2023 rules according to me
The ball dropped, the gong went off, the clock struck midnight. 2023 was born under a sky of crackers, hugs, kisses, smooches and well-wishers (those who were awake at least) who welcomed the new year with (I hope) the anticipation of better things to come. My very own FB post read a summerised version of the below.
Published: Sylvia Jimenez
As we say good riddance to 2021...
It’s been a while. It’s been a tough year all around. Creatively suffocated, observing negativity and patience being tested, but as the year draws to a close and we merge to the beach for a dip in the ocean and watch the people go by, canines splashing in the water and people enjoying the sun, I’ll take this as an exit from the norm and look to next year with eyes wide open. Happy 2022 to everyone, signing stupid Covid goodbye and inviting all good things only! Xxx
Published: Sylvia Jimenez
I've finished writing a book: how I'm keeping myself busy in between querying
Daunting, fighting imposter syndrome, ecstatic, excited, tense, optimistic and reconciled that whatever happens, happens! But I won’t be sitting on my laurels. One of the aspects of falling into the writing rabbit hole was that time did fly by until my novel was completed (a few drafts and many edits later). For my close friends reading this, I apologise for my incognito state; I was simply obsessing over getting it finished, and as you know me well…a deadline is still a deadline! Hence, the best advice given by my mentor and writing communities is to start writing the next one.
Published: Sylvia Jimenez
How one conversation took me back many decades...
I was sitting poolside watching the young master and his weekly training squad when (a relatively new friend, our boys play in the same team) and I started chatting. She is a recent inhabitant of our shores, but our family background is very similar, in that I too am an immigrant from the European continent and we love all things marzipan. We discussed her new home, the children and then we started talking about books. What you like, what motivates, what moves you? And as an avid reader, I suggested we swap books as a means of spreading good storytelling. She asked me what was my favourite book? A few titles popped into my subconscious, but one especially is the above mentioned. The Land Before Avocado, by Richard Glover.
Published: Sylvia Jimenez
Go on..try not to smile!
When a part of your life needs to R.I.P
A week ago I was contacted through FB by my lovely friend and collegue, Madam S. We worked together at one of the countries largest magazine publishing organisations for many years and while it has been more than ten years since I treaded the well worn carpeted hallways the memory of the individuals, the very late nights, the unreasonable requests and the utmost disregard for personal time rose to the quivering surface of my subconscious. The now defunct organisation in question is dead and partially buried, but when one individual put the call out to all past employees, them hordes came a comin’.
Published: Sylvia Jimenez
Never assume on a daily walk...
As a creature of habit, you will most likely find me taking my daily walk at the same time every weekday. I plan, it’s scheduled in my online diary, friends can catch me on the phone as I am most likely listening to a podcast or song, generally, it’s a green light for any future stalker. Contemplating now, perhaps, is not such a good idea. That being stated, there are others like me, who walk the same path around our area, albeit opposite, which, is another OCD moment on my behalf because I tend to walk the same path at the same time in the same direction.
Published: Sylvia Jimenez
Enter the fog
A short short story about a walk in the fog.
Has the current pandemic forced us to compartmentalise even more?
Look at your to-do list, admit it, you’ve ticked a lot of boxes…
Published: Sylvia Jimenez
No FOMO for FOMO
Today ends the first week of officially working from home. And I feel fortunate that the organisation I work for, gave us this option, in order to keep ourselves and everyone around us safe. In our home, the kiddos have access to online learning, I’ve structured a pretty good work plan and the cat is happy that she gets to stay indoors. I know some people find having to stay indoors against their will (introverts no need to put down your book), but I’m going to relish this time!
Published: Sylvia Jimenez
In the words of Charlie Brown - Good Grief!
We all know what’s going on in the world right now, I won’t use this forum to add yet another level of paranoia. Yesterday I put a 24 hour ban on any news broadcast, I refused to engage in any CV discussion and refrained from social media crazy. Even though new and updating messages are ultimately affecting our everyday life, there is one quote that resonates at the moment, and it’s from my friend Charlie Brown.
Published: Sylvia Jimenez
In recognition of International Women's Day 2020
I’ve been flicking through photos of my youth of late. And as I give thanks to all of the strong women in history and in my own family, one in particular is my mum. I was (and still am her everything) She endured a not-so-happy childhood, a not-so-happy relationship with her parents and a not-so-happy first marriage. But in every photo we have together, I’m in her arms, she’s smiling, And whilst we are conscious of giving thanks to our mothers for their support, I’m giving thanks on this day for the strength that was instilled in me from a very early age. Strong women are predominant in our family (and as such, I’ve also married into a family with strong women).
