Sunday, January 24, 2016

word of the week


Well the calligraphy went a little better this week, back to using the proper pen. Unfortunately my photography left a little to be desired, so some of the edges were cut off in a bid to get the lettering straight. I think I need to be a better student and draw out my lines before I go rushing in with the pen!

There have been lots of lovely conversations this week. I was also considering the word confidence, as a few of the conversations have been ones that required a bit of self-confidence too! For the first time in my life I walked into a new hairdresser and asked for a consultation. Since going short, I've been realising that you can't grow it out easily, or quickly, and have been wondering whether to go down that route or persist with the crop. Having decided to try a new hairdresser I called in on the offchance, and had a very helpful chat, and have booked an appointment. I don't know why, but I always find walking into the hairdressers quite intimidating, and this one is quite a smart looking salon so I was a bit wary about wandering in off the street, but I was pleased with the outcome. I only hope I'm pleased with the outcome of the haircut too (I decided to stay short for now!).

I also walked into a perfume shop, as I'm on the hunt for a new perfume - it doesn't take much psychoanalysis to wonder if all of these changes might be linked with the impending 30th birthday! Rather than my usual tactic of avoiding eye contact with shop assistants and turning down any offers of help, instead I had a nice chat about what I was looking for, and tried a few options. I don't think I've found the winning one yet, but it was a helpful discussion. I've had a few bits of small talk with people in shops this week and it did make me realise how even a little spontaneous human interaction can cheer up a day.

There have also been a few conversations with colleagues and supervisors about a piece of work I did recently that seems to have been well-received. I got some really positive feedback and we are having discussions about how it can be developed further, so they were some more confidence boosting conversations. Particularly as it is in the area I'm quite interested in pursuing long-term, it was really reassuring to know I had made a decent attempt at it.

Then today The Husband and I went to visit some friends. It is one of those lovely friendships where I met someone through work, and we got on brilliantly, and managed to make the transition to friends in "real life" too. Because I was away on a placement last year, and she then went off on maternity leave, we haven't seen them in a while, so it was lovely to spend the afternoon there. They did us a lovely Sunday lunch, and there were conversations aplenty, catching up, sharing stories and meeting their new baby. It was a brilliant end to the week, a really relaxing way to spend the day, and its always fabulous to see a friend after time apart and realise you are able to pick up exactly where you left off. I hope you have all had good weeks too.


The Reading Residence

12 comments:

  1. Lots of productive and lovely conversations going on! Sounds like a lovely day with friends and I hope you're happy with your new haircut x Thanks for sharing with #WotW

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    1. thank you Jocelyn, it was a lovely day, and the haircut is next week so I am sure I shall update! xx

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  2. sounds like a wonderful week. I think hair dressers are terrifying. which is why I always end up with such long hair, then get huge amounts chopped off and then just let it get long and straggly again, and repeat.......... you are very brave!

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    1. thanks Tess it was lovely. I will see how next week goes, hopefully I won't regret the change! x

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  3. I am glad that your conversations are helping your confidence! Long may it continue!!! I am terrified of the hairdressers! xx

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    1. thanks Amy, I was scared of walking in but she was very welcoming! xx

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  4. Katie, I know what you mean about how random conversations at a shop can brighten your day. I spend so much time at home during the winter months...totally content...that when I do venture out to a store and chat with others I remember how uplifting spending even a few moments in conversation with others can be. Lovely post and I think your calligraphy is great! xx

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    1. Thank you Grace, it does brighten the day having those small conversations. I'm enjoying the calligraphy, even though I'm very much a novice! xx

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  5. I had the terrifying conversation with my hairdresser last month telling her I wasn't pleased with the last cut. It was worth it as then she really focused on giving me a better new cut. And by the by love your calligraphy.

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    1. it's hard to have that kind of conversation! especially with someone about to cut your hair! glad it went well, your bravery paid off! x

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  6. A great word, Katie and I am so happy that you have had so many lovely conversations this week. Sometimes, randomly talking to people while you are out and about is really uplifting. I know what you mean about the hairdressers, I don't like going at all. I would actually like to swap mine, but am at the stage where I feel like I would be abandoning my current one...we shall see. The day with your friend sounds delightful! Wishing you many good conversations over the weekend xx

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    1. Thanks Jane, I definitely seem to have hit a common thread with the hairdressers! There have been lots of lovely conversations this weekend too, hope you have a great week ahead x

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