Friday 5 July 2013

One Year on ... Communication Skills Reprieved, Lego played with ... and London Underground ...


The year has passed peacefully and smoothly ... many memories from family and friends ...


Hardwick (the "old boy" - as my mother
used to call him) with Muddy Hippo
and Zdena sent to us by Lenny
Hardwick and I continue on – the blog is written, often with my mother in my mind ... all things that would fascinate and amuse her ... to which she would react, interact with and take some pleasure in being alive.


I am about to change up the gears ... the blog will continue, while there will be additional projects forthcoming ... the plans are afoot.


Tiles at Covent Garden tube
However ... Canada Day and Independence Day remind me of happy times ... seventeen years ago we had a lovely holiday starting in Calgary, training over the Rockies and ferrying to Vancouver Island ...


... to all celebrating this week – happy independent, entrepreneurial individuals and families ... here’s to a fun and successful future.   It does look like we might have a sunny weekend and there hasn’t been much of that warming us up on this island nation ...

Queen Victoria in
'bas-relief' style at
Victoria Station

... however my heart goes out to the fire fighting families and community of those 19 who this week lost their lives in the Arizona heat-wave ... way too early in life.  So many affected, so many shocked, so many who have lost loved ones ... my thoughts.


Communication ("soul-food") with elderly or ill peoples – always seems to stump us (normal (or so we think!) patient humans) – and I am so grateful that firstly my mother could communicate, so we often had interesting conversations about a variety of subjects ...


... then secondly that this blog provided me with threads of ideas to follow ... from which I can branch out into other areas and which have given me a positive outlook, with a future to look forward to.  I have always been grateful and appreciate your continued support.


Thinking about the power of reading and writing ... how many of the population 150 years ago could still only manage the basics, or just the absolute basic: speaking ... to the extent that London Underground have reminded us of this in their refurbishment (ongoing) of the tube stations.


Circles or dots appearing at
Green Park station
Their 150th anniversary has brought to light many snippets of information about how the tube was developed, the creation of those iconic tube maps ...


... how to communicate with the travelling awestruck public ... coming to ogle at the underground railway, the concept of railways still so new ...

Meet me at the coloured dots station .. ie Green Park, or meet me at the Queen's portrait, meaning Victoria Station ... or meet me at the two men unloading timber from their boat - Tottenham Hale .... makes life easier for those who cannot read or write ... 



I went to London to see the Lego tube maps ... geeks: tube geeks meet Lego geeks ... the result: Lego maps in five station concourses ...





Ø South Kensington – 1927 map
Ø Piccadilly Circus – 1933, Harry Beck’s original map
Ø Green Park – 1968 map
Ø Stratford – on the station site is a 2013 map
Ø King’s Cross map is how the map might look in 2020, with (London) Crossrail depicted.

The Lego map showing how the tube
might look in 2020 at King's Cross station

Apparently there’s a very old tube map on display at Temple station – if only I had known I would have looked when I went to see the “Amongst Heroes – the artist inWorking Cornwall” art exhibition ... I shall have to check next time I am in the vicinity.


While going in and out of the tube, because I also went to other places on my quick visit ... I noticed the tiles in the tube stations ... which 150 years ago were used to identify each station ... for those who could not read or write ...

Harry Beck's 1933 map
... the chevrons, depictions, symbols, colours, circles and pictures could easily be learnt by those who were less educated, but who needed or wanted to travel on the tube.


The two Lego maps I visited were fascinating to see, but in fact I was more amused by the tiles ...


advert for the Wrapper
These were the kind of things which would have interested my mother – her eyes would light up, and the questioning or commenting would start ... I know I would have been sent off to find other links ... so here are two:


I spotted a reference to Wrapper – at one of the stations ... and this clarifies the Underground tile work:


Tile wrapper examples
Jacqueline Poncelot – a ceramic artist ... who has utilised the colours of the various tube lines, while including numerous references to local history – the Wrapper encloses a tube sub-station. This is worth a look at from an artistic angle, but also by reading ... both aspects are fascinating.    TheLondonphile.com ... or a visit: directions in the article ...


