@happyhelenhere@BellaBaddie__ "Damn fine cup of coffee". I used to watch it on a Saturday night and the repeat on Tuesday. Discussed it on Wednesday with only one of my friends who watched it as well. Loved it so much.
theatres across Londonโs West End and around the UK will dim their lights for two minutes at 7 pm on Tuesday, Oct 7th in memory of Dame Patricia Routledge ๐ญ
Rest in peace, Patricia Routledge ๐๐ป
In memory of her, I encourage everyone to read these words of hers from February last year.
Whether young or old, you're bound to get something out of it.
*****
"Iโll be turning 95 this coming Monday. In my younger years, I was often filled with worry โ worry that I wasnโt quite good enough, that no one would cast me again, that I wouldnโt live up to my motherโs hopes. But these days begin in peace, and end in gratitude.
My life didnโt quite take shape until my forties. I had worked steadily โ on provincial stages, in radio plays, in West End productions โ but I often felt adrift, as though I was searching for a home within myself that I hadnโt quite found.
At 50, I accepted a television role that many would later associate me with โ Hyacinth Bucket, of Keeping Up Appearances. I thought it would be a small part in a little series. I never imagined that it would take me into peopleโs living rooms and hearts around the world. And truthfully, that role taught me to accept my own quirks. It healed something in me.
At 60, I began learning Italian โ not for work, but so I could sing opera in its native language. I also learned how to live alone without feeling lonely. I read poetry aloud each evening, not to perfect my diction, but to quiet my soul.
At 70, I returned to the Shakespearean stage โ something I once believed I had aged out of. But this time, I had nothing to prove. I stood on those boards with stillness, and audiences felt that. I was no longer performing. I was simply being.
At 80, I took up watercolour painting. I painted flowers from my garden, old hats from my youth, and faces I remembered from the London Underground. Each painting was a quiet memory made visible.
Now, at 95, I write letters by hand. Iโm learning to bake rye bread. I still breathe deeply every morning. I still adore laughter โ though I no longer try to make anyone laugh. I love the quiet more than ever.
Iโm writing this to tell you something simple:
Growing older is not the closing act. It can be the most exquisite chapter โ if you let yourself bloom again.
Let these years ahead be your TREASURE YEARS.
You donโt need to be famous. You donโt need to be flawless.
You only need to show up โ fully โ for the life that is still yours.
With love and gentleness,
Patricia Routledge
*****
Once more, rest in peace. ๐ค
I still have several of the books, bought for my children, shared now with grandchildren. We wore out several copies of The Babies Catalogue. Still a favourite, along with The Jolly Postman.
Goodbye Allan. You were a pioneer of great children's literature, both in picture books and poetry. You were clever, funny and wise. My children loved your books. So did and so DO I.
https://t.co/FSQJnp0vJw
@LangmanVince Iโve just introduced my Portuguese grandsons to the Monkees music and shows. Aged 8 and 10 they love them. We even have maracas ๐ช to play along with the songs. Need to get tambourines for the next visit!
@magnoliasimmss They have only been here for 5 days but they didnโt take much persuading. They have been asking to watch them. Weโve even been using maracas with Davy ๐๐ฅฐ
@johnmyles68@daveainsworth63 Such a sad little person in Holiday Camp and in Jassie, but so joyful in other films, especially in Carry on Cruising and Nurse on Wheels. โค๏ธ