Brief Reflections on Balance in my Life







 

It’s a difficult balance. I love where I live in Menton (as you may have guessed if you’ve read the blog before) but I realise the things I miss every time I return  to England. 


I miss Book group, John Lewis and garden centres that sell all sorts of nonsense as well as plants. A drink in a pub.  Mature cheddar cheese. Bare trees, green fields, fog that turns the world into a black and white film. Englishness…even the hard-done-by moaning overheard on the train, and especially the crazy run up to Christmas.


With short visits I never quite feel settled. It’s hard having to make complicated arrangements to meet up with family and friends, I don’t want to always be rushing from place to place and person to person, knowing that I can’t fit everyone in.  



I am a tourist, viewing the country through different eyes, treating myself and having far too many meals out (although is there such a thing as too many...?) 


A visit to look around the London shops was bustling, busy and fun. Regent Street’s decorations were photographed over and over, Bond Street was sparkling and Oxford Street was packed but there weren’t many people loaded down with bags of presents for others and treats for themselves. Prices and pockets don’t match these days.






(I had a little Christmas shopping to do when I got back to Cambridge and pleasingly, the busiest shop was Waterstones book shop.)


 Perhaps I’m too old to make a complete break from England and its idiosyncrasies but I’m in the lucky position of being able to make choices. With thought and patience, I’ll find a solution or, as usually happens, fate will take over. 


I wonder if it’s too much to ask to have the best of both worlds…


                  

Enough musing.

I wish all of you (and at the last count this blog has been read 10,189 times, so there’s quite a few of you) a Fabulous Christmas—with a balance somewhere between frenetic festivities and calm contemplation—and a very happy, wholesome  2025.


MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄




Here is the link to my website:-

Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 22, 2024 at 10:00 AM

    It was great to see you Jacqui. We all miss you.
    Enjoy Menton and think of Blighty.
    I’m just finishing Hidden and loving it.
    Happy Christmas
    Caroline xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousDecember 22, 2024 at 10:29 PM

    Merry Christmas Jacqui! And happy new year, wherever you choose to spend it. Love from Judi and Tim xx

    ReplyDelete

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