A little positivity

I love photographing this cat

In another part of my life I go to a book club and the other week we were lucky enough to meet the author of the book we had read, "12 Random Words" by Fabiana Elisa Martinez, and she was asked by another bookclub member whether she ever had writers block. Her answer was that the act of writing involved putting your bottom on a chair and putting something on paper or on a screen. I think we can deduce that she is not a great believer in writers block. So after a month of procrastination I decided it was time to take Fabiana's advice..... 
Much has happened since my last rant as we have had family over from Zimbabwe which was refreshing, as despite all they put up with politically and economically, they don't moan and complain. They just get on with what they are presented with and take each day for what it is...another day. They whisked Number 3 off to Paris for a week on her return from Rome (!) and had an interesting time learning how to navigate the public transport systems in the capital. As well as zooming up to the top of the Eiffel Tower, floating down The Seine, careering around Disneyland, taking the tourist bus trip through the streets and pottering around the aquarium, amongst other things I am sure. Number 3 certainly had a holiday to remember.

Patrick arrived home a week ago and Emily appears at the end of the week. When I looked out of the window a month ago it was probably raining and there were no leaves on the trees. Now the  leaves are out on all the trees and the sun is shining, though today the wind is a little cool. We have just spent a very pleasant lunch with my belle-mére catching up on what she is doing with her exhibitions and book illustrating and shaking our heads at the state of worldwide politics. But no I will not bore you all with that nonsense in this blog....

---

We are nearing the end of our last lambing of the year. Thank goodness. And are enjoying the rhythm of fresh grass and animals outside eating it. The sheep are to be found sunbathing during the day with the  same relief that we are all feeling at having warmer weather in our clutches. The pigs have decided to have some babies so we have 12 little ones oinking and snuffling around the place. Interestingly the mummy pigs like to live in a big group with a big group of babies. They call the little ones to feed and we now have no idea whether each mama pig is feeding their own babies or anybodies babies, but they are all growing, everyone is happy, so who cares.

Entering into the month of May, I find myself already planning the entire spring and summer in front of me. Filled with markets and family visits, birthdays and anniversaries. Somewhere in between everything we must do a few house modifications this year. Knock down some walls and have a bigger dinning room. I feel several trips to the decheterie (tip) coming up. It is time to cleanse my cupboards of objects that cramp my life and breathe some space and freshness into my spirit. Installing windows in the Tobacco barn will be close to the top of the list to make enough space for extra bodies due to visit this year and maybe an extension to the butchery to create a better working environment for me and maybe diversify a little....We have our thinking caps on at Chez Franklin.
It is time for a few changes. Change prevents stagnation and  is good for the soul. After 7 years of just farming and scraping by and 7 years of farming, butchery and markets, I am thinking that the "seven year itch" thing might be applicable to business structure and planning.
See you all soon
Helen :)