Artist

Alexander Averin

Friday 5 August 2011

Just for Once



Dingle Cottage by renowned artist Ellen Lefrak



Just for Once




Just for once let me reveal what holds me here in this cottage, once a blacksmith’s home and now my would-be hermit’s abode where I live, dream and write in such sweet seclusion.

It is a cerise and blue sunrise that calls me, drawing me from my bed to meet the day anew while all is fresh and free of Man’s contamination. All is still quiet, there are no jarring sounds, no ringing phone, no bad news on the radio; none of modern life’s stressful interruptions.

Just for once the cottage wakes on a summer morning clean and bright and smiling broadly. Each of its little corners warm from the rays of the sun and all the surfaces shining having been polished to a fault. There are jugs of roses and sweet peas, both scented, new novels in piles, their worlds waiting to be lost in The crystals hanging in the windows reflect the sun and cast rainbows round the room (we call them fairies or angels ); there are the cherished little treasures hanging from brass hooks on ancient oak beams, beams which once framed the finest British sailing ships of old. What stories could they tell?

The white cat is home from a night’s hunting, she lies on a windowsill; birdwatching is her favourite pastime. The two dogs mill about, eager to go outside, their excitement at the thought of tasting the new day is contagious. I don outdoor shoes and throw on a cape over my night-wear. No-one will see me thus attired. I venture out.

As I stand and watch the river I cannot keep from singing. The river plays its melodies and little white horses race across stones. There is much life in our river.

It is not only the fish who jump. My heart does too as it remembers I have long days ahead that are filled with blank pages. I cannot help but twirl but it is a secret dance for with all the world seemingly asleep, only the earliest of birds can see me in my nightgown at the water’s edge, a grey haired old diva dancing for joy.

This new day has begun.

Let me not be too afraid to say that just for once, all is well.



Cait O’Connor

12 comments:

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Such a beautiful description of the love of home. Thank you.

Vee said...

This was pure delight to read.

e said...

Beautiful sentiments...

Frances said...

Oh Cait, you are very generous to share this description of how a day begins in the rare and beautiful company of nature. Like you, I would want to celebrate those moments!

xo

Wisewebwoman said...

Oh this is so beautiful, thank you for an ode to solitude. Lifted me high.
XO
WWW

Exmoorjane said...

Beautiful, Cait... :) xxx

The bike shed said...

A lovely read, inspiring indeed. Thanks for your email and glad you are still reading. Hopefully blog commenting has sorted itself out now.

Sam Fox said...

How I would have loved to have joined you on the birth of that day, Cait. You describe all that I love!

Fennie said...

Lovely blog, Cait. So glad all is well.

CAMILLA said...

Dear Cait,

Your post is such a joy to read, really beautiful, I adore your Header picture, would love to know the artist.

xx

SAS said...

Cait, you have made me homesick. I'm thinking we share DNA on the O'Connor side, my great-grandmother was an O'Connor and she and I had a strong connection. You touch my heart strings with your words and life.

Reading Tea Leaves said...

A joyous post Cait.

Jeanne
x