Well, today went unexpectedly, but well.
I had to swallow at around 11am today that I was not going to finish my assignment for Old English on time. I thought I had only 10% of the work left to do. Reader, it was more like 70%.
It was supposed to be the transcription of a manuscript, then its editing, and finally its translation. The translation depended heavily upon the edition, and the edition depended on dictionary use. I regret not having found the 2nd Edition of the Clark Hall dictionary earlier. I also made two silly mistakes in reading the manuscript “s” as “r”, so I missed two genitives that I later picked up on, that, naturally, changed the entire meaning of previously translated sentences.
The story has to be about St Benedict of Nursia. Finding that out also helped. I actually tried to track the text down online, but to no avail. I suspect it’s one of Aelfric’s works, possibly from his Lives. I mean, he was a Benedictine himself.
Well, now there is a good translation from my part. Also, can we appreciate how good Old English sounds? It’s so lovely.
I’m going to lose 5% from what I would have got, but what I am hoping is that what I have sent in is worth 75%-80%, in the which case I still get a First. It’s a worthwhile gamble. I’m proud of the work.
I’m feeling bad physical health-wise, but my mental health is looking up. Reading, going to bed on time, and prioritising work and my project. I’ve started praying again, too, and journaling. I realised, also, reading something yesterday that it is possible, very possible, that my ex-boyfriend did, in fact, just get scared by the depth of his own feelings, or the commitment he’d have to make, and that I may have been very harsh in the letter I wrote him. I reckon an apology may be due on my part, after our exams are over. I’d have to make one in person.
My priority is myself, but if I don’t speak to him, he also has time to process his own thoughts and emotions, or not. Either way, it is best that I leave what may be a difficult encounter for him for later.
I am, nonetheless, in a better position to forgive. My head suddenly feels clear (ironic, given that I have sinusitis). My heart feels like I can open it, and look out onto a sunrise over rolling Gascon hills, that stretch on forever. There is endless possibility. I am falling in love with myself again.
High time that I did, too.
Anyway, the video, of my attempt at (or on – I know I’m ill) one of J. S. Bach’s most beautiful pieces:
At Least Afloat 