Isn't it amazing...

Yesterday I started the morning with a little bit of writing, which I happily interrupted for a Skype video-call with a great friend from down under. Despite a few technological problems (the call dropped out on and off) we had a great chat and catch up.  Isn't it amazing.... to be able to talk to someone the other side of the world and see each other at the same time.

At about 10am we found out that we had no water. There had been some kind of problem down the road and the water mains had been turned off.  Fortunately we had plenty of bottled water, but the number of times we went to the tap to run some water direct was incredible.... isn't it amazing how we (I) can take something so necessary to life for granted.

Having just seen an 'advert' for a charity that digs wells in Africa I think it's time I put my hand in my pocket again. Isn't it amazing how synchronicty works, and amazing how adverts can affect us deeply, and for me especially when it's about animals or young kids.

This morning I had a bout twenty minutes before setting off to school, so set myself a quick writing challenge. I pushed myself into a 'sprint-write. I gave myself 10 minute to type as much of my story as I could, without worrying about typos, and happily I wrote 496 words, with only a few typos, and moved the story along... isn't it amazing how we can when we try.

And so to my story... it's running along really well, I'm well on my way to the 20,000 milestone, which I hope to achieve tomorrow.  I'm still enjoying the character and the story immensely. I even gave up sitting in the sun to write some more this afternoon to make sure I'm reaching the daily goal. I have a couple of concerns about the writing - primarily is it the right register? (ie aimed at the right level for kids) and a couple of other more specific thoughts so if anyone fancies reading the first three chapters and giving me some constructive feedback I'd be most grateful.  Isn't it amazing how at this stage in my writing (just under halfway through) I always get the collywobbles and worry if I'm on the right track.

And the photo challenge.

Day 7 - Reflection. 
Now the nights are drawing n the french doors are reflecting back in the living room, often causing the animals to stop and ponder either the reflection, or just themselves reflected.

Day 8 - something I do every day...
Well at least at the moment. I take a few minutes out each afternoon for a cuppa (tea, coffee or juice), a biscuit and read a few pages of whatever book I'm currently into. And what I'm currently reading is 'The Moonstone Inn' a book edited by Alan Hayes, a very distant cousin who does the cover designs for my books. Also available on Lulu.com

Books

This morning I had an appointment which meant a lot of waiting around. whenever I know this is a possibility I take a book with me . The book I'm reading at the moment is 'Tiger Hills' by Sarita Mandanna. I only picked it up two days ago and am already over halfway through. It's a really gripping story of starcrossed lovers in India at the turn of the last (1800 - 1900) century. 

 It made the time waiting whizz by. 

Today I spent some time doing something else which I love- writing, and after just a few hours at the PC I had added another section (of 0ver 3000 words) to Take Two. Another crescendo reached and we'r estill rushing along to yet another. The characters are all enjoying themselves, well more or less and there's even a twist bubbling along nicely. Ah the satisfaction of a process going well. 

I havea real passion for books, whether reading them or writing them. 

Another brilliant weekend

What an amazing weekend we've had here. 

Yesterday after school I relaxed in the garden, and wrote some more of my upcoming novel, another 1000 words or so. Later on I took Sue to the airport for her trip to the UK. Poor girl was so stressed - it's the first time she's travelled with baby Liliana -having texted her this morning I am happy to report that she arrived safe and sound. Jordi (her hubby) and I then dropped in at the supermarket on the way home (we were out of mushy peas!) before Tony and I settled down to watch the Eurovision Song Contest - One of our annual guilty pleasures. We knew from the outset that we (the UK) had no chance with a song and singer foisted on the nation by the BBC, both of which had seen better days and ended up with minimal points. It was great to see Sweden win, and who knows next year we can pop over to see Laila and see the show live!!

I spent some of the time tweeting with Nick, as this year there was a lack of text voting to the TulStig hub- Anna was having problems using her new android phone (I get that!), Judith was not joining in as her new daughter isn't into the Eurovision, Zakilna wasn't watching, but where were Tracy, Sals, Annie, and the Tibby Toffolos? 

