Into the flow

So first week of school came and went. Both Maya and Violet had great first weeks. Maya (and me) waded through homework in Portuguese that is set every night! Violet cried vehemently every time we dropped her off but she is getting used to it. It is really bizarre turning up to collect the girls as a couple - something you rarely see anywhere! I have managed to get into the flow of painting on a more regular basis by literally propping up canvases against tree stumps and painting views. The painting pictured is the first. It has undergone a number of reworkings and now has greater pictorial depth. In the next few days I'll be getting handy with the chainsaw and axe to start building up the winter stockpile. Tomorrow Caz and I will revisit the Ribieira house over the value for a photo shoot. At the weekend it is the grand grape-picking session at Laurinda's vine. She is lovely old lady recently widowed who runs a small shop in the nearest village Abitueira. She will wear black for the rest of her life. We will also be joined by Caroline's brother Stephen and his wife Sophie to enjoy that and festivities for Maya's birthday weekend.

It has been great to hang out with Andy and Vonnie here. We have already enjoyed some great dinners, games and talking into the night. They really are building something special here and ready for the long haul! While Caz was away on a shoot in London this last weekend we all went to Peter and Suzanne's yoga retreat up the valley. It was pleasant evening with a good atmosphere and a fire that nearly lit some gazebo beams! They have forged an honest and raw experience up there at Bacelo that gives all a yoga experience that is slap bang in the heart of nature.

Haiku 19 Wed 15/09

White sky, cool breeze blows.

Wind turbines stop still as stars.

Haiku 20 Thurs 16/09

The grass is alive with tiny red bettles.

The children laugh and play.

Haiku 21 Fri 17/09

Mighty bolt strikes

With a shocking crack.

Trucks race to the burning tree.

Haiku 22 Sat 18/09

Clouds pepper the sky

Altering the hillside light.

The canvas waits for change.

Haiku 23 Sun 19/09

Golden eagle effortlessly soars,

One look is not enough.

Wind is the heartbeat.

Haiku 24 Mon 20/09

To paint a night sky at dusk

Is strangely rewarding.

Haiku 25 Tues 21/09

The eagle returns

Skimming the tops of the trees.

Flash of white on the wings.