Baking a traditional potica

 

I bought myself a wonderful new year gift: a traditional round baking tray made of clay. 

Baking potica is part of every Slovenian holiday. It was delicious!

The books

I love having time for reading books. 

I have just read the novel Violeta (I loved it), written by one of my favourite authors, Isabel Allende. 

I found a beautiful quote there: 

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" 

Mary Oliver

And here is a quote from the novel:

"I only regret that you didn't have children, but we can't always get what we wish for in this world."

Exactly! 

(the novel isn't about childlessness at all)

Happy & Healthy New Year!

I wish all my readers a very Happy & Healthy New Year! 

I had nice December. I decided I am done skipping life so I attended almost all the parties I was invited to. It felt nice, being part of life.  

I found new strategies to avoid small talk that hurt (like parents starting a topic how you don't know the real meaning of life until you have children). I slipped away from that conversation and joined colleagues on the dance floor. I love dancing! And nobody can hurt me with words there! 

I sent also a lot of holiday greeting emails and texts and I got many back. Most of them were lovely. One wasn't. It was a group text written by a friend (but not a close one):

... I wish you a happy new year. May your children be healthy and I wish you are never lonely...  

I was a bit angry (for few minutes), but I didn't let that this silly text spoils my day.

*** 

Have you heard about Chatgpt? 

I logged into the chat and asked: What can I say to a childless woman?

Here is AI advice:

It's important to be sensitive and respectful when speaking with someone who is childless. Here are a few suggestions for things you might say to a childless woman:

• "I'm here for you if you ever want to talk about anything."
• "I can't even imagine how hard this must be for you."
• "I'm here to support you in any way that I can."
• "I understand if you don't want to talk about this, but please know that I'm here for you if you change your mind."
• "I'm so sorry that you're going through this."

It's also important to remember that everyone's experience is different, so it's okay to ask the person how they are feeling and if there is anything specific that they need or would like to talk about. It's always okay to show your support and concern, but be sure to respect the person's boundaries and preferences.

 

So - here is the proof. AI is way more sensitive as my friend is! 

 

*** 

I am attaching few photos from Ljubljana city centre, I went for a walk on the last day of 2022 with darling husband. It was a lovely walk, the city centre of Ljubljana is just magical with all the Christmas lights. 

 *** 

I got only one email this year (as per my Christmas wish). 

I will be glad to get an email also in January. Or February :)