A Foot in Two Campos

Thoughts from a brand new home-owner in the Axarquía region of Málaga. I hope there might be some information and experiences of use to other new purchasers, plus the occasional line to provoke thought or discussion.

28 - Reflecting
Saturday, October 27, 2012 @ 7:14 PM

A day for quiet contemplation. A day for walking in the campo, reflecting on wonderful memories of my special mother on the day that would have been her 82^nd birthday. The first one without her ….. the first of many such firsts, sadly. Reflecting too on 2012 as it slowly disappears over the horizon. A year of sorrow, loss, endings and beginnings.

A year when old friends have been hugely important. I have cried on their shoulders, they have phoned just when I needed it, they have been there with coffee, cake, tissues and support. New friends, even some as yet unmet, have also offered real kindnesses.

My walk today offers wide vistas, huge horizons, paths leading into the unknown, safe paths and rocky paths. All the choices of which way to go are mine alone to make. A horse gazes implacably back at me on the hillside below. He is tethered, his choices limited. Above, a hawk dives in and out of the clouds, turning as he wishes, his choices unlimited. Between them I walk in the sunshine and the shade, picking my own route, my choices limited only by me, my caution, my indecision.

My chosen path disappears over the horizon. Time to turn back? Or to take a step onward, into the unknown? Only a moment’s hesitation ……..

Onward.

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8 Comments

Maddiemack said:
Sunday, October 28, 2012 @ 3:50 PM

A lovely post, Tamara, and we love that last photo. It made us think about our own mothers. Tony's mum died two years ago and we think about her every day when we made our cups of tea. When other members of the family were choosing items of higher value from her home as keepsakes, we were more interested in the ceramic tea caddy she used every day...and her favourite, yellow, flower vase. These, we felt, were more personal to her and more meaningful to us. My own dear 'Ma' is still with us, though she is becoming more frial with each passing month and your reflections reminded us of the importance of spending as much time with her as possible whilst she is still on this earth.

Tamara said:
Sunday, October 28, 2012 @ 4:06 PM

Thanks M. Yes, like you the things l want to keep and treasure are the personal things. Her Scrabble set, and the leather pig she bought my dad 45 years ago when we moved to Yorkshire. And the lemon treeml planted here for her is going strong :-)

Louise said:
Sunday, October 28, 2012 @ 9:53 PM

A lovely chapter of your life! you write well and with passion. I look forward to following my favourite blogs on here! Keep going and keep remembering your Mum :)

Gerald said:
Monday, October 29, 2012 @ 7:52 AM

I'm sorry Tamara I've been so wrapped up in my own little projects I have not had time to look at other "internet friends' thoughts & words. I am sorry you had to go back over that horrible time especially as it not so long ago.
To be at peace with yourself is excatly what your mom would have wished & I'm sure that somewhere she is great satisfaction seeing you moving on in life. Nature & time are wonderful medicines, you'll never forget but your thoughts of her will only get better. Wonderful mums are lasting memories.

Patricia (Campana) said:
Monday, October 29, 2012 @ 2:01 PM

As always, enjoying your writing, Tamara.
Safe journeying along that path and over the horizon. You have an adventurous spirit (and I can so identify with you in that aspect).

My mother left this world nine years ago. There is not a day that the memories are not present. I have a few items that I use every day which belonged to her. I do so miss her and my Dad.

Tamara said:
Monday, October 29, 2012 @ 10:50 PM

Thank you all - l always appreciate your comments and support x

eggcup said:
Sunday, November 4, 2012 @ 5:17 PM

A lovely post Tamara. My father's birthday would have been on the 29th of October (he would have been 87). We were very close, but also had a quite fiery relationship... Some of that will become clear on my blog soon, where he figures quite prominently.
On another note, I wanted to drive by Colmenar this week on my way to Malaga airport just to have a nose, but I was too nervous in case the detour made us miss the 'plane. Maybe next time.

Tamara said:
Sunday, November 4, 2012 @ 9:37 PM

Oh Eggcup yes please do come by next time! Let me know, won't you? I'd love to show it off to you :-)

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Tamara
I bought my dream home in July 2012 and since taking early retirement in March 2013 I have settled into a pattern of living about nine tenths of my time in Spain and one tenth in Dorset, England. My blog is entitled A Foot in Two Campos as it compares rural life in Dorset and Colmenar. But mostly my blog is about the experience of settling into a Spanish town, getting to know my new neighbours, and of course learning the language.