Let's Talk

The Hands of Time Sculpture - By Crystal Przybille

at The Empress Hotel - Victoria, BC

There is little in this world that can top a great conversation with a friend, new or old, over a cup of tea, coffee, ...beer. There is something powerful and comforting in the verbal exchange between two people. It can be likened to a restoration of the mind, a revitalization of our systems and our souls.

Lately, I feel like I'm down a pint, running low on this front. First of all, it seems absurdly difficult just to find time with a friend or acquaintance. Secondly, I wonder if it is becoming a dying art? Is it? Are simple, in-person, one-on-one conversations going the way of the Dodo and the hand-written letter? I sure as blazes hope not!

While I am no less an avid social media hound than the next person, there is nothing that can match the feeling and energy exchanged between two, free-thinking people in an open, passionate conversation. It is akin to mental love-making and meant to leave both parties inspired and rejuvenated.

I know that it can be terribly satisfying to hold a conversation with someone who sees your point of view and agrees with you on all fronts. I have enjoyed this experience many times and felt oh so vindicated through the nods and agreement with my own perspective but what of the exchange that challenges and takes you where you have never ventured?

I will never forget the first conversation I had with someone well-versed in quantum physics. This one was over a pint - which helped me open my mind, I'm certain. I remember how great it felt to be taken to such a foreign world, a world beyond my knowledge but not beyond what made sense to me on a cellular level. I remember how, the very next day, I was scanning the shelves of my local book seller, eager to purchase a 'beginner's guide' - naive, perhaps, but I did find something to get me started. I read many web sites on thermodynamics and quantum physics and slowly ploughed through the book I purchased, having to read each page a dozen times before it made any sense to me.

This one conversation reminded me, for the gazillionth time, that the world and its possibilities, my possibilities, are unfathomable, how with each word, each encounter, we grow and move and learn.

Conversations expand and excite me. They keep me guessing and wandering down the path that is my life. They are undeniably necessary to my existence, my growth and my quality of life. Conversations are irreplaceable.

Coffee and a chat, anyone?

-Gillian Cornwall, July 23, 2017

Original Post, c. July 27, 2014

Cornerstone Cafe - Fernwood

Gillian Cornwall, Victoria, BC c 2014

The Gift of Evergreen

 Evergreen Bough

Gillian Cornwall, c. 2013

Moments

peaceful moments

life-filled

senses heightened

moments.

I walk among these winter woods

of evergreen,

every green.

From western winds, a carpet laid

in pine and spruce and cedar 

with every footfall fresh.

Branches gathered

fingers stuck with pine sap scent

this air freshener

the real McCoy.

Intertwining perfect circles

still damp

with the whisper

of the first snow fallen.

Rose hips of red

Snowberry bunches

of winter white

all bound in birch

a ribbon found.

Nature's gift

a perfect lift

for spirits fading

running ragged

the season nears.

I hang this wreath

upon your door

The symbol, strength

The circle, friends

forevermore.

-Gillian Cornwall, November 22, 2015

Re-posted from the original, December 8, 2013

On Campus

Gillian Cornwall, c. 2013

Moments - stories

A moment in The Crown and Cushion Hotel

Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, UK

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 2015

Moments - they are happening all over the world to everyone all the time. The picture above represents one I had recently. It was brief. It was magical. It was fun. Here is the back story: 

I have some wonderful friends here is Victoria, BC who own an antique and second-hand furniture and collectibles shop. They are my friends. I adore them. They are kind, warm, fair people with good hearts and awesome humour. Their shop is called Charmaine's Past and Present. Check it out next time you are on Fort Street in downtown Victoria. I've had many awesome moments there - just hanging out, chatting and, yes, even occasionally buying something despite being a bit of a minimalist when it comes to possessions). Anyway, one day before I left for the UK, I stopped into Charmaine's to visit before I left the country for a month. I noticed a horse brass / bottle opener for The Crown and Cushion near the front desk and noted it to be from Oxfordshire. I mentioned to Glenn and Charmaine that I would be going through Oxfordshire at least once on my adventures and wouldn't it be fun to take this with me and bring it back to the inn from whence it had come across one country, a vast ocean, all the way across our enormous continent, with a skip across the Pacific to land on Vancouver Island! It's the kind of thing I think about ...perhaps not common or normal, but I am rarely accused of being "normal." We agreed that this was a fine idea and they kindly gave it to me and simply asked me to get a picture and let them know how it went. 

