5/13/2024 — There’s something to be said about walking streets you’ve never seen before, finding new flowers, and meeting people whose life is so similar, yet so different, from your own. Give me the little moments over the monuments. Here are a few pictures and moments from England that were inspiring to my writer mind.
This is just a picture of a window—or rather, me sitting in front of a window—but this photo makes me feel something. Small… but in a good way. This photo makes me feel like I am no one and nothing but a thought between the pages of a book. The world exists, busy and bright and right outside, but I choose to fall into a story.
This looks like the home of every fairytale heroine. I can practically see the adventures that the children create in that tiny attic room and the forest that surrounds them filled with fairies and myth and legend. In the spring, wisteria decorate the walls and air with its sweet smell. Don’t you want to live here too?
I stumbled upon this grave accidently, and I don't even know the name of the person who lives in its ground. It is simple, weathered stone and unextraordinary flowers, but to me, it was a reminder that beauty and memory have no end. Even when their name is forgotten, that person lives on, somehow, through those flowers.
My final photo for you all is of another window. I don’t have a grand connection to this one, but it reminds me of Carina, the main character in To Favor Blood & Flowers. Carina sees the world walking a similarly green-covered trail as I walked when I took this photo. I felt connected to her in that moment, and I wanted nothing more than to look out and learn all I could.
Those were just a few poetic(ish) snippets of a fantastic trip. Know that this writer is still walking the streets of academic Oxford and the green garden paths when she lets her mind wander these days.
Much love and happy daydreaming,
Gail ❤
Comments