Of all the things I miss about London, I miss my friends the most.
I lived in a number of houses in London, sharing with as many as 10 other people in Stoke Newington, to just the two of us (me and Al - my partner at the time) in Chiswick, Kew Gardens, Shepherds Bush, Manor House and Richmond.
In such an incredible city, many of my memories are connected with my beautiful friends. Amongst them, we shared a house (and became good friends with) our Brazilian buddies Lucia, Felipe and Monica (and her Pommy partner Robert). We shared home-made chocolate brownies, tv show Friends, a good laugh and a passion for car boot sales! We often ate together, and celebrated many special occasions in their good company.
We had a couple of great parties - this one was a 'crazy' party. We all had to dress up in something 'offbeat'. It was a funny funny night. When they first entered our room - converted into the dining room for the night - we stood and laughed at each other uncontrollably for ages before we all got it together! I couldn't find a photo of me, but I wore a garbage bag with a trim of pegs and a plant pot on my head, complete with plant!
from left, Robert, Al, Lucia, Monica and Felipe.
We don't write often, and even emails are pretty sporadic. Nevertheless, I think of them a lot, with a smile on my face, and miss them to this day.
It happens to be Lucia's birthday today.
Happy Birthday Lucia!
On the 28th of March, it was the 53rd birthday of a blogging friend of mine called Renee of Circling in my Head. I met Renee last year (online) during the time when my brother had cancer, and we have shared emails and visited each others blogs since. She is an incredible woman and her blog is a treat where she shares openly of her thoughts, her trials and her love for the life and lives around her. She is an inspiration and a lovely person to boot. I hope she doesn't mind I used this image from her site (I'll be checking to make sure)
Yesterday my cousin Jenni turned 40. I think it's come as a bit of a shock to her (I felt the same 18 months ago). Who would believe that we could be this old? Of course, being 'this old', she has a lot to show for her 40 years so far... a gorgeous family, lots of friends and a job that relies on her insight and an open mind and is both challenging and rewarding. She is adored by her children, her family and her friends. And me too.
Today is Angela's birthday. She is the creator of Miss Buttons and she is also the person who encouraged me to start blogging when I worked with her a few years ago. She continues to inspire me with her creativity, and her imaginative ideas are always a treat. Go wish her a happy birthday at Three Buttons!
And finally (for this week at least) it's my Mum's birthday too. Yes, this coming Monday my Mum turns 69. Incredible! When I was a child, people of 69 would have been considered 'oldies', but this generation is yet to step into their slippers and take a rest. My Mum is a regular golfer, has a wide group of friends, cooks a mean roast, still loves to body surf at the local beach, has travelled widely and is the best Mum in the world. What can I say? I love you Mum! Happy Birthday for Monday!
Today is my Dad's birthday.
Of all the things I miss about London, I miss my friends the most.
from left, Robert, Al, Lucia, Monica and Felipe.