Hi. I’m feeling a little fried at the moment. In between interviewing for a really exciting job opportunity (and that’s all I’m allowed to tell you at the moment) Alan and I were in Windsor for a my Aunt Phyl’s funeral yesterday. A very sad occasion, but a chance to be reinspired by a woman who had a huge impact on my life, especially during my teen years, when she would call my mother and stop for a good long chat with me or whichever of my siblings answered the phone first. It used to drive my mother mad when we’d talk for half an hour and then pass the phone over, saying, “It’s for you…”
Phyllis was gentle, unassuming and dignified with a ready chuckle and a deep love for the people closest to her. It still hasn’t sunk in that she’s gone.
The funeral was a lovely tribute to her and gave me a chance to reconnect with several cousins I hadn’t seen in quite awhile (big, big family). We also got to see Alan’s Dad, so, while we hope for good weather over the holiday weekend, if it does send its worst, we can just stay home if we need to, so I’ve officially stopped worrying about the weather. Yay!
I’ve come across a couple of things that I think you’ll be interested in.
It’s the time of year when many of us start to make plans, resolutions, even, deciding what it is we want out of the next year.
This post by Joshua Noerr is way cool. Not only does it tell you how to ask for the things you want, it tells you how to figure out what it is you really do want. How many of us even know what we want? Exactly. Great post.
Noreen of Be Amazing Today has been following her own advice and now has on offer a bunch of cool products to help you figure out what you want and encourage you while you set yourself in motion to get them. Noreen is sooo great to work with, I hope you will head on over (tell her I said ‘hi’).
And that’s what I have to share on a greyish, coldish, gloomyish Tuesday.
So how are you all doing?
My mom’s sister died late October, and it still seems strange that the phone doesn’t ring….
She usually visited for a spell over Christmas and New Years… we always looked forward to it as she was very much like mom in appearance- and personality.. lots of fun, kooky and sharp!
In missing her, I think about all the great things about her; and all her personality traits and how we all share so many similarities….
Death is weird. Makes you feel like a kid who had a favourite food/toy taken from them…. You want it back, and can’t understand why you can’t have it back….
And then you get swept back into the stream of life; get busy and don’t have too much time to look over your shoulder….
As it should be.
As it should be and as, I’m sure, they would want it to be.
i love this post. your relationship with your aunt reminds me of the relationship i have with my youngest sister. ….i love talking at length with my much younger sisters. i ask tons of questions and want even the most trivial minute details, but it makes them feel special or listened to or something (i later realized, though i did this naturally). they often tell me that they do not receive that kind of focused attention from anywhere else. i am sure it must be hard and unreal to think that she has past on.
i often read your posts but i have never commented. actually i have never commented on any blog. it seems scary or intimidating or something. anyway, your blog makes me feel calm and peaceful inside and i just love it. thanks for your beautiful words each day.
And thank you, Jenny, for getting past the intimation and leaving such a lovely comment! You’ve truly made my day!
I’d mentioned it on Twitter but didn’t think of saying here… so… thank you for the link love Barb!
I love that one of the things you mention about your aunt Phyllis is her laugh. That’s so lovely. Hugs and much love for Xmas, talk soon xox