Serendipity, Holiday Plans and Dear Mr Poitier

 

I’ve mentioned serendipity before on Going Gently and over the last three years have cited at least two serendipitous events that have brought much needed windfalls of money unexpectedly into my lap, each one at a time that it was most needed.
Today, I listened to the news of a proposed interest rate rise, acknowledged fluctuations in tax, energy bill hikes and a proposed increase in national insurance with a prickle of worry. 
I’ve saved up the money to repair the chimney throughout the year but still have outstanding jobs that need addressing, with an old cottage, or a period house of any age, many things are works in progress

The bathroom needs a drastic upgrade from its 1980s utilitarian facelift, dear old Bluebell won’t go on forever, and the living room is in dire need of new flooring. 
Those are my must haves on my 2022 list as well as my counselling course fees which seem to me looming just out of reach like the mountains of Mordor
Nice things like holiday travel costs, and other less necessary incidentals have been cast aside in my head until now, the year I will be reaching sixty.
Until recently I had more or less forgotten that I have a small private pension, 
I took it out when I was a student nurse and have dribbled very small and regular  amounts into it well before I had ever thought of kissing my first man on the lips.
That was an age ago now, and a bright shiny pamphlet and official letter, opened up only yesterday told me of my options .
One of which will pay for most of my needs for the year and then some.
My relief is palpable and couldn’t have come at a better time for after 8 am this morning , I’m on holiday.

I have eleven days off and am starting to book things to do ( though mindful it’s also nice to do nothing at all) 
Theatre with Chic Eleanor, a reflexology massage, a pop over to Liverpool for a meal at Mowgli with a friend, cinema at the storyhouse, a walk with another friend, an overnight jaunt to Sheffield. Pottery and choir. 
Oh and plenty of time to potter and to read and to paint the upstairs hall to the west wing and to plan my new bathroom with a power shower to die for……..one that will force blissfully hot soapy water into my aging nether regions .

I’m very much looking forward to it all.

I will leave this positive post on a bittersweet note as I must lament the passing of Sidney Poitier.
I think I first became aware of him in the 1970s when I saw him in the television showing of the film To Sir With Love
I had never seen such a beautiful black actor before, and certainly had not “ experienced” seeing one who commanded such respect, gravitas and power on screen. 
The film was hodgepotch of dated cliches, even back then, but to me as a pre teen I think I instantly recognised his dignity and power against racism. Racism that was ingrained into the very fabric of the middle class ,Conservative urban Wales way back then.
The famous slapping scene in In The Heat Of The Night wasn’t lost of me either, although that was a film I visited a few years later. The Look on Poitier’s face as he returns the slap from the southern Plantation owner Endicott is stunning and no wonder it was referred to at the time as the slap that was heard around the world 





73 comments:

  1. Barbara Anne1:48 am

    Wonderful post, start to finish! Happy Holidays!!!

    Serendipity is one of my favorite words and am so glad the reminder in today's mail of your small pension is just that - unexpected wonderfulness.

    I first saw Sidney Poitier in To Sir with Love, too, and he has remained a force to be reckoned with ever since. To Sir Sidney, thank you and may you rest in peace.

    Happy painting, planning, and playing!

    Hugs!

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    1. It is a lovely word, and for me an important one.
      Three times , when I’ve most needed it, I have had the benefit of a financial boost just when I needed one

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  2. You ARE lucky in money showing up just in the nick of time! Must be karma for good deeds in past lives!

    Sidney Poitier was the epitome of dignity and humanity. His name and legacy will live as long as films and anti-racism work are remembered.

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  3. Making custom updates to your home is a luxury you can enjoy every day. Having all the finances you need to make the changes is fantastic. I always feel, investing money in your home is money well spent. Sidney Poitier will be missed, his talent was truly remarkable. RIP SP.

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    1. Yes, I feel much more relaxed knowing some of these important bills can now be paid

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  4. I really appreciate your professional approach.These are pieces of very useful information that will be of great use for me in future.
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  5. Anonymous3:46 am

    Poitier was very handsome when young, and sexy.

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  6. That's quite some scene; I remember it well.

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  7. Am so very happy for your good news. Certainly Karma ~ enjoy your holiday and have a good weekend. Ro xx

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  8. Serendipity indeed! Enjoy all the plans. RIP Sir Sidney Poitier, a beautiful and talented man. xx

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  9. Well, plenty of things to keep you occupied. Your amazing energy levels never cease to amaze me!

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    1. You could see me now , I’m lying prostrate on the couch

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  10. I found that film so powerful. An amazing actor.

    Very glad that you have had welcome and unexpected financial news to help with your upkeep of the cottage. Older properties are expensive to maintain although great to live in.

    Good plans for your holiday. I always find the anticipation almost as good as the actual event.



    ReplyDelete
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    1. They call me Mr Tibbs
      Is another favourite and, of course GUESS WHOSE COMING TO DINNER where SpencecTracy matched him

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  11. So nice to have that pension surprise. We had one of those before moving to Spain that paid for everything involved with the move. Sidney Poitier was a brilliant actor and a truly exceptional human being.

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    1. I’d like to think it’s Karma lol

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  12. What a lovely windfall, just when it is needed. Enjoy your well deserved holiday.

