The Madrid Metropolitan Orchestra who plays with the lisping choir supporting young musicians on this lovely version of Cinema Paradiso
It’s delightful and that hug at the end was pure emotion
The last week I’ve been transported back to that awful time in Summer 2019 when Chris left me with a cottage for sale, no car, no job, no money and four dogs
If I can get through that I can get through anything
Thank you for your continued support
Look closely at my hero Silvia sanz conducting I can see myself in the audience !!!!
That's what we're here for! And with all the blogs out there, you have to remember there is a reason we all stick with you, post on post, year on year. We like, love and admire you. And share your sense of humour - and lots of other characteristics that go without saying.
ReplyDeleteYou have got through a lot - and you will get through this. There is more going for you than you think!
This blog has carried me through the best and the worst of times , it has grounded me , and has allowed me to share my pain safely
DeleteXx
And I do thank you all for that xxx
DeleteWe are all rooting for you John , you mean a lot to us xx
ReplyDeleteAnd I’m taking a great deal of strength from that
DeleteOne of my besties Nigel rang today and he sorted,my head out
This is just a bump in the road, John. You'll ride it. We're all here for you. That's what friends are for, celebrating the good times and supporting through the bad. xx
ReplyDeleteI've been stop/starting the video to try and spot you. It's a bit blurry but is that you, just by her right elbow at the beginning of the video? You're now a film star!🤩 xx
DeleteYes I think you are right,
DeleteThat's the way! I believe in allowing a day or so to rant/sulk or whatever, then planning and action You know you can do it.
ReplyDeleteI’ve said my piece at two staff meetings and feel ok with my words
DeleteJohn my squire , I’ve read some of those old posts (pre Lee)
ReplyDeleteFrom July 2019 …..God you went through hell…I never realised just how isolated and how much you had to start from scratch. You have grown so much in my estimation.
I’m sending you a supporting gift from NYC
Spend it on martini nothing else
Lee
Oh Lee you always make me laugh, I will accept your gift and will salute you when I take my first gulp
DeleteThis present moment is far from the hardest thing you've had to overcome. You've got this. Remember that, when you wake up in the middle of the night, you have readers awake in other countries wishing you well.
ReplyDeleteMy dearHeart friend thank u
DeleteI well remember those dark days and the lurch you were left in. I also remember you allowed the prof to stay in the cottage until HE was ready to leave, weeks or months after he'd broken your heart, proving you were the better person.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, you made it through that upheaval and you can make it through this hiccup. We're with you all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs!
He did pay the mortgage , I have to concede that xxx
Deletejust as your story inspires strength in others, we hope our stories and also give you the strength to endure - and enfure you shall as you have done before..... in the rear view mirror all we see are mere speedbumps!!
ReplyDeleteMy friend you give me some energy xxx🩷🐈⬛🌈
DeleteWow! I am amazed that you survived all that horrendous turmoil in your life with equanimity. So much trauma. I don’t know how you did it. A truly inspiring story. Good for you John. Have you seen the movie Cinema Paradiso? I remember my son bringing it home in the depths of winter when he was taking a film course (30 below) and us sitting in the basement loving the movie. Good wishes John. Jean in Winnipeg
DeleteI’ve watched it several times
DeleteYou are one very impressive person JG! Look at what you've experienced and then went on to accomplish impressive goals.
ReplyDeleteToday, you're on your way again as a gifted counselor.
Thank you for sharing and the best is yet to come!
🙏😆🦕😂🍸🍷🌈🩷
DeleteJohn, it hurt me to read and remember those hard times.You’ve always had the best attitude and never felt sorry for yourself. I believe you’ve pulled up your bra straps more than Zsa Zsa and Marilyn. When you made your decision to go back to
ReplyDeleteUni and become a counselor I knew you would be the best ever!!!! There will be lines waiting to get appointments with you. Your kindness to your friends, relatives and villagers has taught me a lot. When you don’t like someone I know they are trashy, mean loser biatches. You are such a good man period. Keep it up!
