And here’s the companion page, in my illustrated journal, to the Apple sketches I posted on Monday.
Text on the left: The Brown Turkey figs are coming to the end of their season in their container on our terrace, but I’m still managing to pick 2 or 3 to add to my breakfast each morning. . .
On the right: And then I ate them . . . and I didn’t even save one for Paul, who was out paddling False Creek in the sunshine, his new kayak treat enough, I thought. . . Plus I saved him from their sticky latex sap, suffered it myself, ’cause I’m noble like that. . .
In more follow-up from Monday’s post, I had two wonderful days visiting with friends, did indeed talk myself hoarse and considered that price a perfectly reasonable one. Between the excitement and the fatigue of travel and visiting, I got slammed by something nasty-gastro — luckily not until after I got back home. But I rested up yesterday and this morning felt decent enough to try out my first run in months. Hard to resist in the gorgeous weather we’re having right now.
And in another news, while I was “resting up” yesterday, I prepared for a seven-minute presentation that I delivered to my French class last night. I was very nervous before, but I must say that once I got started I remembered how much I can enjoy speaking in front of a group of people, the permission it seems to give me to stretch my personality. Something for which my work provided abundant opportunity, and something I didn’t realize I miss. Not sure it’s something I’d seek out, but it was honestly fun to dip back into, once in the moment (didn’t love the Before at all, however).
Also while resting up, I spent an hour and a half going through the profiles of the way-too-many candidates running for 10 spots on Vancouver City Council. I’m almost ready for the voting booth now, although I’ll need to choose Parks Board candidates next. The cost of civic responsibility! Crossing my fingers Vancouver might soon have its first female mayor. . .
My goodness! You are a busy woman. Where do you take your French classes? I would like to speak more French inVancouver. You are fortunate to have the fresh fruits on you deck. I think that it's great to have a small urban orchard. We've got to many candidates in Richmond. Many are Old Guard and some are one issue wonders (anti Sexual Orientation Gender Identity policies in the schools). I've got a list but I'm not sure how many of my choices will be elected. I'm at Politics and Prose at the Festival tonight. Three authors talking about disparities….
I'm taking a French class this fall at Le Centre Culturel Francophone and enjoying it.
Lots of changes to municipal boards across the Lower Mainland and beyond, it looks like. . .
So nice that you've enjoyed (and had the opportunity)to speak in public again,I'm sure that it was perfect
I've liked to speak in public very much,too
Fresh figs for breakfast from your own tree-exquisite!
Dottoressa
I can easily imagine you would have been a very good public speaker — knowledgeable and engaging and entertaining.
There's nothing like eating something from your own plant…even if it's just a basil leaf.
I don't mind speaking to groups either and in my working days I loved giving presentations. In my favourite suit. With some good slides. The thrill of knowledge. 🙂
So true — even if just a small herb garden on the windowsill, the miracle of growing something uou can eat.
Yes! Although I didn't break out the favourite suit for my evening French class 😉
And it is a thrill, to share knowledge, even if it's idiosyncratic, very particular knowledge — or perhaps especially if. . . .
Hope you are feeling better today. Speaking in public is always a bit nerve wracking but in FRENCH! that kicks it up a few notches!!!
We are off to vote this morning…foggy here and my throat is scratchy…
going to lay low for the rest of the weekend.
It is more difficult speaking publicly in another language, but at the same time it helps emphasize a truth we sometimes forget: Than we CAN express our knowledge clearly enough, despite errors we will inevitably make with the language — and if we choose our material carefully, know it well, and present it effectively, we will see engagement, enjoyment, amusement on the faces of our audience — who are actually understanding what we are saying!! It's powerful!
Oh, take care with that scratchy throat — I'm still not back to full strength. Seriously, viruses these days!! 😉
Just popping by to say Hi Frances and how much I’ve enjoyed your recent posts. Although for some unknown reason I’ve lost count as to how many of my comments have just disappeared!! Suddenly I’ve realised I can comment again!! Sitting in a car park in France! 😂 They started disappearing when I was commenting on the gorgeous pictures of you and your daughter wearing the sweaters you knitted. Each works so well with your respective hair colour! Hope you’re feeling much better now and “back on track” Hiwever even when unwell, you seem to achieve a lot! Great you’re able to run again! Take care … and if I disappear again, I am reading just not able to comment! Great to communicate on IG though! 😊
Rosie
Thanks for persisting, Rosie, and for letting me know that you've been reading and leaving comments, even if I can't see them because of whatever glitches. The feedback is such an important motivation for those of us who aren't monetised. . . .xo
I share your feelings about speaking in public now and then (including the stage fright). After teaching for eight hours the other day I felt completely exhausted, but very pleased with myself. I would not go back to doing that kind of thing all the time, but once in a while it can be very satisfying.
By the way: what was the subject of your presentation?
That’s ok Frances … I think the “conversation” between you and your readers/friends is such an important and interesting part of your blog …. I missed being a part of that conversation��
I've been totally absent from blog reading since we've been away. Figs on your terrace!… and you don't even live in Greece (do figs grow in Greece? Excuse my ignorance on this)… life is good I think if you can pick your own figs for breakfast. When we were in Italy I marvelled at the lemons and olives on the Amalfi Coast. How wonderful. I think it's awesome when we get tomatoes and basil and other stuff from Stu's garden. Life feels so abundant at times.
P.S. Your sketches are inspiring me to pick up my pencil again.
I'm so, so, so, so happy for you that you can eat the figs you've grown on your terrace. I am so, so, so, so jealous! 🙂
Ann in Missouri
really love this painting–all the subtle tones of green