Handywoman, Handyman

Formentera, February 2023

Deborah and Stefano work with their hands every day. Either its sanding, painting, repairing, fixing or simply carrying around stuff. Making things work in the house, on the roof, in the garden, on the car, on the bicycle… anything. They just know how to use their hands.

My handy times are definitely over. Since I need to ask for help even when opening a jar of olives or fiddling around with tedious little items in between my fingers like garlic. Try not to remember how strong and self sufficient I used to be, carrying around washing machines, if needed, and doing absolutely everything by myself. But I rather enjoy what I am still able to do. Like working on my laptop to make a living or having all sorts of ideas and new projects to fulfill.

Just started an online course to achieve a boat license. The theory lessons three times a week are already quite demanding because of the huge amount of material I need to learn for the theoretical certification test. So much stuff! It‘s like going back to school. The practical test on the sailing boat will be the next step further ahead in april or may. Actually totally crazy to do so, for someone who lost balance and stability. But anyway, I don‘t care.

Recently, I bought myself a second hand car, quite a big one, with enough space in the booth to transport stuff around. Like bicycles, fishing gear or rubbish to be chucked. Deborah and I covered the steering wheel with a bright red false fur and a collection of match box cars to be glued on the front dashboard. The seats wear red/black lycra protection covers and Deborah will look for the appropriate colorful blankets and cushions. This red old Renault 307 will be called Gonzo from now on. What a pity, Stefano is not very amused by Gonzo‘s cozy and fluffy steering wheel. Let‘s see what he thinks about a wiggling naked barbie doll hanging from the mirror….

Pimp up the car, pimp it up!