Affirming life....

It's August in Edinburgh. Cue crowds from all over the world, pockets full of flyers, crowded pavements and strangely attired performers. The festival season brings laughter, music, theatre, poetry and discussion to every venue all over the town. There is everything from grand venues hosting fine classical pieces to church halls with local theatre groups performing their hearts out. The streets are full of theatre and laughter, much to the chagrin of drivers around the city. There's even free shows for those with limited budgets but keen to feel part of the madness that is the fringe!

What amazes me is the talent and courage of all those involved. Yes careers are launched at the Edinburgh festival and fringe but for many it will not be their career, simply a way to explore their creativity, their talent and have experiences they will remember forever. I so admire them. In these times when people will work into their seventies, then having the things in their lives that balance work or that allow their talents to flourish within work will be ever more important. It's what builds resilience, helps engagement, fosters joy...we all need that.

It's not the only thing this week that has made me think of how much untapped potential their is out there. I saw this film of  the Landfilharmonic orchestra. its wonderful in its creativity and hopeful message. 

You can't fail to be moved by the story and how this chance to make music has lifted their lives, has shown them what they can do, has tapped into their potential. The message that stays with me is that we often hear messages about thinking more before we throw away waste but its even more important that we don't throw away people. Absolutely.

I would really like to live in a society where we think about how we can realise people's potential more, whether they are coping with things like illness or disability or if its about other kinds of challenges like poverty that affect all life choices. The message from this wonderful film and so many of the performances across Edinburgh this month, we all have so much to offer and if we get the chance it's not only life affirming, it's life changing.  

Reasons to be grateful.

 One of our friends died this week. He bravely dealt with three separate cancers in his life time. Even through that time he never lost sight of what mattered to him, his family, his friends, his community, his faith. All of us who knew him will remember his enthusiasm for life and be grateful that his passing was peaceful. I hope his family gain comfort knowing he will be missed and that he was loved.

Yet another reminder for me of how fortunate I have been by comparison and so I  will savour some wonderful family time ahead this week. My beautiful step-granddaughters are visiting for their first ever Edinburgh festival. We have lots planned and I am so looking forward to it. 

And the lovely Cara was one this week .Here she is in her Sunday collar!