A Life in A Day

Early morning

My day started extremely early on the 21^st June with my alarm sounding rudely at 3am. My first instinct was to ignore it, but then I remembered that I’d made myself a promise and I didn’t intend to break it.

And so somehow, I was up, dressed, and out the house by 3.20am. It felt unusually warm for the hour. The drive along the little lanes felt serene, aided by the classical music filling the car. Deer and bunnies and birds joined me on my journey; peeking out from hedges, running across the road with dexterity, darting away as quickly as they could. I was reminded that this pre-dawn world was theirs, a time when they ruled the land, and I was just a visitor.

The sky was cloud filled when I arrived in Cromer. I was more than a bit pleased that not only could I park for free, but I was able to leave the car in a prime spot that would likely not be available in a few hours when the place would be heaving with visitors.

I ran down to the beach, and I was struck by how many people were there. Sitting on the beach, walking their dogs, even swimming in the sea. I liked it. It made me feel safe, especially as a woman being out at this time of the morning. And also connected; after all we were all there to mark the longest day, in our own way.

Yet, sunrise views were hidden by the thick cloud; just a sliver of pink against a streak of blue sky told me that the day had officially dawned. No matter though, I ran on the beach and along the seafront, and thought to myself how amazing it felt to be up and moving, the ground beneath the feet, the smell of the sea, the sound of the waves and the birds. I felt grateful. That’s not being trite. These days, I always try and notice things that make me feel thankful, and then I freeze frame them into my brain. Or write them in my diary. A constant reminder of how lucky I am, and the indescribable value the small things hold.  

It was barely 6am by the time I arrived home. Time for a cup of tea and an episode of Midsomer Murders. Though, my viewing wasn’t just for pleasure; I’m going on a Midsomer Murders tour next month, a wonderful birthday present from my wonderful friends. So I have to do my homework before I go out into Midsomer county and see some of the places and spaces were DCI Barnaby did his investigating. (The fact that I drifted off whilst watching it is definitely no reflection on the quality of that excellent programme).

Morning

As well as being Summer Solstice, it was Father’s Day too so at the request of my daughter, I made a cooked breakfast for my husband. Her card reminded him that the only reason he gets to celebrate today is because of her. So “it’s kind of my day too Dad” she tells him. He is happy to share it with her; he is happy to share anything with her. My own dad is away on holiday but I messaged him and wished him Happy Father’s Day. I thought then, as I do now, that my daughter and I lucked out in the dad department.

Afternoon

Later, feeling strangely untired I went into the garden. To sit and soak up the sun and read. I am not good at doing nothing; my mum always used to say “if there is nothing to do Michelle, you would make something up to do.” I used to deny it but she was right. She was right about a lot of things my mum. I still hear the things that she used to tell me in my head and they always make me feel better. I can hear them almost as clearly as if she is sitting in front of me saying the words to me once more.  That’s nice.

Evening

The sun is really making itself felt now, any early morning cloud long shrugged off. So it’s back to Cromer, but this time I’m not alone as a group of four of us plus the dog make the trip. There’s a DJ playing on the pier and listening to the music as the sun puts on an effortless show, I feel amazing. Because summer is coming. Because I managed to top and tail this day. Because the music reminds me of being young and dancing with abandon. Mostly, though because I’m here and getting to experience all the ordinary magic that can be found in any day, long or short.