SUICIDE BUN

In April, when I was in my 'conquer the world' phase, I did something very foolish and applied for a job. Which, after an intensive assessment day and some fairly intrusive pre-appointment checks, I took. Since that time, my life has not been my own and I have been left wondering on many, many occasions: just what the hell do I think I am doing? In fact, I have felt rather like suicide bun above (minus the suicidal intentions obviously). Anyway, all this to say that yatje-blog is very grateful for your forebearance if at times she is missing in action.

SCRUM

© national gallery

In this rugby-starved time of the year, it is good to know that there are still some rugby things going on that remind us the new season is not too far away. For example, O2's Scrum in the Park, having now been replaced by the more exotic sounding Scrum on the Beach, is taking place on an 'urban beach' between 27-28 August 2008 in Central London (location to be confirmed). Prepare to be amazed by those Gods of Rugby! Et en plus, it was la reprise for Stade this week!

© stade.fr

CHEZ MOI

Well, I did eventually return from Paris, but not before cramming in so many activities that I returned fairly exhausted. Activities included taking the open air bus like a true tourist, thereby re-acquainting myself, wind in my hair, with my long-lost city. From my rooftop view, I was really pleased to see the Tour St Jacques unveiled after what's seemed like years in a white veil. Unfortunately, it still can't be climbed yet. More activities involved: FNAC (where I promise I bought only a few books, heaviness of suitcase oblige); food shopping and flâneuring in St Germain, visiting Modigliani's grave on the anniversary of his birthday, more prosaically, but no less fun, taking the métro, shopping in Les Halles, going to the cinema, enjoying the ambience of a favourite restaurant. It was strange and lovely to embrace and be embraced by Paris and old friends. Ah, same thing, I suppose. Still, there's no place like home.

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO, CONT.

Guess who's off to Paris for a whole week-end?!

JOYEUX ANNIVERSAIRE!

Long time, no hear, no see, no speak, no write but it doesn't mean I'm not thinking of you. Wishing you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, my amie 'ancêtre' from your amie 'enceinte' ;p

GREAT PHOTO!

© mb.it

There's no rugby at the moment so in the meantime, we'll just have to make do with this!

PASSED!

© tortora

Exam results are out! Thank goodness I don't have a summer of revision and re-sits to look forward to!

CROP

My new garden may look a bit wild at the moment but there are all sorts of exciting things going on in there, including lots of delicious Kentish cherries from the cherry tree! The tree is about four times the size of me so I'm obviously sharing the cherries in the higher branches with the birds and insects. Or maybe very tall people.

SPOON?

© harold

At times, I become possessed by the 'busy' devils. You know the ones that lurk unsuspected, waiting, and then seize you unexpectedly and unbidden. The ones that make you believe you're endowed with such super powers that you can do everything, all at the same time, while simultaneously working, studying, redecorating, gardening, attempting to socialise, then digesting a chapter of 'There Is No Spoon' and starting all over again. Last month was one such month. To the extent that concerned friends suggest that I may have bitten off more than I can chew. Yet Again. Sometimes, I need to be reminded of my new year's resolutions.

IMPERFECTION

Every day, a farmer carried two pots to the river to fetch water. Each pot hung on the end of a pole across his shoulders. The pot on his right side was new and perfect. The pot on his left side was older and had a crack in its side. The new pot brought back all the water the farmer put into it. But the cracked pot leaked out water in a little trail. This went on day after day for two years. The little cracked pot felt terrible. "I am so ashamed of my imperfection!" One day, it spoke to the farmer. "I must apologise. I only deliver half my load because I leak out water all the way back to your house. You should just get rid of me!" The farmer said, "Do not despair. Look behind you. Do you not see those beautiful flowers along the path? Those are on the left side where I carry you. I knew about your special feature so I planted flower seeds and you have watered those seeds as I walked home. Thanks to you, I have fresh flowers for my table. Thank you, little cracked pot. You are very special."
From: The Treasure in your Heart

YOGA VII

© yogajournal

Benefits of this month's pose:
- calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression
- stimulates the liver, kidneys, ovaries and uterus
- improves digestion
- soothes headache and anxiety, and reduces fatigue