The Amazing, New and Improved Louise

It's February and I've morphed into a new me since my last update. I think the main stimulus for the accidental transformation was boredom and frustration at being stuck in Sydney saving for my next trip, since everyone who knows me at all knows my inability to carry through with consciously made plans for self-improvement. I didn't realise I was trying to change until people started commenting on it.

Step 1. Painting.



This is the most relaxing, fun, rewarding way to spend down time. I started by watching a 30 minute program on TVS, Masterclass in Oils with Ken Harris. He's an artist who takes you step by step through painting a landscape. I think the best advice he gives is that anyone can paint.


The moment I picked up my paintbrush I was addicted. You don't have to be Michelangelo, it's enough just to love doing it. The beach scene above was my first attempt at something else, and then I put together the sheep scene below in my mind on my way home from work.


And below is a picture of my work table, in a shed in the backyard we named the Magic House when we were kids. Dad has his tools in here and starts all his boats and projects here. I retreat to this spider-infested place to paint as it's incredibly peaceful and most of the family won't come in voluntarily.

I also just bought a drawing set and a copy of The Idiot's Guide to Drawing People, since every painter should be able to draw, according to Ken.


Step 2. Walking.

I have no idea what started this, perhaps the combination of mild Sydney weather and finally getting so depressed about the state my body's in that I had to do something. But I've started power walking the 8 km to the train station in the morning before work. It takes me 1 hr 4 mins, but I'm hoping to cut it down even further. It feels fantastic starting the day out like this, which is something I never imagined I would say as I've always dismissed fitness before work, especially walking, as tedious.


Step 3. Camino de Santiago.

I just took a 5 day break from work and started researching where to go on my next trip. The Camino de Santiago, from what I've read, is an old pilgrimage route stretching across Spain, which has existed since the middle ages (the Camino that is, not Spain). It's 780 km long, which will take roughly 30 days walking 26 km/day. Most people walk more each day, but I'm guessing there'll be some days when I'm so blistered that I'll also be doing a lot less.

The hardest thing is that they say your pack shouldn't be more than 10% of your body weight. How can I possibly last 30 days with a 6.5kg bag? No makeup, no books, and only 2 t-shirts & 2 pairs of pants to change between. Imagine. Me. Everyone seems to think you don't need more than the 2 shirts, which will be mucky but interesting...

Lastly, a couple more pictures from life in Sydney: