Yesterday was mostly another 'setting out' day before work can begin on the roof. That dratted soil pipe continues to be a problem. The hup! (that's the name of the building system) installers would normally cut through the top section, which is just the vent part, in order to 'grind into the bricks behind it' and 'drop a collar over it', and then rejoin the bits. Sounds straightforward, except
The architect came over in the afternoon, and deep discussions took place with gesticulating and head-scratching. The current plan is to find someone to loosen up where the pipe joins the iron bit, and loosen up where it goes through the roof, push the pipe up, do the grinding, place the collar, and seal it all in place as though nothing had happened.
I'm praying as from now!
....
While the architect hunts up suitable contractors today, the hup! installers are doing other bits and pieces, keeping busy.
....
How long does it take to form a habit? I don't think I've ever managed it. For example, I'm pretty good at the morning and evening meds, but the lunchtime ones can be a bit random. And my daily page-a-day write up has kept going, with only a couple of blank pages per year, since about 2014, I think. Although I'm not entirely sure what the point of it is... I think it's because at one time I genuinely couldn't remember what I'd done a couple of days ago. At least I could now supply an alibi for almost every day... but would it be true?
....
All the above is a preamble to a picture journal plan described by Adam Ming (on substack, a sort of cross between blogs and Facebook but without adverts).
You set a timer for 10 minutes and draw a frame, divided into four boxes, one for yesterday, one for what's coming up today, one for the future, and one for something you are thankful for. That leaves you with about three minutes to fill each box with a simple picture and a few words... like a short cartoon strip in format.
Yesterday's
And today's
You don't have time to overthink!
It reminds me of the tiny postage sized pictures I made in April, May June of lockdown 2020,
(I did complete the month!)
and also when I did the sketch-a-day diary some years later.
If I keep this 10 minute journal going for a week I'll be happy enough 🙂
I think they reckon consistent 21days will form a habit
ReplyDeleteI shall test this out!
DeleteA pictorial journal sounds wonderful, but not if you can't draw. Even my stick men look peculiar.
ReplyDeleteI hope the soil pipe problem is soon solved - asbestos is such nasty stuff and requires people to wear something akin to hazmat suits!
I find it too easy to make my stick- men's arms and legs bend the wrong way... I have to think carefully before I put them in. I find people are the hardest to draw.
DeleteYes, 21 days has been quoted to me - not sure what my friend's source was for this. Kirsten, in looking for a sketchbook to give a granddaughter we recently came across a sketch-a-day diary I started because, I think, of your example, some years ago. I see I kept it up for about 10 days. - Beth in Ontario
DeleteThat's longer than me at my first attempt; I botched a picture so badly I didn't go back for a couple of years! Then I ripped out those pages and started again 🙃
DeleteI started a gratitude journal at the start of the year and diligently kept it up till February 16th and then failed to do it! I'm sad about it as it was a lovely positive thing!
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping and praying re your asbestos thing. Eek!!
I love your little paintings from Lockdown!
I feel uncomfortable with the idea of a 'gratitude journal', although I have no difficulty listening things I am grateful and thankful for. Why is that, I wonder? It's the same thing really!
DeleteI too think its 21 days, love your sketches.
ReplyDeleteLet's see if day 3 happens then! Glad you like the sketches.
DeleteI'm just wondering why you'll need an alibi!!
ReplyDeleteLove those little stamp size pictures you did
I've been watching too many crime dramas 'where were you between three and five a fortnight ago last Thursday?'.... 😳
DeleteI enjoyed doing the tiny drawings, it was quite a challenge fitting them into a little space. I did make a key to the pictures on the facing page.
Although there's been a hiccup with your building work, looks like its well on its way, exciting times.
ReplyDeleteYes, although at the moment it seems a bit 'two steps forwards, one-and-a-half back '....
DeleteI do hope all the discussions work out and some way of placing the pipe is found. It must feel like a bit of a backstep but I'm sure it will work out.
ReplyDeleteI think your little paintings are lovely. As to journals, it's not something I'm comfortable with for no real reason.
They seem to be getting along at pace today! Several pieces of roof have gone up this morning.
DeleteThe concept of journalling covers a multitude of things... I'm more drawn to the Isaac Newton and Leonardo da Vinci style of noting ideas and observations than tracking how many litres of water or answering daily prompts about how I'm feeling! Although I don't think my efforts are of the same calibre as I N or L da V!
Your drawings are lovely. I’m frankly, lazy about journaling; it has to be quick and simple for me. I might try out your 10 minute method . Definitely NOT channelling L deV here either.
DeleteI'm hoping that if I have 'a streak' running, like wordle and duolingo, (both of which I eventually abandoned after about a year because they became tiresome), I might keep the 10 minute journal going. It depends if I find it fun and worth doing and easy-peasy!
Delete