Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend

I have a solitary nature. That doesn’t mean I don’t like good company. In fact, it’s the type of company I prefer. It takes me a long time to get to know people and I’m not one for sharing about myself. But I’m here to let you know that the most amazing gift my 3 decades of life in the UK has given me is the friendships I’ve made along the way. I’m not talking acquaintances. I mean those people you know will be there for you no matter what. A bit like family but with benefits which outweigh the frustrations.

I’m in the lucky position of having not 1, not 2, but 4 excellent friends who are the diamonds which make up the most excellent of friendship bracelets ever. I used to have a 5th diamond on my bracelet. Sadly she died and left a void still waiting to be filled. Barbara Hartridge you are missed every day.

There is no order to the diamonds on my friendship bracelet. But I’ll start with Barbara as she’s no longer with us. Barbara was a wonderful lady always willing to share knowledge and help me solve any problem I presented to her. She was one of the few people I would talk to about things which bothered me. She found joy in simple things and taught me to do the same. Thank you Barbara.

Diamond number 2 is Irish. We met on a painting holiday in Italy about 17 years ago. Quickly we realised, though she’s a redheaded giantess, that we were obviously twins separated at birth in some cosmic interdimensional accident. There were several clues to substantiate this: a shared love of shoe buying, having the same set of books to read on our holiday, owning the same brand of hair products, and an excessive fondness for garlic.

Diamond number 3 is Canadian but has lived in Sheffield for many years. We met on a writing holiday on the island of Skyros in 2005. Like Barbara, she’s the person I talk to when I need advice or just want to clarify my thoughts. She’s also the one person I share all my writing with even before it goes to my Editor. Diamond 3 is possibly the kindest most generous and open person I’ve ever met and I strive to be more like her every day. I’m still a long way off, but I’m trying.

Diamond 4 is French but has lived in the UK for as long as I have, if not longer. We met through Argentine Tango. Thank you Tango South London. She’s the friend next door and we regularly do the dropping by for tea and cake stuff. Along with picnics and walks in the park, helping me secure a good deal on my recently purchased new car, and bravely going to any milonga I suggest; diamond 4 is possibly equivalent to a musketeer.

Finally there’s diamond number 5. Up until a few years ago we hadn’t seen each other in the flesh for 24 years. We used to be besties when I lived in South Africa. Back then we were friends because our parents were. But when I went to visit her in Sydney in 2011, we realised our friendship connection was as strong as ever. We share certain values and a sense of humour which binds us despite the distance of continents.

These wonderful women make up my amazing friendship bracelet. I can’t’ quite believe how lucky I am they’ve come into my life and stay with me through whatever life throws my way. They are my strength, my succour and my duvets of comfort. I only hope I give them as much as they give me.

Ladies, I salute you!

Faetaera: A Triumvirate

A Triumvirate Brairton’s minions slipped through a barely noticeable fissure. The tear would close shortly. Despite the increase in their regularity the breaches rarely stayed open very long. To the three insidious spies, the stink of the new world was almost unbearable. But in time the triumvirate would each become so used to it they would scarcely notice it at all. That it poisoned them they did not know. Brairton was not in the habit of informing his operatives of fatal consequences. Their programming precluded any thought beyond the mission they must complete. In this Brairton had been exact and had performed the necessary rituals himself. Each had their mission branded into their being. They would travel together for some time but then slip off to their secret destinations one by one, never to see each other again. The threesome latched on to their individual targets and began their particular brand of individual mis...

#Review: A Storm of Swords II

A Storm of Swords II by George R R Martin After starting on the set in September last year, I’m getting through the Game of Thrones series at quite a clip now. This is no doubt due to their intriguing nature and Martin’s writing style which makes reading this collection of books so easy. So far, my favourite character in every one of the books in this series is Tyrion Lannister. I find myself rooting for him at every step on his life journey. He works so hard to be a better man despite people’s preconceptions. When he was made The Hand in the previous book I was not at all surprised that he did a good job of it. Tyrion reminds me of some of the talented yet underrated children I’ve taught in the past. Once they were given a task which excited and involved them they relished the challenge and surpassed all expectations. Unlike my students though, Tyrion receives no praise for his efforts and achievements. Perhaps I like him so much because he almost always has his now...

Faetaera: Through The Rabbit Hole

Larell’s heart was full to the brim. His audience with Aurelia had been unexpected and full of wonder. He was not surprised she was aware of his plans to send a force through to the other side. Aurelia always knew everything going on in her world. At times he thought he saw the weight of it bearing down upon her. Then he wished to take her in his arms and carry her as well as the burdens she bore. But of course he would never do this, merely imagine it. It made him love her all the more. She thought he did not know how she came by her information and he planned on keeping it that way. It was the only way he knew to express his love for her without feeling foolish. In the crystal lined chamber he felt her load more palpably than usual. He knew it was simply his foolish love-sickness for his Queen but he let the feeling soak through him regardless. Aurelia's lips twitched briefly as though she was...

Rae of Light

Search This Blog