The Next Chapter

It has been a long and gloriously hot summer, for the first time in many, many years I have not been confined to an office. The artificial cool when the air-con is on, or the stifling, stale heat of packed bodies, the dull light as the sun is shut away, the grizzly communication and worst of all... the yearning to be out of the concrete and glass and into the bright, colourful beauty of an English summer.

I found work that I used to do many moons and lifetimes ago, hard graft marquee erection. Out in beautiful surroundings, from a scout camp in a forest to the gardens of the most amazing homes. I had the sun on my back, the honest sweat of serious graft stinging my eyes, muscles burning and the sheer beautiful fatigue at the end of the day that lets you know, yes, you're alive. I loved my summer. I loved the bbqs, the coffee and birdsong of the morning sat on the porch, friends and family enjoying laughter and conversation, the smell of cut grass once I mowed the lawn, the music we created on bass/clarinet/guitars, even the soulful bellows of improvised song. The British Lions. It was a time of release, of reconnecting with the earth, with life. It has been an extraordinary summer. A summer of love.

But even as I sit here today typing, the sun is blazing outside, it is hot. Yet the summer is starting to enter it's final flourish, the final embrace, the cuddle as one says goodbye. The evenings are now much cooler and the first hint of the changing of the seasons comes tomorrow as the weather experts predict rain and the end of the low pressure which has blessed us for the last few months.

And so it is that the next chapter begins. I have a new job, back in an office, on a regular income. I am in the search for a new abode. My housemate shortly goes to court for the residency of his children, may the gods bless them and give them the upbringing they deserve. My brother is applying to do his Phd at a university in the midlands and my friends are all on the up and up, one is due to have a child in December, another has finally become strong after being kicked out of his house for being nothing more than "too nice". I really thought he wouldn't make it, never have I seen a man so distraught. But he is now strong and motivated, I am happy he is still with us, if I hadn't been there for him, we would not know his friendship anymore. I went to my first Muslim wedding which was most beautiful. The brightly coloured saris, the glittering jewelry, lavish ceremony.. incredible. My Sis is moving back to Australia in December from Hong Kong. They are so happy. I will be saving my £'s ready for my next trip down under!!!

I look forward to this new chapter, to the challenge of a new job, the challenge of also starting my businesses, of settling into a new home, of meeting new people, and who knows, maybe the winds of this new era will blow in a chance for love. Though one should not get too carried away! Maybe I'll have the courage to revisit the doctor. Life is open ended. And the time is right for the new chapter.

Time is inexorable, tic-toc, tic-toc
A moment to breathe and smell the scent
To relax and drink it all in
An oasis in the sands of time
Before it is time to stretch and reach
Roll up the sleeves
Smile
And put your right foot forward.