Editorial

07 July 2007

Hello to all of you on a rare sunny Saturday - in Sussex at least!

Today,7 July 2007 or 07/07/07 is my birthday, the very first I've ever spent alone. I hadn't really intended it that way but life takes unexpected twists and turns and that's how the cookie crumbled. A year ago the prospect would have been daunting but this year it actually felt quite exciting to have a whole day to do just as I chose.

Spurred by an e-mail from a dear friend suggesting that in true James Bond style, the birth date 070707 gave me a 'licence to luuuve', I decided to luuuve myself for the day. It began with a luxury shower (lots of lather) followed by my favourite breakfast of soft boiled eggs, croissant and fresh coffee. Having opened the door wide to let in the suns rays, I then selected a favourite CD and listened to the beautiful sounds of Native American bamboo flutes whilst carefully opening cards and presents. Most of the cards' designs depicted elements of the natural world and it set me wondering whether they mirrored my personality, that of my family and friends, or the fact that our mutual appreciation of the beauties of nature is what helps bind us together in love and friendship.

For a while now, I've been thinking of buying a new bed, one that will help create an oasis of peace and tranquillity in my bedroom. Today seemed a good day to do something about it, so packing a light picnic and armed with a travel route, I set off deep into the countryside in search of a particular showroom amd my 'dream' bed. As we purred along country lanes, this time enjoying a little Elgar, my little car and I felt as one. There was nothing to hurry for. Briefly lost, I found a sunny spot to eat a solitary picnic and enjoyed every mouthful.

Disappointingly, the dream bed is likely to remain a dream, way outside my budget, but undeterred, I then visited a couple of other showrooms for inspiration before coming home to a tea of fresh peaches and cream.

Later, after a further solitary meal of organic salmon cooked my favourite way with new potatos and tender broad beans, I went to a charity event in aid of the local hospice where, for a while, my late husband was cared for. Meeting up with a couple of widowed friends, we chatted and enjoyed musical entertainment until the sun finally sank on the horizon and the chilly breeze sent us scurring homewards.

Throughout the day there have been telephone calls and e-messages from family and friends and despite my aloneness on this special occasion, I feel appreciated and cherished. I've enjoyed myself, am pleased to have survived the day without shedding a tear of self-pity and know that I'll be stronger for it. The day was a success because rather than leaving things to chance and perhaps ending up feeling very sorry for myself, it was planned for maximum personal enjoyment. I think I'll start thinking ahead for birthday 2008!

Jacquie