Spent some money this week buying a graphic novel that was a PhD thesis and a great piece of art (both pictured in the image for this week)…
…the first because Unflattening by Nick Sousanis sounds like a fascinating exploration of how words and images might be “inextricably linked” as “equal partners in meaning-making”, the second because it was the first piece of landscape art I’ve seen in ages that really called to me.
The landscape was one of the 30x30 images I’d shortlisted, so I had to be on the ball to win the bidding in the last few minutes as the fundraiser closed. Jessica Kennedy’s Wal Hughes Reserve caught my eye on Instagram (where all the bidding takes place), but it was when I visited the gallery in person that I realised how much I wanted to own the piece. I don’t like landscapes as a general rule, but Kennedy uses strong brush strokes that capture the scene and light in a way that draws the eye at a distance but also stands the test of a closer inspection. I love it.
Reading:
I’m still reading The Traveler’s Gate Trilogy, but I’m getting near the end now. I’ve not been reading much else, and I’m going to have to wait a while (probably around four weeks) for Unflattening to get here.
Golf:
I’ve been working hard on improving my drives and I’m still not sure how well it’s going. I scored much better in the second competition this week, but I’ve got a few additional challenges next week (more stroke and a game at a new course I’ve never played before), so I’m hoping I don’t freeze with fear on the tee.
Exercise:
Physio continues on. I was ok this week, but tweaked my lower back a bit doing deadlifts. I think I wasn’t quite warmed up enough. I kept moving though, walking and swinging clubs seemed to help and by the end of the week it was fine again. My bruised knee is still sore! It doesn’t look that black and blue, but it doesn’t like pressure. Luckily bending and carrying weight is fine. I didn’t do a home weights session this week. I should have, but I think I was pleased my back was getting better and also my elbow needed a bit of a rest (with a lot of golf practice this week).
No running. Will I get back to this? I think I’d like to, but I’m not sure when.
Food:
We had a meal out at the local Thai, which was great! I got all my favourites, although we might have done with a bit more contrast of flavours, so I’ll let D choose something next time! Other than that we’ve relied a little on our freezer store, as well as quite a lot of fresh cooked meals. I’m still working on adding extra veggies to things and it’s normally fine.
Garden:
I’ve done nothing and I’m just hoping nothing has died due to neglect (including those seedlings planted last week). It’s not been too hot and they are being watered at the moment, but I should check them asap.
Adventure:
Are purchases adventure? I think visiting the art show was, and I’m pleased that my pretty random RSS feed reading drew my attention to that graphic novel.
Sewing:
Still nope, but I have been sorting out my clothes, which means my mending pile is getting larger and I have a better idea about what I should make next.
Three ideas:
- Carry on hitting the driver to get a better feel
- Keep up the tidying and cleaning - which does seem to make me feel better
- Organise the health stuff I need to do
This week was packed with things, although it was still mostly about golf. Between the two of us, D and I are playing about 6 days a week.
