Wednesday 5 October 2011

A new perspective

There's a point, halfway across the bridge, where I leave one county and move into another, where I cross from the world of work into the land of living.

The traffic is almost always heavy at this point, so we crawl across, nose to tail; a long line of blinking brake lights, like a Christmas garland draped across a mantelpiece. Below me, instead of a fire place, is the river. On my right it stretches into the magical distance of London town; where the tall towers of Canary Wharf compete with the bullet shaped Gherkin to grab the skyline and my attention. I can't see Millbank Tower  but I know it's there, just a bit further along; reminding me of the days when I worked on the 17th floor and looked out every day on this same river.

This is the last bridge before the sea; below me, the slow muddy water makes its way to the ocean. It meanders on past Tilbury docks; where passengers wait patiently for the cruise ships to pick them up and transport them to other ports of call in settings more sublime.

As I creep into Kent. I peer at the warehouses and factories laid out on the riverside. I see a line of lorries, decorated in their bright corporate orange-ness, waiting to be filled from the depths of a distribution depot, and I realise I've never actually seen anyone entering or leaving the vast shed. I look at the grey factories and smoking chimneys, wondering what goes on behind the brickwork.  Are there people in there working the evening shift, looking up at all those cars on the bridge above, envious that for some of us, the day's work is already over?

Usually, this is the point where I leave the worries and frustrations of my working day behind. I start to relax as the car crawls slowly towards the toll booths that mark my return to the south of England, the place I know best.

Today though, I barely notice the bridge or my journey over it. Today, just as I reach the halfway point, my phone rings, and the voice in my headset tells me excitedly that Blogger has made me today's Blog of Note.

And now, there are no thoughts of work to exorcise from my brain, no weary anticipation of dinner and sleep. My mind is whirling, I'm thrilled to bits by the thought that people might come to read my blog for the very first time, that some of them will come back again. I know already that I'll get to read some great new writers that I just haven't known about before. I can't wait to see who they are.

Today, halfway across the bridge doesn't seem like the escape point from where I'd rather not be; it feels like an entry to a whole new world.



79 comments:

Baglady said...

So richly deserved (and an apt piece to go with it). Congratulations.

Mr London Street said...

I can't think of any writer I read regularly who deserves it more than you. For every great new writer you discover, dozens of other people will discover one even better. Congratulations.

Lizzie said...

Congratulations on being BON! I have been enjoying your blog even more than usual recently, and your award is so deserved. Once again, a lovely piece.

Robbie Grey said...

I'll join on the congrats there. And, I also really liked the opening line to this post. Superb.

meemalee said...

Congratulations!

Lovely piece too - and we both mentioned the Gherkin!

Haley Barnes said...

I happened to look at Blog's of Note today for the first time in months. I really enjoy your writing style as well and the subjects you find inspiration in. Congrats and good luck on future blogging! I'll definitely come back to read more.

Rob Z Tobor said...

I do love a blog with words and tales and swirling stories but they are far and few between and I congratulate you on making the Blogs of Note. I one day hope to achieve such things but I fear it will not happen. What with all the rubbish spelling and irrational and illogical mad tales of stuff (well just stuff really)

But I digress; good luck with the writing and the blog, these things are in the blood are they not it is what we do because of the love of writing; our words will be our soul, our memory when we are long gone. Which in my case is probably when the cats eat me after we run out of cat food. Dam those cats they have no appreciation of the English language with their demented meeeeeeeeooowwwwwwing.

Sorry gone of on a tangent again
Good luck and well done
Rob Z Tobor ......

materfamilias said...

Congratulations! I've been reading you for a while (lurking, sorry), and you well deserve the recognition.

Anonymous said...

Props
Feels like a new world, but is it a new world? Utopia?

Shari said...

Congratulations! What a beautiful writer you are!!!
Can't wait to read more. :)

Charles said...

1st time reader... nice stuff!

samsonite said...

your writing is nothing short of sensational. I am so glad blogger brought me to you. :-)

Shea Goff said...

Refreshing and gorgeous.

Count me in as a new regular reader.

Cliff said...

Keep on taking your journey in your chosen road to success. Keep up the good job!

