Chani's Creative Space

Dear friends, I am glad that this year is coming to an end. It was a tough year for me and, I know, for many of you too, who lost a dear family member, the best dog friend, got injured, did not get enough work during weeks or too much work at once that made you break down...  It was a year where populist decisions were made in several countries and at different levels. I wish I could live in a bubble or on a cloud or somewhere else in order not to suffer, but it would be too easy, wouldn't it?  But 2019 did also offer me beautiful moments. I have been creating art, translating many contracts and general terms, training aikido, and learning a lot about mindful nutrition, zero waste, Swedish cooking, Icelandic sheep grazing, Kenyan songs and Tanzanian nature. I hope 2020 will bring us serenity, solidarity, prosperity, and peace. I wish you and your families happy holidays and a healthy, prosperous and peaceful New Year!

On @Animaloonies, on Twitter, the year 2019 is already over because we have drawn our 12 animaloons (posted on the second Tuesday of each month). 2020 will bring more of them, the next one being a mythical creature to be posted on January 14th. My favourites are the Foxloon and the Badgerloon because they really look happy . Enjoy! January: Dragonloon February: Leopardloon March: Hedgehogloon April: Foxloon May: Skunkloon June: Beeloon July: Snakeloon August: Monkeyloon September: Squirrelloon October: Owlloon November: Badgerloon December: Ponyloon

I walked to the centre of Torremolinos again to take some photos of the Christmas lights. The evening they were switched on, it was too crowded and there was too much noise (groups were playing music on the street. Well, nice music, but the amplifiers were too loud to my taste).  I was surprised about the sleek design of the lights. And I had a quick look into the Pasaje Begoña , that slowly awakens to a new life (some information about this place can be found on two pictures below).  (I do not know the name of the artist of the appealing wall-painting. If someone knows more, please do inform me so that I can mention it here. Thank you). Here my impression of my strolling in this December night. Enjoy! On the main pedestrian square:   In the Pasaje Begoña:

Days are now short, but nights are full of light. Festive lights are inviting us to the city centre, probably to do some shopping (again! It is always bargain-hunting season), but I am just walking between shops and poinsettias without any cent in the pocket, looking at the people sitting there with their dogs playing together. In a world that is made for potential clients and business, it so nice to be free! Holiday season

In one month, holidays will be here and a further year will almost be over, I hardly can believe it! This year is a though but an enriching one, I will summarise a bit at the end of December.  Rain finally came this week, not enough, but still. Now the sky is blue again, we could spend the whole weekend outside, listening at the waves and the seagulls in our favourite bay. Whirl

Please do not talk to me about politics today. I do not want to see flags anymore, I do not want to hear more slogans. I let my conscience be my only guide: my hands will keep collecting waste, planting trees, and saving animals.  I love the sand I take with me on hikes and the sea I hear at night when the storm approaches. Sands and water

It is exceptionally hot here, 30 ºC today, November 1st! We desperately need rain and fresher weather (and tranquillity), even if it is fine as it is for restaurants, ice shops, and tourism in general. The last days brought us spectacular sunrises, like this one I could immortalise a couple of days ago. Enjoy!  Short before sunrise in Torremolinos