Nestled into the English countryside,Cedarmoor lay just off the beaten track. The houses were all very pretty, some more ordered than others. On the edge of the village there was an older house, which had been through a great deal. It could probably have done with a fresh coat of paint and some serious weeding in the garden. On the whole though it was the sort of place you could relax in. Kick off your shoes, take a deep breath and just be yourself.
The owner of the house looked like it belonged to her, most of the time. Joan was very comfortable in her skin, except when she felt unable to comply with certain rules. She had the knack of allowing those around her to get on with it. There may of course be a downside to that, but just for now we are going to overlook that.
Knowing your limitations and just how much you want to do are important as these boundaries can change from day to day. Take the day of the party for example.
There were quite a number of people in the house and garden, who, having bought plates of food and bottles of various descriptions, were busily laying out the feast. Joan oozed from person to person gently chatting. When the festivities were over, plates cleared, rubbish disposed of and all went back to normal, Joan's departing words to her guests "I'm so glad you came, hasn't it been lovely", were heartfelt because it had been just that...lovely.
Joan could really enjoy her grandchildren, entering their world and becoming one of them. Take the chocolate muffin day. "If you really enjoy something, let it show, even if you are up to your ears and elbows in it!"
Or that time when after a stroll around Stourhead, Ella drew a crowd in the car park as she fought gallantly to get up into the espace gasping and panting and giggling hysterically, which always makes you feel weak and floppy. Ella eventually, was safely and happily sat in the car, even if slightly pink and sweaty.
There are times when people come into your life just to "be", normally when you need them most.