A Midsummer's Dream - Chronicles #13
The Summer Solstice of 1974 ushered in a brand new season in my life. The years that followed were filled with warmth and happiness!
I married my sweetheart the day before, a Saturday, when weddings traditionally took place. Sundays were set aside for church, so no Midsummer wedding for me!
Everyone was invited: the extended families on both sides: aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, as well as workmates, all received an invitation by postal mail. Unlike today, when just those closest to you attend, and the weddings are way more lavish!
We chose the date because almost everyone would be on holiday, and we wanted all of them to attend - a merging of families and friends from both sides.
The Summer Solstice marks the pinnacle of summer, and while there are celebrations in many countries, that date also marked my first day as a married woman. We were on honeymoon, serendipitously not far from where I decided to spend the final chapter of my 'new' life.
We wanted to spend our honeymoon on the coast, our favourite place, especially in summertime, but it was peak season, and the coastal destinations were fully booked six months in advance, so we chose the second best, which wasn't a bad thing in the end, as that is where I find myself now!
What is my favourite time of the year - the solstice or the changing of the seasons?
The phrase 'a change is as good as a holiday' rings so true. The landscape changes with each season; all beautiful in its own way. Nature almost goes to sleep during the cold of winter, but during spring we see new growth, flowers, fruit, and vegetables, while the birds, bees, and butterflies become active - building nests, and pollinating plants. The promise of new life truly brings a richness to real life.
My legal status now says I am a 'widow.' I do not like that word, but it is what it is!
While I am in the autumn of my life, winter is still far away; I can't even see it on the horizon yet, so for now I will savour every moment and enjoy the golden years that I find myself in!
Opportunities are knocking on your door all the time, presenting you with your purpose of life, if you choose not to hear them and instead be fixated on, or keep waiting for, some grand, big-bang, unrealistic event, you’ll be disappointed.
Om Swami
We all have writer's block from time to time, and when you do, hop over to The Silver Bloggers Community for some inspiration. We post weekly writer's prompts, as with this week's Chronicles #13: So the seasons change - The September | Spring | Autumn Solstice.
This has been my response, and I hope you enjoyed it!
Who knows, The Chronicles may just be the beginning of a brand new season for you here on Hive!
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Thank you very much @stresskiller and @ecency!
You are inspiring. My first child was born in 1974. I was married in '73. I am so sorry your life mate is no long sharing your experiences. I'm sure he is always with you, though.
Your wedding feast sounds marvelous, although we did precisely the opposite thing. We left town so nobody could come. Neither one of us likes to be the center of attention, and really, at a wedding, that's the thing :))
I love the quote.
My husband and I are still together, but we have our challenges. We are reminded each day that being together is a gift, but it's not a permanent gift.
Great, thoughtful, uplifting blog.
Haha @agmoore, so you kind of eloped, I'm sure the family weren't too impressed🤭
So we married in the same era, my oldest was born in 1977.
Our family and friends were so excited seeing or getting to know each other, so it was a very jolly affair🎊
Hubby tried preparing me for that but nothing can ever prepare one for that day! Some may scoff at it, but there are times where I do feel his presence.
Thank you for the lovely feedback, and treasure the together times!
I'm sure you do❤️
🌷🌸
We did take our mothers with us...does that count?😄 Everybody else was pretty annoyed.
I hope you had an "after-party" for all sometime😅
Yes it is what it is. You have a beautiful life ahead of you. Enjoy the moment and have fun😁♥️
Thank you so much Asia, I do look forward to it. Was invited to a friend's birthday lunch there yesterday and met some of the ladies, was really nice❤️
Such a beautiful reflection! Your story blends life’s milestones with the changing seasons, it really captures the flow of time and the beauty in each phase.🤗❤️
Thank you for the beautiful words @gretelarmfeg 🤗
You're welcome @lizelle 😍
What a wonderful reflection. Grab any opportunity you have now and hold it tight, enjoy every moment.
Thank you @obifavvy, that's exactly what we need to do🤗
What a beautiful story you have told us. Always present in you the love of your husband and his memory. You have been a lucky woman and today life makes you new challenges. Your children, your family, your friends. Many more things that also make you happy. For example Hive. How is your life in the new house? Enjoy life and it's still happy. A big hug @lizelle.🥰❤️❤️
Hi @mamani, I have been very lucky indeed, and still am! I'm still staying at my brother's house, hoping to move this week as the registration should go through. I'm looking forward to that! Thank goodness for my friends on Hive as well. I hope you're keeping well😍
Very much appreciate your positive move in life despite your personal tragedy. It's definitely a lesson for many of us that life should move on.
Yes @shamis, that's one lesson I learnt these past few years, life goes on, no matter how hard it is to move forward! Thank you for your nice message <3
Most welcome Mam
Hi, @lizelle
I sense a certain melancholy in your words. But also an optimistic outlook on the future. Stages of life that people like us have been fortunate enough to experience.
You know, I look back and I'm also overwhelmed by feelings for those who have passed. My grandparents, my father, most of my uncles, and even younger cousins , and a son who was just beginning to live. Then I look around me, and as you rightly point out, the universe reflects the changes, and I understand that everything I am today is composed of the imperishable essence of my loves who are no longer physically with me, but are in their spirits.
I'm grateful for that, and I embrace the future with joy. So, my dear @lizelle, enjoy the transition from silver to gold off the coast you love so much.
Thank you for your lovely feedback @janaveda!
Life throws curveballs, and we go through deep waters, but eventually bounce back. I'm certainly looking forward to new beginnings and embracing this 'golden era.'🤗