Well, I think all in all we had a pleasant Christmas. It snowed on Christmas Day - how unlikely it that? We both got to give and receive many lovely presents and all has been good. Of course, I've been a bit poorly, but that's hardly any news.

I read Brief Lives yesterday - it was a gift from me to Jim. I read extremely slow at the worst of times, and it took me all day to get through that lovely piece of work. We need more Sandman. Today we took a walk in the dark, watched some films, ate nuts and gingerbread and cheese. I'm reading a book about the use of herbs. Somehow still there's a kind of melancholy around. Maybe the cognac has something to do with it...

Of course, melancholy is a luxury, as the recent news from the past days should make clear. I try to make most of mine.

Jim has decorated the spare room into a haven for me to paint in. I'd like to go in there and just lose myself painting, but something's always stopping me. His presence, for one thing. And all the distractions of housework and internet and such things. And that nothing ever seems to come of my painting.


before & after