AKA: ‘End. Begin. All the Same’ which was also the title of the first episode of the new Dark Crystal series (more of which later)
The second half of the summer, as always, flew by. A welcome trip to see family; catching up on those books I was still reading; a wet but memorable sojourn to Peppa Pig world… these were the things as we entered the latter part of the holidays.
It’s always nice to go to Reading, a town with an amazing history, and it inspired me to read some Oscar Wilde after his trials there.
Back home, I spent a day in town at the summer shows of the Bluecoat – interesting as always and cleverly arranged – and the outgoing film inspired show at the Walker, which included the excellent paintings by Mario Rossi, before yet another appointment about my Teeth which I had hoped would herald some extraction but didn’t and therefore led to yet more pain and disappointment.
After all this, Betsy turned six.
Someone once said to me that it just gets better and better… and I would have to agree. At various times this summer, with significant events just around the corner, I reflected on where exactly things are and how those six years have changed me, shaped me… made me. I’m so incredibly proud of her, but thought I should maybe rein in my showing the world so much after a conversation I heard on the radio. Around the same time, someone also shared a post about idiots who share photos of their tea and I really started to consider exactly how I’m using my time online, plus what could change in the near future.
Whilst in those pensive moments, we went to Blackpool and specifically the Sea Life Centre which was fantastic although, for someone who has recently been obsessing over octopi, a little disappointing that there were none there (their one was instead at the Manchester version we had been to the year previous) but the theme of seeing Nature at its source continued after Brockholes, a lovely little nature reserve which we romanced in the rain, and then the south lakes wildlife park with myriad meerkats and other creatures.
I also fell back in love with cricket this summer, and specifically the Ashes series, the highlight of which I watched at the New Brighton Cricket Club much more educated people than I and it made me think a lot about redemption and resilience. Similarly, a trip to Southport brought back great memories and made many more as my son passed on his passion for model trains and meant that I now happily forego any cultural opportunities to instead, concentrate on YouTube clips of toy trains running endlessly around the track which are actually quite soothing and not at all emblematic of any mid life crisis I may be currently enveloped in… I digress.
Cooking continued – just maybe not so many photos thereof – because I need an escape plus I love the catharsis it offers (especially when you’re teaching someone else) and as a reward, we had a lovely trip to a luxurious cinema. I looked on enviously as friends there were off to see the new Tarantino, whilst we awaited the UglyDolls film but I was pleasantly surprised with the movie and even more so with the comfort of the electric recliners, the unlimited soft drinks, the decadence of this wet Wednesday morning and wondering why we’d not been before? Anyone else who hasn’t, get on the Odeon Luxe soon!
Back at home we indulged in some quality viewing before the opportunity would be lost. The Dark Crystal back story started really well (even B loved it) then the even darker ‘Temple’ which we are loving. Honourable mentions to A Ghost Story, described as ‘the most existential movie ever made’ which you’ll be thinking about for weeks after watching, and I concur.
As a last hurrah, we decided to book in one last blowout at our favourite neighbourhood bistro – and not just because our names are on the wall, after helping to fund the Kickstarter project – Pinion in Prescot.
I’ve written about it before, and there’s a documentary just been on Channel 4 which will explain it all better than I, but let’s just say it’s a wonderful little place where only wonderful stuff happens and I’ve got so much admiration for the staff and especially the guy who started it all, Gary Usher.
Before the meal, we drank with gusto in the cool Lord Strange and the Balearic-buzzy Urbano Chiringuito, whose owners I really admire for what they have achieved in a short space of time. We were transported back to our pre-wedding, and then mini-moon, trips to Madrid and Barcelona respectively, due to the beverages on offer, but the highlight was undoubtedly the Hacienda Gin I’d read about.
It didn’t disappoint.
Then, over the road for the meal and a brilliant evening getting served exquisite food in lovely, relaxed surroundings and yet more pride in something we had invested in. Part of the problem with following bars and restaurants on Instagram etc is that you’re always aware of the specials and the menus so, if the truth were told, I already knew what I wanted on arrival. Thankfully, WW chose equally well and we could share dishes meaning double the enjoyment.
Memories of school were then made in Manchester, meeting an old school friend I’d not seen for twenty years, then in Morecambe with a flat mate from uni with whom I’d not conversed for about fifteen. Both were happy moments amidst the sadness of losing a brilliant and brave lady who’d been on the earth for ninety nine years and nine months, who always had a smile and a song for everyone… but that’s all I want to say about that.
Thankfully, we had the distraction of EJ turning three – he’s really growing up fast, and slowly settling in nursery despite the morning – tears – and my own upcoming milestone birthday.
Turning forty is something I’ve been nervous about for ten years (ever since one of the fortune tellers in Blackpool made a big deal of the event) and I suppose in my own way I have made my name in the time since, but I can’t help feeling there is something else over the hill.
I actually can’t believe I am the age I now am, and whilst it really is just another birthday, it really does feel like the end of not just a chapter but a whole book, with another new one ready to take its place in my hands.
End. Begin. The same?