255. Raise Money for a Charity

 

So far it's only a little but this year I made 4 scarves for Doctor's Without Borders. It's my first time using my own initiative to raise money for cause I feel passionately about. I guess I'm lucky I have the means to actually make and sell something successfully. 

202. Volunteer Somewhere

 

For the past month I've been volunteering once a week at a cat shelter. It's wonderful. I clean the rooms, something I've discovered I secretly love. Then I feed them, water them and play with and stroke them.

I was apprehensive before. My main concern with cats is scratching. Even though I've twice been a cat owner, I always suspected mine were somehow kinder than others. The reality is it's very easy to avoid being scratched. Even when clearing around them. That said a cat has bitten me, but no marks were left.

280. Visit Greece

Traveling to Greece as a single woman for some reason intimidated me slightly before, but I found in Athens, it's vibrant capital, that the only thing the city had in store for me was a wonderful welcome, and a feeling of wanting to come back and explore again.

I loved the capital. It reminded me of Naples at times -so hectic and alive, yet beautiful and full of new culture. Yet, it's eastern heritage also sparked memories of the Middle East - as did the landscape and azure waters. I only wish I'd contacted my internet friend whilst there, but still, traveling alone affords you the time to really get to personally know a city.

I managed to see so much. The acropolis, the island of Aegon, the markets and the food. I also fell in love the neighborhood of Koukaki where my airbnb was situated. When I return I'd like to tour the islands, but I'm happy that the capital will always be my first memory of Greece.

212. See Live Music in Portugal

 

I went with some friends on a spontaneous suggestion to a club in my bairro which has live music. We walked down into the basement to find nothing but a cute venue, with very limited space, but after about half an hour in we were joined by three Portuguese guitar players. 

The music felt very skilled and flowed beautifully. I will always remember the night because as we chatted, listened and drank my new friend drew me without me knowing from the corner she sat in.

I'd like to go again, so let's see.

236. Make a New Friend

 

At my age admitting that you're actively making new friends feels strange. Like I've failed in some way fro not having enough. The reality is this can happen at any age and the reasons are varied.

I was lucky in that now that I do art markets making new friends is actually a lot easier. People are very friendly and actually come up to me - something I had not anticipated. As of such, all that is required is some organization and persistence. However, the friend I'm thinking of was definitely more proactive than I was. So in thanks it was more their effort than mine.

It is nice having someone new to spend time with. Especially because this person is so different from my other friends. I can only say I'm very lucky.

103. Attend a Jazz Club with Jazz lovers

 

I'm not a jazz listener unless you include Ethiopian jazz (i know very predictable millennial). Despite this I enjoy it. I just leave my enjoyment for film normally. Experiencing in person I've decided however is the only way to experience it fully thanks to the experimental nature that comes with improvisation and jazz solos.

I went with my partner at the time who is very much a jazz lover, but we found between his jazz knowledge and my knowledge of how to play instruments we made a good duo.

244. Make a meal for a friend

 

This one has actually happened many times since the first. For some reason I was always fearful of the wrath of social judgement about cooking for those outside what I deem family. I thought my best is only as good as my effort which when it comes to cooking is a sloppy but comforting effort. Still food is food, and what's more cooking for others regardless of the fanciness can actually feel very comforting. I feel good for nourishing my friends. Especially when they're not looking after themselves so well, or simply in need of social nourishment as well as food.