Then FlickR also shows different tube station designs ... where we are reminded of ‘lost rivers’ and old English words Tottenham Hale, or where presumably duels were fought .. two pistols depicted at Finsbury Park.   I love this learning!


To you in the north Americas – my thoughts for a difficult week at a time that should be and is celebratory ... while also to all who have recently lost a dear one – my thoughts are with you as I think of my mother a year ago ...


Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories










62 comments:

Denise Covey said...

My thoughts are with you too Hilary as you remember your beloved mother. The year has passed so quickly.

It will be great to have the London Underground stations revamped. They certainly are overdue. One of the delights of riding the Paris Metro is the individuality of each station. Love them.

Those firefighter deaths were so shocking, so quick. I'm sure everyone who heard about it is mourning along with the families.

Then we have the Egypt unrest...so much unrest in the world. Still, we go on.

Be happy Hilary and I'll be looking forward to seeing what will be happening on your blog in the future.

Denise

J.L. Murphey said...

Nice tribute to you mum. Changes afoot? I look forward to seeing them. The Lego tube maps are awe inspiring with the time and dedication to detail it took to do.

Manzanita said...

Hilary
Yes, the year zipped by. I always liked hearing about the things you shared with your Mum and her reaction to them.
It is interesting the way people found their way around on the tube. I never knew about the tiles. Years ago when I traveled to London, I'd find my way all over on the tube, today, I'd be afraid I'd get terribly lost. LOL
What a tragic happening to 19 brave men.

TALON said...

There's something about Lego that makes me smile...maybe remembering my kids working so hard on their Lego creations...wearing out the knees of their jeans or pajama bottoms. :)

Like you, Hilary, I so often see things or hear of things I know my Mom would have loved to hear about...and I guess that's how we keep them close, even when they're in that other place...just keeping the connection alive through our hearts. I miss her every single day...sometimes a wave will wash over me and it's so intense. She was more than a mother to me, she was my friend. I know how you must feel.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

I suspect our mothers are always with us in some way. My mom has been gone for 17 years now; it doesn't seem possible that it's been that long, but it has. Many days, I still feel the urge to call her on the phone... followed by a sudden twinge of loss in my chest. (I'm sure you know exactly what I mean.)

Very interesting about the use of colors and pictures in the tube. How innovative! (And thoughtful.)












Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Is the Underground really that old? Whoa...
Judging from the two Lego maps, the Tube has grown considerably over the years.
Looking forward to the changes and growth here, Hilary.

Bish Denham said...

How well I understand what you are going through with the parting of your mom... And, I bet you have those moments when you make a gesture or stand a certain way and you feel in your body the way you remember your mother looking. In this way, and many others, our moms are always with us.

Who knew subways (tubes) could be so interesting?

Jo said...

I rode the tube regularly as a young woman but didn't know about the picture identification. Never occurred to me. Very interesting to learn about and also interesting the connections with history. Of course during rush hour you aren't really paying attention to surroundings.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Wonderful tribute to your mom...choosing things that would interest and amuse her.

I have never ridden a tube or subway in my life. I have always wanted to though. I suppose I need to get out more lol.

Elise Fallson said...

I think it's wonderful you have so many fond memories of your mother. That's how loved ones live on, through our memories. Today marks the end of the school year for my children, yes, time does go by quickly...too quickly sometimes. And I share your thoughts over the tragedy of the firefighters who lost their lives. So sad.
The metro in Paris also has some interesting and beautifully decorated stops. I'll have to take some pictures next time I visit.
We didn't get to celebrate the 4th of July, but the sun is out today and it is finally warm enough to wear a t-shirt. Have a lovely weekend. (:

Luanne G. Smith said...

You've brought back a few memories for me with this. I loved exploring London via the Underground. And because my son is a train fanatic, I did know much of its history while there.

Touching nod to your mother too. My own mother has lost most of her memory, and so conversations require heaps and heaps of patience, which I don't always have. But I'm reminded here to take my time with her.

Wonderful post. :)

Suzanne Furness said...

Thinking about you Hilary as you remember your mother. Six months now since my own mum passed, yet sometimes it only feels like yesterday. Looking forward to our trip to London in 3 weeks, still haven't decided what everyone wants to fit in whilst we are there!

