That's such a courageous and real piece of thinking, Ian. I am so very to hear of your father's death. It's such a fundamental change and grief to go through, and it needs time.
Go to Scotland. I reckon you could end up regretting it if you don't. I'm 76, and I often think of stuff I should be "doing". Please note the 'ing' ending, because try as I might, even with all the fabric, paints, yarn, time, opportunity - it doesn't happen. The only thing I do that I am really "enjoying" is the poetry group I started going to because someone said I'd like it. So I went,I did, and they were right. I've written poetry (and less spectacular 'verse') since childhood, and recently much more than I thought I was capable of. I reckon it's worth a lot more to me than all the time I spend at meetings, conferences, looking after stalls whilst less arthritic comrades march, reading pamphlets/books/articles/newsletters(ugh), because I end up with a creation. I don't begrudge the activism, it started at age 16, so no chance of giving it up, but we all need something to enjoy, after all! And so do you. Writing will continue, because you can't give it up. But go off on your trip. It will be worth it.
I really enjoyed reading this, very thought provoking. I'm also very sorry to hear of your father. I lost mine 6 years ago and I remember some very similar notions running through my over active mind.... Sending you hugs and love and lots of strength x
Perhaps your anticipation of the journey ahead is the most worthwhile. weighing up the options and deciding on the risks/opportunities. Strange how we have something in us that makes us brood about the future - at whatever age. Grand daughter and her 14 year old mates at a tough South London school were discussing their preferred method of death yesterday while watching Korean boy bands on you tube. Sociial media or just teenage angst.
That's such a courageous and real piece of thinking, Ian. I am so very to hear of your father's death. It's such a fundamental change and grief to go through, and it needs time.
Go to Scotland and see what happens...
Got to Scotland. But be patient with yourself. Kind to yourself.
Go to Scotland. I reckon you could end up regretting it if you don't. I'm 76, and I often think of stuff I should be "doing". Please note the 'ing' ending, because try as I might, even with all the fabric, paints, yarn, time, opportunity - it doesn't happen. The only thing I do that I am really "enjoying" is the poetry group I started going to because someone said I'd like it. So I went,I did, and they were right. I've written poetry (and less spectacular 'verse') since childhood, and recently much more than I thought I was capable of. I reckon it's worth a lot more to me than all the time I spend at meetings, conferences, looking after stalls whilst less arthritic comrades march, reading pamphlets/books/articles/newsletters(ugh), because I end up with a creation. I don't begrudge the activism, it started at age 16, so no chance of giving it up, but we all need something to enjoy, after all! And so do you. Writing will continue, because you can't give it up. But go off on your trip. It will be worth it.
I'm currently thinking of going in March..!
I really enjoyed reading this, very thought provoking. I'm also very sorry to hear of your father. I lost mine 6 years ago and I remember some very similar notions running through my over active mind.... Sending you hugs and love and lots of strength x
Thanks Victoria
Perhaps your anticipation of the journey ahead is the most worthwhile. weighing up the options and deciding on the risks/opportunities. Strange how we have something in us that makes us brood about the future - at whatever age. Grand daughter and her 14 year old mates at a tough South London school were discussing their preferred method of death yesterday while watching Korean boy bands on you tube. Sociial media or just teenage angst.