Nancy/BLissed-Out Grandma said...

Congratulations! You are a wonderfully thoughtful writer, and I'm happy that I found your blog even before you became a Blogger of Note.

Sensible Footwear said...

Very well done on becoming a B of N. It's always a pleasure visiting and reading your wonderful writing. Congratulations.

Anne said...

I just started to blog and saw the blogs of note. Enjoyed your post and will definitely read some more. Congratulations!

★Wan Jing said...

yep, beautiful.

Unknown said...

http://tapsport-o.blogspot.com

Mrs Smith said...

I'm a newbie and how happy I am to have been lead to your beautiful blog. Congratulations! I look forward to reading more and more.

josordoni said...

Hello! I followed you to here from MiMi's bridge post, only to discover that I have found a Major Blogging Voice :)

Love the post. If I am at Dartford I am usually travelling through the tolls in the opposite direction, coming home from a long day at an auction in the one or other of the Southern Home Counties. I like to look up at the snaking line of cars along the QEII bridge as I slide into the tunnel and be glad I am moving and they are mostly not. So now I shall also wonder if you are up there, and I'll give a little wave just in case :)

Rossland said...

Congratulations!
I love to read your lovely post...

supermac said...

First-time-ever-visitor and from-hereon-forever- reader. Congratulations from the other side of the world.

Debbie Coope said...

Congrats!

This was a lovely post to read. I'm looking forward to reading past and future posts.

Buck Dollar said...

Congratulations on your "Blog of Note" award!

from Classified Listings Blog

Anonymous said...

Hey congrats!

Looking forward to much more.

Cheers...

Debi said...

I will visit again & again. I am hooked and very glad that blogger picked you and for once I agree.
love & light Debi.aka prudence puddleduck

William Dameron said...

Congratulations and happy to find your blog. There are so many out there, but to find one with a genuine love and appreciation of writing is like finding a rose among the thorns.

Unknown said...

This is how I have found you. An exploratory search of the Blogs of Note decidely dropped me at the threshold of your literary garden and I am so pleased.

Write On!!

Maxwell Chowbay said...

First time reading your posts and I must say I'm very impressed! Great work!

Shopgirl said...

I loved this piece from the beginning. Only towards the end did I find out this wonderful news and I'm truly happy for you.

Congratulations.

A Daft Scots Lass said...

Congrats on yer Blog of Note!

Yasmin Burley said...

A very beautiful piece !

Wickkett said...

Your blog is a new favorite of mine!

Happy Frog and I said...

I'm so glad BoN has finally been awarded to you, it seems very overdue. Congratulations. x

kimberly said...

I like this.... It was good

Emma said...

I just discovered your blog today and read one post.....I love it. You are an incredible writer and can really draw your reader in with your words. Congradulations on being a blog of note!

ND Mitchell said...

Found your blog today for the first time. Glad you became a "Blog of Note".

Bobby Stevenson said...

It's that rare gift you have Sharon of scooping people up, making them feel warm and setting them down better for having read your blog. Very well deserved and a writing style that could only come from a good heart. x

Sharon Longworth said...

I'm completely delighted and a little bit overwhelmed by all the comments I've received in the last 24 hours. I appreciate every single one of them - and I'll do my best to respond to you all, it just might take me a bit of time. So for now - thank you!

kimberly said...

Thank you!

Sweet Lily said...

Excellent! Congrats!

Sandra said...

Hi, This is the first Blog of Note that has caught my eye and made me want to subscribe to read more, on a regular basis. Your writing lures me. Congratulations on making BON!

Brandon said...

I just stumbled on this blog from the Blog of Note list. I love your writing style. It's one that I have yet to learn, so I very much appreciate it. Keep up the good work!

Mr. Candor said...

This blog is very interesting. I like the attention to detail and the writing style. I am glad I clicked on a random link because it brought me to a refreshing blog with good writing

Anonymous said...

Lovely post as always Sharon. I've often thought the Dartford Bridge doesn’t get the acclaim it should. The way is stands, seen for miles around - I quite like it.

I think I'm at the end of a long chain of comments here, but very well done on the BON, well deserved for your all writings.

Whirlochre said...