Have a lovely sunny weekend.

Lisa said...

Wow Hilary, so much to "read" in this post. I hadn't realized that about the tiles and symbols in the tube stations. Makes me really appreciate the ability to read and write. So nice to hear about the memories you have of your mother. Thanks for sharing these with us. I always enjoy your posts, your thoughts and expressions.

Patsy said...

Good luck with all your new projects - I look forward to hearing about them.

jabblog said...

How fascinating. I haven't travelled sufficiently on the Tube to notice such things. I shall keep my eyes open next time.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

So the colors were to designate which station? Or which line?

Tina said...

I'm thinking of you and your dear mother. Glad for the happy memories you share. Fascinating about the symbols used where words wouldn't do. Nicely put together post.
Tina @ Life is Good

Chase March said...

Hi Hilary,

I love the versatility of Lego and the creative way people use it to create art. I still maintain that it is the best toy ever.

I am also intrigued by these other projects you teased us about. Good luck with whatever it is . . . and have fun!

Rosalind Adam said...

A year on and I know how hard that is. You're truly an inspiration to me. Thank you for so much positivity.

Mark Means said...

My wife recently lost her mother and I don't think it ever gets any easier. But, as the saying goes, as long as we have their memories, they're never truly gone.

I knew there were Lego geeks (as I'm one!), but I had no idea there were Tube Geeks, too. Very cool.

Have a great weekend :)

Morgan said...

Ohhhh... lots of love to your dear mother... <3 <3 <3

Deniz Bevan said...

I love the items you highlight in your posts, Hilary!
I'd like to see that old Tube map myself - at Temple, must add this to list of sites to see during next London visit!
And Lego! I adore Lego! I'd love to build the Tube map with Lego - Think I'll but a set for my nephew as a gift. It's for my nephew I swear! :-)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Denise – many thanks. The tubes are beginning to look better – taking its time though. I haven’t been to Paris for years – but next time I’ll pay more attention when I’m in the Metro.

I know lots of sadness around for so many – I’m fine .. and looking forward to the new projects .. sometime away!

@ JL – a while yet ... just set the wheels in motion ... Aren’t the lego maps fun ... my mother would have loved them ... still ... the time must come ...

@ Manzanita – I so appreciate your comment .. it’s funny how the mix and match of my mother’s reactions could always inspire me. She would have been really upset at the loss of the fire fighters ...

I have found the whole tube history fascinating and I want to write more anon .. I’m sure you wouldn’t get lost ... it’s very clearly signed! Lots of walking though.

@ Talon – we had Lego as kids .. but I was the elder one and had really passed that age ... the patches on our clothes though I remember!

It’s a ‘funny’ sensation ... but it’s easier knowing she’s safe ... it was quite difficult with that long illness ... but Hardwick and I keep chatting! Thanks somuch ..

@ Susan – it is lovely that that connectivity is still there and we feel we can communicate with them even now – mothers are mothers ...

The signage on the tube is fascinating .. I’ll have to write more anon .. and wasn’t it thoughtful – and helpful to so many travellers ...

@ Alex – yes it really is 150 years old ... the tube has grown hugely over the years with different underground lines – and more to follow ...

The changes and projects will be happening anon .. but they are on their way ..

@ Bish – its encouraging to have so much support and understanding .. yes, lots of memories and I learnt to do some things differently because of her needs ...

I know – tubes were innovators in so many ways ...

@ Jo – I don’t think any of us realised these things ... we just followed the colours and travelled around – in fact I used to use the bus a great deal ..

@ Keith – many thanks .. my time during those years was very inspiring in many ways.

Hey- you’re missing out on a great way to travel!! Yes – I think it should be a bucket list goal ..

@ Elise – yes I’m delighted too with those memories ...

Treasure the time with your kids – I know you will .. and time does go so quickly.

Oh yes – please do take some photos of the Paris metro stops ...

Yesterday was misty and chilly here –but they had sun at Wimbledon .. looks like we all have good weather and a warm weekend ahead – goody goody!!

