’re talking books and authors, I’ll tell you about a recent discovery and I can’t get enough of this author.

Her writing is beautiful, both in book format and on Audible, where she reads her own books. She wrote A Year of Marvellous Ways, When God was a Rabbit, Still Life and many more, these are the ones I’ve read and loved. Yes, it’s Sarah Winman, some readers may know her too. I’ll be interested to hear your thoughts on her writing. I don’t want her books to end and I have to curb the urge to rush out and purchase a hard copy. Her writing is poignant, joyful with so much heart. It folds you into its pages and takes you on a journey of believable stories.

Veggie Garden

Beach Life

Sculptures around town

I’d forgotten the time it takes to put a post together notwithstanding WordPress’ idiosyncrasies, that haven’t gotten easier to navigate. You get used to working around the quirks of a blogging platform and I need more practice.

I’ve enjoyed our time together and hope your week has been a good one. I look forward to reconnecting with many of you in the Linkup over at Natalie the Explorer who hosts this weekly event.