Sunday 27 December 2009

Strolling To Serenity.




It was a cold and clear late December day.  The final flickers of the sinking sun cast shadows on this peaceful, tranquil neighbourhood.  The view from my bedroom window filled my mind with thoughts of serenity.

Upon the top of the hill, is a wonderful place, a place I soon would go.



Behold, the place upon the top of the hill.  Westwood High School, Leek, Staffordshire, a magical school, a school of dreams, the school my son attended.


It was early afternoon, on a cold and foggy Christmas Eve.  I strolled the grounds, gazed at the clock tower and felt at peace with the world.
I walked alone, alone, yet content,   The cold wind howled through majestic trees.  The snow crunched beneath my feet.  This was my sanctuary, a place that nurtured my happy thoughts.
I heard in my mind the singing of a thousand choirs and the laughter of a thousand children.  This school, this enchanting school, this school of a thousand hopes and aspirations, had taken me under its spell.
One walk, one spiritual walk.  This Christmas Eve was a day I would remember, forever.
It was getting dark. Down the hill, off in the distance, I could see the twinkling lights of Leek. It was time to leave and reflect upon a perfect day.                                
                                                                                                                    


I headed back down the hill.  I turned around to take one last glance at the alluring beauty of that special, so very special place.  I had been strolling to serenity.  Serenity beats strongly in my heart.

18 comments:

  1. Dear Gary,
    Leek and the school certainly look very Christmnasy and wonderful with a scattering of snow.
    It is great that you can feel so serene amidst the madness of the festive season and Leek would appear to be the perfect place to slow down and just be at peace with yourself.
    Thanks for this little insight into your "serene" Christmas and glad that you can achieve such a sanguine and calm state of mind (personally I've been running around like a blue-arsed fly!).
    Yours with Very Best Wishes,
    David.

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  2. Hi Gary,
    How peaceful and serene it is, simply reading this post of yours. Yet I'm thankful for your photos as well. I felt charmed by the sheer beauty. What a place!
    I feel encouraged to go out and find a sanctuary of my own. I can get caught up in day to day things. Thank you for bringing such a treasure here. {:) XX

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  3. What a beautiful post, Gary

    It's nice to have a place we can go and reflect and feel at peace with the world. It looks a lovely school.

    Take care and I wish you all the best in 2010

    Julie xx

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  4. Hi Gary;
    I think that your sanctuary is beautiful and it is even more special simply because your son attended there. There is something so stark and yet wonderful about a snowfall. It seems to bring things into perspective and yet is so coldly beautiful. Thank you for your interpretation. I appreciate seeing through your eyes. Best in 2010. May the positive force be with you.

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  5. Dear David,
    I was determined to get out and take some photos before the snow melted. The fact I actually went and took those photos, is a most positive achievement.
    I believe we all need to take time out from the 'hustle and bustle' of daily life. I savour and cherish these magical moments.
    I hope you managed to get some relaxed time over Christmas. I just visualised you running around like a 'blue-arsed fly'. Now that's pretty surreal.
    All the very best to you, David. Thanks for commenting. Kind wishes, Gary.

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  6. Hi Dixie,
    What a lovely, encouraging comment you have left.
    I'm so pleased that you liked what I wrote and the accompanying photos. I'm sure that you will find a place you can call a 'sanctuary'. I know you marvel and appreciate the world around you.
    With serene wishes, Gary xx

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  7. Hi Julie,
    Thank you for such a nice compliment. It is much appreciated.
    I find that exploring such beautiful places puts me in an inspirational state of mind. Indeed, going to such a place and marvelling at the surroundings, is an excellent way of maintaining positive reinforcement in my life.
    Here's wishing much happiness and fulfilment in your writing quests for 2010.
    Serene wishes, your way, Gary xx

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  8. Hi Heather,
    Thank you for your wonderfully descriptive comment. What you have noted is very much like what I experienced.
    It does make it all the more special that Tristan attended this school. There is a bit of a story behind that. Through sheer determination, I managed to get him registered at that wonderful hall of learning. That has always been a great source of comfort to me.
    I sense a great positive force being amongst us. I know, from our lovely chats on the phone, that you good folks over there, sense this strong and powerful positive force.
    Kind wishes, Gary

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  9. Absolutely lovely post - and gorgeous photos. Thank you for sharing.

    XX

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  10. Hi Suzanne,
    Thank you kindly. I'm glad that you enjoyed the blog and the incorporation of the photos.
    Here's wishing you much happiness in 2010.
    Gary xx

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  11. Wow! What a nice environment. The school reminds me of the Harry Potter setting in some way. Must be the design. I always wondered how it feels like to live in a place filled with snow. Thanks for sharing your pics... added a few more things to my imagination. May the next year be good to you Gary and to the rest of the people on Earth. Cheers! =)

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  12. Hi Ryhen,
    I knew someone would relate the photos to some building out of 'Harry Potter'. It certainly does look rather reminiscent.
    Having a bit of snow brings out the little kid in me. I know, with your creative mind, you will draw some wonderful inspiration from these photos.
    Keep going with your excellent blog, Ryhen. May the new year bring a new dawn to a more positive reality in our world.
    With peace and respect, Gary :-)

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  13. The photos clearly exemplify the serenity of your thoughts. We should all have such a sanctuary. Beautifl post.

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  14. Warm greetings 'askcherlock',
    Thank you for your very kind comment.
    I do my best to maintain positive reinforcement. Such a place, like in my photos, is indeed a positive, peaceful sanctuary. It makes me appreciate just how good life can be.
    I hope you have a sanctuary.
    With peace and respect, Gary

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  15. I always think it quite cathartic to record a day or an event with a few photos to go with the narrative. It acts as a trigger for your own memory and provides another perspective for the reader.

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  16. Hi John,
    It is indeed cathartic and adds another dimension to the story.
    This approach is something you do very well on your brilliant blog.
    Kind wishes, Gary.

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  17. Dear Julie,
    Thanks. Here's wishing you the very best in your ongoing inspirational journey towards a better life;.
    With respect and empathy, Gary x

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I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.