A Happy Place

Happy places... 

It was wonderful to be back in Tuscany, staying at La Casina in Castagneto Carducci for a fabulous family holiday, filled with laughter, many celebrations and a few glasses of wine.

The memories of this special time will be coming in serial form, as I have so much to be grateful for and one blog will just not due it justice. This episode is all about the happy places that I appreciate when I come here. 

Next episode is all about the people who make places happy for me. The last blog in the series is... well you will just have to wait to find out. 

The above photo is of me standing outside my accommodation, La Casa Melograno, with a little glimpse of the view of the Tuscan coast behind me. The next few photos feature the overall setup.

one way...

 I rented 5 of the the 13 apartments this time and I think you could say that we took over the place. Which made both Rodolfo and myself, very happy.

Rodolfo is Il Padrone of La Casina and looks after us very well, as did Luca the caretaker. Wonderful occupational name "care taker". One we should all take to heart.

The view from this home from home is superb, showing a panoramic view of the Tuscan coast. However the situation itself is inspiring, lending itself to many a convivial evening, some celebrational events and even moments of sheer joy.

and another...

 

The pool is another of my happy places. I was able to swim most days, depending on what else we were doing. A minimum of 20 lengths at a time and most days I managed 40. 

It is a small pool, so a quick dip before lunch and another after lunch fitted in nicely to cool down from, after a walk up to the village.

Blue skies, Cypress trees and a refreshing pool, what more could I want. 

For the first 5 days, I was on my own allowing me time to settle in and to recover from the journey. Also to recover from the injured ribs and even recover a sense of peace after quite a few weeks of disharmony on the health front.

It really was my very own health spa, one that worked wonders on my well being and physical fitness. 

I am sure the sunshine, vitamin D component helped greatly. As well as a break from wifi, as my devices weren't playing nicely with the in house router. I had to resort to reading a book... and what a book it was. 

David Baldacci was one of Andy's favourite authors and there it was in the "Library" of La Casina, just waiting for me.

Eating simple nutritional food, gazing at a panoramic view that makes you see the big picture in more ways than one and being surrounded by beauty that can lift even the dreariest of spirits, and I was feeling far from dreary.

As I said before, this is my happy place.

As many of you know Andy and I first found ourselves in this part of Italy 15 years ago, when we came to celebrate my 60th birthday and here I was again, this time to celebrate being 75.

Now all it needed was the guests.

Sunset view from my bedroom

Buona notte, baci e un abbraccio 

Eileen.

Literature in abundance.

Last month, was for me, all about reading and writing. No arithmetic, as such, I am pleased to say. Enforced leisure sometimes comes with its own blessings. 

 First of all there was a Tidelines event at the Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine with Val McDermid and Jo Sharp sharing their behind the scenes experiences of writing. 'This DOOR of the SEAS'.

I attended with a friend and Anne and I both thoroughly enjoyed hearing about Val and Jo's experiences in collaborating on a historical episode of Scottish history that had been the victim of 'fake news' long before the phrase, fake news, was invented. 

It is a fascinating story about how the Scottish nation was bankrupted by a well intentioned venture into the new world. I highly recommend this book both for the story and for its superb writing.

It is written in the form of letters home and transports the reader into that momentous and calamitous time vividly. So much so that you begin to wonder what other stories of the past have been altered to suit the purposes of those in power. The phrase we are all familiar with is that the victor gets to write history. However to my thinking it should read as, the victor rewrites history and gets to ignore the truth. Back to fake news...

Next venture was to the Book Festival in Edinburgh. I was still not up for driving at that time but recovering enough to take the train.

This time I am staying over with Grainne and attended a presentation on the first day by Howard Cunnell and Blake Morrison, entitled  'A Life Observed'.

I confess I didn't know who the authors were but liked the title and usually when I go the the Book Festival, I always attend at least one offering from names that I don't recognise. Makes my festival a little different and always enlightening.