Published: Sylvia Jimenez
The power of the collaborative voice
Today I received a lovely email from our local mayor. Well it wasn’t just directed at me, of course I was part of a consortium, but a part of it I was. A little while ago I was reminded of a survey that I was asked to partake. The survey requested my support to oppose a potential change to a ferry service along the shores of one of our many rivers. Now if you live in Sydney, you would have rode at least once, the ferry into the city. It’s a lovely mode of transport, especially on a warm spring day. Clinical papers have proven the effects of fresh air and water having a positive impact in lowering stress levels as well as clearing sinuses, and increasing the overall well-being of the psyche. It was with this thinking that for the first time, I lent my email address, I entered my personal details and took the time to oppose the suggestion cut to the now privatised ferry service
Published: Sylvia Jimenez
Wheelfulness, it's a visual of calm
I ask the question: “How does this image make you feel?”
Published: Sylvia Jimenez
2020 Manifesto
You know the feeling, when you’ve had about 4 hours sleep, you know you can’t get any more hours in just yet. It’s when the subconscious starts to unravel, one gazillion thoughts, to do lists, hope and dreams for the future cloud any form of restful sleep your body may desire. You can picture it like the London Underground diagram. DNA connecting one to the other, the ‘why’ linked to the ‘how to’, the self judgement of trying to get it right, to keep it real, thrown in with a little seed of guilt, yes I know a completely wasted emotion, but the guilt perhaps of not following through your 2019 Manifesto. And as I crave my first Flat White, it is one of those mornings, New Years Day actually.
Published: Sylvia Jimenez
I know you're busy and I value your time...
This week, and perhaps subconsciously for quite some time now, I’ve been compartmentalising my life into sections of definitive time. Everyone I speak to is so, so, super busy. We juggle work and family, social and the everyday. I’m no exception to this rule, so when I look at the aspects of my time, one thing I prioritise is that I endevour to make every time period count. It doesn’t mean that every minute of the day is accounted for, there will always be the one hour binge fest where you just need to ‘chill out’, rather I’m giving value to my time and reciprocating those who give me their time. I watched a TED Talk recently about time management (see below) and what stood out for me, is that whilst we are trying to fit in all of the aspects of our lives into every 24 hours, what is the most effective use of your time? I’m writing this from my ‘people observations’ point of view.
Published: Sylvia Jimenez
Margot had it all sorted, she was just born in the wrong era...
In times of late, Ive been drawn to photographs of the past. And today being All Saint’s day, the memory my late great-aunt Margot comes to the forefront. Whilst I’m still processing the death of my father, I’ve been reminded by the relo’s that in Europe today (and across the world I suspect) people will be frequenting their prospective ancestors in cemetaries across the continents. Today Novemeber 1st, we remember those long past, those newly departed and those whom in history were considered saints. In my eyes, my great-aunt Margot was a saint. She was the youngest of eight children, ballsy, cool and very refined.
Published: Sylvia Jimenez
Don't let the age fool you
A few weeks ago my sister and I travelled OS together. This is something that we had never done before, so it was the beginning of a lot of ‘first’s.’ First to spend more than eight hours together, first to face tragedy together (another story to tell) and a first for me to show her the Budapest I love so so much. One of the ‘first’s’ was a visit to the thermal baths, one of the most famous in the city, The ‘Szecsenyi Furdo.’ The thermal healing waters of the baths were discovered in the 1880s and although now popular with tourists, the ritual of bathing in these baths has long been engrained in the culture of the Hungarian people. When I was a child only the mamas and the papas used to religiously frequent the 28 degree waters and I would complain how boring it was because I wasnt allowed in to ‘bomb’ and splash around. According to my great aunt Rose, the etiquette of relaxing in the soothing waters did not permit Sylvia aged 12 and her famous double barrel spike dive.
Published: Sylvia Jimenez
Minimalism doesn't = minus
The other day I had an exciting date with an ironing board and a basket of washing. Boring I know, however, there does not seem to be an adequate ironing person who I can pay to iron and bring back my garmets on my wooden coathangers (hate those nasty wire hangers) but let’s save this rant for another time. This time I decided to multitask this laborious chore and pull out the ipad, place it on the laundry bench and switch over to Netflix. A new programe appeared on my screen it was called Minimalism*
Published: Sylvia Jimenez
Wünderlust
Wün-der-lust: a strong, innate desire to rove or travel about
Published: Sylvia Jimenez