in the beginning

I heard a Radio Scotland programme today, with a relentlessly upbeat presenter and his sickeningly cheerful guest offering advice on how to stay positive and serene, suggesting the usual: candles, fresh air, and to resist the demon drink. My first reaction was pure rage at this patronising propaganda, but when she went on to explain about the power of anticipatory pleasure, and allowing ourselves to not only believe that this will, one day, be over, but to actually plan for it being over, and take pleasure in the planning, I felt a bit more interest. I could do that, I think.

And on our walk, there were snowdrops.