'Glad That I Live Am I'

 

  "Glad that I live am I;
That the sky is blue;
Glad for the country lanes
And the fall of dew.
After the sun the rain,
After the rain the sun;
This is the way of life,
Till the work be done.
All that we need to do,
Be we low or high,
Is to see that we grow,
Nearer the sky."

We used to sing this song (or is it a hymn?) when I attended Thornbury Infants' School in Bradford. The tune has stuck, as those from childhood do.

It came into my head today while I was out walking high up on Caulkleys Bank in North Yorkshire, above Nunnington Hall and the River Rye.

It was a beautiful day and really felt like Spring, with sunshine, blue skies and snowdrops in abundance. I was entirely alone, singing as I walked along and these words from Lizette Woodworth Reese seemed quite apt. I felt very near to the sky. 

If you click on the videos, you'll see where I was. You may want to turn down the sound as there is a lot of noise from the wind. Don't forget either to click on the hyperlinks I insert into all my posts for extra information. 

I would welcome any feedback re my blog, either via the comments box below, or my email:

judith.boardman@gmail.com

Writing Prompts:

• I felt lucky and privileged to be outdoors today, enjoying nature. Such times lift the spirits. Write about the last time you enjoyed being outdoors and how it made you feel.
• What makes you glad that you live? Maybe make a list of all the things that come to mind, then choose one to write about in more detail.
• Perhaps there are times when you are not glad to be alive.  If so, and you are able, set a timer for six minutes and write about such a time.