I packed it in my bag and took it on a couple of aeroplane trips - back to the mainland and then back over the "pond" to the UK. Unpacking at my cousin's, I showed her the brass and told her this was a priority for me. As it turned out, we didn't have opportunity to go to Chipping Norton on our day to Oxford - one is limited by the clock in some instances - but, as it happened, my new friends, Richard and Carolyn, who I had never met before this trip, had very kindly agreed to pick me up and drive me to the Cotswolds with them on another of my adventures (to not make this post 8 miles long, I'll leave that story for another time). This meant, I realized quite happily after checking my wonderful maps.me app, that we would be passing through Chipping Norton on our way to Stow on the Wold - you have to love these place names! 

I felt a bit funny asking Richard and Carolyn to stop in Chipping Norton and even a bit more peculiar trying to explain to these folks that I HAD JUST MET that I wanted to drop off this horse brass, but there is something to be said for asking for what you want / need. Anyway, this is exactly what I did and they very kindly did stop and it was AMAZING. I sauntered into the Crown and Cushion on my own while my kind transporters and new friends went to find a place to park. As it turned out, the woman at the desk (I wish I could remember her name - I think it was Mary...) is the mother of the young man who runs the place and she was absolutely gobsmacked (as they say in the old country) with my story and what I had done. I had to repeat it once for her to absorb what this Canadian hurricane of a human was saying and another time to her son who had come out of his office to meet me.They were so thrilled, so touched and so delighted that someone would take the time to do this simple thing, to make a connection across over 7,565 km, over a simple inexpensive object that has now done more travelling than most people do in their lifetimes. 

A moment. Many hearts. A story. None of us know how the brass got to Victoria in the first place but now it has travelled back to where it came from however many years ago and I have met super cool people along the way and touched a heart or two by what turned out to be a simple act. The brass is likely hanging over that massive fireplace you can see in the background of the picture though they were concerned that someone might nick it and take it on another adventure. 

If you are ever passing through Chipping Norton and stop at the Crown and Cushion, be sure to stop in and mention the horse brass and this story. Maybe find a way of making a contact like this on your next trip. Don't be afraid. We are all connected by moments, by stories, by our love of the magic this world holds despite the violence and the threats of terror around the globe. Laugh, love and live on in the face of it, for love will win. Love always wins. 

With respect to everyone in war torn, terror-ridden nations around the world and the many moments of your lives, good and bad. Your stories are important. Write them down and share them because your love of your life will win and the pen will always be mightier than the sword. Know that there are myriad people around the globe, working for peace, for freedom, for love. Tell your stories. Send them out to the world by whatever means you can find. Let us connect through our humanity and our love for one another rather than rend ourselves to pieces in our differences. 

In this moment, may we each have a little peace. 

With love,

-Gillian Cornwall, c. November 15, 2015

My first view of York Minster - I hope I have captured the awe

I felt as I stood in front of this exceptionally beautiful building

York, UK

Gillian Cornwall, c. October,2015

The Experiential Sweet Spot of Adventure

The View from Fox Road, Wigginton, Herts.

Gillian Cornwall, c. October 2015

There exists a sweet spot on any adventure between independence and companionship, between having an experience on one's own and a shared experience. For me, it's not about whether or not you embark alone but how you interact, and with whom, once the adventure has been undertaken. 

Certainly, there can be times during independent travel when you may wish you were with your best mate and could say, "Wow, can you believe this...?!" Being the kind of person I am, I tend to do that to anyone within earshot if I am on a solo adventure because, chances are, they are experiencing a similar reaction. Hopefully, I don't look like this gargoyle from the Tower of London to whomever it is I am exclaiming:

An ancient face guards the Tower of London

Gillian Cornwall, c. October, 2015

On this most recent adventure to the UK, I had the luxury of time and comfort with friends and family with a wonderful base in my cousin's cottage in Hertfordshire combined with adventures all over on my own or visiting friends. It was all quite perfect for me as I had the autonomy to do and see what was high on my list of priorities and to spend as much time as I liked in this cathedral or that part of London. There is a great deal of advantage in not having to compromise one's limited time. That being said, my friends and family were both very kind in allowing me my flights of fancy when exploring with them - such gracious hosts I had! 

I was driven to Stow on the Wold by kind people I had never before met to spend the day with my dear friends Brough and Sue who were visiting England from Vancouver Island at the same time as I! Thank you Richard and Carolyn.

Childhood Swings at the Family Home - Greenfields, Gloucestershire

Gillian Cornwall, c. September, 2015

My cousin took me to meet her dearest friends and on trips to Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, Oxford, Harrow on the Hill in the London Borough of Harrow and Hampstead and Highgate in the London Borough of Camden. We also spent time in Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead, Brighton, London and Tring. I am sure I am missing some pieces because I still have jet lag and can't think properly but here are some images to fill the gap...

