constanttrek

New adventures

November 18th, 2010

I am ever hesitant of writing about new dreams and plans, since the last few years have served up a number of lessons in things not working quite as planned.  But sometimes I can’t help myself.

For the last year I have been working on an historical fiction project set in Napoleonic era Spain.  Recently, in the name of research, I spent a weekend doing something I could never have imagined – I went to a re-enactment weekend, held by the Australian Napoleonic Society (yes, there is such an organisation).  It was the most surprisingly fantastic experience I’ve had in ages.  I got to hold – and fire – a flintlock rifle, a copy of an original Baker (think Richard Sharpe played by Sean Bean in the wonderful BBC mini series, based on the books by Bernard Cornwall).  I was taken through the operation of a Howitzer, and got to see men dressed in authentic replicas of the fabulously sexy rifleman’s uniform of the 95th brigade (green jackets).

I realise it all sounds terribly anoraky, but you can’t imagine how wonderful it was.  Anyway – back to the adventure part.

I am hoping (let’s not get all too excited) to do a walk in Spain next year, partly for research, and partly because – well, because it is just there, and I want to.  Finances permitting, that is the plan, and frankly – even if finances don’t permit, I will find a way.  I am in dire need of a walk.  Hopefully I will get the fiction book knocked off, and another walking one – I did say hopefully!

I just read about Marian Keyes, a favourite chick lit author of mine, who is suffering from clinical depression so bad she has been unable to write for over a year now.  I adore her books – not least because of the darkness in them – and my heart went out to her in the honest way she communicated about what she is going through.  It made me think yet again that fame, fortune, and success are as illusory as they can be fleeting – what matters any of them if you are too deep in the darkness to get out of bed in the morning?  I am constantly amazed by the real strength and courage of those who battle mental illness.  I have a few people very close to me who have, and continue, to struggle with such demons, and I am in awe of the fact that they are able to get up each morning.  It is a sobering thought that the World Health Organisation estimates that within 20 years, mental health will be the biggest health issue we face as a society.

I have always understood the fundamental difference between situational depression – which we all suffer at some point to varying degrees – and deep clinical depression, which is something I know I have no experience of.  I can only say that reading of Marian’s struggle today, and the recent experiences of some people close who I admire, made me want to write here that if you are suffering in this way – I wish you all the strength and love in the world to cope.

No amount of walking can match the daily challenge of living with such a black monster.

Next one when I have booked my flights.

Entry Filed under: trekking