A Country Walk . . .

You may think, "Oh, lovely! A jaunt through the British countryside!" I would have thought so too, but I was the one on the walk. It was more like a hike - an 8 mile uphill/downhill/cross country hike. My muscles are pulsing, which makes me feel good about myself (it means I did something worthwhile . . .) and my feet are sore. The trees were amazing - and constantly in your face- the clouds were gorgeous - and ALL over the sky! - and there were several streams that I found pleasing. This picture doesn't do justice to the strenuous nature of . . . 1/8 . . . of the hike, but it was lovely. There was one hill that was quite painful and made me really embarrassed at how much I have not been climbing stairs since I moved from Heather Cove. We had a beautiful day and I'll sleep soundly tonight.

Relief and Gratitude

Few who read this blog or follow my travels in London know of the extreme struggle I've had in my classes, my Shakespeare English 382 class in particular. I consider myself a good writer, fun to read, and strong in structure. If you know Mr. Dalley, you know what I'm talking about when I say that I've grasped the fact that lampshades cannot kick buckets. However, in this class I have found my mettle tested and tried. I have written and rewritten and analyzed and reanalyzed in order to achieve a higher score on what they call "Response" papers. I, myself, would call them "Tear your heart out with a red pen and a TA comment or 3" papers. (This may seem over the top, but really! I've struggled with these papers like none other! I haven't been so frustrated with a grade since Mr. Tusler's 10th grade English class where he made no comments at all and gave you a B! grr . . .) Nevertheless, in order to make this title correlate with what is written here below, I have some exciting news to relay! After two unsatisfactory scores I emailed my TA and basically said, "I want a better score on my next paper and you're going to help me get it." After several helps and more instructions I wrote a paper, turning it in only after having prayed over it extensively. That was over a week ago. I've been in turmoil ever since, wondering and waiting on this paper and of course the grade attached. I got it back today and let's just say the score is now acceptable, very acceptable, in fact. I cried in relief when I saw the score. Confidence is instilled in me and I feel rejuvenated. I'm so grateful for my TA, for the Lord and His mercy, for my mom who believes in me - that I can do anything! (She really does! It's impressive.) I'm feeling relieved and revitalized. I hope I can remember this struggle, this test, this trial, especially when the next "Response Paper" comes around. :)

Carrying the Banner

It is Ray and Jan Mecham family tradition to take creative family pictures where'er we go. If you need a brilliant example, visit bvaliant.blogspot.com . So, when I went to the British Museum, as described below, I felt the need to extend my creative atmosphere and live according to tradition. It wasn't long before I found the perfect place to take creative license, as witnessed below.

Shortly thereafter I again felt the need, but there's no way I could have done the position justice without at least my five siblings to aid me in the . . . artistic representation . . . of so many fine souls. :)

Any takers?

The British Museum: Enlightenment

Well, dear reader, today I visited the British Museum. Before the museum trip, however, Meagan, Amy, Jess and I went to Hyde Park. I was tired and groggy because I didn't follow Ben Franklin's advice, but went to bed late and got up late instead. My eyes were watery because the wind was blowing and little fuzzy things kept flying into them. I felt pretty miserable. So . . . because I was miserable . . . I just let my eyes get a little more watery. :) It was an interesting day in the park . . . I have no idea what was wrong, I was just miserable. Then we headed back to the flat, ate some lunch and I took a break. I watched an episode of Avatar (Sokka's Master) and read my scriptures after which I felt quite a bit better and ready for the museum. As we went through the museum, however, that miserable feeling came back. But, this time it had purpose. I was looking at artifacts from Egypt. Well, I just got back from Egypt! I was there with my family! The last time I was in London, I was here with my family! There is an exhibit in the museum for a season called "The Enlightenment" and I feel that with my visit to the museum, I have been enlightened as to this mysterious pit in my heart all the time! The thought that came to me in the middle of a Greek exhibit was, "I miss my family so much that I am miserable!" It's so true! All I want is to be with them. I may be in London where sooooo many people want to be at some point in their lives, and they may be in Logandale, Nevada (sometimes referred to as the Armpit of America), but all I want is to be with them. I felt justified in this thought and proceeded through the museum feeling somewhat lighter. Enlightened, perhaps?

Potential Blackmail Picture

But, I would point out that it is posted of our own free will, so we're undermining any attempt to use it against us. It is the product of a mirror in the Natural History Museum, which, by the way, houses the Big Blue Whale! I have pictures of that too somewhere . . . I'll see what I can do about that. :)

The theatre, the theatre, what's happened to the theatre?

