It seems like about a minute ago that we were plunging into summer . . . and now August is already looming.
So many important experiences have just been waves on the sand: roll on, relentless time.
I've been on a blog vacation -- not by any plan or design, but just because I haven't had the time/space to order my thoughts. Many years ago I had a dream of becoming a journalist, but one of the many flaws of that career plan is that I need time and space to write. I don't "think" well under pressure. I've never been any good at soundbites or punchlines; I can't come up with the first, and I can't remember the second.
My youngest daughter "graduated" from school a few weeks ago. Not many children change schools at age 13, but there is something wonderfully appropriate about 13 as the age of transition. After weeks of farewell dinners and concerts and plays and exhibitions, there was a beautiful ceremony designed just for the "leavers" and their parents. The children chose their favourite hymns and scriptures, including those true and memorable lines from Ecclesiastes: To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under the sun. A simple, powerful truth.
Our move to Oxford has been put off for a year, and maybe longer. All signs have pointed to stay. Although my youngest daughter will be moving there for school, she started digging in her heels at the thought of too much change all at the same time. Meanwhile, we didn't have even a nibble on the house. I have a new job close-by, and Sigmund is still looking for the right opportunity. It took me a few months to accept this change of plan, but I've come around now. I've started making plans for the garden again; it's time to weed and replant. There are holes to fill.
Meanwhile, summer.
We've already done the back-to-school shopping: but the new woolen kilt and leather shoes can be packed away for now. It's time to plant our feet in the surf . . . and let the sand run through our fingers. I'm embracing what's here and now.
33 comments:
You seem to have overcome your Blogger posting woes!
This was a delight.
How much fun the young people seem to be having!
So glad the weather gods were with you in Cornwall.
So happy to have you back. Isn't it amazing how fast the time goes? I usually hunker down in August. Edward joins me, happily. Just too hot here for anything else. It's the time of year I get massages, lose a little weight, knit some Christmas presents and wait for fall like a kid waits for Santa.
ahhh bee welcome back. it seems as if your world wasn't ready to change just yet which is sometimes a good thing when seen in hindsight. steven
Good to have you back Bee, I am rather wistfully wishing I was plunging into the sea now (so long as the weather was good).
Hello Bee
Welcome back! I love Ecclesiastes 3-it has a very special meaning to me.
Hold on to your dreams of Oxford and when the time is right you will know.
Have a great evening!
Best
Tracy :)
Lovely post Bee, the kids are having so much fun. Enjoy those wonderful summer days and come to us when you can. These little girls will be big girls before you know it. The here and now is extremely important. I love that they chose the lines from Ecclesiastes. :-)
What joyful images to find here! Welcome back. Life is full of transitions and it sounds like you are taking it in stride with a little pause. Enjoy the rest of summer!
Glad to see that you are back to blogging. I understand about the wanting to be the journalist dream. I had to dismiss it for the same reason that you did. Some days I find writing a short comment more than I can do in the moment!
So good to see you back with another eloquent post Bee.
Such wonderful energised images - they make me want to take off to the seaside right now!
I love the quote from Ecclesiastes - I like to think that there is a reason for everything and in all our decisions, even if they may only become apparent in time ...
Jeanne
x
Long summer holidays, when your growing children are still at home, are such fun. Your photo brought back happy memories of seaside holidays with young teenagers. They have so much energy and zest for new experiences!
If your daughter is going to school in Oxford, you will still have opportunities for wonderful days there. Even if the cottage and the bicycle with a basket full of books will have to wait awhile......
Welcome back . . . with a splash! I love how these photos capture summer and the teen years. You have so much change coming this fall. We should catch up soon.
Oh, we are experiencing many parallels right now, Bee. Thanks for visiting me this morning, and for your lovely, thoughtful comments. I'm so glad to be visiting you, too. We're hoping to make it to England next summer, as this summer just had too much else going on. When we do come, meeting up with you is high on my list. What a treat that would be!
Enjoy the long, golden days of August, dear Bee! xoxo Gigi
What a wonderful post, Bee. I recall the post in which you yearned for a more citified life with book stores, cafes, and culture, but I love how you've embraced life as it happens.
Gorgeous images of care-free youth!
Often the 'here and now' is the right place to be. We just need a nudge to realise it.
Hope your new job goes well and good hunting to Sigmund.
Such joyous images! And sometimes we just aren't ready to dive into change, we have to dip our toes in to test the waters and then decide what to do next. How wonderful you're honoring your instincts!
Oh such amazing pictures! And so glad to have you back. I know what you mean about the soundbites and punchlines. But sounds like things are settling down now and there are lots of good things ahead.
K x
Oh, Bee, you say it all so well. I always love to read your posts... you write so beautifully.
Welcome back, Bee! Hope your garden gives you that sense of feet-on-the-ground, hands-in-the-dirt that you need in this time of changing plans. Give to the earth and she gives right back.
I've been on one, too. But, I've missed you, my friend. I've missed you. More soon. I won't promise. But, I will try....
Oh there you are! Missing you my lovely....xxx
Lovely, lovely post. I only drop in every once in a while, but your writing makes me want to meet you! Maybe some day!
Lovely youthful images! So glad to hear you get to stay in Oxford, at least for now. Nice to see you in the bloggyhood, my friend.
Your daughter is right to avoid too much change at once - it's so unsettling, and she has enough to be dealing with. Good that you have a new job, and don't have to face the horrors of packing up your home yet! Enjoy the rest of the summer....
Hi Bee!! I miss you. I think 13 is a perfect, perfect age for transition. It's a cusp.
Bee, darling :) It's been a long time....I deblogged myself :) But I'm back, and lovely to see your smiling face :)
Thinking of you, B. I didn't make it out of the state...and oh is it hot as hades. Still. 104 today. So tired of it. Will go to the e.coast this fall to visit family.
I'm the same way about needing time/space to order thoughts. And I so prefer writing fiction to any other form of writing. Sometimes blogging is such a challenge for me and I wonder why I keep on. Addicted, I think! I love that moment when you press that 'Publish' button. (Although I have been known to hit the Delete button, too.)
Enjoy your gardening...just wanted to say hello.
Catherine
now that's summer! Love those photos.
Am always dreaming of a summer in Cornwall :) Glad you had a break from blogging but gladder still you posted again. The rains are here, and August is nearly September now.... onwards!!
Hey, Bee... just wanted you to know we're still out here. Are you coming back? *fingers crossed*
Bee, just want you to know that you're missed! Hope all is going fabulously for you and life is treating you well.
Love and luck,
Fhina x
No more blog?
I love reading your writing.
Very nice, thanks for sharing.
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