Bricks from Montblanc

This is a post especially for brick lovers - in particular Elizabeth. I must extend a warm and heart felt thanks for showing me the beauty of the brick. And now, I'm sure, part of me will always see the world with a shade of Lizzy's love of bricks.

The above is a brick play ground. While all the other kids are on the swings, you could examine the different bricks! :)

This little girl is fantastic - holding that ugly thing like it was beautiful. How to see with the heart!

Catalonia, past and present

Part One

Just touching lightly on a huge topic.

Catalonia has not yet come into her own. She is blooming after the repression of the Franco years and the introduction of Spain into the European community, but she is still shaking off the hold of Spanish rule and bucking at the new people coming to live amongst her people.

There is insistence of speaking the Catalan language, of waving the Catalan flag, of protecting the Catalan culture, and yet, it seems, she is reacting against her past and not resonating with the prosperity of her present.

When we were travelling to and from Australia, people asked Albert where he was from. He would say ‘Spain.’ They would say, ‘Madrid?’ He would say ‘No, Barcelona.’ There would be a great smile and warmth and the word ‘Catalonia?’ and, no matter how many times we had this conversation, we would be amazed that people knew the difference.

Obviously, the soccer team, Barça has helped sell the awareness of Catalonia to soccer watching nations. However, Barcelona as a city, has become a by word in cultural cool. Its sexy, its charming, its hot, it has everything a traveller is looking for. The Costa Brava is near by, the Pyrenees is over the hill, and the food is to die for.

So, the world knows about you. They know you exist. They know you are not the same as Spain. They see you as a most beautiful, charming and wonderful place. With something unique to offer the world.

Now its time for you, Catalonia, to accept your position as a jewel in the crown of the world.

Cleaning the Cupboard

I have trouble cleaning. Sometimes. It kind of creeps up on me and suddenly there are little dust bunnies and little spills on the floor and dust piling on surfaces.

I usually wait until I can’t stand it anymore and then I do a BIG clean. It can take hours.

Since moving to this apartment, I’ve been pretty consistent, however, I needed some motivation. I asked my friend to e mail me every time she cleans something. Well, not sweeping the floors or doing the dishes, but everything else.

I have a schedule up too, on my computer, of all the little jobs I’m suppose to do. I’m a big list maker. Some days I do it, and some days I don’t.

Anyway – as a commitment to cleaning, and a commitment to letting my friend help me, I took a photo of before and after I cleaned the kitchen cupboard.

The other thing too, is I don’t have a feel for where things should go. I have trouble knowing if I should put the bread over near the tea, or with the biscuits. If someone has some tips, or would like to come over and sort it all for me – you are very welcome.

Making a home. Through the clean and the unclean times.

Blue Eyes Are Beautiful in Spain

I'm watching TV.

If its a cleaning advertisement, house cleaning, laundry or some terrible stomach problem – then the ‘actresses’ used have dark hair and brown eyes.

However, if it’s a beauty product, for hair, for skin, for shaving (showing lots of skin) – then the girl (usually VERY young) has dark hair and blue eyes.

Its uncanny.

I’ve spoken to a few people about it. They say that after Franco, the media turned its gaze upon the daring Scandinavians, in particular the free and frivolous Swedes. The beauty ideal was blonde and blue eyed and preferably naked.

I understand.

Spain, you need a big hug.

Beautiful Granollers?

I’ve seen somebody ungraciously spit the drink out of their mouth upon hearing the words ‘beautiful Granollers.’ People react with raised eye brows and disbelief. Granollers? Beautiful?

Friends of mine came to visit last week. They created a photo album called ‘Beautiful Granollers’, and there are photos of the local bakeries, cafes, the porchada, the lovely little house on the corner with the parrot in the window, a shop where you can buy ‘love’ and pictures of me.

The fact is, we don’t have many tourists coming to Granollers. Nobody sees the point of selling the city when places like Vik are so close by. However, my friends came to visit me, and they loved it.

They loved the food. The simple Catalan food where even the worst cook can’t go astray. Excellent produce creates delicious taste.

They loved the weather. My friends came from Scandinavia, and for them, Granollers was a haven of warmth during the day and a fresh rain shower in the afternoon. It was summer with a capital S. It was still raining in Oslo and Stockholm the last time I looked.

