Apathy, procrastination and a just-in-time attitude

I suppose I have always had a propensity for postponing things that seem a bit hard or require some effort, and find other things to do before tackling the initial task.  I was not surprised to read that these traits are non-motor symptons of Parkinson's, probably connected with low levels of dopamine.  

So far I have noticed this in the areas of keeping in touch with people in the way I used to - ringing up, sending a letter or card at birthdays, Christmas or from holiday jaunts.  Other Parkinson's symptons like a whispery breathy voice, small quavery handwriting, a blank facial expression all conspire to make communication harder that it used to be.  

Just the other day somebody said I looked worried, but no, I wasn't feeling worried at all, just pleasantly relaxed, while doing my exercises at the gym.  Maybe I just need to smile a bit more, exercise my facial muscles and practise  doing so in the mirror, so these things become second nature once again.  

Portrait of the Artist

Well had a very busy day yesterday and I had to let go of tai chi and concentrate on my three main activities of  - art gallery to see the contemporary aboriginal art exhibition with the Knitterati, then the lunchtime concert at the library and finally the portrait drawing course I thought I would try.  

We did eyes and the less said about my effort the better.  I don't think I have it in me and won't continue with it , I have decided.  The drawing is quite detailed work, and I found the two hours long, then I developed cramp in the hand half way through.  There were three other ladies in the group who were more painstaking and had more experience.    If it was the art therapy it might have been better as  I would have said what my background was. There will probably be an art therapy course later in the year and I will probably do that then instead. 
In the meantime maybe I will get out my handwork again  and create some art of my own using the resources I have at home.

Anyway back to the art gallery.  I found the art there very moving and learnt more about  historical background of the Aborigines and their plight in colonial days and stretching up to the present day.  I will have to go back again for a second look.  The others probably went back after our coffee break which I had too before dashing across the road to the concert. Had a delicious date and banana muffin (gluten-free, that particular flavour was) and it tasted light and fluffy as a good muffin should. 

Anyway the concert  was the Kotuku Quintet playing a Bach piano concerto and a quintet by a Swiss composer, Frank Martin, composed 1919 which I found rather discordant and loud in parts and I didn't enjoy it as much as the more familiar Bach. I have become more sensitive to loud noise, more so than I was, I think, which is probably also connected to my Parkinson's situation.

After that I had less than half an hour to get to the art class and arrived late.  So not an auspicious start to that part of my creative day.

The picture below is one of Eli's from his sports series.  It is of Steve Adams.  I have it propped up against the fire screen in our sitting room where I can see it, pending my finding somewhere more suitable to put it.  It is very heavy, on wood, so can't really hang it on the wall.

Eli had another picture of two cats fighting in a recent exhibition and was pleased that it sold.

Coffee Time

This week I went to the Parkinson's coffee morning at Orakei, a lovely ride in the train past the waterfront Parnell Baths and  Orakei Basin.  There were about 8 of us and our community educator had prepared a couple of PowerPoint presentations on fatigue and sleep.  Kept us focused. Most of the others have these problems so I am not alone.  

If I wake these days after going to bed I get up straight away and make a milky drink and take half a pill .  I usually go back to sleep though sometimes feel groggy in the morning.

I take it easy the next day  though yesterday had  a busy spell in the kitchen late afternoon dealing to some pumpkin by turning it into a rich orange soup with carrots, potato and a bacon hock.  Whizzed it and it tastes very nice and smooth and is easy to swallow.

Am doing a jigsaw of Mansion House  on Kawau Islamd with the bay in front of it with boats, people ,sand and sea. I am enjoying it and should be able to complete it over the days of a couple of weeks doing a few pieces every now and  then when I pass the open dining room. It is good for the hand-eye coordination and I have to stop myself using my left hand and keeping my right hand nimble too. The photo below is , of course, Rangitoto taken on the way to Waiheke last weekend.