The Angel of Grouting

[smokingboot]

Came by last night. She resealed our bath and taught me how to do it so clearly I no longer fear the hideous job that awaits me removing and replacing the evil old grouting round our kitchen sink. She even remained patient when I leaned against her pristine work, covering my arms in gunk and smearing it everywhere. She just did it again. It looks beautiful, though not as beautiful as its creator, the lovely littlemiscowboy, whose help has saved us so much time, effort and potential botchjobbery. Thank you angel!

This is the strangest of times. Just as one friend lets me down so badly I'm in shock, others turn up and they give something I love and actively need; they teach me stuff. They don't sit me down and tell me how to do or what to be, no, they show me potential ways of doing things, they open doors for me. Practical demo came last night from the angel of grouting. New headspace came from the inestimable jfs with this link:

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/jonathan_harris_collects_stories.html

TED is pretty astonishing. It makes me remember who I am, a story person, an idea person, a student, still learning and loving to learn even if half of it doesn't stay in my brainfromage.

Next year larians and I are planning to go on a diving holiday to Thailand with a couple of friends. I am looking forward to two weeks in Paradise among turtles down in the deep blue; but it's important that I don't forget my own ideas, plans for me rather than for the two of us (though I would love it if larians came too) I do want to try Burning Man and to attend the TED conference in Long Beach. And of course, I want to visit Bhutan before it turns into a theme park. I want, I want, I want...

How tired I've been! Now I'm less so, I can see how fallow my brain became, unable to think or move or write. But now, despite being covered in grouting and paint, I can feel my recovery beginning. Life is sweet, and learning is still pretty damn cool xxx

Comments

[jfs.livejournal.com]

With my trainer's hat on, 50% retention of a lesson is above average ....

Glad you like TED; I think it's a marvellous source of inspiration.

[hybridartifacts.livejournal.com]

I can never understand how people get grouting to work-every time I try it comes out a terrible mess and never lasts long.
I need an angel of grouting as well! Im sooo envious.

[blackcurrants.livejournal.com]

I love TED so much. I am very happy for you, this post is lifting with joy. It's wonderful.

[littlemiscowboy.livejournal.com]

Thank you hun, it's very sweet of you.
Think I need to get a t-shirt made up!

[littlemiscowboy.livejournal.com]

Oh, forgot to mention (well Bruce forgot to tell me, and you and I were too busy talking at the nasty grout to get round to it), I used to dive (my dad and brother still do). If you want hints and tips, or just to talk it over, gimme a shout!

[littlemiscowboy.livejournal.com]

I'm a perfectionist. In day-today life, this is usually a bad thing, but, when it comes to grouting, it's actually a blessing!

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

Like it? I can't stay away from it. It's weening me off Facebook at brutal speed!

I wish TED arranged lectures in other places like, oh, old London town...

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

It was scary and glorious all at the same time. She's a goddess with a grout gun!

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

Thank you, I can't believe I never heard of TED before. And yes, I am happy, just beginning to feel like myself again. Ideas bring me to life - can't work out how I forgot that!

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

Ooh, of course I'd love to pick your brains on it, and I'll bet Russ would too, cos we're keen but we haven't a clue! Let's try to get together soon:-)