@ Karen – it doesn’t really seem a year ago – but the date resonates. In fact both my parents’ dates occur on major anniversaries of some sort – but being around my Mum for the last 5+ years of her life ... I have that closeness and understanding to remember ..

Ah ha .. projects will start coming to fruition later in the year ... they will take a while as I move forward ...it’s fun!

@ Luanne – you probably know more than I do re the Underground .. but there’ve been some fascinating articles, programmes coming out this year ...

I’m sorry to read about your mother .. the loss of memory is so difficult – I’m glad my little nod to patience made some sense to you ... I’m afraid for you – it can only be very slow and very patient ... less stress for you in many ways, as your expectation won’t be so huge – look after yourself ... so appreciate your comment.

Happy July Fourth weekend - cheers and I'm now onto replying to the rest of the comments - many thanks - Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Suzanne – I’m sorry I’d forgotten about your mother .. perhaps it was when I was laid out with the virus, so many of us had ... it’s a difficult time to adjust .. the family must help hugely.

Oh I’m so looking forward to hearing what you decide to do ... enjoy that forward planning process – trips to town are special ...

You too – enjoy the sunny time, which I hope you’re having ...

@ Lisa – I enjoy putting lots into my posts ... and know occasionally I do too much – I didn’t know about the tiles and symbols – I think they’re bringing them in with the refurbishment that’s going on – it is an iconic ‘structure’ .. and aren’t we lucky to be born in this era ... I appreciate your thoughts re my mother – and your comment here ..

@ Patsy – new projects are still in the planning and process – they’ll take a while .. but have been simmering away quietly!

@ Janice – it’s worth having a look or travelling specifically to see a few of these things – people kept stopping to see what I was doing .. taking photos!

@ Diane – I guess they represented the area – I imagine Piccadilly Circus was colourful because the circus was colourful – hence the green, blue, red and cream ... and yes each tube line is a colour – which then is represented in various ways at the stations and along the corridors/concourse ....so both really!

@ Tina – many thanks ... I’m just delighted everyone is so supportive and it’s fun to remember my mother’s quirky ways ... or where her thoughts would take her ...

I loved finding out more about the symbols and then making appoint of noticing them. Thanks so much ..

@ Chase – people keep coming up with ideas about Lego – but this was a wonderful synchronisation for geeks – though I’m sure it’s a great teaching tool for kids as they play and create ..

The projects will materialise in due course .. I am energised with the thought process.

@ Ros – I got lucky with my mother and her illness – yes there were hard times, but in so many ways it was a positive experience – and if I give you hope and a tiny life – I feel honoured: thank you ..

@ Mark – I am sorry to hear of your wife’s loss – I’m glad you’re around for her - and at least will have provided support and you’ll remember times together when your MIL was alive .. with thoughts.

Lego geeks – ah isn’t that fun ... you’d love to see these ... I don’t know how long they’ll leave them up in the stations – I hope a while at least ... delighted you enjoyed the post!

Cheers everyone have lovely weekends – it’s gloriously sunny here ... bliss!! Thanks so much for your supportive thoughts and comments ... Hilary

mail4rosey said...

The Lego maps are neat!! They just do everything with Legos, don't they???

I'm glad you blog, I like to come visit here.

The loss of the firefighters was so heart-wrenching! It was hard to watch on the news. I feel for those affected.

The 4th made me happy too. I like doing things with family and appreciating that I live in a place that does have freedom (a very precious gift indeed!).

Happy weekend to you!

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Lovely that you had such an endearing relationship with your mother. That leaves so many good memories!

Am looking forward to seeing the changes you have planned...

Mary Montague Sikes

Golden Eagle said...

I love the snippets you post. They're always interesting!

Those LEGO maps are so cool.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Rosy .. I think they do do many things with Lego - I've seen houses built etc etc - but I love the idea of the tube maps .. and am delighted you enjoy visiting - thanks!

The loss of the fire-fighters is just so sad and really difficult to think about ...

I hope you're having a happy Fourth of July weekend ..

@ Monty - it sure does ... we were happy during the time frame - she was 'settled' and comforted in her visits etc ...

ah ah changes - they're coming!