They loved the shopping. My friends are dedicated shoppers and they adored having all of the big names in a few blocks of each other.They loved that they could smoke in bars and restaurants. Of course, just about any other place in the world, you have to leave the premises to smoke, so for them, it was a lovely luxury to sit and enjoy their nicotine rush.

Did I mention that they told everyone they met of what a great time they had here? The inexpensive alcohol, the reasonably priced and delicious food, the bakeries serving such an array of pastries, the cobbled streets and flowers spilling over balconies.

Beauty, I have heard, is in the eyes of the beer holder.

On the Revista del Valles website, I viewed a poll where you can mark Granollers as failed, average, good or excellent. I was surprised with the results. Perhaps, to increase the beauty of Granollers, I raise my glass this time and say ‘cheers!’

This article was originally printed for Revista del Valles.

What I Really Like About Granollers And Living In Catalonia – thus far.

Part I

The photos I have loaded are in no particular order of preference.

I am so happy to have a kitchen! And Orange. Before we were travelling, I lived in a small house in Hamar, and Vidar, you know how small that space is.

A kitchen is creative. It’s a place of alchemy and fusion. Its east meets west and the cooking pot of my kitchen holds pride of place. Thank you.

I like Jett. I like Jett on holiday. And I like Jett home here with us. Isn't he cute!? And white...

One of the Great Things about moving to Granollers is that I have my friend's close, and instead of staring at really really ugly pictures of me, they can come and visit.

Like Rupini and Sevika - here. Look how happy we are. Well, he's happy at least. They are happy cause they are just about to eat cakes and pastries, and I'm happy cause they are happy. And I'm also about to eat cakes and yummy things.

My yoga room - that is actually 'a room of my own'. Here - well, its private. And my space. And thank you very much.

The first time I drank vermouth was about two and a half years ago, on my first visit to Granollers. We were sitting at Albert’s parent’s house (the one with the swimming pool) – and it was warm, I was in love, the olives came out, with some chippy chips and this light refreshing and clear little aperitif. Lovely. Has to have ice.

Montse - what a nice lady you are. You are so kind to me, even though we don't speak the same language. Kindness reaches over many borders. If I go to your house, I leave with my arms full of little gifts. Its like you can not give enough. Thank you. Though I am continuing to gain weight.

Joan - an inspirational student!! If I studied half as much as him, I'd be double so smart. Does that make sense?

Without you, and Montse, there is no me here in Granollers - so again, from the truth of the most basic needs, thank you.

This is kind of like a photo of Albert and me and sums up our household. And we're very happy, so thank you very much for that.

You know I love you - don't make me say it over and over.

And Albert. Thanks.

Your Contribution

The Value of Money

When we get something for free, we don’t value it. When its easy, simple and free, its even harder to appreciate. Perhaps giving a dollar or two, for the posts you particularly like, will help you give value to someone’s spiritual sweat. It might not be a bad idea.

Where Does Your Gift Money Go?

Your financial donation goes towards helping me increase my time for study, practise and writing. Everything I learn, I share with everyone who is interested. Spiritual aspirants in our society are not supported in their life as they are in other cultures. I earn money by taking yoga/qigong/meditation classes on a donation basis. Everything I do relies upon your good will, and a supportive partner.

We live simple, practical lives. We give what time we can to other people in need. We don’t have money to spare, but we do have time and our expertise. My partner often ‘gives’ his time to support low-income operations by creating websites and increasing communication between like minds.

How Does What I Do Help?

What I write about is love, motivation and inspiration. I receive e mails weekly about how sharing my stories and growth with as much honesty as I can muster, has helped others on their spiritual path. Money can’t buy these things. Its something you can stumble upon while you’re staring at the gravel or while surfing on the net. It can be a pretty flower rising up against all odds, or a weird and wacky post that seems to be just what you were looking for.

Getting Involved In The Community

I write for the local newspaper here in Granollers. At the moment, I do it for free, because they can’t afford new writers in these times of financial strain. I love to share, anyway.

I’m currently offering private students an opportunity to learn yoga at a donation price of their own choice. This can even mean making me dinner, or bringing me a pot plant. The gift of yoga/meditation/qigong has no price tag.

I’m in the process of helping create a yoga community for Granollers. I’m trying to help bring the different yoga groups together under one banner so we can share the wealth of information we have with a wider audience.

To Sum Up

I have a lot of ideas, and your donation (created by 9-5 jobs!) help me express the vision of unity I see for us.

Please donate, even if it’s just a token of appreciation. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.