Thursday, or Thereabouts - May 4, 2023

 Some Personal Thoughts on the Coronation

I had the privilege earlier this week of being with a group of international women enjoying time, conversation together and sharing a meal along with a few laughs. The most engaging conversation I had with a few of the women was about the coronation of Charles III. Typical of what a number of news agencies have been reporting, our views were mixed with no extreme positives or negatives, just a jumble of thoughts and feelings either side of neutral.

 The New Yorker© cover speaks volumes!

And what is my view? It's an important historic event and I'll be tuning in early (5:00am here) Saturday morning. Though this will be the second coronation in my lifetime, I was just shy of two months old when Queen Elizabeth was crowned, so this will be the first one I'll be able to watch as it happens. That's exciting!  Also, it could well be the only one I see if Charles shares his mother's longevity and persistence and his reign outlasts me.

Then there is the question of the future of the monarchy as a viable, relevant institution. It's a fair question in the 21st century. There are fifteen constitutional monarchies in the British Commonwealth of Nations, of which my home and native land, Canada is one.  Perhaps the reign of Charles III is the opportune time for reflection, evaluation, and decision on whether we choose to become a republic. Such an undertaking can be no swift kick to the curb but will require much care and consideration. In the meantime, I have no reservation or objection to pledging my allegiance to the monarch. It is my duty and obligation as a Canadian. 

However, I do have doubts and reservations about the person about to be crowned King. Charles does not warm my heart. He does not inspire my confidence, and the Queen Consort even less so. I'd be very happy and even relieved to have my reservations proved unfounded, and that is my best hope. 

May King Charles live up to his late mother's wise words:

"When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat;
instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future."

September 8, 2022 Queen Elizabeth II

God Save the King!

p.s. Though I may nosh on tea and crumpets while I watch the coronation in my jammies on Saturday morning, I assure any and all that I will neither be making nor eating a Coronation Quiche! A quiche with fava beans?! Are you kidding me?

©2023 April Hoeller

Monday Meander - May 3, 2021

The place has been tidied up and the welcome mat is out.

I harken to the road outside my door, waiting to hear the unmistakable and oh-so-familiar rumble of the big truck coming in off the highway. 

My heart swells with joy to see this event unfold before my eyes this morning. Why? Because the annual delivery of firewood is blessedly normal. It is reassuring to this old soul that the cycle of seasons still rolls on, not just those in nature but also those that shape my life in this place. 

And so, this first full week of May begins with comfort and joy, throwing off the pall of gloomy wet weather that has been hanging around for too many days. 

...but all shall be well,

all shall be well,

and all manner of thing shall be well.

Julian of Norwich (1342 - 1416)

My soul must have been working with these words of hope and trust as my hands went to work this past week to finish the pandemic cross-stitch piece I began in early 2020. I hesitated to add my initials and end date because I had originally felt that I would not do so until the pandemic was over. But hope and smiles bloom...

Fini! 

©2021 April Hoeller