Monthly Archives: April 2022

The energetic staff of ALBW are already planning for ALBW 2023, which is a lovely thought but I don’t know if I will go. If I’ve learned anything in the last two years, it’s that you really don’t ever know … Continue reading →

Sunday, 10 April I spend the last day of my stay exploring Hebden Bridge. Such a delight! I highly recommend a visit here and a stay at the Hebden Townhouse B&B. The weather turns fair, at last, just as I … Continue reading →

Highlight #6 Anne Lister Society Meeting Best for last. On the final two days of ALBW comes the inaugural meeting of the Anne Lister Society, coordinated by Laurie Shannon, professor of English Literature at Northwestern University (this woman is everywhere … Continue reading →

Thursday Highlight #5 Organ recital/Her Ensemble Concert I’m tempted to call this my favorite highlight and it will be difficult to describe in words. In Pilgrimage #1, I attended a free organ concert at the Halifax Minster. The main organ … Continue reading →

Honestly, at this point, it all begins to blur together. I spend half a day at Shibden Hall, wandering through familiar rooms and grounds. Truly, it feels like coming home, fills me with such peace and a sense of belonging. … Continue reading →

Sunday Highlight #2 Anne’s 231st birthday. The day starts early and cold with a laying of flowers at the statue of Anne Lister at the Piece Hall. The statue, called “Contemplation” by Diane Lawrenson, is a recent addition, a near-life-size … Continue reading →

Saturday Again, sleep is a bastard. My body keeps waking, confused, wondering where I am and what time it is, wondering if I should be awake or asleep. Jet lag sucks even more when you are old. But today begins … Continue reading →

Friday Despite exhaustion, sleep is a bastard. My feet never do warm up. My body awakens at its normal time and I force myself back to sleep, over and over, until I feel rested enough to rise. It is sunny … Continue reading →

Thursday Twelve hours later, after boarding British Airways and finding I have no seat mate (a miracle), eating a better-than-expected airplane meal, reading most of one lesbian romance novel on my phone, and a restless two hours of attempted sleep … Continue reading →

Wednesday I’ve been packing for a week, planning every outfit, buying new clothes. The bag is finally shut, bulging, almost heavier than I can manage. I know this will be a problem on this trip but I can’t help it. … Continue reading →