June in the Lakes

When I was a young, I used to read a lot of poetry, stories, and nursery rhymes, as children do.  A lot of those happened to be English, though I then had no concept of England.  I often imagined that the beautiful land described was some magical, enchanted place of old.  (Indeed, I wasn’t far wrong).  I used to think, if only I could transport myself there … perhaps in my untroubled dreams.  Little did I conceive of the ancient and timeless beauty of this great land, and particularly the Lake District, or that one day when I was very old (to that child’s mind) I would find myself here.

Thus the inspiration behind my little poem …

~

June in the Lakes

The land of Wordsworth’s Daffodils
enchant the landlocked child within
once a girlish dream of time
and worlds unknown
much to her chagrin
A poem read, a gentle sigh, then bed
she never knew what lay ahead
Some forty years, the nightly nod
before delight, her feet did trod
And now in wonder and in awe
her eyes, her soul, did dare to draw
The rains have paused, the sunbathed lakes, 
her heart’s desire
the mountains catch the evening light as if by fire

Mastery

I recently heard someone speaking about not letting the past become your master, but rather, your servant.  In other words, allowing your past to serve you and not permitting it to rule you.

One should not underestimate the impact that a major life change such as moving country can have.  Personally, I went through a great deal of transition as I was entering my fourth decade.  I was newly married, giving up my career and house, relocating overseas, starting over in a new place, learning to drive a different way, seeking to integrate, make new friends, and much more.

As I kept in regular touch with folks back ‘home’ through Skype, social media, and even my expat blog, I found myself focusing on the positive in my communications with others, and remaining upbeat as I regaled them with tales of my new adventures.  I believe this was in part to reassure loved ones about my choice to uproot.

While I truly have no regrets, and am generally happy and mostly settled in my new country of residence, there have been times I was tempted to dwell in the past.  No matter how good or right a life changing decision can be, there are times when closing one chapter can lead to the pitfall of self-doubt.  For example, I had previously enjoyed a long career marked with successes and promise.  I owned my own home, had a decent income, and was independent and filled with the confidence that comes naturally to those that feel at home and sure of their place.  When I met and later married the right life-partner for me, I embarked on a very new adventure, which left me less sure of my place in the world.  In crept feelings of failure after my career was over.  It took me a long time to realize that I was still defining myself by my old life, and of course I wouldn’t measure up in those terms.

I believe that one of the most empowering things an expat can do is to come up with new terms in which to define one’s self and one’s happiness.  Let go of what once was, and stop letting it haunt you or hold you back.  Don’t make apologies for where you are now.  Embrace your present, and see what you can make of it, even if it in no way resembles your past life.

Don’t be a servant to your past.  Master it, and see how it can serve you, and perhaps even others.

Wishing I Was ... Gardening (well, almost)

Spring into Summer in the Lake District is an inspired canvas of lovely yellow daffodils and buttercups, interspersed with daisies, bluebells, and all manner of flora on the trees and in fields and fells alike.  Nature’s Garden is like none other, and glorious to behold.  I’ve enjoyed many walks in the fresh country air, enlivening my senses and infusing me with joy and wonder at this beautiful corner of the world.  

Such extraordinary backdrops of beauty have no doubt inspired many a gardener, whether amateur or seasoned, to create their own masterpieces right at home.  Of course gardening can be far more than cultivating pretty arrangements of flowers and plants.  Gardens serve many potential purposes beyond landscaping such as growing fruits and vegetables, sustainable living, attracting bees (great for some, but no thank you!), natural pest repellents, herbs for food or medicine, education, and more.  For some, gardening is even said to instill peace of mind and body.  

I’ve always admired gardeners of all types, and longed for the natural knack and love of hands-in-earth.  I recall my stepmother, who is most gifted, putting me to work in her flower garden, hoping to teach and inspire.  Sadly, it didn’t take.  

I did try my hand a little with my first house.  My first tree removal (born out of necessity due to proximal hazard, I assure you) resulted in an upset beehive and indoor exile until a beekeeper could be found to remove it.  Weeding turned into flower killing, and hedge trimming turned into butchery.  Even my indoor plants suffered, save my philodendron, which I suspect is immortal.  Fast forward many years, and I’m still hiring gardeners to help.  Nothing posh, mind you, just the basics.  In my case, my lack of gardenesse goes beyond a missing ‘green thumb’.  A fear of all things creeping, crawling, biting, flying, and stinging doesn’t help.  I suppose I also didn’t help my prospects any by leaving food out for the family of rabbits that took up residence in my shrubs!  

I’ve concluded that horticulture is not for the faint hearted.  I will thus live vicariously through those who have mastered it, and continue to delight in Nature’s own garden.