Waddesdon Manor - Previously a Rothschild Property 

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 2015

 Me at the church gate for St Mary's Harrow on the Hill

My mum and brother and I had stood here before, many years ago

Photo by Karen Jay, c. September 2015

 Face carved into the bridge over River Cherwell, Magdelen College, University of Oxford

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 2015

 Friends of Karen walk us through Hampstead to a lovely tea shop

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 2015

 A view of the 2nd floor flat where my aunt and uncle once lived in Hampstead. It's 2nd floor on the right hand side of the shot.

They could have purchased it after the war for around 800 pounds. That was a great deal of money then and they moved away to Hertfordshire. Current value is in the millions of pounds.

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 2015

 Karen and me at Burgh House and Hampstead Museum for tea

Photo by Marc Wright, c. September 2015

 View of St Paul's and the Shard from Hampstead Heath

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 2015

 This is the pond in Hampstead where my Uncle Edward pushed Oswald Mosley, founder of the British Union of Fascists, into the water during a demonstration/riot. I come by my activism honestly I guess...

Gillian Cornwall, c September 2015

 On the footpath through Wigginton to Wigginton Bottom.

Gillian Cornwall, c. October 2015

 The ever-changing skies from the upstairs view 

in Karen's 250 year old cottage. Amazing.

Gillian Cornwall, c. October, 2015

 The Tring Footpath down Oddy Hill from Wigginton

through Tring Woods

Gillian Cornwall, c. October 2015

My last day with Karen on Brighton Pier, Brighton

GIllian Cornwall, c. October 2015

Beyond all of this, I also went to Somerton and Glastonbury in Somerset to visit my dear friend and earth angel, Sheila. We had been friends through Twitter for 3 years and were finally able to meet in person. This was such a wondrous part of my adventure and I'm ever grateful for having this time together. 

 The view to the old manor house in Somerton - from Sheila's garden

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 2015

 In St Michael and All Angels Church in Somerton 

Incredible carved wood ceiling with dragons below

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 2015

 The Somerton Butter Cross (rebuilt in 1673) and Market Hall

The stones in the centre of the Butter Cross stay cool all the time 

and keep the butter from melting.

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 2015

 Through the arches of the Glastonbury Abbey (opened 712 AD)

Gillian Cornwall, c. October 2015

Sheila and her friend who works at the Abbey

and knew all of its history!

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 2015

I also spent some time on my own on train travel adventures to Edinburgh and York where it was the place AND the people who I met along the way that made me feel so full of joy and wonder!

 The view from Edinburgh Castle

Gillian Cornwall, c. September, 2015

 The Cannonball Restaurant, Royal Mile, Edinburgh

I was made to feel so welcome in this incredible restaurant 

specializing in local, sustainable foods.

A special thank you to Gabby and all the staff!

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 2015

 Another view from Edinburgh Castle over the City of Edinburgh to the Firth of Forth (body of water leading to the North Sea)

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 2015

 The beautiful eastern coastline from the train

Between Edinburgh, Scotland and Berwick-Upon-Tweed in Northumberland, England

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 2015

Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Northumberland

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 2015

The two front windows of my incredible suite at the Royal York Hotel in York, Yorkshire, England

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 2015

 The Stunning Chapter House Ceiling of York Minster, York

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 2015

One of the stoneworkers working on repairs to the East End and Great East Window

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 2015

While I could go on and on about each place, I'll finish up for today on my last solo adventure - 3 days in London - where I was so grateful to new friends, Marc and Suzannah for use of Marc's 17th floor Canary Wharf flat to use as a base from which to explore! 3 days of amazing, walks through London and mastering the DLR, tube, river boats and buses to see as much as possible and I realize that I would need months, no, years to see as much as I would like of this incredible city. Nonetheless, here is a wee taste. Again, it was the people and the places that made it all incredibly special.

 Nelson's Column - Trafalgar Square, London

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 2015

Boadicea and her Daughters - Bronze

London Eye in the background - London old and new

Gillian Cornwall, c, September 2015

 Battle of Britain Monument on the River Thames, London

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 2015

 The Waterloo Barracks of the Tower of London, Housing the Crown Jewels,

Jewels currently valued at around 3.68 Billion CAD

Gillian Cornwall, c. October 2015

Her Majesty's soldiers guarding the Crown Jewels

Gillian Cornwall, c. October 2015

 A footy-playing gnome outside a home at the Tower of London

The Yeoman Warders and other staff that live on site are locked in at 10 pm each night

Gillian Cornwall, c. October 2015

 Tower Bridge from the Tower of London

Gillian Cornwall, c. October 2015

 A view to a tower view - Many of the walls are 12 feet thick

Gillian Cornwall, c. October 2015

 My View from my 17th floor flat in Canary Wharf, South Wharf, Isle of Dogs 

Feeling entirely decadent

Gillian Cornwall, c. October 2015

 The dome of St Paul's Cathedral, London

Sir Christopher Wren's crowning achievement

Gillian Cornwall, c. October, 2015

 Ye REALLY Olde Cheshire Cheese Public House - London

Rebuilt in 1667!

