Here is the UK we are going through our third lockdown and we just don’t know when we will get our lives back. It’s hard to know what to do to keep our mental wellbeing in check.
For me, art is a way to relax my mind and unwind from the stress of my day.
I think of art as drawing, painting, sculpture or photography and I love to create my own art, but I also like to see the creations of other artists. It inspires me, it gives me ideas and it makes me happy.
Last year I started painting by numbers and it is so addictive! I can’t stop! As soon as I finish one, I start another. I have completed 5 paintings so far. I find myself totally in the flow where I think of nothing except what I am doing. If you want to relax and take a break from your routine, I thoroughly recommend it!
My first painting.. Amsterdam..
A rainy night street scene and Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers..
Dolphins surfing..
My favourite (so far).. Blue Eyes..
Not only will you create something beautiful, but it will also boost your mental wellbeing.
To give you a little inspiration, here is a round-up of art from talkingthailand.
One of the last things Chris and I did before I left Bangkok was to take a boat along the Saen Saeb canal.
This particular stretch runs from Bangkapi to Pathumwan, a considerable distance which took about an hour or so. If you look at a map of Bangkok, you’ll see lots of waterways. This is how people travelled around the city many moons ago. Not all of them are used nowadays, but I think it’s wonderful that people can still traverse the city in this way.
If you get the chance, take a boat along one of the canals, it’s such a pleasureable way to travel away from the chaotic traffic on the roads
I hope you enjoy the ride!
We had to take a taxi to reach Banglamphu as the boat only went so far, but we had a fabulous day out. We walked for miles, ate, drank and were very merry by the end of the evening! We had such good times in that city and I still can’t believe I left over 2 years ago! I really miss Bangkok and can’t wait to go again soon.
The final months of 2020 in The Changing Seasons post, hosted by Su at Zimmerbitch.
Happy New Year!!
Time flies doesn’t it? This time last year we had no clue what was around the corner! We were all looking forward to what the new year held for us. Little did we know that our lives were soon to be restricted because a crazy virus was spreading rapidly around the world.
And it still is! But, we now have the vaccine being rolled out, so – HOPEFULLY – we can get back to looking forward to what the new year will hold for us!
In November, we said goodbye to one of my favourite actors – Sean Connery. Such a brilliant Bond (the best one in my eyes) and a beautiful man even at 90 years old!
The names’s Bond, James Bond
I came across this video of a guy dancing to this cracking tune. He got some moves! Dance on and smile!
I finished reading Caleb Carr’s ‘The Alienist.’
The Alienist by Caleb Carr
My Goodreads review read:
‘Another great read and one that has you hooked just a few pages in. The author also has a great way of finishing each chapter with a cliffhanger, so it is really hard to stop reading! The story has also been dramatised for TV and the show is also good, however, watch it before you read the book because you will spend the whole time comparing!’
I also started my new job as a Learning Support Assistant. We are working in strange times at the moment, what with lockdowns, students studying from home, and us working from home 2 days a week, so I haven’t really had a chance to do my job fully. However, whilst I am enjoying it most of the time, I am not 100% happy with it (for reasons I will explain another time), so I am planning on doing something about that! For now though, I am just thankful I am earning again!
We came out of a mini-lockdown at the beginning of December and I made my own Christmas wreath. I was quite proud of my creation!
I also had a real Christmas tree for the first time in years.
Christmas day came around and, although everyone was under a 1-day restriction, I was lucky enough to be able to have a lovely day with my mum, dad, sister and niece – memories to be treasured.
Then, on New Year’s Eve, I spent the evening at home, talking with my BFF Chris on WhatsApp from 7pm until 12.15am. Because of the time difference of 1 hour, I got to celebrate 2 New Years – one in Rotterdam and one in the UK! As someone who has never been that bothered about New Year’s Eve, I was happy that I got to share the beginning of 2021 with my friend – albeit remotely!
