Since January this year George Bradshaw and his Hand Book to London, 1862, have been my companions in London. Together with a small camera we have walked purposefully and wandered thoughtfully through the City. I have spent hours reading and searching for facts, and more hours arranging material on the new blogsite.
Why?
My mother died last year. All the expressions we use – ‘transitioned’, ‘passed on’, ‘lost’ – carry the hope of reunion, meeting again. In the first months I could feel her with me almost all the time. But I was in a shadow world, I watched myself exist in the days, with restless nights. Perhaps if I had children there would have been an ‘anchor’ in the future, some reason for returning.
I needed to move on, to journey. By chance I found my guide, and I stepped out in the freezing cold of January, walking, my only purpose to understand what I was reading. I wanted to see, and I started taking photographs.
Have I arrived anywhere? Or found a direction? No, but I feel I am not ready to return to the shadow world. I am blessed with friendship which has the courage to journey with me, and grateful to readers who follow.
Candy Blackham
I too am touched, and surprised, and yes, I do accept. The way forward is not clear but at least I am not sitting in a corner, facing the wall. Thank you
The Snail of Happiness
Hi Candy, I have directed my readers here from a post on my blog about inner peace (http://wp.me/p2mlPL-C0). I received a blog award of that name and was writing a post related to the subject anyway. I’m not a great fan of blogging awards, but if you are and should you wish to accept it, consider yourself nominated.
I have been very touched by your idea of using Bradshaw to help get you out of a dark place… I hope that it continues to help and that you are starting to find a way forward.
x
Say a little prayer, or not | The Snail of Happiness
[…] Handbook quite recently. You may be wondering what this has to do with inner peace, but if you read this post, you will find out. Candy is exploring London using Bradshaw’s 1862 Hand Book to London as a […]
Mandy
I’ll look forward to seeing your updated blog. I found this post through NaBloPoMo, but I am really intrigued by the concept of your work. I imagine your photographs have depth and emotion that I simply can’t wait to see. It’s wonderful how something positive can stem from a personal tragedy.
Candy Blackham
Thank you – how very kind. I regret that the photographs may disappoint, but I continue to work at it.