All my life I have written for myself and sometimes for others. If it wasn’t for the internet, it would all still be in a draw at home somewhere or exclusively a working gal’s necessity in the pursuit of job related emails. I have been at home with a broken ankle for the last few weeks and writing and reading has kept me sane (whilst my lovely Victoria has kept me safe, fed and watered). I could have gone mad without words, sin palabras. So here’s a toast for the joy of words. May you never leave us. Thank you for having allowed me to live in London and not in a place where words are censored and weighted as bullets. May the force of words be with you always.
If God gives you cherries, make cherry preserve
We had the chance to watch Zoë Wannamaker in Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard last Saturday. I studied the play as part of my Twentieth Century literature Open University course at the beginning of this academic year and it is fitting I should see such a wonderful production at the end of my endeavours (my End of Module Assignment is due Friday next week). When I first read the play, I found Mrs Ranyevskaya infuriating, annoyingly passive, but then on reflection there is something quite human and sad about her and her lack of determination. However, once the Cherry Orchard is no longer hers, she moves on and it wasn’t such a bad thing to do so. In life, I learnt of late, even the most catastrophic event can be survivable. You move on and life opens up new pathways. There are so many things I could be that I should not limit myself for fear of trying. So I’ll be brave and try my best, the Orchard has been cut down forever. I am still very much alive and kicking. Moving on.
In other news, in all my years in the railway I never asked about ponies on board the train, so I really don’t know what the conditions of carriage are for this sort of thing. The poor pony doesn’t seem to be having a great time, but at least he made us chuckle and he wasn’t in any danger.
I’m walking on Sunshine
Today is Carnival Tuesday, which traditionally in Gran Canaria, and especially in Las Palmas, my hometown, is a huge day. Because Carnival is two weeks non stop partying and you can dress up, dress down or do whatever you like under your mask. It’s not as colourful as Rio de Janeiro, it’s not as big as Notting Hill, but, if you ask me, it’s the best carnival in the world. It’s a democratic, highly eclectic street carnival. Everybody can have a go and most of the performers are amateurs. And most people actually wear a costume, even the bystanders! Maybe next year I’ll be back in Las Palmas for Carnival.
For now, I’m enjoying the English sunshine, which is glorious when it arrives as much as it’s unexpected. And, even when things are not going my way, I still have a smile in reserve because as long as you mean well, life is always a carnival.
Happy Carnival Tuesday, everyone!
Love,
Samantha Cabrera