We are back in lockdown or tier 4 until at least mid-February. BUT, let’s all start to look forward with hope and positivity. Let’s hope we can start to live our lives again freely before long. Love and peace to you all!
About The Changing Seasons
The Changing Seasons is a monthly challenge where bloggers around the world share what’s been happening in their month.
If you would like to join me and the others in this challenge, here are the guidelines:
The Changing Seasons Version One (photographic)
Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery that you feel represent your month
Don’t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them
The Changing Seasons Version Two (you choose the format):
Each month, post a photo, recipe, painting, drawing, video, whatever that you feel says something about your month
Don’t use archive stuff. Only new material!
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so others can find them
It’s time again for my monthly roundup in The Changing Seasons post, hosted by Su at Zimmerbitch. But, this time it covers what I have been up to since August!
What have I been up to? Well, like everyone, not much we can do these days and I have nothing to report for the month of August!
I had been on furlough since the end of March with no clue as to when I would be returning to work, but then we were asked to attend a meeting. We were told that, due to the virus, there would be redundancies.
My stomach turned and my heart was in my throat, although I didn’t know who would be going at that point. However, I had a sneaky suspicion that I may be one of the unlucky ones. Mainly because I had not been at the company for over 2 years and also my colleague had been doing her job as well as mine since the end of March.
A week later, at the beginning of September, I went back into work to meet my boss. She came right out with it… “we have to let you go.” Even though I kind of knew, it was still horrible to hear it.
I could feel the tears coming, but I didn’t want to cry in front of her – it wasn’t her fault. I got back into the car to drive home and I cracked!
I got home and immediately set about looking for a job.
At that has been my life for the past 2 months!
I have never felt so stressed, I felt sick every day with a feeling of dread in my stomach. I lost all motivation to do anything – even exercise! I was applying for 2-3 jobs a day, every day, and feeling very frustrated because NO-ONE replied!
Last week, I counted the number of applications I have submitted and I’ve applied for 40 or so and have had 4 interviews! Not good odds! 40 applications is nothing compared to others I have heard about, one person even submitted 200!
In these terrible times we are all living in, redundancies are happening all over! People are applying for anything and everything! It’s affecting people’s mental health and it’s totally soul-destroying!
Then, last week and after all the stress, I was finally offered a job! It turns out, it was all just a matter of time! Time that I didn’t think I could bear to wait! I could not be happier and I feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders!
So, all I will say to others who may be going through this! Keep going! I believe everything works out for the best in the end – you just have to keep positive and be determined!
Prior to all this, I did manage to enjoy a couple of nights out.
I went to my friends for a Tapas night, lots of lovely food, wine and sangria!
Photo Credit: Hayley Metcalfe
I also went out with my sister which was fun, albeit strange. Groups of people absolutely plastered at 6pm on a Saturday night, temperature checks and ID checks before you go into a pub and bouncers telling people ” YOU CAN’T PASS WITHOUT A MASK!” which I thought was quite amusing and that became the quote of the day.
My sister and me
How life has changed!
And now, we are all in lockdown again! Only 3 weeks to go (hopefully)!
I hope everyone is safe and well around the world! 🙂
About The Changing Seasons
The Changing Seasons is a monthly challenge where bloggers around the world share what’s been happening in their month.
If you would like to join me and the others in this challenge, here are the guidelines:
The Changing Seasons Version One (photographic)
Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery that you feel represent your month
Don’t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them
The Changing Seasons Version Two (you choose the format):
Each month, post a photo, recipe, painting, drawing, video, whatever that you feel says something about your month
Don’t use archive stuff. Only new material!
Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so others can find them
When I was in Portugal, I took a day trip to Albufeira. From my hotel, it took around 25 minutes to travel the 13 km journey by taxi.
My first glimpse of the lovely old town was a leafy avenue flanked with shops, restaurants and market stalls selling the usual touristy items like fridge magnets and postcards.