The subject was writing a memoire of your mother, which both authors had done and obviously they were promoting their books. This time however, I chose not to buy. Not because I wasn't impressed by them,  I really was, so much so, that I am thinking of writing a memoire of my own mum. 

Told you that attending the festival can be enlightening!

One of my favourite activities is visiting the book tent for a browse. All the books from the authors who are speaking at the festival are there. Everyone knows that I can't resist buying a book or two when I am surrounded by so much talent. This time I went a tad off script. 

Yep, that is the book I bought. Only perfect for myself who loves a good murder mystery and a sudoku puzzle.

My grey cells, little and large, are well and truly scrambled with this combo. I am still getting to grips with the concept but I am sure there may be some family members that will be borrowing it from time to time.

I should mention that it is quite large and very heavy so it won't be a travelling companion.

It reminded me of my Christmas present from 'Santa'. Every year Santa Andy would buy me a book and how he chose it was visiting a book shop and asking them for the thickest book in the shop. 

I think it was to keep me quiet and to give him at least a couple of days of peace. It might not be Christmas just yet, but it is my birthday month. So why not buy myself a birthday pressy of the thickest book in the tent.

Not sure if you can see how thick it is. But it really can be described as a tome or door stopper if you prefer. I was wanting to attend David Olusoga's chat on my second day and Marina Warner was on at the same time. What a quandary. I chose to attend one and buy the book of the other. It seemed the best option at the time.

I have deliberately photographed Sanctuary in my lounge, which has been a sanctuary to me over the past few weeks. Also in the background is my TV that has been a great companion, my faithful laptop that keeps me writing, my CD player, yep, I am still old school. Last but by no means least is my little altar that displays at various times of the year; crystals, inspirational books, cards and letters, flowers, plants and even the occasional photograph. Of course there is always a Buddha.

My last choice before heading home was to go to the Spiegeltent, where the top writers, leaders in their chosen field of literature, present their thoughts as well as their books. Kathy Lette was the author in attendance and was so entertaining that for 45 mins I thought I was at an Edinburgh Fringe comedy show. Not sure if this author is familiar to you but please check her out. She is a brilliant writer and a force to be reckoned with. My kind of gal .

Now, got a couple more links in the chain of recollections, good books and wonderful connections.

I was fortunate to be able to attend August's Word of Mouth Book Club, as I am now back driving. It meant that I could join those like minded soul mates, who love a good chat about favourite authors and discuss at length how Kirsty's subject matter strikes a chord with them. 

Kirsty is the genius behind the WoM book Club and supplies us with a regular theme to stimulate our thought processes. Last month's title was Remote Parts and I have certainly been visiting some very remote parts of myself. The theme focused on the solitary side of life and moments of separateness.  Examples could be on top of a mountain, a desert island or even a cloistered existence. You can see why I responded to the subject matter.

Although I had been experiencing some alone time, firstly from a horrible virus and secondly from the rib tickling event, both events had isolated me to a certain degree but had also enriched me with support from friends and family. All of us need those connections. Whether it is a good friend visiting or taking you to a Tideline's event. Or you making the effort to travel to connect with people that matter to you. Or even picking up a book and finding solace in someone's words that echo how you are feeling. All are necessary but perhaps not all at the same time.

Finishing with a quote from one of my top 10 writers, Marcus Aurelius.

"Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart."

The above book is an old and trusted companion of mine. Ryan quotes and plunders the ancient Stoics' wise sayings and brings into modern language that "It is what it is" and as my husband would say, "Just get on with it". But he did say it in a very gentle way.

To all of you who have helped me through the recent obstacles in my life, I am eternally grateful to the fate that brought us together.

Today I choose!

The choices we make...

Eileen, Rosie, Grainne and Gordon, the monkey

Last weekend Rosie and I travelled through to Edinburgh for a Girlie weekend with Auntie G at the Festival. We saw four shows. Two on Saturday and two on Sunday and three of them involved audience participation. And yes, Rosie and I thoroughly enjoyed participating but Grainne not so much. If you know Grainne, you will know that she is a joy to be with and Gordon, the puppet certainly thought so. 

