Wednesday 6 July 2011

Holiday Time



As of next Monday I am taking a holiday. One that is overdue by a month, so it will be very welcome. Molls and I are off to Devon to meet my dear friend Av and go walking on Dartmoor and in the South Hams. (Cue here for torrential downpours over the next week.)

We will be staying with my mum who’s not had the best of health recently so we can take her out and about a bit as well which will be lovely. Av is reeling with shock as over the past few months I have started to take an interest in my appearance. After 15 years of living with darling Pip who said “I think you look wonderful whatever you wear,” I have realised that frequently I don’t so it’s fun taking an interest in clothes again – in a limited way.

A friend, having seen our wedding pictures, asked why I wore glasses when I used to wear contact lenses. “Those glasses suit you, but you don’t make the most of your looks,” he said. I was furious but it made me think. I asked mum what she thought about me going back to contact lenses. “Oh definitely,” she said.

I sat and thought. And as I needed an eye test anyway, went along. I now have soft lenses and I hate to say it, but I feel very different. They do suit me.

In amongst our stomping over Dartmoor, I have asked Av to come shopping with me. It will be charity shops or somewhere cheap but she has excellent taste in what suits whom, and I’m really looking forward to our Spree.

Pip has settled into a good space. He is nearby when I need him but comes everywhere with me, which I think is as it should be. I miss him – of course I do – but I have had to adapt – fast – to life without him. I am becoming a different person and life is full of Firsts. Driving up to Devon by myself will be another first, but I know I will feel a huge sense of achievement having done it.

I am also learning how to deal with the many practical problems that arise and am extremely fortunate in having three very trusty and protective men I can call upon for help. Given the circumstances, I think I am very lucky.

See you all in a couple of weeks.

18 comments:

Morton S Gray said...

Have a good trip. Think we need some photos of this new you! Mx

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Morton. Not ready for new pics yet - anyway, you haven;'t seen the old me!!

Akelamalu said...

You're doing remarkably well Flowerpot, I'm not sure I would be coping as well as you in the same circumstances, so good for you.

I want to see before and after pics of the new you, after your holiday and shopping trip. :)

Flowerpot said...

Ak - thank you for that. I have a wonderful bunch of friends to thank for my coping. As for pics - well, wil have to consult Av about that!

Pauline Barclay said...

Have a fab holiday and throughly enjoy yourself!

Trubes said...

Have a wonderful time with your dear Mum and friend Av, and of course Molls. You are a douty lady FP, I do admire you, the way you are coping with the loss of dear Pip. I'm so pleased he's in a good place with you....Take care...

Di....xxxx

Around My Kitchen Table said...

Welcome to glorious Devon. Hang on in there and let the new you blossom!

galant said...

Oh, have a lovely time on your much-needed holiday in Devon (yes, it's raining as we speak here in Devon, but it's still a lovely county - and no, I'm not going to say its better than your beloved Cornwall!)
Margaret P

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Pauline - I intend to!

Flowerpot said...

Di - thanks for your very kind thoughts. I don't feel douty but I do feel that when life hands you a situation you have to deal with it as best you can. And there are unexpected pleasures once the awful grimness of grief starts passing over.

Flowerpot said...

Table - lovely to see you back in blog land! I hope Devon provides a bit of the bright stuff - a friend yesterday warned me to take flippers and snorkel for Dartmoor....

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Margaret - hope the rain holds off for at least some of the time!

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

I think you're doing incredibly well.

Have a wonderful holiday, I look forward to reading about it when you return.x

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Debs - I'm looking forward to it now - getting quite excited!

Anonymous said...

You'll be enjoying yourself no doubt right now, but I am thinking of you. I really admire the way you've embraced your new life.

Looking forward to hearing about Devon on your return.

CJ xx

Flowerpot said...

Thanks CJ - I had a great time - update next week!

Amanda said...

Hope you had a lovely holiday! x

Flowerpot said...

Mandy - I did thanks. More in next post....