On top of the Shard, London.
Pride at the GPO, Dublin
The band in Roscoff, France
Dad and his daughter, Sandycove, Dublin
Picnic, Stockholm
First things first.
In Ireland the first day of February besides being St Brigid’s day is also the first day of Irish spring. OK, meteorologically speaking we are still in winter, but psychologically, because it’s our tradition, we’re happy to go with it. It’s not the only thing we’re totally delusional about. But it’s such a happy and lovely delusion don’t you think?
Second things second.
Things have been quite a bit upside down these last few days. I took a tumble from a table. You see this is something else I’m delusional about. I still think I can hop up and down off tables, trees, walls, ladders, even diving boards. You name it, I will probably give it a go.
But, my friends, there’s nothing delusional about the pain of two broken wrists.
It’s only been a couple of days but I’m learning a lot about the smugness of being temporarily able bodied. I’m also learning about the magic of painkillers and the frustration of being immobilized.
All of this has coincided with a kind of fresh start that I was feeling at the beginning of the year. Sure I was spring cleaning and tidying like a whirling dervish! This doesn’t happen too often so I was kind of enjoying it.
But maybe it’s not surprising seeing as I choose the word threshold for 2018. if you read back on the quote from John O’ Donohue last week, he spoke eloquently about the mystery of moving instantly from one world into another.
Like, one minute you are hanging pictures and humming away to Heroes by David Bowie, and the next you are on the floor howling in pain in the sure knowledge that something really bad has just happened. What can I say, it’s all one big ouch!
If there is a silver lining in every cloud, it’s probably the discovery of Google Microphone. Although Google Microphone is a tad annoying, it’s nothing on Siri who gets very confused by my accent and between ourselves is bit of a dunderhead.
Now I will sit here, speak clearly, enunciate and try to compensate for my “brogue” with the clearest diction possible. Hang in there, in a couple of months my two bear claws should have turned back into artist’s hands with delicate fingers that can pluck the tiniest piece of fluff from a coat collar. Just imagine.
This week I’ve chosen photographs of people to celebrate life. I’m not a great street photographer because I’m far too self-conscious to intrude on people’s privacy but every so often a situation arises where I manage it. I especially like watching people who are lost in their own peace and quiet. In spite of everything that is going on around them, they exude a contagious kind of Zen.
At the moment I need to access every kind of Zen I can conjure up!
“It is a serious thing
just to be alive
on this fresh morning
in this broken world.”
Mary Oliver, from “Invitation”
Oh Catherine, you poor thing. I hope the wrists get better very soon x
Thank you so much Val! As you know keeping the spirits up is a challenge but am accessing my Zen as much as possible xxx
Sometimes we do learn so much from unfortunate things, which for me sort of puts the misfortune into perspective. I wish you healing and I truly empathize–I took a nasty fall on the ice New Year’s Eve while care taking my mother, and I am still doing PT to recover, but it started me on a more intentional path of taking care of my body and my mental well-being. That being said, the photographs are truly beautiful and create their own opportunity for reflection.
Yes it certainly throws up some challenges! We are all only temporarily able bodied after all…..Sorry to hear about your fall. But great that you are looking after yourself in a whole new way. As you say there is always so much new to learn. Thanks fro the wisdom xx
Both wrists!
so you are effectively banned from your camera??
Boohoo!! Well I have already set up a couple of options in the house but yes for now. I’m still coming to terms with the lack of mobility and to be honest just managing the pain. I told the doc with surprise that I still had so much pain. He raised an eyebrow and said well it’s going to be a six week process!! Oh!
Oh Catherine, both wrists…nothing by half is it for the artist in us? And you are still here writing your wonderful blog and showing us your beautiful photos…Bravo! And as the year unwinds, we face it with courage, even when it tests us sorely. Sending you good solid healing, and light and love from Oz… ❤️❤️❤️
O I feel the warmth and light of Oz on me already Barbara. It’s almost one week and my fingers are magic little limbs, doing their thing. I never realised before how important each of them is. In truth the blog, and the internet are keeping me sane. Thanks for the healing vibes…..so lovely xx
Dear Catherine, So sorry to hear you have broken your wrists. We are so fragile really. I used to think if I got a good night’s sleep all would be fine, but have to accept age means slowing down. yes thank goodness for the internet, don’t think you are missing anything as the weather this side of the Irish sea is extremely wet and icy cold winds. Hopefully we are resilient too, and your bones, like the winter seeds under ground are growing in strength anew under the skin. I expect you’re taking some vitamin D3, to compensate for lack of sunshine, and eating loads of healthy calcium foods to aid recovery. Sending loads of love and healing energy. XXX
Dear Pat, your words are full of wisdom! I love your image of the winter seeds underground growing in strength. Yes I am feeling much more confident now after almost 12 days. Hopefully I can avoid any kind of operation, I will know this week. Luckily I had started on the D3 earlier, hope it is lashing into my bones as we speak. Take care of yourself Pat, there’s life in us auld divils yet!!
My goodness, I can’ believe this happened! Get well soon and heal as fast as the wind, my friend!
Isn’t it bonkers! I still find it hard to believe myself. Thank you so much Cigdem….I’m on the mend now….I hope…x
Oh my goodness – nightmare! I feel for you. I came here after reading your latest post, and in addition to the synchronicity of our quote & blackbirds(!!), I’m shaking my head at the coincidence of Joanna’s dislocated shoulder keeping her inside recently, too. But I know nothing will hold you back for long. Heal quickly and keep your sense of humour!