Chani's Creative Space

As promised, here some pictures of our new revitalised centre designed by architect Salvador Moreno Peralta, from Malaga! Grey clouds were hanging in the sky yesterday evening, so my pics may be a bit dull...  The most emblematic element is the new pergola  over the main square Plaza Costa del Sol. Its wave effect focuses on the close relationship between the town and the water element: of course, our town is located at the coast, but long ago, it was also famous because of its different water mills ("molinos"). A beautiful old fountain has been moved to its original place (I took no pic of it, as too many people were sitting there).  Altogether, our centre is a lot more attractive now than it was before. Sea resorts still cannot compete with historic cities, but we have got some fresh air in a centre that was decadent. Can you even remember that cars were streaming constantly (two lanes in each direction!) through this street?   The sculpture "Los oficios...

This is my abstract vision of Torremolinos' revitalised town centre! The inauguration took place last week, but unfortunately at midday, so I could not be there.  I will place some pictures and explain a bit more quite soon.   Hometown

Last week, I got mail from Google telling me more or less that they would shut Google+ at the  beginning of April and all data that go along with it may progressively disappear in February already. The pictures, the comments, the followers. Of course, one who is using what is called a free service (which is of course not really free, because you are the product) cannot complain, but once again, I feel the web is like a windy road. Dog owners talk to each other while their best friends are sniffing at each other, and the wind is carrying their words away: after discussion, words cannot be retrieved or downloaded anywhere. One could pretend they are lost, but the exchange was the important thing, not the traces it leaves behind. Every website, portal or service we use today - and even if I pay for it - could be gone tomorrow if the operator decides so. Just like businesses disappear in our towns when the owner moves away, retires or dies. In fact, why should online life be diff...

Cold wind, grey skies - I am almost longing for a too hot summer. But it is still warm enough for my small avocado plant. It seems happy outside, even in the shade (there is no sun in the winter on the back patio). Enjoy! In the greenhouse  Remembering August My avocado pit on January 22th Who knows how much it will grow?

A new @Animal Alphabet round, Sea Life, began last week (posting is every Monday at 7.30 pm GMT)! I am in, as I liked the idea of learning about new animals and using a lot of blue (but not exclusively). The first animal that we had to draw is an Angelfish. This is one of many species of them: The same week, the challenge Animaloons (@Animaloonies) was back again as well (one inflated animal the second Tuesday of each month). In this case, it was a dragon (#Dragonloon)! Enjoy!

Once again, we began the year walking on San Pedro del Pinatar's natural sand beach (Murcia, Spain). It is part of a coastal reserve, a lot of migratory birds and flamingos can been seen. We were lucky and could observe some of them near Punta de Algas. I wanted to begin this year showing the progress of my avocado pit.  Last September or October (I do not remember exactly), I planted two pits in the earth (I first thought to use the method with toothpicks and jar with water first, but after reading a bit, I learnt that I could use a normal plant pot as well, and that seemed easier). One of them is sprouting since December. Regardless of the further progress it will made or not, for me, it represents hope at the moment. New life. Spring coming soon. A new year, with its challenges and surprises.  Happy New Year to you all!

Happy holidays to you all! May this new year 2019 bring you happiness, health, success and peace! Winter music