Monday 4 May:

Dawn walk this morning (just the usual harbourside circuit… on a fairly grey, still day – no photographs!), but I also incorporated some reflections from the Iona pilgrimage guide “Around a Thin Place” as I walked – just five ‘stopping points’, but that was fine. I found it quite useful (and encouraging).

Sat down after breakfast and prepared a brief Re-Ordering Group report for Thursday’s PCC (and responded to Mary Orna regarding ‘Statement of Need’ issues). Also spoke to Tom by phone, which was good to do.

Continued to experiment with my ‘new’ watercolours – I’m incredibly timid and unadventurous when it comes down to it (maybe I’ll improve as I gain more confidence with experience?). I’ve done a self-portrait (see image) and found that, somewhat predictably for me, I got ‘sucked in’ by all the details involved in my lined face etc! But quite quick… and enjoyable.

Ruth and Iris round ‘at a distance’ with some supplies (potatoes, cheese, onions, bacon and marmalade!). xx

Received an email from Adrian first thing and it was quickly followed by email responses from Steve, John and John (and I added a reply too)… everyone seems ok (although John Trem needs double-knee surgery which sounds pretty onerous).

Watched “Grayson Perry’s Art Club” on Channel4 in the evening – encouraging people to ‘do’ art… he’s always good value (and some interesting stuff too).

Started reading Lewis Hyde’s book “The Gift” at bedtime… and think I’m going to find it ‘hard going’ (but I’ll persevere).