Whenever I go anywhere, I usually have a plan of where I want to go and what I want to see, but today was different – I had no plan. I was happy just wandering around.
First, I had some lunch and, as I was sitting in the restaurant, I spotted this impressive sand statue across the road. I had to take a picture or two (three!). Imagine the time it took to carve all the details and create something so brilliant.
I wandered along the small streets further into town, the white-washed buildings and the mosaic-like stones on the ground sparkling in the sunlight.
Albufeira Old Town is small, so it didn’t take long before I found myself in the main square which is surrounded with more bars and restaurants – a lovely place to hang out with friends. The trees providing shade if you want to just sit and watch the world go by.
I circled the square and found more narrow alleys to explore. The little streets are beautiful with different patterned cobblestones, pretty balconies and orange-tiled roofs.
Another thing I noticed, is that the old town of Albufeira is quite hilly, so be prepared to work up a sweat if you want to visit the archaeological museum or this lovely church on Rua Da Bateria.
On the same street, you’ll also see this plaque where the doorway of Albufeira castle used to be.
From Rua da Bateria, you get some really good views out to sea.
I love the street signs.
I also love all the colourful buildings that have been transformed into cute little bars with outside seating – perfect for a quick break from sightseeing.
From the highest point of the town, you get good views looking back over the town and aerial views of those lovely little streets.
If you get back onto Rue 5 de Outubro, the main pedestrian street in Albufeira, you will see a tunnel which leads to the beach.
If you don’t fancy sunbathing, you can simply stand and feel the fresh sea air on your face.
Heading back into town, I pass ornate balconies and doors.
Before settling in Paulos bar for a few drinks.
I had a really lovely day out in Albufeira’s old town. There is probably lots more to see, so I, for one, will be going back when I can. I hope you enjoyed the little tour. 🙂
Last year, I took a trip to Portugal to attend one of my best friend’s wedding.
When I lived in Thailand, I missed out on a lot of these happy events because I was so far away, so being able to go to a wedding at last made me happy.
There were a few of us who flew into Faro, but we all chose to stay in different areas, just coming together for the special day. I stayed at the Alfamar Beach and Sport Resort right by Praia da Falesia beach, which is between Albufeira and Vilamoura, and I spent the first day soaking up the rays.
Access to the beach was just a short walk from the resort.
I was soon ensconced on the sand.
Praia da Falesia means “Cliff Beach” and it’s obvious where it gets its name from. These high cliffs, that run the length of the beach, are different shades of red and white. With the green vegetation that grows at the top and the sandy beach at the bottom, the cliffs provide a dramatic view.
The cliffs are made of sand and clay, so when it rains, the erosion forms small cones of sand at the base.
You can also see different dune plants that are hardy enough to be able to thrive in this environment. I thought it was such a lovely place to relax, which is what I did for a while.
When I got too hot, I took a walk up the beach and felt the coolness of the Atlantic wash over my feet.
I like swimming in the sea, but it was a bit too cool for my liking – I had a quick dip before retreating for the sun to warm me again.
The hotel had a swimming pool, but I have always preferred the beach. I love sitting there reading my book and watching the world go by. Which do you prefer?
The thing I love the most is the sound of the sea crashing onto the sand, it’s mesmerising.
When I see a boat go passed in the distance, I get to wondering where they are going! (Just me? 😉 )
I had a lovely day by myself on the beach – it was a gorgeous setting for my first day in Portugal!
Following on from last week’s post when I went searching for street art as part of the Pipit Banglamphu Street Art Festival, I took many photos of other things to see in this lovely, peaceful part of the city. Join me again as I retrace my steps through the many hidden alleys of Bangkok, you never know what you might find!
There are a few communities who live in this area and this in the entrance to Wat Sangwet Witsayaram Community.
The artists who exhibited their work for the street art festival displayed their work in the most unusual places.
