Re-evaluation
It seems that I’m in this season of re-evaluation. A time to rest, re-charge my batteries, to do some planning and, I have also taken the opportunity to read some of my old journals. Do you keep a journal? It’s so great to look back, some-times years later and, see what did, or didn’t happen as the case may be. Have you ever heard that expression? ‘Man makes plans and God changes them.’ Well in my case it seems to happen frequently. Ha ha! So, after a very busy 12 months I need to consider the way forward and address what we call in the business, ‘burn-out.’ Yes, I’m quite exhausted and my body is telling me to take some time out and rest. Usually the word REST, does NOT figure in my dictionary but, a couple of recent health scares made me re-evaluate my situation. Do you know what? I feel better already and my vacation has only just begun.
Anyway, I found something deep and thoughtful written in a journal when I was in Bologna in March 2011. I had actually gone for a few days to the Children’s International Book Fair but tagged on some extra time to make it a short holiday. What a beautiful place to visit and, I certainly hope to return sometime soon. Not only to enjoy the vibrant, lively and picturesque city, but to once again sample the excellent wine and enjoy that ever famous pasta. It was once nominated as the City of Music by UNESCO but personally I see it as the City of Love. How nice it would be to go with someone I love. To wander around those cobblestone alleys, surveying the magnificent buildings and then sit in the plaza with a glass of red wine and a few olives. Awh! Now I am dreaming. What if all my books were exhibited at the Book Fair? Two dreams in one. How awesome would that be? Wow!!!!!!
That fab song has just come into my head… Supertramp…..Dreamer …you’re nothing but a dreamer. I loved that band, one of my favourites in the 70’s. So back to the journal.
Obviously I was feeling pensive because I recall sitting there and putting pen to paper. I always carry a note book or Dictaphone around with me these days, but on this occasion a Dictaphone would have been most inappropriate. Why, because I was obeying the notices plastered around the foyer. Silence to be observed – I was in the cathedral.
I called it;
‘A Letter to God.’ If you’re not God believing then it’s not for you I don’t suppose, but you might like to read it anyway. So now I have to type it up as it’s still in scribble format in my journal. S-o-o-o next blog you can read it. Meanwhile I found this old blog, written that day.
Suppose it’s appropriate to say, God bless, chat soon.
Anna
Old Blog 1 April 2011
After breakfast, I took to the streets to do some exploring. Out early, the city was quiet until mid-day. So I had the perfect opportunity for snapping and I got some fab photos for the folk back home. No doubt they will eventually find their way onto Facebook.
What a unique and fascinating place. Miles of elegant porticos/arcades – perfect if you want to walk in the rain ‘cos you are under cover – a historical centre, the likes of which I have never seen. The cathedrals, basilicas and medieval buildings were exquisite. A city which seems to host many international students, with the oldest university (built in 1088) in Europe.
As I sat in the main square people watching, I endeavoured to have a beer and a dish of olives. Most unusual for me! Don’t think I have had a glass of beer for years. Olives, yes! They are a must on my shopping list every week. Supposed to be good for you!
What a feeling of peace and tranquillity amongst the hub. But I can’t help wonder. How many of these people gave a thought to the missing 16.000 people in Japan this morning, or the starving children on many of the world’s streets today.
I so enjoyed my few hours roaming around this beautiful city. Just to go back to my room and tune in to – CNN The World’s Untold Stories, calling at the Cathedral on the way.
A sad day, or a happy day. You decide.
Anna
