Golden light is s
treaming through the trees into my eyes when driving towards Hereford on the A417 and M4 in the early days of Autumn. A rain shower creates small pools of reflection in some of the leaves which have already fallen. They reflect the golden light which lifts my heart as I journey through the highs and lows of a challenging time.
The roads have been heavy with commuters and holidaymakers. The hard-shoulder has a scattering of over-heating cars. The stationary vehicles from minor shunts between the over-eager and often fractious families. People rushing not having time to appreciate the cloth of leaves that is beginning to pool under the trees or the threads of golden light between the tree trunks.
It’s a heat that is not being fully felt by my mum as she has become less and less mobile. She stood at the door of her house looking out at the garden she would no longer go into. The garden she tended for years until the breaking of a hip meant she could no longer enjoy the creativity and enjoyment of gardening. Shrubs would quiver as she approached with the pruning shears, but now they were enjoying a chance to spread their branches until a gardener was instructed.
If you or someone you know is being tested for dementia or started living with dementia you are never alone. Your GP should be able to give you some information. Talk to your local Age UK and find a dementia friend in your area. There are over 2.5 million in the UK.
Reflecting in the golden light
The 40 x 40 cm acrylic and other media painting of “All That” captures a moment of travel and a storm of emotions. The gold is mirror effect foil – look into the pools of light – what do you see? It all reminds me of a favourite poem by W.B. Yeats called The Cloths of Heaven. Old age seems to be treading on her dreams. She created the embroidered cloth in the garden which is dappled by the light through the oak trees. Change being inevitable but feared. Yet it is light, warm and embracing.
Continue to explore the changing light and way we live life inspired by road journeys here.
