Monday 31 December 2007

Childhood Haunts


The above picture is back view of me and my mum on the cliffs above Godrevy, my mother’s favourite beach as a child. (She's the little one.) It’s a very long beach of fine golden sand studded with high cliffs and huge rocks jutting out of the sea and the entire situation is dominated by a lighthouse which in Mum’s youth was still running manually.

We had a gusty walk along the cliffs then headed down to the beach where the tide was on its way out, revealing deep rock pools of slated blue and grey, studded with ruby sea anemones and shy limpets.

‘I learnt to swim in that one,’ said Mum, shedding her 78 years of age and skipping along the beach like a young girl. ‘Let’s go and walk along the beach down there.’

After about an hour, we returned to the car with one glowing mother and one knackered husband. Even Moll and I were blown to pieces and happily tired.

As we made our way round to St Ives, the sun came out drenching the streets with unseasonable warmth. Outside the Sloop pub people sunned themselves, turning their faces to the sky in astonishment. We stood outside wondering whether to go for coffee, but my stomach was rumbling.

‘I need to eat soon,’ I said. I get all panicky when my blood sugar level is low.

My mother looked at me. ‘Come on,’ she said. ‘We’ll go and have an early lunch.’

So we found a café where we could sit outside with Mollie, and devoured bowls of garlicky fish soup (for me and mum) and garlic and cheese bread for Himself. (The sort that’s nice at the time but leaves you incapable of eating anything else for the rest of the day.)

With a stomach full of soup I was able to relax. We finished our coffee and strolled across the beach with the other dog walkers, marvelling at the clarift of the cobalt sky, at the dimpled ridges of the sand. You can see why painters come here – the sheer brilliance of the light is breathtaking.

My mother chuckled as we watched a black spaniel puppy chasing its tail. ‘I can always tell when you need to eat,’ she said.

‘How?’ I said. ‘Do I go all pale or what?’

‘No,’ she said. ‘You go all sort of blotchy and anxious looking.’

I had to laugh at that. Thanks, Mum.

So if ever I get to meet any of you, you’ll know if I need feeding….

17 comments:

Elizabeth Musgrave said...

Ah I have a grown up son who goes all blotchy and anxious looking too! Sounds a great walk.

laurie said...

what a sweet memory, and a robust and hearty walk.

Akelamalu said...

What a lovely day - I was almost there! :)

Elaine Denning said...

I get like that too when my blood sugar level is low, and it's not very nice. I actually keeled over in a shop once...but they gave me a free bar of chocolate so it wasn't all bad!

Hope you have a wonderful evening and a very happy 2008! x

Devon said...

It is nice to meet you Flowerpot. I popped over from Pamela's site and am enjoying your blog.

I love walking and the one with your mum looks just beautiful. It is fun to hear our parents recall cherished memories from the past.

I have a problem with low blood sugar if I don't eat enough protein, not a good feeling!

Have a good new year!

Ellee Seymour said...

I hope to spend more time with my mum in the New Year, she is only here on borrowed time now.
Happy New Year wishes to you and yours Flowerpot.

Anonymous said...

Mum's know best! St.Ives sounds lovely, I visited there when I was little and would love to do so again to take Amy to all the beautiful sights.

Best wishes to you and your family.
Crystal xx

Beth said...

Hi Flowerpot - lovely post! So evocative!

I used to post comments on your blog as scruffy mummy. I still have that blog but I have a new blog which I have literary just started to help me motivate myself to write my self-help book to help women who are trying to decide whether to have children or not - I've had some interest from a literary agent and now need to write the darn thing! I'd be quite interested in your perspective as I'd like to get the perspectives from people who are child free.

the rotten correspondent said...

Ah, yes. Mothers always know...

Smalltown RN said...

what fond memory you have with your mum.....Thank you for sharing your walk with us....Happy New Year to you....

Flowerpot said...

elizabeth - glad to know I'm in good company!

laurie - yes a great memory and great walks.

ak - glad ou enjoyed it!

Flowerpot said...

MissU - it's horrible isn't it? Glad you got chocolate out of it though! Happy 2008 to you too.

devon - good to meet you and glad to meet another low blood sugar level sufferer. you're right - protein is best to eat.

ellee - hope you had a great Christmas and enjoy the new year - with your mum also.

Flowerpot said...

crystal - bst time to go to St Ives is in winter - it's hell in summer! Happy New Year to you, the farmer, Amy and the dogs!

Flowerpot said...

beth - your book sounds a good idea and I'd be glad to help if I can. Feel free to email me on flower.pot@btinternet.com
NowI must start thinking of new year resolutions!

Flowerpot said...

RC - yes and she's about the only person who could get away with saying that!

smalltown - and happy new year to you too - please call this way again soon.

Akelamalu said...

Wishing you A HAPPY NEW YEAR and everything that's good x

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Ak - and the same to you!