@ GE - delighted you enjoy coming by ... and I must try and get out to see the other Lego maps ...

Lovely to see you - enjoy your Fourth of July weekend .. Hilary

Marja said...

The loss must be great, especially when you had such a great bond. How great to have had a mum with which you had in-depth conversations.
Amazing to think how lucky we are to grow up in an era in which we can read and write anything and have access to material from all over the world through the internet

Vallypee said...

Reading some of these comments, I see others feel what I do when I read your post - the deep bond and affection between you and your mother. She most have been a lovely companion. Your tribute to her is very touching.

I join you in my thoughts for the Arizona firefighters. What a tragedy.

And I love the Lego maps! Another rich, rewarding and touching post.

A Lady's Life said...

Time sure does fly and we never forget our loved ones.They will forever remain in our heart.
You think oh, have to ask Mom or Dad and forget you can't.This is the saddest time.
Here in Canada we have the Calgary flood and in Quebec a bad train derailment. Seems everywhere you look there are problems.

Margie said...

Hilary,
I came over from Marja's blog, saw you there.
I have seen you around in the blog world but I have not been blogging much since my granddaughter was born.

I am sorry for the loss of your mother, may her memory always be a blessing.

My heart so grieves for all those firefighters that lost their lives in the Arizona fire, it's truly heartbreaking!

Take care....

Anonymous said...

Hi, Hilary. Those Lego maps are so cool looking.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Marja - we were very lucky in those latter years when she was ill and it helped us both enormously.

Life has changed dramatically for us born after or in and around the War - yet for our parents and grandparents (probably very few left now) ... it is extraordinary to think how many changes they've seen.

@ Val - you've hit the nail on the head .. we were both very lucky the way lives turned out while she was ill. I'm exceedingly grateful for those memories and that time.

Arizona firefighters loss was a terrible tragedy.

Aren't the lego maps amazing - perhaps they should do one of the canal waterways of Holland!

@ A Lady's Life .. yes there are lots of unanswered questions, which I thankfully have become reconciled to never knowing the answer ..

I saw the Calgary floods and the Quebec train crash horror is now becoming apparent - that sounds as though many have died .. a whole community decimated - I hope it is not so, but I fear it is. That will be far worse ... dreadful to contemplate ...

@ Margie - welcome! Thanks for coming by and saying how you 'found' me - lovely to have you here.

Lucky you with your granddaughter - Rose looks quite delightful .. and what joy she will bring to you and the family: enjoy! It is something my mother missed, but never voiced - the fact she did not have grandchildren .. sad, but these things happen in families.

Thank you re my mother - I think her memory will always be a blessing ... and for that I'm grateful.

So much tragedy around us ... you've had your fair share in NZ ...

@ Susanne - good to see you - and aren't the Lego maps 'so cool' ... fun too!!

Cheers to you all - we're having glorious weather here finally .. Hilary

Rhonda Albom said...

Wonderful memories of your mother.

I would have loved to have seen the lego underground maps when we were in London, they are really cool.

Empty Nest Insider said...

I can't believe that it's been a year since you lost your mum. I remember how you wrote about her good days, and bad days, and how you were always there to lend support. Your blog will continue to be a tribute to your mum no matter what you write about. I'm sure that she is still very proud of you Hilary.

Julie

Anonymous said...

My hubby will love these pics, as he's a railway enthusiast. It appeals to me from the creative point of view.

Your post is a great tribute to your mother and those poor firefighters in Arizona, too. x

Inger said...

This brought tears to my eyes. You know your mother will always be with you and what a blessing it was that you two were so close.

Then the Underground brought tears too, of a different kind, as I remembered London, my first time away from home, falling in love with the city, and with my first love. And the tube was always such large part of it all. I still have my map from 1960 and now I am hooked and want to learn more. Thank you again and take good care, my friend.

Davina said...

Hilary, your mention(s) of your mother...highly endearing. I appreciate how her memory lives on in your blog..."positive letters to your Mom" or perhaps positive letters coming back to you xo This was a heartwarming post.

I have always had a soft spot for the elderly, and in fact worked weekends in the front office of an old-age home when I was in high school. I have a fond memory of one of the residents who would often come down to visit me.

