When I lived in New York I used to make fun of Neal for thinking his road was busy. He also claimed that our little New England town suffers from insufferable traffic jams in the evening. Now that I live here in our wooded haven, I have to agree, at least about the busy-ness of the road. He’s planted over 200 little trees this year in an effort to one day block the sound of passing cars. Now and then, though, no cars pass for a while and all I can hear is birds chirping and breezes in the mature oaks that ring the yard. Just now I heard church bells from town.
I love the sound of bells ringing. They remind me of the summer I spent at St. John’s College in the city of dreaming spires. That summer was the first time I had ever lived alone, the longest time I’d ever spent away from my then-husband. It was liberating for me to realize that I enjoyed my own company quite a bit, that I didn’t at all mind eating alone in a restuarant or seeing a play by myself. I was 30 that year, older than most of the other students, and I soaked in everything I could. I felt more at home there than I had before or have since. If I had the means, Oxford would be my permanent home. The president of the college, at a dinner one night, shared that he had only spent four weeks away from Oxford in his life, and I can understand that.
One of the most magical things to me was to work at my desk in my little cozy room, a half-pint of warmish Guinness from the college pub at the ready for sipping, and the sounds of the many bells ringing out, some near, some far.
What a perfectly lovely memory–thanks for sharing!
Learning to be happy, spending time alone, is an important lesson in life.
Your time in Oxford sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
That sounds so peaceful! I’ve dreamed about visiting Oxford one day…
Hiya – Scout sent me on over to see if you have any recommendations for locations for a knitblogger meetup during the Taos Wool Festival, probably Saturday evening (October 7). Any suggestions most welcome! Thanks.
Such a lovely memory. Very evocative. It makes me long for my semster in Manchester, England. Thank you for sharing.
I think small town traffic is more annoying because it doesn’t really fit the surroundings.
Thank you for sharing your memory with us. *hugs*
That sounds absolutely lovely–thanks for sharing!
I often wonder how I would do living on my own for an extended period. I sort of think not very well, which makes me wonder whether that suggests something about myself I ought to rectify.
Anyway, your memory sounds wonderful — it makes me want to move into a cozy little room someplace!
You write beautifully. Thank you for sharing your vivid memories. I can taste the Guinness.
I so enjoyed meeting you in Albuqerque. I’m sorry you’ve moved on before I got a chance to talk with you more. It sounds like you and Neal have a sweet spot in New England.
best–
Molly
Also- when’s the next KSKS?? I’m dying to participate.
I studied at Cambridge for a year. It was one of the best years of my life.