There must be hidden angels like this littered all over the countryside, each marking some waypoint or transition for someone. Favourite trees and bus shelters etc.

Pep Manel said...

Congratulations! Lovely blog, thanks!

Stephen H-G said...

New to blogging hope I get as good as you!

Pat said...

It's so good to be appreciated. Well deserved. Enjoy!

ChicaEnglish said...

Thanks to being a Blog of Note, I found you. And I couldn't be happier.

I eagerly await the day I finally make it to the UK and see the Gherkin for myself. Enjoy a curry take away or indulge in a pint even though I cannot stand ale. Until then, I'll enjoy your blog and dream of summer in London without the Olympics.

Darryl Bagley said...

Hi Sharon,

I just wanted to take a moment to say how much I have enjoyed reading your posts.

It's not often that I will sit and read a long blog post that is mainly text- I haven't the patience - but your writing style is fantastic, and I found myself unable to stop reading!

Just brilliant. Thanks alot,

Darryl
(http://thebrightersideofhumanity.blogspot.com/)

Rachel Britton said...

First time reader - really liking what you write and I'll be back!

Lady In Read said...

Congratulations.. Found you today on BON and you are a truly wonderful writer.

J said...

You definitely deserved it above almost anyone else I see who has gotten recognition for it (me, included, by a ton).

And this was a nice piece. :)

Unknown said...

Congratulations! And I must say that you were correct. I saw your blog listed in the Blogs of Note and the title intrigued me, so I visited. Now I know that I shall be back!

Congratulations again!
Sera

Sharon Longworth said...

Baglady - thank you - I remember how pleased I was when you got Blog of Note - both times! I'm kinda chuffed you were the first to comment here.

MLS - That's such a lovely thing to say - and very much appreciated.

Bth - thank you and I'm really pleased that you're enjoying the blog.

Robbie - thank you.

Meemalee - I'm very jealous that you work in the shadow of the gherkin - I really miss working in London.

Olga said...

Congratulations! I'm so glad that one of my favourite bloggers has received a well-deserved award.

Philip Dodd said...

Well done. That's all. Love, P.

Holly Bernabe said...

Congratulations! It's a whole new world out there for you now. I'm looking forward to reading more! Your writing is lyrical and beautiful.

Rebecca and Lori said...

I am new to blogger, and I am still fumbling my way around the site. I happened to look at the Blog of Note today, and clicked on your link. I am so glad that I did. You write beautifully, and I can't wait to stop back by to read some more. Beautiful.

Zahir Shah said...

As anticipated, i am one of those who visited for the first time, but I am getting a lasting impression. Congratulations

Very Highbrow said...

Glad I found your blog through BON :) and you can count me in as a regular reader.

Bubblepop said...

great writing! very deep and yet encouraging. Congrats!

Sharon Longworth said...

Haley - hello! Thank you for stopping by and commenting - I'm really pleased you liked what you found!

Rob - I love a comment with words and tales and swirling stories too! Thanks for reading and for making me smile.

materfamilias - thank you for lurking around and for your lovely comment.

Alif - interesting. New world or utopia, perhaps time will tell.

Shari - that's very kind of you - thank you.

Charles - hello and welcome. thank you for stopping by and for leaving a comment.

Sharon Longworth said...

averie - that's a lovely thing to say - thank you.

Shea - Hello and welcome to the blog, I'm so pleased you liked what you've found so far.

Cliff - getting all these smashing comments is more than enough to make me want to keep on travelling!

Blissed out Grandma - thank you for your ongoing support - much appreciated.

Sensible footwear - hello there! haven't seen you around for a while and I haven't seen any writing from you either - that's a shame; I hope you're ok.

Anne - I really hope you enjoy writing your blog and get as much out of it as I do - there are some brilliant people out there to read and get to know!

Sharon Longworth said...

*WJ - thank you!

Taps - hello and welcome.

Mrs Smith - thank you for stopping by to read - I'm glad you liked this and it would be lovely if you do come back for more!

Josordoni - really nice to meet you here and on Twitter as well - thank you for your smashing comments in both places!

Dhiya - hello!

Rossland - that's very kind of you - thank you.

