Dormouse has been asking us about our favourite autumn/fall memories. Mine are far and away those of being on retreat. Last week’s, over the Bank Holiday weekend was probably the earliest I’ve taken time out but already, with the exceptionally dry summer we’ve had here in the UK, blackberries have fruited, apples have already fallen. At CSMV Wantage , you could see them piled up around the trees. My best moment (yes I know, I don’t get out much!) was being shown to my room, looking out of the window and realising that it had a perfect view out over the trees. I was thrilled!
I just love wandering round the grounds of the convent, with its orchards, water garden and labyrinth. The picture here is from an earlier retreat where I spent ages in their art room, experimenting (successfully as it happens, I was rather proud of myself) with oil pastels and this apple was the result. Not to be surpassed since. There’s something so meditative and calming about really stopping and focussing on an object, turning it round in your hands and looking at it from all angles. That was a truly special time.
On the same retreat, I recall, I wrote a poem about blackberries, inspired by a conversation at Greenbelt festival. I’ve since been back several times and have smiled to find it still pinned up on the board in the art space. I hope that other visitors have enjoyed it. Another lovely memory.
So thanks, Dormouse, for the prompt.
That’s a good memory to have. We used to go on retreats from college to Alton Abbey, in Hampshire. I still have fond memories of those times. I very much like your apple.
Thanks, Dormouse. I’ve heard of Alton Abbey, though I’ve never been there. It’s good to have a favourite retreat place. Have you found one where you are?