I feel I can’t let this weekend slip by without a little acknowledgement of something very special which should have taken place but which has sadly had to go by the wayside for obvious reasons.
A few of us would have been waking up this morning in an
Edinburgh hotel room (presumably not the same one…) ready to greet a couple of days full of who-knows-what exactly, but I suspect it would have involved exploring the Old Town and The Royal Mile, diving into coffee shops, smiles and food and laughter, soaking
up both culture and wine, and lots and lots of talking.
A lovely 'mini bloggers’ meet-up' was
on the calendar; one that wouldn’t be too
overwhelming for those of us who are less comfortable with big groups and new faces, but perhaps
a precursor to more. For me it would have been both a reunion and an introduction, and my first trip over the border into Scotland too, I was looking forward to everything about it. Huge thanks to John for getting the ball rolling and making it happen at least as far as it did – that is, of course, until this year's unprecedented events overcame us all.
But it’s just postponed, not cancelled, and I hope some time in 2021 we may be talking about it retrospectively.
In the meantime this presents an excuse to indulge in a perfect post-punk single by a great band who take me back to my youth and who hailed from Edinburgh, plus a lovely
video, very much of its time, featuring some of the sights from the city (as well as lots of scarves and slippers...)
To next year and the friendship of bloggers...
Scars: All About You (1981)
Sorry that your get-together couldn't happen. Hopefully it'll be back on the cards soon.
ReplyDeleteNever heard that track before but I loved it - and the video, which took us back to simpler times.
One of many things postponed this year for everyone, I know - but will stay hopeful it happens some time in the not-too-distant.
DeleteSo glad you like the song - they were a great band and somewhat underrated I think, although they did make an appearance on OGWT which I remember being very good. I just love that video - oh god do you remember when you had that much energy too?!
I’ve been thinking a lot about what should have been this weekend and what you’ve described is probably how it would have played out so a real shame events of the year overtook us.
ReplyDeleteAs you say, just postponed, so hopefully it will still happen down the line. Scotland looks forward to welcoming you.
Yes, it was quite poignant waking up yesterday morning and thinking about what should have been had plans gone ahead... staying hopeful, and I need things to look forward to as well. I was saying to Mr SDS the other day that whilst I feel very fortunate in so many ways throughout this whole thing it's not always the presence of lows which can affect us, but just the absence of highs. Can't complain but need some highs to look forward to and that is one!
DeleteI was just saying the same thing to Mr WIAA this morning - We can't plan trips at the moment (you just never know when a new local lockdown will kick in and I'm just not comfortable with planes/trains/hotels at the moment) so there is nothing exciting to look forward to in terms of an event or get-together. Hopefully in time.
DeleteI didn't watch the music video until now as I read your post on my phone last night but very apt for the post as loads of Edinburgh landmarks plus the railway station! I was a student in 1981 and knew a lot of people who looked just like the Scars so really took me back. Liked the song too.
That's it, we can't plan (I feel the same as you about not being comfortable) so there's no sense of excitement about anything, but it really helps to have some little perks in mind for when we can. Hopefully, as you say.
DeleteIt's a slovely video, isn't it? The minute I saw the opening shot of the train pulling into the station I was smitten. And yes, their look is so very familiar!
Mini bloggers meet-up, what a great idea... for another time now, another year.
ReplyDeleteGreat track, that. Love the video, feels like a time capsule.
Absolutely - we must make it happen - and of course all are welcome. I know you were due to be cycling the length of the country too around this time, so I hope that can go ahead eventually as well.
DeleteAh glad you like the song and video too. I love everything about them.
The bike ride is deferred until Sept '21!
DeleteI really hope it goes ahead. At least it gives plenty of time to train (?)
DeleteI certainly need the time. All I have done since mid-March is eat biscuits, which hardly counts as a training regime...
DeleteIt is well-known that the eating of biscuits is compulsory during a global pandemic :-)
DeleteAh! Finally a piece of guidance that everyone will be able to follow ... :-)
DeleteNothing more to add, really. Just that I feel desperately sad about the whole sorry state of affairs. It's one thing to have a global pandemic running amok, but then to have these c*nts in charge at the same time - give me strength.
ReplyDeleteI know, John, it's an absolute fucking shower of shit. I don't know what to say or think any more, just keeping on plodding forward and trying to maintain faith in all the good people.... we know there are some!
DeleteAgree with you both, desperate times. Just got to keep on keepin' on, I guess. Not always easy, mind.
DeleteSorry about your get together. That sucks. I hope you have seen the documentary Big Gold Dream. The Scars and Edinburgh are two of its biggest stars.
ReplyDeleteThanks Brian - I am ashamed to say I haven't seen the documentary, but I just checked and saw it was shown on BBC last year and I don't know how I missed it! I really must see it, thanks.
DeleteI would say let us never speak of 2020 again, but I fear that unfortunately this year hasn't finished with us yet. It's early in the morning as I type this, a little early for a wine glass, so I raise my coffee mug and join your toast to next year and the friendship of bloggers. Stay safe everyone.
ReplyDeleteYes, here's to everything we couldn't do this year but with hope that we will do one day not too far away. Raising my mug of English Breakfast Tea!
DeleteDitto (tea and sentiment!)
DeleteYou will love the fringe. It is worth the extra 12 months wait. More arty goings on than a purple monkey on acid could think up. I did it when my daughter was young so unfortunately missed out on the late night comedy stuff but still unforgettable. Hope you can find something ‘eventful’ before though.
DeleteBen
Hi Ben, hope you're well (and still surfing?) - thanks for dropping by. The Fringe sounds really something! For another time, I guess... Events-wise it's just such a shame, I don't need much, but a few little highlights dotted throughout the year really help to offset the day-to-day.
DeleteCertainly would be nice to meet up with fellow bloggers once life gets back to some semblance of normality. I'll second Brian on the Big Gold Dream documentary, it is a must see.
ReplyDeleteIt would - it's just so good to find like-minded souls.
DeleteYes, I am kicking myself about missing the BGD doc! I hope it's shown again soon.