I woke up this morning to find an email from an old friend - and a photo. We're relaxed and on holidays, sharing a meal, a story, a bottle of rather nice red wine (we've shared a few over the years). The t-shirt I'm wearing is familiar, in fact, it probably still sits in my wardrobe. Was it really so long ago? My hair is short, a different shade. Dare I say it, my face has fewer lines. But it's me, just a younger version. A reminder that I'm getting older. Does it bother me? Not really. Age just doesn't seem important so I don't dwell on it. Besides, I quite like my memories. I'm all too fond of reminiscing and love photographs, recalling happy moments. And they have been many since that particular photo was taken. Little people that turned lives upside down and inside out; wouldn't have it any other way. Special times shared with loved ones, good friends and furry companions. Some are no longer with us, but they live on in so many ways. Trips to fascinating places and meeting interesting people. Dreams that have been followed, a few amazing achievements, alas others best forgotten. But I'm still here, still writing... and, most importantly, I'm happy. So I guess that's what counts. Besides, while looking back is fun, what lies ahead is what really motivates me - there is so much to do and achieve, to look forward to and I hope will experience. I have my dreams. Novels to write, papers to produce, students to teach... paths to walk, hands to hold and bottles of wine to share. And, of course, there is still so much to discover and learn. Like this little robin I met recently, I need to flap my wings and just get on with it.Friday, 2 February 2018
Another day
I woke up this morning to find an email from an old friend - and a photo. We're relaxed and on holidays, sharing a meal, a story, a bottle of rather nice red wine (we've shared a few over the years). The t-shirt I'm wearing is familiar, in fact, it probably still sits in my wardrobe. Was it really so long ago? My hair is short, a different shade. Dare I say it, my face has fewer lines. But it's me, just a younger version. A reminder that I'm getting older. Does it bother me? Not really. Age just doesn't seem important so I don't dwell on it. Besides, I quite like my memories. I'm all too fond of reminiscing and love photographs, recalling happy moments. And they have been many since that particular photo was taken. Little people that turned lives upside down and inside out; wouldn't have it any other way. Special times shared with loved ones, good friends and furry companions. Some are no longer with us, but they live on in so many ways. Trips to fascinating places and meeting interesting people. Dreams that have been followed, a few amazing achievements, alas others best forgotten. But I'm still here, still writing... and, most importantly, I'm happy. So I guess that's what counts. Besides, while looking back is fun, what lies ahead is what really motivates me - there is so much to do and achieve, to look forward to and I hope will experience. I have my dreams. Novels to write, papers to produce, students to teach... paths to walk, hands to hold and bottles of wine to share. And, of course, there is still so much to discover and learn. Like this little robin I met recently, I need to flap my wings and just get on with it.