However what happens at the Edinburgh Festival stays in Edinburgh. Alternatively you could always ask Grainne...

Above is Gordon and chum and this show shared top spot in our best bits of the Festival with

The battle of Frogs and Mice when our Rosie became Rosie Longleap, leader of the frogs. 

Both shows are a must if you are going to the Edinburgh Children's Fringe Festival. There is soooo much to choose from but always good to get a recommendation.

The Battle of Frogs and Mice started with poor choices being driven by lies and ended well with both sides of the battle realising they had been duped and agreeing to share the pond.

A timely story that has lasted over 2000 years, as it was taught to children in Ancient Greece. 

Some stories need retelling in modern times, as it seems that people, frogs and mice included need a helping hand as far as sharing ponds go.

If you think it was heavy going, you are wrong. It was hilarious and included a performance from Rosie Longleap that will stay in memory for a long, long time.

Now there is another tale to tell prior to the Edinburgh sojourn and like the ancient Greek tale, it is a bit of a saga.

I tripped and fell on the Thursday before driving through to Edinburgh. No biggy, perhaps you are thinking. However it involved me being spread-eagled in a car park, shopping everywhere and me fracturing a couple of ribs.

 Well, I didn't know it then. 

I only found out yesterday when I went to the doctors, as the pain was worsening every day. Have now been told to take it easy. Duh, not sure I can do anything else... and be prepared for a 4-6 week recovery.

So here I am again, lurching from one crisis to another and facing my poor decisions/choices.

I didn't "choose" to fall. However I did choose to go astride a small fence in order to get to the car quicker. Not a wise choice when carrying bags and having limited movement in knees!

I didn't choose to go to A and E or Doctor on the Thursday, as I thought it would get better. Not sure if that was a good or not so good choice. My choice to still go to Edinburgh was however the right decision, a choice easily made. The three days of joy were the best pain killer ever. Although the gin and tonics helped too.

We make choices every day... and we have to live with them. It is how we live with them that is really important. So, no crying over spilt milk/shopping bags for me. 

Consequences is the name of the game that we all play. Not just the game I remember playing in the school playground. It is worth remembering that our life is an ongoing result of the daily decisions we make. Who knows what impact they will have on ourselves and others or where our choices will land us! It certainly wasn't me last Thursday!

p.s. my friend Anne chose to visit me yesterday just as I was pondering how to get to the docs. She had been wondering how I was and brought a book for me to read. Finding me in pain and unable to drive she offered to take me. How was that for timely? 

Thank you Anne for your visit, your ongoing help and your timely choice of dropping by... and thanks too for the strawberry tarts! Your choices yesterday have inspired me to write today...

Meditation

 Wow, it is nearly the end of July! We are now travelling into the second half of our annual calendar. 

Does it feel like the year is passing quickly, the months disappearing fast into the past? Or are you like me, endeavouring to live in a present timeline, focusing on the now, as invariably, future plans can go askew ... and the past has definitely become a different country for me. 

I wrote the following poem when I was learning just how askew life can go. My health had deteriorated drastically after succumbing to a chest infection that floored me while skiing in France. 

For two years I struggled with pain, fatigue and limited movement. Many of you know the story so I won't repeat it here but will focus on the incredible journey of self discovery I experienced through writing.

Not able to do much, meditation was one of the "tools" I used to experience my day to day living. It was a lifeline and writing about it started my deep delve into cathartic writing, especially poetry.

I was 38 when I wrote about meditation while sitting looking at the Clyde coast vista and I still feel the same way, age 74 about how powerful and healing incorporating meditation into your daily life can be. Every aspect of scenery can lift the spirit. However, it is up to us to find the one that suits us best.

This one is my favourite "go to" in my head and I love visiting it in reality... who wouldn't?

Castagneto Carducci

                                                                    MEDITATION

                As I sit and enjoy the view

                My ears hear the sound of the music that drifts,

                the bird song that lifts the pain.

