Cows, Film Crews and Parking Wars

A defiant start to the morning

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

Today, I find myself in a mood that refuses to conform to the ordinary, a mood that revels in the defiance of the expected.  

I was quite happily going about my morning, all be it, with frozen fingers and toes, after defrosting the car in minus 2 degree temperatures.  In the spirit of spontaneity, I decided to take a detour on my usual walk. Rather than head to the beach,  I thought I’d take the dogs out into the countryside.  My assumption being was that the fields would be frozen, which would spare my ridgebacks from the infamous post walk muddy paws.

As I entered the field car park, my heart sank, I was in no mood for discussions at 730am, I just wanted to walk listening to my podcast and embrace the winter scenes.  

But oh no, I quickly noticed a large film crew had set up camp in the carpark, which they tend to do every few months, here in Cardiff.  South Wales has become the mecca for Amazon and Disney film productions - great for the creative sector here in Wales, but not so cool for me when I want to let my ridgebacks out off lead for an early morning hike. 

Trying to avoid the teams of crew scattered around like ants, I headed to my usual parking spot, but within seconds I noticed the imposing security squad.  From a distance they looked quite intimidating, but I was hoping as I got closer they would greet me with a jolly “Good Morning".  Trying not to make any eye contact, one of the security men flagged me down, signalling that my chosen parking space was off-limits.  Under my breath, I was mumbling “no way”.  Honestly, I was in no mood to be told where and why I should park anywhere other than at my preferred location.  

The guards were not so jolly, in fact they were rather grumpy.  Not speaking, they just waved their arms to the left, hoping to manoeuvre me into a direction I did not want to go. It wasn’t their lucky day. I had made my mind up, I was parking in my favourite spot. My resolve was unyielding, I needed to stand my ground, for the sake of keeping calm amongst the potential chaos.  Ridgebacks and film crew canteens do not go well together.  

I’m proud to say the scores on the board were Tanya 1 vs Security Squad 0

My insistence wasn’t driven by mere stubbornness, it was a calculated move to ensure everyone’s safety.  Trusting that my usual parking spot would be available, I refused to be swayed by a lengthy discussion with Mr Grumpy Pants.  Perhaps they thought I was a right old madam, but there are moments like this one, that I refuse to be bullied by those who think they hold power over me.

So my message for today is simple, do not be swayed by those who wield their perceived power.  Move forward with your day, confidently, head held high!. 

The ridgebacks and I had a splendid but slightly messy walk, I was blissfully unaware of the encounter awaiting us - a large herd of cows.  If ever there was an example of karma, this was it! I guess my stomping from car to field after having to use my assertive ways with the security staff, led me to overlook the “Beware of Cows in Field” sign. The Ridgebacks decided to roll their back ends into the fresh wet, smelly cow pat.

Ridgebacks 1 vs Tanya 0.

Ah well another tale to add to my adventures.

Until the next time

Take care and stay safe xx