The Power Of A Voice

As a consequence of having a cold this week, I’ve lost my voice.  Completely.  Which gave rise to a strangely unnerving incident last night.

Joss, the dog, needed to go outside.  So out we went - into the most terrific of storms.  The winds were violent.  And, as I stood waiting for Joss, one particularly vicious gust knocked me clean off my feet and blew me over.

I let out an involuntary scream….except nothing came out.  Just the tiniest, strangled sound that only a mouse less than six inches away could have heard.

In that moment, I realised the power of a voice….and how desperate it must be to be without one.  A voice is the means by which we call for help, cry out in pain, demand attention, plead our cause.  Without a voice, we risk becoming helpless.  Invisible.  Passed by.

There are so many people in this world who, in different ways, have no voice.  And I’m definitely starting this new year more mindful of them.

The Railway Children

I love watching films.  They’re my primary indulgence, the treat with which I reward myself when treats are called for.  The small excitement I look forward to all week long.

The weather has been truly vile today.  Added to that, I have a stinking cold.  Both things called for some major holing up.  Great!  Film time!

Of course, today’s film had to be a happy one.  And something very light.  So I revisited The Railway Children (the original version).

This children’s classic was shot round here.  I recognise most of the locations used in the film, which makes it all the more special.  It’s a cinematic gem and, despite its essentially happy nature, I always cry at the end.  Every time.  Without exception.  But that just proves its worth!

So I’ve spent a happy afternoon in the company of Bobby, Phyllis and Peter, spotting familiar landmarks and well-known views.

The absolute perfect antidote to driving hailstones and a bunged up nose. 

Happy 2012!

As we face the mystery of a new year, follow your light.

And may it lead you to wondrous places!

Memories of Venice

Getting repeatedly and happily lost in the maze of alleyways
The privilege of watching cellist, Davide Amadio, play Vivaldi
Torcello - the island of cats
Venetian pistachio cake
The (many) dogs of Venice
Sitting on a terrace, under the stars, watching late night life on the Grand Canal

The Magic Of Venice

Sunset over the lagoon.

Venice is every bit as magical as expected. And a whole lot more.