Friday 5 June 2015

Alone But Not Lonely

It seems really strange not to have any artwork on this post but Blogger is not allowing me to put any pictures on here at all.
I've decided to go ahead with it anyway..........devoid of any visual aids.

My life seems a bit mundane right now but as Harry was going to have visitors on Thursday I decided to get on a bus and go to the lovely Roman city of Bath.
It's about one hours journey by bus.
It was a gloriously hot day and after browsing round shops and places of interest, I took out a sunhat and sat in a square surrounded by some beautiful buildings.
There's usually a busker in this square and by the time I sat down, it was the turn of a Spanish guitarist. I think buskers are allowed about half an hour each and they usually are of a very high standard.
I really enjoyed the music while I ate my sandwiches.
It wasn't long before a mother and with her newish baby asked if she could sit next to me and  almost immediately we struck up a conversation. She took what looked like an apron out of her bag and she fastened it around her neck and draped it over her baby and proceeded to feed him. We got onto all sorts of discussions, including the merits of breast feeding. (Strange subject for a woman of 73). Anyway, baby was fed and admired and the mother popped him back in his buggy and said she'd enjoyed our chat very much and off she went.
Almost immediately, an older lady asked if she could share my seat and we started to talk about other things...... the best places to visit by bus, where the nearest and best toilets could be found. and so on. After half an hour or so this lady said she'd enjoyed the conversation and she went on her way.
Both of these ladies, Bath residents, at different stages of their lives, one young and one not so young had crossed with mine somewhat fleetingly and left me with something to think about other than my situation with Harry in the home.
I got to realise that you can be alone but not necessarily be lonely and others can appreciate my company for a while even though I feel I have rather a boring life.
I think a day out definitely did me good.




17 comments:

Gosia said...

Have a nice day

Celia said...

Surprising how friendly and distracting strangers can be. A little mellow break for you.

Jackie said...

I think that the Lord placed each of those ladies with you....and you with those ladies.
I am so glad that you are not lonely....and I want you to know that I am thinking of you and sending you an extra special hug this evening.
I always look forward to your blogposts.....with or without photos.
I love to hear from you.
Love you,
Jackie

dianefaith said...

You have painted a pretty picture here, no need for photos. I can almost see you sitting on the bench talking to first one woman and then another. It's a peaceful scene, and I like reading about it.

Rosaria Williams said...

Our lives keep changing, and loneliness can be right around the corner for any of us. Do schedule time to be with friends and family and groups who can relieve not just loneliness, but that sense that life is too heavy certain days. Sending you big hugs.

Wisewebwoman said...

I love chatting with strangers, like there's no obligation, just say what you feel and spend some time and listen.

Sometimes there's the niceties of exchanging contact info but I've never followed up on that and neither have these friendly strangers.

XO
WWW

Eddie Bluelights said...

I think Jackie could be right. It's always nice to make a connection with someone, especially a total stranger . . . :)

Eddie xx

Working Mum said...

What an upllifting story. It reminded me of when I was in Bath, sitting outside at a cafe table and I went over to another table to help a lady who clearly had PD and was having trouble pouring her tea - we exchanged a few words as well. Must be something to do with Bath!

Wendy said...

What a nice day you had! I too enjoy talking to strangers and feel that we do contribute to each other's lives in some way. It's hard being on your own, but with friends, family, and congenial strangers the time seems to fly by and the loneliness lifts somewhat.

I think it's a treat to step on a bus and in an hour you are somewhere different with shops and other things of interest. Here in Canada where there is so much space (not complaining), it would take a much longer bus ride, but that's just how it goes.
Sending hugs to you and Harry!

Sally Wessely said...

What a lovely post you have written her Maggie. I wish I could have visited with you on that day. I wonder what we would have discussed. I have always thought you were far from boring. You also must project a most friendly and hospitable image for these two ladies to have asked to join you. I'm so glad you had a chance to get away, and that the day proved to be so enjoyable for you. I hope you have many more days like this in the future.

Expat mum said...

I'm glad you're not feeling too lonely Maggie. I have a feeling that you're a people magnet and they get more out of talking to you than you give yourself credit for. x

Shammickite said...

Bath is lovely, I have visited a number of times, and took my sons all round the Roman Baths many years ago. Wonderful place! I love sitting on a bench in the sun, I inevitably start chatting to whoever comes to sit next to me, always find someone interesting to share conversation with. I'll be in UK at the end of June, sadly not in the Bath and Bristol area.

Mimi said...

Hi Maggie, that sounds like a good tonic!
I like chats with strangers too, my kids think that's weird!! Each to their own.
Glad you had a nice day out! :)

MARY G said...

I loved Bath when we visited there. So pretty, with the Regency house rows and the lovely parks. I am imagining myself joining you on your bench for a chat and a hug, and then wandering off together for tea and a huge bun (I think it was called a bap?).
So glad you got a day out to play.

Rose said...

Sometimes the best days are full of the simple things--pleasant talks with strangers can be one of those things. I like Expat mum's comment--I have a feeling people immediately recognize you as a kind person and good listener. I'm sure they enjoyed the conversations as much as you did. Good to hear you are doing well.

Secret Agent Woman said...

Oh I'm glad you are noticing and takaing time to just be in the moment with people you encounter. I bet they walked away glad, too.

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