Don't you just love a play on words? You know that I do...
"Teething problems" is a phrase that reminds us of the inexplicable pain babies feel as they experience their teeth emerging. It is difficult to explain pain of any kind to a child, but when a baby feels pain without any understanding of their world, the task is impossible.
Such have been my thoughts over the past four weeks, as I have been dealing with my own dental situation, as well as facing some situations that are inexplicable. Some good and some not so much.
"Teething problems" can also mean issues that cause delays when embarking on a project or a proposed adventure. So here are some of mine...
First of all, it was a broken tooth in January that needed major repair. However as I was intending to participate in the Open Mic poetry reading, a temporary measure was put in place. Strange to say the tooth broke on the evening before I was due to see the dentist for my check up. Timing is everything.
Open Mic successfully completed, 😊now for the major dental work to begin when disaster struck. Two days before my return appointment, a tooth broke off my denture and that is a very different kind of pain, when vanity is involved.
So we move to the second scenario, when the plate needs repaired allowing the major work on the original broken tooth to begin.
I have 3 one hour appointments booked over the month of February and I am having to dig deep into my courage reserves. Yes, it seems that my wish to be more courageous is being fulfilled. However, and this is the kicker in my story, after my initial gruelling session with the dentist (lovely man who was just doing his job) I wept for an hour in the car, as I had been taken back in time, to me being that 14 year old, girl who believed her life was as shattered as her face. The result of a hockey prank that went wrong and irrevocably changed my perception of who I believed I was.
60 years on,😒 at the grand old age of 74, I am again experiencing "teething probs" and just plain toothache! However, it would also appear, that many of life's lessons need to be revisited before I can move on... and I am faced again with the question of "who it is that I believe myself to be?".
Oh, and before you ask yes, I did write a poem, when I found my answer...
Moving on to other sundry matters. Visited a travel agent to organise my European train adventure and was thrilled with all the help I received. A returning theme in January was all the help I received in so many ways. Grazie mille a tutti...
However, there was a hiccup in the planning. Not a disaster, more a setback, as my plan to combine returning to Italian school on Elba with my train travel is shelved, as accommodation is not available.
So back to the drawing board, otherwise known as flip chart for alternative plans. As many of you know, I love to make a plan even when it doesn't reach fruition!
Now here are the best bits of my recent 2026 activities. Strange to say, all the goodies that have come my way, have not been of my planning!
1. Invited to share my poetry at an Open Mic event. Not of my choosing/ planning but a gift of an invitation, which I will be forever grateful for, as I enjoyed an evening meeting so many like minded people and being inspired by Len Pennie to visit and revisit past traumas and write about them honestly.
Grazie mille Angela Noble of Tidelines Book Festival and Len Pennie.
Sharing the stage with Len Pennie. What a privilege and look how happy I am...
photos courtesy of Clive Watkins at Irvine Camera club.
2. Another happening, as in unplanned, was a second "christmas" event.
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| Jingle bells |
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| Table set awaiting guests |
So, on the 25th January, we celebrated Christmas as a family with turkey and all the trimmings and even amazing crackers to get into the party atmosphere.
As it was the 25th January, we also toasted Rabbie Burn's birthday, as well as Andy's birthday which would have been the next day, Monday the 26th. Table cloth and napkins were appropriately chosen
I am sure Andy would have approved, as we always used to combine Rabbie's birthday with his and he always enjoyed his turkey especially the turkey sandwiches on Boxing Day!
Grazie mille Natalie, baci e un abbraccio.
3. There were a lot more than three best bits or blessings if you will but it is enough to share these three as they entered the calendar from other people's choices and became gifts that I hadn't thought of. Presenting my poetry to an audience was not on my radar. Thinking about enjoying a second Christmas/birthday combo was very far away from my mind. Which takes me back to the start of this blog...
It is all about timing. Not necessarily the planning. I certainly didn't plan for dental challenges, or revisiting past trauma but both turned up unexpectedly and brought their own gifts... and yes there is a "f" in gifts!
With a grateful heart, I am focusing on being open to receive and that is my third best bit. Being open to receive, means that the present can arrive as a surprise package, full of unexpected treasures.
So, remember to count your blessings and don't forget that gifts/best bits are available all year round.
