Carol Purves

I just thought I’d keep you in the loop. this morning I drive up to Edinburgh and then back on Sunday. And our first named storm (Abigail) is forecast.  I’m offering up prayers for safe travelling. (And for anyone on the roads)

Carol, the intrepid traveller.

Just had another exciting meeting. Everyone had the task of writing something with the title of ‘Black Dog’. A wide variety of work was produced. On person wrote a short story where the black dog was used to aid ‘picket-pockets.’ I felt this story had a weakness as the dog in the story could have been any colour.

Another wrote a semi-autobiographical piece which started ‘ There were two black dogs in our family, only one had four legs.’ What a brilliant start for a piece which described the father’s depression. Haiki’s were produced and a fascinating unrelated story. I always say there are no rules in this group, the homework is only a guideline.

This is something you could try at home for January – write a piece titled ‘Red Sky.’ I would love to see your results.

Carol, with no black dog.

I read in the paper that it has been proved that the over 50’s need to play number and word games on their computers to help their memories.  Could I suggest that instead of looking at a piece of machinery they interact with people, talk to people, listen to people. We are human beings, we need to be stimulated by other humans beings. People are getting more non-existent.   Machines are taking over at the banks, supermarkets, buying tickets, etc. It is possible to go for days without speaking to another person. That is what is causing depression and loss of memory.

Another idea is to connect with our Maker. If something is wrong with a machine, the maker can put it right. If something is wrong with our lives, the Maker can put it right.

Carol

The colours of our autumn leaves this autumn are stunning; the best we’ve seen for many years. I expect it’s the same where you are. I think it’s a combination of warm days and little wind and even less rain. May it all continue, for a little while at least. It will make the winter seem shorter.

Let us fear the Lord our God who gives the rain in its season, the autumn rain and the spring rain and keeps for us the weeks appointed for the harvest. Jeremiah 5:24

Carol

While I still have my suntan and cases not fully unpacked I’ll tell you more of my visit to Northern Cyprus. Kyrenia (Girnse) is the main city, a bustling  town  wedged between the The Five Finger Mountains and the Mediterranean.  The harbour is reputed to be one of the most beautiful in the world, with a backdrop of the castle containing traces of the Byzantine, Lusignan and Venetian Periods. (OK, I’ve been looking at the guide book)

Tourism is probably the way forward this country, many strides being made in the last decade. The friendliness of the people is overwhelming, the sun enticing and for me not too far from Britain.

Carol, the traveller

I am so fortunate as I’ve spent a week in Northern Cyprus staying with a friend, right on the North-western tip of the island. So sad that it is a divided country but there are two sides to the story and both sides need to be studied before judgments are made.

It was hot walking in the sun, but better in the shade and I was told that it was warm for October. Fruits which we usually see packed in supermarkets were growing on the trees (or they had been at the height of the season) – Oranges, olives, mulberries, lemons and many others all being sold in local markets.

The kindness of the people was unforgettable. With two friends we were wondering through a small village when  man plucked three pomegranates from a tree and gave them to us. Note that it was siesta time when the few shops were closed, so we couldn’t spend any money in the village to say thankyou. That is something I will not forget.

Carol, in love with Northern Cyprus.

Have I got a strange sense of occasion? I sat on a Turkish plane between a Christian lady and a Muslim Pakistani lady going to Istanbul, reading a book on Cyprus and watching a film about Burma. Delayed at Istanbul airport my friend sold an English sock puppet to an Iranian woman.

How wonderful it would be if all nations were able to work together.

Carol

I was privileged yesterday to attend the monthly prayer meeting for the Keswick convention. Although the convention takes place during three weeks in July, the work with the whole organisation goes on throughout the year. This year is even busier with the Derwent Project which is plans for future expansion.

As well as praying we had a small talk based on the Keswick motto ‘All One Christ.’ The home-made scones and beautiful drive over the fells, made it a great day.

Carol, at Keswick

I rushed out to water my hanging baskets this morning, I saw a red admiral butterfly alight on the flowers I was hoping to water. I stood for about ten minutes with watering can in hand just watching him. He went diligently from flower to flower extracting the nectar.

While I was standing there two hover flies and one bee came along. Until the time came when they all moved away. I was transfixed, it had been so interesting and uplifting.  Instead of feeling rushed, for the rest of the day the sight had made me feel calm and relaxed.

Carol, the insect lover

Because my neighbour was having some noisy building work done, I managed to escape for the day.

I drove to the Eden Valley and visited small hamlets like Gamblesby and Renwick. The contrast was so marked. I saw hardly any cars on the road, only rabbits and pheasants. Instead of constant drilling the only sound was birdsong. From the top of hills I could see for miles.

I realised once again how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful world.

Come and see the works of the Lord.

Carol, the peace-seaker