Tuesday 2 August 2011

Past, Present and Future


Dear Av took this picture of me on the beach near Noss Mayo. It was a bit dark that day, so thankfully you can't see me that well but as ever Molls looks good.

This is written from a thick cloud of fluey fog. One that had me confined to bed for several days – an almost unheard of occurrence, and has left me with a delightfully rasping cough, which feels as if someone is grating my throat with a cheese grater, and sounds as if I’m smoking 60 Players a day. However, I am on the Up…

Dear Sheila walked Molls for me and other friends have been great at seeing how I am. I am up but my brain, fingers and legs are not cooperating. Thank God I have no deadlines this week. However I am determined to be better for Falmouth carnival on Saturday or certainly the Cornish singing night in the pub on Sunday.

Last week, after the excitement of Port Eliot, to my astonishment I received an email from the director of Ways with Words (one of the oldest literary festivals) booking me for a talk next year and also asking if I’d take a walk. Would I? I nearly burst with excitement…..

That was followed by a meeting in Truro which resulted in some really interesting commissions and then I had to leg it down to Penzance (or rather, sat in a visitor-inspired traffic jam for nearly 2 hours) to meet Fi prior to our talk on Writing for Magazines at the Penzance Literary Festival. Despite not having a huge audience, those that attended were very keen and asked loads of questions which is much better than having lots of people who nod off, so we were pleased.

I looked at my diary last year, and realised that life was much quieter then. It seems a million years ago, for I have had to adjust to this new life so quickly, that I sometimes wonder whether I ever was married. Did I dream those 14 years? And that got me thinking about The Future – you know, if there is someone that determines Partnership Fate, what is in store for me? I am very grateful for the years Pip and I had together, but sometimes I look at other people and think how lucky they are to be celebrating 30 or 40 years together. Something I will never now have. Well actually I suppose if I get a move on I could. Just :)

But life is full of enjoyable things. As a friend said the other day, “It seems that life doesn’t want you to be quiet right now”. At least being ill forced me to lie in bed, sleep and read. Bliss. Perhaps I should try and aim for a rather better balance - the thing is, there are many lovely people to meet up with and so many interesting things to do….. And let’s face it, life has been somewhat short of Fun over the last few years.

And who knows what, or who, is round the corner?

18 comments:

ADDY said...

Get well soon. These summer bugs are quite vicious, aren't they? I know what you mean about seeing older couples. I look wistfully at them and wish Greg and I had been able to enjoy some retirement together.

Jane Westwell said...

Hi Sue, having read a little of your situation in your other posts, I found this piece moving and inspirational. You seem to be approaching the rest of your life with in a quietly determined, positive way and whatever is around the corner for you... I'm sure you will make it interesting. Jane Gray

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Jane - that's very kind. I don't know that I make it interesting - I think what's been coming my way just is! But yes I guess I am determined. Need to be in my job!

Flowerpot said...

Addy - I wish you and Greg had too. Hugs xx

Akelamalu said...

Oh sorry to hear you're not 100% Flowerpot, hope you're soon back to your normal self.

You have so many interesting things happening in your life right now, I believe that's the Universe trying to make up to you for your loss m'dear. Who knows what other good things it has in store? x

Chris Stovell said...

I hope you feel better soon. I suppose you're going to be a bit vulnerable to bugs for a while, although I've had a killer sore throat so maybe they're just about at the moment.

I know we haven't met, but I feel so proud of you for the way you've embraced all the new challenges that have come your way.

Flowerpot said...

Chris - so sorry to hear you have been laid low as well. These lurgies are just vile. But thank yuo so much for your comments - I feel quite teary now xx

Flowerpot said...

Ak - that is a very encouraging and cheering thought which I shall hold onto. Head full of gloomy germs at the moment!

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

I hope you're feeling much better soon. Congratulations for all those commissions and the talk next year, you have a lot to look forward to by the sounds of things.

Love the picture by the way.

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Debs - head is full of germs at the moment but when it clears I will be rejoicing and very much looking forward to walks a d talks!

Trubes said...

Hello Dear Flowerpot, So sorry to learn you're not well and do hope you feel better soon.
Flu is a most debillitating illness and often takes weeks to recover.
I have to laugh when people say, 'Oh, I've got a touch of flu'.
in my mind, there's no such thing as a 'touch of Flu'...You've either got it or you hav'nt....and you sure know when you've got it!
You've certainly got it....I do wish you a speedy recovery.
Di.xx

Cornish Dreamer said...

You have certainly been very busy, but you seem to be so happy! I really hope you are starting to feel better. x

Melissa Amateis said...

Hope you're feeling better. The flu is no fun, especially in the summer.

Flowerpot said...

Melissa - no it isn't any fun. Am currently doing steam inhalations which should loosen everything so they say!

Flowerpot said...

Claire - I am beginning to enjoy my new life, I think that's what it is. You know how much I loved Pip but I see not only a future but a present and it's good to enjoy both. Not that I know what the future will bring, but hope is a good thing to have.

Flowerpot said...

Di - this is a slow one to shift but I will get there. Been told to rest a lot which is not in my nature. Still, am having to give it a go...!

Talli Roland said...

Sounds like some wonderful things are happening in your life right now (apart from lurgy, that is!).

Love that photo of you and Molls on the beach!

Flowerpot said...

Talli - yes some good stuff. Just wish I could shake this lurgy then I can appreciate it all!