                The refrain I am listening to clears the mind

                and I find joy expand by the splendour at hand 

                and this is thought of as noble and true.

                Why is it then?

                That the music within, 

                the chords that are splendid and grand

                are ignored or abused or refused

                so that very few, enjoy the view

                 of the internal, eternal land.

                                                                                                       by Eileen Auld 1989

Over the past 37 years I have written many, many poems. 

Some long, some short. Some good, some not so much, but all are loved by me, as they have helped me move forward in life. Not all of them are cathartic I am happy to say, but all of them are precious in their own way.

Perhaps, you are wondering why is meditation the topic this month and why am I sharing this poem? Or maybe you are not questioning, but just reading as a catch up into what I am getting up to!

The reason for the subject, is because Cuku's event for August is "Remote Parts". I have mentioned this wonderful Word of Mouth book club a few times and the subject this month is timely for me. We are being encouraged to bring along anything... book, poem, genre of choice that is related to solitude, which has brought with it a sense of self, related to one's circumstances.

This struck a chord... and oft I went down memory lane. Forever grateful for my two years visiting those remote parts of myself and integrating them into my everyday living.

Please remember that life's a journey and travelling to remote parts can be enlightening, especially those remote parts of the self...

    

 

Laughter

 It's been a month since my Great Rail Journey... and it really was great. The scenery was superb, the trains amazing, the company delightful but most of all it was the laughter that I miss the most. Convivial laughter, around a table, breaking bread with friends

Gail, Greg and I laughed so much sometimes we cried. Or maybe that was just me? We laughed with Danny and Sonja, Lois, Judi and Bob and had so many amusing moments that fill your heart and soul that it is difficult to explain them to others. As the saying goes you had to be there.

Fondue Fun

So a big thank you to all those heartfelt moments and the memories of a really great journey by rail.

I laugh a lot when I am at my Zumba class and it would appear that the class members enjoy laughing at my antics. I have a smile on my face for 45 mins while I put my body through the dance wringer. I have even been shaking my booty recently... now that is enough to make anyone laugh.

Watching a comedy on TV, can lift my spirits but watching a show with Trevor Noah makes me laugh out loud and look at life differently. Something we all need on a regular basis.

... and there is even laughter yoga. Yep, not kidding. You just get the abdominal muscles and diaphragm to work as if you find something funny. The power of imagination is a wonderful thing. Once the abs are engaged, make your vocal chords work in unison with the abs... and lo and behold it is Comedy Central and there isn't a joke in sight!

So why am I majoring this month on laughter. Well, it is because I realised how much I miss it. Andy and I laughed a lot. We enjoyed the same humour and were both able to laugh at ourselves, although I think he found me funnier, especially when I wasn't meaning to be.

My time away on the train journey was to remind myself to be courageous and I received the unexpected blessing of joy and laughter and a reminder to encourage my body to experience belly laughs as much as I can.

Smiles are good, but laughter is great.

Leaving you with this image. 

with much love, Eileen

GRJ - Great Rail Journey

 Well, what can I say ... or write. The train adventure was all that I hoped for and so much more.

Now back, feeling renewed with so many wonderful memories to cherish and a general sense of well being from sharing time with some amazing travelling companions.

Many years ago my business strap line was " Life's a journey - enjoy". And that is what we did.

setting off from Glasgow

This time however, I am embracing a different kind of journey, very much into the unknown. seeking to be a brave traveller and visit a country I have never been to before, with people I have never met, on various trains for many hours at a time. Who knew what would happen! Certainly not me...

I won't be sharing all my photos, you will be glad to know. Just a few to let you catch a glimpse of how much fun and laughter was to be had while we travelled through some of the most amazing scenery Switzerland has to offer.

My wonderful journey began with meeting the rest of the travelling group at St Pancras station. There were 23 of us in the party and I was lucky enough to meet Gail and Greg an that first day. Two other single travellers who had, like me, embraced the courageous decision of travelling "solo" although we were surrounded by wonderful people. However, we didn't know that when we set out. 

