Back in the high life again…

Technically, I am higher, in the sense that I’m above sea level.

I thoroughly enjoyed my hectic time in Texas, as well as Florida, Colorado and Mississippi, but now I’m back on this side of the pond.

I gotta say the weather is better here…at least until the cold and wind arrive!

I’m glad to be here again. I feel more tranquil. It’s probably because of the sea…looking out from my balcony at the blue water extending to the horizon and hearing the sound of the waves and the wind. Whatever the reason, the effects are good for my state of mind.

Every summer when I vacate my apartment here, I have to store my belongings for the time that I am away. And I have A LOT of belongings! Libras (like me), it is said, are known for craving order, balance, and beauty. Their home needs to be organized, attractive, and cozy. So, I’ve made the apartment that I rent my own. I put away the host’s sheets and towels and pillows and knick knacks, and replace them with my own. I’ve had to hold myself back from buying dishes and furniture, and so far I’ve been successful in that. I’ve even taken down some of the wall art and bought other pieces. Next to my bed, the hosts had hanging a drawing of a naked woman seen from behind. Her perfect hourglass figure only taunted me, reminding me of my increasingly imperfect figure. So I took it down and replaced it with a pastel of the Begur castle painted in soothing colors.

I’ve written before of my internal struggle with missing family and friends and wondering whether living here is the right thing for me to do. But then I’ll have a moment like I had yesterday. I went to the annual festival (Festa Major) of a small town near me. I was invited by a British friend who lives there and is on the town’s committee that organises the event. I didn’t really want to go because I’ve only been here about 5 days and I had things to do, but I went and it was so worth it. It’s a town of 900+ people and there was a crowd over a few hundred in the square. We drank Vermouth and nibbled on potato chips and olives while a duo of a guitarist and drummer played popular songs in English, Spanish, and Catalan. I’d never heard Maggie Mae sung in Spanish!! People of all ages danced and sang along. This is why I’m here.

I feel like I have made some progress in my continuing goal to improve my Catalan language ability, but fluidity of speech is still out of reach. But French on the other hand, which I am also continuing to study, I feel like I will NEVER come close to mastering. How do all those French people do it? I’m going to keep trying though!!

LOVE BEGUR! Love the Costa Brava! Love Catalunya! Happy to be here!!!

I just found this quote…I don’t know where it’s from, but I like it: seeking out places that light up your soul is nothing to be ashamed of.

From the apartment complex just above mine…