There are no easy ways into this new life. Both out of life and of this life, it requires new habits and routines that widely differ from the ones we’re used to. We stay silent and hug, gestures as eloquent as words.
#LockdownDiary – One of many – Day 29
Today I remain in the business park of Willow House and Oak Buildings. I run up and down yellow painted stairs until I’m bored of them. I stop in a deserted parking lot bordering the motorway and pick up a rock. I lift it up and down, swing it left and right until the muscles in my arms hurt.
#LockdownDiary – One of many – Day 28
Then there are the words already known. Laranjas (oranges, oranges), their smell and taste accompanying every memory of Portugal I have. From the bitter face twitching unripped oranges, to the squishy, sweet, and sticky ones. They have taught me what an orange should taste like. I barely eat them in the UK anymore.
#LockdownDiary – One of many – Day 27
I enter full screen and observe the layout. It is pleasingly book like with a massive capital letter at the start of my chapters and illustrations peppered throughout.
#LockdownDiary – One of many – Day 26
I bring my attention back to the screen. Outside pigeons are cooing. I have never quite realised how many pigeons live around our house. Over the last couple of days I’ve noticed a particular couple that keeps returning to the tree by our fence.
Findings – Week 09
Findings - Week 09
Suburbia and The Legend of Zelda
One of my aim for 2020 is to be more conscious of the time I spend reading/listening/watching new (to me) creative projects. I want to actively make time for other people’s work and creativity in my life. One way of achieving this has been to be more focused with my time but as the year gets busier, I am going to to lose that focus. To combat this, I am going to publicly share a list of works I’ve been enjoying on a weekly basis.
Deanna Dikeman – Suburbia
I have longed been fascinated with suburbia, the apparent sameness of it all, the perceived safety of the communities there, and the comfort in knowing what to expect when you enter suburbia.
The artist Deanna Dikeman shares this fascination and has set out to capture the suburbian environment in images. She explores the similarities but also the subtle differences that individuals bring to their patch of land.
You can explore her project here.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
This isn’t exactly new to me. I have been playing this game for over two months but since lockdown began I have been playing it even more. I even managed to defeat the big bad boss somewhat unintentionally this past week. This is of little importance to me however.
The reason I have almost exclusively played this game for the last two months, and the reason why it keeps drawing me back time and time again during this lockdown period is the openness of the world. I have spent many hours wandering through fields, swimming in rivers, climbing mountains, and exploring villages for no other reason than I can. Trapped at home, this game has become a lifeline when I find myself yearning for a long walk. It is not the same as going for a walk but it relaxes me, the sounds of my footsteps through the grass and the birds all around reminding me of freer times, times that will come again.
And with only 30 percent of the game completed, I am far from having discovered all there is to see and do.
What have you been enjoying this week?
#LockdownDiary – One of many – Day 25
At the roundabout that will lead me to the duck pond near work, I see a cyclist wondering where to go. I envy their ability to ride. Before this run, I have joined the Cycle Touring Festival online. People have been sharing photos of their lockdown rides. They look happy.
#LockdownDiary – One of many – Day 24
We had been bickering all morning with my partner. First there was the tax on the car, then the eggs at our local farm, and other topics I have forgotten about. We were both tense and our constant proximity was not helping.
#LockdownDiary – One of many – Day 23
My first outing with my partner was in a café, the first of many. She taught me about coffee but I refrained from making it. She likes her coffee just right and I have no clue how to make different ones. I order them from a counter and they come already brewed. We followed this pattern for a long time, me peculiar about my cups of tea, her about her cups of coffee.
#LockdownDiary – One of many – Day 22
I remember the discussion of a few days ago, the sadness that had permeated our cul-de-sac. But today is different. There is a birthday to celebrate, the sun is shining, and we’re all in high spirits. We talk about age, about skiing and injuries. We chat about food and the birthday party to come. There will be chocolate, chicken dippers, and a takeaway.