The back shed has gone, finally.  Hooray – or in french, hoora (which sounds more like “oora” because they like to swallow their h’s).

I wanted to take a photo of Clive standing on top of the demolished shed, but he said he felt too emotional and preferred to remember it as it was.  They were very close.

Change involves pain.  As does growth, darn it. I remind myself of this as I exercise.  And a few hours after I exercise.  I also remind myself (and Clive) of this as we struggle on with learning french.  I don’t think I’ve ever truly appreciated how amazing people are who speak more than one language.  They have my full respect.

But I will not give up.  With patient perseverance I shall carry on.  Besides, learning new things is EXTREMELY good for the brain.  A lot of focus seems to go on taking care of the body.  While this is indeed necessary, I think it’s really important to be good stewards of our brain as well and continual learning is a part of good brain stewardship.

Our brain has an enormous capacity to learn and continue to change.  It’s that whole neuroplasticity thing, where new neural pathways can be formed.  A few years ago I read about this in a book entitled “Switch on Your Brain” by Dr Caroline Leaf who is a cognitive neuroscientist specialising in cognitive and metacognitive neuropsychology.  Dr Leaf says we can actually rewire our own brain.  I find that super-exciting!

As long as we are alive we can keep learning.  And we should!  It’s not over ‘til the (no f word allowed) curvy lady sings.  And until she does, there is learning to be done.

I have had really good role models in this regard during my life.  

My father took up art as an adult.  He has since produced many wonderful pieces in both oils and pastels and has sold several of his works.  My Nana began painting with watercolours, also in her later years.  This same Nana opened up her own babywear shop in her fifties.  I clearly remember that shop (mostly because of the scary toilet in a shed at the very end of the property!) 

My parents both attend a Rebus group which offers interesting presentations to retired and semi-retired business people.  My mother has attended various art and writing classes over the years.  They keep their brains busy by learning new things.  I’m inspired by them.

Learning comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and will depend on what season of life we are in.  Simply spending time with others and listening to their stories can be a learning exercise.  People are so interesting!  Reading books, learning new skills, looking at different scenery – it’s all great brain stewardship.  

To be honest though, I’m also writing this as a sort of pep-talk to myself.  I’m about to start a bit of casual work in a totally new field, so I will embrace the “learning new skills bit” and put any pain endured down to growth.  Big breath.

Onwards and upwards.  New things to learn.  New people to meet.  Chocolate to eat.  Curvy singing ladies to avoid.

À bientôt.

Our beloved dog Bree, captured so beautifully in pastel by my Dad.