Sending lots of love from Atlanta! Carol
Carol you star ⭐️🌟🔥💥
DeleteThere were times in my life where I thought I'd never be happy again, times I saw a bleak future. But we get through those times and the pain is erased although remembered. We all come out a better person in the long run because we have reflected on life and how to survive. I have no doubt you will be fine...better than fine. And you will help others get through the hard times. Linda from PA
ReplyDeleteI’m there now x
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLizzy xxxx
DeleteDear John, there is a saying what does not break you makes you. I certainly think that is true, but life is giving you real experiences so that you know where people are coming from. I know you would rather not have the experience, and me too if I tell the truth. I last worked 7 years ago for the solicitors office as I got so fed up with them pitting staff against staff, especially as when we had started this particular aspect of our work. They kept changing the goalposts. My job was not what it was when I started and in the end I voted with my feet. I had had enough of being manipulated. I took voluntary redundancy which did not go down well as they were banking on me being part of the new infastructure. That really upset the apple cart. I then took a job which really was not my thing, but as G was going on about finances I took it anyway. In the end they caused that much stress I ended up having a seizure and being off work for one week. I was told point blank that I had misled them regarding the seizures which I had not. You never know when you are going to have an attack. I could have done them under the Disability Act for discrimination. However I did not like the job or the woman who was my boss a bit of a bully. The amount of staff I saw go through the Department including University graduates etc. was quite a lot. It screwed me up a bit, and I have not worked since. I am now a pensioner, but still with a lot of living to do. I am okay, you will be more than okay, it is just that the rug has been taken out from underneath your feet and you are being taken out of your comfort zone. That will make you grow. There is always a silver lining. Sometimes things happen for a reason, its just we cannot always see the logic or the reasons behind what is going on. Despite all the unknowns it might take you to a better place and give you opportunities that you may or may not have sought for yourself. More focus on the Counselling now. There should be more carers/Counsellors like you. Wicked sense of humour, and a caring and kind attitude. If you cannot get through one way, you change tack and try another. Don't ever change and please do not lower yourself because of other people's attitudes. Some people were just meant to shine, zapping bra straps or not! Take care friend Tricia (aka Pattypan)xx
ReplyDeleteMy friend u have always been there for me x
DeleteThose were two wonderful pieces of music. Thank you, John. Keep posting them.
ReplyDeleteI will😝🍾🥂🏆🩷
DeleteThat's right, John. You're in much better financial and emotional shape all the way around than when your marriage ended. You triumphed over that adversity then, and you will triumph over this set of circumstances too!
ReplyDeleteI’m not but hey ho
DeleteJohn my man, if you could survive that you will survive this one. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteCheers jimbo
DeleteThose dark days of yours in 2019 crossed my mind the other day. You survived those dark days, and have thrived since then.
ReplyDeleteWithout a doubt, you WILL come through this successfully.
Hugs for you and head scratches for Mary, Roger, Bun & Weaver.
Weaver has just pooed with attitude on the kitchen floor
DeleteI would say, look how well things have gone for you since those dark days. Lots of travel, new friendships in the village, and Scotch eggs on the beach with the dogs. Can't be bad!
ReplyDeleteYou star x
DeleteI'm certain in not being alone in breath-taking admiration of the super-human resilience you've displayed considering what you've been through. I'd have almost certainly 'gone under' long before now. We're here and we're WITH YOU, JayGee!
ReplyDeleteOh Raymondo I love u 🩷
DeleteI was there, reading at the time, watching what you were going through, the time you took time out from blogging made me really sad for you and sad that I couldn't do anything to help you but continue reading your blog when you returned. They were dark times, you struggled and you prevailed. You had a change of direction, whilst working in hospice and three years later you are a qualified counsellor now self employed with clients pending. You don't know me but I know you are going to be sought after and I am proud of you. Bravo my friend, you've got this!
