listening ear

A friendly lady from my quilting workshop tells me about her disappointments in her failed marriage and her concern for an old colleague, John, who struggles with alcoholism.

4'' heels

I took the bus to Partick yesterday. I shared the journey both ways with a woman from South Wales, she told me how she too was crossing town but to meet a friend for coffee and that she moved to Glasgow 57 odd years ago. Matter of fact about life but also very active both mentally and physically for 80. She told me she goes swimming every morning at 6am. She used to sell shoes on Sauchiehall Street when you would buy things in specific shops. To this day she has many shoes in her collection. As we neared the city centre she informed me that she will be wearing 4'' heels to an upcoming wedding and regularly wears 4'' heels on outings in a 'car to bar' fashion. Remarkable woman, full of energy.

A new friend

Chap in a bright pink tee-shirt offers a smile in Clydebank shopping centre. We talk a bit about life in Glasgow, I offer to pray for his dad Alex and aunt Elizabeth both ill with cancer. I happen to run into him today on my way to supermarket. We catch up over coffee. A much needed meeting and encouragement for both of us.

Two Eccentric English girls

Resident of Glasgow for 30 years and yet still a very strong south-of-England accent, moved up here to join her boyfriend. Never left though appears to regret the decision.
Confessed to be Christian despite her initial comments about religion. After exchanging advice on buses and a common choice of undergraduate study (social sciences), she invites me to join her in a taxi the two opinionated and eccentric English girls discover a common ability to speak French before parting ways. I promise to pray for her as she nods me in the direction of my connecting bus stop.

Positive Thinking

Umbrella #1 went to a Veterinary Student from Colorado, after just 5 days in Britain this girl reminded me to take life less seriously. She's moved here for three years to specialise, her family are unlikely to visit until she graduates. #noraininGlasgow