“All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.”
~ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
When my Nana was alive and I would visit her, she invariably wanted me to drive her somewhere. Nana never ever got her driver’s license and though she was very independent, walking and catching public transport everywhere, she just loved being driven someplace new, or to a favourite haunt or happening.
Not being able to drive myself right now and leaving the house far less often, I finally understand the appeal of an ‘outing’. To simply sit in the car and watch the world roll by out my window is very satisfying. There is so much going on that I usually take for granted.
And being able to break my usual routine with some new scenery or company (when I am up for it) is deeply satisfying.
Yesterday the monthly Markets were on. I’ve missed them since well before Christmas due to illness. I decided to delay taking my meds for a few hours so we could make a short visit. My husband Ben dropped me right outside the gates of the Bangalow Show Grounds where I waited while he parked the car. A friend joined us and we slowly walked, one of them supporting each of my arms, to our regular coffee stand.
I sat down in the shade while they fetched organic donuts and coffee. Neither are on my current diet, but I had a little of Ben’s and they were wonderful! I stayed sitting while they wandered around, content to people watch.
On my slow walk back through the stalls I picked up a bag full of just-picked lychees.
My dear friend and neighbour Richard was selling his pottery at one of the stalls. How wonderful to see him and give him a hug. He kindly gifted me a jar of his delicious organic home-made Davidsons Plum jam. Happy happy!
I also bought some hand-made soaps as our supply at home has completely run out. I much prefer to use chemical-free and local produce rather than mass-manufactured stuff. And this batch smells heavenly. 🙂
I met lots of friends, had plenty of hugs and love-ups and came home exhausted but content, and with a bag full of treasures. I then took my drugs and slept the rest of the day away.
If you have any elderly friends or family, or know anyone suffering a chronic illness, never underestimate the simple act of a drive in the country, a trip to the shops or a coffee in a local cafe as a morale booster and highlight in their week.
As your week unfolds before you, I also encourage you to take a little time for YOU – for an outing, a coffee, a wander through a bookstore or a library, or a catch-up with friends. We all benefit from nourishing our souls.
Bless xoxo
