Wednesday 9 April 2008

Finding Miracles


This picture has nothing to do with this post but that's the mood I'm in this morning

Yesterday I walked Moll near Mawnan Smith, down to the sea. The sea was flat calm, cobalt blue, the sky as bright as a summer's day in our childhood memories. No wind ruffled the trees and bluebells poked their young, inquisitive heads through the ground as we walked along.

At the bottom of the woods, I started walking up Rosemullion Head, where the shadows were so clear they looked as if they'd been carved.

"Hello!" said a voice. "I bet you don't remember me."

I did. She was someone who had belonged to a writing group I went to years ago. She used to live with her mother but she died and she is now living in "lodgings" (a term not often used nowadays) nearby. She was walking two portly dogs, and stopped to question me on what I was doing.

I'd just finished transcribing an interview from that morning and told her that I was writing more journalism nowadays.

"Oh," she said. "You are lucky. I'm still waiting for my miracle."

My heart sank. But I had to say something. "Sometimes you have to go and get your miracle," I said. "I've found it's all about perseverance."

I didn't add that I also need determination, dedication, a sense of humour, sensitivity, empathy, the ability to listen and the need to pick myself up when I've been kicked in the teeth. Which is often.

She smiled. "Oh well," she said. "Perhaps my miracle will come along one day." And she called to her dogs.

Her dogs ignored her much as I fear her miracle might.

13 comments:

Lane Mathias said...

Oh dear. I hope she realizes the realities soon or one day she's going to look back and be very disappointed.
Maybe you could have sung 'Miracles Hardly H'ever Happen' ... or was that Hurricanes?:-)

Lovely photo!

Flowerpot said...

lane - unfortunately she's the sort of person who Won't Be Told. And yes I think it was hurricanes but lovely idea!

Anonymous said...

Yes, it isn't everyone that is lucky enough to find their dream. As for miracles, they do happen, but you have to give them a helping hand first!

CJ xx

Flowerpot said...

Crystal - you're too right. I wish she realised that.

Karen said...

Funny how many people put being published down to 'luck.' Sometimes it is - being in the right place at the right time - but you have to have written something in the first place!
Good advice :o)

Akelamalu said...

I can just see it...

Knock knock

Who's there?

It's your miracle!

Cornish Dreamer said...

You're right FP, you have to make miracles happen (or at least work to get them). One day, I'm sure she'll realise that and hopefully not when it's too late.

Thank you for the lift this morning, btw! Very helpful indeed.

Flowerpot said...

Karen - exactly!

Flowerpot said...

Ak - yes that's just what she thinks I think!

RT - you're very welcome to teh lift. Unfortunately David didnt have any bread as they'd sold out so I will return your £2!

Maggie May said...

Miracles sometimes need cooperation & help!

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

Loved the picture.

How easy it would be if we just had to sit back and wait for 'our miracle' to happen.

Maggie May said...

Forgot to say that I loved the baby & dog photo ....... oh, and there is an award of distinction waiting for you at my place.

Flowerpot said...

Maggie - that's very true.

Debs - yes it'd make life much easier wouldnt it?!

maggie - many thanks!