Author: Mother

Thanks for the Swastika

On Wednesday morning, my carpenter alerted me (at 8am!) to the fact that someone had put ”mayonnaise or something” on my car.  He is young and was upset, so details weren’t sought.  Suffice it to say, aside from the ketchup, barbecue sauce and mayonnaise dumped on the bonnet, a swastika – etched in mayonnaise – was graffiti-ed on a passenger window.  (It was discovered by my children; a particularly nice touch.)

As utterly disgusting and appalling as the whole episode was, it was a blessing.  Firsthand, we have witnessed the amazing generosity, kindness and thoughtfulness of the folk who live in our community.

As soon as they were made aware, the police began house-to-house investigations, builders hopped into vans and began touring the area for evidence and culprits, neighbours have been popping in with gifts, encouragement and support ever since AND our heating engineers presented us with a gorgeous handcrafted candlestick.

So, instead of writing about the glorious restored stained glass windows – watch this space – the news is that incredible kindness and blessing can come from possible discouragements.  Thank you to you who proved that.

Only Time Will Tell!

The comfort of the familiar (whether good, bad or indifferent), cannot be over-estimated or over-valued.  City living with its pollution, over-population and frenetic activity, retains its appeal.  Heart attack-inducing levels of stress, little room and isolation can – and do – offer security.

As bizarre and disconcerting as the situation currently presents itself, coastal living with wide open vistas, a healthy pace of life and smiling strangers, is appallingly alien.  Shell shocked and bereaved, I cower at home – unless forced out by “the school run” – surrounded by boxes, builders and bedlam.  My skin prickles whilst my heart simultaneously sinks and races uncontrollably, whenever I recall that this is not a momentary aberration; this is my life.  Is this the mental state described by Stockholm syndrome?

Obviously, eventually, this too will become familiar, comfortable, acceptable; but, moving is, truly, a life-changing (potentially person-shattering) experience.  Be warned!

I Have A Kitchen!

Washing up in the bath lost its appeal very quickly, far more quickly than the five weeks it took to replace the kitchen.  Gloriously, the pain is past and dilapidated ‘70s chipboard and formica have given way to various woods, stainless steel and ceramic tiles.  What a difference!

The various highlights of the kitchen (French porcelain sink, stainless steel range, glittery grout etc…) have to bow before the genius of the gifted joiner and wood artist, David Summerfield, who made my larder cupboard, various wall units and an island table on castors.  I found Dave on the internet, as I trawled through, looking for a show-stopping larder cupboard.  The quality of his workmanship leapt out of the screen and I knew I had struck gold!  He will work from “back of envelope” designs, photos, archived pictures – you name it, Dave will look at it and create it – then, there are his own designs.  He really is amazing with wood.

So, if you are in the process of creating a kitchen and need a splendid product, very reasonably priced, look no further.