Weekend Warrior

My weekend has been delightful. Today it is Sunday and the sun is shining. It was surprisingly cold last night and this morning's walk around the park found the fountains turned off and a sheet of ice over the water's surface of the river. But I have every expectation that the sun will take care of it soon. I enjoyed my stroll around the Serpentine with a tea and a fellow Londoner, whom I had meet unexpectedly on the street two weeks ago. It was interesting to hear about his life and his work, and nice to take my usual walk accompanied by someone - however, I imagine that our differences are more vast than our similarities and I will find myself resuming my solo treks around the river...perfectly content to do so.

Yesterday, Saturday, was perhaps one of the most beautiful days London has seen in my months time. The weather was mild and the breeze blew gently, the sun shone brilliantly and sitting on a bench under its blaze felt toasty. The sky was incredibly blue with only wisps of white clouds and there was an energy and vibrancy to the day. I spent all the sunlight hours outside - walking around the city and the park, and reading. I finished one of the best books I've picked up in a long time - a true classic -Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre" - published here in London in 1847. One of the most captivating literary fictional characters I've journeyed with. She has such character, such spirit...she traversed through the hallows of life - through the depths of despair and wretchedness, to the summit of joy and eternal bliss - a crusader of moral virtue and a disciple of her own will. Self-sacrificing, proud, and vigilant - obedient and generous, awed by beauty, irrevocably altered by the fortune of kindness. She bore witness to pain and suffering of her own hand and yet offered her soul to a higher power and belief of deliverance. She followed her heart and trusted her head - she was incredibly compelling - she was Jane Eyre. I can't stop thinking about her and her journey. That's the way a story is meant to be shared - it's meant to be lived and felt and struggled with.

Friday was a simple day of writing and walking and reading- my standard practices. And although they may appear somewhat mundane and unable to generate much lively inspiration or spontaneous action, I must say - they are the very things which contentment and happiness rest in. This weekend has also been wonderful for talking with family and friends. Must remember to thank the people who created Skype (when I meet them of course) for giving the gift of communication. It is incredible to be thousands of miles away and yet to feel as if I'm sharing the day with those I love.

And so a new day is dawning for you all back home, Sunday morning is greeting you - perhaps you are just waking or yet still dreaming. I am getting ready to spend the afternoon in Balham with friends and a lively game of football. I am aware of the irony that it's Sunday and I'm watching football (as many of you may be) - and yet it's not actually "football" - it's soccer. Manchester United is playing - it is a big game...the pints will be flowing, the yelling and waring will be raging, the bets waging, and I will be highly entertained.