Emancipation

We have just returned from a short holiday to New York and out of my 3 trips to the same city, I would say this is the best. Why? My daughter lives there. No, I didn't do the touristy stuff as I've seen what I needed to see. Yes, there were plenty of other things to do and finding unexpected treasures in the city was a bonus.

Limitations. I like the term 'mind-forg'd manacles' by William Blake. Although Blake used it to describe self imposed social and intellectual restrictions that deprive humans of experiencing nature and the true human spirit, I would like to use it to describe the circumstances, words, thoughts or expectations that shackle the human spirit. And we have many.

It is a wonderful thing to feel free. It is strange but somehow humans consciously or unconsciously put shackles on another. Be it a thought or an action. I have a doormat that reads 'PLEASE HIDE PARCELS FROM MY HUSBAND'. Maybe that's why I like to shop alone. Because one wrong word from another person who goes with you on a shopping spree takes  the joy out of shopping altogether.

It devalues the purchase.

And so I entered a craft store. That is a very dangerous place indeed. There was this lovely quilting kit that shouted loudly to my soul. I looked at it and saw the price. Then I walked away.

My daughter said, 'Mum, if you like it, buy it.'

Music to my ears.

Then I went to a flea market. That again is a very dangerous place indeed. There was this lovely Autumn teddy bear that again shouted loudly to my soul. I looked at it and told myself I have quite a few teddy bears at home. Then I walked away.

My daughter said, 'Mum, if you like it, buy it.'

I started dancing.

Because she knows. She knows where I have been all these years, putting herself, her brother and her sister before me. It is time I think of me. Now that I have lived long enough and can afford it.

Emancipation.