Inspirational people

Monday 12th October, 2020.

What an exciting and remarkable day. Sir Cliff Richards is 80. I grew up to his music with the Shadows....happy days. One could go on a summer holiday then!!

It was pouring with rain yet I slept until 9am...remarkable. Breakfast of home made goodies. Emails informed me that it was the Anniversary of the Battle of Camperdown. Admiral Duncan the hero of the battle was born in Wormit, just a mile or so away from where I live. As a friend once said to me " Can anything good come out of Wormit ". Cheek..and nearby was where I picked my wild apples. Also the most stunning statue of the Admiral stands in Dundee. It was sculpted by the remarkable sculptress Janet Scrymgoeur Wedderbern. I know her well and her paintings of the Tay are perhaps the most dynamic I have ever seen.

The rain eased and I went to the library for returns and new books. A hurried walk followed by a short siesta as my back was aching. There I came across these remarkable stories on my iPad. They all inspired me as I hope they would you. Rob Burrow the rugby player with Motor Neurone Disease. His and his family's courage just staggered me. Then Tony Parker, a member of the boy band 'The Wanted' and his disclosure of his inoperable brain tumour. His robust fortitude and declaration again filled me with admiration.

Then I was notified the Daniel Holmes's book 'From a cage on a rock in a puddle' was to be published in November. It is about his time in a prison in Malta. I have been closely involved through various avenues and am thrilled that it is coming out. He is a remarkable man and has a remarkable story. Again I felt uplifted. Finally Thomas Jackson, an old friend, sent me a link to his reading of his book 'Tree of Tremendousness'. I think it is on the web. He is the most impressive man, a witness for years to climate damage and a man with a deep insight in to life and the soul.

On top of that I received a letter from a Jehovah Witness friend with a pamphlet entitled ' How do you view the Bible? ' I am set up for a week or so and deeply uplifted by all of the above.

At 3pm I was over to Dundee to stew my wild apples and start the process of jelly making with lavender. I stewed 6lbs and as I write it is dripping. I return tomorrow to turn it in to jelly. I also note that I have many apples remaining so maybe another batch after I have been to Edinburgh for my Covid Guinea pig session.

As I write the sun is setting. The rain stopped at about 3.45pm and the sun is making my soul and mind be lifted up. Beauty, bravery, blessings through many people and through Nature. The sky is breathtakingly glamorous. I know the Prime Minister has spoken re lockdowns or whatevers....I am strong enough to face even him!