She'd sit in the chair opposite my desk and chat. I will never forget her. Thank you for continuing to embrace the memory of your mother here. Sends wonderful positive energy to all who read.

Tara Tyler said...

what a fun tour through tiled tunnel! and love the lego maps! legos are so awesome. yes, i'm a nerd =)

Julia Hones said...

A beautiful tribute to your mother, Hilary... thanks for sharing these words of wisdom and information...

Sherry Ellis said...

My son would love looking at the Lego maps!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Rhonda - you're on the wrong continent now - sorry! - but having another trip of a lifetime ..

@ Julie - thanks so much .. it's the way of life and the important thing was I was there with her. She did know about the blog .. and was grateful I had something for the future .. which reassured her.

@ Madeleine - I hope your hubby can get to London sometime to see the maps - they are a wonder to see.

Thanks - your parents are struggling too .. and I appreciate your care for them .. there are now more disasters - so sad for all concerned.

@ Inger - we were so lucky with those last 5+ years in so many ways, though it was desperate at times ..

It's amazing isn't it - that I can write about the tube and bring back memories for so many .. I find it fascinating.

I will write more about the tube - but for now it will have to wait ..

@ Davina - that was how it began - "you write so positively" about what's going on at the early stages of my mother's illness - thus we now have positive letters ...

You and my mother would have got on very well - as she started a Care Home .. I was never very keen - and had the opposite effect as a kid - not an industry I wanted to go into.

I'm so glad I've brought back some of those memories for you ... you must have made a big difference to that lady's life .. and to the others .. but particularly to the one you connected with ..

@ Tara - another Lego nerd! Wonderful ..

@ Julia - I appreciate your thoughts ... thank you.

@ Sherry - kids or boys should I say! and their trains and Lego ..

Cheers to you all - it's stunningly lovely here! Summer is really here .. Hilary

Linens and Royals said...

I will be able to check out some of the Tube stations. Piccadilly Circus for sure, it is one of my favourites.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

I'm thinking of you as you think of your sweet Mama. She inspired you, don't you think?

My grandsons are Lego crazy. I have many for them when they visit, in the toy room.

Karen Lange said...

Your posts always stir my imagination! Legos are everywhere and can create most anything, can't they? Amazing.

Thoughts and prayers go to the families and friends of the firefighters. And thoughts and prayers go your way as well.

Blessings and hugs to you,
Karen

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Sylvia .. not long now is it - and that's great that you're aware of the tiling and too the Lego maps - enjoy your trip over from Oz .. to the Buck Palace party ...

@ Teresa - a box of Lego provides much amusement - I can remember my brothers having so much fun with the set/s we had at home .. and then the kids since ..

Lucky grandsons to have a toy room! Keeps the mess in one place I guess and it's theirs ..

In a funny way my mother's illness provided me with brain release or soul food - as I needed something else to think about or do .. so yes - she did inspire me and still does ...

@ Karen - that's wonderful to read - just delighted everyone seems to enjoy my woven posts ...

Yes - so many tragedies recently - now Quebec ... I'm just so grateful I had time, it has made all the difference ..

Cheers to the three of you on a wonderful summer's day - bliss! Hilary

klahanie said...

Hi Hilary,

I've had to backtrack. As you know, it can be hard to keep up with it all.

I'm delighted you made mention of Canada Day, along with the one that Canada's neighbours have. A lot of folks don't even realise that Canada has a celebration of its founding. I've done the very same trip on the train from Calgary to Vancouver. If the Rockies doesn't leave one in awe, I'm not sure what would. Vancouver Island, and Victoria, some call it more British than Britain.

What a horrific tragedy when all those young fire fighters lost their lives in Arizona.

It's hard to believe the London Underground is 150 years old. Still a marvel of, generally speaking, efficiency.

With your mother in mind, bless you and your articulate, attention to detail postings.

Gary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Gary - so lovely to see you at this post too .. I'm not keeping up .. but there we go ..

I'm glad I mentioned Canada Day - being only 3 days apart to USA day .. your ex country does get swamped by the celebrations of down south ..

