Running

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Like many of us I spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer working and often, drawing or writing. A lot of time being stationary. I'm conscious of this and know I need to counterbalance it with exercise. I've also been talking to friends lately about how running makes them feel. Both mentally and physically. About how it can help to deal with stress and clear your mind.

One morning about three weeks ago, I woke up at 6am. It was light and bright outside. So I got up, put on my sports kit and trainers and headed out the door. And I ran. Only for one minute but I ran. As the books advise, I alternated running for one minute with walking for two. I didn't push myself. I listened to music. I looked at the sun shining through the trees. I noticed how many other people were out running! And it felt good. Two days later, I set my alarm for 6am and I went out again. And dare I say it, it was fun.

And as I turned in the direction of home, there was a little note on the pavement. My two new favourite pieces of advice - run and paint : )

A Night In With Netflix - Chef

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Sometimes there's nothing better than curling up on the sofa for a night in with Netflix. And sometimes you find a real treat hidden amongst the recommendations. This week I realised that Chef was squirrelled among the thumbnails. I've seen it several times already but it's one of my favourite go-to movies. If you can watch it without wanting to go to New Orleans and eat an entire block of cheese melted on toast, let me know.

Vinyl

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I finally have a record player back in my life after an absence of about 25 years and oh my goodness, it is so lovely. I dug out all my old 45s and sat on my lounge floor like I was fourteen again. The act of placing the record carefully on the turntable, the gentle clunk of the tone arm (who knew it was called that?) moving onto the record and the quality of the sound resonating from the speakers of my ancient Technics stereo was just wonderful.

The first record in the pile was this absolute classic. The second was Manchild by Neneh Cherry. My friends and I used to challenge each other to do the whole rap and I'm proud to say I still remember all the words. Just hoping my neighbours didn't hear me rapping.

Sunday Song - Hope

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"Oh the stars, they are ours. Just look up. Everybody needs a little hope."

The Take That Live Wonderland show beamed live into cinemas across the land on Friday night. It was a tumultuous day across the UK due to politics and we needed to escape. So we drank wine and danced and felt hopeful. I always say, if in doubt, create but also, if in doubt, hope.