Gillian Cornwall, c. October 2015

 A view of the British Houses of Parliament

Gillian Cornwall, c. October 2015

 Tourists and locals alike, chillin' with Ghandi

Parliament Square, London

Gillian Cornwall, c October, 2015

I had to go to Poplar because of my love for the television series, "Call the Midwife"

Gillian Cornwall, c. October 2015

There is so much more I could share; so many incredible sights that I have seen and stories I have been told but, suffice it to say, it was an incredible journey of personal growth and a step in to the long history of my people on these British Isles. It was a chance to connect with family and friends old and new and to realize that England is my home too. I feel at home there in some respects. In other ways, it is all too apparent that I was born in Canada and received a Canadian education and upbringing. There are beauty and love and history in both places and I remain a citizen of both. 

I hope you enjoyed this walk through my month away and I would love to hear if you would like to see more pictures from the trip in another post. Do let me know if you would ..or wouldn't!

Go forth and enjoy your adventures, whether solo or in the company of others. Embrace the days and don't worry about how much time you have left in a place. Be present. Take it in. Talk to people. Ask questions. Share your stories. It is a beautiful world out there. In gratitude, let's share it with one another as best we can. 

-Gillian Cornwall, c. October 11, 2015

Somerton, Somerset

Gillian Cornwall, c. September, 2015

Connections

Me and Sheila Jeffries at Glastonbury Abbey

Photographer - really friendly but name unknown...

September 2015.

One of the greatest things that has happened in my lifetime is the ability to connect with people around the world via social media.

On this trip to the UK, Sheila and I created the opportunity to connect. I have "known" Sheila through Twitter for approximately 3 years and one of my main goals on this trip was to be able to meet her in person. 

It would be natural to be somewhat nervous with one another when meeting in our physical embodiment for the first time but we were quite at ease. For my part, it is not hard to be at ease with Sheila as, aside from being a brilliant writer and visual artist, she is one of the kindest, most sincere, people I have ever met. 

Please take a few moments to enjoy her website for information on her books and the projects she has undertaken in her life to date - not the least of which is planting an entire forest with her husband, Ted, in Cornwall in the south of England. 

Also, I was fortunate enough to be offered the opportunity to visit two wonderful twitter / blog friends in West Cork: April Danann @DanannSpl4ces and Trich Deeney @TrichDee. Sadly, this adventure will need to wait for my next visit, but I am eternally grateful that they welcome me to their land and their lives. 

Before coming here, I planned the trip with my cousin through Facebook Messenger and after 32 years of physical distance (though our hearts and souls are never separated), we have developed a wonderfully comfortable way of being with one another in person. 

Without social media, it would be far more difficult to be in contact and maintain relationships with my friends overseas and my family.

I feel these are fine examples of our lives being what we make of them. There is no question that people do use social media to spew vitriolic, unkind hate speak because of anger and fear, but there are as many examples of acts of loving kindness through this form. Find these people, the ones sharing their love and kindness, and share with them. Let the warmth radiate through time and space. This will create a beautiful example and legacy. I am astounded by the potential of these powerful tools of technology when they are used for well-being.

Use your social media powers for good. Use them to put forth your thoughts with as much truth and kindness as you are able. Let your ripple effect embrace others with loving kindness. Even when you disagree, try to express your opinion from a place of love and kindness. 

I find it wonderful to use these tools to come together across the world. I have met many of the people I know back in Victoria, British Columbia through social media. I use it to maintain relationships I have built with those I cannot see often because of distance or heavy travel schedules. I love to use it when I am travelling - to share my experiences with my circles. 

I know it can be used frivolously and it can be a massive time suck, but I feel it is up to me to manage that possibility.

Anyway, nothing earth-shattering or brilliant here - just my gratitude for the potential and a reminder of the gifts many of us have at our fingertips and the possibility to do good through sharing through these tools - tools which many people do not have because of poverty and accessibility. 

I am aware of the privilege of having the devices used to share with people in this way and hope that we can get technology into the hands of those who do not have it for, perhaps, through connection we can balance the scales a bit, share what we have with others and open our hearts to the ways and means of distant friends.

I am grateful to each of you who read these posts and to each of you who choose to reach out through social media with a good heart, with love and kindness. I am grateful for the opportunity to have met some of you in person, on this journey and others, and I look forward to the many relationships ahead as each one teaches me and enriches me on my path. May I be fortunate enough to bring as much to you.

In gratitude,

-Gillian Cornwall, c. September 27, 2015

Big Ben - Reminder that there is time,

time to reach out to one another with a good heart

Gillian Cornwall, c. September 25, 2015