Friday 30 May 2008
13:48 | Posted by
Dale Darley |
We started walking together some years ago, adhoc probably once a month. We would always choose lovely places to go, stop for a bite and then carry on back to base.
But this year (2008) both of us wanted more. We live in a fantastically beautiful country, Wales. Just a few (well maybe more) steps from our front doors we can be in the countryside or besides the water. So this year we stepped out in earnest.
It started with a Tuesday and a weekend day, soon we planned a weekend away (more of that later), then as we became addicted to the fresh air and freedom we added Thursday night, even a trip to the cinema includes a 30 minute walk each way.
Theres something so fantastic about being outside, no TV, mostly no cars, birds singing, wind hopefully gently blowing, rivers flowing, leaves rustling, wet grass, hillside views, sheep bleating then running away, the odd curious cow or is it a bull, you get the picture.
After work when you put on your boots, relinquish the days dramas and forget that you are knackered, a sense of being alive rushes through your veins, wires your brain and sets you up for an adventure.
With so many directions to choose from, we often wonder where shall we go tonight? Whatever the choice there must be a pub somewhere along the track, it must be friendly (more about those later too) serve either good Guiness or wine and if the mood takes us good food.
And then we are off.
The more we walk the more the blog will grow, who knows there may be a walk on here for you and we may just bump into you on the way.
Don't forget to smile and say hello.
But this year (2008) both of us wanted more. We live in a fantastically beautiful country, Wales. Just a few (well maybe more) steps from our front doors we can be in the countryside or besides the water. So this year we stepped out in earnest.
It started with a Tuesday and a weekend day, soon we planned a weekend away (more of that later), then as we became addicted to the fresh air and freedom we added Thursday night, even a trip to the cinema includes a 30 minute walk each way.
Theres something so fantastic about being outside, no TV, mostly no cars, birds singing, wind hopefully gently blowing, rivers flowing, leaves rustling, wet grass, hillside views, sheep bleating then running away, the odd curious cow or is it a bull, you get the picture.
After work when you put on your boots, relinquish the days dramas and forget that you are knackered, a sense of being alive rushes through your veins, wires your brain and sets you up for an adventure.
With so many directions to choose from, we often wonder where shall we go tonight? Whatever the choice there must be a pub somewhere along the track, it must be friendly (more about those later too) serve either good Guiness or wine and if the mood takes us good food.
And then we are off.
The more we walk the more the blog will grow, who knows there may be a walk on here for you and we may just bump into you on the way.
Don't forget to smile and say hello.
Sunday 18 May 2008
I stare into the teasing flames, mind cast back, lost in thought.
There must have been together times, chopping veg, sharing wine and discussing the day. Food made, dinner served, contemplating the night. Snuggled together, warm smooth skin, kisses, sex and sleep. Waking dreamily and staring into each others eyes, caressing love thirsty skin.
As the flames lick and weave a dance around each other I see rising passions, entwining each other in silly games. As sure as the life is sucked out of the fire, day turns to night, energy is drained from romance.
At first he said that he loved my wild and free ways. Over time he tried to mould me into the woman he thought he had. Complaining about my shoes, plugs left in the sockets, ironing undone, demanding tea or declaring I’d hidden his mail. Cleaning up was woman’s work. He shouts “pass me a can” whilst sprawled on the sofa, dirty baggy joggers pulled over the ever growing paunch. The TV now entertains him and conversation certainly strains him.
In the shadow of my mind I see a monster on the sofa, mesmerised like a rabbit caught in the headlights I thought that I couldn’t escape. His behaviour crept in slowly, insidiously, trapped, it was too late before I realised I was powerless to act, my identity enmeshed with his, I was crushed.
The dying embers of the fire bring a chill to the room. Glowing volcanic rocks tell me that even though the flames of love have died down, there is hope. I poke the ashes and set about recreating the fire ready for tomorrow night.
By morning I am like a chrysalis emerging from the hard shell that bound me to his dark cocoon, I am reborn. Somehow I found an inner strength. I can smell the fresh breath of morning freedom, see blue skies ready to let me spread my wings. The once gentle caress given freely will no longer fall from his finger tips. Given time, the right person and ingredients, the flames can be re kindled. Until then.
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