Hello, it’s been a while since my last post. Unfortunately I have not been too well so I took a short break from things. I am hopefully on the way to some semblance of normality, whatever that is these days, so my musings can now resume. If I can get my brain back into gear sufficiently that is.
We have managed a couple of brief stays away in Hygge recently, as those of you who watch our Youtube channel will have seen. Over to Moreton in Marsh in the Cotswolds and the lovely place that is Carsington Water just North of Ashbourne in Derbyshire. Weather as you can imagine was a little mixed, ended up having to sleep in a bobble hat a couple of nights, not conjuring up an alluring image here, but it did keep me lovely and warm. Along with two winter pyjama tops, a thick pair of joggers and some socks! Oh and a hot water bottle. Oh the joys of campervanning.
We tried out our fold up e bikes on both trips and they turned out to work really well for us. We can transport them inside the van so no need for a bike rack. Re-charging was easy and we could lock them up to a handy tree or the wheel of the van, if there was no tree to hand. We even rode them off road, which proved great fun. Not as glamorous as the full sized mountain e bikes but they still allowed us to get out and about far more than we would if we walked or cycled on our ordinary bikes. Watch out for Garry’s Youtube video on them soon.
…………………………
I have been thinking recently a lot about hugging. I wonder why? I think you fall into one of two camps when it comes to hugging:- Either you are a hugger or you are not. I definitely am. I love a good hug.
The giving and receiving of a hug has a long history, unsurprisingly, for us Homo Sapiens.The word hug is believed to come from the Old Norse word ‘hugga’ meaning ‘to comfort’. First mentioned about 450 years ago. Making me wonder if Hygge also comes from Hugga. When we named our van Hygge, we described this term for us as meaning ‘enjoying life’s simple pleasures’. Hugging is quite probably one of the most simple pleasures you can get. Wikipedia also suggests that the word ‘hug’ may come from a German word ‘hegen’ meaning to foster or cherish. Either way a hug is described as a positive thing.
Of course not everyone appreciates a hug. I have friends from both camps. I had to learn pretty quick which ones to hug and which ones not to hug.
My automatic reaction if someone is upset is to offer a hug. When I am greeting friends or family, puppies, kittens, cuddly toys I don't discriminate. All are an opportunity for a hug. Or at least they were. Which camp am I in now? To hug or not to hug, that is the question? (Sorry Bill.)
One of my close friends complained over the phone last time we spoke that she was really missing my hugs. I thought about this later, a simple hug for a willing recipient can offer so much to both parties. Reassurance, confirmation of friendship, love, comfort, safety and it can generate a sense of happiness and well being. Why - because apparently, a hug causes a rise in our levels of Oxytocin, that feel good love hormone. I like the sound of that.
Mind you I also have some pretty awful memories of being hugged as a child. Aunties with whiskers, uncles blowing raspberries and a collection of other relatives who smelt like over-full ashtrays. As children unless we managed to hide pretty sharpish when the family arrived we were fair game. It hasn’t put me off however, but I am mindful that a good hug is not everyones cup of tea.
This past year I have really missed my Hugs. I have missed hugging my daughters, my grandson, my son-in-law and all my wider family. I miss hugging my friends. I miss my Dad’s hugs terribly (even though I am of a certain age now). And I am aware of all that giving and receiving of love I am missing out on.
BUT with that all said and done I for one won’t be rushing out to hug everyone just yet. Tempted though I may feel to reach out, I will just have to sit on my hands or count to ten. Then resort to the now common virtual ‘arms around empty air’ hug, that if I am honest really doesn’t do it for me at all! But the thought is there.
So to finish, I send all you huggers a big smiley hug and all you non-huggers a big happy smile and hope whichever way you choose to receive them, you pick up some good vibes.
Thanks for sticking with us and taking the time to read my blogs
Until next time
Caroline
Comments