November 1, 2012
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[Adventures 2012]: England
One week in England.
Already it seems like forever ago.A precious gift of a week, but truly, it isn’t *nearly* long enough to even get a glimpse of our Mother-country. Anytime a wedding is involved, you can be sure that things are a constant-happy-whirlwind. I went to England with a heart already thankful for the mere opportunity to set foot on its beautiful shores and to capture the events leading up to and the most wonderful wedding of Hannah and Jon. It’s a good thing I brought my laptop. My memory cards were constantly full. Aren’t you surprised! *grin*
The flights were long. Truly long. I can now say that one of my top dreams is to fly first class overseas sometime [yes, I know... I can dream, right?]. In the back half of the plane, I was all cozied up, telling my cramping knees… “This is worth it, we are going to England.” Lord Rillian did quite well, he doesn’t mind being squished in the least. It was super fun and so nice to travel with my great-aunt Debbie (who is an expert at overseas travel) and my great-gram (who used to be a travel agent). Traveling solo as much as I do, I forget how pleasant it is to have someone else thinking of all the details and checking up on you. Gram is so funny, and throughout our entire trip, she never ceased to make me laugh with her random comments or her spunk and excitement… yes, at 90-years-old.
Favorite story of the trip:: I met up with Aunt Debbie and Gram O’Hare airport, we were checking in our bags and waiting for a wheelchair for Gram to make things move faster. Upon the arrival of said wheelchair, Gram exclaimed: “Oh, darlings, I don’t need that thing! I am perfectly fine.” We attempted reasoning with her. After a few minutes she looked at me carrying a carry on bag and my camera bag. Her eyes twinkled as she said: “Kristi has all those bags to carry, let her ride in it!” Oh my face probably said so many things at that moment. I laughed. nothankyougramiloveyou… I do NOT need to ride in a wheelchair. We finally convinced her to sit down and away we went to security with an escort from the airline pushing Gram. As usual, the line for security was SUPER long. We weren’t in a rush, we had plenty of time. But, wait! We had a “handicap” person with us… so forgive us all you people who sat in line for who-knows-how long as we walked passed them all and got through security in less that five minutes. On the other side, Gram, realizing the miracle that just occurred, got the biggest mischievous grin, grabbed my arm and exclaimed: “I think I need this wheelchair now!” *laughs*
Yes, so traveling with my great-gram saves BUNCHES of time and brings plenty of laughter.
I told her I would take her with me traveling anytime. We have agreed upon visiting Scotland and Rome next summer. *mischievous grin*Of course there were plenty of favorite moments throughout the trip::
- Reading “The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe” in the window seat of an English hotel.
- Exploring Oxford and eating fish and chips with Gram at the Eagle and Child.
- Riding in a Mini-Cooper with the top down, driving on the “wrong side of the road” through the countryside.
- Experiencing life [washing dishes. meals. etc.] in the most lovely English Flat.
- Falling in love with the flower shops at the train station and yes, buying Gerber Daisy.
- Walking around London realizing I could spend years there and never see everything.
- Blue skies and sunshine for like three days straight in “rainy England”.
- Beautiful evening at a Castle with my most wonderful cousins.
- Not only being photographer on the wedding day, but also hairdresser for the bride and a bridesmaid.
- Crying as I photographed one of the most precious and profound wedding ceremonies I’ve ever been to.
- Riding in a classy taxi-cab in downtown London.
Just to name a few. The most precious thing was experiencing all those things with my family! Second cousins. Great Uncle, Great Aunts, Great-Grandma… seriously!? We could have never planned that to happen if we tried… and every moment was so special to be with them all creating memories together. Yes, I still smile with a heart of thankfulness for the memories Jesus gave me.
My camera was completely overwhelmed with the photographic possibilites. Endless in England. So endless. And yet there was only so much time to be able to capture the beauty, depth and richness of the Mother-country. So here are like a dozen or so [ok, more than that. *grin*] views of the adventure. I cannot wait to go back to England and run through the countryside with the rain and feel the wispy breeze through my hair as I explore castles, see sheep grazing in the pasture and come home to a good cup of tea. Ah yes… its gonna be good.
So until then, England I love and miss thee. ♥
Meanwhile, it is November! I can hardly believe it. But I’m excited… because in the midst of questions, longings, waiting and desires… gratitude overrides any worry or fear. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” [Phil 4:6-7]
Happy first day of thanksgiving-month, everyone.
-KM
Last view of the shores of America.
First cup of English tea.
In the back of the Mini-Cooper… taking in the English Countryside.
“Peter, what time does our train arrive…” [Chronicles of Narnia, anyone?]
I was pretty sure I was dreaming. For real.
Best decision I ever made was to bring my English Boots… I wore them practically everyday.
Someday, America needs a flower shop in our Airports like this. Seriously!
Ah, the loveliness of an English garden outside a flat.
I hope someday I can grow Lavender outside my front porch so I can pick it and use it all the time.
AHHHHHHHHH! Be still my heart… yes, a real live Castle.
And still… there is nothing like a beautiful sunset in America.“I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it’s very difficult to find anyone.
I should think so – in these parts! We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures.
Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner.” [J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit]
