Back, in several ways

Back home again. We had a really lovely visit at my mil's house this time around. We went on a couple of hikes (16km one day and 4km the next), which I'll share photos of later, and I feel motivated to get into shape again the better to enjoy the fantastic outdoors.

For months now, I've been meaning to get back to my art journaling, and a LJ friend's resolution to a 30-day drawing challenge finally gave me the kick I needed to pick up some charcoal last night and do a quick sketch. Now I have to draw again today and the next day and the next, and I'll finally be back into the habit.


I haven't been writing of late--just the odd thought here and there--what with our guests and all, but I'm back into it now. Speaking of, I need to post a Sunday Snippet. That shall be another post. And I shall make an overall writing update post, as well, but that too will be another post. Tomorrow, with the photos I promised almost a month ago...

And speaking of "back," here is a bit of news I promised to get back with, too:  It is official--as in truly black-on-white, telegram, you-can't-take-it-back official--we are moving to Egypt. Julien will start work 25 Oct, so that means our move date will be a few days before that.

Time to start learning a few phrases in Egyptian Arabic.

Snippet Sunday

As promised, new words:

Unlike the stately Arcades, where every vendor had a private shop and haggling was done over cups of spiced coconut milk with guards keeping constant watch, Port Market was a rambling sprawl of color, noise, and crowds that spilled off the flagstoned plaza into the harbor waters.

Small boats plied the cove as adeptly as urchins ran the streets of Paoqei, and the water echoed with the singsong of fresh fruit, baubles, and sex for sale. Only captains, their first mates, and traders with coveted docking passes were allowed on land to do business and frequent the better brothels on Sailor Hill.