Friday 4 April 2014

A Riot in St. James's Park


The flower beds in St. James's Park
are eye-wateringly bright at the moment,
a flamboyance of tulips, hyacinths and primula.


I love the drama of it,
the shock of primary colours
against the soft green foliage
and the grey of Horse Guards.


I had a strange experience yesterday.
I was walking along Piccadilly in my lunch hour
and I thought "What on earth am I doing here?"


It was like waking up from a dream landscape
and discovering that you were actually there,
a 'pinch me so I know it's real' moment.


But this is how my life has turned out.
I can have lunch on Pall Mall
or browse in Hatchards on Piccadilly.
I can sit in St. James's Park if I want
or pop in to the National Gallery.


I am not sure why I feel compelled to write this.
Perhaps gratitude for this new part of my life
or perhaps encouragement to anyone
who is contemplating change.


I am having lunch with the Lovely Jenny today
and I can't wait to hear all the news.
I shall tell her about my trip to Rome
and we shall share plans for the summer.


Because that is the other thing I have learned.
You don't leave your friends behind
when you move to a new world.

11 comments:

  1. v Kaiser Chiefs ...

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  2. I know that feeling. Walked on the Malvernhills ttoday with grand-daughter who was trudging along in red wellies and just tall enough to hold one finger of my hand. I really started to feel that we were moving forward again at last.

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  3. What a lovely riot!! I hope that you have a nice time with your friend. xx

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  4. Colours, beauty and savvy words. Always.

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  5. Weeks ahead of us here in Scotland - joys to come....

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  6. Here's to great summer plans, more beautiful flowers and being #ladieswholunch, Jen x

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  7. Not exactly my favourite way of planting but I have to admit the flower displays look stunning and suit their surroundings. And it is nice to know you appreciate your good fortune.

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  8. How wonderful to get to walk in such beautiful places. It will be even more beautiful come summer.

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  9. good friends will always move with you, just as long as you don't have snail slime on your face x

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  10. Hello Alice

    I stumbled upon your blog, through a mutual friend and love what I see. You are situated in a wonderful place and my favourite book store is Hatchards.
    I am your new follower
    Have a great week
    Helen

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  11. i know i should say something about the heart of your writing in this post but i'm stil agog at those colors! WOW. EyePopping!! Thank you for sharing. and taking me-us along

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