^{[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 12 July 2021].}

Despite the hormonal cocktail of the past weekend and a bit, it was predominantly filled with much-needed human interactions.

Long conversations - both virtual and face-to-face - with people I've had long-lasting friendships with.

A mix of topics, a mix of emotions. But all, ultimately, supportive, inspiring, empathetic. And, once again, demonstrating how lucky I am to have built up such a wonderfully supportive network of humans around me.

I had the chance to repay one of those good friends by visiting him in hospital yesterday while he's in for observation. (He's doing well and in good spirits). That's pretty much the only way you'll ever manage to lure me into central London on the day of a football final, especially where England are in the finals and hosting them.

Unfortunately, England's loss last night resulted in an utterly predictable outpouring of racism, hooliganism and destruction. I'm not convinced a win would have changed that aspect of the night. The only positive I took from the situation was a deathly silence post-game which I would not have enjoyed if they had won.

On the positive side: venturing into the city yesterday provided me with a chance to refocus my attention on someone else's situation and away from my interior monologue.

We had a two-plus hour conversation about our respective futures. About writing. About my art. About grasping opportunities.

On the negative side: I finally saw the National Covid Memorial Wall along the Thames, below St Thomas' Hospital, firsthand. It was overwhelming in its sheer extent, and I didn't have the emotional strength to walk the length of it. The complete lifting of England's covid restrictions in a week feels all too soon.

Some contract work I've been doing has now ended. My latest freelance gig was completed last week. So this week, I will be busy drumming up some new work, creating for you, and having at least one potential flatmate viewing my flat.

I also have many ideas whirling around in my head that I'd like to start developing.

And, at least for the rest of this evening, I'll be enjoying the sound of the rain outside my window while I edit more photos.

I hope your week is full of rainbows after the storms x