They're doing ballet! Our first production to see without the program group was Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty Ballet, here in the Royal Opera House. This is one of my favorite pictures I've taken so far, perhaps, for the artistic cut and quality of it. Anyway . . . I thought of Pamela, almost the entire time, and thought how amazing she would be on that stage, with her golden hair glistening under the lights, and I would design her lovely costume for her. Too bad Prima Ballerinas, like the one who played the title role, only wear tutus. But! Pamela, your tutu would be the most lovely and sensible thing you've ever worn. The costuming was by FAR my favorite thing about watching the ballet, unless you count hearing the music associated with a favorite Disney classic.

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

I sure don't! Not only do I not have my cell phone (which has been my watch for the past two years) I don't have a watch either! I rely on other people, mostly Jess, to let me know what time it is. But, does anybody really care? If so, I can't imagine why. Oh no, no . . .

Anyway, these are pictures of what is commonly known as Big Ben. The bell, who is actually Big Ben (gasp), was made by the same fellows who made the Liberty Bell, and weighs in at over 13 tonnes. There you go! Now you've read some random facts and random thoughts from Lyndi, reporting live from London.

In love . . . with Hyde Park

It seems to be a common ailment among our company. You see, it's only about 50 steps away! Really! We walk out our front door, cross the street, and thar she blows! We walk through the gate and are immediately in Hyde Park. Jess and I (she's my most excellent roommate) spend time nearly every day in the park. When the sun is shining and the ground is dry, we spread our books, cameras, jackets, chocolates, journals, or whatever it is we bought along on the ground, "halfway in shadow and halfway in light." When the ground is wet . . . Jess goes to the park alone . . . not always, but so it is today . . . :)

Life in London

London is crazy and we're always doing something. If we're not in class, we're doing homework, and if we're not doing homework we're looking at something crazy 'istorical, and if we're not looking at something crazy 'istorical it's something beautiful (sometimes both.) If that's not what we're doing, we're watching a play, a musical, an opera, a ballet, or something else . . . youtube sadly enough. :) AND if we're not doing any of the above, we're sleeping. (or in Hyde park, or both!) Or lamenting the lack of dateable young fellows . . . but we totally rocked the local single's ward dance. :D Oh this is fun . . .

Church in London

Our first Sunday in London was quite the adventure. We got up early enough to get ready and leave 2 hours and 15 minutes before church was to start. It was a bank holiday in the UK, however, so we were very glad we got up with time to spare. I was concerned with traveling on public transportation and purchasing tickets on the Sabbath, etc. but everything turned out fine. I was really grateful for Jess, my lovely roommate, who shared in my annoyances, joys, and peace. We were able to participate in Sacrament Services and a beautiful Fast and Testimony meeting in the Stratford Ward of the London Hyde Park Stake. We went to a lovely Sunday School lesson, and were afterward given callings and assignments by Bishop Hallwood. I'm called to work in the Primary and to play the piano for the Relief Society sisters. I love the little children and I'm excited to get to be their friend. I think that Primary should be a place where children can feel the Spirit, be loved, accepted, and learn of their loving Heavenly Father. I hope to be able to help! Our second Sunday went much more smoothly. The grumbling in transit from the previous week dissipated, the train mix-ups and extensions were all taken care of, and we arrived in plenty of time. Next week, I think we'll sleep in! We were able to share our musical talents in singing a special musical number for Sacrament Meeting: If the Savior Stood Beside Me. It was lovely and they were grateful to have it. It will never cease to amaze me, however, that with a seven hour total trip on Sunday, I can come home and sleep for 3 hours without it making a dent. :)

Singing in the Rain

So, for my first blog ever in my life, I want to tell you about this picture. Jess (my roommate), Meagan Ricks (another friend) and I got lost wandering around the streets of Kensington, London, in the first week of our arrival. It was a lovely rainy day: cool, but not cold, raining, but not pouring. Despite all three of us having absolutely terrible senses of direction, and no Oyster cards as yet, we managed to find ourselves after wandering into Kensington High Street! It was a thrilling experience, to say the very least. We celebrated our success by wandering into terribly expensive shops, finding something fabulous, and hosting a fashion show. We discovered that I look terribly good in short vests with white shirts . . . SO CUTE! But, that has nothing to do with this picture. This picture's significance is this: I felt like Gene Kelly . . . and wanted to share it with the world! Isn't that what Blogs are for?!