"When I write stories I am like someone who is in her own country, walking along streets that she has known since she was a child, between walls and trees that are hers." --Natalia Ginsburg

Thursday 15 November 2012

It's About Time


It’s About Time

I am packed and almost ready to leave on my trip—a brief stop-over in Germany and nine days in England. Someone asked me two weeks ago, how long I have wanted to go to England. My reply was, ever since I could hold a Beatrix Potter book in my hand. I have had a couple of friends say, ‘Then it is about time’.

I was too little to know England was another country, or indeed what that meant. I just knew I wanted to go to this place where the greenest grass grew and stone fences were. The talking animals that dressed and lived in miniature houses appealed to me too, but somehow, if I am looking for them, I am thinking I may be disappointed.

I remember at Christmas when I was very little—the Queen’s address and the music that would play over the TV, and the pictures of London that went with it.

Over the years my picture of England has grown. My Father’s family came from England and my Mother’s family from Scotland --both in the early 1900’s, so there is also an appeal to go back to my ancestral roots.

It is still the countryside that appeals to me—the stone walls, and castles--cobblestone streets. It would be interesting to walk these streets and hear the whispered history of the people who walked them centuries ago. What did they think, or feel. What was their story.

My story is—I have always wanted to go to England, and my sense of urgency has increased the last twelve years. One of my dearest friends lives there, and I have missed her deeply. I can’t wait to see her again and finally meet her family.

As I sit here calmly sipping on my morning coffee, I realize it is about time for me to finish getting ready, because in an hour,  it will be about time  for Cheryl  to pick me up…..and I know from my driveway to Europe and back--we are going to have the time of our lives!!!

1 comment:

  1. Fantastic. See you soon! Can't believe I finally get to see you & introduce you to my boys. Hope Cheryl's not gone without you! xx

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