There are many different ways to get around Bangkok and by boat is the most exciting.
More street art at every turn.
Rama VIII Bridge which connects Bangkok to Thonburi.
A splash of colour.
Peaceful alleys and all just a stone’s throw from the busy Khao San Road!
There are so many Buddhist temples in Bangkok, there will never be enough time to see them all. This one is Wat Mai Armataros.
It’s not just the people who like hanging out, having a chat.
Tuk-tuks are a crazy way to get around the city. As long as you hold on tight!
Golden spires of a small temple with lovely blue skies.
Bangkok’s electricity and telephone cable system. I wouldn’t want to be the guy who has to fathom out whose is whose! The birds seem to like them though.
A glimpse of the ‘old’ Bangkok.
Art doesn’t have to be part of a street art festival, it’s everywhere in Bangkok.
And, so are pretty flowers.
There are hidden alleys which are fun to explore.
You can also see remnants of Bangkok’s past. Phra Sumen Fort is one of fourteen forts built to protect the city from invaders in the eighteen century.
There are plenty of leafy avenues, like this one on Phra Athit Road.
I never stopped exploring Bangkok when I lived there. I loved walking around seeing what I could find. I hope you enjoyed the tour around Banglamphu!
A couple of months before I left Bangkok for good, I was still enjoying exploring the city.
One day, I went in search of street art which was part of the Pipit Banglamphu Street Art Festival. It was a lot of fun wandering around the streets following the map.
Banglamphu is home to Bangkok’s infamous Khao San Road, chock-a-block with tourists coming and going, bars and clubs blaring out loud music and the general hustle and bustle, typical of a city like Bangkok. But, Banglamphu is also home to a myriad of leafy alleys and canals, so peaceful and, seemingly, hidden from tourists, but filled with friendly locals going about their day. That’s where I found myself as I went looking for the street art!
Some of the locals said hello and asked me where I was from, but all of them were curious about why I was there – made apparent by their stares. I tried to follow the map as best I could, but I went the wrong way in places, by-passing the same people more than once, which only added to their curiosity.
It was a really pleasant day out, so join me as I retrace my steps following the art..
I hope you enjoyed the street art as much as I did!
I’ll leave you with a little piece of Bangkok 🙂
Chris and I already knew of a little bar on Soi Nana called 23 Bar and Gallery. We used to go there for drinks. One day, I rustled up the courage to ask the owner – Mongkol – if it was possible to exhibit my photos in the art gallery upstairs. He said, YES!
23 Bar & Gallery
23 bar and gallery is an old shop house with 2 floors, similar to Dialogue, but on a smaller scale. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to show the same 11 photos that I’d exhibited at Dialogue. But, that didn’t worry me, I was just happy that I got a chance to show my work a second time.
It was due to start on 9th February 2018, so a week beforehand, Chris and I schlepped across the city with the chosen photos to set up!
We were greeted by a cheerful Mongkol who handed us some nails, a hammer, and asked if we wanted a beer! It was thirsty work in the hot gallery upstairs!
It took us all of an hour, even less, to get everything set up. Maybe because we were experts at it after my first exhibition, probably because there were fewer pictures and we didn’t have to use wire to hang the photos!
We went and sat outside on the street with another beer. Mongkol seemed happy that I had chosen his bar to hold my exhibition, so he offered to pay for the beers. He even bought a pizza for us, which we ordered from El Chiringuito – a little Tapas bar down the road. We tried to pay him, but he wasn’t having any of it.
It turned out to be such a fun day.
We arrived for the opening night. My friends from work came along too as well as a few more people who popped in for a drink and wandered upstairs to take a look.
Opening Night. Photo credit: Budsabong Siripong
I didn’t sell anything this time, but it was still a proud moment for me.
Afterwards, we continued the party in Silom before heading home.
I have plans to do another exhibition somewhere in my home town and I’ll be researching potential venues when I can – watch this space!