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  13. A while ago I was quite shocked as when I asked a neighbour if she would like to join me to a local yoga class-she looked a bit worried and asked if there were any other black people there x

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  14. I LOVED that clip, it's a film I've never seen but I must rectify that immediately. The look and slight shake of the head of the butler spoke volumes. I hadn't heard about Sidney Poitiers passing, what a shame, he was a magnificent actor and man.

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    1. Sue, I’d be interested in your thoughts.
      It looks slightly dated now, but maybe not in some places in the world 😞

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  15. veg artist9:31 am

    Nice to have good financial news, but please beware the tax you could have to pay if you take the 'lump sum' in one go. These policies can be quite complicated.

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    1. Yes , that’s the downside , I wii be careful x
      Thank you

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  16. Most business owners have begun to realize that Toll Free Numbers are powerful marketing tools as they tend to generate much greater responses to advertisements - both in the print and electronic media.

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  17. I am very glad that you have a financial windfall, and also planning your leave attractions. Just found out about Sidney Poitier.... 94 a very good innings. Loved to Sir with Love. Iconic 70's movie.

    Jo in Auckland

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  18. what good news. i can't wait to see your projects getting done. sounds like you will have a nice beak from work. enjoy!

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    1. Staffing has gone tits up . I may have todo an extra shift

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  19. Fantastic news about the money. Something you probably could barely spare when you were younger is very welcome now. (My husband's nickname at school was Sid because 'Sir' in TSWL hailed from Guyana and so did my husband's family.)

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    1. Lol….I never had a teacher of colour in school

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  20. If you are taking a lump sum I would advise taking only what you need and and retain as much as possible in the pension pot to be paid as an annuity because you will need it when you are a pensioner.

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    1. I need some advice, the pension monthly would be minuscule so the lump sum may be of more use depending on what it does to my tax code xxx

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  21. Sidney Poitier oozed dignity - both as an actor and as a man in real life. No wonder President Obama hugged him like a hero. So pleased to hear about your windfall.

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    1. Yes, just read this after replying to Lyssa

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  22. I love the word serendipity. Thank you for sharing it. So pleased that you have that extra bonus. I am also saddened by the passing of Sidney Poitier. He had such presence and such command.

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    1. I think Barack Obama used him as his role model

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  23. So pleased to hear about your financial boost.
    Using some to invest in your home is clever but most importantly enjoy it !!
    As we are all aware with this pandemic - life can be too short.
    I look forward to hearing about your plans.

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  24. A prickle of worry, and then off to the theater... you're so funny.

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    1. One has to. Keep standards up Dave despite worry

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  25. Wow such a powerful scene. And Endicott's upset at the end for his diminished powers. I've never seen the film but I'll look it out. Super pleased for your 'windfall', takes the worry off.

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    1. Indeed to both
      The speed at which mr Tibs returns the blow speaks somuch more than any speech.
      Apparantly the actor and director used to enjoy sneaking into cinemas in different parts of the US to experience the different audience reactions

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  26. 60 - impossible. Fix what needs doing. We look forward to the bath plans and installation.

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    1. I think so, the monthly pension would be tiny

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  27. I loved everything that Sydney Poitier was in. He was a wonderful actor and gentleman.
    Enjoy your time off!

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  28. Lucky you with a windfall. But is there a mistake in your description of a new power shower - "force soapy water INTO my nether regions" or perhaps I don't really want to know!

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  29. Wow! Serendipity to say the least! A very beautiful thing which came unexpectedly!
    I watched that clip, realizing I've never seen the movie. I absolutely must. I've always thought that change, the real sort of change to people's minds, comes more from the arts than from anywhere else. Poitier, in his art, certainly confirms that theory.

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    1. It’s a strong and brave movie for all involved, well worth a look

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  30. Let's hear it for serendipity! Perfect timing!

    "To Sir With Love" is a fantastic movie, cliches and all -- thanks not only to Poitier but the youthful Lulu.

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    1. And her sass….Patricia routledge turned up as a teacher that fancied him too

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  31. Didn't you discover a forgotten pension plan once before? You have good luck indeed, maybe go buy a few Lotto tickets! Your days off sound fun and doable, enjoy your winter holiday.

    lizzy

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    1. I may havedone Lizzy but it didn’t register that I can take out the lump sun, I just thought I’d be getting a minuscule monthly amount which in the great scene of things wasn’t useful

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  32. Don't spend more than you should John-I regret spending willy nilly-If only I hadn't I could have got another dog x

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  33. linda in KY6:24 pm

    will this windfall affect you alimony with ex husb? just wondering
    linda in KY

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  34. So chuffed for you John, serendipity indeed. Something always turns up, not always as we imagine but of help all the same. Enjoy and get yourself sorted. You are doing well xx

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  35. Serendipity indeed so happy for you takes a load of worry of no doubt, looks like your days of are well planned.
    As for Sidney Poitier he was a prince among men and I loved the face of Endicott when he got slapped back as he did not expect that a black man had the nerve to do just that a powerful just moment.

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    1. Yes, that moment was SO important , in so many ways xxx

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  36. John, your pension makes me smile all over.

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  37. What great good fortune! Congratulations and enjoyment. And your comments on Mr. Poitier were spot on. He was amazing.

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  38. Sounds like your week end John. Yes I too lament the passing of Sidney Poitier - did not realise he was that age.

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  39. Enjoy your time off.

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