Westhill Reminiscence Group

I had a lovely session with the members of Westhill Reminiscence Group. We listened to a variety of readings and spoke about creating mind-pictures with words. We also discussed the special memories that can be evoked by certain smells. The members shared stories about many different smells - from a host of golden daffodils to boiled 'sookin' sweeties. 

One of the poems we shared was Winter-time by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Winter-time

by Robert Louis Stevenson

 

Late lies the wintry sun a-bed,

A frosty, fiery sleepy-head;

Blinks but an hour or two; and then,

A blood-red orange sets again.

 

Before the stars have left the skies,

At morning in the dark I rise;

And shivering in my nakedness,

By the cold candle, bathe and dress.

 

Close by the jolly fire I sit

To warm my frozen bones a bit;

Or with a reindeer-sled explore

The colder countries round the door.

 

When to go out, my nurse doth wrap

Me in my comforter and cap;

The cold wind burns my face, and blows

Its frosty pepper up my nose.

 

Black are my steps on silver sod;

Thick blows my frosty breath abroad;

And tree and house, and hill and lake,

Are frosted gently like a wedding cake.  

 

 

COMMENTS

 

"This was a very enjoyable session which encouraged people to participate. They remembered what happened years ago and enjoyed sharing memories. Even those who did not normally join in enjoyed listening."