ReplyDeleteThat was kind and that was a nurturing comment and I thank u🙏🩷
DeleteI understand completely the fear of losing one's home, although I already had no car, no job and no dogs. I remember that time you speak of and was sad for you then and worried. Hopefully new opportunities will open up for you and you can weather the storm. All we can do is be here for you on the blog wishing you well.
ReplyDeleteI will keep you posted, the worst scenario will be a fund me page
DeleteWhy are some of us so self critical, can't see the true person in ourselves, who often is very caring of others, your journey has been epic at time, just as we are sorted it says nope and your world tilts, it's what life does to you. You are living your best life now, it was a hard journey, but I do believe we learn something from everything. Remember 'what does not kill you makes you stronger.
ReplyDeleteCounselling has made me put me first m and I value that 🩷🩷🩷🙏🍷
DeleteThe music was wonderful. I love watching that conductor - so much verve.
ReplyDeleteEverything you have gone through has made you stronger, though you may not feel so at the moment. You do not break, you bend with the storm and stand upright again after it. This, too, shall pass.
My friend Nigel rang me yesterday, he told me what I needed to hear
DeleteI had panicked
But I had made a plan
A hard road travelled John, and you have never lost yourself along the way. Holding tight and putting one foot in front of the other is often hard but your blog family have always been there for you . Libs Xx
ReplyDeleteWe need that gin don’t we?….
DeleteIndeed we do, doubles. X
DeleteI have been a visitor here since about 2009 (when I lived at Railway cottage) and have seen you go through so much and you have my greatest respect xx
ReplyDeleteAnd I always will remember your smiling face x
DeleteI have followed you for a long time, John. You have gone through some tough stuff, sir, and come out on the other side of it a very kind and wise person. I much admire you.
ReplyDeleteI’m tired that there’s yet ANOTHER bloody hurdle
DeleteAs they say, it is darkest before the dawn, and the best is yet to come.
ReplyDeleteReally!.
DeleteYour words above "If I can get through that I can get through anything" - YES, yes you can and I will try to remember that as I go forward. Thank you for being you had for having the Best Blog Ever.
ReplyDeleteand not had!
DeleteOh Jackie it’s more ups and downs than a whore’s knickers
DeleteI remember when you were left alone in 2019, not sure what the future held. You have carved out a good life for yourself through hard work and never giving up. You will be ok. You have what it takes to make it! Cali
ReplyDeleteI’m 63 now not 57
DeleteLife has ups and downs but you have always carried on with compassion, humor, and kindness. I have confidence in you, John.
ReplyDeleteI’m wavering just a little if I’m honest 😟
DeleteYou are a star , John. So proud of you and all you have accomplished. We got you.
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteYou must certainly can get through anything. Proud of you.
ReplyDelete🙏🙏🙏🙏🍷
DeleteYou got through it back then, and that was so much worse. You proved the strength of your character by always treating the Prof with respect even though he absolutely tore your world apart. If you can survive that you can survive ANYTHING.
ReplyDeleteRemember when you saw your divorce lawyer a year or so after the divorce and she was amazed at the transformation of you!! Well we readers and friends saw your world fall apart and then watched you rebuild your life step by step, stage by stage, the friendships you forged the progress you made with your cottage, your animal family and your new career, with you not really noticing the vast improvement at first. You should take great pride in the fact that YOU rebuilt yourself, and then surrounded yourself with people that love you to bits.
I for one, am proud to know you. xx
Thank you Sue I know you are not theflowery type so your words mean a great deal
DeleteLee here
ReplyDeleteMy post didn’t take, I didn’t know you when you got separated from the prof but I’ve been back and read the posts
I can’t believe you survived a house sale , no car, no job and no money
You are a star and I love you for your resilience
Lee xx
I ,too, am a long time reader of your blog. I along with all of the other followers am pulling for you! Wishing you all the best!
ReplyDeleteLinda from Alabama