Alas, as the writing of this, I've not yet managed to get internet in my apartment, and with my taking on the workload of and cleaning up after a recently departed, entirely ineffectual coworker, means that I don't have much spare time at all. I've snatched a few moments on my lunch break today, however, for an update.
First, and foremost, I am feeling so much more myself. I am still setting up my apartment, but despite having an incomplete living room and studio... and still no internet (grumble)... I am in fact feeling more contented than I have in a long time.
Creativity is returning. I am suddenly bursting with ideas for paintings, and I'm so excited to get to work there. Soon! I just need to buy something into which I can unpack my paintbrushes, paints, papers and sketchbooks. I was passing by DeSerres in the St-Laurent shopping centre, and they have something that looks like it would work well. It's called the Really Useful Storage Tower.
I'm also dreaming up what I can do with my living room. There's already growing a little exercise corner. I have my dumbbells all set up. I'm getting an exercise bike from my father, who is no longer using his. And there'll be space enough for floor work.
My living room proper is still a little sparse. My bookshelves are up and filled. Just looking at them make me happy. My gaming system is all set up, which will be great as soon as I get internet. I need a sofa, and am looking for either a butter yellow or turquoise one (this one caught my eye recently). I have my father's old Laz-Y-Boy rocking chair. It's very comfy, but does make it a little awkward trying to game when the cat wants to share my space (adorable as hell, though). A rug would be nice, a side table, and maybe a coffee table. I'd also love to have a small side table or buffet thingy in which to store my alcohol.
Houseplants are also on my list. Did you know Ikea sold living plants? I sure as hell didn't. I am eying the potted bamboos. I'd like at least three - one for my bedroom, one for the kitchen, and one for the living room. I bought myself a wee $10.00 yellow rose bush from the supermarket on a whim and it went from one blossom to five in a week. It sits on my bedroom windowsill, enjoying the morning sunlight, and every time I see it, it makes me smile. I'd love to get a sage plant for my kitchen. I adore the smell of fresh sage. My little spider plant, the one plant I was given (thank you, TV!) in my old place that survived the dark, and the atmosphere, is now recovering. It was once quite large, and by the end was reduced to three pale, dying leaves. Now it has four. Another is growing. It's colour is brighter. That, too, makes me happy. It's sitting in my studio, and I can't wait to give it a few plant friends. I'm looking at some low-light plants like ivy for the tops of my bookshelves, maybe some lavender and a short tree or two for the living room (it's a big space).
With rent being so high, it's going to take me a while to save up enough to get it all together, but I'm really enjoying dreaming up ways to decorate the space and make it my own. I'm considering painting accent walls, but I'm undecided since it's a rental, and I know I'd be too lazy to paint it back when I leave.
Anyway, I'm feeling really good. My home is a safe space now. I'm feeling so much more rested. My creativity is returning. That's the most important part to me. I'm grinning now just thinking of it.
I'm glad to be better. I should be able to blog weekly soon... as soon as my internet is up.
Grumble
I hope you're all well. Thank you for staying with me through the past few years. Some writing news to follow soon, I promise.
Ciao!