I was going to put more in .. but had to curtail the word count ...

I loved the train trip and just seeing the hard labour that had gone into creating that engineering feat across the Rockies was superb ... and seeing those goats cling precariously to the rock edges and cliffs ...

We only saw the Buchart Gardens - I don't think we went into Victoria .. a trip for another day ...

Tragedy seems to be coming thick and fast at the moment - the train crash is very sad ...

So much occurred in Britain in the 1800s .. railways and undergrounds ..

Thank you re my mother - she was always happy with the memories of our trip to Canada

Enjoy this very hot weather .. cheers Hilary

Juliet said...

Wow; a whole year since your mother died. It seems no time at all. I hope you had some sunny days Hilary. How nice that good memories have come to the surface. The lego maps are fascinating - I'd never heard of them.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Juliet .. it's is a very quick time frame - frightening for us oldies! But all is well this end of the world .. and the happy memories are there for ever I think ... thankfully.

Aren't the Lego maps fabulous to look at ...

Lovely to see you and thanks for your thoughts .. Hilary

CMSmith said...

It's so nice to see you keeping your mother alive this way. I haven't been able to bring myself to write much about my mother yet, although I am tempted to post a tiny snippet I found in her journal. (Which I gave her and in which she only made about three or four entries.)

Lego maps. Another reason to visit England.

Amanda Trought said...

Hilary, its always great to get an insight to the places on your travels, and even more so for me, living in London with all this information around. Our mothers impact our lives in so many ways, and continue to inspire. I am excited for you with the new projects and look forward to hearing about them.x

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Christine .. I haven't changed the tone of the blog - I always included my mother or referred to her at times .. so it's a sort of natural progression ...

It will be lovely to hear something or a snippet about an aspect relating to your mother .. it's a difficult transition - when the loss is unexpected and sudden amongst a deluge of other troublesome times - your life wasn't easy then. My thoughts - I know I was lucky ..

@ Amanda - thanks so much .. overseas followers seem to enjoy hearing about London and England .. so including information along the way is fun for them and I enjoy my visits - wherever I'm going !

The new projects are exciting .. and all will be revealed in due time ..

Cheers to you both - as you've recently lost loved ones .. my thoughts - Hilary

David P. King said...

Harry Potter and Legos ... you just combined two of my favorite things. Clever! :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi David .. good to see you .. and thanks for coming across to this earlier post - still great you enjoyed two of your favourites!

Cheers Hilary

Tammy Theriault said...

i was mesmerized by the leggo leg. really cool!!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ David - well your Lego movie added to my list of links! Glad you enjoyed the posting .. Lego and HP work well together don't they.

@ Tammy - I too thought the Lego leg lady is pretty incredible .. she's obviously very creative ..

Cheers to you both - Hilary

Diana Wilder said...

My comment didn't take! Annoying! ah, well. I do find inspiration in wonderful places - the lego prosthesis and some of the things that heroine said about the way it (and the amputation) would help her to help others.

It has been just less than a year since my father died. at every turn I encounter things that tie me to him, ways that he (and my mother, who is still alive at a feisty 87) helped to guide my life with generosity, self-sacrifice and humor. I see your memories of your mother, and know that you are experiencing the same.

Diana at About Myself By Myself

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Diana .. well thank you for coming back and commenting - sorry I saw it slip by .. but forgot to reply to you.

It's amazing what we see - that inspire different thoughts for blog posts ..

It sounds like we have similar experiences .. with your father - just so pleased your mother is still going strong ... I love that word feisty!

It's good we can think along these lines and keep them alive within us ..

Parents are so essential to our lives ... in more ways than just 'having us' ...

Thanks for your lovely comment - Hilary

Silvia Writes said...

Lego maps .. that is quite amazing, but it also seems sensible. The tile is interesting in its history and look. Have never been in the London tube, so nice to see the pictures.

Beautiful tribute to your mom!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Sylvia - so glad you enjoyed your brief tour of the London Underground ..

and thanks re my Mama .. this month will always be important for her memory ..

Cheers from a sultry Eastbourne with a new future King who has lived through his first thunderstorm! Hilary