Yes, I’ve been quiet for a while. Been busy doing stuff. But mostly I’ve been preparing for NaNoWriMo 2017. Gathering my notes and trying to get ahead with other things like housework. Get ahead with housework? I forgot that ain’t possible!
When I took on the task of writing 50,000 words during the month of November, I forgot about that thing called ‘life’. Family responsibilities, health issues and friends coming for the weekend (I’ll talk about them in a minute).
Where I was brought up, everyone knew everyone. The neighbours called to each other regularly. All the kids played together and spent time in each other’s houses. We knew our next door neighbours almost as much as we knew ourselves. When we went to town, it took forever because we had to stop and chat to everyone we met.
Of course, the downside to living in a town like this was that everyone knew everyone else’s business! Some people knew things about us that we didn’t even know ourselves! I think those people had a condition called ‘Boredom Syndrome’ or it may have been ‘Exaggeration Syndrome’. Then there’s another called ‘Nosey Cow Syndrome’.
Times have changed in that wee town over the years. Many of its inhabitants are total strangers to each other. Of course, many are still friendly and communicative but not to the same degree as it used to be.
Where I live now, it’s quite different. It’s a much bigger town with a bigger population. I’ve made a few friends through school and work. One or two I meet for coffee now and then and go walking with. This is how I like it. At 50 years of age, I’m choosy about who I befriend. I like to suss people out before I commit to a serious friendship with them. I have many acquaintances but only a handful of very good friends.
I don’t know my close neighbours where I live now. It’s quiet and friendly and nobody seems to have a desire to invade my privacy. Call me odd if you want, but I like to be left alone. I don’t appreciate unannounced callers. I’m always busy you see.
I hate to be disturbed when I’m writing, blogging, doing yoga, and cooking. After that, I’m chatting with Stephano and entertaining Little Miss Seven. Or asleep!
Don’t get me wrong folks. I do Like people…honestly, I do!
I often see the woman who lives a few doors away. I haven’t actually met her yet but I think she’s odd like me. Keeps herself to herself.
Both houses each side of ours are empty. One is for sale and the one to our left is soon to be occupied. I was a proper nosey neighbour yesterday. People were coming and going all day. I was trying to figure out who the new occupants will be and what they’ll be like. It was easy to spy because my desk is right beside the window – so that I get my RDA of vitamin D.
Will it be the young couple? That would be nice. Maybe they have children who will befriend my wee girl. Or they might be very noisy!! They might have a baby who will cry during the night and keep me awake! They might have loud raving parties at the weekends. Maybe they play the drums like the neighbours in our last house. Oh Gosh No!!
Will it be the woman who went in there at 2 pm? She looked well at home, sitting in her car in the driveway. Not a care in the world chewing away, on what I think was a chocolate bar – the ones that are meant for sharing! Is she moving in? She looks a bit nosey. She might be the type that likes to sit gossiping over tea and cake – for hours. Or she might be the type that likes an occasional Friday evening glass of wine and a friendly chat with her new neighbour. Me! I wonder…..
That middle aged man who was there twice and then again this morning. I wonder does he work for the builder? Haven’t seen him before though. What kind of neighbour would he be? Might be very helpful. Looks like he knows a thing or two about life. Oh….maybe he’s good at DIY and he could do loads of little jobs for me.
Oh crikey…he might be a writer. A REAL one! He definitely looks like one. Speedy on his feet. Straight back, looking ahead like he’s on a mission. Scruffy jeans and blue shirt. Small rimmed glasses and unruly hair – Stephen King-ish. That would be brilliant. We could be buddies.
On the other hand, he kinda looks like one of Stephen King’s crazy villains. Nightmare neighbour!! He might be a peeping Tom either. Eww….no!
Oh well, I’ll just have to accept whoever it is. We can’t really choose our neighbours, can we? I just hope it’s someone who’s friendly, quiet, my age, has one child aged six, wants to join a writing group, likes to go chéile dancing, likes to go for walks (on my terms), enjoys the occasional glass of wine and Guinness, listens to André Rieu, understands good ole Irish banter & sarcasm, and knows how to boil the kettle properly. Am I asking much?
The Night I Met Esmeralda.
I first met Esmeralda in August 2008 at a scout jamboree in Punchestown. We were both scout leaders back then. Over 10,000 scouts from countries all over the world attended this jamboree and I befriended a few Italians and Spaniards but the only one I kept in touch with was Esmeralda.
It was during one of my late evening walks around the campsite, that I first laid eyes on the talented and attractive Señora. The clicking sounds of her castanets stopped me in my tracks. I acknowledged the inviting glances from the Spanish scout group, by joining them in their circle of merriment.
Esmeralda was performing the Flamenco for the troop, while her husband Fernando sat on a Cajon slapping the life out of it! Their daughter Ginella also accompanied them, playing her flamenco guitar. “What a talented family!” I thought.
Esmeralda’s passion for the music and dance was mesmerising. She clapped her hands loudly but gracefully, and stomped her feet rhythmically on the dewy grass – the only available stage on our campsite. Her ruffled red satin skirt swished around her as she spiralled around the campfire like a wild gypsy woman. The darkness was lit up by the fierce amber flames that danced in unison with Esmeralda. She possessed the fiery energy of a raging bull during her dance that night.
After her performance, she sat by my side and welcomed me to their campfire. We chatted for a while and I was happy when she accepted my invitation to join our troop at our campfire singsong the following evening.
She performed many dances for us during the jamboree and not only did she teach our scouts some serious dance steps, she gave them some unforgettable memories.
And that was the beginning of our friendship. Esmeralda and Fernando bought a holiday home in Cavan three years later and they have been part of my circle of friends ever since. I have many stories to tell about us!! If she allows me to do so!
Poems and Stories
Sharing The Book Love Since 2016
Short Stories by Shan Storyteller
Mostly books, with a little wine writing on the side
And, for good measure, a bit of Cooking and Eating
Join me on my adventures through life!
Gloria McBreen 