Just a heads up because I have been keeping mine down.

I really don’t know where to start but I feel if I don’t start soon I may just melt into the ether and I don’t want to do that!

Perhaps if I just go chronologically things might become clear to you and hopefully to me .

6th September we dropped Ruby off at an “almost sister’s house” to stay for four nights while we were away.

7th September we headed for London, west London to our old stomping ground to meet people we have known on and off for over 65 years. We were meeting up to scatter the ashes of our bestman Bob.

© willowdot21

There were eleven of us present , Bob’s ex-wife and his only son amongst the number. We met at the park at the bottom of the road he grew up in until he married and moved out.

The tree opposite the gate where we spread the ashes. © willowdot21

Standing around remembering old times. © willowdot21

The gate at the bottom of Bob’s road. © willowdot21

© willowdot21 Bob Last year.

After scattering the ashes we went for a pub lunch and reminised a lot more.

8th September we were packed and picked up my sister and her husband and drove up to Norwich for our niece’s wedding. Late afternoon we arrived at our hotel, after a long and very wet drive. We had a coffee then went to the station to pick up my eldest sister and bought her back to the hotel.

Then we heard the very sad but not unexpected news that our Queen Elizabeth had died. We had a long reflective and chatty dinner.

I was born in 1953 , a few months after the Queen’s Coronation. Therefore the Queen has been the figure head to the background of my whole life. We all knew she would not live forever but , old and tired and yes indeed her hands in the photo of her meeting Liz Truss, our new Prime Minister, looked very bruised, suggesting she had had a canular fitted. Even so her death came as a real shock.

One of my brother’s received a M. B. E. From the Queen, for recognition of his Army Career and service to his country. I saw the lovely photos of him, his wife and daughter at the Palace. My sister Frankie accompanied her husband to a Royal Garden party. We also saw lovely photos of that occasion too.

Apparently the road my family lived in when I was growing up was often used by the Queen on her way to Heathrow Airport or London Airport as it known then. This was before the M4 motorway was built. One day my mum was out walking with me in her arms. The Queen’s car went by, my mum lifted me up and she said that the young Queen smiled and waved…. I was too young to remember.

thank you for your service mam 💜

The 9th of September dawned bright and we went out for a walk after breakfast we found our way out to some woods and found a very spooky looking building which was an Asylum in its day. We met a nice young chap who told us all about the place….he was a painter and decorator and was working in the building behind which is a prison for the criminally insane…..

© willowdot21 .

So then back to the hotel to get ready , then all five of us squeezed into the car…not really it is a big car! Off to the wedding and the heavens opened! ..it rained all through the service , canapes and drinks and the meal and speaches finally it q I’ll cleared up to a lovely evening!

The wedding started normally enough, a friend of the bride was playing the piano beautifully when suddenly she started playing Darth Vader’s theme from StarWars. Low and behold Four Star troopers, Boda Fett and Darth Vader walked up the ailse , apparently they were there so Darth could claim the bride . Thankfully the Groom and Groom’s men successful saw the interlopers off. The service then continued without a hitch!

© willowdot21

A sulking Darth Vader and Boda Fett.© willowdot21

I even got kidnapped 😃 © willowdot21 .

All the while the rain was relentless. © willowdot21

Now rain at a wedding is supposed to bode good luck and happiness. It also brings rainbows which are definitely a good luck sign 🌈.

Lots of love for Steve & Sarah. © willowdot21.

10th September we packed up and after breakfast we took eldest sister to the station then went back to pick up other sister and her husband for the journey home. Another long day. In the evening we went and got Ruby back she had had a great stay with her new friend Bo, nearly sister’s new dog .

© willowdot21

Sunday was washing, dog walking and housework and reading book one of a two book series which you will hear more of soon.

Monday 12th started a week of Drs appointments , phone calls, and the like, hubby is still not well and having trouble with his ears and hearing and other worrying things. We have had our seasonal flu jabs and we booked up for our Covid booster. It’s all go here.

Shopping, helping family and neighbours also filled the week, the weekend was busy too and all the while I wanted to blog but just could not settle to it. There were a few family birthdays three infact!

Then Monday 19th was The Queens funeral and yes we watched it for most of the day. It was meticulously done and really very touching and beautiful. The Royal family really had a very long and exhausting fully of emotions and even tears for their beloved, Mum, Gran and great Gran….Rest in peace Marm you have done your bit.. God Save the King, Charles 111.

R.I.P. Elizabeth.

So here we are halfway through another week and all I can ask is that you could be patient and I will try to catch up …as soon as I can.💜💜💜

Wordless Wednesday. A Blur! Two days late.

.

This week has been so busy I met myself coming back twice!

©willowdot 21

part of LindaGHill’s One-Liner Wednesday.

Throwback Thursday #52 – Transitions and Modifications

Welcome to Throwback Thursday the brainchild of Lauren and Maggie. This week it’s Maggie’s turn and she said : “Here we are again, taking a trip back in time. This week might take a little memory work to recall a few things, but it should be fun. Part of growing up is finding you own way of self expression. This comes about in many ways so think back. Are you ready? If you care to join us, it’s easy.”