Today I was late out of bed -I rarely lie in, but today didn't get up till just gone nine! Walking the dogs was a usual delight and on the way i saw this on the floor 

A message for my upcoming Camino! 

This afternoon I spent some more time sunning myself in the garden whilst reading, and then had time for a bit of writing too.

This evening we have had one of our favourite dishes for dinner - Rice, Peas and gravy, with shavings of Parmesan, and a rocket and radish shoot salad:

and are now sitting here watching another great TV programmer- The BAFTA awards. I have to comment that the sofa is a little crowded, but at this point in the evening that's comforting as they've just shown the hall of fame of the actors etc who have scuttled off this mortal coil this last year, which always affects me..

A little self-promotion....

Today I've had a busy day, despite feeling quite fatigued when I woke this morning.

Walking the dogs, and further than usual (Xali was up for a good run), blew the cobwebs away and I returned home feeling slightly more energetic. 

Time for a bit of self promotion I decided. Spurred on by Nick the other day I have been shamelessly promoting my books through Twitter and am really starting to get my head round it all.  I've even got a couple of new (literary) followers and have started following some folks in the literary world too.

Anyway today I set up a 'page' on facebook for 'The Magic of the Camino'.  Why I didn't do it before I don't know- well I do- something to do with being afraid of self promotion. Anyway I set the page up and let it go live at about 14.00. It's now just 22.30 (more or less) and already I've had 28 'likes' and a host of comments and questions on how to get hold of a copy.  Fantastico. 

This promotion meant that some of my chums from the Camino got in contact too, and so my mind went racing back to The Way, and how much I enjoyed the experience and value the friendships made on it.  I added a few photos to the page as well and the memories flooded back as to where, when and why I took the photos. Ah good times.

 Day One: Daybreak in the Pyrenees.

And a little further on with new friends.

OH, how much am I looking forward to getting back out. I am sure the Camino Primitov has more adventures in store for me....

Next job - to improve my profile on Amazon..... so if you have read 'The Magic' and you use Amazon please (pretty please) would you mind going to 'The Magic of the Camino' sales page and leaving a review... Thank you.

Tommy's birthday

Another great day here at Casa TulStig - not in small part to the book I've just finished:

I think I may have mentioned before that I haven't always liked Louise Hay's writing, but this one has pushed me back onto the positive life track that I so love. It has many affirmations which I've started using, and it's also reinforced my beliefs in the laws of abundance and attraction.  A definite recommendation for reading.

As per usual I started the day by feeding the kids- and as today was Tommy's 4th birthday breakfast included an additional treat of tuna. Then a walk with Xali and Cuddy in the warmth of the sunshine.  Next job to answer e-mails and other posts etc, and write the TulStig newsletter for last month (did you get your copy- if not and you want one let me know and I'll add you to our mailing list)


Lunch was in the garden - cream of garlic soup- delicious

Followed by a bowl of strawberries and cream. For the animals there was a selection of pork chops- another treat for Tommy's birthday. Strangely (not) there are no pictures of the meat!!

After lunch we relaxed a while in the garden.

  Cuddy, Xali (Vinnie in the background)

 Birthday boy Tom and Sprout

before retiring to the living room for a little writing, some TV and a delicious dinner of (veggie) meatballs with a tomato sauce and spaghetti.Once again followed by strawberries with mashed banana.

The perfect end to another perfect day.

Such a perfect day- I want to share it with you...

Another wondrous day here on the Costa del Brill (play on words in English and Spanish there!).

This morning I woke up and (as per my recent reading) told myself I was going to have a great day. In the shower I sang feel-good songs (Everything is beautiful, Oh what a beautiful morning etc) and imagined myself being showered with everything I could want. In the mirror I told me I loved me (felt a bit odd, but kinda good too). I even said hello to my belly and thanked the Universe for giving me the food to create such a girth. (also a bit odd, but hey I'm going with it). Walking the dogs I chatted to them, and any live creature that came by thanking them for sharing my morning etc etc, AND.. GUESS WHAT - I HAVE had a great day.

