BS: A moment of calm and reflection

Subject: BS: A moment of calm and reflection
From: Emma B
Date: 24 May 04 - 01:36 PM

After finally unpacking from the Yorkshire Gathering I took some "time out" this sunny lunchtime to sit by the poolside on a terrace swathed in Wisteria. The lilac is almost over but the scent still lingers in the air and, on the old thorn tree, the may is flushed with pink and falls like confetti in my hair and coffee.The flags are bursting with purple and yellow buds and the golden rain of the century old laburnam is humming with bees. If I sit still I can watch the tits, who have set up nest again in the narrow necked terracotta jug by the waterside, continually coming and going to meet the demands of a second clutch of chicks while the surface is broken only by the rapidly developing tadpoles enjoying the warmth of the shallow edges and the occasional dragonfly.

   This May has been a hectic month; starting with the music and mud of Upton, I have shared the gladness of celebrating the 50th birthday of a friend we once thought would not make it and the sadness of celebrating the life of one who passed too soon. I have spent a "wild week" with Sorcha in Ireland and roasted at the Gathering; welcomed an octogenarian home after a difficult operation and met many lovely and talented people for the first time - I hope some of you are reading this !

   In addition, I finally feel that I have survived the hurt of "false" love, the harm of cruel lies and the despair of loss of trust and self-worth but have reaffirmed true friendships             It is my birthday this week, the final one of this decade, which I have attained only with the care and support of old and new friends alike. I will be celebrating by helping to transform pastureland into a tented festival of music, dance and song and perhaps the odd drink or two this Bank Holiday weekend.

   However deep your grief and pain please remember there will always be moments like these and whatever help you may have given others in your lifetime will be returned tenfold.

Laughter is the gift of heaven, angels bring us mirth.
Music is the souls salvation, here for us on earth.
Song can soothe away the sorrow, dance can banish pain
But friendship is the hearts redeemer, helps us love again.

Subject: RE: BS: A moment of calm and reflection
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 24 May 04 - 02:16 PM

No matter how bad the hurt inside..true contentment can be re-discovered. Emma, the first paragraph of your thread is truly a work of literal delight. Be Blessed.

Subject: RE: BS: A moment of calm and reflection
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 May 04 - 02:19 PM

Emma, thank you so much for sharing. Your words are beautiful, uplifting and bring Hope...something a Friend truly does.

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: A moment of calm and reflection
From: darkriver
Date: 25 May 04 - 01:47 AM

Emma,

thanks for the message. Hope your birthday is everything you'd wish for.

Doug

Subject: RE: BS: A moment of calm and reflection
From: open mike
Date: 25 May 04 - 02:41 AM

glad to have the chance to enjoy the birds and flowers with you..
vicariously! (do flags refer to Iris??!!) thank goodness for friends!
i hope you enjoy the occasion of the anniversary of your birth
and may you enjoy many more, as well! laurel--who is approaching
her fifty first birthday in a few weeks !

Subject: RE: BS: A moment of calm and reflection
From: Partridge
Date: 25 May 04 - 03:56 AM

I wish you joy on your birthday and throughout the coming year.

Pat xx

Subject: RE: BS: A moment of calm and reflection
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 25 May 04 - 05:56 AM

Emma, that's beautiful. This year I have been through the worst pain and loss I could ever imagine. But I too am finding grace and joy in simple things, from the unfolding of green, to brazen hummingbirds, to a new loving dog, and especially devoted friends.
Thank you for reminding us of the joy in living.

Allison

Subject: RE: BS: A moment of calm and reflection
From: greg stephens
Date: 25 May 04 - 06:27 AM

OK, OK, sharing--uplifting...heart-warming...blah blah, but the crucial question is, where is the piss-up??

Subject: RE: BS: A moment of calm and reflection
From: Emma B
Date: 25 May 04 - 01:50 PM

Piss up - or birthday party - is at Chester Festival as usual Greg!
I'll buy you a pint if you make it

Subject: RE: BS: A moment of calm and reflection
From: Little Hawk
Date: 25 May 04 - 04:33 PM

Down the hall and turn left.

Subject: RE: BS: A moment of calm and reflection
From: Pistachio
Date: 25 May 04 - 04:57 PM

Emma,   
I remember the most wonderful feeling of 'being where I belong' one Sunday afternoon a few years back, In Nellies (The White Horse) Beverley, watching the roaring fire with beer in hand, song in heart and in the company of great friends. It's not half as healthy, calm or scenic as the word picture you painted, You were so descriptive I felt I could share a bit of the peace and quiet.Your closing verse made me think. I have a friend who I won't see or hear again, I have a sister going through her own pain and I am lucky because I have friends with whom I sing and camp and drink and reflect and grow.

I wish you well on your birthday and hope you are surrounded by friends over the Bank Holiday.

I remember what an old friend wrote in a farewell card a long time ago...and I wish it for you...
'Hope you find happiness, you deserve it'
Hazel.

Subject: RE: BS: A moment of calm and reflection
From: GUEST,Buddhist helpline
Date: 25 May 04 - 05:21 PM

Lovely words from I am sure a lovely person....with love.

Subject: RE: BS: A moment of calm and reflection
From: Mudlark
Date: 25 May 04 - 10:38 PM

Thanks, Emma...a birthday gift from you to all of us...