Sharon Longworth said...

supermac - that's a great thing to say - thank you and I look forward to seeing you around.

Debbie - I'm running out of ways to say thank you, but thank you!

Buck Dollar - hello.

anansisweb - welcome to the blog and thank you.

Debi - I love the name Prudence Puddleduck! - I'll be over to have a look at your blog soon, in the meantime, thank you for stopping by and leaving such a great comment.

Bill - that's such a smashing thing to say and I'm really pleased you like my writing.

Sharon Longworth said...

Dawn - hello and welcome - I'm very glad you came for a stroll in the garden!

Maxwell - hello. I'm pleased you like what you've found so far.

Shopgirl - thank you.

A daft Scots Lass - great name! thanks for stopping by and for your comment.

Yasmin - really glad you liked it.

Wickett - that's great and I look forward to seeing you around.

Sharon Longworth said...

Abbey - thank you for this and your ongoing support. I'm following in some very fine footsteps!

Kimberley - thank you!

Emma - hello and welcome, I hope you'll stick around and read a bit more.

ND Mitchell - I'm glad you found your way here, thank you for stopping to leave a comment.

Bobby - I'm always pleased to see you've left a comment - not just because you say such lovely things, but also because I care what you think about my writing. Thank you.

The Tame Lion - excellent! thank you.

Sandra - I'm very flattered! thank you so much and I look forward to seeing you around.

Sharon Longworth said...

Hugo / Brandon /Rockstar - great name! Thank you for your very kind comment.

Mr Candor - I'm glad too that your random click brought you to my blog - and I'm very pleased you liked what you found.

Dicky - your tweet about the BoN was what alerted Philip to the news and why he rang me - so thank you for that and for your ongoing support. I have a love/hate relationship with the bridge - it's a very fine structure, but it always slows me down when I just want to get home.

Whirlochre - what a smashing thought - I'll think about that as I'm out and about and see if I can spot any of them.

Pep - hello and welcome.

Traveller - blogging is great - I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and meet as many lovely people.

Sharon Longworth said...

Pat - I really appreciate all your lovely and thoughtful comments - this as much as the others. Thank you.

ChicaEnglish - I hope you get to make the trip soon. In the meantime, thank you for visiting my blog.

Darryl - thank you so much. I'll come over and look at your blog as soon as I get a chance. The blog of note thing is a bit overwhelming at the moment, but lovely too!

Rachel - hello and welcome! it would be lovely to see you back again sometime soon.

Lady in Read (another great name) - that's a smashing thing to say - thank you.

Jennifer - I was really pleased when you got BoN and I'm very happy to follow in your footsteps. I look forward to reading more of your writing soon.

Sera - thank you. I remember how long I took to decide on a title for the blog - I'm glad it intrigued you enough for you to come and take a look.

Sharon Longworth said...

Olga - you always leave such supportive comments and I always appreciate them very much - thank you.

Philip - thank you for getting me started on all this madness. I'd yell and shout about how pleased I am - but for now I'll just say hee hee...

Holly - thank you so much, I'm very flattered.

Rebecca and Lori - hello and welcome - both to this blog and to the world of blogging. I hope you meet as many very fine people as I have.

Zahir - hello! I'm very pleased you like what you've found so far and hope you'll be back.

veryhighbrow - welcome to the blog and thank you for stopping to leave a comment - very much appreciated.

Bubblepop - thank you so much.

nicole seymour said...

congratulations, I am happy that your blog was highlighted as a blog of note, for that is how I stumbled upon it! Great piece, I look forward to reading more from here!

Unknown said...

congrats on being a blog of note! and thanks for the mention in the post (i'm one of the people that read your blog for the first time and will come back again). :)

Liz said...

Yay!! Way to go, Sharon!

Adarsh D Prasad said...

nicee....
really liked it..!!!!!!!!! :)

Susan P. Cooper said...

You have such a gift with words. You pull me in and hold my attention. I hope with patience and practice I will be able to write as well as you. :)

Susan Cooper

Life,love,and times. said...

Great artistry in word-craft, I am humbled.
I am a new blogger and toddling yet,
but I draw inspiration from the likes of u and know i'll soon be jogging.