Gratitude List 13/3/24
For the last couple of months the far side (of where I live) Charing Cross Road has been closed due 'to works'. This meant the cessation of the no.24 bus that journeys from Pimlico to Hampstead Heath. I felt its loss most keenly. Not only did the no.24 feature in Mrs 'Arris goes to Paris, it is an old and iconic route that I rely on to deliver me to Hampstead which is where I like to write. Today, I noticed that it was running again. For the no.24: Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.
Of course I could not resist. Flo and I hopped onto the no. 24 and made for the Heath without delay. For the no.24: Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.
We left at 4pm. This in itself felt like a miracle. For daylight: Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.
Southend Green was its slightly scruffy but wonderful self. The old flower stall is no longer there because the Flower seller (may his memory be a blessing) passed away. But the fruit stall is still going strong. And the House of Mistry and Daunt Books. For continuity: Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.
I like to walk across the Heath to Parliament Fields, and catch the the 88 bus to Camden Square: meet the no. 24 and come back home again. For well worn routes: Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.
Today we wandered into a wedding party. A bride, a groom and two photographers appeared on Parliament Hill. This was not a wedding to which I had been invited. Yet I felt touched by its beauty and grace. I gave my blessing; 'mazel tov' and I was thanked. For beauty: Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.
I have no idea who this couple were or how they could escape a wedding for an hour, just the two of them and creep away to have their photo shoot. The brides' train trailed in the mud, yet she did not seem to care. In the dusk the light of London lay before them. They danced on the Hill and no one batted an eyelid. For L'Chaim: My deepest most profound gratitude. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.
Flo and I made our way onwards. The blackthorn blossom that lay scattered upon the ground like confetti felt like a sacred tribute. My own life stretched both behind me and in front of me. Many years ago my (ex) husband and I had our wedding tea on the Heath, at Kenwood House. For L'Chaim: My deepest most profound gratitude. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.
I saw a bat and a trio of geese honking their way across the dusky sky. For regeneration and for rebirth. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.
My faithful Flo and I caught the no. 88 and then the no 24 and came back home. I fed Flo and had a glass of wine. For sustenance and for the roof over our head: My deepest most profound gratitude. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.