zhaf

A rather random inoffensive bloke stoking the personal fires of creativity through writing and the visual arts.

[zhaf @zhaf]

Of all the crazy things I have ever done in my life, I am now toying with the idea of farming (a small, organic, hobby type of farm). I don't quite understand it, and maybe it is stage of life thing, but the idea of growing some food is starting to appeal to me.

[zhaf @zhaf]

Hard winter after a hard year. Power has been out for four days which, as my life adjusts to more of a 19th century style of living, has underlined my need to eat better, lose weight, and meditate on future life goals and all the choices to get me there.

[zhaf @zhaf]

Ready to begin Spring with a refreshed determination to make personal improvements. Hoping that this year will be a good one, but am legitimately concerned that there are hard lessons ahead for our world. Less conflict, less contention, more tolerance is our best way forward.

[zhaf @zhaf]

Been really cold at my place during these last few weeks. Grouchy cat has decided it wouldn't be so bad to share my bed on those colder nights. He warms the covers, but also gets cranky if I shift around too much in bed. It's a good way for both of us to work on our patience.

[zhaf @zhaf]

Was the "greeter" at a soup kitchen this past Sunday. Lots of young, hungry people out on the street. Made me think how some of life's problems might be solved if the sleeping masses of people merely thought about small things differently and allowed themselves a measure of hope.

[zhaf @zhaf]

Mia Esperanto-kapableco iomete pli boniĝis dum la pasinta jaro. Mi esperas, ke mi lernos multe pli en la estonteco.

[zhaf @zhaf]

Enjoyed a fairly relaxing morning coffee and breakfast at a downtown cafe this morning, which I followed up with creative writing for an hour. Depending on the availability of finances, I think I shall try to make this a regular Wednesday event.

[zhaf @zhaf]

Two house sparrows suddenly flew out front of my car, and with no time to swerve, I managed to run them over. Hoping today goes better.

[zhaf @zhaf]

After one hundred and fifty days, I can now read Esperanto better than I can Spanish. Youtube, Duolingo, and Facebook groups helped a lot.

[zhaf @zhaf]

"Man's merit lieth in service and virtue, and not in the pageantry of wealth and riches." I find hope here, and the challenge to be better.

[zhaf @zhaf]

Hoping this week's warmer weather will allow me to get back to my normal routine. It's so cold even my motivation is starting to freeze.

[zhaf @zhaf]

After 90 days learning Esperanto in Duolingo, I am half-way through the lesson tree. Likely won't be able to properly pronounce "scias."

[zhaf @zhaf]

Weird day. Still on a life quest to find stability and calm in the day-to-day mundane struggle. A large, filling breakfast in town helped.

[zhaf @zhaf]

Listening to Siouxie & the Banshees. If I had a time machine, I'd return to high school and clue myself in to all the bands I missed out on.

[zhaf @zhaf]

Giving Duolingo a shot at teaching me Esperanto. Now, after fourteen days of lessons, I know the difference between a duck and a pineapple.

[zhaf @zhaf]

Working on a new pattern cover and listening to design podcasts. Hoping this will spark my creativity for bigger projects.

[zhaf @zhaf]

I'm abashed to confess a strong liking for James Brown songs. With age & regret, I find I'm drifting towards some stereotypical affinities.

[zhaf @zhaf]

According to my dad, all my broken car might need is a "coolant-oscopy." The boiling over from yesterday might be a short term thing.

[zhaf @zhaf]

Wish the makers of Transfer-Eze ® would package their product in a slightly bigger bag so the ends of the sheets did not curl so much.

[zhaf @zhaf]

Creativity, for me, is a mystical process that involves practical work and study, but ultimately is an inspiration in the classical sense.