Connecting with my roots. part 2

The Lilies and I have been staying close to my old neighbourhood, I have found that my roots are deep here, much deeper than I thought after nearly twenty-eight years of living in Canada. But most surprising of all is that turning fifty has made me become more nostaligic and in need of the connection between the past and the present.

There are few changes, and many of my old friends have moved on, I try to seek some of them out so that we can share old times and our stories. I sit and think of the past and share them with my Lilies as we walk through the park or the city streets. I do not know if they are listening or if they even care. But I feel that I need to share my story with them, and share all I can before somehow I forget.

There are times when I feel that I am walking on dark paths and do not know where there are leading me, but the Shepherd knows and he is guiding me there.

From Caribbean carnivals, and historical homes, we have been enjoying all that the borough of Hackney has to offer. Last weekend we found ourselves watching the Hackney version of carnival as the music pounded its way down the streets toward the Downs Park, the place where as a teenager I gave my heart to the Lord. We run along side to take pictures ans see the magnificent costumes and colourful dancers. The Reggae beat filling its onlookers with the desire to dance to its beat.

Then in contrast the Lilies, their cousin and I head toward what we later learn is one of the areas oldest buildings, Sutton House. They offered the children face painting, crafts and dress up, just down my Lilies alley. And I am amazed at the history that we are to discover.

Sutton House was built in 1535 for a Tudor coutier, Ralph Sadleir, but has been in the hands of several different owners, though the house was named after Sir Thomas Sutton who founded Charter House School in 1611 and had been called many things over the years. Names such as 'The Bryk Place', Milford, Ivy and Picton Houses, and also 'the Old House at the Corner'. In the 1980's the house was restored. One of the volunteers said that over the years several of Sadleirs decendents returned and many of them look a great deal like his portrait. There was a story teller sharing a story about a captain who had stories of strange animals from all over the world.

A wonderful time was had by all. It is a great place to visit.

We also visited the Hackney Museum, it is not a big museum but it had the history of Hackney ( and this is the place that I was born and raised), it was history that intriged me and makes me want to learn more about, but also gives me a sense of pride. This is my history. October is Black History month in the UK and there were exhibits that reflected the history of the black community in the area. The featured artist was a local photographer who began taking pictures at an early age. I was especially touched as I saw photo's of men and women just like my parents, and read of the conditions they were living in during the early years after the big influx of Caribbean immigrants in the fifties. Some of those photo's could have been taken in my own home, I marveled at how close it all came to touching my heart, my life.

I was so thankful that I was able to share this with my girls and can only hope that they will one day be as interested in where I have come from as I have been.

God has been good to us, and has been faithful and bring us through and has given us the strength to endure. We have a legacy, that I hope and pray that I can instill in my children as we glorify the Lord as He takes us through this life.

Peace!

Connecting with my roots part 1

The girls and I had a wonderful morning, we went to the park, conservation park that I grew up to just right across the street. We learned so much history, history that I took for granted as a child. How wonderful that I get to share it with my lilies.

The big white house that stands beautifully in the park was one of three mansions, though only the one remains,there is a gazzebo and cricket pitch and tennis court. It has a lovely pond and many different types of birds, I want to return with our binoculars. The magnificent trees that have stood much longer than I have been alive about two to three hundred years to be exact stand tall and majestic in the park, how amazing is that. The poplars, maples, magestic oaks and willows grace this park where elderly people stroll, and the younger men jog, or school children in uniforms play supervised by their teachers. Two men playing tennis on the tennis court and mothers with their children spend a few hours enjoying a picnic and the marvellous wooded walks that speaks of mystery and intrige. I begin to wondered how I missed this growing up, but I did, back then like most children I lived in the here and now.

I point out the willow where I was kissed and enjoyed this wonderful time with my Lilies as we played in the fields. They pick leaves and watch for the four footed creatures that don't want to appear, expect the squirrels that scamper around gathering their nuts for their winter store.

The gathering places so quiet and serene, I watch as my Lilies play.

We're Here!!!

Yes, the Lilies and I are here in England, and are very happy to be here. We were met by my brother with huge hugs for all, who I am sure that my Lilies thought drove like a speed demon, for after a bumpy flight and a being knocked about in the car, my youngest Lily complained about an upset tummy in the backseat.

At the house we were greeted with more smiles and hugs from my sister, who quickly enveloped my Lilies in her arms. My youngest Lily held onto her aunt for a long time and kisses were shared by all, as the cases were brought in.

Though the Lilies were happy to see their aunt, and after only two hours sleep the playground outside was beckoning them to come and play, and off they went to the new swings and activity table out back.

My Lilies are enjoying their time with their aunts, uncles and cousins, they are being blessed especially by my sister, as she has been lavishing her love and time on them in a very special way. As for myself, I have been enjoying my visits with family and old friends who have dropped by, the laughter and the stories we have shared have been amazing.

A late night, and lack of sleep, we entered beds of fluffy white clouds and our sleep was deep, sound and sweet, so much so that we could not get in to church on Sunday morning. Though my oldest Lily was up earlier than expected, she soon walked slowly up the stairs and threw herself back into her bed and under the covers. My youngest, could barely get out of bed, it was 1 p.m before she emerged and that at my prompting.

It's early days yet but plans are underway for our trip to Paris, we are all still excited and can hardly wait for our trip to begin.