This week’s prompt is: Transitions and Modifications

Think about your first haircut. Were you the kid that cut your own hair? Did you go to a salon or did your parents cut your hair? Did your parents save a lock of your hair?

Right…. Mum was a hairdresser before she married dad she actually had her own salon in Oxford. Like most little girls in those days I had long hair and every night mum would tie it in rags so as to produce long thick ringlets. The trouble was it was a very uncomfortable process and I hated it!
As I got older mum would always cut my hair as she had everyone else in the family. She even did my first perm …. A disaster, I got really teased about that. When I was about thirteen I got my first professional cut at a salon I had a Cilla Black cut! Not unlike the style I have now. In between I have had all sorts and colours!

How about shaving? Fathers often teach their sons to shave. Most girls I know, decided for themselves when to shave their legs and their underarms. Some cultures do not shave at all.

My sister’s gave me tips on when and how to shave , though we also used to use Immac Cream which is now called Veet Cream a lot safer than a razor .

Did you alter your clothes? Cut jeans into cut-offs? Cut the sleeves off t-shirts? Wear graphic tees? Tie-dyes? Sew patches on your jeans?

I used to buy Jeans then sit in the bath until they shrank to my size. I did a lot of tie-dyed, cut off T-shirts and jeans too.

Was there a time you remember challenging the authority in your household. Do you remember the first time you found your voice?

No not really….I can remember arguments with mum …. But never with Dad . I might of muttered behind his back but never to his face.

What about piercings? Girls getting their ears pierced was a rite of passage for girls. Then boys started getting one ear pierced. As time passed, piercings became more mainstream and accepted.

I never had piercings even to this day I have no piercings.

Did you walk on the wild side? Smoking? Drinking? Did your parents know?

Yes I tried both but I was married by seventeen.
At first I didn’t tell my parents but as I got older they knew. I stopped smoking in my late thirties and never looked back.

What about tattoos? Did you get a tattoo while still living at home? Did your parents approve?

Never wanted a tattoo I don’t think any of my brothers or sisters had them either. Two of my son’s have them .

What about language? Was swearing allowed in your family? Did you use the same language around your friends as you did at home with your family?

We were not allowed to swear or blasphem. We also had to speak correctly. Again I found people would take against me if I spoke correctly and they would call me posh . Yes I did speak differently with friends and school to when I was at home.

Think back to high school. Girls, did you iron your hair? Did you color your hair? (using Sun-in counts!) Guys, did you grow a beard or moustache? Did you grow your hair long? Feel free to share a photo of yourself back in the day.

I was definitely au natural at school, we were taught by nuns!!

Many people think our authentic self is the person we were as young children. Are you still inherently the same person you were as a child or have you changed your personality and demeanor along the way?

I am what I am always was and always will be. What you see is what you get …. perhaps a little wiser and definitely a lot older. Now I colour my hair and my nails Dad would call me a painted lady if he saw me now.

TankaTuesday #Poetry Challenge No. 285, 8/18/22 #Ekphrastic #PhotoPrompt

© Colleen Chesebro.

This week’s challenge explores Ekphrastic poetry, inspired by visual art or photographs. Reena provided a piece of her artwork for this month’s challenge. There’s plenty of imagery in her art, and it’s a great inspiration to write your poem. Remember what you’ve learned about the psychology of color in your poetry.

This week I have chosen an etheree for my form for the Ekphrastic poem.

Gaia Gives.

A kaleidoscope of earthy colours
Escapes a knowing, talented hand.
So much that the inner eye sees.
The guiding hand of Gaia
Brings meaning to fingers
And peace to the brain
Would that all could
Share the view
Gaia
Gives.

This is part of Colleen’s Tuesday Tanka Challenge.

Dear Mum and Dad.

I was so inspired by savoringsixtyandbeyond‘s post this morning that I am reposting a letter I wrote to my parent’s full of the words I wish I had said to them more when they were alive. I loved them ,we all did and do and they knew that.

© willowdot21

Dear Mum and Dad

I don’t think I ever made it clear enough how much I appreciated what you did for me. It is only now as a parent and grandma that I see what you must have gone through.

© willowdot21. Some but not all of the gang

Nine children you had, nine. You lost three but that was never your fault. How did you cope Mum it must have been hard, and Dad worse for you because in those days grieving was not the done thing. I lost three babies too I could not openly grieve either but you knew you silently gave me strength.

© willowdot21

I am in awe of how you always managed to feed and dress us all. There was always food on the table and somehow the doors were always open to waifs and strays who needed help. No one was ever turned away from our door without help of some kind. I can remember there being an endless stream of family friends, or distant cousins with problems arriving on our doorstep. Some stayed longer than others but no one was ever turned away. I really don’t know how we all fitted into that three bed roomed terraced council house, it must of been like the TARDIS.

Who helped you, did anyone or did you have to struggle through, learning haphazardly! You, no doubt had to and that is why you were both such helpful parents. I am amazed at the sacrifices you must of made to keep us in clothes, shoes and food.

