Birthday/Mother's Day etc

Not a lot done on the writing front.
Had a birthday recently and then it was Mother's Day and a couple of small celebrations like that throw me off course completely. Not much of an excuse really, but when I add in a few days 'off' with hayfever that might be a better one.
Anyway I returned to the fray this morning, but didn't write much because I'd forgotten the details of the action I was trying to convey; so back to the reference material, then back to the writing. I can't remember anything these days!
On the plus side: the weather is improving and actually feels more like Spring; so I also "wasted" time sorting out some walks for me and the dog. I was using Google Maps to locate starting points with parking close by so that dog doesn't have to walk too far.
Never mind, try harder tomorrow.

Started writing again

Sometimes I think I'll never move on from the research.

BUT a couple of days ago I suddenly felt I had enough in my head now to make a start. So I've written a draft of chapter one and will be filling it out until I'm happy it's going in the right direction.

This is the best part...when I'm eager and believe in my story.

~ Become a Lake ~

An aging master grew tired of his apprentice’s complaints. One morning, he sent him to get some salt. When the apprentice returned, the master told him to mix a handful of salt in a glass of water and then drink it.
“How does it taste?” the master asked.
“Bitter,” said the apprentice.
The master chuckled and then asked the young man to take the same handful of salt and put it in the lake. The two walked in silence to the nearby lake and once the apprentice swirled his handful of salt in the water, the old man said, “Now drink from the lake.”
As the water dripped down the young man’s chin, the master asked, “How does it taste?”
“Fresh,” remarked the apprentice.
“Do you taste the salt?” asked the master.
“No,” said the young man. At this the master sat beside this serious young man, and explained softly,
“The pain of life is pure salt; no more, no less. The amount of pain in life remains exactly the same. However, the amount of bitterness we taste depends on the container we put the pain in. So when you are in pain, the only thing you can do is to enlarge your sense of things. Stop being a glass. Become a lake.”

with gratitude to Tao & Zen Stories on Facebook.

Feeling Lousy

I can't believe it...but my hayfever kicked in yesterday and I feel pretty dreadful still today.
It's only mid March, this is way too early and it's hit hard too.
NOT fair.
NOT happy

Something intriguing from Dartmoor

Something intriguing from Dartmoor.

The publication of this has only just happened although the excavation was about 3 years ago.I don't know much about it, but will look for more because this is such an impressive piece of preservation and careful restoration.
Back in the days when I studied archaeology all I saw from Dartmoor were fragments of unexciting pottery and a few nice palstaves (socketed axe heads, very trendy c 15000 years back). Makes me wish I could have my time again.

I should really be doing more excavation in the garden, but I put in an hour this morning and can't manage any more despite the glorious sunshine out there. Typical British weather; months of grey skies, cold winds and sodden ground then Pow! instant Spring. I have so much to do and it all needs to be done immediately. AAaaaaarrgh