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| Trying to capture the storm/wind |
I booked Friday off as annual leave. It had been a strange, unsettling week. Wednesday my boss man asked me to attend a works ceremony award held in the Museum of London. I rush home to change, back to site where four of us head out to London at 4pm. A lovely ceremony and beautiful venue but I really needed an early night. We arrive back at the Selly Oak site at 2pm. Driving home I am exhausted but know I am going to struggle to switch off and sleep. I think the most on and off sleep I had was three hours, before it was time to get up early and start another working day. I needed time out and to catch up on some home work. One of my “to do” was visit a storage unit I have rented for six months, to sort through clutter and see what I really needed. I realised I had only visited the unit once since hiring, which made me ask myself, do I really need what I am paying to box away and not make use of? An hour later. I cancel my lease, and with a car full of magazines, spare bed linen, cushions, craft items and knick knacks I drive to Acorns Children’s Hospice handing everything over for them to benefit from by selling in their charity shop.
Saturday I return to Acorns to offer befriending time. I meet a new little girl aged 14. She has good mobility but finds communication in speech and concentration a little difficult. The little girl is sitting clutching three of her favourite noisy toys. Nervous as always I sit beside her and think how to make contact and a connection. Two visitors arrive to play guitar and sing for the children. We both join the gathering in the main reception. I can only assume the little girl enjoyed herself from the continual giggling, and using my one hand to clap her hand on in time to the music. A very touching moment was when she turned to me, gently pressed her finger on the tip of my nose, then leaned towards me pushing her forehead onto mine while squeezing my hand. She did this three times. Each time I had to stop myself from either running out in bits or shedding a tear in front of everyone. Reflecting on another difficult mixed week, I feel gratitude for this special moment.
Sunday is trek training day which means a visit back to the Malvern Hills. Normally I would alternate towpath walking and hills, but due to letting things take over and getting behind on my training schedule I decide extra hill walks are essential. I avoid as much as possible flat surface, I have to challenge and train. Taking two short breaks for hydration and look over notes for the Dalai Lama trek. It's very windy. I had no idea how strong and ferocious the wind would become. I start to climb steep terrain, with no shelter from trees or shrubs. As I climb the wind picks up pushing strongly, making each step tiring and difficult. I refuse to give in and stubbornly venture on, not thinking of safety. As I write this it is comical thinking back. At the time, when I reached the top and without exaggeration almost got blown off the hill I was not amused. I was petrified, absolutely bricking it! I sat on the top of the hill, waiting for the wind to calm. My day pack shoulder strap almost ripped of the left side, due to the direction of the storm. The sound of the wind overpowered music from my earphones. It showed no signs of calming. I have no choice but to re-trace footsteps and get to an even level ASAP! I meet another trekker, who had travelled the same route making his journey to safer ground. Re-leaved to feel safe again I say to him laughing "That frightened the life out of me! I had no idea when climbing that hill the wind would become so strong. I almost got blown off the side, gone with the wind." Smiling back, gesturing pulling at imaginary strings he replies “Next time bring a kite.”
Apart from the mind going into over time during the “wind from the skies is going to kill me!” moment, I thought about the pilgrims trek “The Way of St James.” I pondered over ideas to book this and do as much of the trek as possible during my Christmas annual leave. I want to escape the commercial Christmas. My spontaneous Goa Christmas vacation alone was an amazing experience. Although I have travelled on short stays to many wonderful places, Goa was the first trip that ignited curiosity to travel, taste and learn from various cultures. The Way of St James pilgrimage fascinates me. I don’t want to do the trek for religious reasons, merely as part of my own self development and life experience. I fell in love with the film “The Way,” written by Emilio Estefan, starring his father Martin Sheen. A very touching and inspiring film which has got me on path to learn more and at some point in my life embrace "The Way" experience.
Pedometer reading 11468..I think that is 4.5 - 5 miles approximately 3 hours - Not bad weather permitting
Sunday is trek training day which means a visit back to the Malvern Hills. Normally I would alternate towpath walking and hills, but due to letting things take over and getting behind on my training schedule I decide extra hill walks are essential. I avoid as much as possible flat surface, I have to challenge and train. Taking two short breaks for hydration and look over notes for the Dalai Lama trek. It's very windy. I had no idea how strong and ferocious the wind would become. I start to climb steep terrain, with no shelter from trees or shrubs. As I climb the wind picks up pushing strongly, making each step tiring and difficult. I refuse to give in and stubbornly venture on, not thinking of safety. As I write this it is comical thinking back. At the time, when I reached the top and without exaggeration almost got blown off the hill I was not amused. I was petrified, absolutely bricking it! I sat on the top of the hill, waiting for the wind to calm. My day pack shoulder strap almost ripped of the left side, due to the direction of the storm. The sound of the wind overpowered music from my earphones. It showed no signs of calming. I have no choice but to re-trace footsteps and get to an even level ASAP! I meet another trekker, who had travelled the same route making his journey to safer ground. Re-leaved to feel safe again I say to him laughing "That frightened the life out of me! I had no idea when climbing that hill the wind would become so strong. I almost got blown off the side, gone with the wind." Smiling back, gesturing pulling at imaginary strings he replies “Next time bring a kite.”
Apart from the mind going into over time during the “wind from the skies is going to kill me!” moment, I thought about the pilgrims trek “The Way of St James.” I pondered over ideas to book this and do as much of the trek as possible during my Christmas annual leave. I want to escape the commercial Christmas. My spontaneous Goa Christmas vacation alone was an amazing experience. Although I have travelled on short stays to many wonderful places, Goa was the first trip that ignited curiosity to travel, taste and learn from various cultures. The Way of St James pilgrimage fascinates me. I don’t want to do the trek for religious reasons, merely as part of my own self development and life experience. I fell in love with the film “The Way,” written by Emilio Estefan, starring his father Martin Sheen. A very touching and inspiring film which has got me on path to learn more and at some point in my life embrace "The Way" experience.
Pedometer reading 11468..I think that is 4.5 - 5 miles approximately 3 hours - Not bad weather permitting
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