Dad, you worked as a body maker for LT making seats on the buses and tubes! Off to work at 5am and home at 5pm for dinner then 6pm the BBC News … silence reined! You then spent most of your evenings in the front room either at the table or your desk with your ancient typewriter. You had men and women visiting you , sometimes one sometimes more all coming for help and advice because you were a union rep and congressman for the NUVB ( National Union Of Vehicle Builders). The last visitor was about 10.30pm. At work you were a union rep you gave so much to others and yet you always saved so much for us. When you retired you were tapped out the length of the factory. ( All the men stood by their machines spanner or hamer in hand and tapped you out of the building, a sign of respect. ) You only live a year or so after retirement.

© willowdot21

Mum you were such a gentle soul I miss you so, You left your body long before you died and that broke my heart because I could not reach you. I used to bring the boys to see you at the nursing home you spent your last years in… although I loved to see you it hurt that you did not know me and you did not see the boys growing up . I think you missed Dad so much that you left in soul leaving your shell behind.
Mum remember Wimbledon week we had salad every evening because you loved the Tennis , funny thing Mum I can’t stand tennis! 🙂

You have both been gone so long and I miss you both so. I need you here to give me the strength , kindness and love. See even now I am asking for your help. I am so selfish, I was so angry when you died Mum because you were not there to talk to me and help me, do you know it took seven years to accept that you had really gone. Then the flood gates opened.

I have so many wonderful memories of you both. Getting up at 4.30am and sneaking down stairs to find you dad shaving in the kitchen, we would share your breakfast, porridge or boiled egg before you went off to work. Going with you to Chiswick Park on the tube on a Saturday. You would have a haircut while I sat and watched then maybe you would buy me an ice cream. Walking Steve the dog in the park … you always called him Brother …because of your union work no doubt .

© willowdot21

Mum you were always there when I came home from school, always played with me , I was the youngest of the family and by a good while so I was almost like an only child but not because everyone else was around but I was too young to join them . I remember you telling me stories and teaching me to knit sew and crochet sadly all of which I am useless at! As I grew you helped me with life and although I never lived that near to you you always came to my aid if I needed you . When our first boy was born premature and unable to breathe you came down to stay with me when P finally came home from hospital. He did not know how to suck so you helped me to spoon feed him until we got him to use a teat. So many many things to thank you for .

Mum and Dad you took all six of us and taught us everything you knew. How to face the world, how to love how to be friendly, caring and honest. I like to think that you are watching over us all and hopefully being proud of us…. well mostly. . I like to think that our beautiful sister Mary is with you both after horrendous illness and death five years ago.

© willowdot21 Mary sitting and me.

I miss you and I love you !

willow xxxxxxxx

Ronovan Writes #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge 422 ROLLING and Steady.

© willowdot21

There now rock steady
Rolling gently with the flow
Mother Nature’s son.

Ronovanwrite’s

This is part of Ronovanwrite’s Weekly Haiku Challenge.

Ronovan Writes Sijo Wednesday Poetry Challenge #17. Use WORK as your inspiration this week.

.Ronovanwrite’s .

© willowdot21

We’re born to the treadmill, step by step we toil.
Some work till they die, others have lives of leisure. Gaia just moved on with the seasons.
We should work to live not live to work, that’s the nature of things .

This is part of Ronovanwrite’s Weekly Sijo Challenge.

Ronovan Writes #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge 417 BREAK and Dance.

image Pixabay

we move in rhythm
the joy of life moves us on
don’t undo the chain .

Above a Haiku, 5.7. 5. using synonyms for Break and Dance. Below a Senryu 3.5.3. no synonyms this time I used the prompt.

always dance
brake the silence now
spirits fly.

Ronovanwrite’s ..

This is part of Ronovanwrite’s Weekly Haiku

Ronovan Writes Sijo Wednesday Poetry Challenge #16. Use PARTY as your inspiration this week.

Secrets plans and preparations, go against the grain.
It’s high summer and nature is guest of honour, and host.
Celebrate life, music in rivers and skies and food in the field. Blossom and grow.

This is part of Ronovanwrite’s Weekly Sijo Challenge Party.

#TANKATUESDAY Weekly #POETRY CHALLENGE NO. 271, 4/26/22, #THEMEPROMPT

WELCOME TO TANKA TUESDAY!

Yvette M. Caldiero from last month’s challenge picked the theme:

This month’s theme is:Beginnings & Endings.

This week I chose to write a Tanka Prose.

© willowdot21 .

I passed this stump every day while walking Ruby. It called to me softly as I passed. What had knocked it down I did not know. Valiantly it fought for life, sprouting green new leaves. Sadly as time went on it has failed and died. All the green is gone and it is dead, people put their rubbish in it.

so it was gone
the tree died where it had stood
back to mother earth
sun and rain witnessed new shoots
and so the earth keeps turning.

THIS IS PART OF COLLEEN’S TANKA TUESDAY CHALLENGE.