Well here it is my B'day and this the third one away from home. Istanbul has surprised us with the openness of the people. Even though in some cases it may just be for show. Istanbul is the first place in our travels where the reception has felt very different. For those of you pinning for the Fjords of my usual birthday celebration you can contact Samantha as there are two bottles of the "Water of Life" in the freezers at home. I can Hear them calling right now in fact.
Anyways back to my day and thoughts. I have been very fortunate to have a supporting family, especially my Mom who is still living but in a care home. She may not have agreed with everything I did but never denied me the opportunities to find out for myself what consequences lay ahead for me. Thanks Mom for my life and the good and indifferent memories.
I have also been lucky or fortunate to have married two different women that believed in my potential and provide(d) me with unwaivering support. I was with my first wife Linda about 6 years although our marriage was only a month before Linda died of cancer. This trip has conjured up up some deep memories and at some points a bit hard to think about the today. Linda and I started a similar trip 23 years ago and I guess it has taken me that long to accept my fears of doing it again. A bit of a broken record plays keeps playing of the ending of my last trip here. This trip will be different and has been different.
Pave', my partner and love, allows me my silent time while propping me up when the world seem so dark. I am actually a pessimist at heart, Pave' brings me out the doldrums and removes the Albatross that I constantly hang around my neck and mope around like Eyeore.
Pave' has and still believes in difference I can make to other people or situations. She supported me in my return to school when I had no direction and then further studies while she completed her Masters. Through job or work changes I have always been able to discuss what those change could bring. Our life together has not been easy but not that difficult either. We celebrate our 21st Anniversary In Athens in couple of weeks so I guess we are doing OK and I look forward the next 21 and more years. Not to say that it will be easier but it certainly will not be dull. In the shorten words of 'Stan Rogers" 'I want to see your smiling face 45 years from now'.
The power is dropping, so I should finish quickly. I have also been given the pleasure of gaining, no having a daughter, Samantha. Samantha always bring a smile to my heart even thought it may not show on my face. Thanks for all the great Father's Days and B'days & Xmas' where you have always brought the joyful things to the forefront. Good thing for cloth hankies as I would have gone through at least a couple of boxes of Kleenex by now.
From the LIFE Of BRIAN
Always Look On The Bright Side of Life
Th', Th' That's All Foks
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3 comments:
Well said and happy effing birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARNE! HI PAULINE!!!
It is so exciting reading your Blog!! I get goose bumps. London. On my first visit, I went to see The Mouse Trap and on my last visit I went to the London Observatory. I recognized the field in the photo and stood across the infrared light marking the Prime Meridian.
Your photos and comments are fascinating. I want to travel to all the places that you have visited. It's so much fun. It's wonderful that you are sharing your journey with us. Your thoughts have me laughing and sometimes in tears. Just like dinners with Garnet and Myra.
Some news about me! I retired. I organized a conference, chaired meetings, did five Saturday "Stands" for the "HOMES FOR All" and so I just didn't get around to cleaning out. Guess what I am doing the first week.
I had a wonderful send off. Myra and Garnet came to the Grauer Staff retirement party for Marnie Brown and me. I so appreciated them being there. Rose De Pauli and Cathy Rose came also. Unfortunately, you and Barbara were out of town. I mentioned Linda and the connection. I grieved retirement for 9 months and kept very busy. I had a wonderful fun filled June. The last assembly was so much fun. Marnie and I weren't the centre of attention. Lots to tell when you get back.
I leave for London and then Bulgaria on July 17 and return August 27. I will be visiting Nesebar amd looking for both the hotels.
Love and hugs to both of you. Cheers Roz
Hi Arne & Pave...just got round to reading the last two posts. Oh the ups and downs of travel. Glad you recovered quickly Pave'.
Happy belated Birthday Arne...we will make up for this one with one humdinger of a party next year.
We'll make a toast in your honour on Canada Day.
Chat soo...much love, Helena
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