After walking the dogs I popped down to the market, texting Sue on the way. She and Jordi were also on their way out so after I'd bought some delicious looking Strawberries, and a couple of kilos of vine-tomatoes we met up for a coffee. It was lovely to see their new little family altogether, although poor Jordi looked wiped out -Liliana didn't sleep well last night apparently.

Walking back from the market I marvelled at how much better my back and leg are- just a week ago even the thought of walking back from town would have been agonising.

For lunch we were invited to Julie's- she was making risotto- Oh oh- I really don't like risotto- However I promised her I would give it my best shot - I promise you not, Julie, I really did enjoy it. I think I may have tactlessly mentioned that I had never had a risotto I had enjoyed before -but this one was tasty -I even had second helpings.

This evening we've been watching the box (at least until the signal cut out)- Britain's got talent has had me in tears again- I so love it that these people are being given a platform to share their talents. And now it's pouring with rain- just what the garden needs, and we've been sitting watching it, as the TV satellite signal has dropped off. I have to say it's the perfect end to another perfect day.

Good days.

If I said almost all my days are the same at the moment, or at least similar it might sound like a negative comment- but it really isn't - All my days are good and as  I allow the Universe to work its magic I feel so much more comfortable in them.

Over the pas t couple of days I have been communicating with a contact in Kent, UK about illustrations for my upcoming children's book, which I hope to be writing during the summer, or at least making a good start on it.  We have pretty much agreed terms, I now have to send her a scene description for which I want an illustration to make sure we are 'on the same page' (pun intended).

I've spent more time today doing things I love- I've been busy in the garden- with all the loving care I'm giving it we should have a great 'show' this summer. I've been doing more reading- and that's really helping my frame of mind, and step by step will impact on my life. I've held a belief in the law of abundance & attraction for some time now, and any reinforcement of that can only be good- nope it will be great!


Oh and finally for the foodies reading this today's lunch was a totally delicious spicy lentil dahl soup, with lemon garnish.

and this evening we're off out to dinner in Sitges again- Drinks in Montroig first followed by dinner at The Wok, Chinese restaurant.

Another day well-spent.....

All go again at TulStig Towers.

This morning Tony had his usual check up -all stats okay -low on calcium a bit but cholesterol dropping. While he was getting his updates I went shopping in Sitges Carrefour with Sue- it's the first time we've managed to go shopping together since she gave birth to Liliana, so it was quite a treat for all three of us. Afterwards we went down the seafront and had a coffee before returning home with our goodies, which included a couple of cherry-tomato plants.

Lunch today was a delicious bowl of Asparagus soup- made with delicious fresh asparagus, and with the great weather we're having at the moment we had it in the garden again.

During the afternoon I settled down and started a new book - Louise Hay and Cheryl Richardson's 'You can create an exceptional life'. Starting it I wasn't sure it was for me, then all of a sudden I was there in the book, and loving it. It validates my ways of thinking and is reminding me of how I want to live my life- basically in a positive way, and full of creativitiy. at times I get stuck and need a reminder of what I need- this book is leading me back onto this track and reminding me of my path. I'm sure I'll be telling more about this book in the next few days' blog posts....


Today we had a delivery from Amazon.com for Tony. A few days ago he told me he'd like one of the choppers like Nigella Lawson uses, so I did an internet search found one on Amazon and voila: today's delivery- A new chopper for Tony, and here he is with chopper in hand: 

And this evening Tony's culinary skills have produced another ultra-tasty dinner. Veggie burgers with alll the trimmings, chips and mushy peas with red wine and onion gravy. So for anyone on a diet look away now and resume reading tomorrow....

Just another wonderful day in El Tacó

So this was the last sunset of January 2012- How come the first month of the New Year is over already? Where on earth did that one go? It's been a good month -are there really any other sorts to be honest? We've had a couple of festivals and my little bro turned 50. February looks like it'll be a fun month, a little travelling around, Cuddy's 4th Birthday, Carnaval and that's just for starters....

