I love being lost. Not the phone-dead, shops-closed, only-other-person-in-sight-is-picking-scabs-and-shouting lost, or the bears-will-eat-me-and-no-one-will-ever-find-my-bones lost, but the I'm-not-quite-sure-where-I-am lost. The coming out of the underground and not knowing which direction to go lost. The heading in a general direction but no particular path kind of lost. London is an easy place to get lost, of course. … Continue reading Lost in London
I wander the backstreets of Wimbledon and Morden, on my way to the train or underground station, going to the post office or just ambling, and am struck by the row houses. Space is at a premium this close to London, but I've seen row houses in small villages where there would be room to … Continue reading The Row Houses of Merton
I've had a pain in my chest, on and off for the last two days. I try to think of anything I might have done to strain muscles. Playing pinball? I hadn't done that for years. Maybe deconditioning, after not going to the gym for two weeks? I climb to the top of the dome … Continue reading Uncoupling
To my surprise, I realize that the wedding that brought me to England might seem as glamorous to some as my trip to the Pyramids. What made it so English? Well first all of the English accents! I was one of the half dozen guests from abroad, and coming from the west coast of Canada … Continue reading A Very English Wedding
A lot can happen in a week. Last Monday, the offer on the house came in. And today I sit in the Vancouver airport, waiting for my flight to London. I marvel at what was accomplished in that time. A house was sorted, packed, and moved into storage. Items were sold, donated and recycled. It … Continue reading The People who Sustain Me- Part 2
Today the house was sold. There is an accepted offer, at any rate, which will most likely complete. When I look at the calendar I see that the house has only been listed for three weeks. It seems much longer-- I think sorting through the physical remanents of a 30 year relationship, all the while … Continue reading Saying Goodbye
Two weeks before I set out on the next 6 week instalment of my brave travels, I try to decide what to keep. Out of the accumulation of a lifetime, out of the contents of a 3000 square foot house, what will come with me into the future? What is precious enough to put in … Continue reading What Stays and What Goes?
I thought I was patient, until I became a teacher. Then I began to really learn what patience was. And when I believed I had truly learned it, I had a child... And now, in this age of smartphones, Netflix and Google, I feel I have forgotten how to be patient, how to wait. My … Continue reading Learning to Wait
A few years ago, I spoke to a hundred or so young women about courage. I started by talking about shared experiences-- a rough plane ride, the zip line at the outdoor education camp we all went to, skiing on a slope that was too steep and icy. And each time I asked them to … Continue reading It’s Not Brave if You’re Not Scared
We love to bring home reminders of our travels. My mother collected spoons and postcards, and later fridge magnets. I have friends who bring home art, or jewellery. When we look at these items, they bring back memories. Last night, I brought home an experience to share. Eight friends came over for dinner, and I … Continue reading Souvenirs
Brave Travels 