Things not to say to your woman pastor are alas all to often the experience of women clergy.  I still have private jokes with my friends from Dibley about the length of my skirt, and there are still times - not at my church but elsewhere - when some of these are said to me.  I'm sure it's not unique to ministers either.

Whilst researching for this Sunday's service, I came across this rather lovely 19th century Quaker prayer written by Henry T Hodgkin ...

Firm when all round me is in flux and seething

Strong when the knees are quivering and fail,

Beat of my heart’s beat, energy of breathing,

Over my frailty wilt Thou prevail–

In the secret places of the spirit,

In the silent spaces of the morning

I come to thee.

 

Giver of joy beyond my best conceiving

E’en to the stricken on his lonley trail,

In Thee I find the glory of achieving,

Resting on Thee I do not fear to fail–

In the secret places of the spirit,

In the silent spaces of the morning

I come to thee.

 

Friends who wast by me on my first arising

Nor wilt forsake me when the light is spent

Unto the child-like ever more surprising

Filling the restless with a deep content

In the secret places of the spirit,

In the silent spaces of the morning

I come to thee.

One of my 'tasks' for today is to print clean copies of these two photos... Annie and Lil, two very precious friends whose lives were cut short by breast cancer.

For the sixth time (so it must be a tradition) some of my chemo-buddies and I are meeting up for a catch-up and to relax together.  Almost seven years from my diagnosis (and six from all of theirs, 'I'm the 'big sister') it's fair to say that for most of us the spectre once so large and fearsome has receded very much into the background.  On Friday we will meet the 'miracle baby' of our own 'baby', even now only in her mid thirties, as we share afternoon tea on the banks of the Thames (and hopefully the rain will have stopped by then!).

We will inevitably talk a bit about shared experiences, but more we will simply enjoy ourselves, and chat about what we're doing now.  We will take a moment to remember Annie and Lil, to be grateful for the love and laughter they brought to our lives, and to commit ourselves afresh to living our own lives as fully as we are able.

Of course I can't post a cancer-related post without a little nag to check your bits 'n' bobs, do the screening and report to your GP any persistent coughs, headaches, unexplained weight loss or changes in bladder/bowel habits.  Stay well.  Live, love and laugh.

OK, it's taken me 54.5 years (or a little over to be precise) but I think I may finally be starting to get the hang of chilling out, being content to do nothing and simply to be.

This morning I spent a delicious hour chilling with the cats whilst I listened to the podcast of Sunday's "Our Favourite Things" service.  What a treat it was.  Gentle and encouraging, carefully researched and skillfully and warmly presented.  I always love favourite hymn services, discovering why people choose what they do, and this was no exception.

This afternoon I was treated to a visit to the cat cafe in Stirling... you get a tea or coffee and cake, and an hour to enjoy the company of the cats who live there.  Another gentle hour, kitty cat cuddles, smiles, laughter, good conversation with like minded friends as well as yummy cake and a good cup of tea.

I love spending time at home (always have) and I am learning to love spending time 'being' and not 'doing' or at least 'more being' and 'less doing'.

Thank you to A and all the Gatherers who contributed to the service, and to J who treated G and me to tea with the kitties!

I'm not a tidy person, never have been, can't imagine I ever will be.  For all that, I like to tidy up before a break  so that when I return it feels fresh and 'nice'.  I probably have too much stuff for my small office, but at least the desk is fairly clear ready for me going away.  A useful hour's work this afternoon methinks.

Seems like the kitties approve, too!