The Nightingale Centre
Ten days, that’s 240 hours… less a minimum of 60 hours sleep, the ten hours we are already into those ten days till we have to set off, 40 hours minimum earning my living, several hours between hospitals, travelling and airports, an Ani to walk thrice daily, normal living to attend to… I give up.
I’ll just say it is not long… and I still have a huge amount of practical stuff to do. Like sewing and meditations to write. And I want that all done well in advance so I can prepare the house and spend long awaited time with my guest when he arrives.
But that’s ok.
And Derbyshire is no longer completely buried under snow, though there are still huge drifts melting in the lee of the walls. The little village of Great Hucklow is once again accessible and spring is in the air. Without question. The coltsfoot are in flower, wild celandines, banks of daffodils and patches of crocus are braving the unseasonable weather as trees begin to show signs of life.
Coltsfoot in flower
In fact, the tiny village looks beautiful in any weather. Its ancient stones glow in pale sunlight. The village pub, the Queen Anne, with its low beamed ceilings dates back to the 1600’s as do many of the lovely old buildings and there is a quiet air of peace about the place.
The 17thC village pub
One very new building dates back even further, in many ways. The University of Sheffield Archaeology students are building a round house in the grounds of the Nightingale Centre where the launch will take place. In fact our companions on that journey will be welcome to join in the mud stomp while we are there if they wish, as the daub is applied to the walls that already stand. Though they will need boots and old clothes!
Skeleton of a round house
From the hillsides the views across the valley are superb. It is here we will stand to greet the dawn and bring the School to birth in a simple and very beautiful rite on the Sunday morning.
Old water trough
To see something so complex coming together with joy and simplicity, in spite of the months of sheer hard work, to watch it coming into being in laughter, love and friendship, to have reached this point where we know where each chair will be placed, how each moment will be danced, where each voice will be heard… it is such a joy and a testament to those who have supported us through the journey.
View over the valley
In spite of the last minute rush to finish the preparations and the sudden lack of time, it feels somehow as if we are coming into a calm haven. It feels like coming home.
Sue Vincent's Daily Echo 
Exciting time ahead for you!
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Oh yes 🙂 xxx
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Glad to hear you’ve pencilled in sleep to the schedule… 😀
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Only pencilled though.. I have an eraser… 😉
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A plan B is always good. Flexibility is a good first draft… lol
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I’m all stiffened up.. flexibility and aching don’t go hand in hand… 😉
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In that case, take the day off… 😀
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No chance! Not for another 14 days or so….. 😉
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I’ll just need to give you a rub down when I see you, then… Apparently there will be daub on site… :p
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*chuckles*.. yessir!
I’m sure its not too late to add.. ‘dances’ to certain roles….
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Oochah! *Very best behaviour….*
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Thought that might work….. 😉
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You=Workaholic
I know one when I see/read one! =]
Glad you are factoring in sleep and I hope some relaxation time as well.
Beautiful photos,beautiful writing, beautiful person!
Each post you publish is a gift and I love stopping by and reading them, you never fail to make me smile, to make me think, and to make me so very happy to be alive!
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What a wonderful response! Thank you 🙂
Though I admit writing is as near relaxation as I’m likely to get for another week or so.. but that’s ok 🙂 It is such an exciting journey!
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It sure is!
Well I am glad that you are getting some time to write then!
Try not to work and do to much though!
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It will be non stop for another couple of weeks.. then I relax with friends for a while… a little 🙂
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Thank you for sharing your pictures and thoughts, it feels good to know you, Sue. 🙂 Robert
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You too, Robert.. there is a magic in the way the world can connect these days in spite of distance.
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Anticipation! And… there’s nothing like a lovely English countryside. Ah, me ole English Leed’s blood calls… 🙂
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Well.. technically these are the Pennines.. the same hills that run through Yorkshire too 🙂
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Best wishes to you, Sue, as the days get closer to your launch weekend. You photos call me to England – I vow to get cross the sea before the years is through. The pull is great 🙂
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If you manage it, Alethea.. we must meet 🙂
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I am serious! I had a wonderful past life as a writer in England and your country has pulled me strongly in this life. I would so love to meet you.
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