Here we are, the three Musketeers. Enjoying a morning stroll in Strasbourg. The first stop on our journey to the Swiss border.

There weren't many free times to stroll, as the whole trip for me involved 22 trains! That was including the 4 return trips from West Kilbride to London and back.

More of the return journey to Scotland later...

Strasbourg was a lovely city and wandering around the cobbled streets gave us an insight to its importance on the European political stage. 

My original intention was to travel totally on my own, however common sense prevailed and I joined the Great Rail Journey package and met wonderful pals to share the adventure with ... and lots of photos. It has only just dawned on me if I had been the solitary traveller I had intended to be, I would have missed out on so many celluloid memories, as well as some candid camera ones of me!

cobbled street

Thank you to everyone for sharing the photos especially to Greg, who started the photo sharing fest in Strasbourg with the whatsapp group... of course we had one. Doesn't everyone?

Many of the photos I share have come from other eagle eyed photographers.

Some are inspiring and some, as you will see were impromptu snaps of Eileen enjoying herself... just in case you were even in doubt

Sonja and me

Time to move on and next stop was Chur which is the hub for the two Swiss train journeys that are a must. The Bernina Express and the Glacier Express. This last one is the slowest express train in the world! I have video footage of these journeys and would be pleased to share them. Just give me a call and we can chat about train journeys I have loved...

Now here is a compilation of photos to make you smile, as well as the ones of me grinning like a Cheshire cat. Many were taken by Greg but there is one taken by Gail and you can guess which one...

on top of the world

Apologies for the photo fest but be grateful I am only sharing some of them.  The Matterhorn is essential viewing and our short stay of 3 days in Zermatt wasn't long enough.

The Matterhorn

Finishing off the photos with a group photo in Zermatt and yes it was Greg that took it

So the adventurer returned full of stories, having been surrounded by the kindness of many strangers, who gelled together to make a very special time for us all. Mega thanks go to our tour guide Madeleine, who worked tirelessly to make our journey as smooth as possible. Thank you also to those of you who shared laughter and companionship in equal measure. 

It was indeed a holiday of a lifetime.

Now for a Post Script!

Euston station 1st class lounge

Arrived late into London on Sunday 24th May and got myself into a bit of trouble as I couldn't work the self service hotel registration. Eventually got some assistance and went to room, exhausted and slept well despite no air conditioning in the room! woke up early and looked for my train ticket that was usually with my passport. No passport and no train ticket to Glasgow...

Disaster, however lesson learned from previous night, find someone to help and sure enough I had left my documents at reception. Sorted... as I thought.

Walked to Euston Station, no ticket but not to worry as I had a screen shot on my phone..

No phone! I had left it in the hotel room as I panicked over the passport.

Another walk to retrieve phone and then return to station... to enjoy the 1st Class lounge accommodation and breakfast... and take a moment to breathe before my penultimate train journey to home .

So, having travelled many miles without a mishap, I fall at the last hurdle. It seems I made the right decision not to travel to Switzerland on my own.

                        Missing all you wonderful people who made my journey so enjoyable.

Mega thanks

Two very different days of weather but the same focus of family and friends on making a difference to people with Pulmonary Fibrosis

Largs arrival

Troon finishing line.

Many thanks to all who participated and donated. What a difference a month makes. We had fun walking, chatting and sharing valuable time together. The over whelming response of everyone has been touching and life affirming. It is good to know that there are good people wanting to make a difference. 

The Ayrshire donation total reached over £1500 and I know how welcome that will be to the charity's coffers. The Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis is a small charity with big aims. The vital research into cause of and cure for Pulmonary Fibrosis is a big part of the charity's work as well as helping people with PF to cope with their living circumstances. 

One of the pleasures of writing a monthly blog is being able to record the good times and then revisit them months or even years later. 

Mega thanks from the family