A couple of days ago or so, Jackie sent me a message on 365, 'Are you busy Tues?' The outcome of this was that today, Tuesday, Jackie and her husband Dave met up with Ray and me at reception at Hinton Ampner. We had previously tried unsuccessfully to make an arrangement so it was great to organize this meeting effortlessly.
The initial introductions over, we all noticed as we walked into the garden that the scarecrow and his dog in the walled garden had had a makeover, new clothes and for the dog, a new stripey face and tail.
We decided to have coffee first and the day being warm and sunny, we sat outside.
Next a visit to the walled garden and Jackie and I both took shots of the scarecrow and his companion. As we came out through the archway with the little church in front of us, I thought that the blossom tree ahead would make a good background for a portrait so I asked Jackie if she'd let me take her photo. It could have been one way to ruin a new friendship as I know a few people don't like to be photographed but Jackie was fine with that - and I like the background of the blossom tree - and the photo.
We went into the little church, around the front of the house and somehow finished up back at the café where we had a drink and a snack.
The reason for us meeting on a Tuesday is that Jackie works full time in a library and every other Tuesday is her day off. She told me that she loves this work because every day is different and because she meets lots of people some of whom need her to help them in their research and thus she learns about subjects she would not learn about otherwise.
Jackie trained and worked as a nurse and specialised as a midwife but preferred work as a neonatal nurse. She became a nurse teacher, training other nurses. When the responsibility for nurse training was devolved from the NHS to universities, she took and passed her degree in order to continue with this work but shortly afterwards was made redundant.
Nothing daunted, Jackie changed career and became a teacher at secondary school level which, after a time became rather stressful. After a short period off work, she successfully applied for her current post in the library.
I only had a very vague idea that I might be able to find a portrait amongst today's activities (you have to believe me!) so thank you Jackie for agreeing to be in my series of portraits and stories of folk who are no longer a stranger to me.
JackieR
@30pics4jackiesdiamond
Haha, Jackie - you must tell me about my technique so that I can use it!!
Scary for us all, maybe!
Phil, thsnk you, so kind. Jackie was a lovely model @30pics4jackiesdiamond
Yes @30pics4jackiesdiamond you are looking more & more like your mum !
@30pics4jackiesdiamond Nice to see the face behind the camera Jackie. Hazel has got a very convincing technique to get people to agree to have their photos taken doesn't she.
Susie, yes I understand. Just get in touch when you are ready.
Do say if you are this way again.