I recently celebrated my birthday, and even as I enjoyed my first cup of tea of the day, it began with most welcome and unexpected surprises.
Checking my emails, I saw that I had a communication from the British Association of Local History about an up-coming on-line talk on the hidden lives of Yorkshire’s watermen and their families – those redoubtable folk who lived a peculiarly peripatetic lifestyle aboard barges on the British network of waterways and canals. I have been seeking just such details as part of my research for my third historical novel. What a gift! And what a lovely way to begin my special day.
The unscheduled surprises continued as I made my annual birthday trip to our favourite local garden centre to see the display of Christmas decorations. As I drifted down an aisle of festive cards on the one hand and racks of seasonal garlands on the other, I heard a voice behind me say my name. I turned and beheld my very dear friends, ex-next-door-but-one-neighbours who moved away ages ago and whom I have not seen for many years. Exclamations, hugs and animated conversation ensued. What a wonderful surprise… what a gift!
And so the day continued.
My family and I lunched and then returned to the Christmas displays, which appeared to be even better this year – truly delightful and inspiring. As I have written about in my book ‘Merry Midwinter’, I love to explore the Christmas displays, searching for decorations or potential items which I can use not just in winter bit throughout the year. Gradually, my basket began to fill with carefully chosen items: sprays of synthetic evergreenery which might be used to decorate Christmas (or New Year) crackers, rolls of broad, richly decorated ribbon which will make excellent cake frills, flat garlands of gold, silver or scarlet leaves which might get sewn onto a festive themed dress, and so on.
Bedazzled and buoyed by the shimmering display we eventually returned home where we assembled in the dining room. The fire blazed on the hearth, the candles were lit. The table was set with my favourite china, the tea was brewed. We ate birthday cake and drank copious cups of tea amidst much talk and laughter.
Gradually I opened my cards and presents – and received many more surprises in the guise of heartfelt messages and unusual gifts.
Later in the evening, I finally went on line to check my Facebook account where I discovered dozens and dozens of marvellous greetings and messages waiting for me. I felt so totally humbled and grateful, surrounded by good wishes, light and love, and truly blessed.
What a truly enjoyable, gentle and peaceful day of wonderful surprises and memorable moments!
A huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who contributed to it.
