Page 55 - Through a glass brightly

who lives in Norwich, is a member of the Russian Orthodox Church and she had told me about it.
Thanks to Glenda for her mail about her Glasgow life under lockdown which sounded full of interest and activity! Also for the Mother Julian material which I was able to receive through Dropbox. (I have been to that church and seen Julian’s cell.) In fact, we have had lots of fascinating messages from the group as a whole. Keep them coming!
I’d forgotten about the ‘Charcoal Burner’s Son’ but think I was a soldier too? If it was that particular play, Miss Iliff wanted me to remove my glasses, but of course I was so short sighted that I didn’t want to and think I did wear them. In later years, I had contact lenses and now after two cataract ops (happily long before this crisis) I can say that I have almost perfect vision. It’s amazing, a true modern miracle, and I suppose all the more appreciated because my vision had deteriorated even from the original low point!
A word to Sandy and Val M. here. On one of our holidays, Val referred to a lighthouse ‘which we keep seeing’. I didn’t admit it but don’t think I ever saw this lighthouse!
I would now...
From Jenny at 10.44
I feel guilty that my contributions to these conversations are so often lowbrow. I am not reading erudite treatises or viewing virtual gallery tours. I am doing a work out with Joe Wicks and the Crossword and pottering in the garden - and eating and drinking more than usual. However, I thought the attached might entertain you so perhaps that is my role - cheerleader/clown. Just thought these were amusing.
Friday, 1st May
From Val M at 16.35
I enjoyed your lockdown lingo, Jenny, and don’t for goodness’ sake get self conscious about what you post on here as I am about to expose myself as a complete idiot in my teenage years, even if hopefully somewhat improved since, and if I start thinking about it I won’t be able to do it. I especially liked the elephant in the Zoom! In a choir singalong on Monday a very elderly lady (I presume from the voice) failed to mute herself (the other choir director on Wednesdays mutes us when he wants to - he knows!) and sang along all the time, out of sync, in a high and warbly voice. Well done on the quiz, Jenny, very impressive. I love quizzes, never do well but live in hope. I’d love to find one online where you don’t have to be part of a team. I tried a ramblers one but the questions were so obscure and now an invitation has come through for an Arsenal one - test yourself on your knowledge of Arsenal, I don’t think so, I can’t remember a thing let alone football results - I’ve sent it on to my son.
I was interested in the Julian of Norwich/ Margery Kempe interchange and loved Glenda’s Powerpoint on Dropbox, though am still wondering if there is a voiceover which I have missed. And like others I know Walsingham as I had a cottage on the Norfolk coast for many years. I’m actually not keen on the place, not because it’s Christian and I’m not any more - I feel very at home in a cathedral or old church and visiting them is one of my great interests. But I find a kind of religiosity in Walsingham, something a bit saccharine... I think it may be the Roman Catholic element - I have the same problem in lots of cathedrals in Europe. But one thing I do like - along the street in which is the entrance to the Abbey is a row of old shops selling religious artefacts and I read in a guide book that that row of shops has been there since the 13th century selling similar objects. Lovely. There is also a wonderful snowdrop walk in the Abbey grounds. I do really miss Norfolk now that I live down in Devon. In a snowdrop wood late one afternoon near Walsingham I once saw a barn owl hunting through the trees. One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.
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