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Friday 7 September 2012

Something a Little Different For You Today.. Chapter One

Sophie looked around the room with the lovely little bay window that looked out over the square below.  The furniture was sparse but elegant.  A complete contrast, she thought to herself,  from the house she had left behind in England, where she had lived for more than thirty years.  That house had been full to overflowing with antique pieces that she had painstakingly collected over the years.  

Each piece had once meant so much to her, and yet she had been able to walk away from it all without feeling anything at all.  No sense of regrets, no sense of loss - just nothing.

That wasn't quite true, because ever since she had left the dull, leaden skies of England to board the flight to Malaga, she had felt an increasing sense of freedom and excitement, albeit tinged with a slight feeling of anxiety, and a lingering sadness that would never be erased.

This would be the first time since leaving her parents' home in the early sixties that she would actually be living on her own.  Forty years had passed since that time.  Years when, quite often, Sophie felt as if she were sleepwalking from one day to the next.  It was different, of course, when the boys were growing up.  Then it was the usual routine of the school run, fitting in a full time career building up the Childrens' Nursery School that she had started with a friend, along with all the ferrying around with all the various after-school activities that the boys were involved in.

Sophie, herself, was an only child.  Her parents dearly would have loved more children but, after three miscarriages and a still-born baby, her poor mother could take no more.  So it was that all their love and attention were focused on her.  Theirs was a worried kind of love, and Sophie was wrapped in cotton wool and never really had the chance to form an identity of her own.  It always seemed to her that even her thinking had been done for her.

As the taxi drove along the coastal road to the village that was to be her new home,  the sea glistened like diamonds and Sophie vowed to herself that, in this new chapter of her life, all this was about to change.

Continued ....

16 comments:

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

I like and can't wait to read more.....

Pearson Report said...

I am intrigued...I am staying tuned for Chapter Two.

With smiles, Jenny

Pearson Report said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shelly said...

I LOVE this!!! You are such a talented writer and have me eagerly awaiting the next installment~

Unknown said...

What a beautiful opening! I wonder if I mother like that, with a "worried kind of love." You have written the beginning of a wonderful adventure and I look forward to reading more!

LindyLouMac said...

Guess what I had problems posting a comment as well, via Networked Blogs, just would not let me!
I did not know you enjoyed writing, is this a new hobby or just a talent you have kept hidden till now.

Shady Del Knight said...

Hallo, dear Thisisme! My goodness, for a moment there I thought I had clicked the wrong link and landed on Shelly's blog... or perhaps Jenny's. This certainly is a change of pace for Southhamsdarling. This introductory chapter of Sophie's story is both intriguing and beautifully written. I can't wait to read more and learn what connection, if any, she has to you and your family. I am also eagerly awaiting your next Sunday Snaps feature. Till then have a wonderful weekend, dear friend!

Unknown said...

Well done on your opening chapter.

Have a great weekend.

Claudia Moser said...

Very good indeed, so we both have to do some more writing :)

Darlene said...

An intriguing first chapter. Can't wait to read more!

Olive said...

Hi Diane, so good to see you writing. Thanks for visiting me. Olive

Belle said...

Wonderful writing, Diane. It is nice to read about a woman who is embarking on a new era in her life. When children have left home it is a perfect time for change.

orchid0324 said...

Dearest Diane,
Wonderful story about "Sophie". You showed your great talent here☆☆☆ I will have to read the first chapter again tomorrow with the second one.
Looking forward to reading on, my friend♡♡♡
Love you always from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

Chatty Crone said...

I like Sophie already - can't wait for the next installment.

Suzanne said...

Hi Thisisme. Been running behind this week. This is fascinating! What a wonderful post. I've seen chapter 2, and, am going back to read again. Have a wonderful weekend!♥

Unknown said...

Oh yes! I'm ready for the next installment. This one was too short!!
Rosemary