Joy is…taking a day off anyway!

Some days you just need to take some time to yourself.

We had quite a big one last night celebrating a special occasion, and we’ve been pretty busy of late.

So this morning, despite a writing deadline fast approaching and the tidying-up fairies leaving it all to me again, I nevertheless chose to not do much of anything.

It was bliss.

Sharni and Johnny hooked up their hammock in a shady spot and snoozed peacefully. I made endless cups of tea and gazed out at the frangipani tree now in glorious bloom.

Later I shamelessly ate too much chocolate Bounty (I have a thing for coconut) and found joy watching other creatives be productive on YouTube — art vlogs, anyone?

Admittedly, the beans aren’t quite as capable of doing nothing for as long as I am.

They seem to recharge quickly, like they’re plugged into a fast-charging power bank. I recharge like there’s a dodgy cable and you’re lucky to get half a charge all day.

So before I was really ready, I was dragged back into the real world when the beans decided to cook up a yummy feast. Cupboard doors banged, pots and pans clanked, and a suitably dramatic soundtrack was selected.

All I could think was how we hadn’t yet done the washing up from breakfast, and already they were adding to the pile. I also wasn’t that hungry after all the chocolate-covered coconut and tea.

But as they say, all good things must come to an end—and so too must one’s big-night recovery. Pyjamas must be swapped for proper clothes, and bed hair must be brushed and tamed.

And writers with a deadline must write.

And people who live with joy-seeking tornadoes must tidy up.

So if you’re reading this, I did at least achieve one of those things today.

— Sam