I find it hard to believe that it is six weeks since I last wrote to you and that it is really six weeks we have been in lock down!
As we look forward, I begin to see definite signs of movement, a forward movement that is daily taking us onwards. Every single day is one day closer to normality and yet I hesitate to use the word ‘normality’ as will the world in which we live ever be the same and indeed will WE be the same again? I hope that maybe we may have a clearer view of how things could be better - we have seen so much heroism, out of the ordinary kindness, sheer grit and determination from people, this is something so precious we must try not to lose hold of it like letting mercury slip through our fingers. As we ponder these things and as I talk to people it seems to me that many have changed already, not just in appreciating the glory of the natural world, the wonderful singing of the birds and all the little creatures all around us but in themselves. As we rush away much of our daily lives, we do not have time to think about other aspects of our being - we have an inner, thoughtful side, mostly neglected as we dash hither and thither from one thing to the next. I must be one of the worst offenders as my life seems packed with 101 different engagements, all seemingly important. And yet, are they? This is a question I need to ask myself .
My garden is in full glorious spring bloom and hiding bashfully away were some deep sky blue periwinkles. Clearing away other growth, they looked me straight in the face.
Wanting to discover more about them, I read that periwinkles were associated with pleasant emotional states such as nostalgia. “One story that stands out is from the works of Jean-Jacques Rousseau who looked upon the periwinkle as meaning “fidelity in friendship”, “warm memories” and “remembrance of things past”. According to his memoirs scribed within “Confessions”, he was taking a walk and stumbled across a patch of blue, which instantly reminded him of his dear friend, Madame de Warens. As he warmly recollected his time with her, he stated that every time he came across the periwinkle, her face would instantly flash within his mind. An opposite symbolic reference regarded this flower as being a necessary ingredient to make witched brew, hence the nickname, “witches’ violet."
I always find the etymology fascinating and we are told that“The Periwinkle has been a part of European history for thousands of years, so it’s only natural that the name comes from Latin through Old and Middle English. The flower was once called pervinca by the Romans, which slowly evolved into the flower’s current name over the centuries.”
The Periwinkle was regarded as a religious symbol and associated with the Virgin Mary. In stained glass church windows you may often see the tiny blue flower innocently peeking out at you.
Flower language was used by many Victorians and the periwinkle is often thought to denote a beautifully blossoming friendship and just as the periwinkle happily reminded Rousseau of Madame de Warens, so it had a similar interpretation to the Victorians. We are told that “In the Ukraine, it’s tied to folklore about love that lasts through the eternity. It’s given as a gift to newlyweds to wish them a long marriage.”
From the medicinal aspect, the Periwinkle is mildly poisonous but is currently being carefully researched as a powerful herb to potentially treat cancer.
I would like to follow up on my last letter by sending you the latest pictures of the bluetit nest and its thriving inhabitants sent by my dedicated baby bird sitters. I must tell you that in order to get these pictures, skill and great patience is required; also a steady hand and correct positioning. Since I last wrote when the mother bird was seen sitting on the nest incubating her eggs, now we see her feeding the six, not exactly beauty contest winning fledglings, their mouths agape. It is said that often plain children mature into great beauties!
I have been sent so many wonderful videos, jokes and music; I am going to send you a short mixed selection.
Pavarotti’s Granddaughter—quite exquisite and handkerchiefs needed.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9PQ7qPkluM[/embedyt]
The Two Ronnies' Crossword Sketch
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVWdbO6FFfw[/embedyt]
I have not mentioned crop circles - to the best of my knowledge nothing has appeared in the fields to date despite rumours that need verification. However, I plan to go ahead with my crop circle tours and I had an encouraging email from Stonehenge this week:
‘Following health advice issued by our government, and with visitor safety always being our main priority, Stonehenge has been closed since 19th March. At present June and July bookings are still in play so for now, so your Stone Circle booking for the 28th July is still live. If that changes please be assured we would proactively reach out to you at the earliest opportunity.`
I cannot write to you without mentioning a special man. Who should come along to raise our spirits but Captain Tom. None other than this humble, humorous centurion who has readily found a place in our hearts by setting out to raise £1,000 by walking 100 laps of his garden on his zimmer frame, and ended up raising a staggering 30 million pounds.
His biography reads:
Tom was born and brought up in Keighley, Yorkshire. He went to Keighley Grammar School and later completed an apprenticeship as a Civil Engineer. Tom went onto being enlisted in 8 DWR (145 RAC) at the beginning of the war, and in 1940 was selected for Officer training. He was later posted to 9DWR in India, and served and fought on the Arakan, went to Regiment to Sumatra after the Japanese surrender and returned to be Instructor at Armoured Fighting Vehicle School in Bovington.
Honoured with a Birthday card form the Queen and a fly past of Spitfires Captain Tom celebrated his birthday
Promoted to the rank of Colonel on the 30th of April, by the Queen, he stands for bravery, decency, honesty, grit, drive and determination. He was one of the many who fought to give us our freedom against all odds and now he reappears at this time of need to continue helping and serving his country. Many of us wanted, but didn’t quite know how, to help and Captain Tom has been the focal point in showing us how to go about it. He has inspired us and given us the opportunity and means of giving to the fantastic NHS and all the many front line services which have outshone themselves in caring for us all with good humour and selfless dedication.
Captain Tom, you are an amazing man and I am sure we all salute you.
Finally I am going to end with a lovely message from my friend who has been sharing her inspiring thoughts with us previously:
CHANGING ENERGY
“This global experience is testing the minds of all humans on the planet. We are being given the opportunity to truly understand who we are and the tools we possess that can literally change our own little world and the wider world around us.
A vision came to mind about seeing the virus in a different form. We have been shown the shape many times and the news continuously creates fear, so in this vision a little heart shaped form filled with love. Love can only heal. Now, it is filling the whole planet with light, love and health.
Every human being has been created by love, containing the initial spark from the Divine Creator. This enables us to have access to this Supreme Energy whenever we turn our attention to it and trust in the knowledge that we are always able to overcome darkness and transmute it.
The mind fluctuates all the time as we constantly move in and out of different vibrations. However it is the training of our thoughts to keep the frequency on the highest level that is the most effective tool.
The real body that we carry within and use in other vibrations is never sick, old or decrepit. When we sleep we are automatically out of the pain body and in the finer vibrations, as we are when we pass to spirit.
We can look at nature, the kingdom of the elementals and see the magic that has been created. We are all connected to this magic and we all possess a magic wand that we can wield once we have the awareness and growth to use it for the highest purpose.
In a twinkling of an eye everything can change, so let us experience light and healing.”
With my love and best wishes
Lucy.