Karens back from Stafford, England, Ron goes to Reggio Emilia, Italy - but what about the new garden?

Last weeks training went well, it is always heartening when staff who are working in very challenging conditions are eager to embrace the recovery process and think of creative ways they can use it in their work.

I left Stafford feeling very encouraged; then the long journey home. One of the negative aspects of moving to the island is an extra flight, but also the last flight is early evening so I have to stay over night in Glasgow then catch the first morning flight at 7am.

Ron meanwhile was flying out from Stornoway on his way to Italy so we met at the airport for half an hour before his flight was called.

He is in Italy most of this week, on Saturday he was at the first Italian national hearing voices meeting, more than 400 people turned out which was amazing. There is so much enthusiasm and good will for our work in Italy, they are embracing both recovery and hearing voices and many of the psychiatrists are very involved in spreading the ideas over there. We have made some excellent friends, the dearest of which are Angelo our translator and Marcello a psychiatrist, who are also using the ideas in their work. Angelo has been recovering for the last few years and at a meeting run by Ron on Monday he announced to the audience that he was now recovered, did not see him self as mentally ill and was ready to embrace a new life with his girlfriend he now see’s himself as a translator and is busy translating fictional books for a publisher. It was very emotional and fantastic as we have been involved in Angelo’s journey for the last 6 years. He is a very intelligent, thoughtful man.

Meanwhile back on the island I have been concentrating on the garden, we have created a walled garden made of turf to protect the vegetables from the wind. I have spent a few back breaking hours digging and now have the potatoes, courgettes, pumpkins, leeks and onions. Today I have bought blackcurrants and gooseberry bushes, and winter greens, cabbage, kale, & sprouts to plant.

The weather is still beautiful, I feel alive, relaxed and I ‘m recovering!

Lol

Karen