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*One month before her 95th birthday, Patricia Routledge wrote something that still gently echoes:*
**“I’ll be turning 95 this coming Monday. In my younger years, I was often filled with worry — worry that I wasn’t quite good enough, that no one would cast me again, that I wouldn’t live up to my mother’s hopes. But these days begin in peace, and end in gratitude.”**
My life didn’t quite take shape until my forties. I had worked steadily — on provincial stages, in radio plays, in West End productions — but I often felt adrift, as though I was searching for a home within myself that I hadn’t quite found.
At 50, I accepted a television role that many would later associate me with — 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 people’s 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 — 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 — 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 watercolor 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. I’m learning to bake rye bread. I still breathe deeply every morning. I still adore laughter — though I no longer try to make anyone laugh. I love the quiet more than ever.
**I’m writing this to tell you something simple:**
**Growing older is not the closing act. It can be the most exquisite chapter — if you let yourself bloom again.**
Let these years ahead be your *treasure years*.
You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need to be flawless.
You only need to show up — fully — for the life that is still yours.
*With love and gentleness,*
— Patricia Routledge
We are shocked and desperately saddened to learn that the famous Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian's Wall has been felled overnight, in what appears to be an act of vandalism.
We know just how much this iconic tree is loved locally, nationally and by everyone who has visited.
We are working with our partners to understand what has happened and what can be done.
The incident has also been reported to the police.
Saturday’s Story:
I had just spent an hour in the bank with my father, as he had to transfer some money. I couldn't resist asking:
"Dad, why don't we activate your internet banking?"
"Why would I do that?" he replied.
"Because then you wont have to spend an hour here for things like that transfer.
You can even do your shopping online. Everything will be so easy!"
I was so excited about introducing him to the exciting world of online banking.
He thought for a minute, then answered "If I do that, I wont have to step out of the house?"
"Yes, yes" I said. I told him how even grocery can be delivered to your front door now, and how Amazon delivers everything!
His answer left me speechless.
He replied "Since I entered this bank today, I have met four of my friends. And I have chatted for a while with the staff who know me very well by now.
You know that I am alone. This is the company that I need. I like to get ready and come to the bank. I have more than enough time, it is the physical touch that I crave.
Two years ago I got sick, The shop owner, where I buy my fruit, came to see me and sat by my bedside and cried.
When your mum fell down few days ago during her morning walk, our local grocer saw her and immediately brought his car to rush her home, as he knows where I live.
Would I have that 'human' touch if everything became online?
Why would I want everything delivered to me, forcing me to only interact with my computer?
I like to know the person I'm dealing with and not just the 'seller'. It creates bonds and relationships.
Does Amazon deliver all this as well?"
Technology isn't life. Spend time with people. Not with devices.
#SpendTimeWithPeople #CashIsKing #TheImportanceOfConnection
I watched the Channel 4 documentary on Russell Brand. All highly suspect.
I know if I pitched an idea for an inflammatory documentary to a TV company and said all the main contributors were going to be anonymous with their faces in shadow or played by actors, I’d have the idea flung back in my face.
The stories told may or may not be true but trial by TV is never fair.
Whether he’s guilty or not, this film is clearly a hit piece. A neatly orchestrated attack. Brand is getting too popular, is way too ‘over target’ and has to be removed.
And this is how they do it.