When people ask me if I'm homesick my honest answer is "no". I don't pine for my own bed in Maine. I'm not secretly wishing to roam the aisles at L.L.Bean. I'm not even craving a lobster roll (well, at least not enough to want to go home!). Having said that, I do miss family and friends.
Which leads us to this week's favorite thing - the classic red phone boxes that dot the British landscape. Being able to talk with loved ones at home has made the distance seem to disappear. It's not exactly the same as being able to sit and have coffee with my friends or hug my sons but I get to hear their voices and catch up on the news. When I see these bright red phone booths it's a cheerful reminder of communication!
I suppose a more fitting symbol might be the blue Skype "S" logo or the Facebook "f". Facebook updates keep me linked to my son Andrew's involvement in OccupyBoston and hiking trips, my sister Sue's adventures in the Southwest, Juliette's Pokemon eye art, Janet's travels, Leslie's witty observations, Ben's art, Jeanne's virtual flowers, Pam's incredible quotes and more. And on Skype I've been able to hear about Ian's work and life, Barb's parties, Sue W's latest funny story, Annie's family, Theresa's garden, and Beth's new job. I've been able to laugh with Cat and Lisa, and give tours of my house. And this week I was able to spend time with Lynette, Nancy and Nita - such a wonderful moment in time.
I wish they could all join me at the pub and we could talk in person, but I'm thankful for the technology that makes communicating across the miles so much easier!
Other famous uses for Sir Giles Gilbert Scott's design:
Harry uses a phone booth to enter the Ministry of Magic
Ziggy Stardust hangs out in a London phone box - c 1972
A telephone kiosk incognito!
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