1.
I had three grandfathers (though only two grandmothers). ‘Grandpa’,
the only one I ever met, was a ‘step’, but my mother and I loved him –
because he loved us, gave us books and wise advice, and lots of time
for long conversations and letters, and walks through Nature together.
2.
Of all my grandparents, though, the one I loved most was my Nana,
Grandpa’s wife. She died when I was only four. I’ll never forget her.
A warm rich voice, a warm lap to sit on, warm arms to clasp me safe,
a big warm bosom to snuggle into. She told me stories, sang me lullabies.
3.
I was nine before parents and teachers noticed I needed glasses.
Before that, the other kids called me ‘stuck up’. I didn’t say hello
until they were close and I could see their faces, see who they were.
By which time, feeling ignored, they turned up their noses at me.
4.
I like a handsome face as much as the next girl, and also a splendid form. But a better aphrodisiac is laughter. Make me laugh, go on doing that, and you’ve probably got me. But if you want to keep me – listen!
Hear me! Hear me deep. Open to what you hear. Consider it.
5.
Everyone knows I’m a cat-lover, been one all my life. Not many know
my dearest animal friend was a dog. He stood as high as my thigh.
His bark was a deep bay. He was a stray who came and found me –
after I had many visions of him. (He reincarnated later as one of my cats.)
6.
I have a water phobia. I love the water, but swim from the neck down.
I need to keep my face out; can’t be splashed or I panic – really panic.
I believe I drowned in Atlantis. Some of us didn’t get out in time.
When the water came, I swam and swam, but at last I grew too tired.
7.
I’d be scared to get close to any but a small spider. Yet I revere spiders.
In my house no-one’s allowed to kill them. Unless they’re dangerous.
When a white-tailed spider crawled from under a pile of washing, once, in my elderly mother’s home, I stomped on it quick. An exception.
8.
A few of my dreams have a special flavour. When I wake up, I know
they are not just part of the ordinary run of dreams, where we sort out
the daily garbage. Also, I remember them. I remember them always.
Some turn out prophetic. The rest, I think, are glimpses of other lives.
9.
I have a deformed fingernail on the ring finger of my right hand.
My cousin dropped a brick on it when she was three. I was four.
She always said it was an accident, but still claimed to feel guilty.
I always believed she did it on purpose. No-one ever notices, though.
10.
When I was little I longed to be a ballet dancer. But when my Mum
took me to my first (and only) ballet class, I couldn’t do it! My body
wouldn’t carry out even the simplest instructions. Lack of rhythm,
poor coordination, no ear for music … which? Probably all.
11.
When I was growing up, I never dreamed about being a bride. I never
craved babies. Didn’t want a handsome Prince to come and rescue me.
I wanted to be the swashbuckler; my own d’Artagnan or Robin Hood.
I didn’t want to be a boy. I wanted the adventures boys were allowed.
12.
I have very small hands and feet, and head. But they don’t look small.
Just don’t ever give me hats or gloves or slippers; I’ll swim in them.
No-one quite believes this. They’re sure they’ll get it right. They don’t.
My Firstborn says he's the same. You wouldn’t guess it of him, either.
13.
I’ve always had a thing for dragons. There was a time I'd call them
through the ether, to be my companions or guardians; even requested
their company for others – who did experience it. My 'tuned in' friend,
Letitia, said I had two dragon incarnations a very long time ago.
Dragon photo (and dragon ) mine.
Sharing this post with Thursday Thirteen, a new game to play.
