EVERYONE NEEDS A LITTLE R&R

"If a man insisted always on being serious, and never allowed himself a bit of fun and relaxation, he would go mad or become unstable without knowing it." Herodotus, "Histories"

Okay, I was good and got some of my proposed writing done this weekend, so I treated myself by sleeping in the last couple of days, then taking myself out for some fun.

Both Friday and today (Sunday) I managed to write for four hours each day and finished rewriting, adding to and editing two new chapter segments. (Actually I'm writing in some transitional chapter segments to link up points of intrigue and action in my novel.) Tomorrow I will do the same. After that busy week of teaching classes I figured I deserved some R & R on the weekend.

Friday night I went to see "The Merchant of Venice", one of the Shakespearean plays that I had never seen before. The movie is excellent, with fabulous scenes of Venice. I was amazed at Al Pacino playing "Shylock". And of course I always love Jeremy Irons. It's a must-see for sure.
Afterwards I went to my favorite haunt, the Latin Quarter, which is a nice little bistro cafe in my neighbourhood where a good Latino band plays on the weekend. I hadn't intended on staying but it turned out a group of my friends were there so it turned into another one of those spontaneously fun evenings. Of course I am very fond of salsa dancing and Latin music and it was a bonus seeing some friends I hadn't seen for awhile.

Saturday I slept in late. I needed to catch up and restore my energy. I went for a walk up the Drive and sat in my favorite Italian coffee shop drinking latte while I read a few chapters of my current reading choice, Steven Pressfield's "Tides of War" which is a fascinating book and I'm devouring every word, reading it slowly so I can savour every moment of it.

Afterwards I went home and made a special Mexican dinner of prawns and Spanish rice for a couple of friends who I'd invited who I hadn't seen for quite awhile. After our visit and dinner, when they had left I relaxed and watched a video about Castro which one of my Havana buddies had taped for me. I got so lost in my reveries I ended up staying up far too late, so naturally I had to sleep in again today. But I was rested enough to get quite a bit of writing done just the same.

Once again tonight I treated myself to a movie. This time "Phantom of the Opera". I'd never seen the stage production so the story was all new to me. I loved the spectacle. And that young woman who sings the lead is simply amazing! It was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday evening. On my way home I stopped by the L.Q. again and saw one of my girlfriends. Had a glass of wine and listened to the fine quintet of young Latino guys who play there Sunday nights. Then I walked home in the crisp cold night.

I feel refreshed now. Ready to start a new week of writing and classes. Inspired and encouraged to go on. Everyone needs a break now and then, a time for some fun and enjoyment.

"The fact is I am quite happy in a movie, even a bad movie. Other people, so I have read, treasure memorable moments in their lives." Walker Percy "The Moviegoer" 1961.