We've just been watching a programme about Monte Carlo, and have both said we'd not swap it for our wonderful lives here.
This evening on the way home one of my ex-students (Agustin who lives opposite) rushed along to  catch up with me and chat as we both walked home. He's recently started catering college, so we have a bit in common, although he's just 17 and I'm not. He's a delightful young man and a pleasure to talk to. The fact that he rushed, arriving by my side almost out of breath, just so he could walk up the hill with me, made my heart swell. That's just the way things are round here- would that happen in Monte Carlo? I seriously doubt it! Life in El Tacó is the BEST.

Not only that I've also received some  wonderful feedback about both my books today.

The Magic: Hah!
But I'm walking with one Mark Tullett and thoroughly enjoying 'The Magic' of it.

There aren't many things that can make me laugh aloud in bed at twelve o'clock at night (or maybe just the one). The image of all those pilgrims bedding down in the 'dormitorio' and 'tuning up' for the night-time symphony had me in stitches!.... Following that guy's tightly-clad buttocks up the mountain... catching the other guy shuffling his deck under the bedclothes (Could Power Animal oracle cards possibly have been 'entre manos'?).

Well done you. I'm loving it. It's readable, approachable and I'm in there re-living it with you. I was tempted to reach out and offer a helping hand to stop you slipping over you shorts in the shower stall.
It's all just so YOU.  I only wish I had more time to be able to read it all in one go, without interruptions.

Now, I hope you're feeling suitably chuffed with yourself. Skip off and nurse that cold, I've got a good book calling me away.

Winner:
Jane told me she had taken it on holiday with he, but hadn't had much chance to read. Amy her friend asked to take a look at it after finding out it was my work, then when Jane thought she'd get it back Amy said she'd started reading it and was enjoying it so much that Jane would have to wait till she'd finished.  How good is that?

Back

Yup I'm back after a week of hardly any PC action at all - As mentioned in the last post on here we had Michael staying last weekend which was a lot of fun. But I ended up the weekend with a cold and lack of energy, then got a sore back so couldn't sit for long here and update- Ahhh I can hear across the world as the sympathy vote increases. Well I'm much better now after having a great back Massage with Sue's Jordi and a touch of acupuncture too.

 So first of all lets reverse wheels a moment to last weekend -a great weekend with Mr Michael, whose flight was completely without incident- remember last year he left his mobile on the flight, and the year before he got the flight times wrong leaving me at the airport three hours early to pick him up, and the year before .... well you get the picture.


 After picking Michael up at the airport we went directly to Sitges and the Montroig café-bar, where Paolo joined us just in time for dinner at the Wok (yes the Wok again, well it is good food and at a reasonable price!)

Saturday morning I was working so we met in the Rambla for a light lunch. After which Michael and I made a trip to Decathlon (a large sports store just on the edge of town) whilst Tony had a siesta. In preparation for this year's Camino I bought a new pair of trainers, which have yet to be broken in.

Saturday evening we went back into town and had dinner at the new Indian restaurant where we bumped into Sue and Jordi who were just leaving, and a student of mine who was eating there with his girlfriends and looked quite embarrassed that I had turned up - Poor lad!
We all chose the menu of the day, and you can see from the pic on the right where Michael is tucking in, that there was plenty for all of us.
After dinner we popped into 'Nostalgic' -a local bar and then dropped in on Jordi (yes another one) at his bar just up the road, before trawling all the way up the hill home.
By Sunday we were all a little jaded, and as Michael didn't surface until lunchtime we had a lazy day in the house, until Michael's flight later that evening.

This week we've done very little, but as I've spent a lot of time lazing on the bed I've had plenty of time for one of my passions- reading, there you go every cloud has a silver lining, and I've managed to get through my first book of the year-  Therapy by David Lodge -a present gifted me a while back by Christine, and it wasn't until the final part that the clue as to why she had thought of me when gifting me the book.