Linda has already treated us to a series called ‘Live, Laugh, Love with Linda’. I’m sure you will have found inspiration to get out there and enjoy life, as I did. To keep it fresh, we’re changing it up a bit and now concentrating on some of Linda’s other main loves. We’ll discover what those are as we go along!
LOVE TO READ
This week I have read ‘Orphan X’ by Greg Hurwitz, a thriller. Plucked from an orphanage, the main character is trained for the government in an exclusive programme to help with difficult situations. Disillusioned, he leaves and vanishes to reappear as a modern Robin Hood helping strangers in dire need. Dwelling on fighting techniques, the tools and gadgets of a modern spy/assassin, this book charts the programme’s aim to remove him permanently. A battle ensues to keep himself alive, the people he comes to value alive and also to achieve the defeat of his killers. The strands in italics chart the early years that formed him. It’s an easy read . Anyone who loves gadgets and weapons will enjoy the details. If you enjoy James Patterson and David Baldacci, you’ll enjoy this book. Sometimes it’s corny like when a thankful neighbour witnesses him in action, then says ‘you are a scary, scary man.’ Lines like this make me laugh. Not my usual genre and always hoping good will defeat evil, I had to read on to find out three answers.
Who is the traitor? Does he get the girl? How does it end?
LOVE TO LEARN
I love learning a new skill. Last Thursday, I made my way to Gateshead Interchange Learning Centre in the old Connexions offices by the bus station. I started a Talk Italian class. Yippee! I’ve wanted to learn to speak Italian for years. I adore Italy and what greater compliment is there than to speak Italian to Italians when in Italy. Armed with the words spoken in my teenage holidays and from watching Montalbano, an Italian subtitled detective programme, I walked in. Fifteen like-minded people sat in the class. They had different reasons for being there. One wanted to understand the wedding ceremony when their son gets married. It was great fun. I learnt to ask what is your name? how are you? have you any children? and answer these questions. I played dice games to practise my numbers. Two hours flew by. Soon it was time to go, well, after the homework was given out. Of course it was an Italian wordsearch. Despite my head spinning with information overload, I cannot wait to go back. Arrivederci!
LOVE TO VISIT
I love a good, clean, vibrant swimming pool. Blaydon Pool is my favourite pool to go to. A newish building leads to an open plan drinks area with views of the pool. Walking through to the changing rooms, I am always struck by the natural light and the trees through the large glass windows. The water sparkles in the light, inviting me in, drawing me in. There is a twenty five metre pool with a smaller pool at one end. The nature outside is a living backdrop as you approach the water. Although tepid at first, the coolness of the water is refreshing as you plough up and down for thirty lengths. I always feel good after a swim. Why is Blaydon different to other pools I have used? Maybe because it is relatively new. Maybe because of the blue plastic throwaway shoe covers. When I remove these bags after leaving the swimming area, I am happy that no one is tracking mud in the changing room walkways. Simple but effective. Love it!