A picture paints a thousand words, but no pictures will be used in this post.
Words can paint a thousand pictures, too.
I love words. I mean, I don’t know many long ones (‘antidisestablishmentarianism’ is just too much) and I have so many frustrating moments when I find myself doubting my spelling on the most ridiculously simple ones – but I bloody love them.
It is the power of words that I find so incredible. They way that you can tell a story in a million different ways. How such a detailed description of a place can make you feel as though if you were to close your eyes you could be right there. How words can provoke such strong emotions – causing you to weep in pain or in happiness, to laugh until it hurts, to leave you heartbroken or lead you to fall hopelessly in love. They can also confuse the sh*t out of you, of course. And the use of expletives like that can cause your Dad to text you to tell you off for swearing in a blog post (uh oh).
With the publication date of the book just weeks away (sixteen days, actually – a profound timeline for me, which you will understand if you read the book), I find myself spending many a moment daydreaming about how my 60 Postcards project has changed my life. Words are everywhere. The handwritten note that I left on the postcards, the emails exchanged with the finders, the set up of this very blog and now the book – I think it must be almost 120,000 words that have been used along the way. And it was all in order to help me to celebrate a date that I was so afraid of. As heartbreaking as these milestones will always be, I have to use what I have learnt from my past experiences – to continue to turn days of misery on their head. Today I face another…..
Once I have published this post, I am off to spend the day around London town. And while wandering, I have set myself a mini project. I am going to take 60 Photographs around the city – of views, landmarks and people. Maybe even a few abstract shots (the Tate Modern called, they want their photos back – ha). I will get the photographs printed and will be able to look at them in years to come. I’d rather do this than spend the day crying into my corn flakes. That said, it is still early in the day. I can’t promise I will be able to hold it together completely. And that’s OK.
Two years ago today we lost Mum. Two years ago I lost a piece of my heart that will never be replaced. But I will do my best to make this a day to remember once more. For her.
‘Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass….it’s about learning to dance in the rain.’
Very true.
With love,
Rachael xxx
60 POSTCARDS 
Dear Rachael, I have almost finished reading your book and I am sorry that is the case, but there is the blog! I went through a painful anniversary too recently. As you say it doesn’t stop hurting, you just cope better at putting a brave face on.
Sharing & reaching out to the world like you did gives you strength as you feel surrounded by friends from all walks of life and countries! I am lucky enough to be connected to you a bit too: I play softball with some of the Simon @Schuster guys you acknowledge in 60 Postcards. And sport has helped me too, I fence as well. Having lost some one really close, dear and young makes you realise how fragile we human beings are and the really important things in life, hence another reason why I am writing now. I have started a project: Claire turns 100 with 100 birthday messages to reach my grandmother until the actual date 29 th June. I would like to invite you to participate….how good is your French now?
Thanks for being upbeat and an inspiration to so many.
Nathalie from Paris but living in London.
I lost my beloved father 2 years ago this week. I came across a link to your journey/adventure via Poppy’s Funerals on FB. I admire your courage and your ability to find ways to see good and be positive. I still struggle so much.
Hi. I have just read an article in a magazine about you today and I just wanted to say that is the loveliest thing ever the way you are remembering your Mum. I lost my Mum 11th Frb 1994. I miss and long for her still every day. I’ll be buying your book tomorrow. Keep it up 🙂 xx
Beautiful rach. Lots of love xxx
What a great positive way to spend this day. All of you have been in our thoughts x
Thinking of you dancing in the rain today, I was lying in bed with a tummy bug listening to the wind and rain battering against my window! Have ordered your book and cant wait to start reading, its been a very profound journey for you Rachael. x
Your blogs about your mum are lovely and always brings a tear to my eye thinking of my own mum.xx
All the best for you today Rachael. xx.
Thinking of you today Chadders xx
lots of love dear Rachael. xxx
Ah Rachael, thinking of you today and I am sure all the rest of your 60 postcard blog followers are thinking of you too! I hope this miserable grey sky parts to show you some sunshine for your photographs 🙂
As always, you write beautifully. Sending you healing thoughts and a hug.
Will be thinking of you today. Look forward to the book release. xx
I will dance in the rain for you today. X
Another beautiful blog and I know how difficult anniversaries can be and there is no right or wrong way to feel xx