vibrant, sharpest, necessary space

Vibrant colours under the sharpest of winter lights, when I walked at lunchtime along the Oxford canal yesterday.

A see-things-afresh afternoon.

Necessary space in an otherwise crowded day.

terrific oclw conference, things to think about, fun in oxford, cycling, lemon-sorbet

Terrific conference at the Oxford Centre for Life-Writing at Wolfson College, yesterday, entitled Possibilities and Pitfalls when Writing about Living People.

A lot of things to think about in relation to Trust, so that I can attempt to make it publishable, whilst also staying true to its current form and structure. It's the right time, now the hurt and anger have waned (how long it takes!) and fairness and letting the story speak for itself can inform the narrative. A question of final cuts and adding extra text that gives clarity and depth.

There are some things I know must go, despite previous attachment to them.

It's very reassuring and affirming to be at a conference like yesterday's.

It was also fun to spend the first part of the morning in Oxford before it started. Breakfast then a walk round the Parks (dodging the complex rhythms of the inexorable 100 or so organised runners, zig-zagging the paths, each jogging at their individual pace with the encouragement of cheerful stewards). Where I saw the moss on a tree-branch. Photographing it, a still centre of looking, marvelling and concentration. A few moments of taking stock at the Kellogg Hub, before a drenched wander up to Wolfson.

Met some lovely people at the conference, which was infused with positivity and friendliness. How to run such an event!

Things are taking off at work as the term and New Year get underway.

Today was beautiful. Loved completing one or two tasks left-over from before Christmas. Gorgeous cycle up Mount Owen and back. Was that light best described as lemon-sorbet? It was certainly deceptively spring-like - as sharp-talloned snow and ice make ready to swoop.

gibbous, sherborne park walk, eleven happy days, refreshed if still in denial!

 

A gibbous moon over the National Trust's Sherborne Park estate yesterday, 2nd January 2023.

Photographed as the light was fading but it had been showing in the afternoon sky throughout our walk.

It has been great to spend time at home and in and around the village for the last eleven days, and to celebrate Christmas and the New Year (lots of delicious things to eat and drink, including veg from the allotment).

Took today off, so tomorrow's my first work day - though I have been doing some light tasks here and there.

Can't really believe it's the end of the holidays but I certainly feel refreshed and ready to start 2023!